ST. JOHNS November 2021
Food & Wine
Photo at Ember & Iron by Shamie Barrett
magazine
Laura & Cole Slate
The Foodies Behind Slate Real Estate 1 www.stjohnsmag.com
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Designed with Love
ST.JOHNS
From the Publisher
magazine
Publisher & Creative Director
Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com 904-687-8538
November 2021: Your Go-to Guide to Food & Wine
Northern St. Johns including Durbin, Aberdeen, CR210 West, Julington, Nocatee & more!
Dear Neighbor,
Photographer/Partner
It is hard to believe St. Johns Magazine has been in print for 9 YEARS this month. What a journey it ihas been serving our amazing community!! In appreciation we will be offering giveaways on Facebook throughout the month of November.
Dental Health/Partner
Please enjoy the November issue, our Go-To Guide to Food & Wine, with restaurant reviews and wine recommendations. The feature article this month is about Slate Real Estate, their new office and their team. The owners Laura and Cole Slate are foodies so we are excited to share their favorite local restaurants as well!
Ann Rains Ann Rains Photography
Dr. Jason Lewis, DDS, FAGD Bartram Dental Center
Pets/Partner Dr. Deckard Pets R Family
Food Blogger/Partner
READ OUR Digital Edition @stjohnsmag.com
As always, thank you to our partners and please let them know you saw them in St. Johns Magazine! Have a wonderful November and a Happy Thanksgiving!
Debbie Gaylord Publisher
Lori Allen @MywanderingFork
To Adverttise/Partner contact debbie@stjohnsmag.com 904-687-8538
Food & Wine: Restaurant reviews, wine recommendations & more inside this exciting Thanksgiving issue
About Us
St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about - from hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers and inspire them to enjoy the good life in Northern St. Johns!
On the Cover:
All rights reserved ©2012-2021 ©St. Johns Magazine LLC. St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.
@St JohnsMagazine
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Featuring Slate Real Estate. This hometown boy and his gorgeous wife (Cole & Laura Slate) do us the honor of gracing our cover this month as we learn about his unique new real estate firm in the heart of St. Johns.
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Cover Story
Cole & Laura
S
t. Johns native and real estate Broker Cole Slate, along with his wife and business partner Laura, love living and serving clients in the St. Johns community. Their company, Slate Real Estate, opened its doors in 2020 with the new office in the Durbin Park Town Center coming a year later in August 2021. It is a boutique-sized firm with a hypercommunity focus that strives to deliver a concierge quality experience. What makes Slate Real Estate truly special is the team’s relatability. “We live here! Our businesses are here, our homes are here, and our business is all word of mouth and referrals. Same with our marketing, our influence, our following, and our relationships,” explained Cole. “Our work is a reflection of our love for the community and the appreciation we show. We are assisting our referrals, friends, and family with what we have lived. It’s so easy to speak with someone who is interested in our area due to the school district because that is why my parents and I moved here in 1998. The ability to relate goes on and on with all of our agents.”
Laura & Cole at Rivertown
Who is
Slate Real Estate? Buying and Selling homes in St. Johns with a passion for family, character & community is the philosophy behind Slate Real Estate, and it begins with this dynamic young power couple. Photos (lighthouse & office) by Anne Raines Photography
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Cole has lived in 32259 since he was eleven years old when his parents moved here for the school district. He went to Switzerland Point Middle School and graduated from Bartram Trail High School, leaving the area only briefly to attend The University of Florida in Gainesville. Before he got into real estate, Cole was first an Economic Development Consultant for his father’s business, Strategic Systems. That only lasted a few months before he became a mortgage lender, and then an Exceptional Student Education Paraprofessional at Liberty Pines Academy for the 2011- 2012 school year. Cole was also the Head Coach of LPA’s middle school girls basketball team, as well as an Assistant Coach
for the Creekside High School Boys basketball team. He always loved meeting new people and networking, so a transition to a career in real estate was a perfect fit for his charismatic personality. Laura is also a North Florida native, having grown up in Mandarin and attended The Bolles School. She later earned her Hospitality degree at Auburn University and soon became a real estate agent. The couple first met at a brokerage versus brokerage kickball tournament. Slate Real Estate has a philosophy based on the three pillars of family, character, and community. Those three priorities are a guiding force in everything they do, from how they run the business, to how they choose which agents will fit as partners. The new office reflects this with its light, bright decor and open floor plan reminiscent of a comfortable coffee shop, where agents are free to come and go as needed, as well as host clients and events. Slate Real Estate truly is a big work family. “Everyone has each other’s backs and I feel as though our customers can see that as well. Of course, we have an awesome Sales Team, but we also have a different specialist for every situation on our Support Team as well. Laura and I don’t compete with our agents, which means we don’t sell. We do our best to focus on coaching, training, educating, and supporting our Sales Team in an effort to reach their potential, by using methods I have created over the past nine years.”
