NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2018
The Holiday Issue
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CONTENTS
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Bruno the Havanese lounging by the fireplace in St. Pete’s Driftwood neighborhood. Photo Credit: James Ostrand
The Holiday Issue: Curling Up By the Fire by Janan Talafer
14 Holiday Gift Guide
45 Real Estate: Home Is
78 Holiday Entertaining:
Where the Hearth Is
22 Holiday Shopping Sarasota: It’s All Relative by David Warner
28 Holiday Shopping Belleair Bluffs: Jingle Belleair Bluffs by Molly duPont
My Favorite Things by Laura Fage
56 Travel: Barbados, Adventure Island by Megan Padilla
82 Wine: Six Holiday Picks by Eric Kennedy
60 Private Aviation: Sky’s the Limit
86 Arts: Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal
by Mary Lou Janson
by David Warner
32 Style: Party Animals
63 Golf: A Golf-Cation Guide 91 A&E Guide:
34 Style:Uncle Kyle’s
68 Auto: Bug Out
Sweater Emporium by Thomas L. duPont
36 Watch Guide: Your Time Has Come
by Eric Snider
November/December
by Andrew Nabors
74 Dining Out: Opening Nights
99 Party Pictures 104 Back Page: Giving X 10
by David Warner
76 Dining Out: Dinner and a Movie? by David Warner 4
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F1 page 4
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by Thomas L. duPont
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FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Reader, I hope that this issue arrived in time to help you enjoy the holiday season. This is a special time of the year starting with (after Election Day) Thanksgiving, office parties, neighborhood gatherings, holiday events and displays, Christmas and the celebration of a new beginning: New Year’s Day. This issue is packed with interesting stories and ideas for gifting, traveling and dining, including a shopping trip to Sarasota. Our neighbors to the south represent a unique opportunity for shopping and dining, and you will be hearing more about them in upcoming issues. Our Holiday Issue cover was created by my good friend and world-renowned cartoonist Dean Young. For those of you who don’t know Dean, he is a resident of Clearwater Beach and has carried on the story of Blondie, Dagwood, their family and their dog since he inherited the job from his father, Chic Young. Chic launched the cartoon strip in 1930, featuring a flighty, pretty-girl flapper and her bumbling playboy boyfriend Dagwood. Things went well for the fashionable couple until the Depression hit and the stories of their cavalier lifestyle became irrelevant. Then a miracle happened. Blondie and Dagwood, who’d gotten engaged and married, were disinherited by Dagwood’s fabulously wealthy family—and then had to go out into the world and hack it like the rest of us. Settling down to a modest lifestyle with children and a dog, they had to cope with real-life concerns: making ends meet, working, raising a family, eating and sleeping. And these same topics remain the primary ingredients of the comic strip to this very day. There is always something else that you might not know about a good friend or an acquaintance. I discovered in writing this letter that Dean Young was the State Spearfishing Champion for 13 consecutive years. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night,
(727) 536-2756 WWW.CLEARWATERSINDEPENDENTSCHOOL.ORG
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Thomas L. duPont Publisher/CEO
Cover illustration by my long-time friend Dean Young, Blondie cartoonist.
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PUBLISHER/CEO Thomas L. duPont
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Warner MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Tyler DIGITAL MARKETING Eric Kennedy SOCIAL MEDIA Karissa Letchworth CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Laura Fage, Chris Fasick, Mary Lou Janson, Eric Kennedy, Andrew Nabors, Tracy Negoshian, James Ostrand, Megan Padilla, Eric Snider, Janan Talafer, Dean Young TAMPA BAY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ed Barry SALES MANAGER/COMMUNITY RELATIONS Molly duPont ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Ron Barreto, Marty Binder, Cindy Carr, Sharon Castellano, John D. Chapman, Kathy DeCesare, Jill Massicotte
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The duPont REGISTRY™ is copyright 2018 by Registry Media, LLC. All rights reserved. duPont REGISTRY™, duPont REGISTRY Luxury Living in Tampa Bay, the Steering Wheel design, dupontregistry.com™, and various titles and headings herein, are trademarks of duPont Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced without written consent. Printed in the U.S.A. Published six times per year. Single copies available at your newsstand or call our publishing office for shipping information. Canadian GST not included in cover price. The pictures for sale and the written offer for sale are the responsibility of the individual advertiser. duPont REGISTRY™ and duPont Publishing, Inc. make no representation or warranty for accuracy or content. All photos become the property of duPont Publishing, Inc. when printed unless otherwise agreed to by the Publisher.
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FROM THE EDITOR
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It’s a funny thing about shopping. I don’t like doing it, but I do like writing about it. Because shopping, when it’s actual shopping, is a transaction fraught with unspoken messages. “Can I help you?” means “Can I sell you something?” “No, just looking!” means “No, I don’t want you to try and sell me anything, leave me alone.” Or, in some cases, assumptions come into play. “Can I help you?” means “You can’t possibly afford anything in here, so could you leave please?” And “No, just looking!” means “Omigod, I can’t afford anything in here, but maybe I can pretend.” Tension is inherent in any negotiation. When money is involved, the insecurities and superiorities and distrust and worry that inevitably accompany financial matters burble just beneath the surface. But when I’m interviewing the folks who run a shop, it’s a whole different thing. I’m asking questions; I’m learning not just about the goods being sold, but about the people who founded the business, the staffers who work there, the reasons the merchandise makes them proud. In my story about Sarasota’s shopping scene, for instance, I got to know jeweler Todd Alan’s fascinating back story—and, via phone, met his delightful daughter and business partner, Lyra Neff. I got to meet a salesperson at Dream Weaver, Nanci Rand, who also turned out to be an improv actor. I got to hear stories about family, about precious stones, about a painter’s process—none of which I would have heard had I just been wandering through as Joe Q. Shopper. The fact that I had a notebook and an iPhone helped me initiate these conversations, of course. But I got to wondering: What if any time I faced the prospect of “going shopping” with dread, I instead treated it as “going exploring”—no obligations assumed, no projections of prosperity required, just go with curiosity. Stop by places where I wouldn’t ordinarily shop. Ask questions the way I would of any new acquaintance. Every business, every salesperson has a story to tell. Sharing those stories and my own might be a good way to build bridges that would not otherwise exist. I know, I know. A proprietor would be justified in responding, “You just want to come into my store and talk? You don’t have a story to write or money to spend, well, excuse me, I have customers to attend to.” But as we enter the frenzy of holiday shopping season, maybe all I’m saying is that if I change my own attitude—that it’s not about heading into battle but about learning new stuff—then maybe I’ll be making a small step toward peace on earth, good will to men, women and children. And God knows we all need a little more of that.
David Warner Editor in Chief
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER
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1. Juleve 18 Karat White Gold PearShaped Halo Drop Earrings. Featuring 2.35 carat pear-shaped indicolites (blue tourmalines), 1.04 carat pearshaped and round garnets, and .55 carat round brilliant diamonds. $4,499 | goldanddiamond.com
3. One-Of-A-Kind Statement Necklace. This Juleve-inspired necklace features 10.20 carat pear-shaped sapphires, 15.43 carats of stunning round and marquise diamonds. Twenty inches in length, it is set in 18 karat white gold. $75,999 | goldanddiamond.com
2. Juleve Center Diamond Ring. A glamorous 2.03 karat pear-shaped fancy brown yellow diamond with SI1 clarity is surrounded by 0.74 carat total weight side round diamonds. The diamonds are set in 18 karat white and yellow gold. $21,999 | goldanddiamond.com
4. The "Low Rising" ring by Harry Roa.14 karat yellow, white and pink gold ring with .60 carats of brilliant cut diamonds. Read more about Harry Roa on page 23. Price upon request | harryroagallery.com
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5. "Soulful" ring by Harry Roa. Platinum ring with 3.0 carat brilliant cut diamond with .10 carat diamond accent. Price upon request | harryroagallery.com 6. 18k Ladies’ Ring. GIA certified 2.02 carat Fancy Light Greenish Yellow VS1 Radiant surrounded by 50 round and 4 baguette-cut diamonds weighing 1.08 carats. $29,500 | cappellofinejewelry.com 7. CK Bradley Off White Tajo Dress with Gold Studs. $278 | seersuckersassy.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER
8. Striking graphics in outfits by NYbased designer Mi Jong Lee at Dream Weaver Collection in Sarasota. Read more about Dream Weaver on page 23. Price upon request | dreamweavercollection.com
9. Limited Edition Labradorite Dragon Double-Strand Necklace. Can be worn long or short. Meticulously and individually handcrafted in the U.S.A. $428 | parisisabella.com
11. The "Shellscape" necklace by Todd Alan. Read about the jeweler and this necklace, p. 22. $20,000 | handwovenbands.com
10. Original watercolor illustration by Ali Curtis. $175 | alicurtisart.com
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM
12. Ready-For-The-Weekend Package. The tote is $125, Gansett Gingham is $110, Anywhere Short is $85, logo tee is $32 and Logo hat is $26 – regularly $378 for all, but just $300 when purchased as a set (a 20 percent savings). $300 | sunswell.co 13. Feather Bowties from Brackish. Pictured: The Mill Pond, made with two types of peacock fringe, as well as small and big dot guinea feathers and pheasant feathers; and The Edisto, made with guinea and pheasant feathers and 16
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named after Edisto Island, where Brackish co-founder and designer Ben Ross spent a lot of time growing up. $195 | Available at Petal & Vine, Belleair Bluffs | brackishbowties.com 14. Italia Independent I-Plastik 0916 Sunglasses. The special rubberized finish, widespread in the automotive industry, gives a pleasant feeling to the touch, enriching the surfaces of the frames. $220 | italiaindependent.com
15. Brownlee Bathing Suits. Handmade in the USA from textiles proprietary to Brownlee, these suits are made of a two-way stretch, quick-dry material and feature an anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, lined mesh boxerbrief. $185 | brownlee.co
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM
16. Thorsten Men’s Rings. Thorsten incorporates exotic woods and other precious materials into its handsome rings. $110-$550 | shopadornandco.com 17. Deadpool Pinball Machine. Immerse yourself in the universe of everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed superhero. Stern’s Deadpool Pro model features stunning hand-drawn art by renowned illustrator Zombie Yeti. $6,499 | elitehomegamerooms.com
18. G/Fore Golf Shoes. A stylish approach both on the course and off, these golf shoes feature 100 percent waterproof full-grain leather uppers. $185 | golflocker.com 19. The Durand™ Corkscrew. A broadly patented device that is exceptionally effective in removing compromised and fragile corks, whole and intact, from older, valued wines. $125 | Available at Bella Vino, Belleair Bluffs | thedurand.com
20. Tern Bicycles Vektron P9. The Tern Vektron is a best-in-class electric bike that folds in 10 seconds to go on trains, in cars, onto boats and under desks. With an electric drivetrain, riders can enjoy all the benefits of small wheels with big wheel speed. $2,699 | twofoldbicycleshop.com.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR EVERYONE
21. Forged Carbon Steel 12-inch Gratin Pan. Handcrafted by St. Pete native Matt Gilbert, a professional chefturned-blacksmith who learned his craft at Philadelphia’s venerable Samuel Yellin Metalworkers and now creates one-of-akind custom implements for the kitchen. $310 | m2bartmetals.com
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22. Rugged table from Rugs As Art. Comprised of sleek stainless steel balusters and recycled oak wood, this table is the perfect mix of ruggedness and romance. Measures 86.75" x 39.25". $2,099 | rugsasart.com
23. Hand-Crafted Glass Ornaments. Old World Christmas has the widest selection of mouth-blown, hand-painted glass ornaments in the industry. Various prices | Available locally at Stuffed Mushroom, Safety Harbor, and Lala's, Belleair Bluffs | oldworldchristmas.com
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR EVERYONE
24. Personalized Charcuterie/ Serving Board. Hand-crafted in Tarpon Springs from North American Walnut and monogrammed at no extra charge, it’s the ideal hostess gift for the holidays. $149 | liveedgeslabs.com
25. Stomp RocketÂŽ Stunt Planes. This set features three unique Stunt Planes that were designed by aeronautical engineers to loop, glide and flip. $29.99 | stomprocket.com 26. Forever By Your Side. Inspired by the lovable Labrador Retriever, this Dorri Buchholtz sculpture captures the warm and loving nature of Labradors, their spirit, and the curiosity of the world around them. Bronze, 8.5" x 9" x 15". $3,500 | dorribuchholtz.com
27. 2019 Tiara C44 Yacht. The modern profile of the C44 heralds the progressive nuances of this yacht. A spacious salon, generous staterooms and contemporary galley accommodate multiple guests in style. Once outside, the fun gathers around the aft grill and huge swim platform. $1,144,833 | qualityboats.com
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING: SARASOTA
Todd Alan Gallery
It’s All Relative
A hand-woven braided ring with diamond bands by Todd Alan.
C
ulture vultures already know Sarasota’s scene is a must-do, whether you live nearby or travel from afar. But it’s perhaps less common to make a trek to Sarasota just to shop. And that’s a shame, because a recent jaunt to the charming Main Street and St. Armands Circle shopping districts revealed a plethora of mercantile destinations that were not only unusual, but were also imbued with a sense of family—the perfect ambience for holiday shopping. Todd Alan Gallery Lyra Neff tells me she’s tried to learn how to make the braided gold and silver rings her father, Todd Alan, is famous for. “But my hands aren’t strong enough,” she says. “You have to have crazy strong gorilla hands.” Todd has woven, by hand, “at least 15,000” of his trademark rings, says Lyra, yet “he still smiles when he braids.” The rings are often for weddings or commitment ceremonies, so bringing positive energy to the process is important. “He won’t make a ring if he’s in a negative head space.” I spoke with Lyra by phone after visiting her father in his shop off St. Armands Circle. She began working with him when she was 8, helping to sell his jewelry at Renaissance fairs in Ohio. Now 28, with a college degree in advertising, she continues to partner with him in the business. “People are always, ‘How do you work with your father? I’d kill mine,’” she laughs. But she’s clearly, and heartwarmingly, his biggest fan.
