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“Bōshi wasn’t a business plan,” says Ian Russell, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef turned master of Smoke and Donut BBQ in Orlando’s Milk District. “It was something I felt I had to build on.” Now about to enter “Session 12,” Bōshi Bar is a music-driven experience created around vinyl records and, of course, food and drink, with a growing Friday night presence within the barbecue joint, featuring a curated menu of ramen and other Japanese snacks (along with a meat-heavy menu of smoked & donuts). But as the above sentence suggests, this is a music-first endeavor. “My father was…

Gatorland is the most popular roadside attraction in the U.S., according to a new study that weighed TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram posts and Google searches from around the world. The Orlando animal attraction, which has been in operation since 1949, topped Memphis, Tenn.’s Sun Studio in a ranking released by Betway Casino, which analyzed statistics for more than 80 roadside attractions in the United States. Gatorland features hundreds of reptiles and other animals, as well as alligator wrestling, a zipline course that navigates through breeding wetlands, off-road attractions, Old Florida charm, and an iconic entrance that invites visitors to walk between…

One of Osceola County’s “longest and most cherished traditions” returns this weekend, captivating the community with bull tapping and fast-paced horseback riding. The 156th Annual Silver Spurs Rodeo will be held in Kissimmee this weekend, bringing families to seven classic rodeo events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. Dating back to 1944, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River celebrates the legacy of farming at Osceola Heritage Park with three nights of events Friday through Sunday. What began as a way to support the efforts of the U.S. military…

Lake County’s rolling hills will soon resemble a Scottish landscape as the annual Mt Dora Scottish Highland Festival returns. The sound of bagpipes floating in the air echoes. The 13th annual celebration of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture will be held Saturday and Sunday at the city’s Donnelly Park and Elizabeth Evans Park. Guests can explore clan and cultural heritage, browse the food stalls, watch Highland athletics and get a taste of Scotland through food and sounds. Chris Carson, director of cultural and special events for Mount Dora, helped launch the festival more than a decade ago and has seen…

As an urban community that proudly displays public sculptures and murals, Lake Nona celebrates its art-centric nature in every aspect. That’s especially true this weekend when the Lake Nona Art Festival returns for its second annual event, showcasing the talent and work of 100 outstanding artists from across Florida and beyond. The event will be held Saturday and Sunday at Lake Nona Town Center and will feature art including pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry and more. Lake Nona’s primary developer, Tavistock Development Company, approached festival organizers Brian Young and Janet Gamache about hosting the event at Lake Nona after hearing about…

A new poll by Fox News, Quinnipiac and others shows a common thread. Voters are telling pollsters that affordability is a top issue heading into the 2026 election. But what part of rising costs is of greatest concern to Americans? Medical expenses, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Recent data shows that 66% report feeling worried about their and their family’s ability to pay for health care costs. Medical expenses rank higher than food, groceries, utilities, housing, and gas. 55% of respondents reported to KFF that their medical costs increased in the past year. However, cost affordability extends beyond…

SeaWorld Orlando has added five new concert dates to its Seven Seas Food Festival, adding previously unscheduled performances by Elvis Crespo, Jesse McCartney, Molly Hatchett, Lend Collective, and Great White & Slaughter. The performance takes place in the theme park’s outdoor Bayside Stadium and is included with regular SeaWorld admission. Reserved seating is available for an additional fee. The festival will be centered around 29 food and beverage markets and will be held on select dates until May 17th. The original list was released in January. The updated schedule for the remaining festivals includes: • February 20th: Jefferson Starship• February…

Elsa and Anna finished their work. Kristoff too. This is fun to say and also pretty accurate, as the animatronics inside Epcot’s Frozen Ever After ride have been upgraded. It’s a figure all around from the neck up, and most observers are giving the project a thumbs up. Imagineers say the figure’s head has a silicone skin and more realistic articulation. Previously, faces were created using projection. This is what the ride, an improved version of Maelstrom, has looked like since it opened in 2016. Disney says technology has improved in that time. So if you’re a science hater, you…

Entering the sixth week of the 2026 Florida Legislature, the House and Senate continue to pass bills out of committee, but at a slow pace. The Republican-controlled Florida House passed 24 bills, and the Senate passed 25. Only two bill bills have passed both chambers. Aside from the billing bill, neither chamber has taken up the other’s bills, highlighting Tallahassee’s current impasse. Additionally, nearly 900 bills have not been considered in either the House or Senate’s assigned committees, indicating that many bills will not cross the finish line this Congress. Additionally, many committees and subcommittees have held or are beginning…

February is not only National Hot Breakfast Month, but it’s also National Pancake Month. It’s a great excuse to invalidate this recipe, but the truth is a little more selfish. I miss my friends. Thanks to this topic, I was able to spend some more time with him this week. Years ago, in a Facebook thread about nostalgic foods, I had a quick conversation with the late, great Joseph Hayes, and realized we shared a love for IHOP’s Country Griddle Pancakes. I don’t think this is a menu we’ve seen since the early ’10s. It was really delicious. IHOP has…