Florida: the good addresses of Steph Carse

Settled in the land of the sun for 21 years, Steph Carse first settled in Nashville and then in Orlando . 

He now works in television and directs short films, in addition to being the head of a non-profit organization that aims to combat bullying among young people.&nbsp ;

Steph Carse grows fruit trees of all kinds (mangoes, pineapples, bananas, lemons, limes, oranges, etc.), at his home in Clermont, a small town west of Orlando. Eventually he would like to have a ranch and be self-sufficient.

Eco-friendly, he grows several fruit trees with his wife Natasha in his home in Clermont, a peaceful little town on the outskirts of Orlando, and dreams of becoming self-sufficient on a ranch. He agreed to give us his best addresses. So grab your pencils or your cell phone! 

Café de Paris, Orlando

Steph Carse and his wife Natasha at Café de Paris in Orlando.

“In Orlando, very close to Universal Orlando Resort, I discovered the Café de Paris,” says Carse. In my opinion, this is the best place in the region for real good coffee, and to taste excellent pastries. We also offer a menu of French specialties for breakfast and lunch. Over the years, the owners, a French couple, have become my friends. The Café de Paris is a must in Orlando for a cuisine reminiscent of Europe.

Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando

“I have to say, I'm a fan of Universal Orlando Resort, to the point where that's where I had my first 'date' with my wife Natasha. I'm a very shy guy, and figured with the number of rides to try, this was the perfect place to break the ice. I prefer Universal to Disney because their theme parks are geared more towards adults. The rides are ultra modern with their 3D technology, and as they are inspired by movies, I particularly like that, being a movie buff myself.”

Hulk the Incredible Coaster super roller coaster at Islands of Adventure l one of Universal Orlando Resort's parks. Its speed reaches 108 km/h and has 7 reverse loops.

“Universal Orlando Resort offers two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, plus Volcano Bay, a large water park. My favorite is Islands of Adventure and its super roller coaster Hulk the Incredible Coaster (its speed reaches 108 km/h and has 7 reverse loops). I warn you right away, the start will give you a good dose of adrenaline! Also not to be missed is the Jurassic Park River Adventure, a water ride through a jungle of giant dinosaurs ending in a dizzying descent that you will remember for a long time. Finally, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a 3D motion simulator, will make you see all the colors.»

Editor’s note In 2021 Universal opened at Islands of Adventure one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in all of Florida. This is the 155ft high Jurassic World VelociCoaster ride that can reach speeds of 112 mph. 

Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County

In Daytona, it is possible to drive on the beach for miles.

“I'm not a beach guy, but I do frequent Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach from time to time, especially when filming. These beaches are unique because you can drive there for miles.

To relax, my wife likes to go to the west side of Florida, to Anna Maria Island, where the beaches are the most beautiful from all over Florida with their incredibly soft, floury white sand.” 

International Drive, Orlando

WonderWorks on International Drive.

“Very touristy, it is on this street that we find a host of restaurants and entertainment, including the Icon Orlando ferris wheel. It is in panoramic cabins that you can admire Orlando over 360 degrees and from 400 feet in height. Not far from there is the famous upside-down house WonderWorks where you can interactively learn more about different scientific subjects. These are two of many examples of International Drive landmarks.  

Sprouts, Orlando

The Sprouts grocery chain for healthy eating.

“I am very careful with my diet and I eat organic, so I buy from Sprouts. The foods offered by this chain are organic and non-GMO. The chicken is much better than the Publix chain, and their products are much better priced. A must-know for Quebecers who care about their health.”

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center, (Cape Canaveral) Merritt Island

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

“In Florida, an event not to be missed is the Rocket Launch. I had the chance to live this experience live, aboard a Cessna piloted by one of my friends. This show gave me a lot of emotions. It is possible to attend by reserving tickets to the Kennedy Space Center, to experience at least once in your life! Obviously, on site you will have to take the opportunity to visit the complex and discover the world and the history of space exploration.