Need a little something for Mother’s Day, graduation, showers or birthdays? Before you start tapping online, check out what local merchants and boutiques have to offer. Shopping local is always in season and we found the goods — from sweet scents and savory flavors to fancy frames and fun books — at Frank, Good Crowd Shop, Maffrey’s, YAY!, and Tidewater Home & Gifts.
76 Flower Power
Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty through Ha’ani Hogan’s largerthan-life blooms to products inspired by floral essences to a trip to the 4Roots Flower Farm where you can select your own to the overthe-top organic arrangements featured at Art in Bloom that mimic pieces at the Orlando Museum of Art. Whether you stop and smell them or admire them from afar, the power of flowers is undeniable.
61 Special Section: Professional Profiles — Leading Women in Real Estate
This series of special promotions, highlighting outstanding women in Central Florida, focuses on women who are accomplished and dedicated to their careers and community.
the cover:
on
Ha’ani Hogan with her floral installation, photographed at United Arts of Central Florida by Christi Ashby. Details on page 76.
10 THE LIST
People, places and things: Be On Park Owner Emily Williams adds fashionable essentials and more to her Park Avenue store; Runway fashions steal the stage at three local fundraising events — Camp Boggy Creek Heart of Fashion, Morning Star Catholic School Runway for Giving, and Winter Park Fashion Week benefitting Runway to Hope; Women to Watch: Garima Shah and Betsy Gardner will headline the 16th annual 2026 Orlando Women’s Conference, and Megan Morris introduces her latest children’s book.
26 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT
Top travel accessories to take you on the road or just on the go; Dermatologist Dr. Dimitry Palceski offers sound advice for sun seekers with recommended products; Women Are Incredible: Friends and businesswomen Michelle Chira, Laura Cosgrove and Lara Lee celebrate 20 years forming the Foundation for Foster Children.
36 TASTES & EXPERIENCES
The tasty trend, girl dinner, is on the menu at both Boca locations; The Alfond Inn’s new chef Antwan Ellis brings the flavors from his life to Hamilton’s Kitchen with a Caribbean and Southern flair; Readers reveal their picks for hot brunch spots from all over Central Florida.
50 AGENDA
Highlighted spring events include Easterseals’ A Pair to Remember; Heart of Fashion for Camp Boggy Creek; Victory Cup Initiative’s impactful breakfast; Winter Park Fashion Week’s fabulous finale; Orange Appeal’s Businesswomen + Ballet; the annual Orlando Shakes Gala; and more.
Blooms are mood boosters. I have always found that to be true — from the sight and scent of a gardenia that reminds me of happy days at school when we would surprise our teacher with carefully wrapped flowers to the sculptural structure of exotic orchids I would only discover later in life — and love.
Everyone seems to have a favorite. Some love the romantic gesture of a dozen red roses. Others in sorrow find comfort from pure, white lilies. Even the lowly carnation in all its colorful variations finds a home in arrangements, boutonnieres and corsages due to its longevity. We even use floral fragrances in everyday products and cosmetics from perfumes to soaps.
For this issue, we decided to be petal pushers, highlighting some of our favorite ways to enjoy flowers — and as artist Ha’ani Hogan proves, they don’t always have to be real to bring joy. Her larger-than-life floral installations have graced a variety of events over the past 10 years. We photographed her with an example on display at the United Arts of Central Florida offices.
Several years ago, Orlando Museum of Art’s Council of 101 philanthropic organization reinvented their spring fundraiser to celebrate the juxtaposition of artworks with inspired florals. Art in Bloom illustrates creativity in full bloom.
And with access for everyone, the team at 4Roots Farm has introduced Flowers by 4Roots, a farm-based floral program rooted in sustainability, education, and community connection. Led by Floral Manager Haley Hine, products are available through their farmers’ markets, direct retail sales and custom arrangements as well as supplying edible flowers to local chefs and restaurants with fresh, locally sourced garnishes. Special events and a soon-to-launch flower delivery subscription services are on the floral menu.
Speaking of beautiful blooms that remind us of our connection to nature, we wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy your day with flowers, brunches, and maybe even a little spa time!
At Art in Bloom I couldn’t resist a tiny orchid from Joanie Stoddard of Tiny Orchid Co.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com
Copyright 2026. No materials may be reproduced without permission. Please do not send unsolicited articles or photographs. Publisher not responsible for individual opinions contained herein.
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EVENTS
The 16th annual ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE will be held September 10, 2026.
For updates and details, visit orlandowomensconference.com For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com
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the list
capsule collection
Emily Williams, owner of Be On Park and lead designer at Z Properties, has curated a capsule wardrobe collection inside the luxury jewelry store on the corner of Park Avenue and Welbourne Avenue. It features elevated staples from high-end buttondown shirts, blazers, t-shirts and jeans to more unique, limited-edition pieces with a bit of flair, very much indicative of Emily’s personal style. They worked with a retail consultant on bringing in more exclusive brands such as Cara Cara, MISA, Suzi Kondi, Alemais, Saint Art, Frank & Eileen, and Frame. beonpark.com/collections
Emily is wearing a Cara Cara Erica shirt and Roxy shorts in Martin Geo print.