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Todd, 56, came to jewelry via his other love, music: He’s a multi-talented musician (guitar, banjo, violin) with nine albums to his credit. “He was in a band,” says Lyra, “and was too poor to give his girlfriend jewelry. So he started making it for her.” With his shoulder-length sandy hair and wire rims, Todd still looks the part of a guy who plays with a band. He’s at once warm, friendly and intense, his joy in what he does evident as he shows us around his shop. I ask him how long it takes him to make one of his braided rings. He answers, somewhat ruefully, “My ex-wife used to say, ‘1 hour and 25 years.’” He calls himself “an old-style hand fabricator,” always beginning with raw metals. In the last five years, he’s become fascinated with another kind of raw material: seashells. Making wax molds from the shells that he then fills with gold, he’s able to capture “every single perfect imperfection of the original shell,” says Lyra. The results are extraordinary—especially the $20,000 Shellscape necklace, a cluster of tiny golden shells, seahorses and coral that won a first place award in last year’s prestigious Sanibel Shell Show. (He’s interested in auctioning it off for the benefit of the Mote Marine Aquarium.) He’s also nearing completion of what may turn out to be his masterwork: a mermaid crown made of platinum, 18K green gold and “more diamonds than you can count,” says Lyra. But before that, another piece of jewelry took precedence. Lyra and her fiancée, Kate, just got engaged. Guess who made the ring. Todd Alan Gallery, 17 Fillmore Dr., Sarasota, 941-217-4969, handwovenbands.com
HOLIDAY SHOPPING: SARASOTA
Dream Weaver Collection I wish Nanci Rand were my grandmother. In actual fact, she’s not much older than I am, so that wouldn’t be mathematically possible, but I kind of think anyone would want a grandma like Nanci. Chic and petite, she projects a no-nonsense warmth and a savvy sense of style that seem just right for Dream Weaver, the St. Armands boutique where she works. The store, she tells us, is for “people who have the courage to be different.” And that it is. Curated with an expert eye by owner Joan Morgan, who calls the collection “art couture,” the
styles come from a wide range of designers in a wide range of prices: smart basics from the Canadian company Sympli; bold graphics and flowing fabrics by Alembika, a label founded in Israel by a designer and an anthropologist; dramatic statements by the European designer Igor; gorgeously gradient hues by Zonda Nellis; and striking lines in black and white by New York-based Mi Jong Lee. The jewelry here makes a statement, too, made by artisans from Santa Fe to the Netherlands. These are emphatically not clothes for the woman who shops for sweater sets at Talbot’s. No, this shop is for someone who’s seeking a wardrobe as unique as she is. My husband and I immediately thought of our friend Amy, a performance artist-turned-employment counselor who sports asymmetrical curls, fabulous eyewear and jewelry she makes from old typewriter erasers. Yup, we thought, definitely Amy clothes—the kind of thing a woman like her could carry off with élan, whether going to a gallery opening or a corporate office. Or an improv performance. By the time we’d finished chatting with Nanci at Dream Weavers, she knew a lot about us and we knew a lot about her—including the fact that she’s a member of Florida Studio Theatre’s Early Bird Special Improv Troupe, in which the median age is 63. She invited us to a performance. We want to go—because, well, wouldn’t you?
David Warner
Harry Roa Studio By turns fluid and angular, beautifully simple and intriguingly complex, the jewelry of Harry Roa is a marriage of geometry and poetry—which might be a good way to describe the marriage of Harry and his wife, Lily. “He has a mad love for architecture,” says Lily of her husband. “All his designs are architectonic; he’s always looking at whatever is in his surroundings. As much as I like to think I’m the one who inspires him, I know it’s architecture.” His inspiration goes back even further than that, Lily thinks—to the artistic endeavors of his mother, who was a couturier in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood, and to the Cuban jeweler in Tampa who taught him the basics of soldering and repairs when he was 18. “That’s where his journey began,” says Lily. From there he moved into the business of manufacturing nameplates, and about 15 years ago began dabbling in his own designs, starting with “sea charms” for boat shows, then moving into craft shows. And as he perfected his art—he’s almost completely self-taught—he graduated to juried fine art shows and after working at a home studio for many years opened on Main Street in Sarasota. Harry’s designs are strikingly inventive in themselves, but Lily adds another dimension: She helps name the pieces and describes them online on the studio’s website. “We throw the names around together,” she told me. “He allows me to add the meaningful purpose behind it.” For instance, the sinuous “Soulful” ring—14K gold with a white topaz and diamond accents—is accompanied by this description: “In an era of quick fixes, fast pace, & disposable goods, may ‘Soulful’ be a reminder to fill your soul space with joy, laughter, moments, memories, & most important, love!’” It’s no wonder that, as Lily told me, one Canadian buyer told the Roas she was attracted to their jewelry because of the designs and the descriptions. But in at least one instance, it sounds like Harry wrote the description himself. “My Dancing Lily” is a 14K gold slider with a 2.0 ct moissanite and 1.0 ct in diamonds. The words accompanying it: “Dancing Lily was inspired by watching my wife Lily on a cold night, dancing by the fire. As I sat and watch[ed], she became one with the flame.” Harry Roa Studio, 1461 Main St., Sarasota, 941-323-1910, harryroagallery.com
An outfit by the European designer Igor at Dream Weaver Collection.
Dream Weaver Collection, 364 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, 941-388-1974, dreamweavercollection.com Continued www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING: SARASOTA Tilden Ross Jewelers The Ross family has been in the jewelry business for more than six decades, ever since patriarch Irving Ross opened a store in NYC in 1947 and won a bid to reformat military watches for civilian use. The company expanded into the worldwide luxury market over the years, and in 1985 Irving’s son, Richard Ross, and his wife, Gail, moved operations to Sarasota. And that’s where you’ll find Tilden Ross now, in a sunlit space on St. Armands Circle. Staffers Mary Phillips and Lee Gerletti, both former jewelry store owners themselves, bring a wealth of knowledge to the quietly amazing inventory. It’s not often you go to a shop and leave it thinking, “Wow, I learned something in there.” But that was my experience at Tilden Ross. Take, for instance, the whimsically detailed, brilliantly hued Frogman sculptures by British artist Tim Cotterill (Tilden Ross is the only gallery on Florida’s Gulf Coast authorized to sell them). I’d always thought they were made of blown glass, but Lee explained that they are bronzes, handsculpted and colored in serialized, limited editions. And Mary introduced me to a precious stone I’d never heard of before: the brilliant teal-colored Paraiba tourmaline, discovered in Brazil in the late 1980s. She showed me an example of the stones in a necklace whose links were tiny, handtooled gold faces. Stunning, and I suspect entirely worth the $19,375 price tag. PS: If you go, ask Mary to explain why she thinks the Paraiba showed up in Brazil. And ask Lee to describe the spectacular arrival of Tim Cotterill at a trunk show in 2009 (it involved a metallic green Nehru suit and a motorcycle). Tilden Ross Jewelers, 410 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, 941-388-3338, tildenrossjewelers.com
Get in on the ground floor In dR’s Real Estate issue in Jan. 2019, look for stories on two Sarasota/Bradenton-area businesses that are doing their part to make local floors look fantastic: Epoxy Artisan, whose proprietor, Elton John (yep, that’s his real name), can turn even a garage floor into a thing of gleaming beauty, and Rugs As Art, where—with 90 vendors representing more than 40 rug-producing nations in 20,000 square feet of showroom space with over 4,000 rugs in stock—it’s a pretty safe bet you’re going to find a rug that’ll floor you.
David Warner
Art Uptown Gallery Sometimes a family’s not about blood ties—it’s about peo-
ple coming together out of mutual interest and respect. That’s the way Art Uptown came into being. An artist-owned gallery established in 1980 and a treasured presence on Sarasota’s Main Street since 1982, it is comprised of up to 30 local professional artists who collaborate in the running of the gallery and show their work there on a rotating basis. Membership is by application only, and judging by work in the most current exhibit, the standards are high. Shows switch out every month, so you never know what surprises you’ll find, but when we visited there on a recent Saturday, we found a great deal to admire (at very reasonable prices): serpentine glass art by Esther K. Jensen; endearing mixedmedia creatures by Melanie Carlstein; multi-layered collage by Janet Mishner; engrossing mixed media by Laura Reed; and painterly photographs by Frank Bibbins. An extra treat for visitors on Saturday: That’s the day a member artist staffs the gallery (paid staffers handle the rest of the week). Rita Rust, a talented watercolorist, was our gracious host, and she introduced us to Peter Christ (pronounced “Crist”), whose dynamic paintings bring a fresh perspective to Florida’s everyday landscape. We got along so well that a few days later Peter and his wife joined us at a party we were hosting at our home in St. Pete—just adding a few new members to our family. Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St., Sarasota, 941-955-5409, artuptown.com.
Rita Rust, an artist member at Art Uptown Gallery, with her watercolors. 24
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Our Fine Art Jewelry Is Designed And Created In Our Design Studio
BLACK SAND Perfectly blends nature with modern innovation, lightness, & durability. Delicately crafted in 18k Yellow Gold with a 13mm Tahitian Pearl & .30 carats of F VS! Brilliant cut diamonds.
TRANSCEND Platinum Ring with a 4.56 carat Trillion Cut AGL certified Pariba Tourmaline & .50 carats of F VVS1 brilliant cut diamonds.
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We want you to slip away into the ultimate home theater experience, an experience that’s even better than going to the movies. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Our staff specializes in creating customized home theater systems and makes recommendations for the best equipment synergies at various price levels. Call us today for a quote. 727-527-1165 1128 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705
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The Flying Needles Hand - painted needlepoint and threads
727-581-8691 theflyingneedles.com 432 N. Indian Rocks Rd. Belleair Bluffs, FL
Specialty Coffeehouse and Boutique Roastery Delicious espresso drinks, coffee, homemade baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and savory items!
100 Indian Rocks Road • Belleair Bluffs
(727) 5011010 belleaircoffeecompany@gmail.com MonSat • 6:30am to 6:30pm | Sun • 7:30am to 4:00pm
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I
t’s easy to shop merrily in Belleair Bluffs. Start your day at Antique Alley and make your first stop at Petal & Vine Garden and Marketplace. You will likely be welcomed by sisters Jennifer Andersen and Niki Bouchard and immediately enchanted by the fresh flowers and decor. Great gifts for men, women and children—and never underestimate the gift of a bouquet, perfect for co-workers, teachers, hosts and yourself. My favorite? The O-venture keychain—life-changing! Next stop: Astoria Pastry Shop for a quick sweet-and-espresso break, and you’re ready to see the rest of Antique Alley, a collection of shops, artisans and decorators—and be sure to look at the artwork at Mango. Antique Alley, 596 Indian Rocks Road N., Belleair Bluffs. Walk or drive a block south to Provence Art and Antiques, where Andrea mixes well-made, well-designed antiques with locally sourced artisanal work. The creative vibe and inviting atmosphere won’t disappoint. A well-loved (personal favorite) off-the-beaten-path gem! Provence Art and Antiques, 2620 Jewell Road, Belleair Bluffs. Take a quick turn to The Flying Needles. Inside you’ll likely find a group of friends around a table stitching away—the staff teaching a lesson and the customers feeling all the colors of various fibers. It’s happy hour, minus the cocktails. Dianne Colitz leads the tribe through their projects, helping them create stunning keepsakes. The regulars are fixtures who have stitched each other through life’s lowest moments and highest celebrations; the camaraderie is palpable. The Flying Needles, 432 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs. Now you might want to get in the car and head to Plaza 100, with its larger parking area and larger crowd. There you’ll find a row of retailers and restaurants designed to please. AAA has what you need for holiday travel: luggage, guidebooks, and discount tickets. Pay a visit to Belleair Optical, where you’ll get a kick out of the Bocca frames—these glasses have legs (on my Santa List). Harold Freeman is that neighborhood jeweler I fondly recall from childhood; they have all you need to celebrate every milestone. Pop into Shoes By Beverly for your latest holiday footwear and Cassi & Co. to grab your mother-inlaw her favorite new outfit (always a big hit with mine).
Belleair’s Wine 1/8 page ads Market Since 2005
BellaVinoWineMarket.com 100 Indian Rocks Road N. BELLEAIR BLUFFS (727) 584-5552
Now you’re likely getting hungry and thirsty. Belleair Coffee is the perfect stop for a quick bite of freshly made quiche and a coffee—or ask for a hot tea made with lemonade—tell them Molly sent you! You will likely see many friends and entrepreneurs grabbing a table for a chat. Lala’s is next on the list. Brand new location and WOW! Art by Laura, sophisticated home décor, gorgeous colored acrylic ponchos— a perfect shade for each bestie on your list! Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market & Wine Bar is the perfect spot for a little wine, cheese and even a sip of bubbly—plus great gifts for that office gift exchange or the hostess who has everything. Brian Franzese ensures a smart selection of premium wine at the lowest prices in town along with local delivery and shipping. You can send beautiful gift baskets, enjoy artisan cheeses and meats, even purchase premium cigars and craft beers. If you are ready to take a longer pause, sit down for lunch at E & E Stakeout Grill. The Kokopelli salad (grilled chicken breast, bacon, buttermilk blue cheese, tomatoes, guacamole and lots more in a gazpacho vinaigrette) will fill you with all the nutrients you need to continue your day. Once you’re well-fed, head to Galleria Misto, where you’ll find art to suit all ages and budgets. The del Bassos and their staff have extensive art knowledge (and talent) and can help you select a gift for anyone on your list. A new series by Scott Suits featuring local landmarks will please the lucky recipient. (Hint, hint…I love the one of Frenchy’s.) Plaza 100, 100 Indian Rocks Rd N, Belleair Bluffs. Are you tired yet? Hit Radiance Medspa just one more street over. You can rest while your skin rejuvenates. You owe yourself the Fire & Ice facial, a unique and popular treatment that is an experience for all senses. Warm, tingling and then incredibly cooling, this treatment results in a complexion that is dramatically refined and ready to go out on the town! Radiance Medspa, 2894 W Bay Dr, Belleair Bluffs. If you are staying in Belleair Bluffs for dinner, Seaweed is the newest member of Frank Chivas’s Baystar Restaurant Group, and it’s already a hit. The popularity is deserved: try the Sunshine on the Bluffs cocktail (grapefruit vodka, triple sec and cranberry) and the black pearl chicken (the prettiest mashed potato and watermelon salad ever, plus fancy and fun scissors to cut your chicken). And as always, the freshest sushi and raw bar! Seaweed, 2819 W Bay Dr, Belleair Bluffs.
