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Rock the Park in New Port Richey

New Port Richey will “Rock the Park”, for the second year in a row, at the Sims Park Amphitheater.  Presented by the Tampa Bay Times, on Saturday May 19, this free concert will feature se

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Rock the Park in New Port Richey

Real Estate Advice – Suze Orman or

Florida’s real estate market, being what it is, I thought it was a good time to revisit this article.  Our unemployment rate is falling, and, according to UF’s Kelly A. Bergstrom Center for Real

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Real Estate Advice – Suze Orman or Warren Buffett?

Get “Soaked” at Lake Eola

Orlando’s iconic lake to host extreme water sports festival Water skiing in Orlando’s Lake Eola is not something you expect to see!  In September, however, the City Beautiful will be host

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Get “Soaked” at Lake Eola

Festival of Chocolate

The Festival of Chocolate Returns to Orlando Greetings Chocolatiers and Chocolate Lovers alike!  I bid you good news.  The Festival of Chocolate returns to Orlando this weekend at the UCF Arena.  T

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Festival of Chocolate

Orlando Mayor’s Job Fair in May 2012

Job Fair in Central Florida The CFEC and the Orlando Mayor’s office is hosting another Job Fair in May.  This is open to all job seekers, so don’t let this opportunity slip away.  Dress

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Orlando Mayor’s Job Fair in May 2012

A Stress free Passover Dinner in Florida

by on April 4, 2012 at 8:06 am

Where will you have Passover dinner? 

Preparing Passover’s seder meal can be tough for any cook.  Today, trying to keep up with everyone’s tastes, lifestyles and dietary needs makes it even more difficult – remembering the vegetarian or diabetic, who needs gluten-free or heart healthy options.  Additionally, with the advent of so many cooking shows, we’ve become more discriminating, necessitating changes to many traditional recipes.  Bottom line, making the holiday dinner can be a daunting task! 

Having said that, there’s no need to go it alone!  If you are looking for a place to enjoy the Passover feast but don’t feel like cooking at home, you may opt to join others in your community at your local Jewish center.  Furthermore, there are a few restaurants offering special Passover menus during the holiday week.  Some require reservations so you may want to call ahead. 

Whether you choose to cook or dine out, remember Passover is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends.  Shalom!

 PattiGeorges, 4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. Call 941-383-5111

The special menu includes matzo with cherry and pecan charoset; salmon gefilte fish with horseradish sauce; matzo ball soup; braised beef brisket or chicken marsala; and flourless chocolate cake or tropical sorbet for dessert. The regular menu also will be available.  For prices see http://pattigeorges.com/docs/Passover%202012.pdf.

Rosa Mexicano, 900 S. Miami Ave., Miami, OR  1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach     Call  786-425-1001 OR 305-695-1005

This restaurant offers a Mexican-themed Passover menu starting with charoset, almonds, and rose apples with crispy parsley and matzo meal tortillas; choice of entrees (crispy chicken breast, braised lamb shank, and beef brisket); and dessert (date, lemon and piñon cake with honey topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of lemon syrup).

Pavilion Grille, 301 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton. Call 561-912-0000.

A traditional four-course Passover meal will be offered Saturday, April 7, through Thursday, April 12. Dinner is served nightly at 6 p.m. Mazto ball soup, salad, choice of entree (braised brisket, roast chicken, or salmon), and dessert included. The cost is $29.95 per person, plus tax and tip.

Cafe Boulud, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach. Call 561-655-6060.

Find a new take on classic Passover fare from Friday, April 6, to Saturday, April 14, with a three-course prix fixe menu with appetizers like matzo ball soup with chicken confit and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms or pike gefilte fish with baby beet salad with horseradish creme fraiche.  Entrees are matzo-crusted Arctic char with parsley root puree; spring lamb shank, or braised beef short rib tzimmes with dried fruit compote and baby root vegetables.  Dessert choices are a flourless chocolate cake or raspberry pavolva.  The cost is $59 per person.

Josef’s Table, 5030 Champion Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 954-290-3521.