As a company, Slate Real Estate’s sense of community is strong and genuine. They believe in giving back and go beyond in their efforts, hosting annual events such as Teacher Appreciation, First Responder Appreciation, and even Crossing Guard Appreciation. Cole and Laura also continue to be involved with the nonprofit organization Best Buddies, which promotes Social Inclusion for people with intellectual and development disabilities.
Photo at Ember & Iron by Shamie Barrett
The Foodies Behind Slate Real Estate
Opening a new business in the middle of a pandemic definitely has its challenges; but Laura and Cole remain optimistic about the future as Northeast Florida, particularly St. Johns, remains one of the most in-demand
areas to buy real estate in the country. In their free time Laura and Cole appreciate the best life has to offer in St. Johns. Within their community of RiverTown, they enjoy tennis (Laura) and basketball (Cole) as well as spending time with their sweet dog Fenway. Cole and Laura are big foodies who love dining out at local restaurants, especially in northern St. Johns. Laura is a level one sommelier who studied in California and France to receive the title. (Please check out their recommendations for the best local restaurants in this issue!)
“
It is these thoughtful gestures that come naturally to the couple and a quality that sets them apart. Their spirit of giving has meant a lot to the community, especially during the pandemic. During the first week of May in 2020, Slate Real Estate teamed up with five locally owned St. Johns area restaurants and covered meals for school district employees, first responders, and front-line workers, assisting in over $20,000 in meals and business that week.
The famous Slate Real Estate Truck
“Our work is a reflection of our love for the community and the
appreciation we show. We are assisting our referrals, friends, and family with what we have lived.
The Team
”
Seventeen hand-picked agents and support staff give Slate Real Estate its edge.
Jamie McLaughlin & Christine Hall
Christine Hall
“Knowing the culture that Cole wanted to create, I was excited for the chance to join him in this new venture. The emphasis on family-first and the pursuit of excellence in all things real estate is something that really resonates with me. We call ourselves the firm-fam and it couldn’t be closer to the truth!”
Jamie McLaughlin
“Slate Real Estate’s devotion to the community, family, and friends is what makes us stand out
Nikki-Lyn Holm
above all other brokerages. We truly are a family, and all the agents are willing to help out in a moment’s notice. At Slate Real Estate, we focus on forming relationships first and foremost with our clients. Working with your friends doesn’t feel like work. Being able to assist people with one of their biggest financial decisions where clients become lifelong friends is the most rewarding part.”
Nikki-Lyn Holm
“I have always admired 2-3 agents as I was growing my business, and Cole Slate was at the top of the list. Whenever I wanted to pick his
brain or needed advice, he was there. Still is. SRE’s desire to grow the community and support small biz aligns with my soul. Relationship building is really one of my core strengths and possibly what sets me apart from other agents. I love connecting people: whether it is with friendships, businesses, or even finding/building their dream homes. I just LOVE putting the pieces of “people puzzles” together. We all have to find the right fit for us.”
Slate Real Estate 45 Durbin Pavilion Dr #101, St Johns, FL 32259 www.stjohnsmag.com
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A Celebration to Remember
The Salty Mermaid Party by Lori Allen
A
s you prepare for the holiday season this year, consider something that goes beyond the ordinary, something that reaches into your creative spirit and beyond. Maybe even something that in your wildest dreams you could not have imagined. I had that experience recently and wanted to share it with you. Not my normal foodie reviews but instead a review of an extraordinary experience. Here goes…. Dressed in my glittery Mermaidesque top and bedazzled eyes I step into an exotic world filled with seashells, pirates, mermaids, nautical ropes, baubles and overflowing treasure chests from every corner to every wall. Was this just a mere house I was in? The transformation was beyond anything I could imagine. Inviting incandescent lighting, elegantly dressed tables circled the room with flickering lamps and at the center of it all a large fully stocked bar and festively dressed pirates ready to fulfill your beverage desires. As I sauntered over to grab a bite a very beautiful seashell adorned mermaid was submerged within a decorative table and
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was inviting me over to sample her tantalizing treats. From there you could hear and feel the music from the DJ enticing you with your favorite songs. The dance floor was alive with an eerie fog, flashing lights and pulsating music. All surrounded by a beautiful fish netted, shell laden; starfish back drop and pirates gazing on so you couldn’t wait to get out there and boogie. And at the grand finale much to the guests and birthday girls’ surprise we were treated to a lively colorful personal cabaret show! I was completely mesmerized. This was just a small sample of what Kimball Keller at Blue Sky Entertainment can provide for you! His background is in Theatrical Event Productions and what he creates for you is way more than just a party – it’s a customized experience. You will become immersed in to your own creations! His contacts are worldwide which enables him to create any experience beyond even what you could conceptualize. He works directly with you creating that one of a kind event. He specializes in Galas, Corporate fund raisers, grand productions like Sweet 16, Bar Mitzvahs,
School events, graduations, and large venue parties. Imagine a wall of champagne, aerialist gliding above your head in yards of colorful ribbon, artists, carnivals, a Russian fairytale, a salty Mermaid as farfetched or as conservative as your needs. His creativity is endless! So the next time you are struggling to find that perfect setting, that perfect corporate function idea, that perfect party, reach out to Kimball to save the day! You will not be disappointed.