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Cappello & Co. is a family owned, full service fine jewelry store doing business for over 30 years in Pinellas County. Let our onsite master jeweler and graduate gemologist help you design a custom piece or choose from our brilliant jewelry collection. WE ALSO SPECIALIZE IN DISCREET COLLATERAL LOANS. Call for a private appointment. It’s personal and private because our customers are as precious as their jewelry. So even when the market plays rough, you’ll have an investment you can count on. We are open Monday through Friday 10-5.
12941 PARK BLVD., SEMINOLE, FL 33776 727-585-5700 | cappello.co@mac.com
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CAPPELLO & CO DIAMOND IMPORTERS • WHOLESALE • PRIVATE JEWELER
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FASHION
Party Animals From day to night, styles that will make them go grrrrrr....
G
— The Editor
Spot On: Leopard-print mermaid mididress by Milly. ($475, neimanmarcus.com)
Into Leather: Ponte knit top with pearl detail and bell-sleeve by Tracy Negoshian ($89, myTNstyle.com), paired with a pencil skirt by THEORY that gets a luxe upgrade in soft and supple lambskin leather with a hidden zipper vent at the front. ($895, nordstrom.com)
Yipes, Stripes: Leopard track jacket and crop pant with lurex side striping detail and zipper ankle closures by Pam & Gela. (Jacket, $255; Crop pant, $255; revolveclothing.com) 32
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Cat Feet: Leopard-print booties with pearl side detailing, back zip closure and leather lining by Louise et Cie Ilisa. ($139, dillards.com)
727.461.6617
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20 Island Way Clearwater
19325 Gulf Boulevard Indian Shores
727.443.1750
25 Causeway Boulevard Clearwater
727.442.6910
25 Causeway Boulevard Clearwater
727.584.1700
2819 West Bay Drive Belleair Bluffs
813.336.4977 3689 Tampa Road Oldsmar
727.446.7027
1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater
813.475.5974
3687 Tampa Road, Oldsmar
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dR STYLE
Uncle Kyle’s Sweater Emporium is a store like no other.
K
yle Kelly is the genius behind a unique shop in Charleston, South Carolina, that displays over 1,000 sweaters just in time for the holidays. Make no mistake about it, this Emporium has more than just re-purposed holiday sweaters; it is full of sports sweaters, too, including NFL, MLB and many college teams. The vintage pieces are the best-sellers by far because everyone wants to have the unique look that once belonged to Grandma or old Aunt Matilda. The store itself is an adventure in sensory overload; its Facebook page, too, is a digital trip through a panorama of colors and styles. Articles have appeared on Uncle Kyle all over the internet and social media. Interestingly, the shop is not just for aging baby boomers. Millennials, tourists, celebrities and even the occasional frat jock stop by to shop for that unique holiday outfit. Rarely are there any duplicates in the collection. Kyle says, “The choices are overwhelming, but often times the sweater picks you.” The Emporium pops up every year on King Street in Charleston, where the shopping is a trendy mix of big names and local entrepreneurs with a generous helping of Southern hospitality. It’d certainly warrant a Black Friday trip after Thanksgiving, but if you want to shop digitally, you need to Google Uncle Kyle’s Sweater Emporium and obtain the contact info. There is no formal website, so you will just have to shop the old-fashioned way — in person or over the phone. Tell Uncle Kyle we sent you. Uncle Kyle's Sweater Emporium 483 King Street Charleston, South Carolina 29403 realkylekelly@gmail.com 607-857-1314 34 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
Manufacturing the best fiberglass Door System Solutions
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Styles for Every Body
Wake Up.... and Smell the Coffee! ...in a seriously soft and luxurious over-sized cashmere knit. Coffee Intarsia.
4930 Park Blvd. #11 Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727.545.4900 www.ParisIsabella.com
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WATCH GUIDE
Your Time Has Come W Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S Blue: Inspired by its partnership with Lamborghini, Roger Dubuis’s Excalibur Aventador S Blue watch features a specially developed Duotor concept with constantly moving double balance wheels. The totally revamped 312-part RD103SQ movement is distinguished by engine strut bars that recall the iconic Roger Dubuis Astral Skeleton concept of creating striking contrast with the rest of the movement. The caliber is designed to look as if the engine ‘hood’ were transparent for viewing the Lamborghini engines that are tailored to the design of the sleek, streamlined cars. The double balance wheels are inclined and are supported and highlighted by holders shaped like triangular wheel suspension assemblies. The movement is created to honor the alliance between the two mechanically minded brands. Approx. $210,000.
Rodger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Sorrozero Double Flying Tourbillon: This Roger Dubuis/Pirelli Sottozero watch has a big name, but that’s because it is a lot of watch. Inspired by its exclusive partnership with Pirelli, the sole supplier of premium tires to the world’s flagship motorsports competitions, Roger Dubuis unveils this Double Flying Tourbillon watch. While the movement and the famous Pirelli color codes are enticing all by themselves, the strap is also an eye-catcher. It is made using rubber inlays from certified Pirelli tires that competed in exhibition races on snow. It depicts the legendary tread motifs of the profile of a Pirelli Cinturato™ intermediate tire. Thanks to a sapphire caseback and crystal, the entire skeletonized RD105SQ hand-wound caliber with signature blue Astral Skeleton is visible. The double flying tourbillons at 5:00 and 7:00 are rimmed by speedometer-like seconds counters with automobile-inspired pointers. The multicolored power reserve indicator is a nod to racing-car cockpit fuel gauges. Approx. $328,000. 36 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
WATCH GUIDE Angelus U21 Tourbillon: Part of the brand’s Urban collection, the Angelus U21 Tourbillon is particularly avant-garde, thanks to its NPT carbon fiber main plate, that is a carryover from the carbon fiber on the case and offers an integrated look. The 42mm watch is devoid of a bezel and is crafted in 18-karat rose gold with a carbon fiber central case. Even the bridges, visible on the main plate, are crafted in solid gold. Powered by the Angelus A-250 movement, it has a one-minute flying tourbillon that is highly visible and openworked to offer maximum viewing of the constantly turning escapement. The box-like domed sapphire-crystal also enhances the view of the open-worked movement. Just 18 pieces will be made. Approx. $52,200.
HYT H20: This H2O watch is crafted in stainless steel with a black DLC coating and features a box-domed sapphire crystal with antiglare treatment for better viewing of the electric green fluidic hours and phase shift minutes. This watch offers a thermal indicator and a crown-position indicator (hours, neutral, rewind). The manualwind movement is equipped with HYT’s exclusive patented micro-fluidic module, a glass capillary with multi-layer bellows and two immiscible liquids so that the green emerges on demand to indicate the hour. A jumping minute hand is also added. There are two versions of this watch being made, each in editions of 25 numbered pieces. Approx. $95,000.
HYT HO X EAU Rouge: In a bold move, HYT unveils its newest fluid watch with bold red fluidic hours indication. Aptly named H0 X Eau Rouge, the watch indicates time via a patented micro-fluidic module (essentially a patented capillary) with red and clear liquids that indicate the hour. The watch is created using a large box-like sapphire crystal to give the wearer a better look at the intriguing time indication function. The 48.8mm case is crafted using stainless steel and DLC anthracite stainless steel for a contrast in shades. The watch offers 65 hours of power reserve and is water resistant to 30 meters. Approx. $39,000.
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WATCH GUIDE Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic: Hublot is known for its pioneering work in new materials. This year the brand does not disappoint. Thanks to four years of research and development, Hublot unveils a new, patented material called Red Ceramic. The bright red ceramic material represents the first time a watch brand has been able to produce a vibrantly colored ceramic (most are black or white) that is also specially developed to be harder and much more dense than regular ceramic. The 45mm Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic watch is the first to be made of the high-tech material. The brand’s in-house-made Unico HUB1242 mechanical movement powers the watch. It will be made in a limited edition of just 500 pieces. Approx. $26,200.
Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold: New this year, Hublot brings its famed non-scratchable Magic Gold together with a highly complex in-house Unico HUB1241 flying chronograph movement for a redesigned Big Bang Ferrari watch. In fact, six years ago when the brand launched its first Ferrari watch, it used its patented Magic Gold alloy, so the new watch is a fitting tribute to the on-going collaboration. While standard gold has a scratch resistance of 400 Vickers, Magic Gold – produced internally at Hublot – fuses boron carbide with 24-karat gold to achieve the hardest gold in the world, resistant to almost 1000 Vickers. The 45mm Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold watch features a tachymeter-style minute counter, date aperture in gear selector mode, second chronograph counter emulating an air extractor, and displays the famed prancing horse. Approx. $36,700.
Arnold & Son Globetrotter: Boldly reinterpreting the world-time function, Arnold & Son releases the Globetrotter watch. With a highly domed sapphire crystal and a sculptural bridge that stretches across the entire diameter of the dial, this 45mm stainless steel watch is a true attention grabber. Housing the A&S6022 self-winding movement, entirely developed and manufactured by Arnold & Son, the watch offers a rotating three-dimensional world time display. The beautifully finished dial depicts a view of the Northern Hemisphere as seen from directly above the North Pole. The brass plate has been chemically etched and sandblasted to achieve the textures of the continents and the oceans, which is also lacquered by hand. A 24hour sapphire disk fixed to the same bridge that holds the hemisphere surrounds the world-time display that makes one complete rotation every 24 hours. Approx. $16,995. 38 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
WATCH GUIDE Corum Admiral AC-One 45 Squelette: One of the key pillars associated with Swiss watch brand Corum is the beloved Admiral collection. Typically classic yet elegant with pennant flags on the dial, this is the series that embraces the sailing lifestyle. With this new Corum Admiral AC-One Squelette watch, though, the brand goes thoroughly bold and modern. The automatic watch — powered by the totally skeletonized CO 082 caliber — is a transparent vision of mechanics and sophistication. The 45mm Titanium case features a sapphire crystal and caseback for viewing the movement. The sapphire crystal bears the numerals in bold yellow (achieved via electrical discharge machining) and the seconds hand is in matching yellow. There is also a middle case accent in yellow that wraps around and covers the crown guard. The watch is finished with a bright yellow textured rubber strap. Approx. $9,800.
Eberhard & Co. Nuvolari Legend: Inspired by the champion driver of the 1920s to 1940s, Tazio Nuvolari, Eberhard & Co. dedicated an entire collection to him nearly 30 years ago that remains a coveted signature to this day. The brand is even the main sponsor of the Nuvolari Grand Prix. Easily one of the most beautiful autoinspired pieces is the Nuvolari Legend. It is available in both a 39.5mm stainless steel case, and in the 43mm “Grande Taille” version shown here with intricate chronograph dial. The black dial is accented with luminescent vintage-style beige-hued Arabic numerals. The black baton-shape hands are also coated with luminescence. The dial features a minutes counter at 12:00, hours counter at 6:00, and a spiral tachometer scale (in km/hour) in the center. The automatic watch is finished with a vintage-looking roughhewn brown leather strap. Approx. $5,400.
Richard Mille RM11-03 McLaren: While advances in technology (micro-technology, CNC machines that allow more precise cutting, laser etching and more) have helped to spur this new direction, the ideas for these watches are still the result of the human quest to be different, to be visionary. As such, the design of timepieces has come a long way both inside the watch, with skeletonized and stepped movement architecture, and outside, with 3D cases that look almost space age. This new breed of multi-dimensional watch designs represents the pioneering spirit of a centuries-old craft that continues to re-invent itself. In these newest, sometimes revolutionary, timepieces, innovative belts, pulleys, and capillaries live inside a mechanical movement, side-by-side with classic gears, wheels, springs and barrels. A blend of past and future, the most cutting-edge designs are all about transcending borders and developing works of art, mechanics and precision for the wrist. Price upon request.
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James Ostrand
HOME
A wood-burning fireplace in a picturesque home in St. Pete’s Driftwood neighborhood. INSET: A decorative inset above the mantel by artist Mark Dixon Dodd.
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HOME
James Ostrand
Curling Up By The Fire
An ingenious spot for a treasured mantel in Belleair Beach. INSET: The home's poolside outdoor hearth.
T
here’s something magical about sitting by a blazing fireplace—so cozy, peaceful and inviting, even here in Florida, where we can hope for cooler weather at least by New Year’s. Carla Jimenez and Jim Freeman live in a 1938 “Storybook”-style home designed by artist Mark Dixon Dodd, whose picturesque domiciles help give St. Petersburg’s Driftwood neighborhood its unique character. Dodd’s creative touches are everywhere, especially on the floor-to-ceiling wood-burning white plaster fireplace in the couple’s living room. Above the mantel is a decorative inset by Dodd featuring a woodland scene of a deer, fish leaping and a babbling brook. “Years ago, it was painted over, but if you look closely you can see the detail,” says Carla. “Rumor has it that the artwork was once in color.”
