Best Places near UCF

Want to know the best places to go for all of your needs? Here is a list of a bunch of hot spots near the University of Central Florida.

Best place to find your inner creativity?  Yes You Canvas
Where else can you channel your inner Picasso while hanging out with your friends, drinking wine, and snacking? This unique experience teaches you and you group how to create a select painting on a canvas, which you get to keep at the end. Price includes the canvas, an apron to wear, paint and instructions, but they allow you to bring your own snacks and wine to sip on while painting. Keep in mind if you register for a class when they first post it, you'll get 25% off!

Best affordable makeover? Tied are Amy's Walk-In Closet & The Look Salon
Amy's Walk-In Closet and the Look Salon team up to make this one impossible. The Look Salon can completely transform your locks for a super affordable price. If you go on a Monday, students get 50% off, including color, cut and blow-dry! Then hop on over to Amy's Walk-In Closet to find some great gently used threads to accent your new do and voila!

The happiest happy hour? Bleu 42
Many places offer a Happy Hour, bu you haven't seen on like this before! Bleu 42 not only shows all of the sporting games you crave, but they have the ultimate specials and twice a day at that from 4-7 and again from 9-close. Some notable deals include $2 domestics, $3 calls, and 2-for-1 house wines in addition to many other drink specials, and a $4 appetizer menu to pair with it.

Best place to party on Cinco de Mayo? Azteca D'Oro
Award winning margaritas and nachos make this authentic Mexican cuisine a must! Azteca is the definite choice for celebrating Cinco, but is also an awesome casual dining choice anytime.

Best place to Marvel at what you find? Epic Comics
Channel your inner comic book geek and enjoy the best that comic books have to offer. Read the stories behind your favorite action movies, find collectibles as keepsakes, and discover great treasures for gifting, all in one place.

Best way to earn extra money? Quick Cash Pawn & Jewelry
All of us have jewelry and miscellaneous items that we never use. So instead of stressing over how you're going to pay for your holiday gifts, pawn those unnecessary items you have laying around. Get cash instantly for them, and then shop around and admire the finds. Get all your shopping done in one stop.

Most fun place to live? Boardwalk Apartments
As if the giant swimming pool with an impressive sunbathing area isn't enough reason to have your friends over all the time, there is a gaming room and movie theater. It has a pool table, video gaming consoles, darts, a popcorn machine, and massive televisions inside. You won't ever need to leave your complex again. Well, except for work or class.

Most Anticipated Movies for 2015

We all love going to the movies. The popcorn, the candy, the excitement. The anticipation always spikes when you hear the movies that are going to come out throughout the year. You now have a reason to be excited for every month of the year.

There are a lot of movies coming out for the rest of 2015. Several people will argue which ones are going to be the most sought out. Here is MyCity's list for the Most Anticipated Movies of 2015:
(Keep in mind, these are in no particular order of most to least, because they all have pros and cons to why they could be anticipated and why they may not be)

1) Avengers: Age of Ultron
When the first Avengers movie came out, everyone was talking about it. You couldn't have a conversation without hearing something about Thor, Captain America, Tony Stark, or Black Widow. Now, the sequel is coming out and people are already waiting in that metaphorical line. The anticipation is palpable. Some simply loved the first movie so much, and others are looking to see if they follow the plot line of the comic books. We'll have to wait in line to find out.

2) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
We haven't had a Star Wars movie come out since 2005, and we haven't had a good one come out since the 80's. A lot of people are wondering if they're going to be able to live up to the legend that Star Wars has become. With an all new cast, and varying people a part of this production, it's really a 50/50 chance on great v. terrible.

3) The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2
When the first Hunger Games movie came out, it was beloved by all. Mostly, we were just thankful that a young adult movie, with planned sequels, came out and was better than Twilight. The storyline is much more complex and interesting, so we weren't too worried. However, the movies have increased in greatness, and the growing popularity of Jennifer Lawrence certainly helps the film. This will be the end of the trilogy, and everyone is waiting with baited breath to see just how they'll document what happened to the Capitol.

4) Inside Out
Finally, we have a break from the comic book and sequel genre. This movie is something a little more adventurous for Disney-Pixar. They're tackling the inner workings of a twelve-year-olds mind. The concept is interesting - the idea that we have little people in our head, each with a purpose or identity, and they are what controls us. It will be beloved by children everywhere, but the question is: Will their parents love it as well?

5) Jurassic World
An interesting take on the Jurassic Park franchise is the addition of this movie. What we can tell from the trailers is that Jurassic Park is having a grand reopening, and they've created a dinosaur hybrid now. With the addition of Chris Pratt to the movie, many people will venture out to see this movie. This will not just draw in the younger audience, but the older audience who grew up watching these movies. Will it do the previous films justice?

