The State of the Arts
Your preview of the many cultural offerings coming to Greater Orlando this fall. Autumn is one of the best times to experience live music, a local theater production or a new art exhibit. So, to help you take advantage of all the cultural happenings Orlando has to offer, we put together a selection of some of the shows you won’t want to miss this fall. PERFORMING ARTS Central... Read More
Scares in Store
The man responsible for Orlando’s biggest Halloween event gives us a peek behind the blood-spattered curtain. Each year around October, Universal Orlando transforms into something sinister and decidedly frightful, complete with horrifying haunted houses and ghoulish scare actors popping up when you least expect it. But it’s all in the spirit of scary-fun for the park’s Halloween... Read More
An Evening in Spain
Tapa Toro offers a culinary journey of Spanish Flavors and culture in the heart of Central Florida. Tapa Toro is conveniently located at ICON Park off International Drive. Opened in 2015, the restaurant is known for its traditional Spanish cuisine that is set alongside nightly flamenco dancing. Having traveled to Spain many times to visit relatives who call this beautiful country... Read More
A Ray of Hope
At just 8 years old, Lucy Dicocco is already making a huge impact with her initiative to help Orlando’s homeless population. Lucy DiCocco, like most 8-year-olds, is constantly on the lookout for candy or other sweet treats. What makes her different from other third-graders, however, is that the chocolate bars or brownies she finds are not for herself. They are actually for a group... Read More
Settling In
With Italian-inspired dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, Sette is making itself at home here in Orlando. Sette (pronounced Se-TAY) opened in Ivanhoe Village in March, taking over the space that formerly housed Stir and before that Nova; the former lasted for seven months while the latter stuck it out for about a year and a half. Suffice it to say, restaurants have not had much staying... Read More
Moving Forward
When it comes to getting around in Central Florida, commuting by car is the option most residents choose. And maybe that’s not surprising considering Orlando was always designed for car travel between the far-flung suburbs, the strip malls and the giant parking lots. But while the city’s past may be about cars and highways, the future, according to transit advocates and experts,... Read More
Green Cuisine
Leading the way in upscale plant-based cuisine, Proper & Wild offers diners healthy, satisfying plates. If there were ever a right time to open an upscale plant-based restaurant serving healthy eats in Orlando, it’s certainly now. With “wellness” becoming the most commodified buzzword on the planet and more chefs and restaurants embracing entrées that give veggies a starring... Read More
Best of the Best 2019
Each year, we like to take inventory of some of Orlando’s BESTS. From the best food to the best shops to the best places for pampering yourself to the best activities for family fun. After a number of years of packing our Best of the Best list with all this goodness, you’d think we’d have run out of recommendations by now? But as always, compiling this feature reminds us that... Read More
Coveted Communities: Top Towns 2019
A look at Central Florida’s best towns and neighborhoods. Living in Central Florida is a blessing in itself in that there are so many communities here that provide everything a resident could be looking for: top-performing schools, walkability, beautiful parks—the list could go on and on. With that in mind, we decided to take a look around the ’hood to see how some of the... Read More
A Taste of Revelry
Jaleo doesn’t miss a beat with its tasty tapas and festive atmosphere. The first Jaleo opened its doors in Washington, D.C., in 1993. Since then the restaurant has expanded the brand into Maryland, Virginia and Nevada, and now it’s made its way to Central Florida with the opening of its fifth location at Disney Springs this past March. Jaleo, which is a Spanish word for revelry,... Read More
Destination: Relaxation
Florida getaways that will give you a new appreciation for the state you call home. As summer approaches and last-minute vacations are being planned, we decided to pack our bags and hit the road in search of the perfect getaways. All of these desirable destinations are within driving distance, allowing you to escape from the Greater Orlando area without the hassle and headaches... Read More
Thrill Seeking
A look at what’s new and exciting for Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Orlando’s slogan is, “Built for families, made for memories.” As eye-roll inducing as that may sound, it rings true as our theme parks have time and time again created experiences enjoyable for all ages. And Orlando knows how to keep the good times rolling with new attractions and experiences... Read More
The Festival with a Heart
The programming director for the 28th annual Florida Film Festival gives us a look behind the curtain. Matthew Curtis’ interest in movies started early. When he was 3 years old, his dad took him to see Pinocchio at the drive-in and, he says, something just clicked. A revelation: this was something he wanted to be a part of. In the 1980s, he cut his teeth at a New York film company... Read More
To a Tee
A look at what’s new and notable at some of Central Florida’s foremost golf clubs. Golfers from near and far flock to Central Florida for the chance to play some of the country’s top courses, each with their own unique beauty and set of challenges. Orlando Family Magazine reached out to the very best to find out what exciting changes are taking place from the course to the... Read More
Taste Test: Golden Fork Awards 2019
We scoured Greater Orlando’s fine dining scene and found 20 dynamite dishes you need to order now. Each year, we take some time to think with our stomachs to bring you the best of Orlando’s fine-dining scene. This time around we decided to mix things up a bit by highlighting a main dish from each featured restaurant that fir into one of four categories: meat and poultry, seafood,... Read More
The Table is Set
With a focused menu and inviting atmosphere, Artisan’s Table serves up a memorable experience. Artisan’s Table in downtown Orlando serves modern American fare in a comfortable open atmosphere off the corner of Pine and Orange avenues. Its location adjacent to the City Arts Factory attracts throngs of diners looking for sophisticated options during an evening out, as the restaurant... Read More
A Juicy Past, A Thrilling Future
Winter Garden embraces its history while keeping an eye toward what tomorrow brings. The streets of Downtown Winter Garden are almost always bustling with people and activity. “There isn’t a day or time where this street isn’t busy,” Melissa Braillard, director of patron development at the city’s historic Garden Theatre, says. “No matter what time of day it is, there... Read More
Around the Greens
A look at some of the area’s finest golf clubs to see what they have to offer. Whether you are a casual golfer who sneaks in a couple of rounds per month, or someone who is passionate about the game and hits the links on a more regular basis, Central Florida is a prime spot to test your skills. Residents and visitors alike are sure to find plenty of courses worthy of a day under... Read More
Side Dish
Restaurant news from throughout Greater Orlando Read More Read More
Southern Charm
Thornton Park’s Soco puts a creative twist on comfort food. Read More Read More
Palate
Top Five: Tacos TUNA TATAKO AT BARTACO, DR. PHILLIPS The tacos and laid back atmosphere of this spot were inspired by the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay and Southern California, and this taco is definitely reminiscent of the Asian-American cuisine of SoCal. Ancho-crusted tuna is topped with a tangy Asian slaw, all spread upon bibb leaf lettuce. WILD ARGENTINE SHRIMP AT REYES... Read More
