Orlando Magazine June 2019

Hot 100 & Premier Realtors [PAGE 77]

WEDDING GUIDE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BIG DAY: FLOWERS, CAKES, RINGS AND MORE

ELEVATED CUISINE CHEF CHAU DAZZLES AT WINTER PARK SUSHI POP

PAGE 43

PAGE 114

Travel 6

Distinctive Destinations

Tailor-made trips from the Arizona desert to our nation's capital

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CONTENTS FE ATU RES

The aerial tram in Jackson, WY, ascends 4,139 vertical feet, providing stunning views of the Tetons and the valley.

Eat your way through Chicago. Take a historical trip in our nation’s capital. Tee off on Scottsdale, Arizona’s pro golf courses.

Experience wide-open spaces in Jackson, Wyoming. Relieve stress in the Berkshires. Or get away—just not too far away—at nearby Clearwater Beach, voted America’s best beach.

ON THE COVER Hot 100 & Premier Realtors [PAGE 77]

WEDDING GUIDE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BIG DAY: FLOWERS, CAKES, RINGS AND MORE

ELEVATED CUISINE CHEF CHAU DAZZLES AT WINTER PARK SUSHI POP

PAGE 43

PAGE 114

Travel Distinctive 6 Destinations

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Scottsdale, AZ. Photo courtesy of ExperienceScottsdale.com

Tailor-made trips from the Arizona desert to our nation's capital

Alternate wedding cover photo by Amalie Orrange Photography

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

43 | ORLANDO WEDDING We give you the tools to make your dream wedding a reality. Get inspired with pages of beautiful flowers and table settings, fabulous cakes, and creative invitations. Shop ring styles, and see what you can expect at a wedding expo. Plus, find vendors who can make the magic happen.

COMING UP REAL ESTATE’S

• Hot 100 Realtors | 77

• 50 Most Powerful People

• Premier Realtors | 88

• Spotlight on Plastic Surgeons

Central Florida’s top real estate professionals.

Profiles of Orlando-area Realtors.

W

hether you’re trying to buy or sell real estate, getting the best deal means finding an agent who possesses savvy and know-how and gets results. Orlando magazine’s list of “Hot 100” real estate professionals showcases some Central Florida agents who have demonstrated those skills.

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 77

4 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

JULY

AUGUST • Best of ORL

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTATIN RESORT

28

VACATION YOUR WAY

EXPERT MS CARE FOR MORE INDEPENDENCE. The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Comprehensive Care Center at Orlando Health brings together a wide variety of specialists including neurologists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational, physical and speech therapists. Together, we help each MS patient manage symptoms that can affect many aspects of their life — with coordinated care in a single location — so they can live their best life possible.

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CONTENTS DEPARTM ENTS

20

UP FRONT

DINE

14 | THE MIX

114 | REVIEW

Writer Maddy Zollo Rusbosin goes to Arizona for a lesson in farming jojoba, plus giveaways.

16 | FROM THE EDITOR Missing tickets make memories fade even faster.

116 | REVIEW

PULSE 20 | SPOTLIGHT

24

At his new Winter Park location, Chef Chau Trin reinvents and refines Sushi Pop, providing a transcendental culinary experience.

A young woman facing new health limitations reimagines storybook heroes to create role models for disabled kids.

The founders of Se7en Bites create tastes and textures that would make an Italian grandma proud at Sette, their new Lake Ivanhoe eatery.

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

21 | SPOTLIGHT

22 | BODY & SOUL Need a good moisturizer, a complexion boost, healthier hair or an effective acne treatment? Two words: jojoba oil.

24 | HOME TRENDS

116

Pro tips on how to use lighting, accent pieces, furniture and landscaping to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

26 | STORY OF A… Paper Artist.

SCENE 130 | ON THE TOWN What’s happening in the area this month in theater, film, music, art and more.

140 | RSVP Opera Orlando’s Bel Canto Ball, Adult Literacy League’s Reading Between the Wines.

ETC. 144 | EXTRA PULP A teen, a driver’s license and a reliable car: Laura Anders Lee’s treasured moments are worth repeating.

48 Find more great content about your city online at

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AUTHOR, CUISINE: ROBERTO GONZALEZ; HOME: COURTESY OF E2 HOMES

Second Harvest Food Bank has a product line designed not just to taste good, but to do good.

Julie Bettosini Co-Founder/Professional Real Estate Advisor Stockworth Realty Group

morrismedianetwork.com

Volume 73, Number 8

June 2019

www.orlandomagazine.com 407-423-0618 EDITOR Barry Glenn 407-318-7250 MANAGING EDITOR Hancel Deaton hancel.deaton@orlandomagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Anna Ware anna.ware@orlandomagazine.com ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Denis Vargas denis.vargas@orlandomagazine.com PHOTO EDITOR Roberto Gonzalez DINING CRITIC Joseph Hayes DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CIRCULATION Catherine Walters catherine.walters@morris.com

CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS Lisa A. Beach, Tara Bradley Connell, Kourtney Destefano, Cheri Henderson, Bethany Kandel, Laura Anders Lee, Susan Moynihan, Megan Padilla, Maddy Zollo Rusbosin, Rita Sotolongo

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL LEADERS Pre-K3 through Grade 12

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PHOTOGRAPHY Amalie Orrange Photography, Steven Diaz, Heather Rice Photography, Emily Jourdan, The Canovas Photography ILLUSTRATION David Vallejo PRODUCTION Jason Jones

Where imaginations

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For more home improvement safety tips, visit OUC.COM/SAFETY

Volume 73, Number 8

June 2019

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William S. Morris III William S. Morris IV

HEALTH HUB

GUYS: DON’T SKIP THESE SCREENINGS. Gentlemen, you have a lot of responsibilities, manage a lot of moving parts, and take care of your home and family. But, are you taking care of business? Men often put off health screenings that could have enormous impact on their health. Two health screenings that could save your life are prostate and colorectal cancer screenings. When prostate or colon cancer are detected early, they can be treatable and beatable.

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

Typical screening for prostate cancer starts at 40 for African American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer at a young age. For all other men, yearly PSA screenings for prostate cancer start at age 50 and can continue until age 69. Symptoms associated with prostate cancer could also occur with benign conditions and may include: • • • •

Problems urinating Blood in the urine or semen Erectile dysfunction Bone pain including pain in the hips, back, chest wall, ribs, etc.

• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet • Loss of bladder/bowel control from cancer spreading on the spinal cord Screening for prostate cancer is so important for men because if it’s found and treated early, the chances of survival are very good.

19-SYSTEM-03403

Colorectal Cancer For men of average risk with no family history, it is now recommended that screenings for colon cancer begin at age 45, with follow-up screenings every five to 10 years, even for people who feel perfectly healthy.

You are at increased risk if: • • • • • •

you are 45+ years of age you are overweight you are physically inactive you smoke and/or excessively consume alcohol you eat a lot of red meat you have diagnosed or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes • you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Talk to your doctor about these two essential screenings. They could save your life.

Carlos Alemany, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in genitourinary cancers and breast cancer.

Se Habla Español. To learn more information and to make an appointment, visit YourCentralFloridaDoctor.com/Oncology or call 407-988-2226.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We want to hear from you. Send your letters to the attention of Barry Glenn, Editor, Orlando magazine, 801 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32803 or email barry.glenn@ orlandomagazine.com. Letters must be signed and include a phone number in the event we need to contact you. (Your phone number will not be published.)

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SOCIAL

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JOJOBA FARM: MADDY ZOLLO RUSBOSIN; INSET: VANTAGE GROUP

Vista CAM o ers:

Writer Maddy Zollo Rusbosin traveled to Arizona for two days with Vantage, the largest global grower and producer of jojoba oil and its derivatives, to learn all about this beauty-enhancing oil. She spent a day on their 3,000-acre farm, experiencing firsthand how to plant, harvest and extract the oil from this all-natural multitasker.

LETTER FROM TH E EDITOR

Tickets, Please

L

ike many Orlando Magic fans, I snatched up home-game tickets when our team qualified for the NBA playoffs in May. Except they weren’t really tickets—at least not ones I could hold in my hand. Rather they were electronic transfers onto my iPhone.

The Magic were dispatched handily by the Toronto Raptors in five games. (And let me digress here and praise our players and coach for an incredible late-season run just to make the playoffs.) I’ve got programs, T-shirts and even video I took to commemorate the two games I attended. Sadly, though, my snazzy-looking E-tickets eventually removed themselves from my Ticketmaster app.

Alas, I’m just one of those dinosaurs who’s a ticket stub freak. Yes, in a Ziploc bag at home, I’ve kept Orlando Magic tickets from past years, including the first season, when the Magic upset Michael Jordan and the Bulls, as well as Charles Barkley and the 76ers. I’ve even got season tickets from the 1994 playoffs and a few home games that never happened—because the Magic were swept by the Indiana Pacers in the first round. Tickets like these will never be worth a fortune on eBay, but they hold special meaning to me when I run across them decades later—like the one I saved from the Alabama-Georgia football game in 1965 when I was 9 years old and the Bulldogs defeated the No. 1 Crimson Tide. Or the weathered green slip of a ticket I saved from the first game ever played in Atlanta Stadium—an exhibition between the Milwaukee (soon to be Atlanta) Braves and the Detroit Tigers.

There have been many other tickets I’ve saved over the decades, particularly concerts—various bands and singers at local clubs, James Taylor at the Orange

County Convention Center, Jackson Browne at the Carr Centre, Fleetwood Mac at the Citrus Bowl.

But these days? It’s either a printout that gets wadded up in a pocket, or an electronic ticket that vanishes within a week or two. And makes the memory of a particular event disappear even faster.

Sigh. I guess progress and convenience comes with a price.

But enough of the downer reflections. I need a vacation, and so do you. This issue has just the ticket: a series of getaways mapped out by writer Susan Moynihan, including a foodie journey to Chicago, a golf adventure in Arizona, and relaxation for body and soul in The Berkshires. Our semi-annual Wedding package will help you prepare for that special day, including inspiration pages on table settings, cakes and stationery. And in our Dine section, critic Joseph Hayes checks out two hotspots—Sushi Pop in Winter Park and Sette in Ivanhoe Village. Both are standout restaurants. Speaking of which, if you happened to miss our May issue, check out the winners of the annual Dining Awards by going to orlandomagazine.com and clicking on the Dining tab.

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 | JUNE 2019

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

OMAG ONLINE

Three years after the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016, this remembrance exhibition shares artwork from across the nation created in the wake of this senseless act of violence. These diverse works – from paintings to basketry to graphic novels – both pay tribute to those who were taken and also inspire a better tomorrow for those who remain. This Spanish-English bilingual exhibit encompasses a variety of media and styles, and includes works from across the nation which have never been displayed locally. Admission to the History Center will be free from June 8 – 15 to allow the entire community to enjoy the exhibition.

TheHistoryCenter.org 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL | 407-836-8500

PULSE S P OTLI G HT • H O M E TR EN DS • B O DY & SO U L • S TO RY O F A …

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

PAGE 20

FAIRY TALE FOCUS

Kristen Waldbieser and Patrick Kling sign books for children at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando. Waldbieser wrote The Story of Princess Audrey, whose heroine who uses a wheechair, based on her own experience.

PULSE SPOTLIGHT

A New Happily Ever After

B

BEFORE FEBRUARY 2017, KRISTEN WALDBIESER was teaching fifth grade at Sunrise Elementary School in Orlando and enjoying the active lifestyle of a 20-something that included time with friends and family at Walt Disney World.

But a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)—a heart condition that could cause Waldbieser to pass out from exertion, a change in position, heat, or going from heat to cold—changed everything.

“My doctor looked at me and said, ‘Is your job at all stressful or physical?’ I said, ‘I teach fifth grade.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I think it’s time you not do that, at least for now,’” the Celebration resident recalls. “My doctor said, ‘You can’t go on roller coasters anymore. You can’t be out in the heat. You can’t go up stairs. You must always use an elevator.’ There was this long list of things I could never do again.”

For months Waldbieser’s life was on hold as she struggled to regain strength and establish

her new normal, which would mean using a wheelchair occasionally, especially when a lot of walking would be required.

But her first trip to Disney in a wheelchair gave her inspiration.

“When I was growing up, I could see myself as Snow White. I could see myself as Belle.

But as I was sitting there in my wheelchair, I thought, ‘But if there’s a kid who’s in a wheelchair, they don’t have a princess they can see themselves as. They don’t have a role model.’”

She got busy. Waldbieser, who had already written a series of fanciful tales titled Stories from the Magic Kingdom with co-author Patrick Kling, created a new kind of princess—Princess Audrey, a heroine who uses a wheelchair and exudes positivity and ability— and wrote a collection of stories about her.

20 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019 | PULSE

Kristen Waldbieser and a young reader explore “The Story of Princess Audrey,” in which the heroine uses a wheelchair.

But Waldbieser didn’t have an illustrator, so in her newfound free time, she taught herself to draw. “I had a lot of time, and I really wanted to work on drawing. So every day I would sit down and say, ‘Okay, this is what a face shape looks like. This is what eyes look like.’ Finally I said, ‘She’s starting to look less like an alien and more like a person.’”

The Story of Princess Audrey was published in November by Amazon and immediately made the site’s “Hot New Releases” list. “That was one of those surreal moments,” Waldbieser recalls. “I was blown away.”

Shortly after publication, Waldbieser read the book aloud for the first time to children at Give Kids the World Village, where she has volunteered for several years. Village entertainment manager Deborah Berk says youngsters found the story positive and relatable. “Kids love seeing other people who are like them. A

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

A diagnosis turns a young woman’s life upside down, leading her to rethink storybook heroes for kids. BY CHERI HENDERSON

BANKING ON SUCCESS Second Harvest’s product line supports its culinary training program.

BY LISA A. BEACH

SOUP: SECOND HARVEST

Kristen Waldbieser and Patrick Kling interact with young readers at a recent book event at the Grand Bohemian Orlando.

lot of the stories about disabled or terminally ill kids are sad. [Princess Audrey] is not focused on her limitations. She goes on the same adventures her friends do.”

The stories echo Princess Audrey’s mantra: “You can do anything beyond your wildest dreams, and nothing can stop you from shining brighter than any star!” Waldbieser says the mantra is straight out of her own playbook.

Kling has seen his friend live it out.

“When we were writing Stories from the Magic Kingdom, that’s when she first began to realize she couldn’t teach anymore because it was too strenuous for her,” recalls Kling. “She always has had a positive attitude about it. She has an amazing perspective,” he says.

Waldbieser recently released Princess Audrey Saves the Prince, a chapter book in which a dragon kidnaps Prince Emmet. The book, at a third-grade reading level, comes with a teacher’s guide.

“Audrey doesn’t want to just wait for him to be rescued, so she gathers her friends and plans to rescue him herself,” Waldbieser says. Audrey enlists the help of a blind pirate named Buccaneer Billy and his seeing-eye parrot, Ruby.

The author-illustrator plans to continue the series, with each subsequent book featuring a character with a different disability.

Waldbieser continues to make appearances to bridge the gap between ability and disability. She has read her first book to kids at the Crayola Experience, the Orlando Science Center and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando.

“The biggest message I want to convey is no matter what, people with disabilities are just like people who don’t have disabilities. I really want to get the message across that we want to do everything people who don’t have disabilities can do, and there’s nothing abnormal about that.”

When you hear “Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida,” you probably envision rows of canned goods stacked for distribution to needy families. While food collection and distribution lie at the core of its mission, Second Harvest boasts an added component—three social enterprises that raise money for the nonprofit.

The first two have been running successfully for several years—Catering for Good, which provides onsite and offsite catering, and Meals for Good, which produces 500,000 meals a year for recipients like group homes, seniors and after-school programs. But last fall, Second Harvest launched A Spoon Full of Hope, the charity’s signature product line crafted in its commercial kitchen. It’s the first food bank in the Feeding America network to launch a multi-product signature food retail line.

None of Second Harvest’s food donations are used in A Spoon Full of Hope products or its other social enterprises, says Nancy Brumbaugh, the nonprofit’s food service director. With the tagline “fighting hunger, feeding hope, one spoon full at a time,” the product line features fresh ingredients from locally sourced, reputable food vendors, with no preservatives or additives.

Several of the charity’s chefs helped develop recipes for the first products: tomato-basil Soup for Good and shortbread Cookies for Good. (The cookies can be customized with edible logos, such as the Orange County logo that adorned 1,500 cookies ordered by former Mayor Teresa Jacobs.) The third product, organic Honey for Good, taps Goldenrod Apiaries (Belle Isle) and Jester Bee Company (Mims) for fresh-from-the-hive orange blossom, wildflower, palmetto, and mangrove honey.

Products in development include seasoning rubs, hot sauces and an Asian sauce.

At the heart of these social enterprises?

Funneling proceeds back into the nonprofit’s free, 16-week culinary training program to help at-risk and underemployed adults in Central Florida pursue a sustainable career in the food industry. The program has maintained a 100 percent placement

rate, with more than 285 graduates landing higher-paying jobs in convention hotel kitchens, Darden restaurants, Disney properties, and with other business partners.

“They’re not flipping burgers at fast food restaurants,” notes Dave Krepcho, president and CEO of Second Harvest.

Instead, they’re starting around $12 an hour in jobs such as prep cooks working under executive chefs. Some are being promoted to sous chefs, while others are opening food businesses or pursuing advanced culinary education at Valencia College.

Understanding the why behind A Spoon Full of Hope is critical, Krepcho says. “Our training program is all about changing lives, giving people a second or third chance.”

The signature product line seemed like a natural fit alongside their existing social enterprises. The students hone their culinary skills while getting real-world, hands-on lessons packing honey and assisting with catering and Meals for Good.

One success story? Thirty-seven-yearold Shaneka, who was homeless and had lived in her car for a year with her three kids. After an electrical fire destroyed the car, the Red Cross referred Shaneka to the culinary training program. She graduated two years ago and now works in Second Harvest’s production kitchen—the only grad the food bank has ever hired.

Besides generating revenue to fund the training program, the product line ties into Second Harvest’s goal to engage and inspire the public to end hunger. “We look to our vision as our north star in terms of what we do and how we do things,” says Krepcho.

“Now, everyone can participate by writing a check, buying our products, donating food or volunteering.”

The training program costs about $450,000 a year. Through the new product line, Brumbaugh hopes to raise $120,000 in the first year to help defray program costs.

You can buy A Spoon Full of Hope products online at aspoonfullofhope.com, at Second Harvest’s headquarters (411 Mercy Drive, Orlando) or at select retail outlets including Lucky’s Market and GFS Market.

PULSE | JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 21

PULSE BODY & SOUL

jojoba an ideal daily facial moisturizer, especially for those with sensitive, combination or oily skin. While many skincare treatments can strip skin of its natural oils, jojoba oil works to restore your skin’s natural lipid barrier (which helps trap moisture in the skin)—leading to a plumper, more radiant complexion.

IT DEEPLY NOURISHES Similar to how it hydrates your face, it does the same for your body. If you’re prone to dry skin, choose a jojoba-enhanced moisturizer or mix a few drops of the oil with your everyday go-to lotion. “Jojoba oil contains many natural metabolites, such as antioxidants and tocopherols, that effectively fight and eliminate free radicals, which will ultimately slow the aging process,” says Chaven. So not only will it keep your body well-moisturized, but it will also give your arms, legs and chest a youthful, more rejuvenated appearance.

Produced from a seed, this multitasking oil is the secret to great-looking, healthy skin. BY MADDY ZOLLO RUSBOSIN

B

BY NOW YOU’VE probably heard

of the beauty benefits of coconut oil… and argan oil… and CBD oil… . While the list of trendy skincare ingredients could go on and on, there’s one that trumps them all: jojoba oil. Pronounced “ho-ho-ba,” this skin booster is ubiquitous in the beauty world and can be found in everything from hair and skincare products to your favorite cosmetics.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is its unique set of beautifying properties. First, jojoba is technically not even an oil: It’s a liquid wax. “While traditional oils are composed

of triglycerides, jojoba oil is composed of straight, unsaturated esters, which puts it in the wax category,” explains Manasi Chavan, Ph.D., and global innovation director at Vantage, the largest global grower and producer of jojoba oil and its derivatives.

“A closer look at jojoba wax structure reveals that it is uncannily similar to naturally occurring human sebum, which is the mixture produced by sebaceous glands in our skin,” Chaven adds.

“And that contributes to protecting our skin from dehydration and external aggressions, as well as helping to regulate temperature

22 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019 | PULSE

and much more.” This makes jojoba a superior moisturizer that can be used from head to toe.

Another one of jojoba’s perks: It won’t leave you feeling like you jumped into a vat of sticky oil.

“While nourishing, it feels much less greasy and tends to absorb faster,” continues Chaven.

So how exactly should you incorporate jojoba into your skincare routine? Here are a few of its major beauty benefits:

IT’S A COMPLEXION PERFECTER Its lightweight feel paired with its hydrating properties makes

IT’S AN ACNE FIGHTER As early as the 1400s, early explorers to the U. S. documented Native Americans using jojoba oil as a salve for sores, so it comes as no surprise that it also helps heal acne. While it may seem counterintuitive to put oil on oily skin, this is actually an ideal way to treat breakouts and regulate overactive oil glands. The reasoning: When you apply an oil to skin, it signals your skin cells to stop producing sebum, which in turn results in less oil. According to Chaven, jojoba oil’s molecules are also smaller than other natural oils, making it less likely to clog pores and trigger an acne flair-up.

CRISTINA DINII©2014. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED/ COURTESY OF VANTAGE GROUP

Jojoba’s Beauty Benefits

IT IMPROVES HAIR HEALTH If you have dry, lackluster hair, consider using a conditioner that contains jojoba oil. “Sebum is our body’s natural protection and the ingredient for good-looking hair,” notes Chaven. “But over-washing can deplete it for this natural protection and create the perfect conditions for brittle and dry hair.” A jojoba-based formula—or even applying the oil directly to the ends of strands—helps replenish any moisture loss.

PULSE HOME TRENDS

The Space Between Two local experts offer sound advice on how to boost your home’s curb appeal. BY MEGAN PADILLA

CREATE FOCAL POINTS If you don’t already have a porch, add a cantilevered overhang along with some hardscaping and new finishes in that area so that it looks and feels warmer, says Smith. Soften the space with air plants and greenery. Add architectural interest with recycled metal sculptures that rust as they age, giving a warm, homey feel. Turner suggests bringing in an interesting lantern or light fixture found at an estate sale or from your travels. “I call those sculptural moments,” he says. Smith adds, “You aren’t going to sit out there if it doesn’t feel good.”

CHOOSE FURNISHINGS WISELY “Most important is the longevity,” says Smith. “Is it going to stand up to Florida’s heat

and humidity? Will it rust, show dirt or fade?”

She recommends avoiding cushions. “They look great if you’re willing to move them, but then you’re less likely to use the furniture.”

Look for materials that aren’t going to degrade, says Turner, who likes Brown Jordan’s outdoor furniture with colorful mesh strapping on sculptural anodized aluminum.

CREATE ALLURE “You have to give yourself a reason to go outside,” says Smith, “especially when it’s hot.”

She accomplishes this by putting her raised gardens in the front yard, “which forces us to go outside and see people.” Other ideas include bird feeders (which can also add a pop of color) or even a putting green to give you something to do. “Add outdoor speakers for music,” she adds. “Kids love a hammock or a hanging chair.”

LIGHT IT UP Sitting on our lit porch looking out into the dark isn’t very inviting, says Smith. She and Turner agree that standard landscape lighting gives depth to a yard. “Light on an oak tree 25 feet from the porch makes it feel like you are in an outdoor room, not just sitting in the dark,” she says. Turner likes to

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Landscape lighting and rustic metal sculptures add interest to any front entry.

use high-quality uplighting on a tree’s canopy to evoke an architectural detail, “as though on a ceiling, except it’s in your yard.”

USE PLANTS WITH PURPOSE Try to use plants that aren’t typical, says Smith, who suggests heading to a garden center such as Lukas Nursery that has a lot of interesting plant material. “Pick out a few things you love that are different, as a focal point.” Then keep it simple with mass plantings accented by your unique selections. “It’s all about scale and proportion,” says Turner. “When you see someone’s yard with lots of little things, it all becomes like glitter. But when you see a property with a few beautiful specimen plants and the right lighting, it’s gorgeous.”

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THERE IS A lot of valuable square footage between the curb and your front door. Don’t leave it behind once you’ve stepped inside.

Landscape architect Denise Smith of E2 Homes and interior designer Robert Turner of CRT Studio share their insights for not only making the space in front of your house look warm and inviting, but also a place where you want to spend time. Says Smith, “When passersby see how much you are enjoying your porch or yard, they want some of that too.”

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PULSE STORY OF A…

Paper Artist Self-taught sculptor Kelly Joy Ladd says she hopes “to bring joy and wonderment to people through my art.”

BY CHERI HENDERSON A lifelong obsession. “As a child, I was always coloring and making things. Looking back, I realize how much that really impacted my life.”

Feeling the Disney magic. A fifth-generation Floridian, Ladd performed in shows at Walt Disney World while growing up.

Between performances, she would study the craftsmanship and design of the costumes. “Today, I’m still so inspired by that.”

From wordsmith to artist. Ladd was a magazine editor who enjoyed working on her art after office hours. About five years ago, “I had my first art show. Three days later, the magazine closed. It was synchronistic timing. The universe was telling me, ‘Okay, it’s time to be a full-time artist.’ ” Her journey to a happy medium. Ladd transitioned from painting to paper art in 2012 after her husband developed multiple chemical sensitivity and could no longer be around her oil paints. But, “he could be around paper,” says Ladd. “I love that I can take this everyday 2D material and transcend it into a 3D piece of art that is full of layers and dimension.”

Inspiration through relaxation. “I’ll see ideas for pieces while practicing yoga, or if I’m getting a massage and I get into that deep, relaxed state. I often wait until I get one of those visions. Sometimes I try to work when I don’t have one of those visions, but it doesn’t work the way I want it to.” She draws her abstract visions—named for things in nature or in space—by hand before executing.

Reams of paper, hours and patience. Ladd recently finished some commissioned pieces for a children’s hospital. “I easily went through 10 reams of paper.” Larger pieces “can take up to 200 hours. The smaller pieces take about 40 hours.”

Making her mark. She won her first award last year in an art contest.

Snap! Orlando represents Ladd and displays her work in its gallery.

Ladd also works with art consultants in Boston and Los Angeles. Her art was featured in a 2018 Mennello Museum of American Art exhibit, and she is the only local artist featured in the June 20th show, “Metamorphosis,” part of CityArts Orlando Downtown Art District’s 2019 Spring/Summer Female Curatorial Series.

The art of love. “In a way, my pieces are like love notes to my husband because of his illness. Last year I started actually writing love notes to him under the paper. For the hospital commission, I decided I was going to write a letter to my son under one of the pieces, and then I wrote a letter to the parents of the children [who are hospitalized] on the other piece.”

Rock, paper, scissors. Her work continues to evolve. “I experiment a lot. I can see so many possibilities with paper and other materials.

Now I’m starting to play with rope and stones.”

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ROBERTO GONZALEZ; PHOTO TAKEN AT SNAP! DOWNTOWN GALLERY

Making art piece by piece. “Everything is all hand cut,” using different kinds of scissors, punches and a paper cutter. “At first, I was using my son’s construction paper and playing around.” She finetuned her technique through trial and error and now uses acid-free, archival-quality cardstock of differing weights.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

THE HOT 100 & ALL STAR REALTORS Black and White

Vacationing

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If you’re a lover of food, history, golf, adventure, wellness or the beach, these six destinations will fulfill your dreams of the ultimate getaway.

BY SUSAN MOYNIHAN

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 29

Eat Your Way Through Chicago

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Al’s Italian Beef came up with the concept back in 1938 as a way to make beef last longer during the Great Depression. A visit to their original location in Little Italy gives you the chance to wander about this neighborhood, home to beautiful churches and a thriving college scene at University of Illinois at Chicago.

Of course, you can’t come to Chicago without having deep-dish pizza. The pie was invented at Pizzeria Uno, but some food historians give the inspiration credit not to the restaurant, but to the chef who worked there at the time, Rudy Malnati. His family went on to create their own empire of pizza shops, called Lou Malnati’s, based on Rudy’s recipe.

Their South Loop location is a great stop when you’re wandering waterfront Grant Park or visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, one the country’s largest art museums and a top attraction in the Windy City.

F STAY OVER:

The Langham Chicago is one of the city’s top hotels, located riverside and two blocks from Millennium Park. Architectural cred comes from its setting in a landmark Mies van der Rohe tower, and your appetite will be sated by creative American cuisine at Travelle, or traditional afternoon tea at the Pavilion,

in tribute to the Langham Hotels’ London roots. Bring your swimsuit to hit the fourthfloor infinity pool, and bed down in chic, cozy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that drink in the city skyscape.

F STAY UP: Chicago’s other claim to fame

is booze—or the lack of it during the Prohibition era, when bootleg liquor led to the rise of the Chicago mob. Back in the 1920s, the Green Mill was a favorite hangout of gangster Al Capone. Today you can settle in at his favorite booth and listen to live jazz, or catch the acclaimed Uptown Poetry Slam on Sunday nights. Over in River North, tucked in the basement of the former speakeasy Green Door Tavern, The Drifter serves vintage cocktails with pop-up burlesque-style entertainment.

F INSIDE TIP: Hot dogs never taste better

than when eaten at Wrigley Field during a Cubs game. The traditional Chicago take is a Vienna beef frank topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, tomato, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt. Humble but tasty Wrigleyville Dogs will hook you up with a full meal for under $10, and the century-old ballpark is open for tours on non-game days.

