19 minute read
RESTAURANT REVIEW
P PIZZA R E M IUM
PIZZAMORÉ
Pizza places can be a dime a dozen, but in Mount Dora, one local pizzeria has succeeded in setting itself apart from the rest. With a classic menu offering a variety of fresh dishes and pizza pies, PizzAmoré has been delivering big fl avors for the past fi ve years.
STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ Leigh Love and Jesse Thomas coown this quaint downtown eatery, and both are no strangers to the Mount Dora culinary scene. Love previously owned and operated 5th Avenue Café, an upscale restaurant that featured organic and clean cuisine. Later, Thomas joined 5th Avenue as executive chef.
The inspiration for PizzAmoré began with Thomas, who would make personal pizzas for the staff every time he baked bread at 5th Avenue. “It was nothing serious,” he says. “A lot of my early jobs were in pizzerias, and I always liked the work environment.”
With the discovery of Thomas’ pizzamaking skills paired with the employees’ consistent glowing reviews, both Thomas and Love hatched a plan to create a new endeavor that would be a place where people could enjoy a relaxing, familyfriendly environment and good food at reasonable prices. Thus, 5th Avenue was shuttered and PizzAmoré was born.
I was excited to see how PizzAmoré stacked up against other pizzerias I have visited over the years. I began with their popular Greek salad. Made with garden-fresh romaine lettuce topped with tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, cucum-
ber, a country olive medley, and hickory smoked ham, this salad made for an extremely fresh start. I enjoyed the added twist of the ham and the homemade Greek dressing, which was delightful and robust.
Next, I tried an order of jumbo chicken wings, dressed sloppy style (a mixture of their buffalo, barbecue, and parmesan garlic sauces). The wings were baked instead of fried, but they were still quite crisp on the outside yet juicy on the inside. Furthermore, the blend of all three sauces gave the wings a balanced sweet and sour taste with a hefty kick of garlic, which I absolutely loved.
Though I wanted to fi nish my wings, I decided to save room for what I truly longed for — pizza. I sampled two different pies: the classic Margherita pizza and the artisan pizza of the week, which was a homemade barbecue chicken pizza with bacon and fresh pineapple, topped with a cheddar cheese blend, and fi nished with green onions.
Both pizzas were exquisite. The ingredients were extremely fresh, especially the Roma tomatoes on the Margherita pizza. The artisan pizza was sauced lightly with the homemade barbecue sauce, which did not overpower the toppings. And both pizzas were cheesy without being oily. Nevertheless, the true standout with both pizzas was the crust. It was thin, but not so thin that it would fl op when you picked it up. The crust was also slightly crispy on the outside with still enough chew and tenderness on the inside. “We worked really hard on the crust because we wanted to make a bread product people would actually want to eat,” Thomas says.
In keeping with the current health food craze, PizzAmoré also offers gluten-free and whole-wheat crusts, gluten-free pasta, and gluten-free beer. “When I see the satisfi ed look from a customer who hasn’t had pizza in ages try our gluten-free pizza, it warms my heart,” Love says.
For dessert, I had the award-winning crème brûlée. A simple dish with not many ingredients, this homemade treat still captivated me with its rich, savory custard base and dulcet caramel shell. It was too good to waste any of it, so, naturally, I fi nished the entire helping.
From its nice selection of craft beers to its daily specials, PizzAmoré is easy on the wallet but still offers a touch of rustic elegance. With a promise to always put freshness fi rst, the pizzeria is certain to have continued success as more people discover this hidden treasure.
ADDRESS 622 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757 PHONE 352.383.0092 HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday–Thursday, 11:30a.m.–9p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30a.m.–10p.m.
POPULAR DISHES Lasagna: $7.50 Chicken Parmigiana: $13 Margherita pizza: $15 (14-inch large)/$17 (16-inch extra-large) Meat Lovers pizza: $16 (14-inch large)/$20 (16-inch extra-large) Artisan pizza: $15 (14-inch large)/$18 (16-inch extra-large) POPULAR DESSERTS Cheesecake: $4 Crème brûlée: $5 Tiramisu: $5
Destinations of good taste
COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442
Cousin Vinnie’s is located on US Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall and Home Depot. Owner “Cousin Vinnie” Vittoria has created a unique atmosphere by combining a Sports Bar with a Family Restaurant. With seating for 100 guests, they can easily accommodate any team or organization. Since opening in July 2008, Vinnie’s has become famous for outstanding food and service! The residents of Lake and Sumter counties have voted them BEST WINGS in 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / & 2012. Vinnie’s family has created 38 unique wing sauces to choose from. They also serve up a perfectly seasoned ½ lb. Burger, Personal Pan Pizzas, Chicken Strips, Shrimp, Calamari, fresh Tuna, Chicken and Shrimp Salads, 15 unbelievable Signature Appetizers, the perfect Ribeye Philly Cheese Steak and many different deep fried Desserts! Tuesday from 4– 8p.m. is “Family Night” when kids 10-andunder eat absolutely free. Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with great prizes given to the top 3 teams. Thursday night is Karaoke Night from 7:00-10:30p.m. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers a very comfortable bar, 7 large plasmas, great music covering many different genres, free Wi-Fi, Golden Tee, an electronic Dart Board, Galaga, Miss Pac-Man, and most importantly… a very enthusiastic staff ready to serve YOU! “I hope to meet your family very soon… it is my goal to exceed your expectations on every visit.” says owner Cousin Vinnie.
