A Future to Bank On
After two years of COVID-19, entire industries have risen, limped along or pivoted as best they could alongside ever-changing and largely unpredictable trends. Those industries providing a service people need no matter the state of the world had no choice but to adapt as quickly as possible. And some of them, like banking, actually had a little bit of a head start, as the pandemic... Read More
Paying Tribute
The past few months have provided renewed hope in the health care community. COVID-19 vaccines have helped change the tide from anxiety and isolation to relief and liberation. However, variants and vaccine hesitancy have continued to place hardships on medical professionals across the country. Even while all hands were on deck fighting the virus, the health care field hasn’t slowed... Read More
The Continuing Conflicts of COVID-19
Displeased man with cap, blue jeans and sunglasses holding a NO COVID vaccine sign with crowd of people in background. Supporting anti-vaccination movement. Anti-vaxxer activist. By spring of 2020, COVID-19 had begun to affect everyone, in some form or another. The lingering pandemic has not only brought about severe illness, death and financial hardship but the seemingly never-ending... Read More
Caring for the Kids
It’s no secret that pediatric providers play a key role in a child’s growth and development. And certainly every parent wants the very best for their kid, so prioritizing their health during their formative years is of the utmost importance—even more so during the nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic. And while many of the headlines surrounding pediatric health... Read More
His Best Shot
After an incredibly successful debut album, Mercury Lane, singer Jimmie Allen’s career continues to soar. His first single, “Best Shot,” landed in the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Shortly thereafter, his second single, “Make Me Want To,” was equally as successful, making Allen the first Black artist to launch a country career with two consecutive... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: HAMBURGERS A quintet of tasty things to try this month The Cowfish Has Officially Left the Building At The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Universal CityWalk A meal fit for a king, this full-pound beef burger features creamy peanut butter, fried bananas and applewood bacon all on a brioche bun. If you’re not all shook up over this amount of food, opt for the Single... Read More
Simple Man
When Graham Nash approaches the microphone on the first night of his latest tour, he imagines saying, “Now, where was I?” Although he and his fans have been waiting the better part of two years for this experience, Nash—a perpetual storyteller in more ways than one—hopes to pick up right where he left off. “The two-year gap is unbelievable for a musician. The truth is,... Read More
Bringing out the Best
Author Robert John Meehan once said, “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” This dedicated group of 15 educators truly exemplifies these words. Their commitment and passion for teaching is admirable. The connection they make with their students not only fosters a positive environment for learning, but also encourages and inspires students in many aspects... Read More
Animated Conversation
Yeardley Smith knew early on that her distinctive voice—some might say “high pitched”—could stand in her way as an actor of stage and screen. Although she got this reminder all too often throughout her formative years, she stayed her course. “Who cares what the naysayers think,” says Smith, the French-born, Emmy-winning actor best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson from... Read More
Culinary Collaboration
Last year, a trio of culinary friends joined forces on Foodtastic, a food art competition television program, hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Keke Palmer, in which skilled chefs and pastry artists create incredible, larger-than-life sculptures made entirely of various ingredients. Together, culinary artist Victor Dagatan, pastry sous chef Joanna Kaskiw and lead pastry chef... Read More
Grand Getaways
Now that the holidays have come and gone and 2022 is underway, it’s time to think about some much-deserved R&R. While planning a full-scale vacation still may have complications due to safety or budget reasons, we’re blessed in the Central Florida area to have a number of options for a quick escape to get refreshed, whether right in our own backyard or a short drive away.... Read More
Romantic Rendezvous
CAPA Located at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, this slick 17th floor rooftop steakhouse and bar offers exceptionally crafted cuisine with a distinct Spanish influence. Everything from the ham croquettes to the 32-ounce wagyu steak is expertly prepared, while the signature cocktails and thoughtful wine list also rise to the occasion. RUSSELL’S... Read More
Any Way You Slice It
It’s been several years since we last traversed the area in search of the finest pizza we could find. But what better time than during a pandemic to feast regularly on one of life’s great comfort foods. And while Central Florida often flies under the radar when it comes to high-end pizza, the truth is there are many wonderful options to please your palate whether you like thin... Read More
Year in Review 2021
“I’ve been very blessed to play some of the most iconic venues in the world and be on those stages. But the gratitude I have for Orlando for the quality of training and what I was able to do here, I couldn’t be prouder to be from the city.” Michael James Scott, Broadway star and Orlando native “I’ve had times where I’ve sat on a beach or gone horse riding... Read More
Side Dish
Cantina Catrina, the authentic Mexican restaurant dedicated to celebrating the traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, will soon be opening in Orlando. This will be the restaurant’s second location in the United States, the other being in Miami. Situated in the Florida Mall, the 220-seat restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor covered-patio dining... Read More
Triumphant Return
Adele is one of the most successful female artists in history, and the universal acclaim behind 30, her new album and first in six years, reinforces beyond a doubt the fact that in a changing, fragile and often artificial music industry, raw talent will always find a path to the top. From relationships to confidence, through philanthropy and inclusion, the star’s honesty in terms... Read More
A Beloved Neighbor
Rollins College recently unveiled a new sculpture in honor of adored alumnus Fred McFeely Rogers, better known as Mister Rogers. As creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Rogers connected with viewers of all ages, sharing messages of kindness, empathy and acceptance. The critically acclaimed program ran from 1968-2001. Rogers’ connection to Rollins College dates... Read More
Spreading Hope
Before joining The Mustard Seed of Central Florida as its executive director in 2013, Kathy Baldwin had heard inspiring stories about how the nonprofit furniture and clothing bank can dramatically change the lives of local families in need. She remembers quite vividly one of the first times she actually got to witness that impact firsthand. It all started with a scream. Baldwin... Read More
Side Dish
Café-Boutique Piano will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square in 2022. The family-run restaurant will feature eclectic European cuisine, live piano music and original art for purchase. While the family has previous restaurant experience from their time living in western Russia, the café 1,200-square-foot will be their first U.S. location. After much anticipation, new local... Read More
A Familiar Voice
For nearly three decades, renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has captivated audiences with his soothing yet powerful voice. Throughout his illustrious career, Bocelli has earned six Grammy Award nominations as well as six Latin Grammy Award nods and has sold over 90 million records worldwide. A man of deep compassion, he founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) in 2011, with... Read More
Super Kids
While today’s youths are often thought of as lazy, screen-addicted adolescents, the truth of the matter is there are plenty of kids out in the world doing amazing things that are having a lasting impact in the community. Here, we introduce you to some of Orlando’s finest; children who show tremendous maturity for their age and who have mastered the art of selfless giving. Gavin... Read More
