Braving a Drag Show

Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary and loaded with laughs? Then may I suggest heading down to Pointe Orlando for the Danielle Hunter & Company Dinner Theatre Show at Funky Monkey Wine Company.

Oh, and did I mention its a drag dinner theatre show?

Somewhat unexpectedly this weekend, I ended up at this show for a friend’s birthday dinner. I’ve heard of Funky Monkey Wine Company before, although I only knew of their Mills Avenue location (neighbored by Bananas, of the same owners). I did not know, however, that they offered a formal drag show at either location.

It was a laugh-out-loud show, especially watching the reactions of the guys in our group — particularly those who were targeted by the ‘girls’. The performers lip synched along with popular songs, dressed as artists like Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Fergie and Shania Twain.

This is not a show for the faint of heart – lots of racy comments, half-naked ‘women’, and crass language. But I know I found it to be hilarious and definitely something I’d go to again.

Oh, and did I mention they have great food and wine as well? The menu features a wide variety sushi rolls, as well as salads and entrees such as Yellow Fin Tuna, Drunken Jumbo Sea Scallops, Beef Short Ribs, Butternut Squash Raviolis, and Caramelized Pork Chop.

Want to see if for yourself? The show is every Friday night at 9pm (Pointe Orlando location only), and reservations are highly encouraged.

Food Truck Bazaar

Finally! I made it to a food truck event – and actually ate something!

The Daily City’s Food Truck Bazaar #2 was hosted on Sunday evening in the parking lot of Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall. The 5-hour event featured 15 trucks, including traditional BBQ, cupcakes, ‘fresh’ menus, pupusas (El Salvador), Korean, seafood and quite a bit more. If you were lucky, you’d make it through two lines – and we did just that.

First stop: The Tree House Truck, named aptly after its vertically unchallenged owner. After reviewing the menu, and a couple items seeming very promising, my partner in crime decided we just needed to go for it. We were ordering “The Luther Vandross”.

For those unfamiliar, The Luther Vandross is one insane concoction of heart attack-inducing madness. As if a bacon cheeseburger weren’t bad enough, imagine exchanging that bun for two Krispy Kreme donuts. Oh yes, you read that correctly. Two Krispy Kreme donuts. Never in my life would I have imagined wanting to try such a combo.

But, I did. Its all about the adventure, right? Take a look at this thing. Luckily, I only subjected myself to half, since I was able to split it. Thank goodness for that.

Other tasty-sounding items from this truck: the “Chimoo” sandwich – comprised of chicken, steak, slaw, sweet potato fries and ketchup; and fried Oreos.

Second Stop: Big Wheel Provisions, sporting the slogan “Local is Lovely”. These guys may have the upper hand, as its an established catering company that’s now also started a food truck. Their line was also much longer than the first, but luckily they offered up cold items for purchase during your wait. So we enjoyed two sliders: one pancetta and the other salami (sauce has a kick!).

As for our menu choices, we didn’t go for entrees. Instead, I ordered the fried whole fresh mozzarella ball with a marinara dipping sauce, and my friend tried the crispy fried cheddar chive grit cakes. Both were delicious! I don’t know if I can ever go back to typical fried cheese. And the grit cakes reminded me of corn fritters…but oh so much better.

Other tasty-sounding items from this truck: pork belly sliders, and homemade whoopie pies.

When’s the next Food Truck Bazaar in Orlando? The Daily City just announced the next event is July 3rd – location is TBD. Check out the blog or RSVP for the event on Facebook to keep updated.

Orlando’s Corporate 5K

Sorry about the delay since my last post, but its been a busy couple days. On Thursday, I took part in Orlando’s Corporate 5K presented by IOA. While I’ve taken part in two other races this year (go me!), this was my first time at this particular event. And it sure is a popular one! More than 14,000 people came out to run or walk. It was absolute craziness!

The route is one of my favorites. The course wound through beautiful downtown Orlando. For those familiar with the city, it started on the southeast corner of Lake Eola, followed Central Blvd east to Bumby Ave, went north to Robinson Street and then west all the way along the north side of Lake Eola to Rosalind Ave, and then south to Central Blvd for the finish.