Kimball Keller 904-386-8512 letsbuildfun@gmail.com KimballKeller.com
*
To see Kimball Keller's designs live check out St. John’s Golf and Country club main entrance and the ball room areas during the month of December for ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”!
163-4 Hampton Point Drive St Augustine, FL 32092
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(Located behind the Watson Realty Building on CR 210)
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Dining
Cole and Laura enjoying a meal at Ember & Iron on CR210 West
Local Foodies & Owners of Slate Real Estate, Cole & Laura Slate, Give Us their Top Restaurant Recommendations A conversation with Laura and Cole Slate will quickly turn to their enjoyment of dining out locally. They have even forged relationships with these local businesses for events they host to support the community.
Now with a second location on CR 210:
Cafe Genovese
1515 County Rd 210, St Johns, FL 32259
Ember and Iron
Diana Brummer, MSW, LCSW 20+ Years Experience in Mental & Behavioral Health for Children, Teens, Adults & Families
157 Hampton Point Drive, Suite 1, St Augustine, FL 32092 Licensed Clinical Social Worker
60 Shops Boulevard, Unit #80, St Johns, FL 32259
904.419.7435 | goodmentalhealthllc.com
Kazu
935 Durbin Pavilion DR #104, St. Johns, FL 32259
La Catrina
CUSTOM LED FIREPLACE
155 Hampton Point Dr Suite #10, St. Augustine, FL 32092
Metro
12807 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32223
Nori
Handyman Jobs Repairs Refinishing Honey-Do Projects Installations Custom Projects
304 Ashourian Avenue Unit 101 - 102, St. Augustine FL 32092
Twisted Compass
585 State Rd 13 #101, St Johns, FL 32259
Urban Back 40
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Woodpeckers BBQ
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docshomeimprovements@gmail.com Like Us @docshomeimprovements
Photo at Ember & Iron by Shamie Barrett
Aunt Kate's
Aunt Kate's The setting at Aunt Kate’s gets me every time. Its like going back in time to what I imagine Florida was like in the old days. I love driving down the old beachy road and coming up on those giant live oaks and then to the restaurant set along the intracoastal marshlands. The views are truly spectacular. This is one of our favorite places to bring the kids but we also go on little date nights for just the two of us. Specializing in old Floridian style food, Aunt Kate’s serves a variety of seafood and other tasty dishes. The simple yet incredibly delicious cornmeal crusted fresh caught flounder is one of my favorites - its the whole fish simply prepared. We also love the datil pepper cornbread and clam chowder. The datil peppers are locally sourced. Another thing to try is the pilau (perlo), an old-fashioned Minorcan rice dish. Our kids tried fried gator here for the first time and they say it is delicious. Chef Jake Hollander creates many seafood specialties. On a recent visit we tried the Sesame Seared Tuna. It's a 6oz Ahi tuna steak pressed in sesame seeds and seared to rare,
Old Floridian-style Food & Vibe at Aunt Kate's! topped with orange teriyaki and an Asian slaw and garnished with crispy wonton strips. And the Cajun Mahi Florentine, a blackened 6oz Mahi fillet topped with a Cajun spiced spinach cream sauce and topped with flash fried leeks. Mouthwatering goodness! Of course, the best way to finish to off your visit to Aunt Kate’s is with a sunset over the Tolomato River and a short walk to soak in the view and help digest your meal.
What You Need To Know Reasonably Priced Kids welcome
Location 612 Euclid Ave, St. Augustine 904-829-1105 www.Aunt-kates.com
www.stjohnsmag.com
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Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room
The Hottest "Must Try" & "Hard to Find" Wines Right Now! By Steve Lourie, co-owner of Coastal Wine, Sommelier and Enjoyer of all things wine and food
It seems that nowadays wine can be purchased almost everywhere. As a matter of fact, when I filled up my car the other day and gazed around the gas station, I spied, just inside the entry way, a rack filled with various bottles of wine. At the risk of sounding like a wine snob, I did not breach the doorway to see what rare, hardto-find bottle my local filling station had to offer. However, I did begin to consider the vast selection of wines you likely can NOT find just anywhere. Now simply being “hard to find” does not necessarily mean high quality, but in several cases, it does, and those are the ones I will share with you today.