OPENING SPREAD: EXPERIENCESCOTTSDALE.COM; THIS PAGE: CHOOSE CHICAGO

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A PASSION FOR FOOD RUNS DEEP in Chicago. Condé Nast Traveler named it “America’s Best Restaurant City” in 2017, and Bon Appétit named it the “2017 Restaurant City of the Year.” The trend shows no sign of abating. Deep-dish pizza is just one of the dishes invented here; the city has 22 Michelin-starred restaurants; and local talent swept the category for Best Chef, Great Lakes in the 2019 James Beard nominations. So how do you bite into a city with so much flavor? Slowly, one dish at a time, using your taste buds as a way to get know the city’s past.

Chicago was founded in the 1800s as a meat-packing city, connecting Western cattle ranches to East Coast diners—which means a steakhouse is a great place to start. Family-owned Gene and Georgetti’s was founded in 1941. Celebrities from Frank Sinatra to local Vince Vaughn have eaten here, drawn by stellar bone-in rib-eyes and classic dishes like chicken Vesuvio, a Chicago invention. Set in River North, just west of the Magnificent Mile, this former industrial area is now home to a thriving arts district.

Speaking of beef, Italian beef is a classic, with thin slices of meat simmered au jus and served on a roll (think cheesesteak without the cheese).

CUISINE: ©2017 ADAM ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY; STEAK: ©2017 JOHN STOFFER; ALL OTHERS: CHOOSE CHICAGO

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BOONE CLEMMONS, SEERSUCKER STUDIOS/COURTESY OF VISIT ST. PETE CLEARWATER

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Enjoy the Beach in Clearwater

BOONE CLEMMONS, SEERSUCKER STUDIOS/COURTESY OF VISIT ST. PETE CLEARWATER

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CLEARWATER BEACH HAS LONG been a favorite go-to for Floridians, escaping from snowbird crowds at better-known beaches on the Atlantic coast. But the secret is out nationwide, thanks to the strand being named “America’s Best Beach” two years in a row by TripAdvisor. But there’s a way to enjoy it and avoid the increased traffic; park your car, stay on the beach and do it all from the sand.

Clearwater is made up of two beaches: North and South, with Pier 60 as the middle connecting point. A new pedestrian-friendly Beach Walk extends south from the pier, making it a breeze to get around on foot. Most beachfront hotels offer chaises or cabanas, but if you don’t have that option, stroll along the beach near Pier 60 and plop down at one of the blue sets; an attendant will come along and collect the rental fee. During the day, you can sate your appetite from the concession stand, vending burgers, pizza and frozen lemonade.

Stay to enjoy the nightly sunset celebration, featuring street performers and craftspeople.

Weekend evenings means Sunset Cinema; bring a blanket and spread out to watch family friendly classics, with popcorn available from the concession stand.

When you want to explore off-beach, walk over to the marina and hop on the Clearwater Ferry; with three routes across Mandalay Channel, it makes it easy to get around. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit marine research facility, and a definite must-do.

It’s home to Dolphin Tale stars Winter and Hope (like Cher, these dolphins are known by first name only), as well as Harold the sea turtle, Rufus the pelican and a pair of roly-poly river otters, among other critters. Admission proceeds go to the facility’s renowned rescue team,

which saves and rehabilitates injured marine animals from all over the Gulf.

Prefer to view sea creatures in their natural habitat? Tropics Boat Tours offers double-decker boat tours (dolphin sightings are guaranteed) and lively sunset party cruises with a selection of drinks packages.

F STAY OVER: Clearwater’s newest stay

is the Wyndham Grand, which opened right next to Pier 60 in 2018. A flagship property for the brand, it offers 343 rooms, two restaurants (including the area’s only Asian-fusion spot) and a 6,000-foot spa. Families will love the kingand-twin-bunk-bedded rooms, some designed after Winter the dolphin, who lives just half a mile away. As a thoughtful amenity, all guests get two beach chairs for enjoying the sand.

F DINE OUT: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

is located on the beach, with open-air dining for unbeatable views. Enjoy their signature She Crab soup, grouper sandwiches served six ways and potent cocktails, all with a side of live music. For something more romantic, Caretta on the Gulf, located beachside at Sandpearl Resort, serves up fresh seafood, steaks and sushi in an elegant dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the light—or better yet, score a table on the patio.

F INSIDE TIP: Clearwater’s air-conditioned Jolley Trolley runs all day on a continuous loop along Clearwater Beach, and into downtown Clearwater as well. Pay per ride, or get an unlimited pass for $5 per day; kids under 5 always ride free. Don’t know when the next one is coming? Download their Trolley Tracker app on your smartphone and never miss a ride.

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Tee Off in Scottsdale

F STAY OVER: Set outside the city in the

high desert, The Boulders is a Scottsdale classic.

The name comes from the striking boulder-pile rock formation that provides its backdrop, and the two Jay Morrish-designed courses are considered the most scenic holes in Scottsdale. Stay in one of the adobe-style casitas, with wood beam ceilings, native textiles and patios that take in the view. The one- to three-bedroom haciendas are ideal for groups, with separate living room and outdoor gas grill. Ease any post-play soreness at the onsite Golden Door spa.

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F DINE OUT: The menu at FnB is

constantly changing, but the focus is always the same: creative cuisine with a hyper-local slant, from locally grown ingredients to a stellar selection of Arizona-produced wines. If you like what you sip, take it a step further with a visit to the myriad wine tasting rooms in Old Town.

Carlson Creek’s merlot is a silver medalist from the San Francisco Chronicle, while Su Vino has a tasty un-oaked chardonnay.

F INSIDE TIP: Greens fees can add up, es-

pecially here. But there are ways to work around it. Troon North offers a 36 Holes Special, with 20 percent off your second round if you play twice that same day. If you travel in summer, some courses—including TPC, The Phoenician and the Boulders—offer vastly reduced fees, at 50 to 75 percent off peak season rates.

GALLERY: TIMOTHY FOX PHOTOGRAPHY; OTHERS: COURTESY OF EXPERIENCESCOTTSDALE.COM

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WITH AN AVERAGE OF 299 DAYS of sunshine per year, Arizona is a natural for outdoor fun. And with about 200 golf courses in the metro Phoenix area alone, it’s one of the country’s top golf destinations. So how do you choose from that many options? Make it manageable by sticking to a smaller area. The tony town of Scottsdale, just next to Phoenix, has 50 courses and a stylish, historic downtown that blends the Old West with the good life.

TPC Scottsdale is the best-known course, thanks to its position as host of the Phoenix Open, one of the key events on the PGA Tour.

The Stadium Course, designed with the pros in mind, is an exciting place for amateurs to play the same greens they’ve seen on TV. Over at The Phoenician, what’s old is new. The course underwent a 10-month renovation in 2018, rerouting it along existing fairways and adding new holes. The result is a smaller, tighter course, with 19 holes (instead of the previous 27) that showcase the Sonoran landscape.

If you don’t want to commit to a long day of golf, head over to Mountain Shadows. This fun, 18-hole course was built in 1961 but underwent a full restoration in 2017, earning kudos as one of the best par-3 courses in the United States by Golf Magazine.

When you want a little respite from the sun, head to Top Golf, which offers 100 climate-controlled hitting bays as well as a restaurant and a rooftop terrace. If you’re looking to upgrade your golf clubs, Cool Clubs uses technology to custom fit equipment using the same method as the pros.

Take a break from the fairway and enjoy the unmanicured desertscape. The granite crags at Pinnacle Peak are a magnet for climbers. Or hit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, home to 215 miles of trails. Arizona Outback Adventures will set you up with mountain bikes, plus trail maps and advice on the best routes.

HOTEL ROOM: ©PETER MALINOWSKI/INSITE 2016; PATIO VIEW: CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Rediscover History in Washington, D.C.

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the movie The Wizard of Oz. You could easily spend a day at the National Museum of African American History, where kid-friendly exhibits include a dance-off in the Step Afrika demo and an interactive, touch-screen soundboard (plus Chuck Berry’s Cadillac) in the sprawling Musical Crossroads exhibit. Across town at the National Zoo, the giant pandas are the celebrity attraction, and activities from feedings to talks by animal keepers keeps kids enthralled.

When you’re ready for a treat, hit the cobblestone streets of Georgetown, the city’s prettiest neighborhood, and stop at Georgetown Cupcakes. End with playtime at Yards Park, a multi-use park on the Capitol Riverfront that is complete with dancing fountains and a wading pool, and also offers open-air concerts.

F STAY OVER: Kimpton Hotel Madera

is that magical combination of a child-friendly hotel that offers sophistication for parents as well. Rooms and suites feature family friendly amenities such as bunk beds and complimentary rollaway beds, and the hotel offers perks like loaner goldfish, kid-sized bathrobes and surprise welcome gifts. Everyone will love

the treehouse vibe of onsite restaurant Firefly, with a special menu for kids and cool ambiance that makes it a draw for locals as well. The ideal setting just off Dupont Circle puts you within steps of restaurants, shops and a Metro station.

F DINE OUT: Make an event out of your

meal at Pinstripes in Georgetown. The Italian bistro serves up tasty wood-fired pizzas, pastas and entrées like espresso-crusted filet mignon, and you can work off some energy at the onsite bowling lanes or bocce courts. Or head to Ben’s Chili Bowl for burgers, dogs and chili; with four locations around town, this no-frills eatery has been a D.C. institution since 1958.

F INSIDE TIP: D.C. is a breeze to get

around, thanks to the Metro system. But for a fun twist, hop on the Potomac RiverBoat water taxi. The bright yellow boats offer sightseeing cruises along the river, and a ferry route with stops in Georgetown, the Wharf (convenient to the Mall), Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor, an open-air riverfront plaza filled with shops, restaurants and the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot Ferris wheel.

COURTESY OF WASHINGTON.ORG

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THE NATION’S CAPITAL IS A FANtastic place to explore with your kids, delving into America’s historical roots while strolling past presidential monuments along the Tidal Basin or taking advantage of the city’s abundant cultural options.

The Smithsonian has 17 museums, all open to the public and free of charge. Start off at the Castle—the original Smithsonian Institution building, built in 1855 and unmistakable with its red sandstone Gothic façade. The Visitor’s Center will give you a schedule of what’s happening where that day so you can plan accordingly.

Most museums are within walking distance along the National Mall, a 2-mile-long park that extends from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol. The popular Air and Space Museum is undergoing a progressive, multiyear renovation, but key exhibits remain on display, including the Spirit of St. Louis, the monoplane flown across the Atlantic Ocean by Charles Lindbergh. The National Museum of American History is an eclectic treasure trove, housing everything from Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from

COURTESY OF WASHINGTON.ORG

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TRAM: COURTESY OF JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT; OTHERS: COURTESY OF VISIT JACKSON HOLE

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Get Adventurous in Jackson, Wyoming

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COURTESY OF VISIT JACKSON HOLE

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR ADVENture in beautiful, wide-open spaces, head west to Wyoming. Jackson Hole gets its name from its location in a 50-mile-long valley that runs through the Teton Mountains on the western edge of the state. The ski resort uses the name Jackson Hole, but the town itself is called Jackson and dates back to the 1820s. The historic downtown is beautifully intact, with Old West wooden storefronts centered around a scenic square—only these days, the 19th-century buildings are selling everything from the latest high-tech outdoor gear to designer jewelry and fine art. (The surrounding county is considered one of the richest in the U.S.) In Jackson, you can’t turn around without embracing the epic scenery. On the drive in from the airport, you go past the National Elk Refuge, 27,000-plus acres that are home to grazing elk, bison, pronghorn antelope and mule deer. During the winter months, you can take a sleigh ride out to the wintering elk herd for up-close viewing, or explore by foot or bicycle in the summer.

Yellowstone National Park is 80 miles north, and a perfect day trip. Scenic Safaris will take you for full-day excursions by bus (or snow bus in winter) into the park. Eco Tour Adventures specializes in wildlife viewing, with half- and full-day hiking tours into Grand Teton National Park, where you may encounter moose, bison, mule deer or bears. Or stay closer to home and rent a Side by Side—a street-legal, four-seat UTV—and take to the back roads of the Gros Ventre Mountains.

This is cowboy country, so horseback riding is a natural, and multiple outfitters will saddle

you up and take you out into the hills. Jackson Hole Outfitters offers backcountry treks that include an overnight, where you can sleep in a teepee. In winter months, snowmobiles substitute for natural horsepower.

F STAY OVER: The Wort Hotel has

been welcoming visitors since 1941, when it opened as the town’s first luxury option. The 55 guestrooms feature custom furnishing, Western-themed art and convenient touches like in-room mini fridges. Pop into the Silver Dollar Bar for thick steaks and live music, and to take a gander at the 2,032 silver dollars inlaid in the bar. During ski season, a free shuttle runs to Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Resort.

F DINE OUT: Snake River Grill is a perennial favorite, thanks to its location on Jackson Square, attention to fine service, and fantastic modern-Western cuisine, embodied in dishes like green chile onion rings and Snake River Farms zabuton-cut steak. Afterward, amble over for drinks at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, one of the Old West’s best watering holes, with plentiful animal mounts on the walls, saddles for barstools and a clientele that includes cowhands and CEOs.

F INSIDE TIP: Head out to Granite Hot

Springs for a soak. Located 30 miles southeast of Jackson, this no-frills pool is fed by natural springs and managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

But the road there is bumpy and cell phone service is limited, so bring a map if you go solo, or sign up with a guided excursion and leave the directions to your guide.

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Find Inner Peace in the Berkshires

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at open-air concerts, while Jacob’s Pillow in Becket is the nation’s oldest dance festival, with more than 200 free performances.

F STAY OVER: The iconic destination spa Canyon Ranch began in Tucson in 1979, and the Lenox branch—set in a Gilded Age-era mansion in Lenox—has been the go-to spa on the East Coast for 30 years. Guests can check in for a week, or for just one night. Nightly rates include tasty, healthful meals and snacks; access to their packed slate of classes, from pilates and interval training to drawing; free range at the state-of-the-art gym; as well as a credit toward a massage or facial.

F DINE OUT: Start your day at the aptly

named Haven Café & Bakery, a cozy Lenox restaurant with delicious food using mindful ingredients (cage-free eggs, hormone-free beef) and an onsite bakery that offers tasty reasons to work out later. For dinner, Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar serves Mediterranean-meets-American cuisine, with vegetarian and vegan options and an extensive selection of wines by the glass—because balance is everything.

F INSIDE TIP: The Berkshires are open

year-round, but summer is peak time, especially for events at Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow. That means accommodations at all price ranges go for a premium and sell out in advance. If you want a quieter time, look to spring and fall shoulder seasons.

TANGLEWOOD: HILARY SCOTT; WHARTON HOME: KARA THORNTON; OTHERS: BERKSHIRES.ORG

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THE BUCOLIC HILLS OF WESTERN Massachusetts have long been a haven for people seeking a better life, from the religious Shakers who settled here in the 19th century to artists of every tradition. Today the collection of towns known as the Berkshires has become a thriving wellness destination, with world-class spas offering daily or multiday experiences. Add historic sites, great food and abundant natural beauty, and you have a vacation spot that benefits mind, body and soul.

Yoga is synonymous with wellness, and the Berkshires has it in every shape and form. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is the longtime leader in the area, offering yoga and wellness programs for more than 30 years. Visitors can sign up for a multiday stay, or buy a day pass that gets you access to the 100-acre campus and daily slate of options from yoga dance to guided hikes to journaling workshops.

Over in Pittsfield, Hancock Shaker Village offers monthly goat yoga, with assistance from the four-legged residents of their onsite working farm. Stay after class to explore this open-air museum, which showcases the way of life of the peace-loving religious community that thrived here in the 1900s in what they called their City of Peace.

For something a little more daring, head to Berkcirque, the Circus School of the Berkshires, and take your practice off the floor with aerial yoga, which combines traditional poses with trapeze, fabric and lyra. Classes are available for all ages, as well as instruction in juggling and unicycling.

One of the biggest trends in wellness is the Japanese art of forest bathing—going out into nature with intention, taking your time and noticing details along the way. The Berkshires are laced with well-marked hiking trails, including 90 miles of pathway along the Appalachian Trail. If you find serenity near water, take a guided kayak trip along the Housatonic, or raise your heart rate doing a rafting trip with Crab Apple Whitewater.

Of course, wellness isn’t all about the body. Take inspiration from artists and writers who have lived and worked in the Berkshires. Edith Wharton, Norman Rockwell and Herman Melville all had homes here, which are open to the public for tours. For contemporary arts, summer is the season. Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1937, hosts the biggest names in classical and pop

MUSEUM: COURTESY OF NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

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2019 GUIDE

ADOBE STOCK Š BRIAN

Ready to start planning for your Big Day? Check out the following pages for inspiration on all the important details, as well as the latest trends in engagement rings, what to expect at a wedding expo and more. Plus, the Best of Wedding award winners and our list of local venues.

weddin� �uide MOMENTS

Big Day Surprises

Rule of Thumb: When it comes to your wedding, expect the unexpected. By Bethany Kandel

Most brides spend months choosing their gowns and planning their food and entertainment and myriad other details for their special day. But even if you’re a micromanager, there are some things you just can’t control—like the weather, kids, animals and even drunk uncles.

Having a Plan B is always a great idea, says Tammy Waterman, master wedding planner at Special Moments Event Planning in Pinellas Park. “That’s why I always recommend that couples purchase wedding insurance for peace of mind. After all, you buy auto insurance to protect your car and health insurance to protect your health; why wouldn’t you buy insurance to protect your wedding?”

The only thing it doesn’t cover, she notes, “is change of heart.”

Here are some couples’ wedding mishaps and how they made the best of it.

Hurricanes

A good example of money well spent on wedding insurance was the couple who had their waterside ceremony planned for the same

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evacuated, but the wedding venue at the St. Pete Beach Community Center was used as a command station and shelter.”

The wedding, and honeymoon to St. Lucia, were postponed until December—the next weekend in September 2017 that Hurricane open date—when clear skies prevailed.

Irma was scheduled to hit Florida. “The bride couldn’t decide if she should call off the wed- Cake Flops Rebekah and Taylor Nevin of Apopka never ding,” says Waterman. But the Wednesday before, when the storm shifted course toward St. got their photo-worthy cake-cutting moment Petersburg (the site of the wedding), Waterman at their wedding because the confection almost called the mayor’s office to get a storm update. ended up on the floor.

As the big moment approached at their CelShe was told, off the record, that the office was ebration Gardens reception in Winter Park, the ready to announce a mandatory beach evacuabride’s mother whispered to her that there had tion on Friday, which happened to be the day been “a little mishap” with the cake, but that she before the wedding.

The advance warning gave Waterman and and a cousin were fixing it, recalls Nevin. “Apthe bride time to contact all 100 wedding parently one of the venue assistants had almost guests—some flying in from Brazil—and tell dropped it, so it was slightly deformed.”

Nevin wasn’t worried. “All I really cared them not to come. “Luckily, we caught them before they left,” she says. “Even if they had about was how it tasted.” Plus, she wanted to managed to arrive, there wouldn’t have been see the special cake toppers perched on the anywhere to stay. Not only were all the hotels dulce de leche cheesecake. “They were a fam-

BRIDE AND GROOM: ADOBE STOCK © IVASHSTUDIO; CUPCAKES: ADOBE STOCK © BRIAN

brides that you’ve got to roll with the punches, especially if you’re bringing an unpredictable animal or child into the picture,” says Houser.

“And sometimes you just have to laugh.”

GUESTS: ADOBE STOCK © WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO; CAKE TOPPER: ADOBE STOCK © ELENA

Kids

ily heirloom that had been passed down from Taylor’s great-grandparents who were named Sam and Ruth.” The vintage porcelain figurines of a bride and groom were nicknamed “Sam and Ruth” in honor of the couple who had first used them. The figurines had already been used at 10 family weddings.

“When Taylor’s grandmother gave us the cake toppers, she said that every couple that put Sam and Ruth on their cakes remained happily married.”

As the speeches were about to begin, once again Nevin’s mother whispered in her ear— this time to say that the legs on Sam, the cake topper, were broken.

During the speeches her mom and cousin taped the figurine back together and tried to cover up the damage with some flowers.

“No one even noticed,” Nevin says. “Sam’s legs have since been superglued back on, and he’s got a nice new coat of paint. You can’t even tell that he took a tumble on our big day.”

Rain Even the most carefully laid plans are no match for Mother Nature, and what seems like the worst situation turns into the most memorable.

“The wedding planner was late to the rehearsal, the cake almost didn’t arrive, and the carefully selected DJ had a family emergency and sent someone [less superior] in his place,” says newlywed Ashley Maynard.

Then there was the weather. The July day had been gorgeous and sunny, but black clouds started rolling in as the ceremony at Twin Lakes Golf Club in Oakland, MI, neared. “The forecast was calling for some gnarly storms, and we were getting married outside; so we started early.”

As the service began, so did the sprinkles.

“The wind whipped my veil around my head, but I didn’t care,” Maynard says. “I wasn’t about to let a little wetness stop me from getting married. But I could hear my mother muttering under her breath, ‘It’s raining, it’s raining, it’s raining.’ Then the tears started in earnest, and my mother stood up and said, ‘Stop the wedding!’ ” Maynard began to panic. Thankfully, her best friend took control and instructed all the guests to gather around the couple under the gazebo.

“During the chaos, my friend whispered to me, ‘This is better. Now everyone you love is close to you, and we can all feel the love.’ It was so intimate with all our closest friends and family gathered around us as we vowed to love each other for the rest of our lives. I wanted an incredibly personal ceremony, and that little hiccup made it even better than I could have ever imagined.”

Dogs and Drunk Uncles Photographer Kristina Houser has seen it all. While taking wedding photos of the happy couple on the 16th floor Sky Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater Beach, she had to shoo away a photobombing drunk uncle.

As he stepped back, he knocked into the décor. Over the railing went dozens of glass votive candles and a huge floral arrangement.

“It was like a domino effect,” recalls Houser of Kristina Houser Photography in Dunedin.

“It all fell into the swimming pool below, but luckily no one was hurt.”

Then there was the time she photographed a wedding at the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota.

A member of the wedding party walked down the aisle with the couple’s Golden Retriever wearing a colorful bandana around his neck.

Suddenly, the dog stopped and took a poop.

After a momentary cleanup delay, the dog—and the wedding—continued. “I tell

Take the celebration at the Historic Dubsdread Ballroom in Orlando, filmed by Scott Patterson, of Life’s Highlights in Brandon. As he shot footage of the bride and groom dancing, he noticed the young ring bearer heading over to the cupcake table. Patterson turned his camera toward the action, filming as the boy stuck his finger in one of the cupcakes and then licked his finger. “He proceeded to go down the line and stuck his finger in every one of the beautiful yellow and white cupcakes. When he got to the last one, he picked it up, licked the cupcake, and put it back.

“When the mom realized what happened, she looked at me with disappointment because I didn’t stop it. But I’m not there to monitor the activities of the guests; I’m there to capture them,” he says with a laugh.

Had dessert been at risk of falling on the floor, “I probably would have stopped it,” Patterson notes, “but I felt that the bride and groom would appreciate this footage so much more than me stopping the kid.”

When the cupcakes were served, “only me, the boy, and the mom knew.”

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 45

weddin� �uide TRADITIONS

It’s a privilege to be asked to give the first toast at a wedding. Take the opportunity to honor the couple personally and wish them well as they start their new life together.

• Be Sincere. Use your own words and speak from the heart. This will be easier for you to remember and mean more to the couple than a toast borrowed from a book.

• Be Brief. Keep the toast to two to three minutes tops.

Here’s To You

Ten tips on how to propose a memorable wedding toast.

By Bethany Kandel

• Be Tactful. The groom’s broken heart from an old girlfriend, the bride’s nose job, first marriages, what happened during the bachelor/bachelorette party—all should be off limits at the wedding.

• Be Complimentary. After all, the whole purpose of a toast is to say something nice about the people being honored.

When Theresa Nosacek married Tim Derse in Milwaukee last May, she • Be Practiced. Review what you want to say asked her 15-year-old niece to give a toast. Proudly, Cleo Neuman stood in front of a mirror, without your notes. before 150 guests and said: “I’d like to welcome Tim and his family into our (Remember that if you are holding a glass in one hand and the microphone in the family. You’re all just weird enough to fit in!”

46 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

other, you would need another arm to

It’s natural to have public speaking anxiety at read from your notes.) such a big moment, Stanis notes. “Don’t focus on the fact that there are 180 eyeballs looking • Be Clearheaded. Nerves and memory at you; focus on the one person you wrote the are not aided by alcohol. Avoid spirits speech for.” until after you have successfully delivIf you do it right, it will be memorable, she ered your toast. says. “Even if the couple doesn’t remember a word of it, the emotion you get across is key.” • Be Mannerly. Sip your champagne.

And thanks to social media, “the stakes are Wedding toasts are not a chug-a-lug even higher to show that wow factor since your contest. Your glass should not need to words will live online forever.” be refilled after each toast. Also, clinking That’s why you should practice, so you’re should be done with care. Unlike beer comfortable and prepared, suggests Jodi Smith, mugs, crystal is delicate. an etiquette expert and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting (mannersmith. • Be Connected. Look at the couple and the com). Here are her 10 tips for a memorable guests while speaking slowly and clearly. wedding toast:

• Be Prepared. Decide who is toasting, in which order, and what you will say well in advance of the wedding.

• Be Charming. Remember to raise your glass during the toast and sip from your glass at the end of the toast.

ADOBE STOCK © JACOB LUND

The toast “brought the house down,” recalls Cynthia Jones-Nosacek, mother of the bride.

“Cleo is usually shy and quiet, so it was unexpected and quite touching.”

A wedding toast can be funny, poignant and sentimental. Just don’t embarrass yourself or anyone else in the process, suggests Katelyn Stanis, a wedding vows and speech writer and founder of Wedding Words (weddingwords.us), a company that will help you express your emotions.

Making a toast “is both an honor and a responsibility,” so don’t take it lightly, she says.

“You can use those two minutes to say something generic or share an inside joke that few people will get, or really dig deep into what makes your relationship special. It’s an opportunity to tell the bride and groom why they are important to you and what you wish for them in the future.”

As you pull through the ranch gates you will feel as if you have found a small slice of Florida Paradise. Surrounded by beautiful oaks and pines, and nestled among the rolling hills of Clermont this lakefront venue will provide you with a setting to make your dream wedding come true. Stick your toes in the white sand, step onto the double deck dock, or meander through the barn.

Let’s make your fairy tale rustic, vintage, beach, or farmhouse wedding come to life at the award winning Bridlewood Ranch!

Whether you are in cowboy boots or heels you are bound to have the event of your dreams. We make dreams come true!!

10905 Guilford Rd. Clermont, FL 34715 352-404-6484 • BridlewoodRanch.com Photo credit: Robert McClory Photography, DR Photography, Jessica Jones Photography

weddin� �uide JEWELRY

Finding Your Sparkle From colorful stones to delicate cuts to sparkly accents, there are countless ways to make your engagement ring speak to your personal style.

By Tara Bradley Connell

PLATINUM

Keep it classic with a clean platinum setting. Shown: The True engagement ring with a white diamond by Tiffany & Co. $1,350. tiffany.com

ROSE GOLD

Rose gold works well for both warm and cool skin tones. Shown: James Allen’s petite diamond engagement ring. $1,102. jamesallen.com

GOLD

Yellow gold offers a romantic feel in this bold cut. Shown: Ritani’s vintage hexagonal band in 18k gold. $3,040. ritani.com

CREATIVE CUTS Unique cuts give your ring a modern feel.

Shown: The knife-edge ring in 18k gold with a heart center stone by Ritani. ritani.com. $815.

COLORFUL STONES

Add color with unusual gemstones. Shown: The Theda ring with a center opal and white diamonds from Anna Sheffield. $8,690. annasheffield.com

HALO

Adding diamonds to the perimeter makes the gem appear larger.

Shown: Tacori’s petite crescent in white gold. $4,990 (center stone not included). tacori.com

“Much like a pair of red heels can brighten any outfit, adding a piece of gemstone jewelry can take your look to the next level. Right now, we are seeing colored quartz, cabochon emeralds, opals and colored sapphires taking the lead on social trends.”

—Stacey Papp, Bay Hill Jewelers 48 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

STACKABLES

Mix it up with multiple bands. Shown: Tiffany & Co.’s Soleste band with diamonds, True yellow diamond ring, Nesting band and V band, all in 18k gold. $6,900. tiffany.com

Romancing the Stone Don’t see your style here? Check out more engagement ring designs, diamond cuts, gemstones, metal colors and more at orlandomagazine.com

Shore Bliss for Your Special Day on Hutchinson Island Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, located about two hours southeast of Orlando and just an hour north of Palm Beach, is the perfect, romantic setting for your oceanfront wedding ceremony and reception. Whether your guest list is 50 or 325, our wedding specialists will ensure your day is nothing short of extraordinary.

3793 NE OCEAN BOULEVARD, JENSEN BEACH, FL HUTCHINSONSHORES.COM | 561.745.7158

RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY SET OF BRIDE & GROOM CRYSTALLIZED CHAMPAGNE FLUTES Restrictions and minimums may apply

weddin� �uide EXPLORE

All Things Wedding How to make the most of your time spent at a local wedding expo. By Bethany Kandel

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Now comes the fun part of planning your wedding. Yet you may feel overwhelmed with all there is to do to create your perfect day. Choose a venue. Shop for a gown. Hire a DJ. Look for a photographer. Where do you start? Why, at a wedding expo, of course.