Although Carla confesses the fireplace isn’t used that often, she can’t imagine the home without it. “It’s beautiful. I love the structure of it, and it adds so much to the room,” says Carla, the former co-owner of Tampa’s Inkwood Books. “Santa certainly thinks of it as a necessity… and besides, where else would you hang a Christmas stocking?” Nancy (who prefers to use her first name only) has taken a family heirloom fireplace mantel and given it new life in her Belleair Beach home. Her ingenious solution: placing the mantel against the bathroom wall behind her freestanding tub. “The mantel is well over 100 years old; it was my husband’s grandmother’s and we’ve taken it with us to every home we’ve lived in,” says Nancy. “I knew I wanted to put it somewhere special. This was the perfect
"Santa certainly thinks of it as a necessity," says one homeowner of her fireplace.
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ModernFlames
HOME
Contemporary linear fireplaces from Modern Flames, a vendor used by Tampa’s Kugel & Sons and St. Petersburg’s Fireplace World.
location. Last year, I decorated the mantel and put a white Christmas tree on top.” Nancy also has a large outdoor wood-burning fireplace. There’s a large-screen TV above the mantel so no one has to miss their favorite show or game. “It’s just fun to have a nice fire and sit out there when it’s cool,” says Nancy. “One year we had a big Super Bowl party and several of us ended up outside next to the fireplace. It was the best spot ever.” Thanks to technology and a trend toward artistic designs, there are more choices than ever to create the perfect fireplace for your home, from a traditional wood-burner with a big hearth to a sleek, contemporary gas or electric look that offers all the ambience, but not the heat — or the work. Don O’Connor, of Fireplace World, is definitely seeing demand from customers for contemporary linear electric or gas fireplaces. “They’re easy to install and they don’t produce as much heat, so there is no danger of damage to the TV,” says Don. The trend is also to choose beautiful glass stones over logs. Clear and Caribbean blue are popular colors, he says. In addition, stacked stone painted white or off-white is a popular facing for the fireplace, he says. It’s a look that adds nice structural texture for a dramatic focal point. Mike Kugel of Kugel & Sons Fireplaces feels that a great
fireplace is like a work of art. His many custom projects range from electric and wood-burning fireplace installations to outdoor fire bowls, and even outdoor pizza ovens. He agrees that the addition of fire features can transform a typical outdoor space into a beautiful backyard oasis. Diana Matlack and Jeff Cave of Dynamic Outdoor Spaces also enjoy crafting the entire outdoor living environment, and they say a fire feature is a must-have. That could be a traditional fireplace with hearth or a dramatic accent, such as a fire kettle, incorporated into a pool and spa area. The couple is also focused on environmentally friendly “green” products when designing an outdoor fire feature. That includes using propane, natural gas or one of the newest options, bioethanol, a renewable liquid fuel produced from agricultural byproducts. “The options available to homeowners, from how to fuel the fire to how to create the design, have really grown in recent years,” says Diana. “The sky’s the limit. We can integrate stone, metals, stucco and even brick. Even with a more traditional fireplace, we can help the client achieve a clean contemporary line to give it a modern twist.”
A gas or electric fireplace provides ambience without the heat — or the work.
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LUXURY LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE
Home Is Where the Hearth Is
Looking for a house with a blazingly beautiful fireplace? Turn the page.
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REAL ESTATE
Fire & Water
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o expense was spared in the 2016 renovation of this 6,933-sq-ft property, from hand-painted Spanish tiles to state-of-the-art technology. The main home offers 6 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, with two more bedrooms and another bath in the mother-in-law apartment/nanny's quarters. The wood-burning fireplace in the living room is a sculpture in and of itself; it can spread its warmth indoors or outdoors, as owners may choose to open the pocket sliders and rotate it toward the waterfront outdoor living area. Truly Florida living at its finest — a cozy fire overlooking Boggy Bayou and the beautiful Gulf ! Linda Ross Preston| 813-318-2408 Coastal Properties Group & Christie’s International
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REAL ESTATE
Urban Warmth
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ocated on desirable Beach Drive — St. Petersburg’s downtown Riviera — this 5,217-sq-ft single family home built in 2016 boasts four floors of living space, each with 11-foot ceilings. Outdoor areas include two rooftop terraces and two gated yard spaces, and there’s also a three-car garage. The centerpiece of the main living floor is a custom fireplace-surround of stone and glass, establishing a warm and comfortable ambience in a home with the ideal urban setting. Sarah Howe | O: 727-498-0610 | C: 813-774-1999 Howe Property Group CHRISTIE'S International - Coastal Properties
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155 BAYVIEW DRIVE, BELLEAIR FL This spectacular 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half baths estate, designed in the style of luxury homes in the Hamptons, sits 30 feet above sea level on a natural bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor. A Pebble Tec salt water pool and spa highlight the sprawling back yard. The spacious great room provides a gas fireplace and wet bar. The kitchen offers two islands and chef ’s appliances. The master retreat includes a sitting room with domed ceiling and lavish bath. Magnificent design elements, handsome cabinetry and trim offer topnotch amenities that complete this unique custom home. Offered at $6,250,000 | 155BayviewDrive.com
215 SHORE DRIVE, PALM HARBOR FL Enjoy the perfect Florida lifestyle in your gated waterfront masterpiece situated in the sought-after Ozona golf-cart community. Enter through the impressive lead glass doors and encounter a balance of open spaces and elegant materials accentuating the picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico. This sophisticated home captures the essence of quality craftsmanship. Offered at $2,999,999 | 215ShoreDrive.com
311 PALM ISLAND SE, CLEARWATER BEACH FL This remodeled 4/3.5 home features panoramic views to the east and south, deepwater dockage, and a 13,000 pound boatlift. In addition there is a spacious screened in lanai and heated pool. The updated kitchen boasts granite counters and custom wood cabinets that open to a family room with fireplace and a walk-in wet bar. Offered at $1,149,000 | 311PalmIsland.com
The Thorn Collection | 727.432.9019 | www.TheThornCollection.com Š2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information.
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14275 SIESTA ROAD, LARGO FL Gracefully gated, this Italianate Style 2010 custom-built estate is an exceptional Architectural experience. Stylishly set on a 4.5 acre parcel on the intra-coastal waterway of the Central Coast of Pinellas County, this 17,599 square foot home has amenities including a private guest suite, outdoor playground, pond, boat lift and dock, pool, outdoor living space/kitchen and so much more! Offered at $11,900,000 | 14275SiestaRoad.com
3016 KEY HARBOR DRIVE, SAFETY HARBOR FL Admire fascinating vistas of Tampa Bay from this magnificent custom 4/2.5 home complete with pool and spa. There are lots of living areas plus a beautiful island kitchen, luxurious master retreat and screened porch. Offered at $1,150,000 | 3016KeyHarborDrive.com
4605 WEST VASCONIA STREET, TAMPA FL You will be captivated by this 4 bedroom, 4 bath custom home with Mediterranean accents. Highlights include small water crafts dock, fire pit, living areas oak floors, family room fireplace and French doors to a screened lanai. The open kitchen offers custom wood cabinets with granite counters and upgraded appliances. The master retreat features a private balcony. Offered at $1,175,000 | 4605WestVasconia.com
The Thorn Collection | 727.432.9019 | www.TheThornCollection.com Š2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information.
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REAL ESTATE
1286 Playmoor Drive
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ive where the Pro’s play! Located on a cul de sac overlooking the Island Golf Course in the guard gated Highlands of Innisbrook, this home has it all. 4BR/5.5BA/4GAR. 6135 sf. A billiard room, theater room, extra bonus room, private entrance guest suite, sparkling heated pool and spa, outdoor fireplace & summer kitchen make for great fun! Hurricane shutters. Wine cellar. LED lighting. Security cameras. Travertine & wood flooring. Offered for $1,590,000 Alexander & Shank Team | 727-741-1242
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423 MANDALAY AVE, SUITE 102 CLEARWATER BEACH, FL 33767 WWW.COASTALPGI.COM 50 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
200+ ADVISORS AND SUPPORT STAFF 14 OFFICE LOCATIONS 1 EXCEPTIONAL BRAND
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Dania Perry Waterfront and Luxury Home Specialist MOBILE: 727-215-2045 dania.perry@gmail.com www.DaniaPerry.com
#1 Selling Realtor in Tampa Bay Sold $750M+ in the Last 10 Years!
Dania sold over $125 million from Jan-Sept 2018
BAYSIDE DRIVE – CLEARWATER BEACH
SUNSET DRIVE – ST. PETERSBURG
Luxurious, Brand New Coastal Contemporary Waterfront Residence is a short walk to the Powdersoft Sands of Clearwater Beach. Huge open spaces, exceptional high-quality construction & rich, lavish finishes define this Beautiful 5 Bedroom, 5.2 Bath 9205 total sqft home with rare 10-car garage parking & rapid deep water access to the Gulf. Offered for $2,675,000.
ELEGANCE, HISTORY AND SPLENDOR! This 1928-built 7381 sqft Italian Villa Masterpiece was once the winter estate of the legendary Babe Ruth. Extraordinary $2.1M restoration. A sublime, sophisticated and impeccably finished, iconic waterfront residence. Offered for $2,499,000.
TAMPA PALMS - TAMPA FORTUNE 500 EXECUTIVE ELEGANCE across the sweeping private grounds of this extraordinary 5 Bedroom, 6.2 Bath 14,064 total sqft Luxury Estate. Mammoth 23ft-high ceilings, fabulous theater/game room, plush CEO’s Office, Grand Master Suite, stunning 55,000 cu.ft. pool deck enclosure, lavish overnight cabana. An absolute dream. Offered for $2,450,000.
ST PETE BEACH, FL
4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 4856 total sqft coastal modern residence features a 28ft wide wall of glass that transitions to an impressive 31ft-wide covered waterfront balcony. Beautiful pool, huge composite dock with 19K lift, jet ski lift & mooring for a large cruiser. 5th level 350+ sqft observation deck delivers spectacular 360 degree panoramic waterviews. Offered for $1,599,000.
The Dania Difference • The Professional Difference • The Real Difference in Real Estate CENTURY 21 JIM WHITE AND ASSOC. • 10645 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706 52 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
#1 Century 21 Realtor in the World For Five Consecutive Years!
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Dania Perry Waterfront and Luxury Home Specialist MOBILE: 727-215-2045 dania.perry@gmail.com www.DaniaPerry.com
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PARK STREET – ST. PETERSBURG
OCEANVIEW – TIERRA VERDE, FL
One of the largest open water estates on Florida’s Gulf Coast! Spectacular 5 acre, 6 bedroom, 7.3 bath, 16,189 total sqft residence enjoys a sweeping 300ft of waterfront overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Everything about this home “breathes” scale (think football fields front & back). Magnificent master wing, immense 16,000 sqft pool deck. A rare Hamptons-type estate. Offered for $3,995,000.
Spectacular 18,670 Total Sqft Palatial Mediterranean Estate on impressively landscaped grounds delivers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. 5 Bedrooms 6.2 Baths, 10+ Car Garage, this one-of-a-kind original offers a stunning French Riviera interpretation of a timeless classic. Magnificent 6,000 sqft pool/spa deck with gazebo and pergola. Dock with dual boat lifts. Luxurious and so much to see! Offered for $4,199,000.
BAYVIEW - TIERRA VERDE, FL
BATH CLUB ESTATES – NORTH REDINGTON BEACH, FL
A taste of Olde World Florida in a fabulous private boating enclave near the beach! Carved within a large, magically wooded lot, this incredible 8457 total sqft 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath coastal country waterfront estate is as unique as it is beautiful. 1700sqft of superbly finished covered balconies adorn this sophisticated & luxurious southern masterpiece boasting inspiring amenities throughout. Offered for $3,499,000.
This exceptional 4 bedroom 4 ½ bath coastal contemporary luxury estate with a huge 12,050 total sqft under roof offers an unforgettable island ambiance. Stunning gourmet kitchen, beautiful wide covered balconies, remarkable master wing and a superb pool/spa. Wide 135ft seawall supports a deep water dock, dual boat lifts and separate floating dock. Offered for $2,699,000.
Thank You Tampa Bay for Another Record Breaking Year!
CENTURY 21 JIM WHITE AND ASSOC. • 10645 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706 www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com 53
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TRAVEL
A beautiful view from the rugged Barbados cliffs.
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TRAVEL
Adventure Island delayed departure meant that my flight to Barbados landed after dark. Which wouldn’t have been a big deal, except that I had rented a car and in Barbados, the steering wheel is on the right side and they drive on the left. I sat frozen in the driver’s seat, pondering the 45-minute drive from the airport and the rental agent’s warning to watch for potholes. My hotel is located about as far as you can go in one direction on a 166-square-mile island placed the farthest east of any in the Caribbean. “I’ve done this before,” I reminded myself, recalling trips 18 and 20 years ago when I’d driven in England, Wales and Scotland. Back then I’d also had to tackle a left-hand stick shift and clutch. Courage began to replace fear, and I let out a whoop as I recognized the beginning of an adventure. So I shifted into “drive.” Barbados is loosely shaped like a triangle, and each edge is distinctive. The airport, the UNESCO-listed capital of Bridgetown, the tourism core and most of the population of 300,000 are located across the wide southern swath. The Atlantic-facing east coast is the wild side, with cliff hikes and massive stone formations whose bases are eroded by powerful waves that lure top surfers. The west coast is all about beaches and the placid Windex-blue waters of the Caribbean, ideal for looking at, swimming in or sailing over. Luxury resorts and enclaves – including pop-superstar Rihanna’s villa at Sandy Lane – are interspersed between fishing villages and give this shore its descriptive name, the Platinum Coast. That’s where I was headed. Port Ferdinand Luxury Residences & Marina is as far north on the Platinum Coast as you’ll find a hotel and notable for its spacious villas overlooking the only fully secured luxury marina on the island. Sure, I could have taken a taxi, but I wanted the freedom to explore the less-visited northern region on my own. I arrived at the gatehouse of Port Ferdinand with both the car and my nerves intact.
might just as easily have read a book on the comfy sofa on my breezy, over-sized balcony large enough to host cocktails and dinner for 8. Or I might have taken the private water-taxi to the resort’s sister property, St. Peter’s Bay, to relax on the beach and enjoy an alfresco lunch and several glasses of rosé in its garden dining room. But I recalled from a past visit that Barbados is stunningly beautiful, geographically diverse, its history rich and its people friendly and welcoming. Since arriving, I’d asked every local I’d met to circle someplace on the road map that I shouldn’t miss. I was confident I could find most with Google Maps. For instance, Animal Flower Cave on the north point where the Caribbean and Atlantic converge, where I’d read that you descend steep stone stairs cut through the roof into a huge cave with a pool in which you can swim. But it was the places in between that I was afraid of missing. So in the spirit of my Adventure, I asked around until a stroke of karmic good fortune connected me with the resort’s head of security, Eddie Gibson, who happened to be off that day and offered to join me.