2017 “Divina Comedia” Malbec
(from Revolver Wine Co).At Coastal Wine, we pride ourselves on being able to offer exclusive, boutique wines that you will likely not find in your typical box stores and gas stations. We enjoy supporting the smaller, family owned businesses that put a great deal of passion into their products. This Malbec from Winemaker Bryan Page is no exception. While Malbec hails from France and has thrived in Argentina, there is a bold and supple roundness that emanates from this California iteration. Bryan Page certainly has a unique winemaking style that seems to resonate with our clientele and we encourage you to give this amazing bottle of wine a try.
2016 “Keith Haring” Tenuta di Ceppaiano Toscana
(from Castellani Wine Family). Keith Haring was an New York-based artist who rose to popularity in the mid 80-s through his colorful, chalk-centric art installations. In 1989, he created an outdoor mural in Pisa titled Tuttomundo which gained the attention of the Castellani Family who forged a relationship with Haring. Keith gifted them an artwork that would eventually become the design gracing the label of this bottle. A beautiful blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this classic Super Tuscan expresses aromas of cherries and floral notes backed by flavors of coffee, chocolate and vanilla. We find this wine to be the perfect combination of pop culture, art history and Italian wine education which would pair perfectly with a Sunday Italian dinner!
2016 Bourgogne Chardonnay
(from Maison Champy) Ah yes, white burgundy. Otherwise known as Chardonnay hailing from the region of Burgundy in France. While many wine enthusiasts rest on the laurels of Chardonnay produced in California, white burgundy offers the perfect representation of what France has to offer when it comes to this popular varietal. Notes of tropical fruit and white flowers lead into a palate of toasty oak and caramel. We highly encourage anyone who has an affinity for California Chardonnay to give this a whirl. We believe you will not be disappointed.
Cava Brut Reserve
(from Dibon) Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles! We here at Coastal Wine simply love all types of bubbles. Champagne, Cremant, Prosecco, and Cava! This offering from Dibon comes directly out of Barcelona, Spain. This is the perfect alternative to higher priced bubbles hailing from Champagne, France yet still offers similar aromas and flavors. On the nose, one will enjoy aromas of apples and pears while on the palate, fruits such as peaches and apricot dance on the tongue. With the upcoming holiday season, stock up on this
one as bubbles will be in rare availability towards the end of the year!
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The Reef
S
The Reef
A taste of the good life in St. Johns
t. Johns residents looking for a restaurant
children, casual groups or business people.
offers the same great setting and ample parking.
that encompasses casual beach energy with
People love the food, the daily happy hour, the
It's an ideal place to hold receptions, rehearsal
high end cuisine should look no further than The
music and the staff. Indeed, at the heart of what
dinners and family or business events.
Reef. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic,
makes The Reef amazing is the well trained,
with stunning vistas of the ocean in every
courteous waiters, hostesses, bartenders and prep
down to North Beach with visiting family
direction, dining at the Reef gives one the feeling
cooks who assist Executive Chef Bob Henle.
members or a group of local friends and treat
of being aboard a yacht, complete with a first class chef and live entertainment. The Reef originally opened as Compton’s in
Manager Jeremy Ticehurst is passionate about maintaining a local focus. The Reef locally whenever possible and has extensive
North Beach. The story goes that Mr. Compton,
bar offerings, including cocktails from The St
a local businessman and Mr. Usina, whose
Augustine Distillery, wines from San Sebastian
family is of direct Minorcan descent collaborated
Winery and craft beers from St Augustine,
to create the new restaurant. Compton’s was
Jacksonville and around Florida. As befits an oceanfront restaurant there are an
when Mr. Comptom fell ill. In 2002, after a brief
abundance of fish and seafood dishes, balanced
but unsuccessful time as ‘McMulvie’s Reef’ the
by some fine meat and vegetarian dishes. Chef
Usina family took over direct ownership of the
Bob Henle lived and worked in Spain for many
property continuing business as The Reef, as it is
years and that influence can be seen in his
known today. Since then under the ownership
special creations. Standouts include; the chicken
and support of the Usinas and the management
liver pate with delicate onion and sage herbs; the
of Jeremy Ticehurst and his team, The Reef has
Zarzuela, a Catalonian bouillabaisse seasoned
achieved a reputation of excellence.
with saffron; or the mouthwatering, spicy Datil
Located as it is on the beach in a tourist town the concept is relaxed elegance. Outside, The
Peppers Shrimp and Grits. The Reef is also renowned for its award
Reef is a rustic-looking building with weathered
winning Sunday Buffet Brunch. With a dizzying
boards and a North Florida feel. Inside, the
array of hot and cold items, carving station,
scent of sea air mixes with diverse spices and
crab legs and complimentary champagne, it's
fresh seafood while live music plays in the
a wonderful way to relax for a couple of hours
background every Friday and Saturday. It is a
with friends or family.
place where everyone and anyone is welcome,
The Reef also features a second floor banquet
whether it is celebrating couples, families with
room with two balconies that seats up to 80 and
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them to all The Reef has to offer. It's the quintessential taste of the good life in St. Johns.
sources food, mostly seafood, produce and fruit
1989 on a high dune overlooking the ocean at
popular but closed about a decade later in 1999
So here's an idea. This holiday season, head
What you need to know 4100 Coastal Highway St. Augustine, FL 32084 *The Reef is located just ten minutes from downtown or 20 from Ponte Vedra or the 210 corridor and with easy parking. thereefstaugustine.com 904-824-8008 info@thereefstaugustine.com Dont Miss: Sunday Brunch
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Grumpy's
NOW OPEN!