HEART of FASHION
Photography by Damon Tucci
Everything from slinky, silky silhouettes and dramatic details to luxe layers and vibrant colors captivated on the runway at this year’s Heart of Fashion event to benefit Camp Boggy Creek. The curated capsule
collection representing the best of the season was presented by Neiman Marcus Orlando for guests who enjoyed the luncheon in a camp-themed atmosphere at The Alfond Inn.
The 10th anniversary event, chaired by Diane Holm, has raised nearly $3 million since inception with support from many long-time sponsors including Nemours Children’s Health. For 30 years the Central Florida camp has served children with serious illnesses and their families in a fun and safe environment.
Winter Park Fashion Week
Photography by Cristy Linscott Nielsen
The fifth annual Winter Park Fashion Week, founded by sisters-in-law Sarah Grafton and Kyle Grafton, ended with an extravaganza event — cocktail party, shopping, runway show and entertainment — with a philanthropic mission as this year’s proceeds benefitted Runway to Hope, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer and their families. Fashion participants included The Collection Bridal, Arabella, Prana Collection, Siegel’s Clothing Co., Hemline Winter Park, John Craig Clothier, Forema, Bobbles & Lace, Mmakamba, Tuni, Orlando Magic and The Mall at Millenia.
CO-CHAIRS KYLE GRAFTON AND SARAH GRAFTON
JOHN CRAIG
TUNI
ARABELLA
MMAKAMBA
A Runway for Giving
A glorious Galentines’ gathering, Morning Star Catholic School’s 63rd Annual Fashion Show, presented by the Holm Family of Restaurants, and generously sponsored by the Martha Greene Lewis Charitable Fund and other local businesses, featured ensembles from Dear Jane, The Collection Bridal, John Craig, Siegel’s, The House on Lang and Tuni. Models were volunteers and students from Bishop Moore Catholic High School and Morning Star. The luncheon at Loew’s Sapphire Falls Resort gave guests a look inside the work of the transformative school that provides children with special needs the opportunity to embrace their potential.
– Dawn Aiello Photography
THE COLLECTION BRIDAL
THE COLLECTION BRIDAL
SIEGEL’S CLOTHING CO.
TUNI
TUNI
THE HOUSE ON LANG
THE HOUSE ON LANG
DEAR JANE
SIEGEL’S CLOTHING CO.
TUNI
– Dawn Aiello Photography
WOMEN to WATCH LIVE: Garima Shah and Betsy Gardner Headline
2026 ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
The 16th annual Orlando Women’s Conference, scheduled for September 10 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, will feature accomplished business leaders Garima Shah and Betsy Gardner as keynote speakers.
The Power of the Only: How being the “only” person in a room can be a strength.
For much of her career, Garima Shah walked into boardrooms as the only woman, the only minority, and the youngest person at the table. The unspoken expectation was clear: blend in, tone it down, and earn your seat by making everyone around you comfortable. She didn’t. She wore pink and brought her full personality into every room. She built a company, raised a family, traveled relentlessly for work, and endured comments like, “I feel bad for your kids,” from men whose own ambition was never measured against their role as fathers. She refused to shrink and refused to apologize for it.
In this keynote, Garima explores what it actually costs to stay whole in spaces that weren’t built for you and why that wholeness isn’t a liability — it’s the most powerful thing you can bring into a room. Drawing from her 18+ years of experience, from being the only woman in the boardroom to co-founding a company that processes more than $11 billion in invoices annually, she unpacks the difference between being seen as influential and actually owning your power and why staying authentically yourself is not an obstacle to success; it’s the strategy.
Garima Shah is a dynamic, results-oriented fintech executive with more than 18 years of extensive experience driving revenue growth through strategic business development, corporate acquisitions, and a motivational hands-on leadership approach. As a sought-after industry expert with a vast network and deep-rooted connections, Garima is committed to revolutionizing the payments and fintech landscape.
As President and Co-Founder of Biller Genie, she is instrumental in expanding the company’s subscriber base by forging strategic partnerships and fostering a collaborative company culture. Previously, she served as the Chief Business Development Officer for Direct Connect, where she successfully guided the company through a management
recapitalization and a lucrative sale to Priority Payment Systems (PRTH) in 2019. Garima’s notable career also includes roles such as SVP at Century Payments and Head of the U.S. Market for eMerchantPay, where she launched the European company into the U.S. market.
BETSY GARDNER,
Business
Author,
Consultant,
Speaker — Opening Keynote Speaker
Be the Human in the Room: The New Art of Presence, Judgment and Trust
Betsy Gardner wrote Human in the Room to share her knowledge and wisdom about the importance of critical skills no one teaches. It’s a transformative field guide that teaches you how to be the human people want in the room when it matters most.
Drawing on decades of leadership experience and real-world insights, Betsy distills the three pillars that distinguish those who get noticed and chosen from those who stay unseen: presence, judgment and trust. It isn’t theory, but a practical, actionable system with frameworks you can apply right away to elevate your influence, credibility and impact.
It’s about building human competitive advantage in a world where human skills are what machines can’t replicate and making that advantage measurable and verifiable.