Barbados is stunningly beautiful, geographically diverse, its history rich and its people friendly.
Outside the bubble Many people who vacation somewhere as comfortably luxurious as Port Ferdinand may not want to ever go off-campus. Believe me, I’d be tempted, too, so that’s why I rented the car. Otherwise, I
An afternoon roadtrip Eddie took the wheel of my compact rental (don’t tell the agency) and chose the scenic route. Just around the corner from the resort, men cleaned 2-footlong fish on plywood tables perched between the shoreline at Six Mens Bay and the narrow road through Moontown lined with colorful wooden houses and a few small shops. Moontown, I’d heard, is a fun place to be on Wednesday-Friday nights – a northside version of the famous Oistins Fish Fry down on the south shore. We passed Merton’s Place, with its large deck overlooking the Caribbean; it was easy to imagine the grillin’ and chillin’. Then Eddie turned inland, the road boxed in by high walls of wild grass and sugarcane. “This here’s the country,” he said, explaining how Barbados is carved into 11 parishes, each with its own impressive Anglican church – after all, Barbados was English and then a British colony from 1625-1966 – and a couple dozen other places of worship. “There’s only one thing we’ve got more of than churches,” he said. “Rum shops!” I’d responded, lamenting that on my last visit I hadn’t had the guts to stop at one on my own. “They cater to locals,” he said, “but tourists are welcome, too.” I had a hunch that a rum shop was in the cards. What I didn’t
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TRAVEL expect was that the first we’d stop at would be his. It was a Saturday afternoon and a car rally was underway in St. Lucy, the parish where Eddie has lived all his life. “I just need to stop by my shop and make sure everything is ready,” he said. Gippo’s sits at the hairpin of a country road in Mount Poyer, a small village, and is painted race-car red with a white roof; a small cat with a nub of a tail sat on the front porch. It’s a neat, one-room affair with a counter and behind it, shelves lined with spirits. The custom, Eddie explained, is to buy a bottle “and maybe a can of something to mix it with.” The bartender gives you a cup with ice and you pour your own. It was quiet when we arrived, and Marie, the Jamaican ringmaster behind the counter, dug an ice-cold Barbados beer called Deputy out of a cooler for me. At $3 BBD (just $1.50 USD), it was the bargain of my entire visit to the island. We continued on, looping through cane and up hills, past the closed gates of St. Nicholas Abbey – built in 1658 and today celebrated for its tremendous history, garden and rum. But it was the lookout at Cherry Tree Hill that brought us to a full stop. I stood in the shade cast by mahogany trees, my gaze taking in a pastoral view to the east of fields rippling in the breeze and the rugged Atlantic coastline below. Men sell bottled water and trinkets, and though they’d be very happy to sell you something, they gracefully accept if you don’t. A ribbon of road unspools downhill, through cane and pasture, and it’s clear why they call St. Andrew the Scotland District. We paused at the Morgan Lewis Windmill, the Caribbean’s largest and only working windmill, its massive wooden blades framed by the flowering garden around it. Then we continued past Cattlewash Beach and on to the popular Bathsheba, where a clump of surf photographers were huddled on a lookout with their tripods and long lenses ready for action. A line of surfers bobbed on their boards, awaiting the perfect wave. Then Eddie cut inland through St. Joseph, toward Harrison’s Cave, where we were headed to tour millions of years of geologic history in its famed stalactite, stalagmite and waterfall-filled halls. “Are you hungry?” Eddie asked. I know to always say “yes” when a local asks if I’m hungry. “I know a place,” said Eddie, “a rum shop with food.” He sidled my tiny rental into a small opening on the shoulder of the road; opposite was a wall of green cane.
Gippo’s Rum Shop sits at the hairpin of a country road in Mount Poyer.
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Velma’s Place was rocking and the bar full. I followed Eddie’s lead to a small opening at the rear where the bartender met us to take our order, then passed it through a window to the ladies working in the steamy kitchen behind. We took our cold cans of spicy ginger ale out to the covered deck where the tables were filled with a mix of locals and tourists. A pair of gentlemen whom Eddie knew invited us to join them and soon we were digging in to heaving plates of Bajan specialties: battered marlin, spicy stewed cod, macaroni pie and a tasty plantain mash called cou-cou. The guys egged me on to try the spicy pepper sauce; I liked it enough to bring a bottle home. A surprising cool breeze flushed through the patio as our conversation kept a steady pace. No one was in a hurry to leave.
The interior of a Port Ferdinand villa.
Plan Your Trip Anchor your stay: Port Ferdinand is located on the north end of the Platinum Coast (west) and offers a fully secured, sheltered marina with 120 50-to-90-foot berths and nearby customs, immigration and fuel services. Each villa is configured as a 3bedroom, 3-bath 2,500 square-foot (or larger), fully equipped residence, each with sophisticated décor, luxurious polished stone floors, spacious outdoor living space and marina views. Optional configurations allow guests to reserve a 1- or 2-bedroom villa instead. Standout amenities include the Sandbox Tree Spa, a jewel set in a tropical garden where you might see vervet monkeys at play in the afternoon, and play rooms for kids (video games) and adults (a complete golf simulator!) alike. Make the concierge your best friend for seamless planning of your visit. More at portferdinand.com Where’s the beach? Port Ferdinand is situated on a sheltered marina, not a beach, though the hotel offers its guests beach club services at nearby Nikki Beach. Guests are also welcome at the adjacent Nikki Beach Barbados, a privately owned beach club with a pool, bars, DJ, lounging furniture, etc. It’s like an all-day pool party. The resort’s private water taxi shuttles guests to sister property St. Peter’s Bay to enjoy the beach and non-motorized watersports including paddleboards and snorkeling gear. The restaurant has an outstanding shrimp scampi dish that pairs beautifully with the organic rosé from Chateau de Leoube in Provence.
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St. Peter's Bay is the place to enjoy the beach and non-motorized watersports.
High season events: Sailors take note: Barbados Sailing Week, January 16-24, features four different racing series and events including the headliner, the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, whose winning team is awarded their skipper’s weight in rum. Barbados has a huge polo tradition (remember, it’s been tied to Britain since 1625) whose season runs from January through May. Attend a match or take a lesson! Port Ferdinand can set up a group or private lesson at Buttals Polo Club. Horse racing is also popular and has been part of the Barbados sporting fabric since the British military officers began racing on the track called Historic Garrison Savannah in 1845. Getting around: If you’re up for driving Barbados-style, rent a car (the service from Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals was excellent). Tips: use Google Maps to navigate and to see where you are going, take an extra lap at the roundabout if you’re unsure when or how to turn-off, and enjoy the adventure. If you only want a car for part of your stay, most agencies will deliver one to your hotel at no extra charge. Otherwise, taxis and private transportation are readily available. Explore the island: The best part about exploring an island on your own is that you can’t get too lost. Don’t want to drive? The concierge can arrange for a private chauffeur and tour from the resort’s transportation team or join a scheduled tour with one of many island outfitters such as Island Safari, Sweet Fuh Dayz Tours, Glory Tours and Sun Tours.
Surfers and sunsets: the ideal Barbados photo op.
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Sky’s The Limit
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A VistaJet Challenger 350 in flight.
urnishings upholstered in impeccable Italian leather. Fine wines served in Christofle glasses. Featherweight cashmere blankets draped over beds, and a lovely scent created by exclusive fragrance producer Le Labo. Sounds like we’re in a five-star luxury hotel, right? No, but something close to it. This is no upscale lodging, but the domain of a very special plane, a high-end, high speed Bombardier private jet. Stay overnight in these plush quarters and you may find yourself halfway around the world when you awake. Welcome to VistaJet, a privately owned aviation company catering to denizens of the C-suite. The passenger list includes royalty and rock stars, but business travel trumps all other reasons for bookings aboard this fleet of more than 70 identical silver and red jets. In the highly competitive arena of private aviation, VistaJet is expanding its fleet, increasing market share and taking private clients to 187 countries encompassing 96 percent of the globe, including regional flights to Tampa, St. PetersburgClearwater and Sarasota. It’s not all glitz and glamour. Designed to be tasteful, not trendy, the interiors create environments ideal not just for business but for relaxation or quality family time while in transit. “We like to be a quiet brand. Are we flashy? No,” said Matteo Atti, VistaJet’s executive vice president of marketing. “But we know what
you are after, what your dream is, and we offer that dream.” Dreams may include savoring favorite wines during flights, dining on chef-prepared dishes catered from leading restaurants, engaging in on-board activities with youngsters that can include dressing up for an Alice in Wonderland-style tea party or perusing a curated selection of books. At a recent invitation-only dinner at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Orlando, VistaJet executives treated guests to a banquet-style sampling of select dishes from the most recent Chairman’s Menu that VistaJet clients may enjoy inflight. Dishes like langoustine with zucchini velouté and Livornese-tyle sea bass would delight any discerning diner, in the air or on the ground. VistaJet has built its brand on elite service. Every flight crew includes a hostess who has undergone training at the British Butler Institute. Ample headroom allows passengers to roam the aisles with ease. Flights can go wherever, whenever, given ample time to access permits and undergo specialized pilot training that may be mandated, as it was for a flight to Kathmandu. Under the guidance of founder and chairman Thomas Floor, VistaJet was launched in 2004 but only entered the U.S. market four years ago. Clearly positioning itself for future global demand, Vista Global, parent company of VistaJet, recently announced it is acquiring XOJET, a U.S.-based charter firm that will boost
“We know what you are after, what your dream is, and we offer that dream.”
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TRAVEL the number of Bombardier Challenger 300s in Vista Global’s fleet by 43. “The U.S. is the biggest market in the world. It alone is 56 percent of the entire global market for private aviation. And it is dominated by private owners, with the country recording over 16,000 registered aircraft. When you compare the number of aircraft here and the number of players, the complexity is huge,” Atti said. That competitive playing field initially caused concern, but VistaJet quickly made major inroads into this market. One advantage it offers over other flight options is a pay-only-forthe-time-spent-flying pricing model that is more streamlined than most. It even offers a cost calculator on its website that compares the expense of aircraft ownership with that of a “branded fleet of over 70 Challenger and Global jets, bespoke service and guaranteed availability.” Last year, VistaJet abolished hourly ferry flight fees for its Program customers, those who need to fly regularly with guaranteed availability at a fixed price per hour. An August 2018 Forbes article about private jet pricing praised VistaJet for doing away with the ferry fees, which some business aviation companies charge for positioning planes outside of their limited service areas. By any standards, flights are not cheap. An average intercontinental round trip can run around $15,000 per hour. When weighed against the overall cost of owning a private jet that depreciates over time, may be unavailable due to routine maintenance and could be difficult to schedule on short notice, the VistaJet business model makes sense in terms of dollars and cents. Saving time, easily moving around the world and the capabilities to conduct business even before you touch down can make this alternative to commercial flights not only a good investment but a good way to maintain productivity. “Commercial aviation is no longer a pleasure, it is painful,” said Atti. “We try to remove that pain.” For additional information about VistaJet, go to vistajet.com.
The luxurious interiors are tasteful, not trendy, and stocked with amenities.
nnouncements of new commercial flights to and from the Tampa Bay region have been far more frequent lately, making it easier than ever for mainstream travelers. But passengers seeking even greater flight flexibility and comfort are also enjoying expanded options—via private aviation. Fixed base operators (FBOs) serving this region’s private aviation community operate in close proximity to major airports or at offsite locations. Passenger amenities can include courtesy shuttles to local hotels, car rentals and access to conference rooms, while aircraft services range from refueling and maintenance to hangars housing private aircraft as well as flight instruction. In addition to the major airports in Tampa, St. Pete-Clearwater and Sarasota, there are smaller, satellite facilities, like Peter O. Knight Airport near downtown Tampa and Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg, that accommodate various private aircraft such as two-seater, fixed-wing planes, helicopters and large, multi-passenger planes. Demand for these facilities surges during major events, like the 2017 College Football Playoffs Championship game held in Tampa, when 300 private aircraft flew here for the festivities. There’s sure to be a similar flurry of private flights when Super Bowl returns to Tampa in 2021. However, growth on this sector is not driven by isolated incidents. Instead, it’s an ongoing upswing that is evident year-round. “Historically, general aviation, or business aviation, is a $150 billion industry. As it continues to grow, specifically in the corporate jet segment over the next 20 years, we anticipate an additional 15,000 aircraft,” said Brett Fay, director of general aviation for Tampa International Airport (TIA). “That puts more pressure on airports to Brett Fay, TIA’s director of general aviation. accommodate facilities for larger, faster and heavier jets.” Contributing to that activity are some locally owned and operated aviation businesses like WalkAboutAir, which was opened in 1995 by Robert Basham, an original founder of Outback Steakhouse. The full-service aviation company provides charters to more than 5,000 airports nationwide as well as aircraft sales and management. ExecuJet Charter, which was founded at the St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) in 1994, touts its unblemished safety record, round-the-clock service and attention to details. Tampa Bay Aviation started with a single helicopter and now provides charter services, pilot training and aircraft maintenance at multiple locations. Sheltair Aviation is a privately owned FBO that has been instrumental in the expansion of the region’s infrastructure, building hangars with 28-foottall doors to accommodate larger cabin operators. “We are seeing growth not just at TIA but at the three smaller aviation airports (within Hillsborough County). We are full or nearly full in terms of occupancy,” Fay said. “We need to look at the highest and best use of property available and determine how to best accommodate this changing fleet.” —MLJ
Private jets at Tampa International Airport.