Grumpy's
A Fresh take on American & Southern Diner Fare
G
rumpy's Restaurant is traditional Americana. Their motto is "We are bringing dining back to its roots! " Grumpy’s Restaurant was born out of passion and love for bringing family and friends together over great diner food. Their commitment and mission are to deliver the highest quality dining experience at an affordable price for families everywhere. They will never waver on their commitment to excellent home-style cooking, attention-to-detail, sweet southern hospitality and serving a hungry-person's portion at a workingclass price. All while closing at 2:00PM, providing the ultimate family, work and life balance. The wow factor dishes to try are: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Fried Green tomatoes, Fried Chicken Benedict, Seafood Omelette and our Roasted Turkey Plate - we roast a whole Thanksgiving turkey everyday to have the freshest turkey available. They also make it into a Sliced Roast Turkey and Bacon Club. Grumpy's Restaurant is a full-service American & Southern style diner developed and perfected since 1999. Their award-winning kitchen and decorated head chef, Grumpy serve both quality interpretations of American and Southern diner dishes along with daring and universally appealing new ventures of diner foods for: breakfast, lunch and brunch daily. Grumpy’s offers an array of daily and weekly chalkboard specials, a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, signature coffee, fresh squeezed juices, homemade hot chocolate and desserts. Don’t forget about Grumpy, your favorite bad mood dude! Don’t worry, No One Leaves Grumpy! Franchisees Justin and Leah Millikin welcome you to the new St. John's, FL location!
What you need to know
155 Fountains Way, Suit 1 St. Johns, FL 32259 904-326-1433 www.GrumpysRestaurantCo.com
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Monday - Sunday 5:30aM to 2:00pM 155 FountainS Way, Suite 1 St. JohnS, FL 32259
904.326.1433
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visit us on facebook
Local Food Blog
My
Wandering Fork Covering Unique & Delicious Restuarants in St. Johns, St. Augustine & Jacksonville, Florida
I’m so thankful for Terri… she is going to give me beautiful permanent makeup eyebrows!
Call Terri 917.584.8863
www.nouveaupc.com
165 Southpark Blvd., St Augustine FL
written by local foodie Lori Allen & Featured in St. Johns Magazine Do you love local food? Our girl, Lori Allen puts her heart and soul into reviewing the best local restaurants in St. Johns! If you missed any of the reviews in the print magazine - no worries - her blog is published online at www.stjohnsmag.com . Follow her on instagram! @mywanderingfork
Special Needs, Special Solutions An autism therapy center offering a variety of therapies to meet your AWEsome person where they are.
Explore the awe and wonder of AWEtism by joining our community.
Lori Allen moved from the Boston area years ago to attend Flagler College and never left. She is a family person that loves the beach, football, working out and finding new places to try. Her love for food comes from her northern background and her love of cooking as well as meeting new and interesting people. She has never met a stranger nor has she ever been afraid to try an intriguing restaurant. (Check out all her reviews on stjohnsmag.com)
(904) 247-2179 • 180 Center Place Way • St. Augustine, FL 32095
For information about how to become a featured resturant on Lori’s blog contact Debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com 19
We are open for inside and patio dining. Offering full lunch menu plus brunch specials on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit our Facebook for menu.
At North beach/Vilano A1A Just 20 minutes south of CR210
824-8008
A Great View from Every Inside Seat
* Serving Lunch & Dinner * FreSh FiSh, SeaFooD, SteakS & More
* happy hour, Live MuSic * Banquet FaciLitieS up to 90
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w w w.the re ef st a u gu st i n e. c om
Oceanside Patio Dining
for menus, hours, news & directions
The Ocean or The River....The Best of Both Views Come by Boat or by Car
Beautiful Views, Casual Atmosphere, & Fresh Local Seafood
612(2 blocks Euclid Ave - St. Augustine south of the castle off A1A in North Beach)
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Open 7 days a week - Lunch & Dinner
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Dental Health by Dr. Jason Lewis, DDS, FAGD Bartram Dental Center (BartramDental.com)
Why Becoming a Dental Assistant is a Great Career Choice Being a professional Dental Assistant is a great choice if you’re looking for a new career or just starting fresh out of school. It’s a unique career in the fast-paced and rewarding health care field —no two days are ever the same! If you’re interested in helping people, and making important personal connections daily, then becoming a Dental Assistant may be a great choice for you, and Bartram Dental Assisting School (BDAS), housed at Bartram Dental Center can help you.