Betsy Gardner is a visionary CEO, speaker, podcast host, author and business consultant. She most recently served as President of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, where she led with a bold focus on innovation, growth and community impact. Her career spans startups, global enterprises and economic development. A champion for women and entrepreneurs, she also created a career reentry program for professional women and has been honored among Orlando’s most influential leaders.
MEGAN MORRIS TURNS A PAGE
Megan Morris, a successful CEO and talented designer who has been featured in A&E Network’s Zombie House Flipping, has debuted her latest children’s book, How to Catch a Leprechaun. The beautifully illustrated, 48-page picture book is fun for children ages 3 to 12 years old.
Whimsically illustrated by J.K. Morris, the story follows the antics of a merry troop of leprechauns who frolic through the house while children conjure up imaginative traps. Will the children nab the leprechauns and be rewarded with an elusive, glittering pot of gold? Or will the children be outsmarted by the little green pranksters?
Megan, a Windermere resident and mother of three, hopes that the imaginative tale will spark the creativity and family time that was important in her home. “I cherish those memories,” she says. “It was fun to blame messes on the leprechauns and come up with new ideas every year about how we could catch them!” The book is available at Barnes & Noble and at most online bookstores in hardcover, paperback and audio formats. All her children’s books can be found on her website, booksbymeganmorris.com
Megan reading to a kindergarten class at Keene’s Crossing Elementary School in Windermere.
beauty body&spirit
on-the-go goods
Summertime is made for travel. But how do you stay hydrated, keep your coffee hot, pack efficiently, style your hair, and more with ease? These Orlando-based companies — Corkcicle, Rifle Paper Co. and Teleties — have you covered and they will all be represented at the Orange Appeal store opening airside at Orlando International Airport this month. Clockwise from top left: CORKCICLE Sling Crossbody Water Bottle Bag in Latte; RIFLE PAPER CO. Garden Party Travel Toiletry and Cosmetic Case multi-pocket makeup organizer bag with removable clear pouch; CORKCICLE Leakproof Cruiser Insulated 40 oz. Tumbler with Handle in Solar Circuit; TELETIES Busy As A Mother Teletote Travel Pouch; CORKCICLE Commuter Cup Spill-Proof Insulated Travel Coffee Mug in Gloss Powder Blue; TELETIES Mini Boar Bristle Hair Brush in tan and Mini Vented Hair Brush in tortoise (each come with brush cleaner); RIFLE PAPER CO. Set of 3 Compression Garden Party
Cubes with Zipper Pull & Laundry Bag; TELETIES Classic Blonde Tortoise Medium Claw Clip; TELETIES Pink Ribbon Power (set of 3) Small Silk Scrunchies.
MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH — TIME TO CHECK YOUR BIRTHDAY SUIT
In Central Florida, sunshine is more than part of the forecast, it’s part of the lifestyle. It shapes our mornings on the tennis court, our afternoons outdoors, and gives our skin that sought-after glow that feels synonymous with living well. Over time, however, that same sun can quietly leave its mark. Skin has a remarkable memory. Every bit of sun exposure, intentional or incidental, adds up. While some of that damage appears in the form of fine lines and uneven skin tone, other effects are far less visible and far more serious. Skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the United States. In sun-rich environments like ours, the risk of developing skin cancer is much higher. What makes skin cancer especially challenging is how subtle it can be. It may be nothing more than a spot that doesn’t quite heal, a patch that feels slightly different, or a mole that changes so gradually it goes unnoticed.
For more than two decades, boardcertified dermatologist Dr. Dimitry Palceski and his team at Reflections Dermatology have cared for patients with all types of skin cancers with a particular focus on prevention, education and advanced treatment. One of his most important messages is simple: know your skin. Becoming familiar with its tone, texture and natural patterns makes it much easier to recognize when something changes. Even so, expert evaluation is essential. An annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist remains one of the most effective tools for early detection. It’s a fact, when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Thankfully, skin cancer treatment options today are more advanced than ever. Many skin cancers and pre-cancers can now be addressed with non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures, including superficial radio-therapy (SRT) for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers and photo-dynamic therapy (PDT) for pre-cancerous lesions. There have also been exciting advancements in the treatment of more aggressive and late-stage skin cancers. Newer therapies, including immunotherapies, are uniquely designed to work with the body’s own immune system to identify, target and destroy skin cancer
cells. These treatments have significantly improved outcomes, particularly for patients with advanced melanoma, and represent a meaningful shift toward more personalized and effective care.
Still, the most powerful strategy remains consistent: prevention. Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of 36 or higher, limiting sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts, widebrimmed hats and sunglasses are small habits that will help ensure long-term skin health. In a community that values
(BroadBand Light)
helps reduce the appearance of sun damage.
wellness and longevity, these simple practices should be an essential part of our daily routine.
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Palceski encourages all his patients and members of our community to schedule their annual skin exam and start a new habit that just might save their life. To schedule an annual skin exam with Dr.Palceski or another member of their team, please visit reflectionsdermatology.com or call 407-895-8818.
