Every year, Orlando Sentinel publishes Central Florida’s favorite picks of local dining, shopping, entertainment and attractions – chosen by the readers!  Be sure to check out the Mills 50 businesses  that were selected as a BEST BET!

Winner – Best Hole in the Wall – Will’s Pub

Winner – Best Tattoo Parlor – Ascension

Finalist – Best Bar – Will’s Pub

Finalist – Best Martini Bar – The Peacock Room

Finalist – Best Wine Bar – Funky Monkey Wine Company

Finalist – Best Vegetarian – Dandelion Communitea Cafe

Congratulations to all!

Three restaurants in the Mills 50 District took honors Sunday at COOK 2011, a food festival sponsored by the Human Rights Commission.  Congratulations to Funky Monkey and Executive Chef Matthew Slattery, winner of the Quick Fire Challenge!

(Pictured:  The Funky Monkey Wine Company crew)

Kudos also go to Shine Neighborhood Kitchen, second place winner and Tako Cheena, winner of the Customer Choice award!

On Saturday, March 26 from 8:30pm until 9:30pm, the City of Orlando will be turning off all non-essential lights in City Hall in support of the Earth Hour 2011 campaign.  Earth Hour is an event in which millions of Americans and billions of  people all over the world will turn out their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change and toward creating a cleaner, safer and more secure future.

In 2010, a record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action.  Iconic landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica Pier and Orlando’s own Sea World, turned off non-essential lighting for the hour.

Businesses and citizens alike…please join the City and pledge your support by visiting: http://cityoforlando.net/elected/greenworks/earthhour.htm.

Together, we can become a part of the solution!

If  you weren’t able to make it to GreenFest and the truckload sale on Saturday, you can still purchase a composter or rain barrel.  The composters are $47 and the rain barrels are $58.  Contact Mills 50 at: director@mills50.org.

Mills 50 Main Street, in conjunction with Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, OUC and My Green CFE, will host GreenFest this Saturday from 9am until 3pm at The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Avenue.

GreenFest features a backyard compost bin and rain barrel truckload sale.  Earth Machine compost bins will be sold for $47 and Systerns for $58.  Checks and credit cards accepted.  No cash.

In addition, vendors specializing in sustainable and/or all natural products, such as Pink Elephant Lighting, Coconut Clean, Earthy Habitats, Purple Sunflower Productions and Long Family Chiropractic, will be on hand.  Be sure to bring your appetite and enjoy hummus, baklava and falafel from Fantastic Hummus; egg rolls, summer rolls, spring rolls and Pappardelle’s Pasta from LotsAPasta; empanadas and arepas from Helados y Postres and fresh produce from Aubrey & Sons.

The first 300 attendees to stop by the Mills 50 booth will receive an eco-friendly shopping tote.

Congratulations to Julio Lima and SAY IT LOUD, winner of 3 silver ADDY awards.

The annual ADDY awards are presented by the Orlando Chapter of the American Advertising Federation to recognize local advertising talent and excellence in advertising. More than 200 entries were received from more than 20 Central Florida companies.

Julio, a member of the Mills 50 Design Committee, created the new Mills 50 logo!

The Orlando Sentinel Culinary Hall of Fame, now in its fourth year, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to how Central Florida eats, drinks and dines. Tien Hung Market, 1110 E. Colonial, has been named as one of ten honorees.

David Phan’s family has owned and operated the full-service Vietnamese supermarket for almost three decades. Shoppers will find spring rolls, fresh fish, a variety of sauces, bahn mi sandwiches, spices, teas and much more.

David says, “People know so much more about food and culture and are willing to seek out new products. We serve everyone.” Along with his wife, Annmarie, and brother Tri, Phan has seen many changes in the Mills50 district, an eclectic mix of restaurants, stores and ethnic shops. “There has been a lot of growth in the local Asian community and we are proud to be part of it.”

If you haven’t purchased your Girl Scout cookies yet, you are in luck! The Girl Scouts will be at Publix at Shine & Colonial this Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20 from 9am until 9pm, selling thin mints, shout-outs, shortbread and all your favorites! Be sure to support the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, a Mills 50 member!

Every Valentine LOVES bling!  Get 20% OFF ALL JEWELRY thru February 15th at Ritzy Rags Wigs & More, 926/928 North Mills Avenue.  www.ritzyrags.com

No Valentine this year!  No problem! Stop by Raphsodic Bakery, 710 North Mills Avenue, on Thursday, February 10 between 7pm and 9pm for a very special evening where you can embrace your single lifestyle and learn about solo adventuring.   The decadent desserts will help you enjoy being single!

Delectable, creative desserts for two are sure to ignite the romance this Valentine’s Day evening from 6pm until 8pm at Raphsodic Bakery. Couples can share a memorable evening complete with candlelight, soft music, fun and thought provoking games, along with the bakery’s chocolate-scented air!  www.raphsodic.com