This restaurant will host a casual, non-religious dinner from 5 p.m to close Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7. The special menu includes matzo with apple and walnut charoset; salmon and whitefish gefilte fish with horseradish sauce and green salad; matzo ball soup; braised beef brisket or roasted lemon thyme chicken with vegetables and potato kugel; and flourless chocolate cake or fresh berries with chocolate macaroons for dessert. The cost is $39.95 per person, plus tax and tip. The regular menu also will be available. Reservations are required.  

Le Bistro, 4626 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point. Call 954-946-9240.

Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7, Le Bistro will offer a four-course prix fixe meal that includes a Seder plate, matzo, and a complimentary glass of sweet wine. Appetizer choices include whitefish and salmon terrine; apple, walnut, and blue cheese salad; and rillette of duck. The second course is chicken soup with matzo balls. Entree choices include braised beef brisket; roasted spring baby chicken; or baked cod. Each main dish is served with a candied vegetable medley and potato cake. Dessert choices are a French vanilla gelato sundae or chocolate mousse. The cost is $39 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 years and younger.

 

 Find a Seder near you:

Jewish Federations of Florida — http://www.jewishfederations.org/ir_LL_category.html?state=fl

Miami — http://jewishmiami.org/resources/community_directory/events/

Orlando — http://www.orlandojewishfed.org/seders2012.aspx

Sarasota — http://www.jfedsrq.org/calendar/

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Downtown Orlando Dining: Napasorn Thai Restaurant

by on February 27, 2012 at 11:36 am

Downtown Orlando Dining:  Napasorn Thai Restaurant

What are you in the mood for?

When it comes to downtown Orlando dining, Napasorn is must do.  Quaint, accommodating, and most importantly delicious.  At some point in my life “good” food became more important to me than just simple nourishment.  As I began to really appreciate a well prepared meal, dining out became more of a desirable experience, which meant that fast food was no longer a feasible option to satisfy my appetite.  I suppose as we grow so do our taste in the things we choose to indulge, but don’t get me wrong, sometimes a fat juicy burger is just what I need.

If you’re anything like me deciding what I’m in the mood for can lead to an overwhelming hunger and poor decision making.  After a day of critical thinking all you want to do… is less.  There should be an App for that.  The “Leave Your Worries to Us” App.  Just fill out your personal profile and enter.  Based on your personal preferences and current location we recommend “whatever”.  How’s that for an easy button.  If you know of something like that send me a link.  In the meantime, I hope this will at least give you a preferred downtown Orlando dining option whenever you’re in Central Florida.

 

Napasorn Thai Saki/Wine

 

Napasorn Thai Restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Orlando on Pine street right next to The Plaza Cinema Cafe´.  Even though this was not my first visit to Napasorn, I was formally reintroduced to the menu and few items I hadn’t tried.  First off the raspberry saki is great.  If you’re a fan of Moscato you’ll love this!  It’s sweet and bursting with flavor and is one of Napasorn’s signature items.  So you’ll have to pay them a visit to experience this since it’s the only place you’ll find this blend.  I must admit I did overindulge my sweet tooth on this visit.  I found it difficult to ignore the oohs and aahs coming from lunch companion as she enjoyed the cream rolls dipped in a sweet pineapple sauce.  After one a taste it claimed a firm position on my list of favorite things.  For a main course I sampled the pad thai with chicken, hot.  And if you’ve never had Thai food before, be warned there is a significant difference between hot and Thai hot.  This is a dish that i’ve had before so it would take a little more to wow me, though I still found it quite good.  Unfortunately, I was short on time and had to cut my visit short, but I expect to return with friends.  This time I’d like to try the peanut curry, one of my favorite Thai dishes, and see how it fares.  If you make there before me though, let me know what you think.

 

 

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Sweet Stop Candy Co.

by on November 27, 2011 at 9:37 am

The Sweet Stop Candy Co.

The revitalization of downtown Orlando came with many changes!  In an effort to attract new customers from the Amway Center, many businesses and buildings were restored to their original splendor.  The renovation of the Sweet Stop Candy Shop, however, came with a twist!  Bear in mind, as with any facelift, they may have a new appearance but the old soul resides within.