My team was comprised of my relatively new co-workers at Acropolis, my favorite little ad agency in town. We decided to go the humorous route with our t-shirts this year. Four of us signed up as runners (how did I end up as one of those??), while the rest participated as walkers. My goal, however sad this might sound, was just to clock in under 40 minutes. I know, I know. Really? Under 40 minutes? Well, I’m not a runner and will never claim to be. So just the thought of not walking half of this 5K is daunting to me.

One of my co-workers who runs often decided to stay back with me (thanks SF!), while the other two ran ahead. I was shocked that I was able to make it about 1.5 miles before stopping for my first brief walk (although I was jogging slow the whole time). We only stopped one more time for a short bit, before making the turn onto Rosalind Ave and picking up speed for the finish.

And get this… we just made my goal, clocking in 39 minutes (I luckily remembered to check my watch when we crossed the starting line). I was super proud of myself!

Photo of runners by Chris and Tina Otto.

Tiffany’s Laurelton Hall

After reading Clara and Mr. Tiffany, it was only a matter of time before I made a visit to Winter Park’s Morse Museum.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is home to one of the largest collections of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works – including leaded glass windows and lamps, art jewelry, pottery, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago (which was actually installed in an outbuilding at Laurelton Hall in 1916).

I’ve been to the Morse Museum once before, but not been since it opened the new Tiffany Wing on February 19th. The 6,000-square-foot space focuses on recreating rooms of Tiffany’s Long Island estate – Laurelton Hall. I felt as if I was seeing the museum through new eyes since so many of the pieces discussed at great length in the novel are on display.

Jeannette McKean (the museum’s founder) and her husband Hugh McKean (museum’s director until his death), rescued objects from Laurelton Hall after a devastating fire in 1957. Thanks to their collecting, the 10 galleries of the new Tiffany Wing include a restored Daffodil Terrace and 250 art and architectural objects from or related to the estate.

Overall, the new wing is a fascinating addition to an already superb museum. Its particularly interesting to get up close to the leaded glass windows to see the distinctively colored glass that was created by Tiffany’s workers and meticulously placed with such a keen sense of light and color. I highly recommend a visit if you have any interest in art or have read Clara and Mr. Tiffany.

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Orlando area residents: Lucky you! The Morse Museum is offering free admission every Friday night (4pm to 8pm) through the end of April. Can’t make it on a Friday night? The museum is also free all Easter weekend.

A Stroll Through Leu Gardens

This weekend was the annual plant sale at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. Since my friend was one of the vendors – and park admission was free for the day – I decided to make my first trip to the gardens that I’ve heard about for so many years.

And what a perfect day to do so! Not a cloud in the sky, and while it was hot, walking along the trails shaded by the trees was kind of perfect.

Leu Gardens incorporates 50 acres of southern style gardens. It boasts the third largest Camellia collection in the U.S., the largest rose garden in Florida, and a National Historic House from the 1880s.

As stated on its website, the mission of the gardens is “to inspire people to appreciate and understand plants, the environment of Central Florida and the Gardens’ historic significance.”

While I was visiting during an event that may have distracted from the garden’s usual plant life, I definitely think I learned to appreciate the variety that call the gardens home.

My favorite part of the day was a walk we took along the outskirts of the property, taking us through a camellia garden, a palm area, and massive bamboo trees. I even spotted trees filled with roses that reminded of the scene in Alice in Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts insists the cards paint the roses red! The trail was a perfect place for a quiet stroll to relax after a long week. I can only imagine how peaceful the gardens would be on a typical day!

Because the plant sale was in full swing, we also got to see many other species not found in mass within the gardens. Everything from orchids and Frangipani (a personal favorite!), to bonsai trees and agave plants. If only I had a yard to plant them in!

If you live in the Central Florida area, and you’re looking for an escape for a day, I definitely recommend a trip to Leu Gardens. And bring a blanket, too… there are plenty of wide open lawns where you can relax!

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Harry P. Leu Gardens is located at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in Orlando, close to Winter Park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Check for events at the park, as they are known to host Movie in the Park nights, too!