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6200 N Dale D l M Mabry b H Hwy | 813 813-265-899 265 899 99 Open Mon-Thurs: 10AM-6PM, Fri: 10AM-8PM, Sat: 9AM-8PM, Sun: 9AM-4PM
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GOLF GUIDE
Swing Away: A Golf-cation Guide Your ultimate golf-cation is within driving distance — and you might just wind up improving your game. BY ERIC SNIDER
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ou’ll never go begging for a tee time in West Central Florida. But why settle for only shooting your basic 18 at the local course when from time to time you can indulge in a true golf getaway? Golf-cation packages abound around here, and they offer terrific value. You can mix your drives, irons, chips and putts with overnight stays, special culinary experiences, lavish spa treatments, and other diversions and adventures. For this golf-cation survey, we’ve selected four facilities — all within easy driving distance — each offering a distinctly unique golf-plus adventure. And even if you’re not that good a golfer, or not a golfer at all, you may well return from these trips with a new love for the game (and perhaps a lower handicap).
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GOLF GUIDE
Copperhead at Innisbrook, the fabled course where Tiger came in second at Valspar.
Innisbrook’s scenic Island Course.
Innisbrook Resort
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ell, isn’t this a welcome surprise? I'd thought that my visit to Innisbrook Resort's renowned Island Course would consist of no more than a golf-cart jaunt to the 11th tee, reputedly the second-highest point above sea level in Pinellas County. But now I was getting an impromptu golf lesson from club pro Wayne Nugent. Upon my return from surveying the 11th as well as the remaining holes of this gorgeous course, Wayne sets me up with loaner clubs at the driving range. It’s late afternoon on a 75-degree Saturday, the first real break from the swelter in months. The breeze is stiff. I slip on a windbreaker. (Hey, it gets chilly up in these here hills.) “I’ll meet you over there,” he says. “Gotta tell you, I’m not a golfer,” I inform him. “I’ll see you over there,” he replies with a smile. I’ll spare you the sordid details of my personal golf history. Suffice to say that I haven’t seriously swung a club in about a dozen years, so I’m not exactly brimming with confidence. But I’m a lifelong athlete, so the pro is convinced there’s hope. Wayne starts me with an 8 iron, and I shank a few while he observes quietly. Then he adjusts my stance and posture, loosens my grip, and encourages me to try something called the “inside swing path.” That’ll help me hit a draw, which is important, he says. I start making solid contact (mixed in with a few clunkers). I’m still hitting a fade, but nothing like the vicious slices I used to spray. The balls are — dare I say? — flying pretty straight. Uh-oh, out comes the driver. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sliced the ball onto the wrong fairway during my golf outings back when. But buoyed with a smidge of confidence and don’t-give-adamn attitude, I let it rip. What’s this? Balls are launching true, still tailing right, but landing respectably straight. Wayne reckons the better shots are traveling 210, 215 — not bad for a neophyte. After 45 minutes, we pack up. It’s hard to describe my elation. Do you believe in mini-miracles?
I’m due a victory lap and I’m famished. We head over to Packard’s Steakhouse, one of six restaurants on the property. It’s in the clubhouse of the Copperhead Course, where the PGA Tour holds the Valspar Championship, where Tiger has tread. Copperhead may be Innisbrook’s marquee course, but the Island Course, which has more topography, is every bit its equal. The resort includes two other championship-level courses — the North Course (aka “Little Copperhead”) and the recently renovated South Course, which is more open and better for high-handicappers. We indulge in a sumptuous red-meat feast (a 16-ounce prime New York strip for me, a 6-ounce filet for my wife, Bonnie), plus fixin’s, plus a wedge salad, plus wine and beer, plus decadent desserts. Several tables of a dozen or more men on golf-cations are yukking it up, rehashing that day’s rounds. We pour ourselves into the car for the short ride back to our suite. Innisbrook does not have one central, multi-story hotel; instead, condominiumstyle buildings are spread throughout the complex, which makes for a uniquely private experience. Our one-bedroom flat on the ground floor is spacious and quiet, with a fairway just a short chip from the screen door, which we leave open. The interiors of all guest accommodations are undergoing a major remodel, which is slated for completion on January 1. I wake up a little sore in the shoulders and hips. A couple of hours in the Salamander Spa would’ve been just the thing, but, alas, time does not permit. The plush, 12,000-square-foot facility offers a complete menu of treatments, a steam room and Jacuzzi, plus an idyllic outdoor garden. For something more vigorous, there’s a 4,800square-foot fitness center nearby. My aches will pass. They’re the good kind. Innisbrook offers four basic golf-cation packages, topped by the Platinum Golf Package. Available May through October, it’s a golf-‘til-you-drop extravaganza that includes up to 36 holes a day, deluxe lodging, breakfast and lunch, a daily one-hour golf clinic and more.
“Gotta tell you, I’m not a golfer,” I inform him. “I’ll see you over there,” he replies with a smile.
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GOLF GUIDE
IMG’s high-tech indoor facilities help golfers of all ages.
Inside the new Legacy Hotel.
IMG Academy & The Legacy Hotel
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azing out the window of the Icon Lounge on the second floor of the Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy, I see playing fields. They’re everywhere on this 600-acre, world-class sports facility in Bradenton. The tableau serves to remind golf-cationers why they’re here. Not to play a few leisurely rounds in between facials, dinners and poolside cocktails — although those amenities are on-site. No, people come here to work on their game: to hit longer drives, straighter irons, yip-free putts. To get their swing right. And to get their mind right. That’s why IMG calls the program, simply, Adult Golf School. The spanking new Legacy, which opened in October, is designed to set up golfers for maximum performance. Music, lighting, and atmospheric scents are calibrated to energize participants in the morning and relax them at night. The hotel has a pool, a breakfast/lunch/dinner restaurant called the Icon Eatery (“big on flavor, low in fat”), a couple of bars and a small spa. The 150-room Legacy is comfortable, classy, functional — but it doesn’t tempt you to laze around. After a restful night, students are amped to grab the bag and head out to the range. Adult classes consist of four golfers, grouped together by skill level. The school offers one-, three- and five-day camps, the three-day being the most popular. Students receive plenty of individual instruction throughout, and get to focus on the parts of their game that need the most work. “Each morning we spend at the training facility,” says technical director Scott Davies. “You work on your swing, your short game. Each afternoon, you play nine holes on the golf course, all done with your coach.” The scenic and challenging course, which is open to the public, dates back to 1972 and for years was part of a private country club. In 2003, after a $2.5 million renovation, it opened as IMG Academy Golf Club. The course’s 6,482 yards (from the back tees) are bedecked with lakes, slender pines, massive oaks and native
foliage. The 10th hole features an “island green” that’ll make your knees quake. I’ve come this late Tuesday afternoon to get a taste of the Adult Golf School experience. Davies, clad in a brilliant blue shirt with matching sneakers, greets me at the training facility and ushers me to the driving range. We start with some golf-specific stretching exercises using bands. Then he has me hit a few balls with an 8 iron while he records video of my swing. It can use some work. My ball striking is weak. We adjourn to a high-tech indoor facility, where Davies goes over the video with me, pointing out my handful of strengths and myriad weaknesses — in a very encouraging manner, it must be said. He shows me a drill meant to limit my body from drifting, and to shift the weight emphasis from my right leg to my left. Within minutes, my balance has vastly improved; I’m seeing the ball better and striking it cleaner. The thwack indicating crisp contact puts a grin on my face. My abbreviated session lasts about an hour. Imagine the gains an Adult Golf School student could make in a multi-day camp. As you can imagine, such focused instruction might cause some muscle pain. For that, there’s the IMG Academy Wellness Spa, located a short cart ride from the range. Here visitors can get a haircut, a mani-pedi or other pamperings, but the spa’s special forte is its deep-tissue sports massages. They’re geared toward reviving athletes, but that means everyone from an NBA player training in the offseason to a 70-yearold woman looking to improve her short game. After a quick spa tour, we cart back to the hotel. It’s around 7 p.m. We pass by gaggles of live-in IMG high school students heading out to baseball diamonds or hitting tennis balls with coaches or playing beach volleyball in the new recreation area by the dorms. Ah, youth. Adult golfers of all skill levels can attend a camp and recapture some of it — and lower their scores in the process. Golf instruction packages including Legacy room nights are coming soon, according to IMG management.
IMG Academy’s spanking new Legacy Hotel is designed to set up golfers for maximum performance.
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GOLF GUIDE
Exotic vistas unlike anywhere else in Florida distinguish the Streamsong Resort.
The Streamsong Lodge at night.
Streamsong Resort
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he Mosaic Company execs who came up with the harebrained scheme to build a golf resort from the remains of an old phosphate mine in Central Florida knew one thing for sure: The wow factor had to be off the charts. Sixty miles southeast of Tampa International Airport, an hourand-a-half from a proper beach, in a town called Bowling Green, Streamsong Resort is the epitome of a golf destination — as in, don’t come unless hitting the links is foremost on your mind. That guests are swathed in luxury in the meantime; that they’re treated to exotic vistas not experienced elsewhere in the Sunshine State, well, that just fortifies the wow. Streamsong’s 16,000 acres showcase three championship-level public courses — Red, Blue and the recently opened Black — all of which are linksstyle. They’re bordered by sandy scrub and dotted with placid lakes. Rust-colored heather ripples in the breeze. “There are no flowers or palm trees,” says general manager Rich Mogensen. “You could be in Scotland as easy as Florida. No houses, no condos nearby. Pure nature.” The complex’s most striking feature is its undulating topography, the result of mounds dredged up during decades of mining. Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Florida anymore. The courses rank high on the difficulty scale, but that doesn’t mean the duffers among us should stay away. The fairways are generous. No rough to fear or trees to navigate. Worst case, you ditch your scorecard, whack away and enjoy the stroll. Streamsong was designed for walking golfers. In fact, from January 1 to March 31 it’s walking only. But don’t fret — the resort’s caddy program is 200 strong. The Red and Blue courses opened in December 2012. The Lodge — 216 spacious rooms with stunning views enhanced by floor-toceiling glass — came 14 months later. Its contemporary design, with an emphasis on natural stone, metals and earth hues, is meant to blend into the landscape. “It’s one of the reasons people are in awe
when they arrive here,” Mogensen says. “They don’t expect the modernism.” Golfers seeking a body-and-mind refresh should book a slot at the AcquaPietra Spa. Its full slate of services — including eight types of massages and six unique pool experiences — is set in a tranquil, Euro-grotto environment. You can get prettied up here, too. Gotta eat, right? Four restaurants can meet the needs of any palate — from the gastropub-style Bone Valley Tavern located at the new Streamsong Black Clubhouse, to SottoTerra, the resort’s signature fine-dining experience. And if there comes a point where you’ve hit a wall and can’t muster one more swing, Streamsong offers other activities like guided bass fishing, sporting clays, archery and a breathtaking infinity pool. These diversions should revitalize you just enough to grab the clubs and book another round. Streamsong offers a variety of packages, headlined by the Tour Package: The Ultimate Buddy Golf Experience, which includes a three-night stay and one round each on Red, Black and Blue. Call (888) 294-6322 for information or to book.
“You could be in Scotland as easy as Florida. No houses, no condos nearby. Pure nature.”
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From here to the Infinity Pool at Streamsong.
GOLF GUIDE
The water hazard at Gasparilla is a doozy: It’s Charlotte Harbor.
The Old Florida charm of the Gasparilla Inn & Club is immediately apparent.
The Gasparilla Inn & Club
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he par-4 15th hole of the Gasparilla Inn & Club golf course has a doozy of a water hazard. It’s Charlotte Harbor, which rims the course to the east and also borders the 14th and 16th. “Just don’t hit it left,” says the club’s director of golf, Robert Duke. The course takes up the entirety of a small island across a short bridge from the historic Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, about an hour-and-a-half drive south from St. Petersburg. The Inn, which opened in 1913 as a resort getaway for wealthy Northeasterners, still conjures Old Florida. So Old Florida, in fact, that the entire complex closes from July 5 to early October. The 18-hole course opened in 1933, and no one is certain who designed the original. The current layout was drawn up by legendary course architect Pete Dye in 2004. Despite its fairly recent makeover, the Gasparilla course still evokes the Sunshine State of yore. And no, you don’t have to wear knickers. For starters, there are no tee times. That’s right. If you’re a club member or an Inn guest — the course is not open to the public — you just show up and play. “That way you don’t have to plan your whole day around a 9:30 tee time,” Duke says. How does the club manage this? “Very carefully,” he quips, then explains that on busy days groups will stagger their starts on different holes. They generally don’t wait more then 10 minutes to get on. The 6,800-yard course is walkable, although there are no caddies. Unlike most so-called seaside golf courses, you can see water from every hole. It plays pretty fast — about three-and-a-half hours, Duke says — and shifting winds can make for a tough round. But the ambience and stunning vistas can mitigate the misery. “We have lots of people say, ‘I didn’t play good but I saw bald eagles and dolphins, so I don’t really care.’ If someone can play a bad round and still be happy, that makes things nice.” The property’s surfeit of amenities will help ease the sting, too. Of all the resorts profiled here, the Gasparilla Inn & Club is the most
all-encompassing. The five restaurant/bars, strategically placed around the property, are headlined by the stately Dining Room at the Inn (where no jeans, shorts or tank tops are permitted). The Beach Club sidles up to the Gulf of Mexico and sports a white-sand waterfront; a family pool; a full-service spa with 80-foot heated lap pool and a private courtyard; and a well-equipped fitness center. Tennis, anyone? The Gasparilla Inn offers seven clay courts surrounded by fencing and lush foliage. And for the ultimate in genteel Old Florida, the Gasparilla Inn Mallet Club features three certified croquet lawns. As long as you’re hitting balls with clubs, though, you might as well get yourself back out on the course. Golf packages, which combine a room night with an 18hole round or rounds, are intermittently offered and prices vary, depending on the season.
