Who else loves a good local restaurant? A ‘you can’t find this anywhere else’ kind of place? The SODO (South of Downtown Orlando Area) has plenty, and we are here to share a few top favorites with you. From chicken and waffles to a homecooked southern meal to a nice, juicy burger. Food brings people together, and we want to do just that by giving you some fantastic restaurant options the next time you want to have a nice meal out instead of cooking. A few weeks ago, these restaurants were not as as accessible because they were all closed due to COVID 19, although some offered take out. As of Monday, May 18, restaurants allow up to 50% capacity as we are still in phase one of reopening. So, that means you can still enjoy a meal out, while remaining cautious. Here are some great restaurant recommendations:

1. Peach Valley Café: This café has only 6 locations in the state of Florida. They serve a range of American breakfast and lunch. They offer dine in, takeout, and delivery. Peach Valley Café is not known for anything specifically, because their whole menu is truly finger licking good, but a personal recommendation is their Chicken and Waffles, probably the best in town. The waffles come with a berry butter spread, which completes the meal. The chicken is fried and perfectly crispy. You will not be disappointed!

 https://www.peachvalleycafe.com/

2. Hungry Pants: Hungry Pants has only one location, which is in the SODO area and is a dine in and takeout restaurant. They offer whole and balanced meals for your pleasure, consisting of many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly options. It is so refreshing to find a spot like this that offers friendly food for all because that is hard to find. Most restaurants, if you are lucky, have a handful of vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free options, but never all 3. Another thing we must talk about, is their interior décor, which is modern. From the chairs to the walls to the indoor plants, you will find yourself sitting in a great modern atmosphere, definitely pic worthy!

 https://www.eathungrypants.com/

3. Cecil’s Texas Style Bar BQ: Cecil’s is a restaurant and catering company in one and has only one location, which is in the SODO area. They are best known for their BBQ of course! “Brisket, Pork, Ribs, Sausage, Turkey, Chicken & Ham are hickory smoked for hours like our Brisket 14 to 18 hours making them so tender you don’t need a knife.” From the finest meats to their sweet potato soufflé, green beans, and coleslaw. They offer sandwiches, combos, platters, you name it!

https://www.cecilsbbq.com/

4. Bao’s Castle: Bao’s castle is an Asian Fusion restaurant. They have only one location, which is on Crystal Lake. They are best known for their Baos, and if you do not know anything about Boas, we are here to tell you. They are delicious small bites in a perfect warm fluffy bun. You can put anything from pork, shrimp, or chicken in them. Let us just say one will not be enough. Bao’s gives you the opportunity to try different menu options without over committing because most of everything is mini sized! They also offer bowls, appetizers, and deserts.

https://www.baoscastle.com/

I'm sure we've all had a moment when we asked ourselves, "this house is getting old, should I fix it or just move?" Well, we are here to tell you the things you should consider when making this important decision. Buying a new house or fixing it consist of two things: time and money. It is not a light decision to make. So, what's easier? 

There are several factors to take into consideration when making that ultimate decision. Here is a list: 

•          List Home Improvement Goals:

   It can be overwhelming to set goals for your home. When will I achieve these goals? Which projects should      come first? There are steps to take when coming up with a list. First, set realistic and manageable goals, then    write a list. Divide that list into two sections, projects you NEED to get done, and projects you would LIKE to get done. This will give you a clearer head space when coming up with goals. Then, get a calendar. Start writing tasks on your calendar while considering the times of year that would be best for these projects. For example, you will want to clean your gutters in the fall. 

1. Learn Your Local Market:

  Buying a house is exciting, but also a bit complicated. You might find what seems like the best home, but way over your target price. Knowing your local market is the basic first step when considering buying a home, so you are not running into dream homes way too over budget. There is a time and place to buy. Also, renting vs. buying may be another obstacle you come across. Talk to agents and do your research!

1. Estimate Renovation Costs:

  When you have made that list of home improvement goals, you also are looking into costs of the goals as well. Is it something you can handle at this time?

Lastly, it is time to compare. Now that you have the costs of your home improvement goals as well as knowledge on your local market, what is the best decision you can make for yourself?