With all the construction, driving through the downtown area had become cumbersome.  My trips downtown became limited so I wasn’t aware of all the changes that had occurred on Church Street.  When all the dust had settled, I was excited to take a walk around and see all that was there.  I couldn’t help but be attracted to the Sweet Stop Candy Shop.  Maybe it was the bright colors.  Maybe it was all the candy.  When I stepped inside the Sweet Stop, I stepped back in time.  On display was all the candy I remember from my childhood.  There were Lemonheads and Boston Baked Beans, Now-and-Laters and Bubbalicious!.  Oh, and those over sized lollipops that were once, and still are, as big as my head!  Of course they have the current favorites—the gummy worms, the jelly bellies, the sour patch kids.  Then there is the chocolate — everything from Goobers to Whoppers.  As the saying goes, my eyes grew bigger than my belly!  It was the owner, Ms. Andria Brown, that came to my rescue.  It was clear she had seen this before!   She helped me scale my eyes back down to size as we discussed all the sweets that I love now as well as my past loves.  As we chatted, she was able to put together a customized mix of peanuty chocolate goodness that mirrored my trip down memory lane.  Then I received just a little bit more.

While she dispensed my treats, Ms. Brown, gave me a little bit of history about the store.  It seems she has been on the same block for many years.  The opening of the Amway Center gave her the opportunity for a new lease, not only on her business but on life!  You see, the Sweet Stop Candy Shop used to be Ms Brown’s tailoring shop until last year when she decided to reinvent herself and the store.  As she explains it, being a confectioner gives her greater satisfaction and freedom.  She enjoys seeing her clients’ faces as the smell of the candy envelopes them and they reminisce about their childhoods!  For me, it was much more than just fond memories and sugary sweets!  I went away with a warm feeling, as though I spent time with an old friend.  I recommend that whenever you are in the downtown Orlando area, treat yourself!  Satisfy that sweet tooth with a trip to Sweet Stop Candy Shop!  You wont be disappointed!

 

Visit Ms. Brown at Sweet Stop Candy Shop 405 W Church Street Orlando, FL 32801.

 

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Table 26 – West Palm Beach

by on November 20, 2011 at 10:04 pm

A slice of casual, comfortable Palm Beach will cross the Intracoastal early next year with the debut of Table 26,an “American global cuisine” restaurant from the long-time (13 years) maitre ‘d of the Palm Beach Grill.

 

Eddie Schmidt and partner Ozzie Medeiros have taken over a former car rental spot on South Dixie Highway just a couple blocks down from the Norton Museum of Art and plan a late January-early February opening of the restaurant, named after the latitude of Palm Beach.

Though Table 26 is the duo’s first local restaurant, they’re hardly restaurant virgins, having run a pair of Nantucket eateries for several years before selling them to focus on their new venture.

Table 26 will take its design cues from the waterfront locations of both Nantucket and “the Island,” with what Schmidt calls a “vaguely nautical, Ralph Lauren” feel. Among its more impressive features is a ceiling printed a map of the 26th latitude. The dining room will boast a blue-and-white color scheme with white leather banquettes, navy blue carpet and a long, 14-seat bar. Capacity is 85 inside out 50 on the covered patio.

As for the food, it will channel the same casual, unpretentious vibe, with everything from burgers and braised pork shank to lobster clam bake and fish ‘n’ chips to lasagna Bolognese and tagliatelle with wild mushrooms. Dishes will be available in both full and half-portion. A husband-and-wife chef team (he savory, she pastry) from New England has been chosen, Schmidt says, though they can’t be named until they finish their gig up north.

Stay tuned for further details.

http://www.bocamag.com/blog/table-26-to-debut-in-west-palm-beach/

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Absolutely Delish!!!!

by on November 7, 2011 at 5:00 am

 

Edgewater Delish

 

There is a sub-shop in College Park that I visit regularly.  I like it because of the easy going environment and the fact that it’s never too packed with people.  Unfortunately, I am usually rushing in and out.  I always knew there were a few stores further down from my sub-shop, but I’m usually preoccupied, and don’t bother to look around.  Well, today I paid attention and it paid off!!!!  I found a frozen yogurt store named Delish, and how appropriately named!  The décor includes bright colors and contemporary tables, making it look like a kidzone that’s inviting for adults.  This place looked so cool that I was compelled to take pictures even before I tasted the product.  Seriously, I was sold.