BLOOM’S BAKING HOUSE AND RESTAURANT
610 W. MAIN STREET, LEESBURG // 352.787.1004
“Full of homemade goodness.” That’s the feel-good phrase that describes Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant. From the vintage soda-shop-inspired interior to the friendly and attentive “Bloom girls,” your experience will be a fantastic one. The menu offers an array of baked goods including a variety of homemade pies, breads, and cookies. They also offer a delicious pulled pork sandwich, Swiss chicken wrap, and layered salad smothered with an out-of-this-world homemade parmesan dressing. Whatever you fancy, this restaurant delivers its “full of homemade goodness” promise.
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY 7A.M.–3P.M
RUSTY FOX STEAKHOUSE
649 12TH STREET, CLERMONT 352.394.3333 // WWW.RUSTYFOXSTEAKHOUSE.COM
If you are looking for a “hidden gem” and something that is family-owned as well, then come on in to the Rusty Fox Steakhouse. Our diverse menu includes a selection of dinner entrees including Angus steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, seafood dishes including shrimp and grits and whole snapper (when available), and chicken dishes such as roasted lemon rosemary chicken and chicken primavera. Our restaurant prides itself on offering house-made fresh sauces, dressings, and soups. Lunch is served daily offering half-pound Angus burgers, prime rib subs, grilled Reubens and much more. Also served daily are lunch and dinner specials, including the extremely popular prime rib dinner special on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday.
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY – SATURDAY: LUNCH SERVED 11A.M.–4P.M. DINNER SERVED 4P.M.–9P.M. SUNDAY: LUNCH AND DINNER SERVED 11A.M.–9P.M.
TOPPERS TAVERN
3351 W. BURLEIGH BLVD., TAVARES // 352.508.5137 WWW.HURRICANEDOCKSIDEGRILL.COM
Located in the Del Webb Spruce Creek’s gated community, Toppers Tavern is part of the Eagle Ridge Golf Club owned by Brown Golf Management. Our menu, created by Chef Jeff Gallo, features pub-style cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, fi sh and chips, steak, seafood, and pizza. Come check out our clubhouse and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with an amazing view of the Eagle Ridge golf course. We also offer bookings for special events and parties both large and small. We look forward to seeing you soon at Toppers Tavern!
HOURS OF OPERATION: TUESDAY, BAR AND LOUNGE: 11AM–8PM WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, FULL RESTAURANT: 11AM–8PM SUNDAY BRUNCH: 9AM–2PM LOUNGE: 9AM–6PM CLOSED MONDAY
PALM TREE GRILLE
351 NORTH DONNELLY STREET, MOUNT DORA 352.735.1936 // WWW.PALMTREEGRILLE.COM
The décor is sophisticated yet casual allowing for the perfect meeting, family gathering, or private event. Our “Wall of Wine” makes for a stunning display of more than 600 bottles of wine. Culinary offerings include classic Italian as well as steaks, chops, seafood, pasta, salads, tasty sandwiches, sumptuous desserts, and more. Guests can relax in the lounge where we offer a full bar with unique wines, craft beers, and a variety of spirits. The restaurant is available for special events such as weddings, corporate functions, family gatherings, and other celebrations. Every month, the Palm Tree Grille operates a “Wine Connoisseur Dinner.” These exciting dinners offer four-course meals with each course being paired to a particular wine. Guests may also purchase wines to take home with you, just as you would in a wine shop.
LOCATED IN MOUNT DORA, THE PALM TREE GRILLE HAS BEEN FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1995.
HOURS OF OPERATION: SUNDAY NOON–8P.M. MONDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–9P.M.
BAMBOO BISTRO
700 NORTH HWY. 441 (IN FRONT OF TARGET), LADY LAKE // 352.750.9998
The Villages Bamboo Bistro welcomes you to experience a delightful dining experience with us. Enjoy an impressive selection of Asian dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as a full sushi bar. Some of the more popular items include Peking duck, pepper seared fi let mignon, the bamboo basil seafood delight, and the Chilean sea bass served in black bean sauce. Of course, there are plenty of other enticing items made with our freshest ingredients, such as the shrimp in lobster sauce, Mongolian beef, and the ever-popular General Tso’s chicken. Noodle soups and noodle dishes are also available, a variety of Asian beers and the extensive selection of wine will complement that perfect meal. Dim Sum Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday Noon–9 p.m.