6) Batman v. Superman
We're back to the comic books! When Man of Steel came out, a lot of people were really exciting. Finally! We had a Superman movie that was at least decent. We've had a string - at least in recent years - of awful re-imaginations of one of the greatest superheros. The fact that we're incorporating Batman into the mix (which is kind of DC's version of the Avenger's, at least in regards to mash ups) is pretty exciting. When everyone found out that Ben Affleck was going to be Batman, there were mixed reviews to say the least. What will this movie bring us? Hopefully another box office hit.

7) Pitch Perfect 2
When this movie first came out, it was huge hit. Everyone loved that it was enough of a musical for girls to love it, but it was enough of a non-Musical that they could bring their boyfriends willingly. This movie forced everyone to adore it, and gave the world even more reason to love Anna Kendrick, and Rebel Wilson. Will this movie live up to the greatness that was the original?

8) Paper Towns
After the Fault in Our Stars was so popular - both with the books and the movie - it was clear that everyone wanted another story transformed into a cinematic masterpiece. However, this is a brave move for John Green. Choosing to remake one of his books into a movie, so close to the previous one, might not be the best move. If it isn't as great as the previous movie, a lot of people may lose faith in the author's success with movie adaptions.

Schedule for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center hosts a whole range of talent: from Broadway stars to ballerinas to comedians. Here is the upcoming schedule for the next couple of months (and some even beyond) so that you can be privy to all that this fabulous theater has in store.

Fairwinds Broadway
November 10-15, 2015 - Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella
December 8-13, 2015 - Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical

Shen Yun
March 27-28, 2015

Jay Leno
March 30, 2015 at 7:30 pm

Orlando Philharmonic: Ann Hampton Callaway sings The Barbara Streisand Songbook
April 11, 2015
2 and 8 pm

Seasons of India
April 12, 2015
3:00 pm

Orlando Ballet: Coppelia
May 1, 2015 - May 3, 2015

Anything Goes
May 26-31, 2015

Move Live on Tour - with Julianne and Derek Hough
June 30, 2015
7:30 pm

Idina Menzel
July 25, 2015
8:00 pm

Superfoods: The superhero in the frozen aisle?

Superfoods. It conjures up images of a strawberry with a cape, but it's actually the marketing term for foods that are really great for you. Whether they're rich in protein, rich in antioxidants, or just good for your tummy, these foods are the foods you should be consuming a lot more often.

Like, on a daily to weekly basis.

What are the different kinds of superfoods, and what are their health benefits? 
The age old question, I suppose. What's good for you, and why?

Goji Berries - Everyone always tells you to eat oranges because they contain so much Vitamin C. Well, if you eat a handful of Goji berries, you'll be ingesting quite a bit more. These berries have 500 times more Vitamin C in one ounce, than an orange does. Than pretty much any other fruit, actually. If that wasn't enough, they also contain a significant amount of vitamins B1, B2, B6, A, and E. Pretty cool, huh? Plus they contain 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Perhaps we should all add goji berries to our grocery lists. 


Acai - Now, this one seems to be more common than goji berries, but it's only been a recent fad. This particular fruit, often eaten by those in the Amazonian region, contains a very significant source of antioxidants, the kind found in red wine. However, it's important to note that when you're buying Acai berries - freeze-dried or regular - you need to make sure they've done it in a way that maintains all of the nutrients. You wouldn't want to eat a whole bunch of berries, and realize you've melted away all of the good parts. 

Cocao or Cocoa Powder - Yes! We finally see chocolate (or chocolate-like things) on the nice list, even if it is in powder form. Similar to the garden variety of chocolate, these powders contain flavonoids, which help to lower blood pressure, as well as improve blood flow to the brain and heart. Sounds pretty spectacular, huh? It gives you the chocolate flavor in whatever you're making, just without all of the guilt. Especially considering these powders have little to no fat! 


Seaweed - Suddenly we're all going to start acting like mermaids! Or fish. While you the most common place you'll find seaweed is with sushi, there are actually several other types of seaweed, and they are all pretty fantastic for you. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, similar to fish, which help to prevent strokes and heart failure. They are also rich in calcium, iron, potassium, iodine, and zinc. If sushi isn't really calling you, you can simply add this to a stir-fry-like dish. It will be very similar to cabbage, but with a lot more nutrients. 

Kefir - Originating in Russia, it's like you're drinking vodka. Except with no alcohol, and more yogurt-like tastes. This superfood is very similar to yogurt, though perhaps a bit more sour. It's popularity has soared in recent years because of the growing interest in probiotics, and their benefits for the body. This contains serious probiotics, and it's suggested to begin with small doses so as not to overwhelm your body with too much good bacteria. This boosts your immune system, and helps with a healthy digestive system. Let's all add this one to our to-do list as well! 

