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Chef Lordfer Larikon’s approach is farm-centered. And if Kaya’s Michelin Green Star won’t tell you that, the local colors on the plates of this James Beard Award finalist certainly will. Laricon sources locally sourced ingredients. That means oysters farmed from Central Florida producers like Frog Song Organics, Sugar Top Farms and Kelley Seafoods, a short drive away like New Smyrna Beach’s Mosquito Lagoon, and of course Orlando’s urban gem Everoak Farms, where he and farmers Mike Garcia and Nikki Garcia will be treating guests to an all-new, and of course, locally sourced, amazing dinner. Established in 1999, these beautiful, outstanding-in-the-field…
WASHINGTON, DC – The Cats are back in the nation’s capital. The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, will return to the White House to be honored by President Donald J. Trump on January 15th for a special visit. A storied tradition has seen sports teams visit the White House since the 19th century, with the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the first Stanley Cup championship in 1991. The Panthers became the 10th franchise in NHL history to win back-to-back championships, and on June 17, 2025, in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals, they achieved a decisive 5-1 victory over…
The next ship to join Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet will be the largest ship to date, expanding on the Prima class with a design that is 10% larger than its predecessor. Scheduled to homeport in Miami from June 2027, the 169,000 gross tonne Norwegian Aura will be the third ship in the Prima Plus class, joining Aqua and the upcoming Luna, which will debut from Miami in April. Aura will be the cruise line’s 22nd ship and fifth Prima Class ship, with plans to expand to a sixth ship by the end of 2028. “Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of…
Forty years ago, Walt Disney World introduced the Epcot Pavilion known as Living Seas. In 1986, the company reportedly spent $90 million on the project, which the Orlando Sentinel called “its most ambitious and expensive pavilion ever.” A Disney spokesperson called it “the world’s sixth ocean.” All of this happened before fish with short attention spans appeared on the big screen, and park visitors knew nothing about what was called a “cramobile.” Things changed, and half a lifetime ago in 2006, the area was rethemed and renamed “She’s with Nemo & Friends.” Other things remain unchanged, including the 5.7 million…
Epcot International Arts Festival returns with a wide variety of disciplines. While this remains a highly visual event, it is designed to be a feast for the ears and taste buds. The theme park will once again feature sets from Broadway singers, walk-in artwork, behind-the-scenes exhibits, and culinary creations served at 24 locations. (I do have a Skittles product or two, and I have to admit, it’s a colorful option.) First held at Walt Disney World in 2017, the fest is included with regular Epcot admission. The period is from January 16th to February 23rd. Community Core Encore Now in…
SeaWorld Orlando has announced the majority of its lineup for its 2026 Seven Seas Food Festival concert series. First up is Flo Rida on January 31st. There are 25 concert dates listed, some with multiple performers. And with five slots available in April and May, SeaWorld has hinted there will be a “surprise guest”. “This is the largest and most diverse concert lineup we have ever presented as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival,” SeaWorld Orlando Director John Peterson said in a news release. Previous schedules include both Bow Wow and Bow Wow Wow, Boys II Men and All-4-One,…
This weekend, Central Winds Park in Winter Springs resembles the rolling hills of Scotland, complete with bagpipes, highland games, herding dogs and even haggis. These festivities are part of the 48th Central Florida Scottish Highland Games, which will return on January 17th and 18th to celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of Scotland. Attendees can experience a piper, dancing, animals, craft vendors, ax throwing, archery, medieval camping, children’s activities, food and beverages, athletics and more. There is enough variety to satisfy visitors with all interests, but athletic events such as stone throwing, hammer throwing, cabertoss, bundle throwing and weighted overbars…
A day after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address to lawmakers, a new poll from Mason Dixon Polling & Strategy shows the governor’s approval ratings remain healthy overall but are declining among key voter groups, particularly independents and women. The poll found that 50% of Florida voters approve of DeSantis’ job performance, while 46% disapprove and 4% are unsure. While still good, the numbers reflect the governor’s lowest approval rating since he took office, and represent a 3-point drop from the 53% approval rating measured last March. Related content: Percentage of American voters who…
Florida parents are school selective at one of the highest rates in the nation, with an estimated 3.2 million parents of school-age children considering at least one new school for their child in the past year. A new survey of 508 Florida parents released by the National Foundation for School Choice reveals that 81% of Florida parents are considering a new school for at least one child by 2025. 26% of people ended up enrolling their children in a new school, higher than the national enrollment rate of 21%. Parents most often cited practical reasons for their search, including transitioning…
What does it mean to be a Scottish clan leader in 2026? And more importantly, what does it mean to belong? These are the central themes touched upon in a documentary being shown in a special screening at the Enzian Theater this week. “Meet the Buchanans” will be shown Thursday to coincide with this weekend’s Central Florida Scottish Highland Games in Winter Springs. Film director Barbara Orton and the clan chief’s son Rory Buchanan will also be in attendance. The 90-minute documentary begins with the lush greenery and rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, specifically Cambusmore Estate, where Mike Buchanan…