The Gasparilla course still evokes the Sunshine State of yore.
PLAN YOUR TRIP Innisbrook Golf Resort
Streamsong Resort
36750 US Highway 19 N. Palm Harbor 888-794-8627 innisbrookgolfresort.com
1000 Streamsong Dr. Bowling Green 888-294-6322 streamsongresort.com
IMG Academy & Legacy Hotel
Gasparilla Inn & Golf Club
5650 Bollettieri Blvd. Bradenton 941-208-0598 imgacademy.com
500 Palm Ave. Boca Grande 941-964-4500 the-gasparilla-inn.com www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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AUTO
Bug Out
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mall car sales have been declining over the past few years — and now Volkswagen has announced that the end is near for one of the most iconic small cars of all: the Beetle. The German company, which is shifting its focus to all-electric cars, has announced that 2019 will be the Beetle’s final model year. While the beloved bug will inevitably return, that won’t be happening until every current VW model is discontinued. The Beetle dates back to the years after World War I when Germany was rocked by terrible inflation. Ferdinand Porsche — the engineering genius who came up with the world's first hybrid, the Löhner-Porsche, in 1900 — was asked to design an economical car that was easy to build and repair. Limited production of the Beetle began in 1938, but production was halted the following year with the outbreak of WWII. After the Nazis’ defeat in 1945, President Truman asked former President Hoover to survey occupied Germany, and he responded that the country’s needs were basic: jobs and food. British Army engineers had discovered the prototype for a unique automobile amongst the rubble of a factory they were clearing of unexploded bombs, and with help from the Marshall Plan Volkswagen was rebuilt, the British government placing an order for 20,000 cars. Only 1,785 cars could be completed by the end of the year, but
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sales took off around the world. Porsche's grandson, Ferdinand Piech, gave us the New Beetle in 1998, but the Mexican plant in Puebla continued with the Type 1 until 2003, concluding a run of 21,529,464 cars over six decades. History is repeating itself, in that VW Group is embracing electricity, just as Dr. Porsche did in 1900. This doesn't mean the Beetle won't return; it will just take a few years for its lineup to transition into the high-voltage future. The "People's Car" evokes warm memories from everyone in the motoring world because of the automobile’s practicality and the simplicity of its design. Volkswagen allowed Dr. Porsche to build his own sports cars in 1948. The success of the Porsche was based upon the proven VW architecture, and it allowed VW Group to expand and acquire its competitors, including Audi, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda, Bugatti, Scania, Ducati, and Bentley, with factories around the world. Two final editions of the Beetle will be arriving soon: the Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. Both will be offered in Safari Uni, an updated version of Harvest Moon Beige, along with Stonewashed Blue. The latter evokes memories of the 1970 "Jeans Bug." With the Beetle riding off into the sunset, many see this as the beginning of the end of traditional cars. But Volkswagen says it is simply the end of the beginning.
2019 BMW X3 M40i
2019 AMG® GLC 43
STARTING MSRP: $54,650
MSRP: $57,000
Drive Your Passion. Whether you are driving down the highway or off road, the X3 M40i is the first of its kind with an M Performance Twin Power Turbo 6-cylinder incline engine. Your adventure awaits with the impressive 62.7 cubic feet cargo capacity and optional trailer hitch. Where luxury meets performance.
For driving enthusiasts, nothing satisfies like a sports car—but the Mercedes-AMG® GLC 43 comes close, and it requires no compromises for passengers or cargo space. Opt for the fastback GLC 43 coupe and you’ll get one that even looks like a sports car—or at least a sports SUV. The standard 362-hp twin-turbo V-6 rocketed both GLC 43 models from zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds in our testing. Underneath the suavely styled sheet metal are an adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive, which provide unnaturally sporty handling for an SUV.
Fields BMW Lakeland
Fields Motorcars
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Creative Pinellas Thanks Our Sponsors for the First Ever Arts Annual Mark Weinkrantz Grant and Carlen Petersen
This groundbreaking group exhibition and performance took place on Nov 8. If you are interested in supporting Creative Pinellas programs, events or next year's Arts Annual, please contact: samantha.samson@creativepinellas.org.
12211 Walsingham Rd. | Largo, FL 33778 Phone: (727) 582-3600 | creativepinellas.org
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HEALTH
A new liver, a new life
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he tables turned on Ann McCracken earlier this year. For most of her life, the 58-year-old Tampa resident cared for others, both as a mother and a nurse. But the chronic disease that had slowly crippled her liver finally threatened to kill her. As fluids built up in her body, her weight ballooned until she was barely recognizable. And as toxins accumulated, she became so confused that she forgot how to tie her shoes. Her kidneys started to shut down and her blood could no longer clot properly. Only a new liver could save her. “For patients in that condition, every day they don’t get a liver, they’re at risk for infection and bleeding,” said Dr. Kiran Dhanireddy, associate director of the Tampa General Hospital Advanced Organ Disease and Transplant Institute. “It could result in death or being too sick to transplant.” In 2000, McCracken was diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis, a disease that gradually destroys the small bile ducts in the liver. Ordinarily, bile travels through these ducts to your small intestine, where it helps digest fat. As the ducts are destroyed, they are replaced with scar tissue, gradually impairing the liver’s ability to function. By July, McCracken had become so sick she was taken to Tampa General Hospital, one of the nation’s busiest transplant centers. This fall, Tampa General will become one of the few centers in the U.S. to perform its 10,000th transplant. Of those, close to 10,000 have
been liver transplants. McCracken was hospitalized almost three weeks, receiving diuretic medications and undergoing dialysis to rid her body of excess fluid. While she was there, she got the news that her life depended on. A liver had become available. McCracken remembers little of the last few weeks before the transplant. What she does know – and is delighted about – is how quickly she has recovered. In the weeks after the transplant, she had so much energy that she started cleaning out closets and assembling gifts for those who helped her. Family members worried that she was doing too much and had to ask her to slow down. So far, she has lost more than 70 pounds – “and still losing,” she said – and is looking forward to returning to work. Her next mission: to advocate for others with primary biliary cholangitis. She has become active in a non-profit support group, the PBCers Organization (www.pbcers.org), which raises awareness about the condition. “If I can help just one person with the disease,” she said. “When people are diagnosed with PBC, I bet they’re just as lost as I was – just as scared as I was.” She is deeply grateful to her donor and their family, and knows that it is because of their generosity that she got a second chance. “I thank God and my donor for this new life,” she said. “I know how close I was. I know God saved me for a reason.”
“I thank God and my donor for this new life”...
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ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST.
#1 IN TAMPA BAY. RECOGNIZED IN 9 TYPES OF CARE
In collaboration with USF Health and private practice physicians, Tampa General was named one of America’s Best Hospitals in six specialties: Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Nephrology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; and Urology. And named the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay. Again. Other hospitals practice medicine. We define it.
TGH.org
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"My goal is to provide my patients with a superior level of care, convenient scheduling and access options, strict confidentiality, and no unnecessary barriers to your communicating directly with me." - Jacqueline Hubbard, M.D., ABPN
147 2nd Ave. S. Suite 303, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 www.HubbardMD.com 727-877-8225
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DINING OUT
Opening Nights
A
’cue restaurant while visiting her son in college, she told Creative Loafing in May of last year). But they also brought in influences from Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisines, and dreamt up variations on traditional fare that make your taste buds wake up and say, “Huh?” Take, for instance, one of my favorite dishes, which was also one of the most surprising, and not just because of its chuckle-worthy name. Mac-A-Phoni & Cheese eschews macaroni for chewy hominy, uses not just cheddar but tequila habanero aged cheddar queso, mixes in jalapeno and sweet onions and—here’s the best part—tops the whole thing with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos®. A small triumph—but I have to wonder what kind of late-night munchies attack led to its invention. And while delicious brisket sliders and St. Louis ribs are of course on the menu, you can also order lamb belly in a bao bun or Go-Chu-Jang Sticky Ribs (baby backs in finger-lickinggood Korean BBQ sauce), kimchi fries or smoked pork chorizo tacos. And you can wash it all down with bourbon—not just any bourbon, but rare bourbons under the supervision of Morgan Zuch, the award-winning bartender and Dr. BBQ’s beverage director.
Chris Fasick
s a general rule, it’s not a good idea to judge a restaurant in its opening days. Even at the most meticulously planned establishments, the staff and the kitchen are still in the learning stages, and first-week jitters can undermine pros and newbies alike. So, given that, I shouldn’t really report on my meals at two of the buzziest new restaurants in town—Dr. BBQ in St. Petersburg and Osteria Kitchen + Bar in Tampa—because I ate at the former during a preview event and at the latter, entirely by accident, on the first night it was open to the public. But the thing is, they were both so good. Let’s start with Dr. BBQ. A collaboration between the world-renowned barbecue expert Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe and Suzanne and Roger Perry of Datz/Dough/Roux fame, the restaurant in St. Pete’s EDGE District had been hotly anticipated for years. When it finally opened in mid-October with a series of friends-and-family gatherings, guests discovered a menu that lived up to the partners’ stated goal to offer “New [emphasis mine] American Barbecue.” Sure, they’d bought a 7,000-pound Oyler smoker and hired a professional pitmaster from Texas (where Suzanne first got the notion of opening a
Fabio Viviani (center) holds court during a pre-opening dinner earlier this fall. 74
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DINING OUT As I mentioned, I got to know the restaurant during one of those soft-opening events, sampling from carts and trays and a well-stocked taco station. But the place already seemed to be hitting its stride, and the room has a vibe that seems just right. Housed in a former steel casting company, it’s so big and rustic (two generously sized floors) that it reminded me at first of one of those vast drinkin’ and dancin’ establishments in Music City. But it’s more urbane than that, more Austin than Nashville; I already have dreams of sipping a Jack N’ Cola on the upstairs deck after a Rays game, celebrating a win or drowning my sorrows while looking back at the Trop, right across 1st Avenue South.
David Warner
I really did stumble into Osteria’s opening night by accident. Not that I hadn’t heard about the restaurant; when the adorablest Top Chef contestant of them all, Fabio Viviani, comes to town and starts talking about opening not just one but several spots in Tampa Bay, well, you notice it. But I hadn’t kept track of his progress, and one Saturday night, deciding where to eat between screenings at the Tampa International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival down the street at Tampa Theatre, I called Osteria on a whim, thinking a reservation would be impossible. To our surprise we got one at 5, which suited our schedule fine. Turned out that yes, this wasn’t just the opening night— we were among the first customers.
The view from Dr. BBQ's second-floor balcony.
David Warner
Dr. BBQ , 1101 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-443-7227, drbbqs.com.
Ray "Dr. BBQ" Lampe was simply beside himself during the soft-opening event in October.
And it was great. Though the stylish but dark interior is a bit austere (except for a wall-sized mural of paisanos enjoying a meal), the welcome was genuinely warm. Our server was knowledgeable, and if she didn’t know something yet, she checked. And yes, Fabio himself was there. He was busy (there were still a lot of investor-type bro’s coming in) and looked a bit austere himself (but still cute), yet he went out of his way to talk to people at their tables whether he knew them or not. The beautiful Italian woman sitting next to us greeted him like an old friend, and whether or not she really was, he did an excellent job of faking it. And the food was unreasonably excellent for a first night. Braised Spanish octopus in Romesco sauce was a toothsome version of a familiar dish (a good omen for the tapas place Viviani plans to open in the space formerly occupied by Fly Bar just up Franklin St.). The chianti poached pear salad and the white chocolate tiramisu shared a common trait: they both made my husband and I want to lick the plates (a less common occurrence with salad than with tiramisu, no doubt, but those pears!). And the Insta-famous Rigatoni in a Jar is every bit as much fun as you’ve heard. When a big brute of a server comes over with a gigantic Mason jar and starts shaking it up like Tom Cruise in Cocktail, then pours its contents into your bowl, well, you can’t beat that for tableside drama. And when those contents are Parmesan Crème, House Smoked Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, Farmed Egg Yolk, Black Pepper, and Grana Padano—smoky and savory and creamy, the pasta perfectly al dente—well, what can I say except that I didn’t think I could eat the whole bowlful but did anyway and boy was I happy. Osteria Kitchen + Bar, 903 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-563-5000, osteriatampa.com. www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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DINING OUT
Dinner and a Movie?
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can’t remember how far back it was, but my initial experience with a cinema that served dinner with the movies was not a good one. To paraphrase David Foster Wallace, it seemed like a supposedly fun thing I would never do again. But I did do it again. And I’m glad I did. Because the three movie-with-dinner-theaters I had the pleasure of visiting recently have figured out how to make it, yes, fun.