50 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Bottom line, says Lee: Learn lots, have fun and... eat cake!

Here are some tips she offers to get the most out of a wedding expo:

• Preregister. You’ll get a discount by purchasing tickets in advance and avoid lines at the door. Some VIP tickets—with extra perks—sell out early.

• Plan ahead. Peruse the list of vendors and prioritize which ones you want to meet. Bring your specific questions, your wedding date, number of guests and any details you have already decided upon.

• Create a specific email address for your wedding. Save your personal email from an onslaught of info by setting up a dedicated wedding email that you’ll use at the show and for all things wedding-related.

• Pre-print labels with your name and email. This will save you from writing your info dozens of times when you enter drawings for prizes and future correspondence.

• Stick around. You need to be at the expo to win the prize drawings.

• Dress comfortably. Plan to spend at least two to three hours walking around. So leave the heels at home and wear sneakers or comfortable shoes.

For a list of upcoming wedding expos in Central Florida, check orlandomagazine.com

FLORIDA WEDDING EXPO PRESENTED BY YOUR WEDDING TV

At a wedding expo, you’ll have the opportunity to shop various styles of wedding dresses and bridal accessories. Plus, you can even get a big day beauty makeover.

Wedding expos or bridal shows are held at various locations around Central Florida throughout the year to showcase local vendors and let couples see what is available out there, compare prices and offerings, and discover the latest trends.

“From the minute you walk in the door, it’s a giant celebration of the fact that you’re getting married,” says Karen Lee, president of Florida Wedding Expo by Your Wedding TV, which has been hosting such events for 15 years.

“It’s an opportunity to meet prospective companies, get a feel for their style and personality, and find the ones you connect with.

You can’t do this online,” says Lee. “It makes Pinterest come to life.”

Bring your fiancé or come with your girlfriends, she suggests.

There are often gifts for grooms, moms and more. Watch a full runway fashion show with wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and tuxedos; try a new look with a beauty makeover; indulge in delectable bites that may end up on your dessert table; and fantasize about your honeymoon by watching videos of the top-rated destinations.

A wedding expo can help you visualize and plan the day you’ve always dreamed of, down to every last detail.

You can save money, too. Many vendors offer special pricing, incentives and discounts available only at the show. And there are all sorts of giveaways. Florida Wedding Expo, for example, offers hundreds of prizes, including six or more honeymoon packages, plus other free products and services. There are also great swag bags.

weddin� �uide CHECKLIST

“I Do” Inventory

In the midst of preparing for your big day? Check out our go-to guide of exactly what to do three months before you walk down the aisle. By Kourtney Destefano

3 MONTHS

1 MONTH

Your main priority now is confirming and finalizing important details. Get with your caterer and florist to make sure the menu and flowers are just as you want them— some food and flowers are affected by season. You should also finalize the times that you want things to happen during the ceremony and reception. Send that event schedule to your vendors; this will allow ample time for changes and fine-tuning.

Next, purchase the rings. Three months is just enough time for any resizing and engraving. Any later, and they may not be ready in time for your ceremony.

Check in with all your vendors, specifically in regard to arrival times.

Taking care of final vendor payments will help relieve some stress and give you a better idea of how much you can spend on special gifts for your attendants and favors for guests.

Now is also the time to get your marriage license and schedule the final fitting for your wedding dress.

Have your bridesmaids, groomsmen and fiancé measured and fitted, as well. Consider giving a timeline to everyone in your wedding party that includes all of their contact information, the desired meet-up times, and locations for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the ceremony.

At this point, you should have all of your RSVPs. Send the final guest list to the caterer and the venues taking part in your wedding as soon as you can—most companies will expect this at least 72 hours in advance.

Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, and walk through your wedding and reception sites to find potential photography locations that appeal to you and your hubby. Double-check with the venue about any expected changes in foliage or setting—being prepared is essential when it comes to getting the pictures you want.

Also, a solid rule of thumb is to mail your invitations 8 to 10 weeks before the ceremony. “I recommend that couples send their invitations out 10 weeks in advance so they can use a ‘respond by’ date of 4 weeks out,” says Denise Wilson of Dogwood Blossom Stationery. “This timeline ensures that guests receive their invitation with enough time to book travel, and it allows the couple to receive responses early enough to finalize the head count.” Remember to record the RSVPs in your wedding planner or on a spreadsheet.

WEEK OF It’s going to go by in a blur, so pack for your honeymoon at the start of the week and confirm transportation to the airport.

Don’t forget last-minute necessities, such as a guestbook and pens, any kind of special cake knife and/ or toasting flutes, and your passport and ID for the honeymoon. Last, but certainly not least, relax. Treat yourself and your bridesmaids to a mani/pedi, then get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and enjoy your beautiful wedding day.

52 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

PHOTO CREDIT ADOBE STOCK @ VICTORIA

2 MONTHS

Weddings Created from the Heart

Photos by Amalie Orrange Photography

The Alfond Inn | 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 | 407.645.6604 thealfondinn.com

VOTED BEST BRIDAL EXPO

EVERY LITTLE

detail

Feeling overwhelmed with planning your dream wedding? Look through the following pages for some Big Day inspiration. From flowers and cakes to invitations and table settings, you’ll find an array of desserts and dÊcor to fit your personal wedding style.

EVERY LITTLE DETAIL

ta e e i

Photography provided by Amalie Orrange Photography (top left, bottom right); Heather Rice Photography (top right, bottom left); and The Canovas Photography (center right).

56 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

e

Photography provided by Heather Rice Photography (top left); The Canovas Photography (center left, top right); and Amalie Orrange Photography (bottom left, bottom right).

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 57

Stationery provided by Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio (top left); Paper Goat Post (top right); and Maureen H. Hall Stationery and Invitations (bottom left and bottom right).

58 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

EVERY LITTLE DETAIL

tati e

ae

Photography provided by Amalie Orrange Photography (top left); Heather Rice Photography (bottom left); and The Canovas Photography (top center, top right, bottom right).

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 59

White Dress, White Sands, Wedding Perfection Plan the picture perfect beachfront and sunset ceremony at our beautiful Lido Key resort.

We offer five venues with receptions for up to 200 guests. Explore our flexible wedding packages and creative catering menus influenced by local cuisine.

Take up to 20% OFF your ceremony - Call for more details.

700 Benjanmin Franklin Drive, Sarasota lidobeachresort.com / info@lidobeachresort.com 941.388.5643

LBR_JAN-Orlando Wed-2018.indd 1

60 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

12/13/17 9:35 AM

2019

Orlando magazine is proud to showcase its annual Best of Wedding Awards, which recognize the top businesses in the Central Florida wedding industry as chosen by the public. Readers voted for their favorites in 20 categories, from entertainment and cake designer to venues and wedding planner.

weddin� �uide BOW AWARDS 2019

BEST VENUE ORANGE COUNTY 1 Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum 2 The Alfond Inn

BEST BAND

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

1 Jeff Scott Guitarist

1 Anna So Photography

2 Leonard Brothers Band

2 Jessica Jones Photography

3 Violectric

3 Nuva Photography

BEST BRIDAL ATTIRE

BEST STATIONERY

1 Solutions Bridal Designer House

1 Paper Goat Post

2 The Bridal Finery

2 Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio

3 One & Only Bridal Boutique

BEST CAKE DESIGNER 1 Sprinkles Custom Cakes 2 Sugar Sugar Cake Boutique 3 Party Flavors Custom Cakes

3 Maureen H. Hall Stationery and Invitations

BEST VIDEOGRAPHER 1 Love and Lustre Weddings 2 KEJ Productions

BEST CATERING

3 Dee Nice Productions

1 Arthur’s Catering and Events

BEST WEDDING PLANNER

2 Uncommon Catering 3 Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events

1 Cannizzo Events 2 Lora Ritzie Wardman

BEST DJ

3 Pavone Events

1 Jeff Scott Guitarist

BEST BRIDAL EXPO/EVENT

2 Our DJ Rocks 3 White Rose Entertainment

1 Florida Wedding Expo 2 Our Dream Wedding Expo

BEST FLORAL

3 Winter Park Wedding Stroll

1 Faiella Creations

BEST OFFICIANT

2 Lee James Floral Designs

3 The Acre Orlando

BEST VENUE OSCEOLA COUNTY 1 The Royal Crest Room 2 Bohemian Hotel Celebration 3 Isolé Villas

BEST VENUE SEMINOLE COUNTY 1 The Lake Mary Events Center 2 Venue 1902 at Preservation Hall 3 Luxmore Grande Estate

BEST OUTDOOR VENUE 1 Bridlewood Ranch 2 The Acre Orlando 3 The Alfond Inn

BEST HISTORIC VENUE 1 The Howey Mansion 2 Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum 3 Venue 1902 at Preservation Hall

BEST ENGAGEMENT PARTY VENUE 1 The Alfond Inn 2 Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum 3 East End Market

3 Patina & Petals Events & Design

1 Catherine T. Pick, Ceremonies by Catherine

BEST HAIR & MAKEUP

2 Rev. Kevin Knox, A Beautiful Ceremony

BEST ROMANTIC OUTDOOR SPOT TO PROPOSE

3 Sensational Ceremonies

1 Harry P. Leu Gardens

1 Karmel Design Team Artistry 2 Cor Beauties 3 Jazz It Up Artistry (formerly known as Brides Be Beautiful)

BEST TRANSPORTATION

BEST JEWELER

2 Orlando Exotic Cars

1 International Diamond Center 2 Bay Hill Jewelers 3 Victoria Jewelers

1 VIP Wedding Transportation 3 Apollo’s Chariots

BEST VENUE—LAKE COUNTY

3 Mead Botanical Garden

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT TO POP THE QUESTION 1 Victoria & Albert’s

1 Bridlewood Ranch

2 BiCE Ristorante Orlando

2 Tavares Pavilion on the Lake

3 Hillstone Restaurant

3 The Howey Mansion 62 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

2 The Alfond Inn

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 BOW AWARD WINNERS

BEST SPA “BEFORE THE BIG DAY” 1 The Spa Orlando 2 The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Here at Karmel Design Team we offer full service Makeup and Hair

3 Spa at Bella Collina

BEST LOCAL WEDDING INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

perfect for:

Wedding Day • Bridal Party Boudior Headshots

1 @solutionsbridal (Solutions Bridal Designer House) 2 @cuisiniers (Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events) 3 @lrwevents (Lora Ritzie Wardman)

Make sure to check back with us in February to cast your vote for the 2020 BOW Awards.

Corporate • Editorial • Commercial • Runway • Professional 407.575.5317 • Info@karmeldesignteam.com

KARMELDESIGNTEAM.COM d n te icia J! Vo us 1 D M # #1 ND A

Music By

Jeff Scott “The Best in Orlando”

UncommonCatering.com

Available as Solo Guitar, Duos, Jazz Groups, DJ/MC Any Style including: Classical, Jazz, Spanish & Popular For Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions, Corporate Parties & Dinners, Holiday Parties & Special Occasions

(407) 365-3601 Jsgtrman@yahoo.com

JeffScottGuitarist.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 63

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

LOVE STORY

KAYLI & TIMMY MARCH 17, 2018 PARADISE COVE, ORLANDO PHOTOGRAPHS BY CASTALDO STUDIO

“This love story began as Timmy drove out of snowy Indiana to start his next life adventure in sunny Florida. Days upon his arrival, his friendship with Kayli began at his first job down south, Paradise Cove. These days turned weeks until a summer evening after shift, Timmy and Kayli realized their friendship had turned into a fairy-tale. That night, Timmy took Kayli for a moonlit boat ride and sealed the deal with a kiss.

Their desire to explore the world and their passion for rescuing pups cultivated a relationship that they knew would last a lifetime. Timmy designed a timeless engagement ring adorned with diamonds and emeralds, then popped the question just minutes after procuring the ring. He was just too excited he couldn’t wait any longer! When she answered, “Yes!” they were both over the moon! Immediately, they secured their St. Patrick’s Day wedding at the place they first locked eyes - Paradise Cove.”

DETAILS Venue Paradise Cove Photographer Castaldo Studio Venue Coordinators Daniel & Jasmine Wedding Planner Marsha, Events by Seven Video Castaldo Studio Hair & Makeup Kristy’s Artistry Floral Blossoms Orlando & Atmospheres Floral DJ Soundwave Entertainment Catering Plus Catering, Cocktails Catering & Sushi 101 Cake Cut the Cake Gown Stella York

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

L O VE S T O R Y

RHYS & DANIELLE MARCH 2, 2019 WYNDHAM GRAND ORLANDO RESORT – BONNET CREEK PHOTOGRAPHS BY SO PHOTOGRAPHY

When it came to selecting a venue, Rhys & Danielle wanted a place where they could celebrate their love with family and friends all weekend long. The festivities began with a hosted welcome reception in the top floor two level ballroom overlooking the resort grounds and nightly firework shows. A four tiered wedding cake made entirely of cheese was the hit of the evening and showed guests what they were in store for over the next two days!

The wedding ceremony and reception was styled perfectly with rich hues of soft pinks, ivories and gold accents while paired with modern touches of acrylic end tables and ghost chairs.

Guests were able to see the fun in their relationship reflected by elements such as a living champagne wall paired with gourmet popsicles, confetti cannons and an extended after party.

A brunch the next morning allowed a personalized farewell to each of their guests while featuring a decadent donut wall, bagel bar and endless bubbles and bloody marys.

DETAILS Venue & Catering Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Coordination Pave Weddings by Nicole PhotoBooth Our Photobooth Rocks-Mirror Photobooth Pipe and Drape Al Dee Productions Floral, Overlays Fiora Designs Rehearsal Dinner Photography Denise Budde Photography Wedding Day Photography SO Photography-Sara Ozim Videographer Cinematic Wedding Stories-Steve Graham Chargers, Silverware, Side Tables, Ghost Chairs A Chair Affair Makeup/Hair Angelica Chrysler Wedding & Groom’s Cake Artfully Sweet-Cake Champagne Wall Star Studded Productions DJ White Rose Productions

SOPHISTICATED. ELEGANT. UNIQUE. It is everything you love about Orlando, on a ‘Grand’ scale. Our skilled on-site wedding planner will help plan your perfect day in our indoor or outdoor venues.

The resort-style property including five pools, two lazy rivers, and several dining locations, will make you and your guests feel far away while still being close to home.

407-390-2300 InfoWyndhamGrandOrlando@wyndham.com WyndhamGrandOrlando.com

All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by the company or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., one of its affiliates or through a joint-venture partner. ©2016 Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Abbey 100 S. Eola Drive Orlando, FL 32801 407.704.6268 abbeyorlando.com The Acre 4421 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804 407.704.5161 theacreorlando.com/weddings Adams Estate 2222 Lake Alfred Road Lake Alfred, FL 33850 863.450.0220 adamsestate.com

$2,000$4,000

$3,000$5,000

362

250

No

Yes

No

Yes

N/A

No

Yes

No

LIQ UO R

No

Yes

FR EE PA RK IN G

YO UR OW N BR IN G

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE AND WEBSITE

CA PA CIT Y

Orlando magazine advertisers are designated in red.

PR ICE

Orlando magazine makes every effort to ensure accuracy. Information was accurate as of publishing date. Please email rosemary. bowers@orlandomagazine.com for changes.

OU TD OO RP AR TY AR ON EA SIT EC AT ER IN G OU TS ID EC AT ER IN G PE RO RM OM ITT CH ED AR GE

reception sites

Valet $5

Yes

Call

Up to 300

Yes

No

Yes, approved catering required

Call

No

Yes

$189++ PP

220

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Aloft Orlando Downtown 500 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407.380.3500 aloftorlandodowntown.com

$81-$100+ PP

130

Yes

Yes

No

$500$1,000+

No

No

The Ballroom at Church Street 225 S. Garland Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407.420.9091 theballroomatchurchstreet.com

$77-$168 PP

450

Yes

Yes

No

Call

Yes

No

$120 PP

250

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

$45 PP for lunch$70 PP for dinner

220-300

Yes

No

No

F&B minimums apply

No

Yes, self parking Valet $5

$99-$150 PP

100

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

$3,700$5,800

200

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Caribe Royale 8101 World Center Drive Orlando, FL 32821 407.238.8002 cariberoyale.com/weddings

Call

400

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Casa Feliz 656 N. Park Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 407.628.0230 casafelizvenue.com

Call

120

Yes

Yes

No

$1,600$2,600

Yes

Yes

The Alfond Inn at Rollins 300 E. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 407.645.6604 thealfondinn.com

Bella Collina 15920 C.R. 455 Montverde, FL 34756 407.469.4999 bellacollina.com BiCE Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel 5601 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 407.503.1416 bice-orlando.com Bohemian Hotel Celebration 700 Bloom St. Celebration, FL 34747 407.566.6000 celebrationhotel.com Bridlewood Ranch 10905 Guilford Road Clermont, FL 34715 352.404.6484 bridlewoodranch.com

68 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

ALL SMILES ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Sunset Ceremonies on the Beach All New Ballroom and Event Space with Panoramic Views of the Gulf Professional and Attentive Staff | Personalized Wedding Packages Gulf front Guest Rooms with Balconies Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Post Wedding Brunch Call one of our Wedding Specialists today at 941.388.5643.

lidobeachholidayinn.com | 233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota

“I D” Yes! at

Y’ 

Now say

BiCE Ristorante Contact us at

events@biceorlando.com or call

407. 503.1416 www.bice-orlando.com

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 69

Castle Hotel 8629 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.996.3104 castlehotelorlando.com

LIQ UO R FR EE PA RK IN G

YO UR OW N BR IN G

OU TD OO RP AR TY AR ON EA SIT EC AT ER IN G OU TS ID EC AT ER IN G PE RO RM OM ITT CH ED AR GE

CA PA CIT Y

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE AND WEBSITE

PR ICE

weddin� �uide RECEPTION SITES

$64-$95 PP

120

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

$39+ PP

200

Yes

No

Call

$800$2,500

Yes

Yes

$65-$92 PP

200

Yes

Yes

No

$3,500

No

Yes

Doubletree by Hilton Orlando Downtown 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32804 407.425.4455 doubletreeorlandodowntown.com

$5,000$10,000

300-400

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Walt Disney World Resort Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 321.939.4610 disneyweddings.disney.go.com

$140+ PP

1,000

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Call

100 seated 200 cocktail

Yes

Yes

No

$570$1,600

Yes

Yes

$150$289+ PP

550

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Valet

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center 6000 W. Osceola Parkway Kissimmee, FL 34746 407.586.0000 gaylordhotels.com

$175-$185 PP

4,200

Yes

Yes

Call

Call

No

No

Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando 325 S. Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407.313.9000 grandbohemianhotel.com

$145-$185 PP

160

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Valet only

$750

180

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

$50-$100+ PP

300

Yes

Yes

Yes

$300$1,200

No

Yes

Call

30-350

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane Orlando, FL 32821 407.597.3750 hiltonbonnetcreek.com/weddings

$89+ PP

1,500

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Hilton Orlando 6001 Destination Parkway Orlando, FL 32819 407.313.8458 thehiltonorlando.com/weddings

$145+ PP

10-4,000

Yes

Yes

Call

Call

No

No

Courtyard at Lake Lucerne 211 N. Lucerne Circle E. Orlando, FL 32801 407.716.5627 orlandohistoricinn.com Cypress Grove Estate House 290 W. Holden Ave. Orlando, FL 32839 407.749.0792 cypressgroveestatehouse.com

East End Market/Cuisiniers 3201 Corrine Drive Orlando, FL 32803 321.236.3316 eastendmkt.com Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort 10100 Dream Tree Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 407.313.6780 fourseasons.com/orlando

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 407.246.3681 leugardens.org Heathrow Country Club 1200 Bridgewater Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 407.562.0172 heathrowccevents.com Highland Manor Events Center 604 E. Main St. Apopka, FL 32703 407.965.1711 dubsdreadcatering.com

70 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Your Wedding Day will Sparkle at Clearwater Beach’s Dazzling Gem Opal Sands Resort’s inspiring location, imaginative event spaces and stellar service will ensure that your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary. Choose from stunning beachfront ceremony and reception settings to our elegant grand ballroom which seats up to 500 guests.

OPALSANDS.com 855.410.3593

fl

ELEGANT. PICTURESQUE. TIMELESS. AMAZING.

THE ROYAL CREST ROOM SAINT CLOUD, FLORIDA - ORLANDO AREA WWW.THEROYALCRESTROOM.COM 407-892-2009 INFO@THEROYALCRESTROOM.COM JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 71

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 407.827.4000 hiltonorlandolakebuenavista.com

LIQ UO R FR EE PA RK IN G

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OU TD OO RP AR TY AR ON EA SIT EC AT ER IN G OU TS ID EC AT ER IN G PE RO RM OM ITT CH ED AR GE

CA PA CIT Y

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE AND WEBSITE

PR ICE

weddin� �uide RECEPTION SITES

$124+ PP

500+

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Call

20-600

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

$100-$150 PP

40-1,200

Yes

Yes

Yes

Call

No

No

Hyatt Regency Orlando 9801 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.284.1234 orlando.regency.hyatt.com

$90+ PP

25-2,000

Yes

Yes

Call

No

No

Call

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes 4040 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL 32837 407.206.2300 grandelakes.com

$178+ PP

3,248

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Lake Mary Events Center 260 N. Country Club Road Lake Mary, FL 32746 407.585.1490 lakemaryeventscenter.com

Call

240

No

Yes

No

N/A

Yes

Yes

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel 5601 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 407.503.1000 loewshotels.com

Call

1,000

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Loews Royal Pacific Resort 6300 Hollywood Way Orlando, FL 32819 407.503.3000 loewshotels.com

Call

3,500

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

$80-$1,200

250

Yes

No

Yes

N/A

Yes

Yes

The Mezz 100 S. Eola Drive Orlando, FL 32801 407.704.6268 mezzorlando.com

$3,500$5,500

230 seated 300 cocktail

No

No

Yes

N/A

No

Valet $5

Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club 7600 Mystic Dunes Lane Celebration, FL 34747 407.787.5636 mysticdunesgolf.com

$39.95$63.95

350

Yes

Yes

No

$875$3,000

No

Yes

Omni Resort at ChampionsGate 1500 Masters Blvd.

ChampionsGate, FL 33896 407.238.6547 omnihotels.com/orlandoweddings

$125+ PP

1,000+

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

$350-$3,250

225

Yes

No

Yes

N/A

Yes

No

Historic Dubsdread Ballroom 549 W. Par St. Orlando, FL 32804 407.965.1711 historicdubsdread.com Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 1 Grand Cypress Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32836 407.239.3946 grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com

Maitland Art & History Museums 231 W. Packwood Ave. Maitland, FL 32751 407.539.2181 artandhistory.org

Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32801 407.836.7035 thehistorycenter.org

72 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

The Key to Long-lasting Love Plan the perfect wedding day at our stunning beachfront location on the Gulf of Mexico.

We offer ďŹ ve exceptional resort venues including an elegant ballroom and reception area for up to 00 guests.

En oy exclusive resort amenities for your guests including a full service spa and two championship golf courses.

Receive a complimentary crystal stemware set

all for more details.

220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key longboatkeyclub.com 941.387.1621

Let Your Wedding Day Shine in Longboat Key Enjoy the secluded island ambiance at the new Zota Beach Resort, located directly on the beach in luxurious Longboat Key. From intimate sunset ceremonies on the beach to lavish ballroom receptions for up to 200 guests, we have the perfect venue for your special day.

4711 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, LONGBOAT KEY ZOTABEACHRESORT.COM 941.388.5643

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 73

Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803 407.514.2290 osc.org Paradise Cove 13245 Lake Bryan Drive Orlando, FL 32821 407.239.6939 paradisecoveorlando.com

Call

Call

250

300

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

$2,000$4,000

Call

LIQ UO R

Yes

Yes

FR EE PA RK IN G

YO UR OW N BR IN G

OU TD OO RP AR TY AR ON EA SIT EC AT ER IN G OU TS ID EC AT ER IN G PE RO RM OM ITT CH ED AR GE

CA PA CIT Y

NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE AND WEBSITE

PR ICE

weddin� �uide RECEPTION SITES

Yes

Yes

Reunion Resort 7593 Gathering Place Kissimmee, FL 34747 888.799.5979 reunionresort.com

$139+ PP

450

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes 4012 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL 32837 407.206.2400 ritzcarlton.com/orlando

$198 PP

500

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.996.9840 rosencentre.com

$71-$90 PP

2,000

Yes

Yes

With approval

Call

No

Yes

Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.996.1717 rosenplaza.com

$100+ PP

2,000

Yes

Yes

Limited

Call

No

Yes

Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 407.996.0843 rosenshinglecreek.com

$140$160 PP

2,000

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Tapa Toro 8441 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.226.2929 tapatoro.restaurant

$35-$65

220

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Taverna Opa Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 407.226.2929 tavernaoparestaurant.com

$33-$66

300

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

The Royal Crest Room 5330 Michigan Ave. St. Cloud, FL 34772 407.892.2009 theroyalcrestroom.com

$40+ PP

200

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

Yes

Waldorf Astoria Orlando 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane Orlando, FL 32821 407.597.3750 waldorfastoriaorlando.com/weddings

$210+ PP

400

Yes

Yes

No

Call

No

No

$65-$130+ PP

450

Yes

Yes

No

N/A

No

Yes

Call

400

Yes

Yes

No

N/A

No

No

Westin Lake Mary, Orlando North 2974 International Parkway Lake Mary, FL 32746 321.249.8026 westinlakemary.com Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek 14651 Chelonia Parkway Orlando, FL 32821 407.390.2480 wyndhamgrandorlando.com

74 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

L. MARTIN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Breathtaking Ocean Views On Your Wedding Day A secluded wedding paradise awaits you at the Palm Beaches’ Best Kept Secret – Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. With over 12,000 square feet of elegant indoor and outdoor venues for up to 300 guests, sumptuous food and imaginative event coordinators on the property, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa is the ideal location for your unforgettable beach wedding.

JUPITERBEACHRESORT.com 800.813.2775

(407) 434-1261 • Michelle@violectric.net www.Violectric.net

/violectricmusic /fretlessrock JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 75

Nestled between Orlando and Tampa in the sleepy, little town of Lake Alfred, the Adams Estate offers a unique and elegant backdrop for your special day!

Whether it’s the classic charm of the Estate House or the timeless beauty and grace of the Gardens, it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests.

863.450.0220 | info@adamsestate.com | adamsestate.com

REAL ESTATE’S

W

hether you’re trying to buy or sell real estate, getting the best deal means finding an agent who possesses savvy and know-how and gets results. Orlando magazine’s list of “Hot 100” real estate professionals showcases some Central Florida agents who have demonstrated those skills.