Why choose Dental Assisting as a career? 1. DEVELOPING CONNECTIONS Often, we find jobs “unfulfilling” – leaving you feeling like you are not making an impact. Working as a Dental Assistant, you’ll quickly realize your importance. Patients rely on you for compassion, expertise, and friendliness when they’re nervous. A knowledgeable, welcoming smile can make a huge difference in a patient’s visit. The Dental Assistant is often one of the most trusted persons in the office. 2. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES With the Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification awarded from BDAS, you can secure a great job in any type of dental practice.
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Do you like doing different things every day? General dentistry is a great option. If you prefer routine and thrive on structure, a specialty office might be a good fit. The wonderful thing is that you have options and can always change as you grow in your dental assistant career.
career. Our school is operated by practicing dentists and experienced dental professionals in a state-of-the-art dental office. You will gain exposure to a wide range of techniques, materials, and dental knowledge with a focus on the skills you'll need to get your dream job.
3. CAREER OPTIONS Once you have the experience of assisting, other dental-related careers become available. Some choose to sit chairside their entire careers because they love the patient interaction. Others move to the administrative side of dentistry. You could even decide to become a hygienist, dental sales representative, or an equipment trainer that travels the country!
Additionally, BDAS is a recognized program by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Board of Dentistry. Upon completion of the program, students earn their Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification, Florida Dental Radiography Certification, CPR Certification and all required OSHA and HIPAA training.
4. DENTAL ASSISTANTS ARE IN DEMAND Need for Dental Assistants is projected to grow 19% through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with Dental Assisting certificates during the next several years can be very selective about where they work. That translates into better pay, more benefits, and more respect on the job. BDAS is your first step to an exciting new
Each student receives a personalized resume for post-graduation use. We assist with job placement and provide coaching for interview preparation -- questions you'll be asked, what to wear, and discuss the impact of social media while interviewing. If you are interested in becoming a professional Dental Assistant, please call BDAS at (904) 2016000 or visit bartramdentalassisting.com.
-Dr. Jason Lewis
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neaseanimalhospital.com DR. ESRA, DVM, OWNER In addition to being a licensed DVM, Dr. Esra is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA), a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and a Certified Spinal Manual Therapist and has a special interest in Chinese Herbal Medicine.
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BECOME A
DENTAL ASSISTANT Begin Your New Career at
Bartram Dental Assisting School
Currently Enrolling
WINTER 2022 10 week sessions Orientation January 8th Classes Begin January 22nd
904-201-6000
Bartram Dental Assisting School 55 Jaidev Road St. Johns, FL 32259 bartramdentalassisting.com
Apply Here!
Located in St. Johns!
● Learn directly from practicing dentists and experienced dental assistants in the setting of an actual dental office. ● Exposure to a wide range of techniques, materials, and dental knowledge, ● Gain the skills that dentist see as the “core necessities” for job acquisition. RECOGNIZED BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Certifications Earned ► Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification ► Florida Dental Radiography Certification ► CPR Certification ► All required OSHA & HIPAA training
www.stjohnsmag.com
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Calendar
November happenings leries or online. 904-373-8697 www. artgalleriesofstaugustine.com
NOVEMBER 6 GTM Guided Exploration Hike
November 4,6,7 Clue, presented by Bartram Trail High School Theatre Department
Based on the classic board game and the 1985 film, this is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. Join us at Boddy Manor, along with the six mysterious suspects, and have an evening (or afternoon) filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem. Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets today! For show times and ticket information, please scan the QR code or visit: https://bit.ly/2UoWupk (Tickets: $15.00 )
Performance Dates: Thursday, November 4th @ 7:00 PM Saturday, November 6th @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM Sunday, November 7th @ 2:00 PM Location: Bartram Trail High School (Auditorium) 7399 Longleaf Pine Pkwy St Johns, FL 32259
NOVEMBER 5 First Friday Art Walk
Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. For easy mobility downtown, patrons and visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery. Shuttles can be boarded at any of the following stops: in front of Butterfield Garage and ArtBox, the Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, as well as in front of Bold Art Gallery near Hypolita Street. Tour maps are available at participating gal-
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On the first Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m., visitors can learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula as well as the natural biodiversity during a guided hike. Find out about the peninsula’s 5,000 years of human history, including how native peoples used estuarine resources, what European plantation life was like, and current efforts to learn about and save these resources. Meet at the GTM Research Reserve’s Trailhead Pavilion located west of the Guana Dam. Wear comfortable closed toe shoes. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. Reservations are required and space is limited. www.gtmnerr.org/visit/ events
NOVEMBER 6 Apex Theatre Fall Performance Showcase