BBL
Photo-Facial
A
MOMENT FOR MOM
Give Mom a moment of pure escape this Mother’s Day at Conrad Spa Orlando. Perched above a lush Water Garden, each treatment draws on the calming power of water, sound, and locally sourced Florida botanicals to create a truly restorative experience. More than a spa day, it is an opportunity to recover, reconnect, and re-energize.
DR. PALCESKI’S SUNSCREEN RECOMMENDATIONS
r EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50
r Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36
r SkinBetter Science Tone Smart Compact SPF 68
DR. PALCESKI’S FAVORITE PROCEDURES FOR REVERSING SUN DAMAGE
r HALO Pro — a hybrid fractional laser, combining ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to treat deep-seated sun damage and surfacelevel imperfections simultaneously.
r BBL Photo-Facials — BroadBand Light (BBL) laser is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulsed light to target skin conditions like sun damage, age spots, freckles, rosacea and broken capillaries.
women are incredible!
AN A DVENT H EALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES
Michelle Chira, Laura Cosgrove & Lara Lee: Foundation Founders & Friends
Twenty years ago, three friends and Central Florida businesswomen — Michelle Chira, Laura Cosgrove & Lara Lee — wanted to find a way to positively impact the lives of children in foster care in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Together they founded the Foundation for Foster Children, which aims to support children in foster care through personalized services. The organization has grown and evolved over the last 17 years, while staying true to its roots, thanks to the strong foundation laid out by Michelle, Laura and Lara, and their continued involvement.
Michelle, Principal, LCA Development, Laura, co-owner, Apenberry’s Gardens, and Lara, Chief Marketing Officer, Cogent Bank, met while volunteering in the Junior League of Greater Orlando. Michelle had helped lead a project for the League that opened a visitation center for foster children to meet with their biological parents. Visitations were often held in the lobbies of child welfare agencies or other businesses, not in welcoming spaces.
“When I started to roll off the League, I knew that we could do more for local foster children. And I knew that there were some amazing friends that had as much commitment to our community as I did, so I called,” Michelle says. The ladies spent two years researching the greatest needs for these at-risk youth. “I remember the days we were around my dining room table because I was like, ‘Can you guys come over while my kids are napping?’” Lara adds. At the time, Lara and Michelle
both had young children and Laura was planning her wedding.
“We conducted focus groups and we created the Foundation [for Foster Children] from that information. Some of the smallest things to us were some of the biggest things to these children. We asked things like, how many of you have gone without having your birthday recognized?
ricular activities; providing one-on-one tutoring with specially trained tutors to help foster youth get on grade level and graduate high school; and assisting foster youth with the transition out of the foster care system and into independent living. The organization operates through grants and corporate and individual funding.
“We are local and we wrap our services
We are local and we wrap our services around each individual child.
Through our Empower program, individual advocates provide emotional support and services that foster children need. This personalized support is our secret sauce and makes us different. “ ”
And almost all the hands went up, so one of our first initiatives was to create a Birthday Club where foster children receive a birthday cake and card,” Michelle continues. The Foundation was formed in 2008 to enrich, educate and empower foster youth. This includes funding everyday opportunities like field trips, summer camps, sports fees and equipment, and extracur-
around each individual child. Through our Empower program, individual advocates provide emotional support and services that foster children need. This personalized support is our secret sauce and makes us different,” Lara explains.
What started as an idea has turned into a thriving nonprofit organization that has changed and evolved with the needs of
Clockwise from top left: Michelle Chira, Lara Lee Laura Cosgrove
foster youth while staying true to its mission. Michelle, Laura and Lara remain actively involved, serving on the board of directors.
“It was unintentional, but it ended up being our strength that the three of us are so different and have such different skill sets. We’ve remained good friends due to our respect for each other as women and leaders. Michelle is such a methodical leader and governance-driven that she was the perfect person to set a strong foundation as the first board president. And then Laura came behind her and continued to provide strong leadership. Laura sees the good in everything and brings out the best in others. I was involved in more of the events and fundraising,” Lara reflects.
Lara has stepped up in an even bigger way this year, serving as board president. “I think that speaks to seasons of your life. It wasn’t my season in the early days, and now it’s my time. It’s almost like the baton has been passed,” she says.
While they remain just as passionate about the organization and the cause, they understand the importance of bringing in other leaders. “I think maintaining that trust with our supporters and having them see us here is important but also having a diverse board that could take on other roles. We don’t have a stronghold on operations,” Laura explains.
“I think us still being involved in an organization like this — that’s a grassroots, community-serving, communitygrown organization — really helps to keep that foundation strong,” Michelle adds.
“It’s been a journey beyond what I could have ever imagined. To think about the numbers served and the impact the Foundation has had on thousands of our local foster children is remarkable. Almost 20 years later, we have a staff of 20 and our budget is in the millions. This is a business — it’s a business of helping our local foster children. We all took a leap of faith with open hearts,” Lara sums up.
SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 2008:
• FFC has served 8,236 children and youth in foster care.
• FFC has provided 29,985+ opportunities to support their growth and well-being (including summer camps, tutoring, mentoring, music and dance lessons, prom experiences, housing support such as apartment deposits, and more).
