Chris Jepson: The Best of Winter Park

It’s that time again, dear reader, when you send in your recommendations for the Best of Winter Park. Make sure to clearly write your suggestions on a crisp $50 bill and send to me c/o of The Winter Park/Maitland Observer. Sincerity is key here, folks. Not always, but submissions penned on a crisp Franklin are, at times, received even more favorably by the Assessment Committee.

New categories have been added this year as well as several “Bests” outside of Winter Park. Our fair city has so many fine experiences that the challenge is separating the best from the better. The categories are rather esoteric but, then again, so too Winter Park.

Best Outdoor Wine Drinking Experience – Hands down there really is no competition. Hillstone Restaurant (215 S. Orlando Ave.) has outdoor seating that is second to none. You sit viewing the lake and many afternoons the serenity is broken only by the occasional squawk of a disgruntled gull. One dish I heartily recommend is the Thai Steak & Noodle Salad.

Best Breakfast on the Avenue – Briarpatch (252 N. Park Ave.). They have such tasty omelets. Recommendation for two - split a veggie omelet and an order of raspberry pancakes. Sit in the outside porch area.

Best Barbecue Pork Sandwich - Bubbalou's Bodacious BBQ (1471 Lee Road). Lots of new eateries making boasts about their barbecue, but Bubbalou's BBQ remains unquestionably the tastiest.

Best Rosemary Chicken – Antonio’s (611 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland). I’ve eaten this dish for over 20 years. First rate. Three Birdie Num Nums.

Best Pad Thai – Hawkers Asian Street Fare (1103 N. Mills Ave., Orlando). At $8, it’s a genuine bargain. It’s whoofer of a dish.

Best Vietnamese Summer Rolls – Little Saigon (1106 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando). I’ve eaten this specific dish at this specific restaurant for over 25 years. Rumor has it they are rolled on thighs of Polynesian maidens (could be mere rumor). I’ve eaten Summer Rolls all over America and Little Saigon’s are mouth-watering candy – the best.

Best Cheese Steak – 051 Subs (895 W. State Road 434, Winter Springs). OK, this is a road trip, but I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Their cheese steak sandwich is to die for. Make the effort. You’ll be back.

Best Spicy Shrimp Provencal – Dexter’s of Winter Park (558 W. New England Ave.). For decades I’ve eaten Dexter’s pressed sandwiches. First rate fare. The last six or so times, I’ve ordered the Shrimp Provencal. Either dish is excellent dining. Adrian Mann, Dexter’s’ owner, is always the gracious host.

Best Butter Chicken – Butter Chicken Indian Cuisine (1341 Howell Branch Road) – I stumbled on this new restaurant and suggest you give it a try. The owners and operators are Nepalese and are extremely gracious hosts. The chef (one of the owners) came out and talked to our table. I like that. I recommend the signature dish (mild).

Best Antiques – Antiques on the Avenue (505 N. Park Ave.). Hardy Hudson is the owner of this fine establishment. I’ve purchased fine art, candelabras and Asian room dividers. Hudson offers a rich assortment of items. Anytime on the Avenue, drop in and give Hardy a hearty hello.

Best Gallery of American Crafts – Timothy’s Gallery (236 N. Park Ave.). I’ve consistently spent more money over the years in Timothy’s than any other establishment on the Avenue. Great women’s jewelry, ceramics and esoteric art. Timothy’s has a warm, welcoming staff and the store continually has new offerings. High marks for Timothy’s.

Best Boutique – Interiors (119 E. Morse Blvd.). Interesting, intimate store offering home interior items and informal women’s clothing (Babette, etc.). A casual ambiance with a gracious staff.

Best Furniture Fabrics and Re-upholstery – Decorative Home Interiors (9205 S. U.S. Highway 17-92, Maitland). A marvelous establishment with skilled artisans. Anything to do with furniture (rebuilt/fabric), owners Terry and Nadine Lalonde will creatively meet your needs. High marks.

Best Place for Men To While Away An Hour – Skycraft Parts and Surplus (2245 W. Fairbanks Ave.). What a resource. Drop in to see what you might one day need. Electronic surplus, gizmos and stuff – lots of it.

Best Neurological Surgeon – Dr. Christopher Baker, Orlando Neurosurgery (1605 W. Fairbanks Ave.) I cannot recommend Dr. Baker enough. If you are going to have your spine opened-up, he be da man!

Best Winter Park Day for your Out-of-Town Guests (or yourself) – The theme parks, argh. Rather, start with a breakfast at Briarpatch. Walk a block north to the Charles Hosmer Museum of American Art (445 N. Park Ave.) and view the sumptuous art within (Tiffany, etc.). Stop by Antiques on the Avenue and Timothy’s. Have an outdoor coffee at Barnie’s Coffeekitchen (118 S. Park Ave.). Stroll east three blocks to the end of Morse Blvd. and board an 18-passenger pontoon boat of the Scenic Boat Tour (312 E. Morse Blvd.). For approximately an hour you will have a grand tour of the lakes of Winter Park. Lovely homes abound.

Leisurely walk over to the Alfond Inn (300 E. New England Ave.) and take in all the art within this fashionable boutique hotel. Have a late lunch. I recommend the soup of the day and the Shrimp and Grits.

Walk the two blocks to The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (633 Osceola Ave.) and have a grand time viewing the work and history of that noted Czech sculptor, Albin Polasek. When done, walk the three blocks back to the campus of Rollins College and take in the Cornell Fine Arts Museum (1000 Holt Ave.). A sweet experience, so too, strolling the Rollins campus.

OK, now get in your vehicle and head (10 minutes from Rollins College) to the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando). Experience that venue and walk across the park to the Mennello Museum of American Art (900 E. Princeton St., Orlando). Both museums are definitely worth your investment of time.

Back in your car, return to Park Avenue (via Hillstone for dockside cocktails) and stroll the Avenue for its shops and ambiance, perhaps concluding your evening at Umi (525 S. Park Ave.), a creative Japanese fusion restaurant, noted for sushi and fine desserts.

One last Best of Winter Park: I’ve identified restaurants, shops, businesses, professionals and museums I think offer a premium to the consumer. The food, the experience, the product, the personnel are superior. Let me finish with an idea.

The Best Charitable Foundation in Winter Park – The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation (199 E. Welbourne Ave.). Founded in 1973, the Foundation has distributed over $100 million to Central Florida charities. The Foundation is governed by a visionary board of directors and staff. Kudos to both. The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation was recently recognized nationally as one of America’s premier foundations. Congratulations to Dave, Jerry and Harvey.

Well, that’s the Best of Winter Park for 2015. If you feel I’ve been remiss in my selections, by all means, please send in your nominations on a crisp Grant or Franklin and be assured that I will carefully review your submissions, perhaps even convening the Hillstone Assessment Committee.