Editor Letter: Moving Up Downtown

Barry Glenn

As I write this final column of  2019, I’m looking out of huge floor-to-ceiling windows onto the bustling metropolis that is midtown Manhattan. Sorry, I mean downtown Orlando. Forgive me—at the risk of sounding like Jethro Bodine, I’ve never worked in a fancy highrise building so it’s taking some getting used to. Yes, a few weeks ago your city’s magazine moved its offices from the second floor of a North Quarter building to the 10^th floor of Seaside Plaza at Orange Avenue and Church Street. In one direction I can catch a glimpse of the Walgreens on Orange, in the other I can see Lake Eola between two other highrises. Straight across Church are what appear to be residences, but I’m not a Rear Window type of guy so haven’t paid much attention. The last thing I need is Lars Thorwald coming up the elevator.

I have to admit I like working in the heart of downtown so far, having discovered some great places for lunch, including Latin Square and Market on Magnolia. The constant light streaming through the windows keeps my spirits up when the computer system is melting down. Although I don’t consider myself a pack rat and threw away a lot of junk before moving, I couldn’t resist bringing along at least two dozen…cords. Because you never know when somebody might just need a computer cable or phone cord or one of those six Apple mini display-port-to-VGA adapters that would have just gone to waste. Never mind that these things are usually included with new equipment—there’s just something not right about tossing cords. Or pencils. But that’s a whole other drawerful of hoarding issues.

I digress. The fact that I’m eating a bit too well since moving downtown reminds me that I’m due for a physical and a likely cholesterol wake-up call. And if you’re in need of a physician, you’ll want to spend some time with our 20^th annual Finest Doctors issue. More than 700 peer-recommended doctors are listed in dozens of specialties. As always, we have asked some of these experts in healing to share memorable moments in their careers, and those emotional accounts are recommended reading. Also in this section, writer Susan Jenks explores advances in pregnancy care, along with the medical risks still prevalent in having a child.

Elsewhere, we journey to the Eden Bar, the perfect outdoors complement to Maitland’s beloved Enzian theater. Our “Story of’’ focuses on a familiar sight—and sound—this holiday period, that of the charity bell ringer. In her Extra Pulp column, Laura Anders Lee struggles to purge the giving season of materialism. And dining critic Joseph Hayes discovers Chef Venoy Rogers’ fantastic offerings—including a knuckle sandwich—at American Kitchen Bar & Grill.

Speaking of great food, it’s time once again to vote for your favorites in our annual Dining Awards poll. Just go to www.orlandomagazine.com and fill in the ballot. The categories range from Mexican to Most Romantic, Barbecue to Breakfast—plus the Big 3: Best Restaurant, Best New Restaurant and Best Chef. You have until Feb. 1 to vote, and your name will be entered into a drawing to win a dinner for two at a top local restaurant just for voting.

BARRY GLENN
BARRY.GLENN@orlandomagazine.com