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–THURSDAY 11A.M.–9:30P.M. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 11A.M.–10P.M. SUNDAY NOON–9P.M.
Destinations of good taste
SUBWAY
WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and fl atbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food. LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY 10A.M.–10P.M. SUNDAY 10A.M.–9P.M.
THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM
Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the fi nishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff. The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversifi ed origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.
HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M. FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M. SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).
T WESTON’S SMOKEHOUSE
1210 N. MAIN STREET, WILDWOOD // 352.748.9378
A dining experience at T Westons Smokehouse in Wildwood will defi nitely get your taste buds smoking! Owners Tracy and Aileen Smith go above and beyond to ensure guests enjoy a wonderful dining experience and delicious food. The lunch menu, designed to cater to the working class, features an assortment of sandwiches (pulled pork, pulled chicken, and smoked chicken salad, etc.), burgers (bacon cheeseburger, green chili and jack cheese burger, etc.), lunch entrees (smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, etc.), and salad. At dinnertime, the Smiths dim the lights to offer a fi ne dining experience. The dinner menu includes wonderful selections such as fi let mignon, smoked prime rib, a brisket dinner, and St.Louis-style ribs. All meats are smoked over two types of wood — pecan and blackjack oak. The restaurant offers catering, as well as a takeout window for those on the go.
DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • CATERING
HOURS OF OPERATION: TUESDAY–THURSDAY: 11AM–8PM FRIDAY AND SATURDAY: 11AM–9PM CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Soothing your stomaches
That pain in your gut might be more than just a nagging bellyache. It could be a sign of celiac and mesenteric artery blockage, which has the potential to cause severe damage to your stomach and intestines.
AUGUST 2013 ISSUE www.ocalaice.com
A service of the institute of cardiovascular excellence Our Community
Our community is one of the most charitable in the state… possibly the country. We have many nonprofi ts that support all ages, backgrounds, and illnesses with a variety of activities in which anyone can participate. The numbers of people who come out to support these causes touches me, and my team at ICE is among them. We are active supporters of our local YMCA, Ocala Women’s Shelter, American Heart Association, and local food banks. Our team also organizes an annual Walk to End Cardiovascular Disease event each November.
These community activities give us the chance to hear from our neighbors who have a personal connection with a disease or condition, delivering the message of awareness closer to home. It also gives us the opportunity to support the cause by walking or running, which I feel is a win-win! The desired result is that we use this knowledge to identify early symptoms of conditions like celiac and mesenteric artery blockage and feel empowered to help ourselves, our families, and our neighbors live healthier lives.
By dedicating ourselves to such causes each year, we educate and update each other on these issues and can make strides toward living healthier lives — and hopefully saving lives, too. Imagine how much healthier we would be if we all picked something to support each month. Even if it is just reading about a new condition or disease on the Internet, we can discover so much about what is impacting world health and provide for greater understanding of those around us. Another win-win for our community!
Yours,
Asad U. Qamar, MD
FACC, FCCP, FSGC, FACP, FSCAI Cardiologist
Celiac and mesenteric artery interventions
The section of the aorta — the body’s main artery — that travels through the abdomen has a huge job, considering it supplies blood fl ow to areas of the body where digestion and fi ltration take place. There are several arteries that branch off the aorta in this area and attach to the vital organs in the abdomen. But why is blood and oxygen important for digestion and fi ltration? What can go wrong if our body cannot amass our blood cell ‘troops’ to these organs when they are needed?
To understand how this system of arteries works together, think in threes. First, there is the celiac artery: a short, thick stump that sticks out from the aorta. This stump is one of three major branches of the abdominal aorta. The others are the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. The celiac artery serves the liver, stomach, abdominal esophagus, spleen, the fi rst half of the pancreas, and the small intestine where most chemical digestion takes place. The other two branches — the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries — feed the intestines, colon, pancreas, and the rectum with oxygenrich blood.
We know arteries become narrow due to plaque buildup on their walls, a process called atherosclerosis. However, what is diff erent about plaque in arteries located in the abdomen is the repercussions are even more complex. For example, the celiac artery is a key source of blood to the organs in the abdomen because the interconnections with the other major arteries cannot provide enough blood to the tissue on their own. In severe cases, obstruction of arteries located in the abdomen could cause the tissue to die. But one thing is certain, when the stomach and intestines do not have enough circulation, they cannot digest or process food properly. This can cause a domino eff ect in other areas of the body.
The safest way to determine whether the symptoms are a result of a bad casserole recipe or the result of blockage is to visit professionals like those at ICE. They can evaluate whether the symptoms of weight loss, severe abdominal pain, bloating after eating, vomiting, dizziness, or low blood pressure are just a bad meal or if combined with risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, or other cardiovascular diseases, are of concern and need attention.