IN 2025:
• FFC served 530 youth.
• FFC delivered 20,283 hours of direct support through its Enrich, Educate, and Empower programs.
YOUTH OUTCOMES (AGES 14+):
• 100% avoided teen pregnancy.
• 99% avoided homelessness.
• 96% are employed or enrolled in postsecondary education.
• 96% are on track to graduate.
Learn more at ffc.org.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. It raises awareness of the need for foster families, mentors and professionals who support the safety and well-being of youth.
ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN:
3 Tips to Find the Right OB/GYN for You
Your OB/GYN sees you through all of life’s changes. From puberty to pregnancy, through menopause and beyond, you need a trusted provider who can help you navigate these seasons. We’re here with 3 tips that will help you select the right provider for your needs.
1. Focus on Convenience
While the doctor’s bedside manner and interactions with you are important, you can make your search easier by narrowing it down to location, hospital network and insurance first.
2. Consider Your Preferences
Your comfort level should be honored when it comes to choosing and visiting an OB/ GYN. Personal preferences that add to your comfort, such as whether your provider is male or female, and if they have a private practice or are part of a bigger medical group, are important considerations.
3. Physician, Midwife or Both
Decide whether you’re more comfortable with a physician or a midwife for your ongoing care. Many practices have midwives in their group who are also advanced practitioners (APRNs) that can perform well woman exams and see patients with varying needs.
If you need to find an OB/GYN provider, our Women’s Health Navigators are here to help. This complimentary service can help you find a location or provider who fits your needs. Call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator com.
tastes&experiences
girl dinner
Boca Restaurants has jumped on the viral trend of girl dinner, describing a low-effort, snack-based meal, often composed of small portions of various foods. Every Thursday from 4–10pm, Boca Restaurants in Lake Mary and Winter Park hosts Ladies’ Night offering Hot Girl Dinner featuring Parmesan truffle fries, petite charcuterie and a Caesar salad for $15. In addition, Cosmopolitans, dirty martinis and espresso martinis are available for $7. bocarestaurants.com
Beginning with the starters of Ganmodoki Tofu Fritters and Pull-Apart Brioche served with a trio of flavored butters, he explained his love for the tastes of the West Indies — where he was raised — and Florida, in particular. “I’m influenced by my time in the Caribbean and my life here in Florida so it [the menu] takes you different places, but you will see it all brings it back home. The butters here — a jalapeño honey butter, bacon and bourbon butter, and toasted fennel seed butter — and all represent memories and fun times in Florida and the South,” he says.
As the tasting meal continued in The Conservatory it became clear that richly developed flavors and comfort dishes, often slowly cooked, are Chef Antwan’s sweet spot. As the Frenched Quarter Chicken was gently placed on our plates, he explained, “It’s one of those difficult things to cook, but it’s something that I enjoy. I think this is like my version of chicken and chips — I mean French fries — so you know for me it kind of touches
The Alfond Inn: Chef Antwan Ellis Develops Dishes from the Heart
by Christi Ashby
The formal introduction to Hamiton’s Kitchen’s (The Alfond Inn) new Executive Chef Antwan Ellis was a delicious delight filled with entertaining stories of Antwan’s background and culinary journey along with family-style servings of fresh, spring menu selections. With an easy smile and humble demeanor, he shared several anecdotes that spoke to his passion for what he does.
Chef Antwan’s most recent position was at Emmitt’s Vegas (yes, that would be the Emmitt Smith) as Executive Chef and Culinary Director. He was also Executive Chef de Cuisine at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont Hotels & Resorts–managed property in Bermuda, but it’s his heart for home and memories of family meals that have stayed with him. Having worked at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for 11 years, it was always his dream to come back to Florida. But the timing was never right, until now.
my heart; it’s comforting and I want to share pieces of my journey and my life experiences with our guests.”
While the service continued, Chef Antwan was busily back and forth to the kitchen, politely declining to sit with us. While everything from the cheese tortellini to the grilled lamb chop was exceptional, it was the butter cake with sea salt and drizzled caramel that was the pièce de résistance for me. Warm and soft on the inside with a delicate crispness on the outside, it melted in my mouth — and I devoured every bite. But it was the story behind it that made it even more perfect.
“He [Emmitt Smith] said to me I just wanted one thing from my chef. I need you to do one thing for me — make a butter cake. It was a bit of a challenge, and I remember I tasted butter cakes everywhere. I made all these butter cakes for him and he didn’t like them. Finally, one day I created this recipe and gave it to him. He was sitting in a construction zone, and there we were tasting butter cake. After tasting it, he was like, Antoine that is effing it — don’t change a thing. And that is
now Hamilton’s Butter Cake,” he shared with a huge grin.
And as we exited the table to collect our takeaway gifts, I smiled as I peeked through the cellophane window. It was a box of two perfect butter cakes with a jar of caramel sauce that I may or may not have shared later. hamiltonskitchen.com
salt & vinegar potatoes | green onion soubise chicken jus | herb oil
Cheese Tortellini
smoked tomato fondue | shaved fennel | English peas | English pea nage
Hamilton’s Butter Cake
home-baked butter cake | Maldon Sea salt | drizzled caramel
• Combine all ingredients in a mixer and blend thoroughly.