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 77

Crystal Adams

RE/MAX Innovation 407.927.9610 CrystalAdamsRealtor@gmail.com crystaladamsrealtor.com

Frank Benevento

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 407.492.5153 cflrealty@gmail.com orlandoestatesforsale.com

Anne Brownlee

Anne Rogers Realty Group, Inc. 407.765.3372 abrownlee1@live.com AnneRogersRealtyGroup.com

Karen Arbutine

RE/MAX Central Realty 407.928.3788 Karbutine@remax.net GetOrlandoRealEstate.com

Julie Bettosini

Kim Arena

Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist 407.701.1621 KimArena@floridamoves.com TheKimArenaTeam.com

Lew Brooks

Stockworth Realty Group 407.909.5903 JBettosini@stockworth.com Stockworth.com

Orlando Luxury Homes 407.617.9250 info@orlandolux.com orlandolux.com

Chocky Burks

Rhonda Chesmore

Premier Realty Partners 407.965.1155 Chocky@PRPFL.com PRPFL.com

78 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Kelly Price & Company 407.468.6500 Rhonda@KellyPriceAndCompany.com KellyPriceandCompany.com

Nancy Bagby

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.620.8868 bagbyteam@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Rick Brown

Keller Williams Advantage II Realty 321.348.8720 rick@brownhomegroup.com BrownHomeGroup.com

Chris Christensen

Regal | Christie’s International 407.312.8003 chris@regalrealtyorlando.com RegalRealtyOrlando.com

Kim Coburn

RE/MAX Town and Country Realty 407.341.1324 KimCoburn@gmail.com KimCoburn.com

Justin Dalrymple

Mainframe Real Estate 407.538.7818 Justin@MainframeRE.com MainframeRE.com

Cherie Foutz

Lakes & Links International Realty 407.435.2352 cherie@lakesandlinksrealty.com LakesandLinksRealty.com

Monica Cook

Keller Williams Realty at the Parks 407.739.9173 monica@derenthalcook.com DerenthalCook.com

Catherine D’Amico

Chris Creegan

Creegan Property Group 407.622.1111 chris@creegangroup.com creegangroup.com

MaryStuart Day

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.252.3210 catherine@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.620.8683 marystuart@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

David T. Francetic

Christine George

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 407.247.6857 dfrancetic@earthlink.net david.francetic@floridamoves.com

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 cgeorge@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Megan Cross

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.353.9997 megan@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Mike Derenthal

Keller Williams Realty at the Parks 321.662.8014 mike@derenthalcook.com DerenthalCook.com

Jean Gillen

Gillen and Associates 321.947.0912 jean@gillenandassociates.com gillenandassociates.com

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 79

Hooman Hamzehloui

Masters Realty International 407.909.0908 hooman@mastersrealty.com MastersRealty.com

Michael “Bo” Julian

Steve Healy

Premier Realty Partners 407.965.1155 Steve@PRPFL.com PRPFL.com

Jennifer King

Julian Properties 407.694.5843 bojulian@julianproperties.com JulianProperties.com

Kelly Price & Company 407.595.3272 Jennifer@JenniferKingTeam.com KellyPriceandCompany.com

Monica Lochmandy

Padgett McCormick

Isleworth Realty, LLC 407.230.6888 mlochmandy@isleworth.com Isleworth.com

Kelly Price & Company 407.929.5604 Padgett@TheResidential.net KellyPriceandCompany.com

80 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Beth Hobart

Mainframe Real Estate 407.227.8192 Beth@BethSellsFlorida.com BethSellsFlorida.com

Cindy Kuykendall

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.718.3235 cindy@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Paul McGarigal

RE/MAX Properties,SW 407.761.1428 pmcgarigal@cfl.rr.com rentnowbuylater.com

Albin Hubscher

Central Florida Prime Real Estate 407.404.4041 info@cflprimerealestate.com cflprimerealestate.com

Amy Ladd Miller

ALL Real Estate & Investments, Inc. 407.476.5773 ALLRealEstateFL@gmail.com ALLRealEstateInvestments.com

Matt McKee

McKee & Company 407.818.1236 matt@mattmckee.com mckeeandcompany.com

Lynda Miller

Watson Realty 407.620.2924 Lynda@millerstaging.com StagingRealEstateAgent.com

Abby Nelson

Abby Nelson’s Great Homes Group 407.571.3647 abby@thegreathomesgroup.com greathomesincfl.com

Kelly L. Price

Kelly Price & Company 407.645.4321 Kelly@KellyPriceandCompany.com KellyPriceandCompany.com

Caroline Moffitt

Carolyn Moriarty

Keller Williams Heritage Realty 407.670.9797 carolinemoffitt@gmail.com carolinemoffitt.net

Carolyn Moriarty & Company 407.252.5457 carolyn@carolynmoriarty.com orlandocentralfloridahomes.com

LaShawn Norden

Shelby Norwich

Keller Williams Heritage Realty 321.377.0157 LaShawn@YourHomeOurPriority.com YourHomeOurPriority.com

Nicole Rader

Mainframe Real Estate 407.484.4743 info@nicoleraderre.com MainframeRE.com

Olde Town Brokers 407.227.2838 shelbynorwich@oldetownbrokers.com OldeTownBrokers.com

Dana Rohe

Isleworth Realty, LLC 407.876.0111 drohe@isleworth.com Isleworth.com

Alison Mosley

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 407.304.6458 Alison@themosleyteam.com alisonmosley.preimiersothebysrealty. com/eng

Sherri Palmer

Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty 407.718.0412 sherrisellshomes@cfl.rr.com sherrisellsflorida.com

Deb Schroeder

Infinity Realty Group, LLC 407.234.2256 Deb@InfinityRealtyGroup.com InfinityRealtyGroup.com

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 81

Lisa Shear

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.721.9375 lisashear@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Diane Sterling

Keller Williams Advantage Realty 407.761.0512 Diane@DianeSterling.com DianeSellsCentralFloridaHomes.com

Heather Unger

LemonTree Realty 407.601.4958 Heather@LemonTreeRealty.com LemonTreeRealty.com

Sue Silberbusch

Orlando Luxury Homes 407.252.3157 info@orlandolux.com orlandolux.com

George Stringer

Simon Simaan

Kelly Price & Company 407.810.8333 JSLoan2000@earthlink.net JenniSloanRealEstate.com

Ken Teixeira

Matt Tomaszewski

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 407.222.7047 georgestringer@mindspring.com GeorgeStringer@CBinTouch.com

Weichert Realtors Hallmark Properties 407.697.4946 kensellsorlando.com

Maria Van Warner

Alex Vastardis

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.256.8066 maria@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

82 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Jenni Sloan

The Simon Simaan Group 407.558.1396 Simon@SimonSimaan.com SimonSimaan.com

Coldwell Banker 407.567.1451 aavastardis@live.com VastardisTeam.com

Premier Realty Partners 407.965.1155 Matt@PRPFL.com PRPFL.com

Russie Weidl

Watson Realty Corp.

407.721.8822 Russie@watsonrealtycorp.com RussieSells.com

Corey Welch

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 cwelch@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Yien Yao

The Yao Team at Keller Williams Advantage II Realty 321.287.7885 Yien@TheYaoTeam.com TheYaoTeam.com

Jennifer Wemert

Wendy Williams Crumit

Brad Young

Ronald Ziolkowski

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 jwemert@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Fannie Hillman + Associates 321.356.8590 wendy@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Homevest Realty 407.454.2529 brad@youngandyounger.com YOUNGandYOUNGER.com

Chris Winn

Keller Williams Advantage 2 407.970.6776 chriswinn@kw.com ChrisWinn.net

RE/MAX Properties, SW 407.592.7653 RontheRealtor@msn.com RontheRealtor.com

Hot 100 Honorees (NOT PICTURED)

Carmen Aridas

Veronica Figueroa

Mick Night

Deanna Armel

Tara Garkowski

Darrell Nunnelley

Jason Asa

Crystal Grohowski

Richard Palmano

Karen Balcerak

Shelley Heistand

John Pinel

Maribeth Ball

Kathleen Hereford

Rob Rahter

Mel Bernstein

Stacie Brown Kelly

Gitta Urbainczyk

Bryan Blake

Robert Kurzreiter

Nicole Van Treese

Andrey Bustamante

Peter Luu

Ann Varkey

Marcia Castro Socas

Cristian Michaels

Scarlett Wheat

Michelle Chase

Maria Miller

Karen Wilkins

Matt Davies

David Miller

David Dorman

John Muccigrosso JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 83

REAL ESTATE

ALL STARS

2019 Michelle Algin RE/MAX Central Realty 407.416.0545 MAlgin@remax.net MichelleAlgin.com

Jenn Carlisle

Weichert, Realtors - Hallmark Properties 407.617.5597 Jenn@JennCarlisleHomes.com JennCarlisleHomes.com

Espe Almarza-Anderson Coldwell Banker Residential 407.421.6679 espealmarza@cbintouch.com espe.almarza@floridamoves.com

Mary Colton

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.222.7388 mary@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

84 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Warren Bonett

Keller Williams Heritage Realty 407.864.2559 Warren@WarrenBonettRealtor.com BonettREgroup.com

Ed Fasula

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 407.766.0923 edfasula@aol.com edfasula.cbintouch.com

A

s a part of our expanded Real Estate coverage, we’d like you to meet a few of the area’s realtors making their mark in Central Florida, Orlando magazine’s Real Estate All Stars 2019.

Joe Bornstein

Rock Springs Realty, LLC 407.252.8092 joe@rockspringsrealty.com RockSpringsRealty.com

Lisa Fleming

Fannie Hillman + Associates 321.228.8341 lcfrealty@yahoo.com fanniehillman.com

Katie Bray

Mainframe Real Estate 407.779.6677 Katie@MainframeRE.com MainframeRE.com

Gina Francis

Charles Rutenberg Realty 407.492.0999 Gina@GinaSellsOrlando.com GinaSellsOrlando.com

Tony Galarza

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 tgalarza@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Gail F. Higley

RE/MAX Properties SW 407.352.5800 x626 OrlandoRealtorGail@gmail.com LiveInOrlando.com

Shirley Jones

Jesus Garcia

Kelly Price & Company 407.252.0927 Tiffany@KellyPriceandCompany.com KellyPriceandCompany.com

Danny Hilwa

Regan Jackson

Millennium Homes Realty, LLC 407.808.5252 danny@dannyhilwa.com dannyhilwa.com

Zoltan Kecskes

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.719.9180 shirley@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.741.3081 zoltan@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Kelly Maloney

Kevin McClanahan

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.310.5035 kelly@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Tiffany Grindstaff

Realty Executives 386.561.1276 jesus.garcia@live.com jesusgarciarealtor.com

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.491.8509 kevin@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

LemonTree Realty 407-601-4958 regan@lemontreerealty.com lemontreerealty.com

Christy Knox

Sharon Helsby

Patrick Higgins

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.620.3633 sharon@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.256.8690 patrick@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Liz Jones

Lynn Hogan Jones

Jo-Ann Lamar

Bobby Livera

Mainframe Real Estate 407.619.6345 liz@lizjonesgroup.com MainframeRE.com

Anne Rogers Realty Group 407.923.2064 lhjones54@gmail.com AnneRogersRealtyGroup.com

Keller Williams Luxury Winter Park 407.739.1600 c.knox@kw.com c-knox.kw.com

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 321.231.0052 jlamar707@gmail.com joannlamar@sothebysrealty.com

Baldwin Park Realty 407.986.9800 bobby@baldwinparkre.com baldwinparkre.com

John McDade

Michele Moon

Jennifer Perez

Fannie Hillman + Associates 407.721.7275 john@fanniehillman.com fanniehillman.com

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 mmoon@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 jperez@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 85

Ken Pozek

The Pozek Group at Keller Williams Classic 407.717.0197 ken@PozekGroup.com PozekGroup.com

Carla Stanton

Mainframe Real Estate 321.356.3370 carla@carlastanton.com MainframeRE.com

Brian Teach

Coldwell Banker 407.923.9313 brian@brianteach.com BrianTeach.com

Melissa Rodriguez

Pamela Ryan

Premier Realty Partners 407.925.3075 agentrodriguez@earthlink.net

Kelly Price & Company 407.721.4541 PRyan@KellyPriceandCompany.com KellyPriceandCompany.com

Cyndi Stein

Patricia Sullivan

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 cstein@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Judy Werth

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 407.221.1966 werthsomuch@aol.com JudyWerth.PremierSothebysRealty.com

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Olde Town Brokers 407.719.6550 PSullivan@oldetownbrokers.com OldeTownBrokers.com

Bruce Smith

Jesse Smith

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 bsmith@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

Smith Realty, Inc. 321.285.9337 Jesse@SmithRealtyInc.com CFLareahomes.com

Kevin Sullivan

Britt Taccetta

Lakeside Realty Windermere 321.663.3457 KSullivan866@gmail.com LakesideRealtyWindermere.com

Wemert Group Realty 407.412.8488 btaccetta@wemertgrouprealty.com WemertGroupRealty.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PREMIER

REALTORS This special advertising section features profiles of local real estate professionals.

PREMIER

REALTORS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kim Arena

Exceptional Service Paired with Award-Winning Results Kim Arena is ranked among the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker Associates worldwide, and there’s good reason for her consistent success: Her commitment to her clients’ complete satisfaction, joined with years of experience and vast market knowledge.

“I work very hard for all my clients, treating each sale or purchase as if it were my own,” Kim says.

Combine her extraordinary customer service with her expertise and its obvious why Kim is among the Top 100 Realtors in Orlando and is one of an elite few to be honored with the Five Star rating for customer satisfaction.

A 26-year resident of Orlando, Kim’s drive for excellence, attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, impeccable ethics and professional manner have made her the go-to Realtor for the most discerning clients.

In her quest to stay on top of her industry and hone her business skills, Kim has earned the titles of Luxury Home Specialist, Certified Negotiation and Marketing Specialist, Relocation Specialist, and Accredited Home Staging Specialist.

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She has been so successful at helping her clients achieve their real estate dreams and goals that they highly recommend her to their friends, family and business associates. Over 95 percent of her business comes from referrals. “That is a huge honor for me and one I do not take lightly,” she says. “For most people your home is one of your largest assets, and I thank all my clients and future clients for entrusting me with the sale or purchase of their home.

Kim Arena, P.A. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist Phone: 407-701-1621 Email: Kim.Arena@FloridaMoves.com Website: TheKimArenaTeam.com

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REALTORS

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Frank Benevento Coldwell Banker's Top 100 Agents - $21,000,000 Sold in 2018 $21,000,000 Sold in 2018 - Congratulations to Frank Benevento for once again ranking high on the list of Coldwell Banker's Top 100 Agents in Florida for an Outstanding Performance in 2018.

Out of over 5000 agents in 85 offices in Florida. SPECIALTY: Frank Benevento is a well-respected name in Central Florida’s luxury-home niche. He has LISTED, MARKETED AND SOLD in most of the region’s upscale communities, and is renowned for his ability to bring high-net-worth individuals into his personal sphere, and is widely known for having many luxury listings throughout Central Florida. BEST REASONS TO USE HIM AS AN AGENT: Year after year, Frank’s WORLDWIDE MARKETING produces a steady stream of buyers from not only Florida, but throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Frank, who moved to Central Florida from New York in 2000, has a diverse background that includes building and selling businesses in the manufacturing and commercial sectors and has dealt with many Fortune 500 companies. Since relocating, he has used his finely honed business skills to help hundreds of clients sell their homes and hundreds of buyers in finding their dream homes. AWARDS/HONORS: In his first year with Coldwell Banker, he received the “Rookie of the

Year” award. In his second year, he was named to the International President’s Circle, representing the top ten percent of all Coldwell Banker associates worldwide. In his third year he was inducted into the International President’s Elite Circle, a designation reserved for the top 1 percent worldwide. He is also an honoree in Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and was recently named among the top 100 agents in Florida. HIS COMMITMENT: Frank, who graduated Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a degree in marketing and management, makes a simple pledge to his clients: To work hard and utilize his world-class business acumen to accomplish his clients’ goals with an unrelenting work ethic.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate ORLANDO NORTH/HEATHROW 1120 Townpark Avenue, Suite 1042 Lake Mary, FL 32746 Cell Phone: 407-492-5153 Email: Cflrealty@gmail.com Website: orlandoestatesforsale.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 89

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Jenn Carlisle Weichert, Realtors – Hallmark Properties EXPERIENCE/AWARDS/HONORS: Jenn has 13 years of experience in Real Estate. She has been one of the Top Ten Volume Producers in Florida, and Top 100 Volume Producers in the United States for Weichert, Realtors since 2013. She has received the President’s Club Award for the past 6 years. AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Jenn holds many designations, including the prestigious Graduate, Realtor Institute, and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), which is held by less than 2% of Realtors nationwide. She is also Relocation Certified, an Accredited Buyers Representative, and holds her Broker’s License. Memberships include the Orlando Realtor Association, Florida Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors. BEST REASON TO USE HER AS YOUR AGENT: Jenn focuses on the details of your transaction while keeping the big pic90 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

ture front and center. Today’s market is fast moving and ever changing, and Jenn keeps up with it through her experience and education.

She communicates constantly with her clients, giving updates and guidance throughout the process. She is committed to her clients’ satisfaction, ensuring that the process goes smoothly and is stress free. Great Customer Service is her #1 goal.

163 E. Morse Blvd., #100 Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-617-5597 Email: Jenn@JennCarlisleHomes.com Website: JennCarlisleHomes.com

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REALTORS

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Fannie Hillman + Associates Fannie Hillman + Associates has built a reputation for delivering the highest quality real estate services to Central Florida. An unprecedented commitment to excellence, customer dedication and expert knowledge of the community ensures that the team at Fannie Hillman + Associates will deliver the best experience in marketing and selling your home. Fannie Hillman + Associates is proud that these recognized agents exemplify initiative, involvement, commitment to their clients and success. Our Hot 100 agents jumped for joy upon hearing they were chosen for this award! We congratulate them and their accomplishment!

Cindy Kuykendall | 407-718-3235 | cindy@fanniehillman.com MaryStuart Day | 407-620-8683 | marystuart@fanniehillman.com Wendy Williams Crumit | 321-356-8590 | wendy@fanniehillman.com Lisa Shear | 407-721-9375 | lisashear@fanniehillman.com Megan Cross | 407-353-9997 | megan@fanniehillman.com Maria Van Warner | 407-256-8066 | maria@fanniehillman.com Catherine D’Amico | 407-252-3210 | catherine@fanniehillman.com Bagby Team | 407-620-8868 | bagbyteam@fanniehillman.com

205 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-644-1234 Website: fanniehillman.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 91

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Fannie Hillman + Associates Fannie Hillman + Associates was established in 1981 by single mother, entrepreneur, and real estate visionary Fannie Hillman.

Over the years, Fannie Hillman + Associates has evolved into the largest independent real estate company in Central Florida. We endeavor to set ourselves apart from the pack and improve the lives of the people we serve. You can most certainly place your trust in a Fannie Hillman + Associates agent and we guarantee to provide exceptional service throughout all transactions. Fannie Hillman + Associates is truly honored to serve our clients and our community. MAJOR CONGRATS TO OUR ALL-STAR AGENTS! Sharon Helsby | 407-620-3633 | sharon@fanniehillman.com Zoltan Kecskes | 407-741-3081 | zoltan@fanniehillman.com Gwyn Clark | 407-616-9051 | gwyn@fanniehillman.com 92 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Kevin McClanahan | 407-491-8509 | kevin@fanniehillman.com John McDade | 407-721-7275 | john@fanniehillman.com Shirley Jones | 407-719-9180 | shirley@fanniehillman.com Patrick Higgins | 407-256-8690 | patrick@fanniehillman.com Kelly Maloney | 407-310-5035 | kelly@fanniehillman.com Lisa Fleming | 321-228-8341 | lisa@fanniehillman.com Mary Colton | 407-222-7388 | mary@fanniehillman.com

205 W. Fairbanks Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-644-1234 Website: fanniehillman.com

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REALTORS

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Danny Hilwa, PA Millennium Homes Realty, LLC, Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Danny Hilwa has a unique passion for Orlando, having lived in the area for 42 years since he was 3 years old. Attending Park Maitland, Trinity Prep and Rollins College he has watched Central Florida develop from a small town into the magnificent city that it is today. He has been licensed for 19 years specializing in high-end luxury properties, gaining intense experience with a proven track record of results with top sales and numerous awards throughout his career. He is an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) and is fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic. Danny believes that the key to this industry is loyalty and treating each client like family rather than as a transaction, many agents preach this but rarely follow through. As a result, he is proud and humbled to have an amazing reputation built by repeat clients and referrals using very little self-advertising. He is committed to his family and feels his upbringing is the foundation of his ability. In fact, both his parents and brother are his neighbors, which he feels is his biggest blessing. Danny has over $85 million in personal sales earned in just the past 10 years. He has developed amazing skills in the art of negotiation because all the postcards and ads mean nothing if your agent does not understand that the core of real estate is negotiation. The general public does not realize that agents often combine their sales figures together in advertisements to show an impressive amount in an attempt to lure business. Many do the

same when representing “combined years of experience.� Always remember that even the best surgeon can only do so many procedures without sacrificing the quality and attention to each patient. Also remember that you will truly only be hiring ONE agent to represent you, even in the largest office. Danny urges you to find the agent, not the office, who will give you the attention you need and deserve to make the process work in your best interest.

As a resident of Vizcaya, Danny specializes solely in Dr. Phillips, Windermere and Lake Nona, with 100 percent of his sales in these areas he knows and loves. He is truly honored to be able to be a part of Orlando's growth and would love the opportunity to represent you and your family. Considering his humility and dedication to the luxury market and Danny's love for Orlando, his motto remains the same from the day he started two decades ago: "The one thing money will never buy you is class!"

1220 South Bumby Avenue Orlando, FL 32806 Phone: 407-808-5252 Fax: 888-690-1943 Email: danny@dannyhilwa.com Website: dannyhilwa.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 93

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Michael “Bo� Julian Julian Properties Inc. SPECIALTY: For over two decades Bo has been cultivating lasting relationships with buyers and sellers in the ever-evolving Orlando real estate market. His office has been established in Southwest Orlando since 1986, but his relationships have allowed him to expand his service area to include coastal locations such as Jacksonville, Vero Beach, the Space Coast and beyond. BEST REASON TO USE HIM AS AN AGENT: Bo has built his business on trust, knowledge and teamwork. When you use Bo as your agent, you are getting the benefit of not only one experienced real estate professional but the entire Exclusive Homes Team, which is renowned for its acumen and exemplary customer service. A FAMILY TRADITION: Since starting with the agency in 1996, Bo has carried on a tradition begun by his grandfather Carl Julian, now 96 , and continued by his mother and business partner, Carlene Julian. Start94 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

ing in 1956, Carl Julian built many of the residential communities in the Orlando area as owner of Julian Construction. In addition, Bo has been mentored by his father, builder/developer Michael Young. This wealth of knowledge has allowed Bo to create his own niche in the luxury real estate market and expand his team into property management and commercial services.

7491 Conroy Windermere Road Orlando, FL 32835 Phone: 407-694-5843 Email: bojulian@julianproperties.com Website: JulianProperties.com

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REALTORS

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Christy Knox Keller Williams Luxury Winter Park As the new Team Leader and Managing Partner for Keller Williams Luxury Winter Park, Christy is able to leverage her prior success as a Real Estate professional, while getting back to her roots in sales management. As a result, she has discovered a passion for enabling other real estate professionals to grow their business.

“My goal is to develop an elite sales team, while elevating Keller Williams’ already formidable luxury brand,” said Knox. “Our office carries a very large portfolio of renowned Winter Park homes.

I'm hoping to expand that footprint utilizing my experience gained at other local, high-end, boutique brokerages to create a bespoke marketing program that will benefit both our customers and agents alike.”

BACKGROUND: Christy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from UCF, and has been an active member of the Central Florida community for almost 30 years. This mom

of three is an avid philanthropist working with non-profits like Make A Wish, Pace Center for Girls, Junior League, and Franklin and Friends, among others. ACHIEVEMENTS: ORRA Top Producer Club—Gold Status. Orlando Magazine All-Stars 2017-2019.

Orlando Real Producers Magazine Rising Star. Orlando Sentinel Top Producer. Luxury Listing Certified.

“If you want to take your Real Estate career to the next level, I want to speak with you!”

147 W. Lyman Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-739-1600 Email: C.Knox@KW.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 95

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Orlando Luxury Homes, Inc. Sue Silberbusch, Esq., & Lew Brooks – Owners Treating customers like family is a guiding principle and a way of life for this award-winning team. Sue Silberbusch and Lew Brooks are dedicated to listening intently and matching individuals and families with properties and communities that best suit their needs. Boasting decades of experience in the real estate industry, the "Sue and Lew" team excels in navigating the complicated terrain of the Central Florida market. It's no surprise that Sue and Lew have consistently ranked among the top one percent within their industry. As founders of Seminole County's premier boutique luxury market brokerage specializing in waterfront, golf and beach-front homes and condos, this duo goes above and beyond to get the job done! AWARDS: Institute for Luxury Marketing & Million Dollar Guild Members with sales volume over $300 million. SUE SILBERBUSCH: As an attorney with five law licenses, Sue brings added value to each transaction, putting her legal training and experience in negotiating deals to work on behalf of her clients. Additionally, her contacts with local physicians and executives throughout Central Florida provide a vast source of referrals to the team as well. LEW BROOKS: Recently entering 96 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

his 30th year as a Realtor, Lew continues to enjoy the rewards and challenges of matching clients with homes and properties that will exceed their expectations. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Orlando Regional Realtor Association, National Association of Realtors, Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, Hot 100 Realtors since 2007! As top producers in Seminole County for many years, the "Sue and Lew" team continue to enjoy a loyal client base of physicians, attorneys, business owners, athletes and professionals who consistently give them five-star reviews for their salesmanship, marketing and amazing results.

ORLANDO LUXURY HOMES, INC. 952 International Pkwy.

Lake Mary, FL 32746 Sue Silberbusch, Esq. 407-252-3157 Lew Brooks 407-617-9250 Email: info@orlandolux.com Website: orlandolux.com

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REALTORS

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Tim and Deb Schroeder Infinity Realty Group, LLC Tim and Deb Schroeder are consistently in the top 1% of all Orlando area agents. Their strategic approach to global and local innovative marketing, unparalleled service, and local expertise has helped them deliver a competitive edge to their clients.

As Multi-Million Dollar producers, with record selling achievements, and relentless commitment to clients, they are dedicated to exceeding their clients' expectations. Previous clients continually reward Tim and Deb with repeat and referral business, which is a testament to their dedication and level of service. They work diligently to handle every transaction with integrity, professionalism and honesty. AWARDS, CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: They have received numerous accolades for sales excellence including two Orlando Business Journal Residential Awards for 2018, Orlando Regional Realtor Top Producer Awards, 1 Million Dollar Guild recognition, and an Orlando Real Estate Power Couples award. Tim and Deb also have their Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation, Pricing Strategy Advisor designation, and Certified Negotiation Expert designation. Deb had the highest single agent sales volume in Windermere in 2018, according to the Orlando MLS. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: The strong

www.11443WaterstoneLoop.info relationships developed through assisting buyers and sellers in fulfilling their dreams is Tim and Deb’s greatest professional achievement. OFF HOURS: Tim and Deb are blessed with three amazing children and enjoy spending their time traveling, boating and in other outdoor activities.

Infinity Realty Group, LLC 20 S. Main St., Suite 260 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Phone: 407-234-2256 Email: Deb@InfinityRealtyGroup.com Email: Tim@InfinityRealtyGroup.com Website: InfinityRealtyGroup.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 97

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Simon Simaan SPECIALTY: Residential Properties in Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Orlando, Winter Park, and Winter Garden. BEST REASON TO USE SIMON AS AN AGENT: Excellent Client Satisfaction Rating on Every Deal, Strong Negotiation Skills, Renowned for Integrity and Professionalism, High Level of Construction and Management Experience, International and National List of Clientele, Great Network of Skilled Vendors, and Exquisite Marketing Paired with Exceptional Service. YEARS IN BUSINESS/AWARDS/ PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: The Simon Simaan Group has over 50+ years of combined Real Estate Experience and sold $150 Million locally. Simon is a second generation Realtor.

He is also ranked within the Top 1% of Realtors in Central Florida, Best of Zillow Agent, Orlando Magazine Hot 100 Realtor since 2016, a Certified International Property Specialist, in ORRA’s Gold Top Producer Club, Orlando 5 Star Realtor Award, and a Certified General Contractor in Florida. He is also local to the area since 1985.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Becoming a Realtor and helping clients achieve their dreams. Nothing is more satisfying in his career than attending all of the closings and developing a long lasting relationship with all of his clients for many years to come. GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Walking into a Starbucks in London and meeting the love of his life, Simona. OFF HOURS: Spending time with his family and friends.

Volunteering with local communities and charities. Enjoying the Central Florida Lifestyle.

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The Simon Simaan Group Phone: 407-558-1396 Email: Simon@SimonSimaan.com Website: www.SimonSimaan.com

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REALTORS

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Ken Teixeira EXPERIENCE/AWARDS/HONORS: Ken has more than 24 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been the company-wide Top Producer since 2009. He has been the #1 agent in Florida and among the top 15 nationwide for the entire Weichert Organization for the last three years. Ken is a six-time recipient of the President’s Club Award and has received the Champion's Club Award—the highest honor at Weichert Realtors—for the last four years. This is his eleventh consecutive year to be named to the HOT 100, and he is a three time winner of Orlando Style Magazine's Top 15 Five Star Realtors Award. AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Ken is an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) and among less than 2 percent of Realtors nationwide to hold the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which is based on years of experience and the number and volume of transactions.

He is also Relocation Certified. Memberships include the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, Florida Association of Realtors and

National Association of Realtors. BEST REASON TO SELECT KEN AS YOUR AGENT: Navigating today’s ever-changing real estate market can be a daunting task. It requires business acumen, dedication, broad market knowledge, professionalism, and a passion for real estate. Ken possesses these qualities, and they allow him to maintain his primary objectives: obtaining the best price and terms for his sellers and finding the perfect home for his buyers—while making the process stress free for all!

Weichert-Realtors, Hallmark Properties 163 E. Morse Blvd., Suite 100 Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407-697-4946 Website: kensellsorlando.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 99

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Russie Weidl, PA GRI, ASP, CDPE, REOS Watson Realty Corp.

EXPERIENCE AND AWARDS: When Russie decided to pursue a career in real estate, she made a commitment to be the best, and with over $250 million in sales, she hasn’t looked back! Through the years she has earned the President’s Club and Silver and Gold Pinnacle awards multiple times. She has the distinction of being Watson Realty’s top agent in Central Florida from 2006-2017.

Russie is recognized as a “Five Star Best in Client Satisfaction”

by Orlando Magazine in addition to her recognition as a top selling agent and top producer in Central Florida 13 years in a row.

PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Russie believes in true professionalism, and her customers are always her first priority. Sellers quickly realize from her exquisite staging of their homes to her knowledge of beautiful photos that appeal to potential buyers that she is the right choice. Russie is diligent, compassionate, trust100 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

worthy, patient and always available to answer questions. No one understands the Central Florida real estate market better than Russie. Many have used her services several times through the years and refer their friends and families to her, knowing they will be in good hands, whether buying or selling a home. “IF YOU’RE FUSSIE INSIST ON RUSSIE” 7015 C.R. 46A Lake Mary, FL 32746 Phone: 407-721-8822 Email: Russie@watsonrealtycorp.com Website: RussieSells.com, RussieWeidl.WatsonRealtyCorp.com

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Young and Younger Real Estate Group Homevest Realty Scott Young & Brad Young Ryan Smaldone, Archie Ferguson, Sabrina Dow, Derrick Smith and Yvonne Brittingham Scott and Brad have worked hard to create an incredibly successful business that consistently sells over $50,000,000 of real estate each year. Scott started with Merrill Lynch Realty over 30 years ago back in 1984. Brad came into the business right after the crash of 2009, in a very difficult time to start. The synergy that developed between Scott and Brad quickly doubled their business.

In fact they created more business than the two of them could handle. That led them to search out new, highly motivated agents who wanted to become top producers. They found them in Ryan, Archie and Derrick.

They have a fabulous listing manager, Sabrina. She takes exceptional care of their listings and makes the process as effortless as possible for their home sellers. Their clients love all the feedback!