PiYo (that’s Pilates + yoga to you)

Alright, it’s about time to give another group workout class a try. This time around, I joined my friend at a class she has grown to absolutely adore… PiYo.

PiYo is a blend of… you guessed it… Pilates and yoga. The class is focused on sculpting your abs and increasing core strength. That means greater endurance and stability.

I was a little worried about attending. I’ve never participated in yoga (other than Wii Fit, which doesn’t really count) or taken a Pilates class. Primarily because I’m about the least flexible person I know. I can’t even touch my toes! It’s pitiful.

I’m happy to report that the class was great! Sure, there were some parts that really pushed my limits, but that’s what makes a good workout. One minute we were in traditional yoga poses, the next we were doing push-ups, and then we were “rowing” to work out our abs.

And even though I’m supposed to be trying new things daily, I think I’ll make an exception for PiYo as a regular part of my weekly workout routine.

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Orlando friends: I took the PiYo class at the 24 Hour Fitness on Orange Avenue, just south of downtown. The instructor, Alli, is awesome. I highly recommend it!

Bliss-less Ultra Lounge Experience

Yesterday, one of my very best friends celebrated her 31st birthday. We decided a ladies night out on the town (in Orlando’s downtown, that is) was in order.

After dinner at Ember, the birthday girl proclaimed she wanted to dance. So on a very chilly Florida night, we set out on foot to Church Street, a couple blocks away. In an effort to escape the cold as quickly as possible, we jetted into Bliss Premiere Ultra Lounge.

For years, I’ve seen this bar/nightclub. I’ve never ventured in, because I’m simply not a nightclub kind of girl. My wardrobe, for example, simply cannot keep up with the latest trends (which to my astonishment, continue to include less and less actual clothing). I very much prefer good old fashioned, laid back bars – where I can comfortably wear my jeans and flip flops, if I so choose. Regardless, this particular nightclub has always seemed popular with one crowd or another.

We arrived shortly after 10pm on a Friday night, and the place was dull. Granted, there was South Beach style lighting throughout, but that simply cannot make up for the lack of patrons and poor choice in music.

On top of that, the free cosmos were nothing more than Sprite and grenadine (seriously, no liquor), they used plastic martini glasses, the backdrop behind the DJ looked suspiciously like shower curtains, the “VIP” booths were occupied by far-less-than-VIP-looking-party-goers, and not a single person ever graced the dance floor.

Simply put: This nightclub was not pure bliss.

We did, however, thoroughly enjoy singing to 80′s hits at The Lodge and the laid back atmosphere at Burton’s (in nearby Thornton Park).

But hey, I tried, right?

Happy #31 AK.

Beer Tasting Class

You see that photo below? That’s right. You’re looking at a wine glass filled with beer.

Odd, maybe. But considering it was part of a 2-hour beer tasting class, I can’t fault it.

I’ve been to wine tasting events before. A lot of swirling, sniffing, tasting and spitting. Sometimes a bit high brow for me (although don’t get me wrong, I enjoy every drop of the wine I taste).

So when my friend – a self-proclaimed beer connoisseur – invited me to a beer tasting class, I had no problem saying yes.

Hosted at Total Wine, a wine warehouse (with 3 aisles dedicated to beer), this particular class was titled, Lagers & Ales. Beyond Pilsners & Pales.

Initially, it appeared there was a mere 8 of us who would be in attendance. We immediately chose a table at the “front of the class” – mostly because my friend loves to interject funny commentary whenever she can (and trust me, this class was no exception). But within 10 minutes, the small group turned into a large crowd of about 25-30 eager beer tasters.

Laid out before us was a list of the 12 beers we would taste, several pages to rate each beer (similar to rating wine), and a copy of the presentation they were giving. The presenters themselves were a fun group of guys – even the Total Wine manager gave us a good laugh.

