Best of Central Florida® 2021 Winners Luncheon Set For December 3rd
Orlando Local News Editorial Board 
The Orlando Local News' Best of Central Florida annual awards luncheon will be held on December 3, 2021 at the Bay Hill Club in Dr. Phillips. The luncheon will be begin at 11:30 AM.
Awards span a wide range of fields and businesses from government leaders to restaurants and entertainment. In addition, each year two individuals receive the Roger S. Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contributions to the community. This year's awardees will be former U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, and Bill Demetree, posthumously recognized for his philanthropy and contributions to our community. Demetree's daughter, Mary Demetree, will accept the award on his behalf.
Last year's 2020 Roger S. Swanson Lifetime Achievement Award winners were former Congressman John L. Mica and former US Surgeon General Antonia Novello.
This year's awards were split between voting and non-voting categories, with restaurants comprising the bulk of the voting selections. The Orlando Local News' Editorial Board determined non-voting picks. With the selection process concluded, we are pleased to announce winners in each category, found below.
Food & Night Life
Top 3 Orlando Fine Dining Restaurants:
Best Fine Dining Italian Restaurant: Christini's Ristorante Italiano*
7600 Dr Phillips Boulevard,
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 545-6867
Best American Fine Dining: Chatham's Place*
7575 Dr Phillips Blvd Ste 150
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 345-2992
- Runner Up: Chef's Table*
Best Steakhouse: Christner's Prime Steak and Lobster*
729 Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810
(407) 645-4443
Casual Dining and Lounges
Best Pub: Fiddler's Green
Best Lounge/Bar: Imperial Wine Bar
- Runner Ups: Mather's Social Gathering, M-Lounge, Propag8
Best Cafe: White Wolf Cafe
Best Diner: Linda's Winter Park Diner
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Cedars
Best German Restaurant: Hollerbach's Willowtree Cafe
Best Casual Mexican Restaurant: El Potro Mexican Restaurant
Best BBQ: Four Rivers
- Runner Up: Yellow Dog Eats
Best Burger: Beth's Burger Bar
Best Cigar Lounge: Cigarz On the Avenue
- Runner Up: Admiral Cigar Lounge
Best German Band: Jimmy and Eckhard
Musical Patriot Award: Dana Kamide
Best Central Florida Pianist and Crooner: Scott Berry
Best Accordionist: Dariusz Grabowski
Best Big Band: TBD
*Reservations Recommended
Museums and Recreation
Best Art Museum: Mennello Museum of Art
- Runner Up: Morse Museum
Honorable Mention: Cornell Museum of Art, Rollins College
Best Aviation Museum: War Bird Adventures
Best Transportation Museum: Winter Garden Rail Museum
Best Catholic Church: St. James Catholic Church
Best Protestant Church: First Orlando
Best City Center: Winter Park
Best Spiritual Retreat: Cassadaga, Florida
Best Movie Theater: Enzian Theater
Best Chain of Lakes: Winter Park Chain of Lakes
- Runner Up: Butler Chain of Lakes
Goods & Services
Best Debt Relief Firm: Nest Egg Financial
Best Winter Park Law Firm: Sasso & Sasso PA
Best Apopka Law Firm: McLeod Law Firm
Best in Politics/Government Affairs: Franklin Coley, Align Public Strategies
Best Haberdashery: John Craig and Current
Best Boutique Real Estate Firm: Julian Properties
Best in Real Estate and Development: Demetree Global
Best IV Lounge: The IV Lounge
Media and Politics
Best Federal Elected Official: Senator Rick Scott
Best Local Leader: Commissioner Anthony Aramendia, Casselberry
Best in Local Television News: Jerry Hume, Spectrum News 13
Best Local Inventor: Emmett Imani
Best in Philanthropy: John Rivers
Best in Judicial Excellence: Judge Mikaela Nix
Best Cartoonist: Robert Smith
Legislative Excellence Award: State Rep. Thad Altman
Awards and Recognitions
American Dreamer Award: Chris Gonzalez, Orlando Music Live
Educational Hero Award: Evan Ernst, Who We Play For
Woman of the Year: Karen Purnell-Engram
Veteran Advocate of the Year: Chuck Nadd
Central Florida's Finest Award: Lieut. Debra Clayton
The publication established the Lifetime Achievement Award as a means to honor the legacy of Roger S. Swanson, founding Editor of The Local News, by highlighting the momentous lifetime achievements of two extraordinary men or women. Our 2020 honorees were presented awards on December 3rd, 2020.