Their other big administrative advantage is their closing manager, Yvonne. She steps in when an executed contract arrives and takes care of every little detail to ensure a successful and timely closing.

Everyone loves her attention to detail and constant updates.

The team's main goal is to handle all the details of the transaction from contract to closing and have a happy past client as a result. They know it works since most of their business comes from referrals.

1300 E. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 Scott Young: 407-222-7370 Brad Young: 407-454-2529 Website: YOUNGandYOUNGER.com JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 101

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Crystal Adams, PA, CDPE, CRES, CRS, SRS, SFR, LUXE RE/MAX Innovation

SPECIALTY: Residential Sales in Orlando and Surrounding Cities.

BEST REASON TO USE ME: I’m passionate about making clients my #1 priority. I pride myself on getting what they want in an honest, professional way. I strive to make the buying & selling process as stress-free as possible with up-to-date technology, integrity, great communication and marketing. EXPERIENCE/AWARDS: I’ve been in business since 2004. 4 Years in a Row: Agent of the Year Award & In Top 100 RE/MAX Agent for Florida, Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer, ORRA’s Gold Club Level Top Producer, Platinum Club, Orlando’s Top 100 Realtors, Hall of Fame, Voted #1 Agent for East Orlando Real Estate & America’s Top 1%. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: I’m proud of all the awards I receive for my hard work and dedication to my clients. Most of my business comes from referrals from past/present clients and friends who trust and support me. GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: My three amazing children, husband, and giving back to my community.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 3742 Avalon Park E. Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32828 Phone: 407-927-9610 Email: CrystalAdamsRealtor@gmail.com Website: CrystalAdamsRealtor.com

Anne Brownlee, Lynn Jones and Sondra Parsons Anne Rogers Realty Group, Inc.

When it comes to choosing a real estate professional, it’s the little things that make a difference. Whether it’s promptly returning your phone call or taking extra time to explain a financing option, our team is committed to providing professional and personalized service from start to finish.

Our combined experience of over 26 years has collectively generated over $160 million in property sales in the greater Orlando area.

As long-time residents of Orlando, our team has a unique appreciation and understanding of the area that gives our clients a marked advantage.

We are ready and willing to do what it takes to make your next sale or purchase seamless and smooth. We would love the opportunity to get to know you.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 3900 Edgewater Drive, Suite A Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: 407-765-3372 Website: AnneRogersRealtyGroup.com

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Ed Fasula SPECIALTY: One of my first real estate decisions was to concentrate my efforts in my own community of Heathrow. As one of the first residents, I have a unique advantage and knowledge of the home styles, neighborhood qualities, builders and amenities available here. As a result, more than 95 percent of my sales have been Heathrow homes.

YEARS IN BUSINESS: 22. I retired in 1997 as a 747 captain for Northwest Airlines and started selling homes in Heathrow the same year.

GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: I’ve been the top producer of resale homes in Heathrow for 20 years, with more than $350 million in Heathrow sales. Named one of Orlando Magazine’s Hot 100 Realtors for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Named one of Orlando Magazine’s All Star Realtors for 2018 and 2019. Named to the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Heathrow for the past 34 years. With all of the available amenities, it’s like living at a resort!

CONTACT INFORMATION: Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 1120 Townpark Ave. Suite 1042 Heathrow, FL 32746 Phone: 407-766-0923 Email: edfasula@aol.com Website: edfasula.cbintouch.com

Gina Francis

Charles Rutenberg Realty With over 20 years as one of Central Florida’s Top Realtors, Gina considers herself fortunate to live where she works. Her local knowledge is second to none and enables her to provide her clients with a wealth of information about Longwood/Lake Mary Real Estate. Affiliated with the largest Real Estate Company in Central Florida with sales of over $1 Billion annually, whether you are Buying or Selling, she’s a great asset to have in your corner!

As a Broker Associate, her established network of industry experts enables her to help with all of your home buying and selling needs. Well respected by her colleagues and known for her attention to detail and her keen negotiating skills, Gina has earned the elite CNE designation for Negotiation held by only the top 1% of agents. SPECIALTIES: Buyer’s Agent, Listing Agent, Short-Sale, Luxury, 1039 Exchange & Relocation.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 1900 Summit Tower Blvd., #220 Orlando, FL 32810 Phone: 407-492-0999 Email: Gina@GinaSellsOrlando.com Website: GinaSellsOrlando.com

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Jean Gillen

Gillen and Associates Jean Gillen has been a realtor since 1979, and specializes in Investment Real Estate. Consistently among the top dozen Central Florida brokers, Jean is a creative listing broker for homes and selling broker for sellers who works directly with clients. She works 24/7 and collaborates with two great property management groups. In 2018, she sold over $42,000,000 and more units than anyone else in the top groups. She is very knowledgeable and finds opportunities that most realtors have never heard of. Jean is a part of many investment groups and has been interviewed by the best! FREE ADVICE: Interest rates even at 5 percent are very low. Buy 10 houses now, sell five in 10 years, then pay off the other five. Instant retirement!

CONTACT INFORMATION 915 Bonita Dr. Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 321-947-0912 E-mail: jean@gillenandassociates.com Website: gillenandassociates.com Facebook: facebook.com/gillenandassociates

Lynda Miller Lynda Miller is the area’s leading Realtor on being one of the few “Staging Real Estate Agents” and a huge advocate for presentation…which is one of the #1 reasons why a home will sell in a short amount of time and for more money! Lynda’s success stems quite simply from loving what she does, and her passion and creativity can be clearly seen in every area of her life. As one of Watson Realty’s Top Producers for the past six years, Lynda has utilized her creative talents and business acumen to become the area’s leader in staging homes for sales. When entering a home, she knows immediately what needs to be done, plus she has the creative skill to visualize how the home should be staged to sell quickly and for top dollar. Lynda’s success has been recognized with prestigious accolades that include her being named in Orlando Style Magazine’s 5 Star Realtors and Orlando Magazine’s Hot 100 Realtors for 2019. In addition to her charitable and professional accomplishments, Lynda has been happily married to her husband, Bob, a local pharmacist, for 22 years. Her daughter, Katie, attends Rollins College. Ava, her schnauzer, completes her family.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: 407-620-2924 Email: Lynda@millerstaging.com Website: StagingRealEstateAgent.com

104 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

PREMIER

REALTORS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Shelby Norwich Olde Town Brokers

SPECIALTY AREAS: “The Parks” of Orlando: Thornton Park, Delaney Park, College Park, Baldwin Park & Winter Park. BEST REASON TO USE ME AS AN AGENT: My passion and enthusiasm for helping people find the perfect home, coupled with my knowledge and negotiation skills, make me the best agent for any real estate transaction. YEARS IN BUSINESS/AWARDS/HONORS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: 17 years Licensed; Hot 100 REALTORS in Orlando Magazine; Top Producer at Olde Town Brokers for the past 10 years; Orlando Regional REALTOR Association; Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Board; Runway to Hope Committee Member; Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center Circle Member. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: My role in generating substantial growth in Downtown Orlando by assisting in the development of three high-rises from the ground up. I was the head leasing agent for The Waverly on Lake Eola and later the Director of Sales for The Sanctuary and Star Tower.

GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Earning my Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Rollins College. OFF HOURS: I enjoy surfing, bowling, traveling, and spending time with my two pugs, Joshe and Sake.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 11 N. Summerlin Ave., Suite 101 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-227-2838 E-mail: shelbynorwich@oldetownbrokers.com Website: oldetownbrokers.com/agent-detail/ shelby-norwich/145210 Social Media: instagram.com/shelbyleighnorwich

Heather Unger LemonTree Realty

SPECIALTY: New Construction, REO, Modern/MidCentury Design.

BEST REASON TO USE ME AS AN AGENT: One of Orlando’s premier agents, Heather Unger has a fresh approach to real estate with a simple commitment to treat people right and to make the process fun and simple. She brings valuable experience to the table with over 15 years in the industry and 1,000+ transactions under her belt.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Heather is a longtime Central Floridian and a UCF alumnus. She has earned the Hot 100 status 10 years in a row and 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents. She is a constant contributor to many news outlets such as the Orlando Sentinel, HGTV, NAR and Fox35. She has earned the following designations GRI, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, GoldKey, Pricing Strategy Advisor, and Certified Residential Specialist. FREE ADVICE: Always have an advocate on your side, whether you are building new, looking for your first home or selling.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 1833 Edgewater Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: 407-601-4958 Email: heather@lemontreerealty.com Website: LemonTreeRealty.com

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 105

PREMIER

REALTORS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Chris Christensen

Kim Coburn

CONTACT INFORMATION:

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Regal | Christie’s International 7726 W. Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 Phone: 407-312-8003 (Mobile) E-mail: chris@regalrealtyorlando.com Website: RegalRealtyOrlando.com

SPECIALTY: Luxury Residential Real Estate. BEST REASON TO USE HIM AS AN AGENT: Chris has been a Realtor for over 13 years and is the broker and owner of Regal | Christie’s, the exclusive affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate for all of Central Florida. Chris works as a team with his wife Julie and together they close approximately $30M-$40M in luxury residential sales annually. Chris has always strived to take real estate sales to the next level, providing an unparalleled level of customer service and world class marketing, obtaining record sales prices for his sellers, and negotiating the lowest price possible for his buyers. AWARDS/HONORS: Christie’s certified luxury specialist, Hot 100 Realtor for the last 7 years.

RE/MAX Town and Country Realty RE/MAX Town & Country Realty 1315 Tuskawilla Road, Suite 101 Winter Springs, FL 32708 Phone: 407-341-1324 (Direct line) Website: www.KimCoburn.com

SPECIALTY: Luxury Residential Real Estate in Winter Springs and Oviedo.

I started my Real Estate Career 37 years ago, choosing to specialize in the Winter Springs/Oviedo area based on its community bonds, service organizations, excellent schools, parks and convenience to major highways. AWARDS, CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: I am grateful for the many awards and designations that have come my way. These include the REMAX Hall of Fame award, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement award, Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (Million Dollar Guild), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and Accredited Staging Professional. My clients recommend me to their friends and relatives based on my hard work and years of knowledge. I have been an Orlando Magazine Hot 100 Realtor for nine years in a row.

Justin Dalrymple

Beth Hobart

CONTACT INFORMATION:

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mainframe Real Estate

811 N Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-538-7818 Email: Justin@MainframeRE.com Website: MainframeRE.com

Justin was born and raised in Central Florida and it is a privilege he doesn’t take lightly. His commitment to providing top-notch real estate service is fueled by years of local market knowledge about one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the nation. He services the entire Central Florida and New Smyrna Beach areas.

Justin prides himself on providing unparalleled customer service with an unwavering stamina, and an unrivaled tenacity to provide you with an unmatched buying or selling experience. He has helped hundreds of buyers and sellers find investment properties and dream luxury estates to city life high rises and ocean view beach homes.

Anyone that knows him will tell you he’s never without his phone.

He lives, breathes, and dreams real estate to allow him to handle all your real estate needs and call, text, or e-mail him today!

106 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019

Mainframe Real Estate Phone: 407-227-8192 Email: Beth@BethSellsFlorida.com Website: BethSellsFlorida.com

SPECIALTY: Beth specializes in selling residential properties in Downtown Orlando, College Park, Winter Park and surrounding areas. BEST REASON TO USE BETH AS AN AGENT: A Realtor since 2005, Beth has a reputation for impeccable service. Her customers are her first priority, and attention to detail and going above and beyond are paramount. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Over the course of her career, Beth has increased her sales year after year, to become a top ranking Realtor in Central Florida. She has been #1 for closed sales at Mainframe Real Estate since 2016 and was voted Best Realtor in Orlando by Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando 2018.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Board Member Orlando City Foundation, Downtown Orlando Partnership and Historic Preservation Board for the City of Orlando. OFF HOURS: Down-time with her husband, Jim, and leaving the world a little better than she found it, all while drinking copious amounts of coffee.

PREMIER

REALTORS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Matt McKee

McKee & Company CONTACT INFORMATION:

161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Phone: 407-818-1236 Email: matt@mattmckee.com Website: mattmckee.com Facebook: facebook.com/mckeeandco

As a second generation real estate professional Matt McKee has served the greater Orlando area, with a concentration in west Orange County since 1997. He is the broker/owner of McKee & Company, a boutique real estate firm located in charming downtown Winter Garden. Matt enjoys working with luxury homes, first-time home buyers, and everything in between. Matt has been in the Hot 100 for 10+ years and continues to look for new ways to best serve his clients in an ever changing market. He lives by the belief that customer service is not a promise but a way of life. Matt believes in giving back of his time and financial resources. Matt and McKee & Company give 10% of their income to local and international charities, along with serving these same charities.

Nicole Rader

Mainframe Real Estate CONTACT INFORMATION: 811 N Orange Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-484-4743 Email: info@nicoleraderre.com Website: MainframeRE.com

Nicole Rader is actively committed to the success and continued development of the Central Florida area.

Her experience includes over 21 years of real estate sales, as well as a professional and educational background in sales & marketing. Nicole provides full service residential & commercial sale and acquisition services with the market knowledge and personal attention required to make each transaction a success.

Her areas of expertise include metro Orlando, Winter Park/Maitland and Windermere/Winter Garden. She is experienced in all types of real estate from luxury homes to historic bungalows and investment properties. She also enjoys helping executives relocate to the area, and sharing her love of Central Florida. Nicole looks forward to assisting you with your next real estate sale or purchase.

LaShawn Norden, PA

Priority One Homes Team Keller Williams Heritage Realty CONTACT INFORMATION:

1150 Douglas Ave., Suite 2020 Altamonte Springs Phone: 321-377-0157 E-mail: LaShawn@YourHomeOurPriority.com Website: yourhomeourpriority.com Social Media: facebook.com/priorityonehomesteamrealtors

BEST REASON TO USE ME AS AN AGENT: I run a faith-based real estate team focused on giving our clients prompt, personalized and professional representation in the sale or purchase of a home. With more than 30 years’ combined experience, we’ve closed more than 650 homes locally. We have the knowledge and experience that consumers need to make educated decisions. YEARS IN BUSINESS/AWARDS/HONORS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: 17 years in the business, Top 100 Agent, Five Star Award Winner, Certified Negotiation Expert and Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building a reputable business by developing relationships with people rather than counting transactions. Referrals from past clients mean the most to us! OFF HOURS: I love the beach, reading books and going to concerts.

Patricia Sullivan Broker Associate Olde Town Brokers

CONTACT INFORMATION:

11 N. Summerlin Ave., Suite 101 Orlando, FL 32801 Cell: 407-719-6550 Phone: 407-425-5069 Email: PSullivan@oldetownbrokers.com

SPECIALTY: Properties in Estates, Trusts, Probate, and Boutique Commercial.

BEST REASON TO USE ME AS AN AGENT: I’m bright, a strong negotiator, fun to work with, aggressive when needed, and I become great friends with my clients. I use my psychology degree and my graduate training in investment analysis on every transaction. I’ve been in the business since 2004. WHAT SATISFIES ME PROFESSIONALLY: Every sale where both the buyer and seller come out happy. There is such a thing as a WIN/WIN in negotiating. OFF HOURS: Celebrating closings! Also spending time with my family, 3 rescued pups, 4 rescued kitties, mentoring 7 beautiful foster kids, shows at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, and traveling.

FREE ADVICE: Buying real estate is very similar to dating… sometimes it’s so exciting you can’t sleep and sometimes it’s so stressful you can’t sleep. A BIT OF TRIVIA: Saint Joseph statues are worth it.

JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 107

Karen Arbutine REALTOR ®

My main strength is building long lasting relationships with all my clients. My joy is finding these friends their American Dream of homeownership!

With over 17 years of experience, I am known for consistently selling homes for the highest price per square foot in a neighborhood; I currently hold the highest residential home sales on record in Seminole County of $8.2 million. In 2018 I ranked #10 from the over 250,000 RE/MAX agents in Florida, with over $25 million in sales. I am one of only ten REALTORS® in Orlando invited to join The American Dream National TV Network; I film monthly Orlando segments that broadcast to local networks, as well as posts across social media. This adds a wealth of exposure that benefits all my listings.

I bring all my talents to every real estate transaction and I would love to represent you in any life-changing real estate event!

Honesty • Integrity • Experience 407.928.3788

Karbutine@Remax.net GetOrlandoRealEstate.com 300 Primera Blvd, Ste 100 Lake Mary FL 32746

Proud volunteer with Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida

2019-OrlandoMagAd.indd 1

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JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 109

Johnny Walker, Nathalie Bates, Erin Freeman, Frank Mosley, Alison Mosley & Sara Cambron.

2430 Via Sienna Winter Park, Florida 32789

The Mosley Real Estate Team is powered by the husband-wife team of Alison and Frank Mosley and supported by team members Johnny Walker, Nathalie Bates, Erin Freeman and Sara Cambron. Combined with the enduring brand of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, the Mosley Team provides extraordinary marketing services locally and globally for listings at every price point.

Their collaborative approach, creative marketing strategies and exceptional negotiating capabilities have contributed to multimillion-dollar sales volume year after year. The Mosley Team is a proven market leader with an impeccable reputation.

A L ISO N M OSLEY 407.30 4.6 458 | F RANK M OS L EY 4 07.4 8 9.9 5 0 8 J OHN N Y WALKER 407.848.016 8 | NATH AL I E BAT ES 4 07.5 0 9.6 8 2 0 E R IN FR EEMAN 95 4.8 49.79 93 | SARA CAM B RON 3 2 1 . 27 7.8 4 4 4 Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

410 Lakewood Drive Winter Park, Florida 32789

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Let’s talk about RESULTS! I SOLD 46 HOMES in 2017!

#1

IN SALES

BASED ON INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTION

I MOVE HOUSES!

Named Orlando Magazine’s REAL ESTATE’S HOT 100 for 8 years!

TOP REALTOR consecutively for 30 Years!

Triple Gold Award Winner - 100 Billion or more in production

Named Star Performer by the Orlando Regional Realtors!

Central Florida Resident since 1977

As a Christian Realtor, I give God the credit for my success

aroline Moffitt

Little Ms. Moffitt does not sit on her tuffet!”

I MOVE HOUSES

ll Phone (407) 670-9797

l: carolinemoffitt@gmail.com

Website: www.carolinemoffitt.net

This Little Ms. Moffitt does not sit on her Tuffet! I MOVE HOUSES!

Lester, the most handsome pug, is Not for Sale!

CAROLINE MOFFITT “Pray hard, work hard, and run fast” is Central Florida Realtor Caroline Moffitt’s motto.

You probably recognize her alongside her precious pug, Lester, who is featured prominently in all of her advertising.

The secret to her success, she says, is staying grounded and giving back. An early riser, Caroline begins each day at 4 a.m. “I believe in praying and reading the Bible first; it’s a big part of how I start my day,” she explains. After a workout at the gym, she is ready to attack the day.

Born in the Philippines, Caroline was raised by her grandmother, whom she calls a prayer warrior. Although Caroline immigrated to the United States at age 12 and reunited with her mother, who is also

a prayer warrior, her heart remains in the Philippines. She cherishes memories of her grandmother, who founded and was active in a local Philippine church. Caroline continues to support that church, along with other local ministries here in the United States. “I believe in giving and putting God first,” she says.

Her attention to detail and respect for her clients’ needs are key to connecting with them and selling homes quickly.

Caroline credits her faith and prayers as a reason for her success. “You can work day and night, but unless God blesses you and gives you the ability, you’re not going to succeed,” she says.

• Top Realtor in Central Florida for 31 years • Star Performer Real Estate Agent by the Orlando Regional Realtors • Triple Gold Award for highest sales • Named Orlando Magazine’s REAL ESTATE’S HOT 100 for 9 years!!!

• I SOLD 47 HOMES in 2018! (closed and pending)

407-670-9797 CELL PHONE s CAROLINEMOFFITT.NET s INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK & TWITTER

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

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

PAGE 116

ITALIAN DELECTABLE

The lasagne featuring hearty beef Bolognese sauce, béchamel and three cheeses is one of the many delights at Sette. Critic Joseph Hayes says the new venture from the creators of Se7en Bites is a must-visit.

DINE REVIEW

At Sushi Pop in Winter Park, Chef Chau Trin refines the concept and menu that has made his Oviedo restaurant a favorite. And the results are superb.

BY JOSEPH HAYES SUSHI POP WINTER PARK sushipoprestaurant.com 115 E. Lyman Ave. 321-203-2282 Menu and sushi: $5-$18; assortments $14-$56

W

WHEN THE JAPANESE restaurant Sushi Pop opened in 2011, it was

brash and hip, crackling with costume-wearing servers and nonstop anime videos, a grab-you-by-the-lapels wake-up shake to the, frankly, rather sleepy city of Oviedo. Chef Chau Trinh (just “Chau” at the time) brought expertise from a lifetime of kitchens to serve sea urchin and gold leaf-accented sashimi, sauces touched with molecular gastronomy and sushi combining techniques from Japanese, French and Korean cooking.

It eventually became a smash hit, with diners lured by the sophisticated food lurking just below the cartoon atmosphere. When Chau announced last year that a second location would open in Winter Park, just off tony Park Avenue, there were squeals of disbelief and delight.

But for some patrons, the reality of SPWP is a bit . . . disconcerting. It is a different animal than the original, an “adult” version that shows not just on the skin but also in its refined menu. Oviedo’s cooking is remarkable; Winter Park’s is a revelation.

“We’re so overhyped,” says Chau, a 2013 inductee into Orlando magazine’s Dining Hall of Fame. “The bar was so unrealistically high for Sushi Pop in Winter Park, people thought they were going to have fireworks shooting out of their fish, that it would play music.” He looks out the glass doors at strolling shoppers, some peering in to check out the newcomer. “Maybe that is our fault; maybe we should have rebranded it. But I don’t think just having a name should dictate how you cook, or the style, or the culture.”

Not that Chau has ever placed limits on how he cooks. The Winter Park menu offers esoteric cold and hot tastings, such as octopus with Spanish Iberico ham lardo and sunchoke chimichurri, a Japanese version of smoked lox and tortilla “everything bagels,” and gorgeous “Pop-cakes”

114 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019 | DINE

of octopus and scallop pancake with kimchi ($11 to $14).

Select sushi rolls are spotlighted, such as the fascinating Rising Sun ($14) of tempura green beans and tuna, topped with Japanese scallops, daikon sprouts and orange chili sauce. “Winter Park is sort a refined version of Oviedo,” Chau says. “Less rolls, say 10 rather than 15 or more. We really want you to experience the quality of the fish. When you have a really great piece of fish, you’ll remember.” The nigiri and sashimi menus expand on really great (and beyond typical) pieces of fish: king salmon and trout belly, sea perch and butterfish.

The restrained and very Winter Park-y interior may surprise those familiar with Oviedo’s eye-popping everything. Here, sleek Japanese architecture, clean lines and muted hues reign, with fascinating pops of color like a fuchsia tree and a neon sign that says “come what

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Eye-Popping Cuisine

The master at work: Chef Chau builds one of his omakase creations.

MAYBE YOUR CUP OF TEA SEEN FROM OUTSIDE, the South Eola business owned by mother-daughter team Flor Maria Velez and Keishla Estela looks like an antique store, or a particularly pretty workshare space. But once you’re inside, the bright white space with its wall of vintage mirrors, cubbies filled with cups and pots, and welldressed young women (and men) conversing at tables set with lace runners reveals itself as a mannered and tasteful spot for afternoon tea.

ROBERTO GONZALEZ; TEA: THE TEA ROOM EXPERIENCE

Omakase wonders include (clockwise from above) striped jack, apple, green olives; king salmon, cucumber, candied ginger; otoro nigiri-sea urchin, started on opposite page.

may …” (“It was our song at my wedding,” Chau says.)

“We did some amazing things in Oviedo. We knew we were committed to quality, but we didn’t know the level of teaching we had to do for our guests … teach them how to eat things, and try new things they didn’t even know they wanted.” He pauses.

“And it took a while. You want to get to a point where they’re like, ‘We don’t care. We trust you.’

And we’ve reached that point in Oviedo. Winter Park is about being able to push that boundary a little bit more. With this restaurant, we’re able to focus more on the fish, more tasting menus, omakase, special dinners, and be able to pull those things off.”

“We wanted a grown-up version of Oviedo,” he says. “We didn’t want a copycat.”

Several days after our conversation, I returned to Sushi Pop-Winter Park to sample that focus

with an omakase, where the diner surrenders control to the chef. In the hands of a chef like Chau, it is transcendental, a rock star view at the bar of razor-sharp knives, exotic and often rare ingredients, and a combination of talent and taste that distills Japanese cuisine to its finest. At least a dozen small, often one-bite courses (after a while it was hard to keep track of the number) brought tastes and textures that could revive the interest of even the most jaded eater. Sweetheart oysters followed

by Japanese bream. Bluefin tuna.

Shima-aji striped jack belly.

Tenderloin carpaccio with diver scallops. Uni from Peru, California and Japan became a lesson in terroir and texture. Three different tunas, with an instruction to “eat it as soon as I put it down, one bite, immediately.” Tasmanian trout belly drizzled with barrel-aged maple syrup. An extraordinary display of curation from an extraordinary chef. Fortunately for everyone, these ticketed marvels happen once a month, 16 seats at a time, for $135 a person.

Of course, being in Winter Park also means Sushi Pop is not alone anymore.

“I don’t mind competition,” says Chau. “It breeds pushing boundaries. It makes me work

harder. I’m pretty comfortable in Oviedo. This new baby,” he laughs, “requires a lot of attention. You don’t know sometimes why it cries, you don’t sleep a whole lot, and then you’re happy but then you’re crying. We’re still growing.”

Since his days working in his mother’s restaurant when he was seven, Chef Chau has observed, absorbed and endeavored to elevate what comes out of the kitchen. With the new Sushi Pop, he’s getting very close to the penthouse.

Lunchtime Journey ChauHaus, the lunch service within Sushi Pop WP, runs Wednesday-Sunday, shifting the kitchen’s focus some 2,500 miles from Japan to Vietnam. “I grew up with this food. These dishes come directly from my mom’s kitchen.” The casual presentation of what Chau calls “Southern Vietnam’s greatest hits” is sophisticated cuisine, reflected in Chau and mother Mai Tran’s renditions of phó, based upon rich, complex soups like 16-hour beef broth and a chicken stock alive with star anise, coriander and cardamom; generous rice and noodle bowls; and Saigon-worthy bánh mì with baguettes developed with Olde Hearth Bread Co.

Just past its third anniversary, The Tea Room Experience is purely for tea, finger sandwiches and sweets—no breakfast or lunch—Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special events for Easter, Mother’s Day and this month’s Daddy & Me tea on June 15 attract families.

“We meet amazing people,” says Velez, who plans an expansion.

Estela is a certified sommelier from the International Tea Masters Association, selecting teas for drinking and including in scones, cupcakes and cookies (all the baking, except for bread for those tiny sandwiches, is done on premises).

Afternoon tea—including a choice of leaf, organic and herbal teas, the finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with house-made Devonshire cream, and miniature pastries—is $19.99; smaller assortments and a special kids’ tea run $11.50 to $13.

420 E Church St., Orlando 407-219-4380 thetearoomexperience.com (reservations required) —J.H.

DINE | JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 115

DINE REVIEW

In Sette, Va Propst and Trina Gregory-Propst have a winner, with menu items like meatballs made with eggplant or pork and beef.

The new Italianinspired spot from the creators of Se7en Bites is a magnificent revelation along Lake Ivanhoe.

BY JOSEPH HAYES SETTE 1407 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-704-7771 setteitalian.com Menu: $9-$39

T

TRINA GREGORY-PROPST AND

Va Propst opened their iconic bakery and breakfast spot Se7en Bites in 2013. It has made Trina a local food hero, and the restaurant was featured on several Food Network shows, the pair competing twice on Guy Fieri’s Grocery Games.

But the overflow-popular Se7en was, the couple readily admit, Trina’s sweet dream. With Sette, an “Italian-inspired” restaurant in a corner space with an enviable overlook of Lake Ivanhoe, Va gets her wish, and a superb one it is.

Va Propst has sometimes been left out of the public image of Se7en Bites, which is fueled by her more outgoing wife. But, as she says, “It not like I wasn’t the gravy slinger. I built the savory over there.” The idea of Sette has always been, to put it in culinary terms, on the back burner. “As soon as we bought and opened the other space,” Va says, referring to Se7en’s larger relocation on Primrose Drive in 2016, “I said, ‘I need my Italian restaurant.’ ” Trina says, “This is something we’ve discussed since July of 2013, when we got married, three months before Se7en Bites opened. We had a spectacular meal

116 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2019 | DINE

in a little restaurant in Brooklyn and after that she said, ‘This is what I want to do.’ We’ve been testing this menu for four years.”

That testing has yielded deceptively simple-sounding bites such as the meatball antipasto ($11)—roasted eggplant or pork and beef spheres in rich tomato gravy on a bed of polenta, a small swirl of whipped ricotta atop. It is a meal unto itself. “My son,” Trina says, “has grown up with those meatballs since he was five and would [otherwise] only eat chicken nuggets and hot dogs.”

Every dish is made in-house including the pastas, extruded and sheet, up to 100 pounds a day, created on the kitchen’s powerful machines that might be Va’s favorite toys.

Tastes and textures are fascinating: arancini rice balls ($11) filled with heady gorgonzola and figs; a tantalizingly harmonious dish of blistered grapes, sausage and fennel ($11); or a stack of very thin, very crispy eggplant parmesan ($19) with tomato jam, three cheeses and that house pasta in fragrant pesto cream.

