Pulse of Central Florida

As we head into Spring and the warmer months, I’ve got a great way for you to beat the heat: Mochi Frozen Yogurt! This little place recently opened in downtown Orlando, in the same building as the Plaza Cinema Cafe. I went there this past week, and I can tell you Mochi’s is quite a treat!

The interior is very minimalistic:

So what’s so special about Mochi? Well, two very awesome things:

1. It’s cheap! At only $0.45 an ounce you control what your price. So go light on those delicious toppings if you’re looking to save some cash.
2. It’s fat free! I don’t think there’s anything else to mention here!

And like many of the downtown Orlando restaurants, bars, and clubs, Mochi can be found on Twitter as well. In fact, in doing so, you just might catch a special treat or discount:

One of the really “cool” things about the Mochi yogurt is every cup is under a certain amount of calories. And the flavors change on a daily basis, so every trip might be something new!

So if you’re eating downtown, coming home from the bars, catching a movie, or just looking for something new to do in Orlando, pay Mochi Frozen Yogurt a visit…and figure out what your favorite flavor is!

Person #1: What is this thing for?
Person #2: It’s used to beat your meat.”

(Location: In the kitchenware section of the IKEA Orlando store.)

Last Wednesday I was invited by a friend to catch a sneak peek of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead”, opening at Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando.

Know nothing about this story? Well, neither did I prior to watching it so here’s the set-up:

A modern absurdist masterpiece that takes one of the greatest plays of all time and turns it on its head – a fun-house-mirror version of Hamlet which is both profound and hysterical. Winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Play.”

This was my first time to Mad Cow, and I was surprised at how intimate the venue is. Of course, photography during the show is not allowed but I managed to sneak a pic during the first intermisson:

Let me first say the cast was really good. The two leads (Tim Williams and Michael Marinaccio) in particular were exceptional, especially given the heavy amount of dialogue they shared. I’d definitely go to another play at Mad Cow just to see either of these actors. I did, however, have some issues with the play itself:

1. While the content was actually quite funny (I laughed alot, specifically at the young male actor dressed-up as a woman for most of the play – hilarious!), I still have no idea what the heck happened. And this was after two-and-a-half hours! I’m thoroughly confused. In fact, after the second act ended, a handful of audience members left because they thought the play was over; my friend and I were nearly two of those, until we realized many people were staying. (To me, this is a major problem with the content: an audience shouldn’t be scratching their heads, wondering if the story is over or not.)
2. It’s a really freakin’ long play! I don’t know if programs were available and I just missed picking one up, or if they weren’t available, but there are two intermissions, and like I mentioned above well over two hours. Actually, the entire third act could’ve been eliminated and I would’ve been very happy. I supposed if I’d had a program and was aware there were two intermissions, I would’ve been mentally prepared.

Please understand neither of these points have anything to do with the cast, crew, or show director. I just think these are flaws–at least in my opinion–in the script and material.  Or maybe I just didn’t get it….

If you’re interested in checking-out this play for yourself, it runs through the end of February. Visit Mad Cow’s website for a complete listing of other shows this season. Of course, you can always follow them on Twitter or become a Fan on Facebook for inside info.

* In an effort to disclose, my friend was provided complimentary tickets to the show. She invited me as a guest.

Akeorlando and I decided to try out a new activity last night. We both love tennis and were looking for a fun way to get some exercise. Enter, Cardio Tennis!

Held at RDV Sportsplex in Maitland, Cardio Tennis is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of drills designed to keep your heart rate going. Although, the program is geared toward adult intermediate-level players, the focus is not on skill-level … it’s on keeping you moving.

Another cool aspect of Cardio Tennis is the music. Our coach played a great mix of high-energy stuff to keep us going … the hour flew by!

RDV’s Cardio Tennis is offered on a drop-in basis to both members and non-members for $5 and $7, respectively.

Check out their schedule and other programs here.

See ya on the courts!

This is great news for Central Florida since so many people are still struggling to find employment in this harsh economy.

CoCo Key Water Resort, a new Hotel and Water Resort is coming to Orlando and will be holding a Job Fair beginning tomorrow, January 28 through January 30.

What: Job Fair
Where: Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive
When: January 28, 3 to 7 p.m.; January 29, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and January 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More info here!

As many times as I’ve been to or driven through Loch Haven Park in Orlando, I’ve never really paid attention to this beautiful collection of statues:



(Sometimes we just don’t take the time to enjoy what’s around us….)

This one certainly has me stumped (and man was this hard to get – the driver was bookin’ it down Sand Lake Road):

Despite the lack of posts in the shopping category, I’m a pretty big shopper and a connoisseur of customer service … especially when it comes to retail.

A few weeks back, I stopped randomly (and for the first time) into Talbots at the Mall at Millenia. I’d always thought Talbots was for old ladies (no offense), but was surprised to see several chic options for work.

In the end, my quest for a black skirt resulted in the purchase of a skirt, sheath dress and scarf. Amazing deals, classic looks and an unbelievably friendly staff. I even remarked that I never know how to tie scarves and was handed an adorable booklet with more ways to tie scarves than I could ever imagine existed.

All and all, it was a great shopping experience. Then, to top it off, this weekend I received this in the mail:

Color me impressed, Talbots. You’ve made me a fan.

The year is off to a good start: January isn’t even over yet and I’ve already been to two really great live concerts here in Central Forida (although they could not have been more different from one another). Last night I had a chance to see one of my all-time favorite artists perform: Amy Grant. I must admit, though, if I didn’t follow Amy on Twitter I probably would’ve missed the show – the Marketing for this concert kinda stunk.

I took many photos, some of which I’m posting here. (I’m still trying to figure out the best settings on my camera for no-flash, indoor events such as this, so thanks for your patience while I’m doing so.)

Amy looks fantastic for 49, and has a wonderful sense of humor and comforting spirit. If you’ve at any point been a fan of hers over the span of her career and have never seen her live, I highly recommend doing so next time she’s in the area. She puts on a great, moving show that feels intimate…even where there are thousands of people in attendance. Your best bet to keep-up with Amy is on Twitter or via AmyGrant.com.

I’m not sure I even want to know–or assume–what this might mean: