Palate
TOP FIVE: BEEF A quintet of tasty things to try this month DUTCH OVEN BEEF BURGUNDY at Bigfire UNIVERSAL CITYWALK Slow cooked in red wine, this pot of beef is accompanied by mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions and buttered egg noodles. THE TAMPIQUEÑA at Superica WINTER PARK This Mexican-inspired dish features a marinated wood-grilled skirt steak served with two cheese enchiladas and... Read More
A Cause for Concern
Florida has the third-highest occurrences of human trafficking, and Orange County accounts for the second-highest number of child exploitation cases in the state. Advocates share their humanistic efforts and promote education to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month. A misconception about trafficking is that abductions occur in public by strangers. While it is not unheard... Read More
Building a Solid Foundation
As Foundation Academy continues to grow physically, the Christian school is geared toward helping its students grow spiritually and academically to prepare them for the future. As a top Christian school in Central Florida, Foundation Academy is no stranger to spiritual and mental growth. And thanks to a $17 million expansion project, the school is getting used to quite a bit of... Read More
‘Tis The Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to take a look at the festivities happening around us. From merry musicals and illuminating light displays to cheery parades and holiday markets, there’s so much to do and so much to celebrate. Magical Night of Hope NOW-DEC. 31 Aquanauts to Astronauts While Santa claims the sky, delivering presents to good boys and girls, brave... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: CAKE A quintet of tasty things to try this month MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE at Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster LEE ROAD This signature dish offers a slice of sweet citrus cake with a tropical pineapple-orange whipped cream icing. It is served à la mode with a smooth orange sauce. NEAPOLITAN POUND CAKE at Sister Honey’s Bakery SODO An ice cream-inspired... Read More
Orlando Family Stars
Each month, Stars features exceptional students, student-athletes, educators and all-around boons to the Greater Orlando area. Amelie Halon Halon, a senior International Baccalaureate Candidate at Winter Park High School, is a member of the UNICEF USA National Youth Council. She is passionate about children’s rights and was inspired to join UNICEF in response to political actions... Read More
Getting to the Pointe
With his professional experience in roles onstage and off, Jorden Morris’ conceptual intellect touches every aspect of the performance to cast an unforgettable and emotional impression upon the audience. Jorden Morris became Orlando Ballet’s artistic director two years ago, and his creative capabilities continue to soar—evidenced by the three productions he showcased in his... Read More
Self-Made Man
When Chazz Palminteri was struggling to find good parts as an actor, he created his own by writing A Bronx Tale. More than 30 years later, it continues to resonate with fans both young and old, whether onscreen or onstage. Although it reached cliché status long ago, the old adage “write what you know” remains the No. 1 tip for aspiring playwrights, novelists and screenwriters.... Read More
For the Love of Pets
Local veterinarians both highlight modern advancements and offer their advice for keeping our four-legged family members optimally healthy, whether it’s during the holiday season or every day of the year. Any good pet parent considers their furry, feathered, fishy or four-legged friends part of the family, and will approach their animal companions’ health with the same dogged... Read More
Giving the Gift of a Smile
Fravel Brewer Orthodontics continues its commitment to the community by offering free braces to children in need through a national nonprofit. Although Fravel Brewer Orthodontics has been a fixture in the Central Florida community for more than three decades, and has been able to restore the self-esteem for countless teens and young adults during that time, the feeling of helping... Read More
Holiday Hang-Ups
As joyous as the holiday season can be, many people find it is often accompanied by varying degrees of stress. Local experts weigh in on how to best prepare for and handle all the anxiety you or your loved ones may encounter this month. Around this time of year, most people look forward to family gatherings and get-togethers with friends to celebrate the many wondrous holidays... Read More
Best of the Best 2023
Do you have those people in your life who are constantly telling you that you need to try this or try that? The opportunity to be those people is one of the reasons we love it when our Best of the Best issue rolls around, since it’s our opportunity to celebrate all the new and longtime favorites we’ve returned to again and again. In the following list, we’ve highlighted the... Read More
The Best of the Brunch
Who among us doesn’t appreciate sleeping in a little late and then heading out for a leisurely brunch with family or friends? From the numerous sweet and savory options to the mimosas and bloody marys, sitting down for a mid-morning meal always delivers feel-good vibes. Here in Central Florida, there are many wonderful places to order brunch and so we decided to pick some of... Read More
The Eyes Have It
The eyes might be the window to the soul but, for ocular doctors, they provide insight into the overall health of the body, too. “We get a lot of information in a non-invasive way by looking at the vasculature in the eye,” explains Dr. Sarah Eid of Uptown Eyecare. “Is it going to show me how the vessels are in the leg? No, but if a patient is hypertensive, the blood... Read More
A New Road Ahead
Whether looking to purchase or rent, Giant Recreation World offers wide selection of top-of-the-line RVs—and even a VIP club to help you embrace a new lifestyle and community. At Giant Recreation World, it’s not just about the destination. The journey is an equally important part of the adventure. Don McNamara started the business in 1976, and now his six children—including... Read More
Orlando Family Stars
Each month, Stars features exceptional students, student-athletes, educators and all-around boons to the Greater Orlando area. Sid Kasi Kasi, a Lake Highland Preparatory (LHP) School senior, recently implemented software he developed through LHP’s ASPIRE program. By making a user interface for it, he was able to use it at SALT Outreach, a local homeless shelter,... Read More
The Eye Doctor is In
The multi-location Florida Retina Institute welcomed Nisarg P. Joshi, MD, this past September, and he’s already helping patients navigate and manage their diabetic retinopathy. When Nisarg P. Joshi, MD, joined the Florida Retina Institute (FRI) last month, he was drawn to its proven track record for being among The Sunshine State’s leading retina experts—as well as a harmony... Read More
A Guiding Light
The process of adoption can often be an emotional rollercoaster for both the birth mother and adoptive parent(s). A Chosen Child offers comprehensive support for all involved, ensuring that the child is placed in a forever home full of love and stability. Nestled in downtown Orlando, A Chosen Child has been making a difference in the lives of children and families for over 20 years.... Read More
Homegrown Superman
From his humble beginnings to boy-band superstardom, Nick Carter’s musical talents have helped him amass legions of fans all around the world. Growing up in Tampa, Carter never imagined he would one day be a member of one of the highest-selling boy bands of all time, with over 130 million albums sold. The Backstreet Boys, consisting of Carter and bandmates Howie Dorough, AJ McLean,... Read More
A Lasting Impact
At Maitland Pediatric Dentistry, it’s all about creating smiles that last a lifetime. A child’s smile is a precious thing, and ensuring their dental health from a young age is essential for a lifetime of confident grins. In Maitland, parents are fortunate to have Dr. Domenic Aloise, a dedicated dental professional who specializes in the oral care of children. Dr. Aloise is not... Read More
Find Your Family
As a top Christian school in Central Florida, Foundation Academy is a place for students to excel in academics, fine arts and athletics. It’s a place for them to develop their faith and learn how to approach life from a biblical worldview. Foundation Academy is a place for friendships, mentorships and—above all else—family. “There is a family feel. We quickly get to know... Read More