The NEW Food Pyramid?

Have you wondered where the ever-familiar Food Guide Pyramid from your elementary school days has gone? Or what this new plate symbol you’ve been seeing means? The United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate was unveiled on June 2, 2011 as the symbol of nutritional guidelines replacing the Food Guide Pyramid and is based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So how does MyPlate compare to the old Food Guide Pyramid and what does it actually mean for your daily intake?

The goal behind the new design was to more simply communicate the recommendations found in the Guidelines. The plate design is thought to be more useful to Americans in their everyday lives, a reference that can easily be compared to one’s own plate to assess whether or not the Guidelines are being adhered to. The proportions of the food groups on the plate, approximately 30 percent grains, 30 percent vegetables, 20 percent fruits and 20 percent protein, with a smaller circle representative of dairy, effectively communicate that half of one’s plate should consist of fruits and vegetables at a given meal. This ratio differs significantly from the average American’s intake and changing patterns to more closely match the MyPlate recommendations has been shown to improve a variety of health outcomes.

Critics of the plate cite its inclusion of a separate protein group and lack of mention of physical activity as problematic. While it is true that most Americans meet or exceed the daily recommendation of 15 – 20% of energy intake from protein, the group still warrants inclusion to show the proper proportion of protein in relation to the rest of the food groups. The MyPlate symbol does not include anything about physical activity, but its accompanying website, www.choosemyplate.gov, provides tips and information on becoming more active.

Overall the MyPlate icon is a more user-friendly graphic than the previous MyPyramid. However, an individual’s specific needs cannot be determined from a general recommendation such as this one. For assistance on making changes to one’s own habits, it is best to consult with a registered dietitian to develop an individualized plan. In the meantime, making sure your plate matches the MyPlate image at mealtimes is a great start to meeting your nutritional needs!


Love this article? Go to searchmycity.com to find more articles about the best ways to eat healthy, and even some great restaurants!


- Holly Pudwill, MS, RD, LD/N, CEDRD Balanced Nutrition of Jacksonville

Food Culture : Greek

Food Culture: Greek 

Greece is located in southeast Europe. Traditional Greek cuisine combines the freshest ingredients to create appetizing and healthy dishes. Some of the best dining in the world can be found in the Greek islands. Many Greek recipes have been passed down for generations since ancient times. In addition to being delicious, Greek cuisine is very colorful. You may be familiar with the Greek salad, but there are many other Greek dishes that you will love if you venture out and try. 

What You Should Know: 

• Greeks eat their main meal at lunch time. 

• Vineyards cover the majority of Greece and the country has become known for its fine wine and spirits.

• The first cookbook was written by the Greek food gourmet, Archestratus, in 330 B.C. 

• Greeks are very family-oriented. The family will eat together sharing small plates called Mezedes at the start of their meal. 

• Greeks refer to desserts as “sweets” even though they rarely eat them after a meal. Most sweets are enjoyed as snacks. 

Most Popular Dishes: 
• Dolmades: Stuffed Grape Leaves 

 • Moussaka: Potatoes topped with eggplant, onions, minced beef and béchamel sauce. 

• Souvlaki: Greek Kabob 

• Baklava: A sweet pastry made with honey and syrup with layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts. 

• Horiatiki: Greek salad 

• Tzatiki: Greek Yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, garlic and olive oil.

• Spinakopita: Spinach pie

Remember: There are even Greek restaurants available for perusing on searchmycity.com

Food Truck Bazaar on Friday, March 20th

We have all spent the time searching for fun and unique date nights. We've tried picnics, and blanket forts, and even making dinner together. As fun, and wacky, as any of these might be, you're probably starting to run out of ideas. 

Well, I think that the Food Truck Bazaar is the PERFECT option. You can get your grub on with one of the food trucks - and yes, this means you don't have to eat the same kind of food as your significant other - and you can enjoy a nice night in the Orlando area. 

A lot of the time, there are even certain things that happen after the bazaar that are fun. In Kissimmee, they usually have a movie set up to play on a projection screen at the lakefront. That's pretty romantic, right? If not, it's super fun.

Check out this Friday, in St. Cloud (I know it's a little out in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth the trek). You'll find a whole host of food trucks, and a whole lot of opportunities for fun. 

These are the food trucks coming:

The Pastrami Project
Monsta Lobsta
Caketeer
Caro-Bama BBQ
Tastebuds-Catering Food Truck
Los Pueblos Latin Quarter Inc
It's All Greek to Me
Cafe Rouge Express
Fork In The Road

Sounds delicious, right! 

Check it out: 5-8 pm. 1221 12th Street in Saint Cloud, Florida!