Palate

TOP FIVE: ITALIAN A quintet of tasty things to try this month ROASTED MUSHROOM LASAGNA at Mia’s Italian Kitchen INTERNATIONAL DRIVE Roasted Mushroom Lasagna A vegetarian take on a traditional dish, this platter consists of mushrooms roasted in a brick oven, sungold tomatoes, ricotta, sharp provolone, mozzarella, Parmigiano and herbs. COFFEE PAOLO at Mister O1 LAKE MARY A... Read More
Getaways for a Great Day Away

Make the most of your spring break this year and cut down on travel time by checking out what other regions of The Sunshine State have to offer, whether you’re traveling solo or appealing to a multigenerational group. Between kids’ activities, family obligations, conflicting vacation schedules and work demands, hitting pause for a week away can bring a whole new kind... Read More
Experience the Magic

The Central Florida Fair is a celebration of fun, thrills and community spirit. Nestled in the heart of Orlando, the Central Florida Fair stands as a testament to the region’s vibrant culture, community spirit and love for wholesome entertainment. Every year, this extravaganza brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the magic of community, offering myriad attractions,... Read More
Awesome Attorneys 2024

When legal needs arise, having an attorney you can rely on and trust is paramount, but you may not be aware of how or where to start your search. That is why each year we ask the region’s law firms and our readers to identify and nominate those professionals known for producing results while prioritizing their clients’ best interests. This year’s comprehensive list of attorneys... Read More
Special Treatment

Local professionals weigh in on the benefits of taking children to a pediatric dentist and the recent advancements in both dentistry and orthodontics. Dr. Domenic Aloise did not exactly set out with the goal of devoting his professional life to working with children. But once he felt drawn to pediatric dentistry, it was impossible to change his mind. “Out of all the aspects of... Read More
Out & About

The latest happenings around Orlando. Now through Dec. 23 Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, Renaissance Theatre Company, Orlando, 7 p.m. Now through Dec. 29 Holiday Friday Nights, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, 5-8 p.m. Now through Jan. 1 Fishmas, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Orlando, varies Dec. 15-17 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National Championships,... Read More
Looking Good

Cosmetic medical procedures continue to grow in popularity Advancements in cosmetic medicine in recent years have led to an increased number of patients seeking minimally invasive surgical procedures and non-invasive treatments to help rejuvenate their looks and bolster self-confidence. These innovations in the field have created a more positive overall experience with improved... Read More
Good Character

Novelist Ken Jaworowski delves into morality, roots, and the cruel hand of fate in his new “Rust Belt thriller,” Small Town Sins. Ken Jaworowski traces the idea for his new novel, Small Town Sins, to a trip across Pennsylvania with his daughter to vet prospective colleges. The experience brought back memories of his time studying at Shippensburg University. “I’m this kid... Read More
Orlando Family Stars

Each month, Stars features exceptional students, student-athletes, educators and all-around boons to the Greater Orlando area. Ailynn Chen Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez recently visited Lake Highland Preparatory School (LHP) to recognize Chen, a fifth-grade student, as the 2023 Florida Space Art Contest grand-prize winner. Open to all Florida... Read More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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