Our selections included:

• Martins Pale Ale (Belgium)
• Grimbergen Blonde (Belgium)
• Tripel Karmeliet (Belgium)
• Trade Winds Tripel (California)
• Piraat Ale (Belgium)
• Hofbräu Maibock (Germany)
• North Coast Old Stock Ale (California)
• Unibroue Maudite (Canada)
• Pike XXXXX Stout (Washington)
• Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (California)
• Diamond Knot Industrial IPA (Washington)
• Laughing Dog DogZilla Black IPA (Idaho)
• BONUS BEER: Brouwers Golden Ale (Belgium)

Each of my favorites were rated with hearts (an inside joke with my friend). My #1 choice: the German brewed Hofbräu Maibock – earning an impressive 3 hearts. My least favorite? Probably the Diamond Knot Industrial IPA or the Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (although I give them credit for humorous copy on their label).

Along the way, we were educated about the process of brewing, the various jargon involved, etc. To be completely honest, between the beer and the funny commentary of my friend, 99% of it went completely over my head. But I did manage to jot down a couple things that caught my attention.

For example, the phrase “dry hopping.” Technically, this is defined as the addition of loose dry hops to the primary fermenter, the secondary fermenter or to casked beer to increase the aroma and hop character of the finished beer without affecting its bitterness. Ok, that’s all fine and dandy. But really, a new phrase might be in order. Just saying.

My favorite quote, by far, was: “If it isn’t bitter, it’s better.” I couldn’t agree more. I hated all the bitter beers! IPAs are not my preference, for sure. But hey, without this class, I probably wouldn’t have so clearly realized that.

Thanks for the invite Bex.

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Interested in attending one of the classes? Visit the Total Wine website to find a schedule in your area. $15 per class. Sign up for their e-newsletter to get a $5 off coupon. If you live in Orlando, the next two classes focus solely on Belgium beers: April 14th and May 5th, both at 6:30pm.

Run a 5K

Running is not my forte.

Wait…let me be completely honest.

A light jog is not even my forte.

When it comes to working out, I’m a huge slacker. And running of any sort is certainly no exception.

Despite that, 2011 is a new year. And I’ve decided I will make 5Ks a part of it. So a couple friends and I decided to sign up for the 30th Annual Dick Batchelor Run for the Children hosted by Universal Orlando Resort. The race takes you through CityWalk, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

When we arrived, the sky was still dark and it was cold. I mean, 47 degrees cold. And for this Florida girl – who foolishly dressed in shorts and a light long sleeve shirt – it was freezing.

We gathered amid the 1,600 participants in the bus parking area and before I knew it (or could back out) we were starting our jog.

Two words: mini goals. For beginners, they are what will get you through this challenge. They give a sense of accomplishment when you feel like you just can’t possibly run the whole thing (and yes, I do realize its a measly 3.1 miles).

Our first goal… make it through Citywalk and into Islands of Adventure. (To be completely honest, mine was just to make it to NASCAR Sports Grille at the entrance to CityWalk.) I’m proud to say we made it through the entrance gates and then halfway through Marvel Super Hero Island. This, despite the fact that my eyes were watering so much that tears were streaming down my face. And since my cheeks were numb, I couldn’t even feel them.

After that, we were on again, off again with the jogging. I think that first mile was the most impressive for us both and our energy just fell away after that. But we’re proud to say we made it! Our time…hmmm….let’s just say that’s not an important detail.

Zumba

As with most people, I’ve set a New Year’s Resolution to get in shape in 2011. So I joined a 24 Hour Fitness gym within walking distance of my office. One of my absolute favorite parts of a gym membership is the group classes. Last time I was a member of one, I went to a kickboxing class twice a week and never felt better.

At my new gym, Turbo Kick is only offered one day a week, so I decided to fill my second class with Zumba. I’d heard about Zumba for years from a couple of my good friends who love it. I always hesitated in attending with them, since my dance coordination skills are less than admirable. But this time, my friend and I decided to give it a shot.

The room was packed with eager participants, and when the instructor started the music, she immediately launched into a routine that everyone — except us — seemed to know. We quickly scrambled to catch on, and soon were dancing along with the crowd. That’s not to say our coordination skills (or booty shaking) were anything to write home about. In fact, we both spent most of the class laughing at our inability to ‘shake it’ like the other participants.

But in the end, Zumba was super fun and I’ve already attended a couple times since. I still haven’t caught on to all the dance routines, but I just shrug and laugh it off. If anything, it certainly is a way to let go of your inhibitions and have a little fun.