• Remove from mixer and scoop into a lined (butter or canola oil) 5 oz. muffin tin.
• Bake in a pre-heated 350˚ oven for 20 minutes.
• Let cool and remove from the tin.
• Store in refrigerator for later use.
To reheat, place in a 400˚oven for 3 1/2 minutes. Serve with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce. Sprinkle with Maldon Sea Salt flakes to top.
READER RECS: Bunches of Brunches
What’s better — especially on the weekend — than breakfast + lunch? We asked readers to share their favorite brunch spots around town. Here’s a roundup with some of their comments.
SEMINOLE COUNTY:
“The Vineyard Wine Company in Lake Mary on Sundays. Great food, atmosphere and music!”
“The Tennessee Truffle (Sanford) is amazing and should be Michelin rated.”
MAITLAND/WINTER PARK:
“The Corner Chophouse in Hannibal Square. The French omelette tastes like one you’d find in Paris.” (served with Florida mushrooms, cheddar cheese, mixed greens, brunch potatoes)
“Café Piano on New England in Winter Park is a complete delight for brunch!”
“Bovine’s (on Park Avenue) brunch is very diverse and the food is excellent.”
“Peach Valley Café has outstanding brunch items and breakfast bloody Marys and mimosas.”
Brunch is best served with a side of pecan bacon or cheese stone ground grits at Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn Other signature dishes include the Hamilton’s frittata and The Hamlet omelette.
A Winter Park staple for nearly 40 years, Briarpatch on Park Avenue is worth the wait (for a table) with mouthwatering dishes like raspberry lemon cream pancakes and perfectly prepared eggs benedict.
Enjoy elevated classics at The Chapman, such as tableside avocado toast and crème brulée French toast. Don’t forget to order an espresso martini tree for the table.
The Chapman
Peach Valley Cafe
tastes &experiences
The Glass Knife offers weekend brunch — at its Park Avenue and Orlando Avenue locations — in addition to its lineup of fresh coffee beverages and decadent desserts.
Luke’s Kitchen and Bar’s (Maitland) Sunday brunch menu features brunch cocktails and spiked coffee, benedicts, waffles, and farm-to-table twists on French toast, biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits.
ORLANDO:
“Santiago’s Bodega because their sangria is top notch and the place is adorable!”
“Se7even Bites’ (Minne Pearl) chicken and waffles is legendary.” (two pearl sugar waffles hugging buttermilk fried chicken with a splash of hot honey and over medium egg, topped with vanilla bean butter syrup and served with a side of cheddar chive grits)
“Maxine’s on Shine has the best crab cakes!”
“The Boheme at the Grand Bohemian for special occasions.”
“Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe has a fantastic brunch menu – and surprisingly reasonable!”
“The Wellborn, upstairs and outside on their wrap around porch is amazing. The menu is limited, but what they do offer tastes great. Couple that with the view overlooking the courtyard and add in live music and it’s the perfect combo.”
The Monroe’s weekend brunch features its famous fried chicken, served as a main, or in its chicken and waffles with brown butter waffles, blueberry butter, blueberries, and bourbon maple syrup.
Sunday brunch is best enjoyed on the verandah at The Tap Room at Dubsdread. Menu favorites include huevos rancheros and the shareable cinnamon roll French toast.
The Pinery blends Southern comfort and farm-to-table dining for a brunch that’s decadent and delicious. Be sure to try one of their brunch cocktails like a Pinery Sunrise or Light on the Spritz.
SOUTH ORLANDO & SURROUNDING AREAS:
“Canvas Restaurant and Market in Lake Nona has lakefront dining and bottomless sips!”
Voodoo Bayou (Sand Lake Road) serves up brunch favorites with a Cajun flair, in addition to bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys.
At Salt and the Cellar by Akira Back at ette hotel, enjoy an elevated experience and dive into the caviar service, Akira Back tuna pizza, or Croque Madame or Monsieur. Traditional egg dishes are also available.
Whether getting ready to tee it up or leisurely dining, Plancha at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers brunch with a Latin twist. Perfect for the whole family, enjoy tropical starters, savory classics and bottomless drinks in a relaxed lakeside setting overlooking Tranquilo Golf Course. .
Maxine‘s on Shine
Canvas Restaurant and Market
Plancha at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
40+ GREATlittle GIFTS
Top left, clockwise: Stoneware photo frame, $17, Good Crowd Shop (College Park, Orlando); Pretty Delicious cookbook, $33, Tidewater Home & Gift (Hannibal Square, Winter Park); Guava Ginger lidded ceramic candle, $39, Good Crowd Shop; Ink + Alloy large resin bracelet, $34, YAY! (Ivanhoe Row, Orlando); Flamingo stoneware measuring set, $22, Good Crowd Shop; Wildflowers mini puzzle, $18, Maffrey’s (Ivanhoe Row, Orlando); McEvoy Ranch Champagne vinegar, $18, Tidewater Home & Gift; Lolli & Pops Sparkling Champagne gummy bears, $20, Maffrey’s.