“We wanted to take the things you would find in a countryside

Crunch for All Va’s pasta rollers turn out a rich lasagna ($23) made with one continuous noodle pleated around hearty beef Bolognese sauce, béchamel and three cheeses. “You know when you make lasagna,” she says, “you always want the crunchy corner? Ours are individually made, with crunchy corners all the way around. You get the best piece every time.”

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Another Delicious Bite

home at someone’s grandmother’s who, when you come in and you may have just eaten in town, she’ll say ‘you look hungry,’ ’’ Trina says. “We wanted to find a way to translate what we do into a rustic Italian concept.”

Sette resides on the piece of land the duo had eyed as the original home of Se7en Bites. In the past five years, the property has been, in rapid succession, Elliot’s Public House, Nova and Stir, following decades as the mutable and somehow always dive-y Brian’s Diner, which attempted renewal repeatedly from when it opened in 1977 (a section of the plot was Nora’s Lake Ivanhoe Wine & Cigars for several years).

With Sette, there’s a new casual sophistication in the brick walls and industrial seating, the pewter-looking flatware, meatballs served in tiny iron skillets, and the covered patio with views of the lake, an ideal spot for one of the restaurant’s crafted cocktails.

Trina looks over at her partner in all things with a tear in her eye.

“I’ve never seen her so happy,” she says, “doing what she loves.”

The usually reserved Va breaks into a grin. “I get to make pasta.”

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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

%

Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner

AFRICAN

Boma-Flavors of Africa Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407939-3463. 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 littleknown wines from Indian vineyards. $$$ Ẃ

AMERICAN

903 Mills Market 903 S. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-8984392. 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., Orlando 407-996-6686. acecafeusa.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Happy Hour, runs from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays. And with car or motorcycle “meets’’ most every night— from Mustangs to Mopars, hot rods to Harleys—the hours are even happier (Thursday is Bike Night).

Inside, Ace’s menu is classic American, with Buffalo wings, meatloaf, and all manner of burgers. $$ %Beth’s Burger Bar 25145 S. Orange Ave., Edgewood 407-888-1190; 9938 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-203-8100. bethsburgerbar.com L-D daily. Winner of the Dining Awards’ Readers’ Choice for Best Local Burger the past four years. Owner Beth Steele and her crew offer an impressive array of mouthwatering creations in an informal, welcoming atmosphere.

The Peanut Butter Burger is truly tasty, topped with grilled onions, cheddar cheese and A1 sauce. And if you dare, order the Double D Challenge—a four-patty burger featuring eight slices of bacon and five different cheeses. Win a T-shirt if you finish it! $-$$ California Grill Disney’s Contemporary Resort 4600 North World Drive, 15th Floor, Lake Buena Vista 407939-3463. 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

 Ẃ

2019 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’ 2019 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.

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. $$$$ Ẃ %Chef’s Table at the Edgewater 99 W. Plant St, Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstable-attheedgewater.com D nightly. Kevin and Laurie Tarter’s restaurant has ruled the chef’s table category for more than a decade and 2019 was no exception, as it captured the top pick from our readers. Chef de Cuisine David Lampman came to Chef’s Table in 2009 and is now the main hand in the kitchen, executing Tarter’s culinary vision with plates of lowcountry perloo, New Orleans-influenced fish, and fork-tender osso buco. $$$$ Ẃ Earls Kitchen+Bar The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-345-8260. earls.ca L-D daily BR Sat.-Sun. This upscale casual chain offers delicious diversity in its menu. Try the avocado “Super Toast,’’ the combo platter of ribs and chicken, the bacon cheddar burger, or the Korean bibimbap of fresh and pickled veggies in a stone rice bowl. The cocktail menu includes Bees Knees, a concoction of Aviation gin, Cointreau, bitters, lemon and honey. $$-$$$ Ẃ Everglades Restaurant Rosen Centre 9840 International Drive, Orlando 407-996-9840 ext. 3610. evergladesrestaurant.com D nightly. Nestled in a sprawling hotel complex and aimed at celebrating regional Florida food, Everglades specializes in prime steaks and seafood as well as more unusual items such as gator chowder and marinated buffalo. $$$ Ẃ %Farm & Haus 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando 321-4306627. farmandhaus.com B-L-D daily. Winner of the 2019 Readers’ Choice for Best Healthy Selections and Best Takeout. Patrick and Brittany Lyne operate the brick and mortar part of their enterprise at the East End Market, with offerings such as a sesame noodle bowl, kale & white bean soup, and a honey butter chicken biscuit. Recently the dinner service has expanded into a mobile truck operation around Baldwin Park, with plans to expand. Sign up, you’ll get a text when they’re in the area and you can order from that night’s menu and have it delivered to your door. $-$$ 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. Winner of the 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Desserts and Best Independent Bakery, this 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. You might be

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unable to resist taking home one of The Glass Knife’s gorgeous cakes. $$ Graffiti Junktion 700 E. Washington St., Thornton Park 407-426-9503; 2401 Edgewater Drive, Orlando 407-377-1961 and eight other Orlando area locations. graffitijunktion.com L-D daily; BR Sun. Graffiti Junktion specializes in burgers. Items like the Iron City Burger (topped with a fried egg and Canadian bacon among more traditional toppings like American cheese and onions) are complemented by daily happy hour specials and themed nights throughout the week. $-$$ %Greens & Grille 4104 Millenia Blvd. #114, Orlando 407-770-1407 greensandgrille.com L-D daily. Voted Best Salads by our readers in the 2019 Dining Awards, this popular spot in a strip center next to the Mall at Millenia offers an abundance of signature salads, from the Summer Sweets (Romaine, spring mix, cucumbers, slices apples, orange segments, candied almonds and dried cranberries) to the The Fall (spring mix, sweet peas, grilled onions, dice beets, roasted potatoes and goat cheese). You can also “make your own’’ and there’s a wide selections of sammies available too. $ %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 puts Hillstone at the top among readers nearly every year in the categories of Outdoor Dining and View. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Keke’s Breakfast Café Multiple Orlando-area locations. kekes.com B-L daily. Voted Best Breakfast by readers for the past four years, this Orlando-based chain has more than a dozen local outlets offering a wide selection of pancakes (enormous), waffles, French toast, omelets, egg combos and more. $ Marlow’s Tavern Five Orlando-area locations. marlowstavern.com L-D daily. This cozy tavern puts a gourmet spin on classic American cuisine and offers a wide selection of beers. Try one of their popular cheeseburgers, the blackened fish tacos, or white cheddar shrimp and grits. Among the desserts is the fried banana split. $$ %Maxine’s on Shine 337 N. Shine Ave., Orlando 407674-6841. 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 2019 Readers’ Choice for Neighborhood Restaurant and a new inductee into the Dining Hall of Fame. $$-$$$. Ẃ Omelet Bar 2250 Strategy Blvd., Orlando 407-7041597. omeletbar.com B-L daily, BR Sun. This eatery across from UCF shines with overstuffed build-yourown 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 407-5980700. 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 Best Burger from both the judges and the public in our 2018 Burger Battle. $-$$ 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 offers plenty of breakfast fare favorites, from standard eggs and sausage to gravy and biscuits. 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.” $ 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. $$-$$$.  Swine & Sons Provisions 669 N. Orange 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 2019 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 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 hand-ground 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 Asian Street Fare 1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407-237-0606; 9100 Conroy Windermere Road, Windermere 407-583-6334. eathawkers. com L-D daily. Chefs specializing in cuisines from Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Hong Kong put a modern twist on family recipes to create tasty fare like crispy cod with black bean sauce, kimchi fried rice, chicken eggrolls, green papaya and shrimp salad, and wok-fired green beans. $ 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 wellthought-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. $$$ Ẃ Noodles and Rice 813 N. Mills Ave., Orlando 407895-8833. noodlesandricecafe.com L-D daily except closed Tuesdays. The menu at Noodles and Rice is extensive and this unassuming Mills 50 spot gets just about everything right. Try the hot pots, Korean seafood pancakes, house ramen or the wonderful Thai basil fried rice. $ %Poke Hana 1225A E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407 601-0283. poke-hana.com L-D daily Our 2019 Critic’s Pick for Best Casual Dining. Amid the vast wave of new poke restaurants, this homegrown spot brings a level of quality seldom seen in fast food. There’s good, sushi-quality rice, fish brought in daily (with sourcing information posted), and interesting non-tuna items (tuna is poke of choice) like kimchee octopus, Hawaiian-roll sliders, poke nachos and house-made crispy rice taco shells that stick in your teeth—but you still love them. Fast, friendly, and very, very good. $$ 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 2019 Readers’ Choice winner in the Barbecue and Ribs categories. The lines at 4 Rivers can get long, but the succulent barbecue sandwiches, delectable brisket and home-style sides are worth the wait. The baked cheese grits are magnificent. Owner John Rivers is the winner of our critic’s Impact Award for his continuing efforts to give back to the community. $-$$ Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-B-Que Five area locations. bubbalous.com L-D daily. This local chain is a good bet for a quick barbecue fix. Tender smoked pork is sliced Virginia-style onto soft sweet buns. Try the award-winning ribs (available with mild, hot or killer sauce) and the fried okra. $-$$ 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. $-$$$.

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING The Polite Pig Disney Springs, Town Center 407-9387444. disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining L-D daily.

The culinary powerhouse that is the Petrakis family trots out exemplary barbecue and more in a locally sourced, artisanal restaurant disguised as a fast food outlet. It’s all here: pulled pork sandwiches, St. Louis ribs, and coffee-scented, amazingly tender brisket.

But the Pig also offers delectable surprises like a salmon BLT (with bacon jam and marinated tomato), cracklings, charred broccoli, barbecue cauliflower, chicken salad made with meat from the smoker—and even a house-brewed beer. $-$$$

CAJUN/CREOLE

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

CARIBBEAN

%Bahama Breeze Five area locations. bahamabreeze.com L-D daily. A themed delight that has dominated the Caribbean category of our Dining Awards for many years, Bahama Breeze showcases interpretations of island cuisine, including jerk chicken, West Indian patties, fried plantains, and seafood paella. A terrific family dinner destination. $$-$$$

CHINESE

Chef Wang’s Kitchen 5148 W. Colonial Drive 407-9303188 L-D daily except closed Tuesday. At this hidden treasure inside a strip mall, Chef Jian Hua Wang creates memorable dishes such as deep-fried eggplant and potatoes sautéed in sweet soy sauce and garlic. Pork dumplings are simple dim sum-sized packets, perfectly pan-fried with crisp wrapping and savory filling. Other specialties range from sweet and sour shredded potatoes to a ginger steamed whole fish. Sichuan styles are represented in dan dan mein, which are hand-pulled round noodles topped with ground pork, hoisin, five spice powder and hot chili oil. $$ Ming’s Bistro 1212 Woodward St., Orlando 407-8989672 L-D daily. This out-of-the way Mills 50 spot offers dim sum worthy of San Francisco.. Feast on sesame balls, roast pork buns, shrimp dumplings and items you may not recognize (like chicken feet or jellyfish). In addition, a full menu of Hong Kong-style entrées offers enticements—order the duck. $ Peter’s Kitchen 3922 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407895-8174. peterskitchencb.business.site L-D daily except closed Wednesday. Residing in a nondescript building that has housed all manner of eateries over the years, this spot serves delicious dim sum that gets rave reviews from diners. Other menu items include squid with ginger and scallions, Peking duck, honey garlic chicken, and jumbo shrimp with walnuts. $$ P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Winter Park Village, 436 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-0188; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-345-2888. pfchangs.com L-D daily. Chinese-inspired foods from the creators of Fleming’s steak house, so you know the beef dishes will be good. $$-$$$ Ẃ %Taste of Chengdu 2030 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-839-1983 facebook.com/tasteofchengdu L-D Tue.-Sun. Winner of Best Chinese from both readers and our critic for 2019. Chef Xiong “Tiger” Tang puts his authentic spin on Sichuan dishes that include the sweat-inducing seasonings of his home country, with offerings like whole lobster with peppers, brisket in chili sauce, or tofu skin with chive sauce. Tang says he gets fresh peppers—called huajiao—from his brother in the Sichuan province. $$-$$$

CREATIVE/CONTEMPORARY

1921 Mount Dora 142 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352385-1921. 1921mountdora.com L Wed.-Sat.; D Tue.Sun. BR Sat.-Sun. In this small-town setting, diners are surrounded by furniture and artwork from the nearby Modernism Museum as they enjoy dishes like Ponce Inlet tilefish, seared Maine scallops and crispy duck leg. There’s also a Sunday night supper, which features main courses like Southern fried chicken, ham steak and jambalaya. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Artisan’s Table 55 W. Church St.., Orlando 407-7307499. artisanstableorlando.com B-L-D daily; BR Sat.Sun. Simple ingredients and exemplary preparation are the hallmarks of this downtown spot. Daily specials include Meatloaf Monday, Chicken and Dumplings Wednesday and Fried Chicken and Waffles Friday. And don’t miss the fish and chips, a special on Thursday. $$-$$$  Bar 17 Bistro Universal’s Aventura Hotel, 6725 Adventure Way, Orlando 407-503-6000. universal-orlando. com D daily. This 17th-floor gem boasts stunning views and an inventive menu from Chef “Mousse’’ Benhamacht. The fried rice is saturated with rich flavors, adding charred baby cornlets, crisp Brussels sprouts leaves, a fried egg and seared prosciutto ham to pan-fried rice. Choices in bao buns include braised pork belly, duck confit with turmeric citrus aioli and fantastic firecracker shrimp with a chili glaze. A great place for after-theme-park cocktails. $$-$$$ The Boheme Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown 407-313-9000. grandbohemianhotel.com B-L-D daily; BR Sun. Chef Laurent Hollaender lays out an amazing array of items for Sunday brunch, from oysters and crab legs, to waffles and omelets, to house-made charcuterie and decadent desserts. Evening fare includes sherry-baked Chilean sea bass and cognacflamed pepper steak. $$$$ Ẃ Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando (Lake Nona) 407-313-7800. canvaslakenona. com D daily, L Sun. Canvas is a multicultural mélange of tastes, with influences of Latin, Caribbean, New Orleans, and Cuban. The pork belly and ham sandwich and the smoked fish dip are winners, as are most of the shrimp dishes. Don’t miss Canvas’ take on mussels, meaty shellfish served in a blend of tart tomatillo and spicy chili. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive, Orlando 407-248-2222. cafetututango.com L-D daily. Go with a group and share, as Café Tu Tu Tango’s menu is full of inventive items—all in appetizer-sized portions. Cajun chicken egg rolls and Dutch salad made with caramelized onion flatbread, dried cranberries, pine nuts and goat cheese are typical selections. $$ 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. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Chatham’s Place 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407345-2992. chathamsplace.com D Mon.-Sat. Wooden wine racks line the walls enclosing only 15 tables, creating a cozy atmosphere to enjoy high-quality dishes and attentive service. The few select items on the menu, such as the Portobello mushroom soup and duck breast entrée, intrigue the palate. $$$$ Ẃ

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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. $$$$ Ẃ %Fig’s Prime 1188 Commerce Park Drive, Ste. 1002, Altamonte Springs 407-960-1300. figsprime.com LMon.-Fri; D nightly. Our Critic’s Choice for Undiscovered Restaurant in our 2019 Dining Awards. Chef Victor Gonzalez, a veteran of the Orlando dining scene, demonstrates a mastery of many cuisines, whether Continental, American or Caribbean. The delicious offerings range from a remarkably thick 8-ounce prime sirloin to veal scallopini to a magnificent paella. The Mediterranean seafood zuppa is crowded with lobster, calamari, clams, scallops and shrimp cooked in a zesty marinara sauce. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park 407-998-8090. thealfondinn.com B-L-D daily. At the site of the late, great Langford Hotel, standout entrees with a European flavor are created, including the olive oil poached snapper, honey glazed pork belly, and ahi tuna served over tomato and eggplant caponata. The watermelon salad is a delicious, deceptively simple palate cleanser between courses. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Itar Bistro and Market 7065 Westpoint Blvd., Orlando. 407-757-055. itarbistro.com L-D Mon-Sat. 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. $$$ Ẃ %Luke’s Kitchen and Bar 640 South Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-674-2400. eatatlukes.com L-D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Cocktails in the 2019 Dining Awards. The barrel-aged and draft cocktails coming from the bar are outstanding: The on-tap Jaguar, consisting of Elyx vodka, Boomsma Beerenburger and Lindsay bitters, grapefruit, apple and lime is complex enough to occupy most of the evening and complements what Luke’s calls “classically inspired libations.” In the kitchen, the creative fare from Brandon McGlamery’s team ranges from mustard breaded pork to cast-iron trout with lentils. $$$ Ẃ Luma on Park 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park 407599-4111. lumaonpark.com D nightly. Executive chef Brandon McGlamery offers fine dining with a sustainable twist, creating a changing menu that focuses on using locally sourced ingredients.

Standouts include the Idaho rainbow trout with black beluga lentils and julienned zucchini, and the roasted Ashley Farms chicken with butternut squash puree, cider-glazed Brussels sprouts and red onion marmalade. $-$$$$ Ẃ 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. $$$  MOOR Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. 407-586-1101. marriott.com L-D daily. A one-of-a-kind dining experience on a 60-foot ship deck within a hotel. Specialty Chef Phillip Fisher oversees the dishes, including creations like she-crab soup and Gulf-caught white shrimp atop Anson Mills white corn grits. The flatbreads are special—particularly the house-smoked duck and goat cheese—as well as the chicken and waffles, using chicken from Lake Meadow Naturals made with scratch ricotta cheese and drizzled in maple syrup-reduced pan drippings. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Mrs. Potato 4550 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407-290-0991. mrspotato.net L-D Mon.-Sat. Winner of our 2019 critic’s Best-Dressed Potato Award. It sounds simple: grated potatoes, grilled into a saucer shape. But the Brazilian delicacy called a rosti potato originated in Switzerland, uses a national signature cheese (catupiri) developed by Italians and is way larger than you can imagine. The South American batata Suíça takes the idea of crisp hash browns and fills them with gooey, savory goodness like ham and cheese, beef stroganoff, Buffalo chicken. Rafaela Cabede’s exemplary creations have been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. $-$$ %Norman’s Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-393-4333. normans.com D nightly. Our 2019 Critic’s Pick for Best Restaurant continues to prove the relevance of New World cuisine first championed by its namesake chef, Norman Van Aken. The menu, with flavors of the Caribbean, Pacific Rim, Latin America and Florida, comes from a continuing conversation between Van Aken and Executive Chef Andres Mendoza, producing superb dishes such as almaco jack fish in red sauce, and tempura fried octopus with squash broth. $$$$ Ẃ %The Osprey Tavern 4899 New Broad St., Orlando 407-960-7700. ospreytavern.com L Tue.-Sat., D Tue.-Sun., BR Sun. This Baldwin Park spot offers a fascinating menu that includes whole grilled branzino, bolognese, duck breast, and cottage pie with braised short ribs. The desserts and fresh-baked brunch creations from Pastry Chef Kristy Carlucci— a 2019 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame—are must-haves. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Primo JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando 407-393-4444. primorestaurant.com D nightly. After winning the coveted James Beard Award, Chef Melissa Kelly and her pastry-chef husband, Price Kushner, opened the Grande Lakes Marriott branch of Primo. The warm, woodsy restaurant offers items such as rack of lamb with figs, casarecce pasta with clams and mussels, roasted chicken breast with lima bean ragout, and pan-seared diver scallops with risotto. The produce comes from Primo’s on-site garden. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ The Rusty Spoon 55 W. Church St., Orlando 407401-8811. therustyspoon.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly.

Chef Kathleen Blake 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 Dr., Orlando, 407412-6979; 1185 Spring Center South Blvd., Altamonte Springs, 407-960-2605. santiagosbodega.com L-D daily, BR Sun. This tapas-style restaurant, with its artfilled dining room and captivating lounge, captured Best Brunch from readers in our 2019 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. $$ Ẃ Strong Water Tavern Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, 6601 Adventure Way, Orlando 407-503-5000. loewshotels.com/sapphire-fallsresort D daily. Chef Carlos Castaño presents a dazzling menu of items from Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Colombia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico in this rum-centric small-plate restaurant disguised as a hotel lobby bar. Best bets: the Peruvian Trio, three servings of classic ceviche of corvina; beef and sweet plantain hash; pollo patron, shredded chicken atop fried green plantain slices with a spicy tomato hogao; and Jamaican curry goat. More than 60 types of rum are available from the bar, most in a three-shot tasting flight. $-$$ Ẃ %The Tasting Room 99 W Plant St., Winter Garden 407-230-4837. chefstableattheedgewater.com D Mon.-Sat.; BR Sun. Take your taste buds on a trip to the Bayou: Chef Kevin Tarter infuses his Louisiana upbringing into every dish at this sidekick to the adjoining Chef’s Table. The tapas-style dining includes items like smoked fish dip, fried chicken livers with smoked sausage gravy, fried green tomatoes and New Orleans shrimp and grits. The craft drinks are outstanding. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Appetizers in our 2019 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. $$$$ Ẃ Urbain 40 8000 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando. 407872-2640. urbain40.com L-D daily. The melting pot of tastes at this Restaurant Row standout includes bouillabaisse Provencal, an exquisite offering of Northeastern mussels, clams from Cedar Key and wild-caught shrimp in a tomato, saffron and fennel broth with a touch of Pernod. Other winners: the Angus burger with pimiento cheese, onion jam and Bearnaise sauce; a richly flavored chicken Alfredo; and a magnificent shrimp lo mein. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Victoria & Albert’s Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Lake Buena Vista 407-824-1089. victoria-alberts. com D nightly. Reserve far in advance for Orlando’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. Award-winning Executive Chef Scott Hunnel and Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera prepare outstanding seven-course prix-fixe meals in the main, very intimate dining room, the 10-course splendor of dinner in Queen Victoria’s Room, and a 10-course extravaganza right in the kitchen at the Chef’s Table. $$$$ Ẃ Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Disney Springs West Side, Lake Buena Vista 407-815-2100. wolfgangpuck.com/ dining/orlando-bar-grill L-D daily. The Grand Café that was Puck’s in name only is but a distant memory. This new venture showcases the legendary chef’s true talents as well as those of Executive Chef Michael Tiva, with standout dishes of pasta, seafood and pizza. Try

the pappardelle in traditional Bolognese meat sauce; the poached and seared Florida red snapper with clams and mussels; and Puck’s signature smoked salmon pizza. $$$-$$$$ 

CUBAN

Black Bean Deli 325 S Orlando Ave. Suite 1-1, Winter Park; 1835 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-628-0294. blackbeandeli..com L Mon.-Sat., D Mon.-Fri. 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 musthave to top off the meal. $ Columbia 649 Front St., Celebration 407-566-1505. columbiarestaurant.com L-D daily. The oldest restaurant chain in Florida, serving authentic, upscale Cuban fare from sangria to paella in a decidely Spanish, Old World-style dining room. The merluza “Russian style” is especially interesting. Live music plays in the tapas lounge. $$$ Ẃ Cuba Libre Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-226-1600. cubalibrerestaurant.com D nightly. In this massive setting reminiscent of a Cuban hacienda courtyard, chef/partner Guillermo Pernot offers a magnificent menu that features classic Cuban recipes as well as bold adaptations. The contemporary items include Citrus Grilled Brick Chicken in mango sweet and sour gravy. Classic Cuban items are offered as well, like Ropa Vieja—shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and red wine and served with maduros and steamed white rice. $$$ Ẃ Padrino’s Cuban Bistro 13586 Village Park Drive, Orlando 407-251-5107. padrinosbistro.com L-D daily.

From the markets of 1930s Cuba to present-day Orlando, generations of the Padrino family have been nourishing people with authentic Cuban cuisine. Try the white bean “caldo gallego” soup and citrus-marinated lechon asado pork. Finish with house-made Tres Leches cake. $$ 

DESSERTS AND BAKERIES

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. A steamy sample: Peanut Butter Perversion (peanut butter mousse on a chocolate chip cookie dough crust with salted chocolate bark). Or try the Lavender Lipstick, a honey-rimmed glass of Proseco dripping with lavender syrup. $$  Blue Bird Bake Shop 3122 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-228-3822. bluebirdbakeshop.com Open Tue.Sun. Get your sweet and coffee and have a seat, or order your bounty to go. Either way, be prepared to choose from more than two dozen varieties of cupcakes—including sweet potato, red velvet, Snickerdoodle, apricot ginger and even a chocolate Guinness beer cake. $ Buttermilk Bakery 1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park 321-422-4015. buttermilk-bakery.com B-L Tue.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. Taissa Rebroff, her brother Phillip and mom Lana bake everything that graces the everchanging 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. $

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries 3213 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 407-898-9561. charliesgourmetpastries. com Open Mon.-Sat. A longtime Orlando favorite, Charlie’s creates items such as checkerboard cake, rainbow cookies and mincemeat pies that have become nostalgic and forgotten treats elsewhere. There also are elephant ear pastries, cream cheese rugelach and real coconut macaroons, but it’s the overstuffed fruit pies and butter-laden cakes that have kept people coming back for 50 years. $-$$ 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. $$-$$$  %The Greenery Creamery 420 E. Church St., #112, Orlando 407-286-1084. thegreenerycreamery.com Open daily noon to 9 p.m. Our critic’s 2019 selection for Best Ice Cream. Consider these flavors: Cardamom rose. Chocolate orange olive oil. Black ash coconut. Consider the taste buds that developed Lady Marmalade, sweet milky ice cream with angel food cake and orange marmalade swirls. Owner and opera singer Marie Mercado uses all-natural (although sometimes unusual) ingredients and Dakin Dairy Farms milk for her small batch, handcrafted marvels of dairy and vegan treats. $ Olde Hearth Bread Co. Audubon Park retail, 407622-0822; wholesale 407-834-8881. oldehearthbreadcompany.com Mon.-Sat. Famous in Central Florida for artisanal baked goods, Shannon and Janice Talty’s company, celebrating its 20th year, makes about 18,000 pieces of bread a day, everything from pretzel rolls and braided challah to banana bread and pumpkin muffins. They supply nearly 275 business customers that include theme parks, hotels and restaurants; individuals craving the goodness can find it at Olde Hearth’s retail outlet in East End Market or at farmers markets in Winter Park and Maitland. %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 seem endless, from banana cream to caramel maple pumpkin to—wait for it—chocolate peanut butter & sea salt pie. But Stacey and Ed Tomljenovich also specialize in the savory, including a pork and chicken handpie with prosciutto; and a meat loaf, mashed potato and green beans creation. Winner of our critic’s 2019 Upper Crust Award. $-$$

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 2019 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 407647-1869. lecafedefrance.com L-D Tue.-Sat. 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. $$$ Ẃ %DoveCote 390 N. Orange Ave., Orlando 407930-1700. dovecoteorlando.com L Mon.-Fri., D Mon.-Sat., BR Sun. Chef Clayton Miller’s goal is to present “approachable French comfort food’’ and he delivers, with consistently superb creations that range from a killer onion soup and magnificent chicken pâté, to dishes such as short ribs and grilled chicken whose exacting technique belies their simplicity. DoveCote captured Best Wine List from our critic for 2019, with drinkmeister Gene Zimmerman devising the perfect complements to Chef Miller’s creations. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %Le Coq Au Vin 4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando 407-851-6980. lecoqauvinrestaurant.com D Tue.Sun. Winner of the 2019 Readers’ Choice Award for Best French. An Orlando mainstay since 1976, this French restaurant combines classic cuisine such as the signature coq au vin (chicken in Burgundy sauce) with Southern specialties—New Orleansstyle gumbo and boudin sausage do have French roots, after all. $$$ 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. $-$$$ %Taverna Opa Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-351-8660. tavernaoparestaurant. com L-D daily. This 12-year-old I-Drive mainstay scored a trifecta among readers in our 2019 Dining Awards poll, capturing Best Restaurant, Best Greek and Best Late-Night Dining. It’s a fun spot—there’s lively music, belly dancing, dancing among diners and napkin-throwing. But Taverna also pays attention to the menu, with selections like branzino (the European sea bass), slow-roasted lamb, Nisiotiko (“the Greek paella’’), and moussaka.. $$-$$$$ 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 407-240-5151. 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. $ 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 Chinese-influenced cui-

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sine. A great way to experience the dishes is with the South Indian thali, or platter, with its variety of offerings ranging from poriyal (a dry spice blend surrounding fresh okra) to sambhar (a lentil-based vegetable dish flavored with tamarind). Other best bets: iddly Manchurian, a Chinese-influenced lentil cake, and dosa, crepes wrapped tortilla style around vegetables. $$.  %Tamarind 501 N. Orlando Ave., Suite 149, Winter Park 321-207-0760; 12309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-237-0920. tamarindfl.com L-D daily. Owner/ Chef Amit Kumar uses slow-roasted spices to create out-of-this-world flavors at this jewel, selected Best Indian cuisine by our readers in the 2019 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

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Downtown Disney, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-938-0300. raglanroadirishpub.com L-D daily.