Apex Theatre Studio presents its sixth annual Fall Performance Showcase. The production features the talents of fifty young artists featured in a mixture of musical theatre, improv, and one act comedies. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, visit www. pvconcerthall.com/events
ing Country Club from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, admission is $5. 25655 Marsh Landing Pkwy., Ponte Vedra Beach 904-280-0614 www. firstcoastculturalcenter.org
November 25
Happy Thanksgiving November 25 First Coast Turkey Trot
This running event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day at 8:30 a.m. It benefits the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Ski & Winter Sports Athletic Club. The event takes place at Mickler’s Landing Beach. There will be no onsite registration, all registration must be done via their website before race day. Registration is $30-$35. Mickler’s Landing Beach, County Rd 203, Ponte Vedra Beach. www.runsignup. com/Race/FL/PonteVedraBeach/SaintJohnsCountyTurkeyTrot
November 27 St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmer’s Market
From 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Saturday morning, shoppers stroll up and down the vendor-lined pathways, browsing more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine 904-315-9252 www. theamp.com/community/farmers-market
NOVEMBER 12 - 13 Holiday Shoppes at Ponte Vedra Beach
The First Coast Cultural Center’s Holiday Shoppes shopping extravaganza features unique boutiques from all over the country offering everything from beautiful clothing and jewelry to home accessories, toys, food trucks and more. The event takes place at the Marsh Land-
ST.JOHNS MAGAZINE
Upcoming December 10, 11 Nutcracker Ballet
Community Nutcracker presents the 30th anniversary performance of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Florida Theatre. Performances include Friday, December 10th at 7:30pm; Saturday December 11th Matinee at 1:00pm; Galla performance at 7:30pm. Purchase tickets at the Florida Theatre box office. For more information visit www.jaxnutcracker.org or call 904-355-2787.
The Tradition Continues
Nutcracker Ballet at
The Florida Theatre
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10th 7:30 PM
Saturday December 11th Matinee 1:00 pm Gala 7:30 PM
www.jaxnutcracker.org 904-355-2787
Purchase Tickets at the Florida Theatre Box Office
photo by Aiko Photos
ongoing Holiday Fun
TAKE-OUT or DINE-IN AVAILABLE!
NOVEMBER 20, 2021 TO JANUARY 31, 2022 Night of Lights
Enjoy St. Augustine glowing with holiday magic - from the ground to the rooftops. Known as one of the best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine's Night of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation's oldest city. Enjoy every evening beginning at dusk. www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights/
November 22 to January 21, 2022 Lighthouse Iluminations
Discover twenty-one uniquely decorated trees, each with a distinct theme, at this special after-hours event. Explore the Keepers’ house and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of the lighthouse’s night mark. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 12 and under. For more information regarding ticket availability and pricing, visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.
819-1486 Your Local Authentic
Mexican Restaurant!
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Excluding Alcohol Expires November 30, 2021
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The Nutcracker
The Tradition Continues…
Community Nutcracker 2021 by Ali Lindenfeld Photos by Aiko Photos
T
he Tradition Continues...What does that even mean? What tradition are we referring to? Is it the tradition of spending quality family time together even though we are spread across the state, the country or even the world? Is it the tradition of going together to a live performance around the holidays to kick them off? Maybe it is the tradition of hearing the music from “The Nutcracker Suite” play or even just purchasing a different Nutcracker every year. Yes, It is all these things and yet so much more! This year Community Nutcracker’s 30th annual performance of “The Nutcracker Ballet” is being held again in the beautiful and historic Florida Theatre for 3 public performances. But even then there is more… Traditionally every year Community Nutcracker auditions and rehearses the many different pieces that fit together to become “The Nutcracker Ballet”. Artistic directors, guest choreographers, dancers at all levels with ages 9-80 all come together to produce this timeless classic. They have a grand holiday party, battle an army of mice and rats, visit many lands and in the end, the hero wins and
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the spirit of the holiday is saved….such a rewarding happy ending for all. But what else does Community Nutcracker do? We give! We give our dancers the experience of dancing in a professional production on an amazing stage. We give our high school seniors the opportunity to volunteer at events and to apply for our scholarship. We give to the Florida Theatre as their largest running show every year (we literally take the theatre over for the entire week with rehearsals and set up as well). We give tickets to our community to attend our famed Community Service Night supported by Action News Jacksonville and Dreams Come True. We deeply discount our student and chaperone tickets for our school performances. We give to our over 200 families the chance to see their child perform on stage or bond with them backstage. We give to many local charities with our main charity focus being on Dreams Come True and the fantastic dreams they provide to children with life threatening illnesses. We then perform 3 public performances and ask you, dear readers, to
support us with attending and purchasing from our boutique (You know, those nutcrackers we referred to before? There is a huge selection offered in our lobby for the shows!). We hope you will continue the tradition and join us December 10th or December 11th at The Florida Theatre. All ages will love watching the stage transform and the adventure unfold. Tickets are best ordered by calling the box office 904-3552787 or by visiting our website: www. jaxnutcracker.org
Los Portales
We’re constantly updating and purchasing new equipment. Lucky you.
