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Shop, Dine and Spa: Grown-up Magic in Orlando

by Jennifer Merrick

Our family has loved our visits to Orlando over the years. As young kids, they dueled with lightsabers against the storm troopers and became a princess for a day at Disney World. As tweens and teens, they immersed themselves in beloved books and movies by travelling on the Hogwarts Express, zipping around via broomsticks on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and saving the day with the famous web slinger on the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Universal Studios.

But for the first time, at a recent conference, I found myself in Orlando without my kids. Mmmm…might there be some grown-up magic I could indulge in? Most definitely, it turned out.

Mall at Millenia

The moment I stepped into this 1,118,000-square-foot shopping complex, I knew it was not your typical mall. Sunlight flooded in from its 65-foot-high glass ceiling and yet it was oh so blissfully air-conditioned on this scorcher of a day in June. Anchored by Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, there were over 150 brands represented, including Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Guess, Lacoste and Louis Vuitton. The center court often hosted special events and we enjoyed a fashion show with chic models strutting the latest styles. As I began my shopping excursion, I must admit I was worried that this ordinary Canadian might be out of her league. But with summer sales and low taxes, I left with a bag in each hand and a smile on my face.

Though I didn’t have time to indulge in further retail therapy, Orlando has plenty of options, including:

• Orlando International Premium Outlet is an outdoor complex with big-name brands at discounted prices.

• East End Market in the Audubon Park Garden District features indulgent gourmet delights like artisan cheeses at La Femme du Fromage, regional produce and meats at Local Roots, and made-from-scratch, Asian-inspired French pastries at Sugar Dough Bakehouse.

• Thornton Park, a downtown pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood near Lake Eola, is known for its original artsy boutiques and art galleries.

Shopping had worked up an appetite and though the food at Mall at Millenia was notches above typical food court fare with restaurants like the Capital Grille, California Pizza and PF Changs, it was time for the next Orlando indulgence.

Four Flamingos

A playful tropical vibe permeated everything about this recently opened restaurant located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel. My first impression was that of being transported to a Caribbean island with lush green foliage, palm trees and even a waterfalls at the entrance. And playfulness? Well, flamingos, to start. These graceful, pink wading birds were everywhere from the massive mural that greeted us to the statues hidden among the vegetation outdoors and décor accents.

Why flamingos? “It’s the vintage element,” explained Chef Richard Blais, whose celebrity chef status has skyrocketed since his appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef and his title of Top Chef All-Star.

“Four Flamingos really is my take on vintage Floridian food,” said Blais and explained how his childhood memories of family vacations to the state influenced him.

“I tried to tap into the spirit of the place and what Floridian cuisine is.” And through his flamingo-rose-coloured glasses, he envisioned dishes that were globally influenced, but more focussed on the Caribbean and the deep south of the US, all the way to the bayou of Louisiana.

Blais fusion inspirations shone through in menu items like tuna tostada passion fruit yolk, crab raviolo and a flavourful fish stew.

Equally creative, were the cocktails with signature twists and local ingredients that elevated classics like mule and margaritas as well as their own chef d’oeuvres. Get toasted was a festive concoction of coconut rum, banana liqueur, coconut cream, pineapple and cinnamon bark syrup.

Blais is just one of the chefs making their mark in the state’s capital thriving culinary scene. Michelin recently recognized 33 Orlando restaurants, awarding four stars, seven Bib Gourmands and 22 recommendations, including the Four Flamingos. The winners of the elusive stars were:

• Capa, a Spanish-style steakhouse and tapas bar at the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World, is known for its steak and seafood.

• The 10-seat Soseki features creative omakase with a contemporary twist.

• Kadence, located in the Audubon Park Garden District, is a popular sushi bar that focusses on creative bites using the highest quality fish.

• Knife & Spoon at The Ritz Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes boasts in-house dry-aged steaks and rich seafood specialities.

Also at the Ritz was my final and most indulgent experience before flying home:

Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Spa

“Leave the outside world behind,” the esthetician instructed as my facial began. The directive was easy to follow at this 40,000-feet oasis with inviting indoor and outdoor facilities orchestrated to relax and rejuvenate. Inside, there are 40 treatment rooms, a full salon and water circuit, including sauna, steam room and pool. Outdoors is reminiscent of a Caribbean resort with cabanas, comfy lounge chairs and pool side service, where you can order a healthy lunch from Vitale, the Spa Café, or a glass of bubbly.

The facial itself revitalized with top-of-the-line products that utilized pure, concentrated ingredients that left my skin visibly softer and smoother.

I have to admit it was hard to leave, but I had a flight to catch. However, there’s no doubt I’ll be back in Orlando. The question is whether it’ll be with or without the kids.

www.visitorlando.com