Top left, clockwise: David and Young champagne ball cap, $20, YAY!; Geometry tea towel, $18, Maffrey’s; Tableau Giselle red wine glass, $16, Good Crowd Shop; California Crisps orange slices, $7, Tidewater Home & Gift; Prost dish, $12, Tidewater Home & Gift; Gold rimmed martini glass, $16, Maffrey’s; Sleepless in Sangria: 60 Rom-Com Cocktails for Movie Night, $18, Maffrey’s; Wood Stove Kitchen Paloma cocktail/mocktail mixer, $18, Tidewater Home & Gift; Blue Henry pineapple mango salt and sugar cocktail rimmer, $11, Maffrey’s; Lolli & Pops Strawberry Champagne dark chocolate bar, $9, Maffrey’s.
Top left, clockwise: Beatriz Ball Sorbet salad servers, $86, Frank (Park Avenue, Winter Park); Large herringbone serving board, $165, Tidewater Home & Gift; Mersea Fresh Citron candle tin, $12, Frank; Doing Goods Posy spreader set, $55, Frank; Creative Co-op marble frame, $40, Tidewater Home & Gift; Napa Home & Garden candle sand (two pound bag), $70, in a Beatriz Ball Sorbet mini wavy round bowl, $52, Frank; Mackbecks Botanical Tableware wildflower cutlery set, $36, YAY!; Wild Eye Designs ceramic brie cheese baker, $35, Maffrey’s.
Top left, clockwise: On Vacay small pastel tile bracelet, LOVE tile bracelet and Cabana tile bracelet, $34 each, Frank; Swedish Dram sea salt soap with lemon, $10, and yellow mushroom soap rest, $18, Maffrey’s; Saint Austin beaded tea towel, $35, YAY!; Nodpod weighted eye blanket, $38, YAY!; Shelley Kyle Parfums Lorelai shimmer powder, $49, YAY!; The World According to Yves Saint Laurent, $20, Maffrey’s; Vacation Classic Whip Glow SPF30 sunscreen, $22, YAY!; LA Chic Mahj Queen coin bag, $24, YAY!; Piecework Puzzles Pajama Party 1000-piece puzzle, $40, Good Crowd Shop.
Top left, clockwise: Rockahula Lemon Drop bag, $34, Good Crowd Shop; Emily Lex Studio Bouquets watercolor workbook, $24, YAY!; L. Windham butterfly bandana, $78, Frank; Baggu recycled nylon dopp kits, $37, Good Crowd Shop; Breathe People watercolor pencils, $18 each, Maffrey’s; Emily Lex Studio Flowers and Birds watercolor workbooks, $26 each, Maffrey’s; Compartes California Garden dark chocolate, fruits and nuts bar, $11, Good Crowd Shop.
flower
Below: installations for Bloomingdale’s and UCF Celebrates the Arts 2024.
HA’ANI HOGAN’S
BIG BOLD BLOOMS
To say she has been immersed in art since she was a small child is no overstatement. And Ha’ani Hogan gets to combine her personal passion with her career path, giving full attention to both pursuits. A CHamoru artist from Guam, she creates large-scale paper flower installations and wearable art, celebrating cultural narratives and environmental themes. In addition to working as an artist, she is an arts administrator for the City of Orlando, external affairs director for Creative City Project, and technology scholar who is also very active in the community.
“I’ve always been an arts person. I started making art when I was young, drawing or painting. Then as an undergrad, I did costume design because my friends were actors and I wanted to be in the world of theater. I learned a lot from that,” Ha’ani says. She also studied art history but took on the business side of the arts when she attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), obtaining a master’s degree in arts administration. She ultimately earned a PhD in text and technology from UCF.
Experience some Flower Power... (Clockwise from top left) Dora Mae Creativity in Bloom earrings (doramaejewelry.com); Bond No. 9 New York Flowers Eau De Parfum; Dolce & Gabbana Marlene medium flower-print clutch; Harry P. Leu Gardens camellia bloom (leugardens.org); Williams-Sonoma Famille Rose Dinnerware Collection; Lauren Sigman Collection Daisy charm bracelet (laurensigmancollection.com); Ceramic Flowers France Collection and English Garden Collection from Frank (frankshopwp.com).
Ha’ani with her installation for The City of Orlando’s Art Pollination: Building Food Justice through Creativity project.
POWER
But many in Central Florida recognize her bright, bold, and larger-than-life flowers that have been popping up for the past 10 years. “Flowers have always been a huge part of my personality, even in my clothing choices. I was born and raised in Guam and in the Pacific Islands, flowers are a part of every aspect of life. You use them for celebrations and just about everything. They’re just a part of me,” she shares. What started as a personal project to create a flower photo backdrop from lightweight card stock for her birthday celebration at CityArts, during her tenure as development and marketing director for the Downtown Arts District, ignited an idea when she noticed people forming a line to take photos in front of it. Her a-ha moment was reinforced shortly after when her installation at Immerse, an art experience, was also wildly popular. That led to another revelation that would change her process.
“That year it rained, so I had to have a tarp to cover it overnight. And because it got damaged some, it didn’t live after that which was really sad. But the line was 50people deep the entire festival, so I was like okay, I really do have something going,” Ha’ani says. So, she began experimenting with hardier materials and kept going.