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

ITALIAN

Antonio’s 611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6451035 antoniosonline.com L-D daily. In the dining room upstairs, Chef Patrick Tramontana offers entrees like Pollo Marsala, or braised lamb shank with Parmesan risotto and sweet peas., while the informal cafe and market downstairs boasts a variety of pizzas, salads, meats, pastas and more. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Bice Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando, 5601 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-1415. biceorlando. com D nightly. Tucked into an upstairs corner at the Portofino, Bice brings Orlando the seductive pastas, risottos and entrées that have made the chain an Italian favorite in numerous locations around the world. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Cala Bella Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-996-3663. calabellarestaurant. com D nightly. Stimulating Italian fare, including great risotto and lamb chops, is served in a beautiful dining room at this sprawling hotel. The desserts are fabulous, too. $$$$ Ẃ Christini’s Ristorante Italiano Dr. Phillips Marketplace, 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Dr. Phillips 407-3458770. christinis.com D nightly. Owner Chris Christini has wowed diners with his meticulously prepared old-school menu since 1984. The Linguine alla Genovese Is a perfectly balanced pasta dish with pesto sauce and distinct flavors of garlic and pine nuts, while Chicken Scaloppine al Marsala combines rich wine sauce with sauteed mushrooms and a thinpounded chicken cutlet. $$$$ Ẃ Enzo’s on the Lake 1130 S. 17-92, Longwood 407834-9872. enzos.com L Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Antipasti of roasted vegetables, marinated seafood and imported salamis begin the feasting at Enzo’s, a longtime family-owned Italian restaurant in a lakeside house. Dover sole, rarely seen on today’s menus, is a specialty. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-960-5533, francescos-rist. com L-D Mon.-Sat. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Italian in the 2019 Dining Awards. The pizza is primo at Owner/Chef Francesco Aiello’s restaurant, 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. $$-$$$ 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 Nonno’s Ristorante Italiano 1140 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs 407-260-8900. nonnositalianrestaurant.com L Tue.-Sat., D Tues.-Sun. 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, thin-sliced pastrami to fried risotto arancini balls and Calabrese roasted eggplant. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Pizza Bruno 3990 Curry Ford Road, Orlando. pizzabrunofl.com D daily, L Sat., BR Sun. Bruno Zacchini’s tiny eatery is a draw not only for your average pizza lover but also local kitchen celebs seeking the goodness of his Neapolitan soft dough pie. Zacchini keeps it simple—crushed plum tomatoes and fresh cheese for a pizza subtle in taste and a great base for toppings including hot soppressata, clams and woodfired pineapple. $-$$ 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 %Retro Station 5749 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee 407-219-9299 retrostationrestaurant. com D daily except closed on Tuesday. The Readers’ Choice for Best Pizza in our 2019 Dining Awards. The offerings at this spot in the Highway 192 tourist area range from basic the All You Need Is Meat (ground beef, salami and pepperoni) to the Portuguesa (ham, onions, black olives, tomatoes, boiled eggs and oregano). Retro Station also offers a wide selection of main dishes like chicken parmesan, salmon alfredo and shrimp scampi. $$ Rocco’s Italian Grille & Bar 400 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-644-7770. roccositaliangrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Guests can expect a true Italian experience from owner-chef Rocco Potami. Part of that experience, set in a vintage 1940s building, involves indulging in multiple courses, otherwise known as primo e secondo piatti. Diners are encouraged to arrive hungry—very hungry. Menu standouts include the Scaloppine di vitello alla Rocco—veal scaloppini topped with roasted red peppers, prosciutto and Fontina cheese, deglazed with white wine and finished with a rich demi glace sauce. $$$. 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

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 407-960-1228. domufl.com D daily; BR Sat.-Sun. 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. Winner of our dining critic’s 2019 Empire-Building Award (Nguyen has opened a second restaurant and more are on the way), as well as Readers’ Choice for Best Ramen. $$ Dragonfly Robata Grill 7972 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-370-3359. dragonflysushi.com/orlando D daily. Executive chef Ray Hideaki Leung’s 1,000-degree grill imparts a quick outer crisp and sublime taste to squid, mackerel, ribeye, lamb chops and a variety of other meats and fish. The sushi and sashimi selections are plentiful: The signature Classic roll with albacore tuna, whiite fish and scallions is sauced, then baked, for a combination of sweet, spicy and savory.

Dragonfly has one of the best happy hours around. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Kabooki Sushi 3122 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407228-3839; 7705 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando kabookisushi.com D daily. Chef/Owner Henry Moso has a passion for Japanese culture that is reflected in his inventive menu: Kazan scallops with a spicy green peppercorn coconut sauce, and tempura duck breast with Thai basil sauce. Sushi offerings are equally creative—kokonutsu lobster roll combines tempura lobster, creamy avocado, salty roe, citrus, honey, soy and toasted coconut. $$$

2019

DINING AWARDS READERS CHOICE

The votes are in & Cocina 214 is a fan fave!

Best Mexican/Tex-Mex 1st place Best Happy Hour 1st place Best Place for Cocktails 1st place Best Appetizers 2nd place

Thanks for all the Votes!

Come try our AwardWinning Menu!

451 S. Atlantic Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32118 407.790.7997

cocina214.com

151 E Welbourne Ave Winter Park, FL 32789 386.456.3168

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING %Kadence 1809 Winter Park Road, Orlando kadenceorlando.com B Sat.; L Thu.-Sat.; D Tue.-Sat. Our Critic’s Pick for Best Japanese in the 2019 Dining Awards.

From this tiny eatery in Audubon Park, Mark Vyan Berdin, Lordfer Lalicon and Jennifer Bañagale create culinary jewels like Japanese skipjack and salmon roe, deep red bonito and pearly cuttlefish. The challenges are learning to literally “trust the chef” (the meaning of omakase)—and to get one of the nine seats. Fortunately, pre-ordered takeaway chirashi bowls are available for lunch and dinner. Kadence is an anomaly, a big-city, big-ticket treasure that succeeds because of, and in spite of, its uniqueness. Reserve online. $$$$ %Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Seven area locations. kobesteakhouse.com D daily. A perennial Readers’ Choice for Best Japanese. Teppanyaki chefs grill a variety of meat and seafood dishes as well as vegetables and fried rice right at your table. That always entertaining spectacle may be why our readers also picked Kobe as Best Family-Friendly Restaurant for 2019. $$$  %Seito Sushi 4898 New Broad St., Orlando 407898-8801; seitosushi.com L-D daily. Voted Best Sushi by readers in our 2019 Dining Awards. 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 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. $-$$ Zeta Bar & Sushi Lounge Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407597-3600. hiltonbonnetcreek.com/dining/zeta-barsushi-lounge D daily. Whether you’re gathering for lively conversation or to catch your favorite game, this sophisticated hotel spot offers an abundance of traditional and signature sushi rolls, sashimi and noodles, along with innovative hand-crafted cocktails, wines and beer. $$-$$$ 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 Chef-Owner Tony Teng serving up a feast of Korean delights like bulgogi (thin-sliced marinated sirloin); cheese buldak (spicy chicken topped with mozzarella); and a variety of Korean BBQ combos. BBB also offers excellent soon tofu soup, with seafood, short ribs, ramen, dumplings and more as options. Every meal comes with an assortment of house-made side dishes called banchan, ranging from kimchi and pepper-basted turnip to bean sprouts and citrus-dressed shredded cabbage. $$-$$$  Seoul Garden 511 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland 407-5995199 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 407-8957345. 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

%Bem Bom on Corrine 3101 Corrine Drive, Orlando 407-960-5101. facebook.com/bembomoncorrine L-D Tue.-Sun. Our readers’ pick for Best New Restaurant in the 2019 Dining Awards. Chef/Owner Chico Mendonca has transferred the goodness of his Portuguese food truck to this bricks-and-mortar location in Audubon Park. Try the Rockin’ Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, piri piri chicken, and the papo secos rolls—a Portuguese favorite that Mendonca serves with nearly every dish. Another offering that the faithful crave: Bem Bom fries, tossed with Thai chilies, Thai basil, white truffle oil and Parmigiano Reggiano. $$-$$$ 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 El Inka Grill 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 407930-2810. elinkagrill.com L-D daily. Chef-Owner Ivan Colombier draws on European influences for a culinary lineup that spotlights fish, ceviche and potatoes. Try the tagliatelle pasta, served coated in pesto with grilled chicken or skirt steak. Another winning dish is the sampler of causas, a column of pureed potato topped with chopped chicken salad, shrimp and octopus. Ceviches wear all manner of colorful frocks: white fish in red pepper sauce; salmon in citrus; grilled lobster marinated in intense aji amarillo peppers. $$-$$$  %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 2019 Dining Awards. Mango’s

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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. $$$  %Peru Power Food Truck 407-790-8863. facebook. com/perupowerfoodtruck Chosen by readers as Best Latin and Best Food Truck in the 2019 Dining Awards.

Fernando and Carroll Melgarejo’s truck has become a familiar sight around Central Florida, offering delights like fish and calamari tacos, potato-and-fried-eggstacked burgers, and ceviche. Their Facebook page is kept up to date, informing fans where they’ll be next.

A second food truck, Jama, serves a different menu of Peruvian street food, including fried pork belly over mac ‘n’ cheese. $-$$ %Tapa Toro 8441 International Drive, Orlando 407226-2929 tapatoro.restaurant L-D daily. Voted Best Spanish Restaurant by readers in our 2019 Dining Awards, with Chef Frank Galeano also capturing the Best Chef category among the diners. Tapas are a big draw here, as well as paella, with versions of the rice dish showcasing seafood, as well as chicken and lamb. But Galeano also emphasizes healthful selections like a roasted eggplant “steak’’ with cauliflower, capers, kale and raisins, as well as an herbed chicken sandwich with grilled vegetables and red pepper aioli. $$-$$$ Ẃ

MEDITERRANEAN

%Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Four Orlando-area locations. bosphorousrestaurant.com L-D daily.

Chosen by readers as Best Middle Eastern cuisine in our 2019 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 familyowned restaurant. Bosphorous has locations in Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona and, most recently, Winter Garden. $$-$$$ 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. $$$$  Villa de Flora Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-586-1114. gaylordpalms.com B-D daily; BR Sun. Make your way around the Mediterranean market-like buffet and enjoy such dishes as Valencian seafood paella, osso buco with gremolata, and chicken cacciatore. Villa de Flora also has one of the more popular Sunday brunches in the area. $$$ Ẃ

MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

Agave Azul 4750 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando 407704-6930; 900 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 321972-3414. 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 Tue.Sun. At this this farm-to-taco eatery in the Mills 50 District, John Calloway creates hand-pressed corn tortillas and emphasizes savory rather than spicy.

Crispy red grouper tacos—beer-battered fish piled with pickled cabbage, avocado and fresh cilantro— are one of the richly flavored delights. Also try the smoky achiote pork, slow cooked in a banana leaf for 36 hours and layered with pickled onion, cilantro and a fruity, mellow habanero salsa. $-$$ %Cocina 214 151 E. Welbourne Ave., Winter Park 407-790-7997. cocina214.com L-D daily. This restaurant just off Park Avenue is a perennial winner for Best Mexican among readers in our annual Dining Awards—2019 makes the eighth year in a row it has topped the category, and Cocina also captured reader wins for Cocktails (superb Margaritas) and Happy Hour. The extensive menu includes entrees like achiote rotisserie chicken and corn-crusted mahi, as well as a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and flautas. And the annual Running of the Chihuahas each May is a hoot. $$$ 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 achioteseasoned 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. $$-$$$$  %Hunger Street Tacos 2103 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-444-6270. hungerstreettacos.com L-D Mon.-Sat., BR Sat. Brothers Joseph and David Creech, winners of our critic’s 2019 Rising Stars Award, present delectable tacos, quesadillas and tostadas that define the real Mexico. Try the suadero, seared marinated brisket with cilantro, lime and an avocadotomatillo sauce. Two taco offerings that leap from classic to fusion are the “Grilled Cheese,’’ melding halloumi, refried beans, Serrano-lime salsa and mint; and a panko-fried avocado wedge, served with shredded cabbage, pepper-lime crema and queso cotija. $-$$ 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-pepperrubbed 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 407868-9007. reyesmex.com L Mon-Fri; D daily; BR Sat.Sun. 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; hamachi tostadas with salmon roe, lime aioli and crushed pea-

nut chile oil; chicken mole with roasted cauliflower and baby carrots; and whole or fileted line-caught snapper with roasted tomatoes, olives, capers, lemon and rice. $$-$$$  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. Winner of both the critic’s and readers’ picks for Best Sandwiches in the 2019 Dining Awards. 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 basil-manchego aioli. Servings are large—and multi-napkin 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. Chef Joseph Burnett is creating casual masterpieces in downtown Winter Garden, including sandwiches, soups and salads. The Buffalo chicken sandwich is a magnificent combination of tender beer-braised chicken, fragrant Marbleu blue Monterey Jack cheese, house-pickled celery and house-made ranch and Buffalo sauce. Other winning sandwich combinations: carved roast beef and horseradish; pulled pork and Oaxaca cheese; and jack fruit with whiskey barbecue sauce. $ %Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando 407-894-0865. pompomsteahouse.com L-D daily (open 24 hours Fri.-Sat.).

This Milk District favorite offers two dozen inventive sandwiches and an array of salads. Try the Fu Man Chu sandwich, a wild combination of Asian-spiced pulled pork, goat cheese and ginger-cranberry chutney. Chef/Owner Pom Moongauklang is a 2019 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame. $ %TooJay’s Gourmet Deli Six area locations. toojays. com L-D daily. Winner of the Readers’ Choice for Best Deli in our 2019 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 Seafood, Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Service in the 2019 Dining Awards. Deep blu shines with an inventive menu that features selections like lobster with seafood stuffing, blu crab crusted grouper, and seafood Cioppino. Or try the black and blu linguine: Squid ink is blended with the pasta to create silky, black strands, which Chef Wade McLamb mixes with fresh blue crab, arugula, cherry tomatoes and tops with shaved parmesan. A must-order is the blu crab mac n’ cheese. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ %Eddie V’s 7488 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-355-3011. 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 Kung Pao Calamari. Our 2019 Readers’ Choice for Best Restaurant for a Business Dinner. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ FishBones 6707 Sand Lake Road, Orlando 407-3520135; 7005 County Road 46A, Lake Mary 407-5812399. fishbonesorlando.com D nightly. FishBones serves just-caught seafood along with aged steaks and prime rib in a relaxed yet refined Key Westthemed dining room. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Flying Fish Disney’s Boardwalk, Lake Buena Vista 407-939-3463 disneyworld.disney.go.com D daily.

The cuisine created by Chef Tim Majoras, our Critic’s Choice as Best Chef in the 2019 Dining Awards, is magnificent, with the menu adapting to the seasons and availability. Items like St. Augustine soft shell crab, Cedar Key clams and rock shrimp take full advantage of local specialties. The Hokkaido scallops with grits, sweet corn and peppadew is superb. $$$$ Ẃ %Hemingway’s One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando 407-239-1234. grandcypress.hyatt.com D daily. This Keys-themed restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has delighted diners for more than three decades. The shrimp scampi is impressive—jumbo tiger shrimp with pappardelle pasta and fried green tomatoes in white wine butter sauce. Other winners include the Seafod Paella Valencia and the crab cakes served with sweet corn coconut grits. And you must stop by the bar so that Fred Rhode, a 2019 inductee into our Dining Hall of Fame, can craft you a Papa Doble—spiced rum, Bacardi, orange and pineapple. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Johnnie’s Hideaway 12551 State Road 535, Orlando 407-827-1111. johnnieshideaway.com D nightly. This modern Caribbean-styled dining room serves simply prepared quality steaks and fresh fish to emphasize old Florida and Floribbean cuisine. Johnnie’s is complete with a lakeside Hideaway Tiki Deck & Raw Bar. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ 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

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DINE RECOMMENDED EATING 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. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Paddlefish Disney Springs, 407-934-2628 paddlefishrestaurant.com L-D daily. Aboard a docked paddleboat that was once Fulton’s Crab House, this Disney standout’s menu is extensive, with charred octopus and lobster corn dogs among the starters. The main courses include scallops with brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon; and the market catch with Macadamia nut crust, red curry and crab fried rice. There’s all manner of seafood boils as well, and landlubbers can opt for a steak, chops or chicken. $$$$ Ẃ Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen 1234 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-543-3474. reelfishcoastal.com L Tue.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. At Reel Fish, in the former Ravenous Pig location, restaurant veteran Fred Thimm takes an upscale fish camp vibe and runs with it. The restaurant’s takes on “fish camp classics’’—fried shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish—are flawlessly cooked, with a slightly salted batter. The fish dip boasts flaked trout mixed with matchsticks of green apple. $$-$$$  Todd English’s bluezoo Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-1111. swananddolphin.com D nightly. Chef/ TV personality Todd English runs this contemporary seafood restaurant. The over-the-top design sets the stage for the menu’s “coastal cuisine,” essentially a fusion of flavors from the U.S., Europe and Asia. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Winter Park Fish Company 761 Orange Ave., Winter Park 407-622-6112 thewinterparkfishco.com L-D Mon.-Sat. With signature seasonings and housemade sauces, this quick-service restaurant is a must for any seafood lover. The wine list features a selection of California wines to enhance any meal. Be sure to try the lobster roll and the savory hushpuppies. $$-$$$ 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 2019 Dining Awards. 4 Rivers barbecue king John Rivers’ venture into fried chicken, catfish and other down-home cuisine has produced pretty much perfection. Some standouts: fried green tomatoes on a BLT, housemade 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 Cast-Iron Quail with Hoppin’ John, and Brown Butter Trout.

Other winners are the shrimp and grits, and The Southern Spread—an assortment of pimento cheese, pickles and smoked fish dip. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ House of Blues Downtown Disney, 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-934-2623. hob. com L-D daily; BR Sun.. For a casual bite to eat at Downtown Disney, this Southern-Soul restaurant does the trick. Opt for the fried shrimp po’ boy or the jambalaya, and reserve time for the famous buffet Gospel Brunch on Sundays. $$ Ẃ Soco-Southern Contemporary Cuisine 629 East Central Blvd., Orlando 407-849-1800 socothorntonpark.com D daily; BR Sun. Chef Greg Richie delivers delicious down-home cuisine highlighted by creative twists, including lobster, shrimp and grits;

pecan-crusted pork chop; buttermilk fried chicken; molasses-braised short ribs; and fried pickled oysters.

There’s also an impressive lineup of craft cocktails. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

STEAK HOUSES

Bull & Bear Waldorf Astoria Orlando, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando 407-597-5500. bullandbearorlando.com D nightly. 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 panroasted Colorado lamb. $$$$ Ẃ The Capital Grille Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando 407-370-4392; The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando 407-351-2210. thecapitalgrille.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Dry-aged steak, doting service and a 300-plus-label wine list are the calling cards of this upscale steakhouse. Try creative alternatives such as Kona-crusted sirloin with caramelized shallot butter. The classic décor is D.C.centric—you’ll expect to see a senator dining nearby. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Charley’s Steak House 2901 Parkway Blvd. Suite A1, Kissimmee 407-396-6055; 8255 International Drive, Orlando 407-363-0228. charleyssteakhouse.com D nightly. Charley’s custom-built pit gives steak, chicken, chops and fish a distinctive flavor, and a list of over 800 wine selections makes for the ultimate steakhouse experience. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster 729 Lee Road, Orlando 407-645-4443. 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 2019 Dining Awards poll, and also captured the Best Old Favorite category.

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. $$$ Ẃ Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 9150 International Drive, Orlando. 407-351-5074 delfriscos. com L Mon.-Fri.; D daily. Offering prime steak and fresh-off-the-boat seafood, this I-Drive restaurant also boasts two floors, two bars, four private dining rooms—and a wine list of more than 1,200 selections. $$$$. Ẃ Eleven at Reunion Resort Reunion Resort, 7593 Gathering Drive, Reunion. 407-662-1170. reunionresort.com D Tue.-Sat. Situated atop the 11-story Reunion Grande building, Eleven boasts stunning 360-degree panoramas of the area. Menu offerings include 1855 Premium Black Angus filet, New York strip and sirloin, along with 21-day dry-aged ribeye and Porterhouse. All are seasoned with a housemade 11-spice blend. Among the seafood items are sea bass with smoked cabbage and pecan brown butter. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 933 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-699-9463; Dellagio Plaza, 8030 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando 407-352-5706. flemingssteakhouse.com D nightly. With a contemporary dining room and 100 wines by the glass, Fleming’s is a lively take on steak houses. All cuts are aged USDA prime corn-fed beef. $$$ Ẃ 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

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Kres Chophouse 17 W. Church St., Downtown Orlando 407-447-7950. kresrestaurant.com L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. Kres’ urban panache attracts downtown’s see-and-be-seen crowd, who fill its dramatic booths to try out sizzling steaks and chops. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ A Land Remembered Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando 866-996-9939. landrememberedrestaurant.com L-D daily. Themed around Patrick Smith’s novel of the same name, which chronicles a Central Florida family’s experiences around the time of the Civil War, A Land Remembered serves a menu centered on steaks from the Harris Ranch. $$-$$$$ Ẃ Linda’s La Cantina 4721 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-894-4491. lindaslacantinasteakhouse.com D Tue.-Sun. Linda’s has been serving steaks to Orlandoans for more than 70 years. It specializes in steak and seafood, with all of its USDA choice steaks cut on site.

Enjoy a cocktail at the fire fountain lounge before your meal. $$-$$$  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. $$$$ Ẃ Old Hickory Steakhouse Gaylord Palms Resort, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee 407-586-1600 gaylordpalms.com D nightly. Designed to look like a rustic Everglades retreat, Old Hickory emphasizes naturally aged, grain-fed Angus beef with your choice of toppings, plus seafood and handcrafed artisanal cheeses. The award-winning wine list is extensive, offering more than 40 different Cabernet Sauvignon selections alone. $$$$ Ẃ The Palm Hard Rock Hotel, 5800 Universal Blvd., Orlando 407-503-7256. thepalm.com/orlando D nightly. Lavish steaks and giant lobster tails are this high-end restaurant’s delicious bread-and-butter. The Palm—filled with 1920s and ’30s caricatures—traces its origins back to 1926, when Italian natives opened the first location in New York City. Don’t miss the jumbo lump crab cake or the ahi tuna. $$$$. Ẃ Ruth’s Chris Steak House Winter Park Village, 610 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park 407-622-2444; The Fountains, 7501 Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips 407-226-3900; 80 Colonial Center Parkway, Heathrow 407-8048220. ruthschris.com D nightly. A top-quality restaurant with a reputation for excellent service, Ruth’s Chris serves each steak sizzling hot on a 500-degree plate to preserve the beef’s temperature and flavor. The 11-ounce filet is divine, while the 40-ounce Tomahawk ribeye is an eye-popping cut of meat. The roasted Brussels sprouts, lobster mac & cheese, and fire-roasted corn are among the side dish standouts. $$$$ Ẃ Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops The Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando 407-313-8625. spencersforsteaksandchops.com D Tue.-Sat. You’ll find modern twists on classic American cuisine at this steak house. Steaks are aged 21 to 28 days in-house and beautifully seared to order. $$$$ Ẃ

Texas de Brazil 5259 International Drive, Orlando 407-355-0355. texasdebrazil.com L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. Texas de Brazil is a splendidly executed Brazilian churrascaria. Waiters stop at tables to offer chunks of seared, tender meats, and the salad bar is bursting with additions such as roasted red peppers and imported cheeses. $$-$$$$ Ẃ %The Venetian Chop House Caribe Royale Resort, 8101 World Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407238-8060. cariberoyale.com D Mon.-Sat. Winner of our 2019 Readers’ Choice award for Most Romantic Restaurant. 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, filet mignon, veal chop with porcini butter, and an herb-crusted pork chop. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ

THAI

Sea Thai 3812 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando 407-8950985. 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 spicy-food lovers, there’s something delicious for all, from the spicy beef salad to the garlic chili fish to the popular crispy Panang duck. Voted Best Thai by readers in our 2018 Dining Awards poll. $$ %Thai Blossom 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 407-905-9917. mythaiblossom.com L-D daily. The Readers’ Choice winner for Best Thai in our 2019 Dining Awards. 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. $$

VEGETARIAN

%Dandelion Communitea Café 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea. com L-D Mon.-Sat, L Sun. Winner of Best Vegetarian from readers in our 2019 Dining Awards.

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. 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 407-9995255. infusionorlando.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat, L-D Sun. It wasn’t the first tea shop in College Park, but Infusion certainly started the alternative vibe in this neighborly neighborhood. A center of the local art, crafting and writers’ scene, the kitchen serves fresh-made soups, salads and sandwiches with an organic and local slant, along with dozens of flavored and exotic teas. $

%Market on South 2603 E. South St., Orlando 407613-5968 marketonsouth.com B-L-D Mon.-Sat., B-L Sun. The 2019 Critic’s Choice for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. 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’’). $-$$ %Proper & Wild 155 E. Morse Blvd. Winter Park 407543-8425 properandwildwp.com L Mon.-Fri; D Tue.Sat.; BR Sat.-Sun. This recently opened gem from Chelsie and Jamie Savage offers sophisticated menu items like burgers made from lentils and shiitake mushrooms, and a winter squash curry that doesn’t flaunt its meatlessness so much as make you question the need for meat at all. Other delights: chickpea fries, avocado caprese, and Heartcakes (young palm, bok choy, mustard frills, panang remoulade). Our critic’s choice for Best Plant-Based Restaurant in the 2019 Dining Awards. $$  The Sanctum Café 715 N Fern Creek Ave. Orlando 407-757-0346. thesanctumcafe.com B-L-D Mon.Sat.; BR Sun. Chef/Owner 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 407423-8539. littlesaigonrestaurant.com L-D daily. This Mills 50 District mainstay 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.

Chosen as Best Vietnamese by our readers in the 2019 Dining Awards. 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.

407-750--7063 jrsatticdoor.com Afternoon tea Sat. Sun.; D (snacks/small plates) Tue.-Sat. This eclectic spot proclaims itself “the swankiest little wine bar and live music venue around.’’ Relax with a glass of wine in one of the mismatched chairs or leather sofas amid the funky array of lamps and tables. Recently added: traditional afternoon tea service on Saturday and Sunday, with fresh-baked scones, finger sandwiches and desserts. $-$$ Blue Martini Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Suite 1182, Orlando 407-447-2583. bluemartinilounge. com Open daily. Live music, cocktails accented with glow sticks, trendy bar foods and a lively dance floor lure upscale singles. $$-$$$ Ẃ Bösendorfer Lounge The Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S. Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando 407-3139000. grandbohemianhotel.com Open daily. Black marble, red stone and mirrors, plus an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano, create an edgy and upscale environment for martinis, indulgent nibbles, casual power meetings and entertainment. $$$-$$$$ Ẃ Eden Bar 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland 407-6 291088. enzian.org L-D daily. Taking a cue from Hapsburg beer gardens, Eden offers a bucolic outdoor setting right outside the Enzian theater. Local and international beers and a good selection of wines snuggle up with salads, nachos and sandwiches, along with Austrian goulash and unusual pizzas (potato and bacon, anyone?). $$ 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.” $-$$$ Ẃ %The Vineyard Wine Company 1140 Town Park Ave., Suite 1260, Lake Mary 407-833-WINE. thevineyardwinecompany.com Open daily. The Readers’ Choice winner for Best-Kept Secret and Best Wine List in our 2019 Dining Awards. With a variety of tapas, lunch and dinner entrées, desserts, and platters to accompany your wine, this spot is more than just a lounge. Sit back with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while enjoying the live music Tuesday through Saturday. $-$$$ 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 2019 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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MASCOT MANIA

About 30 mascots from the NBA, NFL, MLB and more—including Stuff of the Orlando Magic—compete in gladiator-themed games to determine the mascot champions, June 21-22. Proceeds benefit New Hope for Kids.

SCENE ON THE TOWN SEAWORLD ELECTRIC OCEAN Through Sept. 1: As the sun sets on select nights, the park comes alive with exciting nighttime shows and electrifying music. Guests are immersed in a sea of wonder that ends in a fireworks finale. Included with theme park admission. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando. seaworldparks.com 2019 APPLAUSE AWARDS SHOWCASE June 1: Hosted by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and modeled after the Tony Awards, this showcase celebrates the achievements of Orlando-area high school teachers and students involved in musical theater and features performances from participating high schools, plus an awards ceremony. 7:30 p.m.

445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org EATONVILLE CRAFTS & CULTURE MARKET June 2: 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 FESTIVAL OF THE SEA June 8: This festival features multiple seafood vendors, a beer-and-wine garden, arts and crafts, and a children’s play area. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Orlando Festival Park, 2911 E. Robinson St., Orlando. gopartylive.com/festivalofthesea SUMMER GRAPE STOMP June 8-9: Enjoy live music as the grapes are brought in for stomping at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. A portion of the proceeds from this event is donated to Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 N. U.S. Highway 27, Clermont. lakeridgewinery.com

SPECIAL EVENTS ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND FESTIVAL May 31-June 3: Formerly known as Orlando Gay Days, this festival kicks off June Pride Month with international DJs, daytime pool parties, and nightly events happening in and around the Walt Disney World parks. OMW headquarters can be found at the host hotel, the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando. onemagicalweekend.com

EPCOT’S INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Through June 3: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens placed throughout this Disney World theme park’s World Showcase. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. epcotinspring.com

VETERANS FLORIDA EXPO June 15: Career fair for veterans and active duty members featuring workshops, keynote speakers, networking opportunities and a Shark Tankstyle “Battle of the Pitches,” with graduates of the Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program competing for funding. 8 a.m. Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando. facebook.com/veteransflorida WORLD BEAUTY SPECTACULAR June 15: Some of the world’s top fitness and fashion models take to the stage. 5 p.m.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org CRUZ ’N CAR SHOW June 15: Approximately 275 vehicles of all makes and models park along Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden with WJBJ Cruisin’ with the Classics providing entertainment. Free.

4-8 p.m. cwgdn.com

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

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ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Through dance and music, Flamenco Alboreá presents “A Journey to Andalucia,” with two performances June 2 at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, p. 132.

