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
Strength in Numbers
With the national shortage of health care providers affecting Florida’s doctors, nurses, specialists and more, medical professionals are doing everything they can to avert those incoming issues—and minimize the challenges that patients are already experiencing. It’s no small task ensuring that Central Florida residents have access to the high-quality health care they deserve.... Read More
Eye Care With Empathy
Guided by her own personal ocular-health experiences, Dr. Sarah Eid aims to make every patient of hers at Uptown Eyecare feel seen, supported and in good hands. Dr. Sarah Eid knows a thing or two about how frustrating it is to navigate ocular issues. “I had a lot of eye problems growing up,” Dr. Eid recalls. “I deliver care based on evidence-based medicine, but also using... Read More
Home Is Where the Heart Is
November is National Adoption Month, signifying a celebration of families coming together through adoption, as well as spreading awareness of the modern options available to help Floridians experience the joy of becoming a parent while changing a child’s life for the better. The unification of a child and a parent is a beautiful occurrence, and it is something that adoption... Read More
Let the Good Times Roll
Orlando is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World” to the millions of visitors who flock to Central Florida each year to enjoy the many entertaining attractions the area has to offer. Local residents, too, love to take advantage of living so close to these destinations, but they also long for new and exciting adventures that the whole family can partake in for an affordable... Read More
Room to Grow
As more and more people find themselves relocating to the Orlando area, officials are eyeing a future full of potential. It seems that folks across the country are steadily realizing what locals have known for quite some time: Central Florida is the place to be. For the first time since the late ’50s, Florida is the nation’s fastest-growing state, according to the U.S. Census... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: EGGS A quintet of tasty things to try this month PARMA HASH at First Watch MULTIPLE LOCATIONS This plate consists of two cage-free eggs cooked to your preferred style and placed along with seasoned potatoes, Italian sausage, house-roasted crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with finishing touches of both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. EL MONTADITO at Egg-Celente INTERNATIONAL... Read More
Taking Center Stage
Asa Newell, Montverde Academy boys basketball A 6-foot-9 forward, Newell is ranked as the No. 11 recruit in the country in the class of 2024 by ESPN and is being pursued by a number of premier college programs. Also an excellent student, he is dually enrolled in a community college and will graduate from Montverde with an associate’s degree. OFM: Your senior season is almost... Read More
Private School Report Card 2023
With the new school year underway, it’s time for us to take our annual look at how some of the region’s leading private high schools are challenging students academically while also engaging them socially to give them the tools needed to succeed. We worked directly with several schools across the region to glean information in key areas like average SAT scores, graduation rates,... Read More
Exercise with Purpose
Nexxt Body Fitness and Aesthetics provides an exclusive, private fitness studio that showcases the numerous benefits of EMS workouts. At NexxtBody Fitness and Aesthetics, members can expect an ultra-private one-on-one personal training experience with a 21st-century workout. The exclusive private fitness studio located at Dellagio Town Center on Sand Lake Road in Orlando specializes... Read More
Individualized Education in a Christ-Centered Environment
Christ-centered education is at the heart of The Christ School. “It’s the core of who we are,” Dr. Aaron Farrant, head of school, says. “Obviously a great academic education is important, but so is the person you are and the person who you are growing into.” Every day starts with chapel, where an annual theme—this year it’s “Love God and Love Others”—helps guide... Read More
Palate
TOP FIVE: BBQ A quintet of tasty things to try this month KOREAN BBQ CHEESESTEAK at Yard House ICON PARK A unique twist on the typical cheesesteak, this sandwich is made with chopped ribeye, white American cheese, kimchi, gochujang, caramelized onions, green onions and roasted garlic aioli. It is served on a toasted hoagie roll with a side of house fries. BBQ MEATBALLS at the... Read More