Los Portales Mexican Grill Authentically Delicious!
Who doesn't love a visit to Mexico for the true blue taste of fresh quacamole, enchiladas, or Carne Asada? Look no further than Los Portales on CR 210 West for some of the best authentic Mexican cuisine and most delicious margaritas! They have an extensive menu of over 100 choices and combinations of Mexican dishes, including their famous fajitas, enchiladas, Mexican-style tacos and the biggest vegetarian menu in the whole city. The bar serves a good selection of Tequilas, domestic and imported beer.
LET’S GET STARTED ON YOUR NEXT PROJECT! Call us at 904.398.5141 www.thehartleypress.com
Los Portales Mexican Grill was established July 2007 and is a locally family-owned restaurant. The restaurant is fun and festive, a reflection of their family philosophies and ideals, and the casual Jalisco - lifestyle lived in Mexico.
What you need to know
South Lake Plaza, 2245 County Rd 210, St Augustine, FL 32092 (904) 819-1486 www.losportalesgrill.com www.stjohnsmag.com
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portraits |
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386.308.9614 www.annrainsphotography.com 28
ST JOHNS COUNTY’S
#1 L O C A L Radio Station
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Studio Call-in # (904) 217- 4032
www.StAugustineRadio.com
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Laura Sullivan, DMD Susie Perry, DMD
Kind , gentle & compassionate staff Board Certified Pediatric Dentists Parents always welcome in the treatment room
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Fitzie
A Message From The Vet by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family
B
elieve it or not, even Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, have some tough medical cases with their own personal pets. This is a medical case that just occurred a few months ago, with my wonderful Shih Tzu Fitzgerald. It’s a story that is not uncommon in our hospital, where a life-threatening problem is uncovered during an innocent visit, and despite our early detection and aggressive treatment, the outcome was not what we hoped for. However, it’s a very real life altering medical situation that can occur. Fitzgerald was a 10 year old Shih-Tzu that our family adopted from a rescue group when he was 6 weeks old. The only problem in his medical history is that he had some neck pain off and on over the last few years. My Fitzie was scheduled for a grooming appointment on a Monday and then would be getting a dental on Wednesday of that same week. His pre-operative labs were to be done the day of his groom and when my daughter went to draw his blood, she asked if anyone had already drawn his blood, as she noticed bruising on his arm in the area where she was going to get his sample. She called me over and upon further investigation, he was covered in tiny bruises over most of his body. This bruising under the fur was not easily noticed until searching in detail. Bloodwork was completed on our in-house machines so that we could get the answers immediately. It was discovered on his lab-work that he had absolutely no platelets that the machine could find. Keep
in mind that up to this point, Fitzie had shown us no clinical signs of a problem. The most common cause for a platelet problem such as this is auto immune thrombocytopenia which is a disease where the body starts to destroy its own platelets. The second most common cause is tick disease. Fitzie was started on immunosuppressive doses of steroid and an antibiotic to cover for tick diseases pending more tests. All tests that were run did not show any cause for his problem, which pointed toward an autoimmune disease. Meanwhile Fitzie was still seeming ok with a normal appetite and attitude. Repeated testing showed absolutely no response to the treatments that we had done. I consulted both an online specialist and our
Fitzie
local internal medicine specialists. We gave several different treatments that included a chemotherapy drug, immunoglobulin therapy and even a transfusion from his brother, Captain. He then started to have bleeding in his gastrointestinal tract and stopped eating. One of the reasons that I felt that this case was so important to share is that sometimes there are things happening inside the body that you can’t detect right away and that can be very difficult to understand. Secondly, there are times when despite everything you do, the disease wins. This can be hard on the pets parents who think that if they do all the right things, their pet is going to have a good outcome. Just like in people, medicine can be challenging in the ability to get a definitive diagnosis and find treatments that can work. Unfortunately, Fitzie did not respond to treatment and one morning, awakened from his sleep (next to his mama) and was extremely lethargic and pale. We decided as a family that Fitzie was not going to respond to his treatments and his current condition was causing him to suffer. This is not easy for any pet owner. We elected to let Fitzie go in peace with his family surrounding him, which we believe is the biggest love offering one can give, and knowing that we had given him every chance available to improve. Fitzie will forever be in our hearts with memories that bring us so much joy. We know that he is in a better place and that we gave him comfort in the end that prevented him from suffering.
www.stjohnsmag.com
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