 

As I sampled a few flavors, among the regulars and the favorites I ran across a Maple Bacon Doughnut flavor!  (You heard me- a Maple Bacon Doughnut flavor!).  So clearly this is a place that will satisfy the adventurous palate as well as the mundane.  Scrolling through the toppings, I couldn’t help but notice there was a WALL full of them.  They had everything imaginable from Oreo to Peanut Butter Cups.  Again, a little something for everyone.  The store is set up so that the customer grabs a cup and builds their own creation.  The cost is determined by the ounce, so it works out really great for the nibbler!

 

What truly topped it off (pun intended) was Madeline.  Madeline manages this location and makes the experience really pleasant.  She was not only patient, but friendly, as I am one of those needy customers requiring help to calculate calories, cost or just figure out my “taste-mood” for that day.  Madeline made me feel comfortable.  She knew when to chime in, and when to step back, as though this really was an important decision for us both.  She added that “something extra” for me.

 

Overall, my experience was an A.  Great location, great staffing, great eats!  It’s just…well…Delish!

 

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Sweet Potato Pie Bakery – Orlando, FL

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by on October 28, 2011 at 9:09 pm

 

 

 

 Just east of Orange Avenue, on Michigan Ave, Sweet Potato Pie bakery is nestled in a small strip mall in a residential neighborhood, past the tourists and glitz of downtown Orlando.  It’s an unlikely spot to find such a gem so when I went looking for it, I almost passed right by! 

I first became acquainted with Sweet Potato Pie (the bakery) at the Winter Park farmer’s market one Saturday.  I purchased a slice of their signature dessert, the sweet potato pie, and knew I had reached dessert mecca.  With one bite, it all hits you!  The creamy texture, the flaky crust, the generous portions of sugar and butter…it was everything good in life!!.

Don’t let the name fool you!  This restaurant serves much more than just your run of the mill sweet potato pie!  When Ms. Arlean Gulley opened this bakery she opened up a veritable cornucopia of treats!!  The pie offerings include coconut cream, lemon meringue, key lime, and of course, the obligatory apple.  Then, of course, there’s the array of bread puddings, featuring traditional and sweet potato, naturally!  Add to that a small assortment of breads, soups and quiches, and you’ve got the gist.  It’s a small space with perhaps one table, so ask for a fork.  That’ll make it easier, ‘cause you’ll be noshing while you’re driving home. 

The restaurant was founded by Ms. Gulley, after having sold these treats at several farmers’ markets in the area, and at Bubbalou’s BBQ in Altamonte Springs.  The menu, as I mentioned before, is definitely worthy of the commendations being bestowed upon some of the other more noted “dessert people” in town…and it’s a fraction of the price!  

So if you ever have time on your hands and find yourself in a “pie” mood, I would recommend SPP.  But don’t take anyone with you!  ‘Cause you might have to share! …and you don’t wanna have to do that!!

 Spicygator

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Sweet Potato Pie Bakery  247 E. Michigan St., Orlando.  Phone 407-246-0011   

The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Potato-Pie-Bakery/217678091589936

http://www.sweetpotatopiebakery.com

 

 

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The Eden Bar at the Enzian – Maitland, FL

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by on September 27, 2011 at 3:36 pm

Many of you may know of the Enzian as a place to watch movies.  The Enzian is now serving lunch.  They served food in the past but lunch is now served everyday.  The best thing about the Eden Bar being open for lunch is theinexpensive meal ( $10 can cover your meal),  the WiFi, and the view.  The alfresco dining is very relaxing unless the weather is not its usual sunny self.  The Eden Bar serves soups, flatbreads, and sandwiches.  There are daily food and drink specials.  They have a late night special for dinner and they have HAPPY HOUR!!!!!  The drink specials are from 5pm -7pm.  I almost forgot another great reason to dine at the Enzian.  They have WiFI.  You can bring a client, work from the Enzian, surf and dine with friends or meet your next date of your life online.  Okay, okay, okay… see a movie.  Whatever the reason, head on over to the Enzian and dine at Eden Bar.

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