ONGOING EVENTS LEU GARDENS CELEBRATES DADS June 16: Explore 50 acres of botanical gardens with free admission for all fathers on their day.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org FLORIDA FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS June 20-23: The first act of six never-before-produced musical works are read and sung concert-style, without staging, by casts of professional actors and musicians. Winter Park Playhouse, 711 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. 407-645-0145. winterparkplayhouse.org MASCOT GAMES June 21-22: Approximately 30 mascots from professional sports teams compete in zany games. Proceeds benefit the local charity New Hope for Kids. Friday 12:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m.

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando.

407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com PECHAKUCHA NIGHT ORLANDO V26 June 29: Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “chitchat,” this night of learning rests on a simple idea—20 images in 20 seconds—keeping the presentations concise and moving rapidly. 6 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. pechakucha.com/cities/orlando

MUSIC THE ABBEY 100 S. Eola Drive, Orlando. 407-704-6261. abbeyorlando.com June 14: Remo Drive, 8 p.m.

June 20: Cavetown and Chloe Moriondo, 8 p.m.

June 21: Mama Mia!—The Abbey Sing-Along Series, 8 p.m.

June 28: Brown Eyed Women, 8 p.m.

AMWAY CENTER 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com, ticketmaster.com June 1: Pentatonix, 7:30 p.m.

June 8: Florence + The Machine, 7:30 p.m.

June 16: Twenty One Pilots, 7 p.m.

June 23: Wisin & Yandel, 7 p.m.

THE BEACHAM 46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thebeacham.com June 18: J.I.D.—Catch Me If You Can Tour, 7 p.m.

BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com June 2: Slide Show—The Corey Paul Cortet featuring Pat Gullotta, 3 p.m.

June 4: Chris Cortez, 8 p.m.

June 5: Bobby Koelble Band, 8 p.m.

June 6: Marco Bojorquez Band, 8 p.m.

June 8: Nate Najar’s Swing Quartet, 8 p.m.

June 11: Chris Cortez Trio, 8 p.m.

June 12: Scott Dickinson Trio, 8 p.m.

June 13: Dick Oats and Terell Stafford Quintet featuring Adam Nussbaum, 8 p.m.

June 14: Lisa Kelly/JB Scot 5tet with guest saxophonist Dan Jordan, 8 p.m.

June 15: Brian Charette Trio featuring Jeff Rupert and Marty Morell, 8 p.m.

June 18: Chris Cortez Quartet, 8 p.m.

June 19: Julian Bond, 8 p.m.

June 20: Steve Luciano Trio, 8 p.m.

June 23: Robbin The Bank CD Release Party, 3 p.m.

June 25: Cortez and Koelble, 8 p.m.

June 26: John DePaola Quintet, 8 p.m.

June 27: Eddie Marshall Trio, 8 p.m.

June 29: The Conglomerate, 8 p.m.

June 30: Eddie Marshall’s Blue Bamboo Big Band, 3 p.m.

ADDITION FINANCIAL ARENA (formerly CFE Arena) University of Central Florida main campus, 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., Orlando. 407-823-3070. cfearena.com June 8: Freestyle Explosion, 7:30 p.m.

June 13: Camilo Sesto, 8:30 p.m.

June 21: Jon Bellion—The Glory Sound Prep Tour, 7 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org June 20: Brit Floyd—The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, 8 p.m.

June 22: Kingdom Hearts Orchestra—World of Tres, 8 p.m.

HARD ROCK LIVE 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com June 10: “Weird Al” Yankovic— Strings Attached, 8 p.m.

June 14: Classic Albums Live— Prince “Purple Rain,” 8 p.m.

June 28: TLC—rescheduled from Jan. 25, 8 p.m.

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

407-934-2583. houseofblues.com June 15: Slushii, 7:30 p.m.

June 16: The Mighty O.A.R. with American Authors, 6 p.m.

June 21: Reel Big Fish and Bowling for Soup with special guest Nerf Herder, 7 p.m.

KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. 321-2422219. kingcenter.com June 8: “Weird Al” Yankovic— Strings Attached, 8 p.m.

June 15: Classic Albums Live— Led Zeppelin 1, 8 p.m.

MONTHLY HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN STORY TIME AT LEU GARDENS June 3: 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 FIRST THURSDAYS AT OMA June 6: 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: “Indigenous Futurism.” 6-9 p.m. Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. omart.org THORNTON PARK 2ND THURSDAY ART AND WINE WALK June 13: 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 June 13: This recurring street party is a gathering with live music, local artists, and food and beverage samples, the second Thursday of each month. 5 p.m. 230 E. First St., Sanford. sanfordwelcomecenter.com ART AND MUSIC IN THE PARK June 14: Artwork and live music in the park between Casselberry City Hall and Lake Concord, the second Friday of each month.

Food trucks and vendors on site. 6 p.m.

Free. Casselberry City Hall, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry. 407-262-7700, ext. 1507. casselberry.org MOUNT DORA 2ND FRIDAY ART IN THE ALLEY June 14: Downtown galleries are open to the public while art exhibitors show their latest works and musicians perform. Free. Galleries open 6-8 p.m. Sidewalk exhibitions until 9 p.m. 138 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. mountdoracenterforthearts.org 3RD THURSDAY GALLERY HOP & ART WALK June 20: Visitors converge on the core of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District to browse the galleries and art venues that spotlight established and emerging Orlando-based artists. 6 p.m. Rogers Kiene Building, 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 3rdthu.com EVENING EXCHANGE June 21: Every third Friday, meet at East End Market for interactive workshops and a chance to browse wares from over 30 artisan makers, plus culinary demonstrations, specialty cocktail bars and food specials.

3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com

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SCENE ON THE TOWN PLAZA LIVE ORLANDO 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando. 407-228-1220. plazaliveorlando.com June 8: Yngwie Malmsteen, 8 p.m.

June 13: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, 8 p.m.

June 16: Monsieur Periné, 8 p.m.

June 19: Hippo Campus, 8 p.m.

June 21: Todd Rundgren, 8 p.m.

THE SOCIAL ORLANDO 54 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-246-1419. thesocial.org June 1: She Wants Revenge, June 3: Pink Sweats—Pink Beginnings Tour, 7 p.m.

June 14: Frank Iero and the Future Violents, 6 p.m.

SOUNDBAR ORLANDO 37 W. Pine St., Orlando. 407-456-1391. soundbarorl.com June 2: Jonny Brenns—Homecoming with special guests, 6 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com June 1: Quadraphonic Surround Sound—Tribute to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, 7:30 p.m.

June 29: Edge Effect—Pure A Capella Sound, 7:30 p.m.

WILL’S PUB 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. willspub.org June 5: Run Raquel, Shine & The Shakers, Louvenia and Honey What, 8 p.m.

June 8: Vicious Rumors, 8 p.m.

June 10: Earth Helms Alee, 8 p.m.

CLASSICAL MUSIC BLUE BAMBOO CENTER FOR THE ARTS 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park. 407-6369951. bluebambooartcenter.com June 9: Charlie Russo presents “Through the Years with Frank Sinatra,” 3 p.m.

CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS Multiple Orlando-area locations. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com June 14-15: Symphonic Broadway, Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 7 p.m.

COMEDY 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 HARD ROCK LIVE 6050 Universal Blvd., Orlando. 407-351-5483. hardrock.com June 29: Justin Willman, 8 p.m.

KOMBUSTIBLE S’MORES—AN IMPROV SHOW Ongoing: Long-form improv comedy team performs the first Friday of every month. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. The Backspace, 1309 Edgewater Drive (in the back), Orlando. facebook.com/kombustiblesmores ORLANDO IMPROV Ongoing: Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive Suite 2310, Orlando. 407-480-5233. Ages 21 and over. Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., Friday at 8 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 and 9:45 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m. 407-480-5233. theimprovorlando.com SAK COMEDY LAB Ongoing: Improvisational comedy shows, competitions, songs and scenes. 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando. Tuesday-Wednesday times vary; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. 407-648-0001. sakcomedylab.com SLEUTHS MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE Ongoing: Audience members solve a crime during the dinner show. Performances nightly.

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

DANCE DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org June 2: Orlando Metropolitan Ballet Company Presents “The Wonderful Witch of Oz,” 4 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com June 2: Flamenco Alboreá presents A Journey to Andalucia, with a fusion of dance styles and music telling stories of passion and love. 4 p.m.

FILM ENZIAN 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland. 407-629-0054. enzian.org June 8: All About Eve, noon.

June 16: Caddyshack, 11:30 a.m.

June 30: Mrs. Doubtfire, noon.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Old Town Kissimmee, 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway., Kissimmee. myoldtownusa.com June 2: Big Hero 6, 7 p.m.

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June 9: The Jungle Book, 7 p.m.

June 16: Muppets from Space, 7 p.m.

June 23: Minions Movie, 7 p.m.

June 30: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, 7 p.m.

HARRY P. LEU GARDENS 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org June 7: A Quiet Place, 8:30 p.m.

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

407-629-0054. enzian.org June 13: Apollo 13, 8 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com June 20: Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, 7:25 p.m.

LITERARY DIVERSE WORD June 4, 11, 18 & 25: A gathering highlighting spoken-word poetry. 8 p.m. Dandelion Communitea Café, 618 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando, 407-362-1864. dandelioncommunitea.com NERD NITE June 13: An evening of entertaining, thought-provoking presentations with host Ricardo Williams and guest speakers. 7:30 p.m.

Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando. 407-623-3393. orlando.nerdnite.com OPEN MIC POETRY June 5, 12, 19 & 26: Open-mic poetry readings.

9 p.m. 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 June 5: 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.

June 12: Short Attention Span Storytelling Hour…or Thereabouts. 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando.

June 19: 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.

June 26: So You Think You Can Funny? is for comics, writers, poets, bloggers or storytellers who have written something funny. 7 p.m. Free. Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, Orlando.

THEATER CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS Wekiva High School, 2501 Hiawassee Road, Apopka. 407-937-1800. cfcarts.com The Secret Garden June 7-8: The CFCArts Youth Theatre Troupe presents this musical adaptation of the children’s literary classic about orphan Mary Lennox who is sent to live with her mysterious uncles at their mansion, which includes a magic garden. Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 & 7 p.m. Special add-on tea party experience on Saturday, June 8 from noon-1:30 p.m.

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org Come From Away June 11-16: A new musical telling the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers on 9/11/2001 and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Tuesday-Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 2 & 8 p.m., Sunday 1 & 6:30 p.m.

MAD COW THEATRE 54 W. Church St., Orlando. 407-297-8788. madcowtheatre.com Once June 7-30: On the streets of Dublin, an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by their shared love of music.

Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.

Second Saturday matinee is June 15 at 2:30 p.m. Special preview performances Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 at 10 p.m.

Outside Mullingar June 21-July 14: The unlikely love story of Anthony and Rosemary—two introverted, 40-something neighbors whose families are pitted against one another in a bitter land dispute. Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. Second Saturday matinee is June 29 at 3 p.m. Special preview performances Wednesday, June 19, and Thursday, June 20 at 9:30 p.m.

MOONLIGHT PLAYERS THEATER 735 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. 352-243-5875. moonlightplayers.com The Merry Wives of Windsor June 7-16: Shakespeare’s classic tale about Sir John Falstaff and his plan to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants in order to fix his financial woes.

Friday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.

ORLANDO SHAKES 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando. 407-447-1700. orlandoshakes.org Snow White June 13-July 28: The Brothers Grimm fairy tale comes to life onstage in a fast-paced, comical rendition of the classic story of

love, envy and magic. Wednesday and Friday-Sunday 2 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.

OSCEOLA ARTS 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee. 407-846-6257. osceolaarts.org One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest June 14-30: A newcomer to the Oregon State Mental Institution incites conflict, and a revolt against the staff ensues. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.

SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICE HOUSE 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. 352-383-4616. icehousetheatre.com Ripcord Through June 16: At The Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, the cantankerous Abby must share her room with the chipper new arrival, Marilyn. What seems like a harmless bet between them escalates into an outrageous turf warfare. Thursday 7:30 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.

WAYNE DENSCH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. wdpac.com Disney’s Aladdin Jr. June 19-23: Join Aladdin, Jasmine and the wisecracking Genie as they discover mystical caves, take magic carpet rides and outwit the evil sorcerer, Jafar. Wednesday-Thursday 10 a.m., Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE 711 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Winter Park. 407645-0145. winterparkplayhouse.org Heartbeats Through June 9: A comedic musical about a woman’s journey as she grows up and finds new happiness along the way. Check website for show dates and times.

Spotlight Cabaret Series—Hannah Laird June 26-27: Enjoy an assortment of beverages from the bar while experiencing a New York-style cabaret. 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.

WORLD OF GOOD JUNE FUNDRAISERS JUNE 1 MAKE ’M SMILE FESTIVAL, benefits Nathaniel’s

Hope, which helps special-needs children and their families. Lake Eola Park, Orlando. nathanielshope.org

JUNE 6 HANDBAGS FOR HOPE, benefits the Harbor House of Central Florida Children’s Program. The Abbey, Orlando. abbeyorlando.com, harborhousecfl.com

JUNE 8 COMMUNITY RAINBOW RUN AND COMMUNITY FESTIVAL, benefits onePULSE Foundation. Wadeview

Park, Orlando. communityrainbowrun.com

JUNE 15 NEXT STEP ORLANDO GOLF BENEFIT, raises funds for the local Next Step paralysis recovery and fitness center. Red Tail Golf Club, Sorrento. nextsteporlando.org

JUNE 21 CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE, benefits the Center for Independent Living, which provides accessibility options for people with disabilities. The Alfond Inn, Winter Park. 407-623-1070, ext. 5534. cilorlando.org

JUNE 21-22 MASCOT GAMES, benefits New Hope for Kids.

Amway Center, Orlando. mascotgames.org

JUNE 25 FATHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS, benefits the Amer-

ican Diabetes Association. Fathers receiving recognition: Dr. Kevin Accola of Advent Health/CVS Group; Ed Haddock, co-chairman and CEO of Full Sail University; and Tony Massey, president of Massey Services, Inc. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Resort Orlando. diabetes.org

JUNE 29 ROBO MUD RUN, benefits We Dare to Care Foundation, which helps St. Cloud police officers, firefighters and other city employees in need.

Peghorn Park Nature Trail and Wildlife Habitat, St. Cloud. robomudrun.com

COMING UP… JULY 4 WATERMELON 5K, benefits the Track Shack Youth Foundation. Combines a 5K run and watermelon-eating contest. Park Avenue in Winter Park. trackshack.com

JULY 10 ORLANDO STORY CLUB, benefits Kids House of Seminole, Inc. Participants tell five-minute stories based on the evening’s theme, “Cake for Breakfast.” The Abbey, Orlando. facebook.com/ orlandostoryclub

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SCENE ON THE TOWN 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.-7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. rollins.edu/cfam Mexican Modernity—20th Century Paintings from the Zapanta Collection Through Sept. 8: A highlight of significant modern artists representing dynamic moments and movements in the evolution of Mexican art.

Mediated Reality—Cityscapes

by Photorealists Through Sept. 8: Urban scenes transformed from paintings to print showcasing the perspectives of 10 artists.

Precious Pollinators Through Aug. 25: A celebration of bees and colorful native flowers and plants—all executed by members of the Central Florida Watercolor Society and intended to raise awareness about the decline of bees and other pollinators in North America.

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 (currently closed for refurbishment), 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

Pressed Editions—Experimental Contemporary Prints June 2-Sept. 11: Works by selected innovative individual printmakers based in Central Florida and by UCF’s Flying Horse Editions.

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.

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The Place as Metaphor— Collection Conversations Through Sept. 8: A selection of collection favorites—works rarely on view—and new acquisitions intended to build conversations around ways of seeing.

Education Gallery Ongoing: Learners of all ages can discover the world of art through a dress-up station where children can become characters from works in the museum’s permanent collection. There’s also a reading nook, a children’s audio guide and a new mini museum where visitors become the museum curator by moving works around the walls. Plus, families who purchase the children’s book Stories and Studios—Conversations and Projects become members of the Art Adventure Club.

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 LEU GARDENS

For Father’s Day, take Dad on a special outing to Harry P. Leu Gardens, June 16. p. 131.

Shifting Perspectives—Art by the Students of the Art Time Outreach Program Through Sept. 8: The public debut and celebration of works created by the students who participated in the program.

Dali Lives Through June 15: An artificial intelligence (AI) experience in which visitors have an opportunity to learn more about Dali’s life from the person who knew him best—the artist himself.

Visual Magic—Dali’s Masterworks in Augmented Reality June 15-Nov. 2: Augmented reality (AR) technology is used to engage visitors while highlighting the popular Masterworks collection.

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

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

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

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m. Free. Donations accepted. holocaustedu.org Dr. Seuss Wants You Through June 30: A highlight of the insightful works showing an unexpected and unknown aspect of the children’s book author.

Facing Prejudice Through June 30: A journey of questions, personal insights and factual statements designed to challenge and empower the visitor to fight for understanding and tolerance in their everyday lives.

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 The Cultural Connections of Edward S. Curtis Through July 21: Photographs from the early 20th century documenting the vanishing Native American cultures.

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 America’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 Immersion into Compounded Time and the Paintings of Firelei Báez June 7-Sept. 8: Large-scale and intricate portraits of influential individuals and mythical goddesses from Afro-Caribbean history.

Member preview and opening reception Friday, June 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Ongoing: Permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham (18931977) and other American artists.

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. 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.

Iridescence in Glass and Pottery—A Celebration Ongoing: The replication of iridescence made popular by Louis Comfort Tiffany and others in the 19th century is celebrated with diverse examples.

Love Speaks—Artistic Responses to the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy June 1-Sept. 22: A remembrance exhibition sharing artwork created across the nation—from paintings to basketry to graphic novels—paying tribute to those who were killed, and also inspire a better tomorrow for those who remain.

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 A Trek from North to South Through June 30: Moving from North to South America highlighting the diversity of artistic styles through time and place.

Florida Prize in Contemporary Art Through Aug. 18: Invitational and award exhibition featuring 10 of Florida’s most progressive and exciting artists.

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

Art Nouveau in Europe and America from the Morse Collection Ongoing: An installation of works that represent the bold, international decorative-arts style known as Art Nouveau, which peaked from about 1890 to 1910. The exhibition, drawn from the Morse collection, features furniture, jewelry, ceramics, and art glass from European and American artists and designers.

MUSEUM OF ART DELAND 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-734-4371; downtown satellite location, 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. 386-279-7534. Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. 1-4 p.m. moartdeland.org 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

Contemporary American Graphics Collection Ongoing: Includes more than 150 original signed and numbered lithographs, etchings, silk-screen prints and woodcuts by America’s foremost artists.

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

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407-514-2000.

Sunday-Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. osc.org Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles— Secrets of the Sewer Through Sept. 3: Work your way through puzzles, mazes and obstacles that reveal the secrets of the sewer.

Ongoing: From the natural world to hightech simulation, from dinosaurs to the planets in our universe, hands-on activities throughout the center may inspire a budding scientist and make learning fun for all ages.

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SCENE ON THE TOWN WINTER PARK HISTORY MUSEUM 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park.

407-647-2330. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. wphistory.org Wish You Were Here—The Hotels and Motels of Winter Park Through 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.

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.

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 Graphic Design Faculty Exhibition June 13-Aug. 2: Opening reception is Thursday, June 13 from 5-7 p.m.

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 Rachel Simmons—The Language of Watching Through June 15: A display of the artist’s works from her time as the artist-in-residence at Constellation Studios in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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

30th Annual University Student Exhibition Through Aug. 10: ACA honors the work produced by state university art students.

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 39 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 407-317-8367.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. orlandoslice.com/page/now-on-exhibit 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. 407-671-1886. crealde.org; and Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Blvd., Winter Park. 407-5392680. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org Storytellers XVII—West of the East Coast Tracks—New Smyrna Teens Give Us Insight Into Their Changing World Through Sep. 1: Teens document their historic African-American community in west New Smyrna Beach through photographs.

38th Annual Juried Student Exhibition June 7-Aug. 31: Student work in painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and fiber arts selected by program managers and awarded by a guest juror. Opening reception is Friday, June 7 from 8-9:30 p.m.

JEANINE TAYLOR FOLK ART GALLERY 211 E. 1st St., Sanford. 407-323-2774. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. jtfolkart.com Catching the Wild Spirit Through June 16: The whimsical designs of Trés Taylor are transformed into wearable art by the artists’ daughter, Lillis Taylor.

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

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Dustin Boise—Solo Exhibit June 7-July 26: By combining mundane materials with wit and craft, the artist expresses intimate relationships between tangible objects and the imagination. Opening reception is Friday, June 14 from 6-8 p.m.

ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE Bush Lobby, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando. 407896-7365. orlandorep.com You Mean Sort Of Like This? The Entertainment Design World of Cindy White Through Oct. 2: A showcase of set design work by the local artist who has created designs for SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Neighborhood, parades at Walt Disney World, performances at Orlando REP and more.

SPORTS KISSIMMEE FAMILY GOLF CLASSIC Multiple Kissimmee-area golf courses. 877-4465318. kissimmeefamilygolfclassic.com June 20-23: 54-hole team scramble event open to any combination of family members. Check website for registration and location details.

FLORIDA FIRE FROGS Osceola County Stadium, 631 Heritage Park Way, Kissimmee. 321-697-3156. floridafirefrogs.com.

June 1: vs. Palm Beach, 6 p.m.

June 2: vs. Palm Beach, noon.

June 10: vs. Dunedin, 6 p.m.

June 11: vs. Dunedin, 6 p.m.

June 12: vs. Dunedin, 6 p.m.

June 13: vs. Dunedin, noon.

June 20: vs. St. Lucie, noon.

June 21: vs. St. Lucie, 6 p.m.

June 22: vs. St. Lucie, 6 p.m.

June 23: vs. St. Lucie, noon.

June 25: vs. Palm Beach, 6 p.m.

June 26: vs. Palm Beach, 6 p.m.

June 27: vs. Palm Beach, noon.

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER PRIDE Orlando City Stadium, 665 W. Church St., Orlando. orlandocitysc.com June 1: vs. North Carolina, 7:30 p.m.

June 30: vs. Chicago, 5 p.m.

ORLANDO PREDATORS Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., Orlando. 407440-7000, 800-745-3000. amwaycenter.com, June 15: vs. Massachusetts Pirates, 7:30 p.m.

June 30: vs. Carolina Cobras, 5 p.m.

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

ORLANDO MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE

2019

BREAKFAST

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO T H E

2019 ORL ANDO MAGAZINE WOMEN OF THE YEAR We honored these 22 deserving women on Thursday, April 25 at The Alfond Inn over breakfast, mimosas, and a few tears! Over 200 Central Floridians came together to celebrate these educators, mentors, counselors, musicians, fundraisers, entrepreneurs, and individuals who stand up for others. But most of all they are leaders who help keep our community strong.

Our congratulations—and thanks—to them all.

And thank you to our wonderful Emcee Tammie Fields, our performers Beth McKee (also an honoree) and Denver Humphrey, and our generous sponsors:

Find us on

Orlando Magazine

@OrlandoMag

@OrlandoMag

SCENE RSVP

Best Lawyers Reception Orlando magazine hosted a reception at the Citrus Club honoring attorneys who topped the annual Best Lawyers survey, which was published in the April issue. The event was sponsored by the Citrus Club, Orange Legal, Lake Highland Preparatory School, and Magic Bail Bonds.

Twyla and Terry Sanks, Travis Hollifield, Amie Kozan

Sharon and David Henry

Glen and Kennie Wieland, Clay and Susan Townsend Barry Glenn, Jessica Hew, Greg Fencik

SPONSORED BY

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Derek Bruce, Roy Kobert, Ted Edwards, Nikki Seybold, Bill Beckett ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Kiersten Martinez, Council Wooten, Nancy Weber, Ava Doppelt

Mike Tessitore, Lexi Pillat, Todd Hoepker

Katherine and Vasilis Katsafanas

ROBERTO GONZALEZ

Chris and Maureen Brockman, Mike Tessitore

Patricia Sigman, Dennis Smejkal

Gabriella Solorzano, Lori Moore (Lake Highland Preparatory School)

Mike, Nikki and Rusty Carolan

Katie Pence, Kim Hochstetler, Ariel Ramjass, Jimmy Singh, Mimi Michels (Orange Legal)

Ted Smith, Jose Zorilla, Marla Bernard, Alex Molina, Christina Kitouri, Tania Resto, Nick Cardona, Laura Owens ( Citrus Club) SCENE | JUNE 2019 | ORLANDOMAGAZINE.COM | 141

SCENE RSVP

Bel Canto Ball Opera Orlando’s fourth annual gala, held at The Alfond Inn, included dining, dancing, performances by guest artists, and a tribute to individuals who were key to the founding of the organization.

Cyndee Maxwell, Gabriel

Preisser, Rita Lowndes,

Scott Maxwell

Margery Pabst Steinmetz, Chuck Steinmetz

John Ruggieri, Wendy Langhorst, Avie Abramowitz, Alan Ginsburg

Chev Lovett, Marilyn Abrahamson, Earl Johnson

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Brandon and Kelly Roberts, Lauren and Thomas Bolick, Dr. Raj Sawh-Martinez, Dr. Sabrina Pavri, Logan Chavez, Doug Rohrer

EMILY JOURDAN

Virginia Casey, Kathy Miller, Sherry Bremer

Reading Between the Wines The Adult Literacy League’s 12th annual fundraiser, held at the Orlando Science Center, featured a discussion with Gilbert King, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Devil in the Grove. Guests also enjoyed food and wine provided by local chefs and restaurants.

, Gilb Steve Alch, Gina Berko Solomon

ert King

Yohanni Brito, Sergio and Bronwen Jurado

STEVEN DIAZ

Ron and Ann Mills, Robert Parman, Brice Schroedel

Kerrin Kuhn, Lisa Warren

Gennifer Bridges, Jonathan Sykes, Donna Dyson, Kurt Kuehnhackl

Angela Davies, Carla Biermann

Ashley Popowski, Jessica Layne, Jordan Matthews

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I

I RECENTLY READ an article in The Atlantic about how fewer teens are driving. Only 25 percent of 16-year-olds have a driver’s license, when in 1983, almost half did. Teens today are content staying home and interacting with friends virtually through video games, FaceTime and social media. When I was a teenager, I was bursting at the seams to get out of the house and go.

I had no doubt I would get my driver’s license at 16. As soon as I turned 15, I applied for my learner’s permit, taking a test I had studied for dutifully for months.

My dad took me out on Sundays for driving lessons on the freshly paved roads of subdivisions under construction. Once I glided around the cul-de-sacs with ease, we moved on to my empty high school parking lot for parallel parking (without sensors or backup cameras, thank you very much!).

We practiced in my dad’s 1987 blue Jeep Cherokee that would become mine on my 16th birthday. The eight-year-old Jeep

already had well over 100,000 miles on it with no automatic locks or windows.

My dad was buying a friend’s gently used Nissan Maxima that seemed ultra-glamorous by comparison with its sunroof, keyless entry and lingering new-car smell.

After our Sunday driving lessons, Dad and I went to a local diner for a chocolate sundae with two spoons. At first it was awkward being out with just my dad. We were rarely together without my brother or my mom, and I wasn’t sure what a teenage daughter should talk to her father about.

But week after week, our conversations grew easier (and to this day, I call him often just to chat).

The morning of my 16th birthday, I failed my driving test. I ran a stop sign, but in my defense, it was blocked by a large utility van parked at the intersection. Embarrassed, I checked into school late admitting to my chemistry classmates I would not be driving myself home from school. Seeing

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Life Is a Highway

my disappointment and determination, my mom took me to the DMV the next day to try again. I passed.

Driving that Jeep to school was glorious, even if it meant taking my always-tardy little brother along with me. I picked up my best friend on the way and played mixed cassette tapes compiled from CDs at home. We sang along to Phish, 311, Live and Dave Matthews Band, and when I needed girl time, I turned to Jewel, Indigo Girls and Alanis Morissette. Some days after school, my mom let me drive just down the highway to the mall. I only crossed the boundary she set for me once. I drove 20 miles out of the way to get a chocolate-covered glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme.

In the age before cell phones, we high schoolers met up at the Subway parking lot.

We never ordered sandwiches; we just went to find out where the party was going to be.

In the days before we could look up a crush on Facebook, we drove by their houses, our tender teenage hearts fluttering if they happened to be outside.

As I got more comfortable behind the wheel, my parents expanded my radius.

I took a job at the J.Crew outlet 20 miles away and worked at my dad’s office 30 miles in the other direction. I drove to the beach for Spring Break, manually cranking down the windows, my hair blowing in the salty breeze. I kissed a few boys in that Jeep and smoked a few cigarettes, burning a hole in the cloth ceiling. Another friend drank too much Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill and threw up in the passenger door pocket all over the owner’s manual. But mostly, I was a good and responsible teenager who wanted to make my parents proud.

When my brother turned 16 a few years later, he inherited the Jeep and its new flaws.

As I moved on to a newer car, Will made his own memories in our Jeep, driving 5,500 miles to Portland, Oregon, and back before going off to college.

The Jeep was our passport to freedom.

Like a good friend, it helped us find our way.

We may have gotten off track a few times, but it always got us home again.

My kids are years away from driving— thank goodness—so I have plenty of time to worry about curfews and car insurance. But when they do turn 16, I want them to get their driver’s license. I hope by then they’ll have a strong internal compass and a good old reliable car.

DAVID VALLEJO

EXTRA PULP LAURA ANDERS LEE

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