Chronic mesenteric ischemia is more common in women than men, and occurs after age 60.
The 3 major abdominal blood vessels that may become blocked include the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery or inferior mesenteric artery.
Source: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/vascular/ visceralischemiasyndrome.aspx
CASE STUDY
Fearless Kristine
Socialization in The Villages is usually planned around food, but imagine being afraid to eat. One sip of soup or one bite of a sandwich was enough to send me to the fl oor writhing with stomach pain. At times I would vomit or have diarrhea. Not only were these episodes embarrassing for me and my friends, I also worried about how I would get home in such pain. I stopped going to dinners in fear of having an episode and this drastically aff ected my social life.
I spent four years trying to fi nd out why I was instantly sick after each meal. It wasn’t until the past year that my gastroenterologist discovered my celiac and mesenteric arteries were blocked, so he referred me to Dr. Qamar at ICE. After a series of tests, including an ultrasound, Dr. Qamar confi dently and reassuringly said, “We can fi x this.” He confi rmed that both arteries were blocked. There was no blood fl ow to my stomach, which prevented my stomach from digesting food.
Six to eight weeks after Dr. Qamar cleared the blockages, I found myself sitting down to lunch with the girls after a round of golf. I ordered a sandwich and was able to fi nish half of it without any pain. I know half a sandwich isn’t a lot to many people, but to me it was more than what I had been able to eat in a very long time… pain-free!
d n t d. f h h f ’t to at e!
— Kristine Chiplock
ocalaice.com Dr. Justin Ferns and Dr. Anis Shahmiri Join the Team
The Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence (ICE) is proud to welcome two new additions to its team of healthcare providers. Justin Ferns, M.D., FACC, joins the cardiovascular team while Anis Shahmiri, M.D., joins the Institute of Medical Excellence, the primary and family medicine division of ICE. Both doctors will see patients in the new Summerfi eld offi ce with Dr. Ferns also off ering appointments in Ocala. The Summerfi eld offi ce now off ers medical care from the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, the Institute of Medical Excellence, and The Limbstitute. By providing services under one roof, patients can expect a seamless continuum of care for whole body wellness with open communication between medical staff and practitioners. New patients are welcome.
Ocala 4730 SW 49th Rd. 352.854.0681
Summerfi eld 10435 SE 170th Place 352.854.4582 limbstitute.com The Villages 1950 Laurel Manor Dr. Building 240 352.509.9295
The Villages 8489 SE 165th Mulberry Ln. 352.259.7900
Williston 412 W. Noble Ave. 352.528.0790
Over 300 colors in stock!
COUNTERTOPS • VANITIES • FIREPLACES • FLOORING • CUSTOM FABRICATION
HOT TOPICS
at The Bridge
Friday, August 2nd • 11am–2pm SUMMER BASH
Come and join us for this annual event. Bring the kids, family and friends. We will be having a BBQ, games and lots of surprises and treats! Entertainment will be by Steve Robinson. You MUST RSVP for this event!
Tuesday, August 13th • 2:30pm THE MEDICARE MAZE
Learn how to better understand Medicare eligibility and enrollment requirements, discover available resources, how to process claims, and learn about supplemental insurance. Presented by Jim Samuelson, Samuelson Personal Care, LLC.
Monday, August 26th • 2pm ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Join us for our monthly Ice Cream Social. Mingle with our residents and learn about all the fun things The Bridge has to offer.
Space is limited. RSVP at 352.873.2036. Reserve your seat TODAY! Personal tours available at each event.
Then & Now!
“Aside from having painful muscle spasms in my leg at night, I also suffered from unsightly spider veins that hurt when you touched them. It kept me from being active. After doing some research, I discovered Comprehensive Vein Center. Everyone there was so friendly, and they explained to me everything about my procedure. Afterward, I had no pain or downtime. PA Tom Tran did such a very beautiful job. He is personable, and he really cares about you. And now, I have no pain and my legs look great.”
—JOSANN MEADE
Call for a free consultation. 352.259.5960 1050 Old Camp Rd. • Suite 202 The Villages, 32162 www.thecvc.net
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FREE CONSULTATION*
Ask us about two free sclerotherapy sessions*
New Location in Tavares
Now Open at 2754 Dora Ave.!
Tom Tran PA-C, MPAs, American College of Phlebology Mike Richards PA-C, MPAs, American College of Phlebology Anthony Alatriste M.D., Medical Director
Our Villages location is golf cart accessible
1050 OLD CAMP RD, STE 202, THE VILLAGES, FL 32162 • 2754 DORA AVE, TAVARES, FL 32778 PHONE 352.259.5960 FAX 352.750.1854
TheCVC.net
This could be a signof a heart attack
