Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar

The month of September– Orlando’s ‘Magical’ Dining Month

Serious “foodies” won’t want to miss a day in September when Orlando’s top restaurants offer $33 three-course dinners throughout the month during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month. Yes – you read it correctly – three-course meals for $33. More than 60 restaurants will offer the specially priced meal with $1 from each meal donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Find a full list of restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com

Sept. 6 to 16 – Breakthrough Theatre presents ‘The Gingerbread Lady’

The first play of Breakthrough’s fifth season is Neil Simon's “The Gingerbread Lady.” In a significant departure from Neil Simon’s better-known comedies, this 1970 work is about alcoholism. In the play, performer Evy Meara’s career, marriage and health have all been destroyed by alcohol, and she returns home following a 10-week stay in rehab. Her return, however, is marred by friends with emotional problems of their own – including her daughter and ex-lover. Do not be surprised when this Neil Simon “tragi-comedy” ends up more tragic than comic. Call 407-920-4034.

Sept. 7 – ‘Lace Up’ for the Greater Orlando Heart Walk

Looking to raise funds while increasing awareness of heart disease, the American Heart Association “lace up” 18,000 walkers to participate in the Greater Orlando Heart Walk. On Sept. 7 at 7 a.m., the walkers will start at the University of Central Florida’s Memory Mall with a fundraising goal of $1.5 million. Combining fitness and philanthropy, the annual Walk raises funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading killers of American men and women. Visit greaterorlandoheartwalk.org

Sept. 9 to Oct. 8 – New Venue for local artists at Chapman/Leonard

The award-winning manufacturer of camera equipment for motion pictures and TV’s – Chapman Leonard Studios – will present the work of 13 Central Florida artists represented by Arts Hub Florida. Coupled with a screening of “Star Trek Into Darkness,” the opening reception is set for Sept. 9 from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with the screening starting at 6 p.m. “Our philosophy includes a commitment to the local arts scene,” said Christine Huenergardt, marketing director at Chapman/Leonard. The C/L Studios are at 9460 Delegates Drive in Orlando. Call 888-883-6559 to RSVP.

Sept. 10 – Rockaway’s Table Talk explores trends in mixology

The Rockaway Agency will present its second Table Talk, a series of discussions exploring the culinary industry on Sept. 10, at which the panel will discuss “Raising the Bar: Farm, Food & Spirits” at K Restaurant. Featuring a free “kegs and eggs” breakfast, panelists will discuss how the farm-to-table concept has impacted the beverage industry. Moderated by Paul Johnsen, the panel includes James Beard-nominated Chef Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, Kaitlin McGavock of Courtesy Bar, Nathan Clark of Wonder-made, and Matt Anderson of Enlightened Grain Spirits. The free breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. at K Restaurant in College Park. RSVP at 407-236-6566, ext. 103.

Sept. 11 to 22 – Bokas’ ART at Bloomingdale’s

Native Floridian Victor Bokas grew up on the Gulf Coast amongst sunbathing tourists, palm trees and tropical images that show up in his colorful, witty, and idiosyncratic paintings. A graduate of the University of Florida, Victor is senior graphic designer for Tupperware and his work appears in private collections, museums and public spaces, including a magnificent 88-foot-long mosaic at the Orlando International Airport. On Sept. 11, Bloomingdale’s invites us to the Mall at Millenia to launch the exhibit and to celebrate this popular artist. Call 407-264-2504 or visit bloomingdales.com

Sept. 11 to Oct. 6 – ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ in the ‘Wild West’

Shakespeare’s most outrageous comedy kicks off the 25th season at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater as Director Jim Helsinger presents a very American version of “The Taming of the Shrew” set in the “Wild West.” “We’ve never done the play set in the Wild West, and I think it is a perfect setting for a rootin' tootin' trick shot shootin' version of this battle of the sexes,” Helsinger says. Opening Sept. 11, this high-energy battle of the sexes runs through Oct. 6. Call 407-447-1700 or visit orlandoshakes.org

Sept. 12 – Sip & Stroll in Winter Park

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association invite us to an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres at 25 participating merchants in downtown Winter Park. The Sip & Stroll events invite attendees to visit local shops and restaurants, each of which offers a preview of their latest fashions, gift ideas and menu items. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience new destinations along Park Avenue and return to long-time favorites. Admission is $25. Each attendee receives a wine glass and passport at check-in. Call 407-644-8281 or visit experienceparkavenue.com

Sept. 12 – Polasek Museum’s Mingle at the Museum

We are all cordially invited to an evening of networking, poetry, sculpture and cocktails at the beautiful Polasek Museum. Bring your business cards and garden-friendly-shoes while enjoying complimentary appetizers and live poetry readings by the Orlando Poetry Troupe as you peruse the Polasek’s new exhibit. Follow that with a cocktail in the magnificent sculpture gardens for a sunset stroll overlooking Lake Osceola. Cash bar and limited on-site parking offered with proceeds benefitting the Museum. Tickets are $5. Purchase tickets at polasek.org or by calling 407-647-6294.

Sept. 13 to Oct. 5 — ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’

Among the most successful musicals presented at the Winter Park Playhouse, one of the most hilarious and most popular is “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Now the second longest-running Off- Broadway show is returning to the Playhouse by popular demand. This musical comedy sings about everything you’ve ever thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit! Call 407-645-0145 or visit winterparkplayhouse.org

Sept. 13 — Performing Arts of Maitland Hosts ‘A Havana Night’

Sept. 13 promises to be an evening packed with music and dance – beginning with the Maitland Stage Band featuring the magnificent Miss Jacqueline Jones singing her favorite big band tunes. This wonderfulness will be followed by Nannette's Ballroom Dance, performing and inspiring everyone onto the dance floor in a night recalling romantic “Old Havana.” Hors d'oeuvres from ZaZa’s Cuban Diner complete the Latin theme. Tickets, available online at MaitlandCivicCenter.com, are $20 advance or $25 at the door.

Josh Garrick is a writer, photographer, educator, and fine art curator. He is a member of the Curatorial Council for the Museum of Florida Art. Garrick can be reached at [email protected] or 407-522-3906.