As her side business started to grow, she got more efficient by streamlining the process. “I bought different types of backgrounds to add the flowers to and experimented with paper. But it still had to be something I could do by myself,” she explains. Although everything is very labor intensive, Ha’ani now can have other people do some of the cutting. For multiuse or long-term installations, she uses a light foam material. For corporate clients, she can add logos, and the flower walls are now backed by metal, retail-style grids. In addition to backgrounds, she has been creating standing gardens made of standalone stems anchored in concrete block that can be rearranged and easily reused.
Commissioned installations have been featured at The Mall at Millenia, Orlando City Hall, United Arts of Central Florida, and a Visit Orlando display at the Orange County Convention Center, in addition to private and corporate events and settings. Ha’ani relies on word-of-mouth referrals but feels she is at capacity for now. Fortunately, she has a storage unit and can often recycle the flowers.
Ha’ani’s name means sunrise in the CHamoru language, and she is definitely a bright ray of sunshine, bringing her love of flowers to the community.
ART IN BLOOM
Imaginations ran wild with only one caveat — bring life to one selected piece of art. Taking on the challenge, talented floral designers created their interpretations of different works of art on display at Orlando Museum of Art at the annual Art in Bloom fundraising event produced by the Council of 101.
TOP LEFT:
Floral Designer — Louise Buhrmann, Sogetsu Orlando Study Group
Artist & Artwork — Suzanne McClelland, Always, acrylic, charcoal, gesso, clay on canvas
Description — Protected Tenderness
TOP RIGHT:
Floral Designer — Pat Neff, Sogetsu Orlando Study Group
Artist & Artwork — Paul Allen Red, Checkout II, acrylic on canvas
Description — A Sogetsu [a school of Ikebana, known for its innovative freestyle design] highlighting the color contrast in Paul Allen Reed’s artwork.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Floral Designer — Irene Gomulka, Ikebana International Orlando Chapter
Artist & Artwork — Howard William Mehring, Homage to Leonard Bocour, magna on canvas
Description — Ikebana, Japanese floral arrangement
LEFT AND RIGHT:
Floral Designer — Shaun O’Dwyer, Shaun O’Dwyer Fine Flowers
Artist & Artwork — Dale Chihuly, Cobalt and Citron Tower, glass installation
Description — The Delphine, a structural tower of delicate shades of blue delphinium, bells of Ireland and curly willow, recreating the artist’s technique of fragility mixed with structural integrity and the intensity of colors.
ABOVE:
Floral Designer — Lidia Perez, Lili’s Love Flowers
Artist & Artwork — David Lachapelle, Magenta Torch
Ginger I, pigment print
Description — Captivated in Sensual Essence, “When I first saw this piece, it completely stopped me in my tracks. Seeing that flower, I felt captivated and my inspiration arose from the flower’s essence being lost in its beauty.”
Artist & Artwork — Carlos Betancourt, Let Them Feel Pink
Description — Let Them Bloom Pink builds on the original scene, extending its energy into a fully immersive environment where pink takes over, like the aftermath of a massive party where everything was touched by the moment. Our piece, a chair that feels as though it belongs to the table and settles naturally into the scene becoming part of the story rather than standing apart. The flowers add texture and life.
FLOWERS BY 4ROOTS
Flowers by 4Roots is a farm-based floral program rooted in sustainability, education and community connection. Grown directly on the 4Roots campus, flowers are cultivated seasonally and organically — without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Flowers by 4Roots exists to challenge that system by promoting transparency, ethical growing practices, and the importance of supporting local farmers.
Education is at the heart of the Flowers by 4Roots program, offering a wide range of hands-on workshops and classes for the community, including floral design basics, seasonal growing techniques, and creative experiences such as edible flower cake decorating. They also integrate floral programming into youth and community initiatives, partnering with organizations such as Girl Scouts, school field trips, and local Pre-K groups.
Flowers by 4Roots products are available through 4Roots farmers’ markets, direct retail sales and custom arrangements. They also supply edible flowers to local chefs and restaurants on a regular basis, supporting the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced garnishes.
To expand access, 4Roots is launching a flower delivery subscription service, bringing farm-fresh, seasonal blooms directly to doorsteps. Also available are à la carte floral purchases, event décor services and interactive experiences such as build-yourown bouquet bars — perfect for enhancing events with a unique, hands-on floral element.
Through sustainable growing, community education and local partnerships, Flowers by 4Roots is reimagining the floral industry — one that is rooted in people, place and purpose.
Mother’s Day Floral Arranging Class: May 9, 1:30-3pm 4rootsfarm.org/event/mothers-day-2026/
Flowers by 4Roots | 276-614-0713 | 4rootsfarm.org
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I love flowers because of the process behind them. There’s something incredibly rewarding about starting with a seed, tending to it all the way to blooming, and then harvesting and creating beautiful arrangements with a product that I put so much work into. They connect people to the land and the season, whether it be for parties, weddings, funerals, or other events, and reminds them to stay in the present and appreciate the beauty in little things.