David Warner
STUDIO MOVIE GRILL Locations in University Mall (Tampa) and Seminole City Center (we went to Seminole), studiomoviegrill.com. What we saw: A Star Is Born (the night it opened) What we ate: Southwest Quesadilla ($10) and Mac & Cheese with chicken ($15) Ambience: Surprisingly snazzy for a multiplex in a mall. The stadium seating is comfy and ample, and set up so that the rows below you never obscure the screen. Service: We were worried that we wouldn’t make the 20minute cutoff time for ordering, especially since this was the premiere of a mega-hit movie and we’d only been able to reserve seats in the very back row. Not to worry; servers were quick and unobtrusive, and to summons them you had only to push a button at your seat. How was the food? A cut above—way above—usual movie food. How was the movie? Gaga was great, the second half sagged. MPAA (Movie Plus Alimentary Add-On) Rating: 4 popcorns
Gigglewaters
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CINEBISTRO Locations in Hyde Park Village, Wesley Chapel and Sarasota (we went to Hyde Park), cinebistro.com. What we saw: Colette What we ate: Fettucine al Forno ($15.50) and Barnyard Chicken Sandwich with Fried Egg ($16.45) Ambience: The bar/lounge area feels like the lobby of a trendy boutique hotel. The movie theaters are smaller than Studio Movie Grill’s, but still with good sightlines and posh seating. Service: Excellent—personal and well-timed. How was the food? Really, really good—though the chicken sandwich was also really, really messy (that fried egg). How was the movie? Keira Knightley’s a delight, movie not so much. MPAA Rating: 4.5 Popcorns
GIGGLEWATERS 737 Main St., Safety Harbor, gigglewaters.com What we saw: Let the Right One In What we ate: Plain Jane burger ($13), the Robert Ford chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and Carolina BBQ sauce ($12), and white truffle popcorn ($8), the most addictive goddamned popcorn we have ever tasted Ambience: Unique. The restaurant, with its pressed tin ceilings and custom-built bar, feels like a’20s speakeasy. The theater, tucked away at the far end, feels like a private screening room. Movies are a mix of recent and vintage, preceded by a montage of retro PSAs and TV ads (“That’s a spicy meatball!”) that will put the giggles in your gigglewater (a synonym for booze during Prohibition). Service: Remarkably efficient, given that there seemed to be only one affable guy doing most of the work. He had to duck below screen level once the movie started, but managed that well, and we loved the system of calling for service during the movie by flicking on a light beneath our tables. How was the food? Fantastic—great cocktails, too. And that popcorn… How was the movie? Haunting Swedish vampire movie/coming-of-age romance. MPAA Rating: 5 popcorns
THE
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ENTERTAINING
My Favorite Things
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ENTERTAINING
S
ing it, Julie! Like Ms. Andrews (and Martha Stewart, too), I love to share my favorite things—especially when it comes to holiday decorating ideas. ’Tis the season to reflect on childhood memories and special moments with family or friends, which means that many of us deck the halls in the same fashion year after year. That’s all part of the fun—but it’s also possible to renew your seasonal spirit by trying some fresh (and easy) new looks. Here are a few of my favorite ways to do just that. Pick a theme. This is where your imagination steps in. Pick a theme—and stick with it throughout your house. You could go rustic (snowy ski lodge, cabin in the woods, fish camp), or contemporary. You could aim for whimsical or vintage, or go all out with color: red (dramatic); white and gold (regal); blue and silver; blue and green; or earth tones—especially apt if you want to carry out a green (as in ecological) theme in your home. Helpful hint: If you haven’t tried the thematic approach before, rummage through all your existing decorations and separate them by color or theme. Chances are you’ll come up with a favorite motif or two just by taking a look at your existing decorations with fresh eyes. Still at a loss? Buy ribbon—wired, beautiful ribbon at a craft store. Let that be your guide in setting a theme. The ribbon can be used on your tree, garlands and wreaths as well as on gifts, candlesticks, mantel displays, drawer pulls and more. Whatever your choice, it should complement your home’s existing décor, and for maximum impact be carried throughout the house for an explosion of holiday cheer. First impressions. Once you have a theme in mind, start outside and work in. It’s more than a tangle of lights, inflatable cartoon characters and store-bought velvet bows. If you have a porch, create an outdoor wonderland. An architecturally interesting door? Dress it in garland. Empty flower pots? Fill them! Light the way. Available in any garden center, inverted tomato cages secured in a large planter will create the look of a pine tree. Line several along the walkway and string with mini white lights for a winter wonderland welcome.
The big reveal. Now that you’ve wowed family and friends with the exterior trim, the entryway is the place to announce your holiday decorating theme. Think garland and bows adorning an entryway mirror; ribbon on candlesticks; shiny ornaments in a glass bowl; small wrapped gifts displayed on a bench or tables; your favorite holiday books stacked neatly in a vignette of holiday décor and candles—there’s no better time to add the warmth of candlelight to your home. The entryway is ideal to evoke the aroma of the holidays: cinnamon, pine, crisp red apples and gingerbread are just a few of the fragrances offered in seasonal candles. Dine in style. Holidays are always played out in all their splendor over food, and your dining room shouldn’t be overlooked this season. For a more formal table, consider elevating the look with tall arrangements of flowers and branches—a stunning look that won’t block conversation across the table. Store-bought evergreen wreaths can also serve a multitude of purposes: lay one on the table with your favorite serving dish inside. Hang one (or more if space allows) in the dining area, or ring mini-wreaths around wine goblets for a fanciful display of cheer. Tuck sprigs of pliable, live greenery (fig or rosemary) into napkin rings. Candles again complete the look, but remember, it’s best to not use scented candles near food. For the table, classic white tapers lend a sense of warmth and romance. Repurpose. Tarnished teapots, serving trays and candlesticks cluttering your closets? Wondering how you collected so many brass accessories? Old pieces of garden architecture? Display them in groups and fill them with mini cedar trees or a bough of red berries; miniature glass balls; peppermint sticks; cinnamon or candles. The list is endless. Think spray paint. Pick a few magnolia leaves and spray-paint them gold. They look amazing tucked into your tree, garland and centerpiece displays. Naked branches sprayed gold or silver take on a whole new look when arranged in a tall glass vase. Add a few miniature ball ornaments in the same tone for a more festive display.
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ENTERTAINING Nature calls. Take a cue from nature and incorporate sprigs of rosemary and eucalyptus into your seasonal décor – both are longlasting and wonderfully fragrant. Sprigs of silk poinsettias or mini pine trees look great in flower boxes mixed with ivy or other seasonal foliage. Fill bowls with cranberries and pillar candles, or a vase of the red berries with a floating candle. Small spaces. Tabletop trees are a wonderful way to bring the holidays into the bedroom, kitchen or other rooms throughout your home. These trees need not be adorned in lights; sometimes simpler is better. Super-size it. Using thematic ribbon or double strands of clear fishing line, hang oversized ornaments (in various heights and odd numbers) in front of windows to catch light or to fill corners, or outside from tree branches for an unexpected twinkle.
only will the recipient feel incredibly special, but your gifts will look amazing under the tree, and as part of your holiday décor scattered throughout the house in small displays. The season of giving. Never overlook the opportunity to make someone feel special. If having guests in for cocktails or dinner, make sure they leave with a thematic memento of your hospitality. From a beautifully wrapped seasonal candle, to an engraved ornament placed at each table setting, this is the time to let your thoughtfulness and creativity shine. Enjoy! Make this year one to remember for you, your family and friends. These favorite things—added to your own personal holiday memories and mementos, and sprinkled with some overthe-top sparkle—are a sure recipe for holiday magic.
And yes… brown paper packages wrapped up in strings! Kraft paper for all gifts is a personal favorite.
And yes… brown paper packages! A personal favorite — brown kraft paper for all gifts. The message here is to coordinate wrapping paper in a single color palette plus fabulous ribbon; raffia or personalized trinket or ornament on each gift. Think outside the box (no pun intended). Try using sheet music for wrapping paper — especially relevant for the musical household. A holiday wrapping hint: pick the ribbon first. Don’t skimp and go for stick-on; tying a simple knot with beautiful ribbon is much more special than slapping a bow on a box. Not
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P.S.: Timing is everything. If time is not on your side and budget is no object, consider hiring a professional decorator to bring the holiday magic alive in your home — whether simply for you and your family to enjoy, or for special celebrations throughout the season.
Laura Fage is the proprietor of Patina, a retail boutique in St. Petersburg, Florida that features home accents, unique gifts and little luxuries that celebrate a life well lived. Laura is also an award-winning event planner creating the most sought-after private, public and corporate special events imaginable under her own Signature Events moniker.
www.TampaBayGP.com CLEARWATER 12350 Automobile Blvd • 727-KARTING (527-8464) TAMPA 3404 Cragmont Drive • (813) 341-6300
BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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WINE
6 Wines to Make Your Holiday Party Perfect
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WINE
T
he holidays usher in the most festive time of the year, bringing an abundance of parties, concerts, and special events — and countless opportunities to offer wine and food pairings with your own personal touch. Whether you favor a white chardonnay or a deep red cabernet, a small sit-down dinner or a large-scale affair, there will be choices to make. Here’s a look at how to pick the perfect wine for your holiday party.
FOR THE WHITE WINE DRINKER If you’re not a red meat eater, you may prefer something white. Or maybe you just prefer the taste? Regardless of your reason, if you favor white wine varieties over red here are a few we suggest you serve. J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2015 This beautiful Chardonnay is medium straw yellow in color and exhibits intriguing aromas of wet stone, white peach, lemon cream, creme brulee, and vanilla. Its rich texture is derived from the use of classic Burgundian techniques, such as primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring of the lees during aging. The texture is balanced by fresh flavors of stone and citrus fruits, with a long, sweet oak finish. Delicious with chicken, turkey or seafood entrees and quite nice with baked brie and fresh bread and fruit. King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2016 King Estate’s flagship wine reflects an excellence recognized worldwide. This wine has a glistening straw yellow color. The nose bursts with fruit flavors like ripe pear, pineapple and key lime pie with subtle aromas of damp slate and violets. This Pinto Gris pairs well on the holiday table with turkey and dressing, chicken, and fruit and cheese platters. Domaine Carneros Brut Rosa de la Pompadour A blend of 58% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, the Brut Rosé is meant to be enjoyed at a fairly young age when the fruity character is still predominant, yet with enough age to make the wine round and balanced. The wine's aroma has hints of wild strawberries and roses with notes of peach. Although pale pink in color, Brut Rosé is no sweeter than our other wines. It is a true Brut. It pairs exceedingly well with turkey, duck and Alaskan Sockeye salmon — and also with anything on your dessert table.
FOR THE RED WINE DRINKER Red wine lovers are passionate in their preference. Reds are known to deliver to the palate a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety
of different dishes. You’ll never go wrong having a few red wines available at your holiday gathering so here are few that you might want to try. Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2015 Wonderful, fat strawberry, with coffee and chocolate characters. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this a mouth-coating rich vintage with great vanilla oak character and a long lingering finish. This luxuriant Zinfandel will complement any pasta or red meat entrees, especially a carved holiday roast beef. David Bruce Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2015 No holiday table would be complete without a beautiful Pinot Noir. This David Bruce pinot is a red garnet color with aromas of dark cherry, pomegranate, strawberry, dried rose petal, spicy with hints of black pepper and nutmeg. On the palate, dark cherry, blood orange, raspberry, dark mulberry, and plum, toasted walnut, crushed peppercorn, and cardamom. A full-bodied cold-climate Pinot Noir with firm round tannins, it matches perfectly with red meat or pork dishes and also goes along nicely with any pasta and red sauce. Guenoc Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Fruit forward with dark cherry, spicy white pepper, and oak notes, with hints of lavender and vanilla on the nose, this cab’s fruit flavors continue on the palate with integrated firm tannins and a long supple finish. You can safely go outside the traditional holiday menu lines with this Cabernet Sauvignon on your table, so prepare something new and different for your guests like Port Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs, or Traditional Meatballs, or even a Roasted Duck Breast with Pecan Purée. The holiday season always puts red and white wine in the highdemand category. There are many other choices for wine lovers looking for something a bit different. For many, a favorite pick is something rosé. Rosé wines lean toward being crispier, fruitier, and festively pink, pairing perfectly with just about anything on your holiday table, from turkey to a crisp green leafy salad with walnuts, apples, grapes, and pears. The rosé’s versatility, combined with its festive appearance, makes it an excellent choice for any gathering, whether a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve celebration. Selecting the perfect wines can make or break your holiday gettogether, but that does not mean you have to go broke at the wine store. The majority of the varieties covered here are available at very reasonable prices. So rest easy, knowing that you’ll have something left over for gift-giving when the holiday party has ended. Time to relax with friends and family and savor your favorite wines this holiday season! G
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ARTS
Matt Beard
Skate to the Heart
Matt Beard
In the "TempĂŞte" number, the Shadows gather around the heroine, Crystal.
The "Courtship" waltz comes naturally to married couple Johnstone and Buchanan.
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ARTS
Y
ou know what to expect from Cirque du Soleil: astonishing acrobatics, dynamic choreography, stirring music and killer visuals. But... ice? Yes, ice. In Cirque’s new touring production, Crystal, the stunts may seem more stunning, the dances more graceful and the thrills more thrilling (and chilling) because much of them will be carried out by performers on ice skates. And since skating requires a rink, Crystal’s run in Tampa from Dec. 19-23 will take place, where else, but at the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Amalie Arena. So it’s quite apt that one of the most heart-stopping segments in Crystal evolves out of a hockey game, in which the players—daredevil extreme skaters dressed in hockey gear— do flips, twists and jumps at full speed from huge ramps (think skatepark on steroids). And that, of course, is not all. There’ll be trapeze artists twistAndy Buchanan and Robin Johnstone. ing and jugglers juggling (on ice); pole-to-pole jumps, synchro skating, even tap dance (on ice); and something called banquine, Sharing the tricks of the trade is nothing new to the couwhich involves throwing people very high in the air and hoping ple. When they’re home in Sarasota, they practice at the Ellentheir partners will catch them (on, in case you forgot, ice). ton Ice and Sports Complex, where many of the At the center of all this is a personal narrative country’s top Olympic pairs skaters train. “We get that’s reputed to be one of the most direct and afto show them a lot of things that aren’t legal in If the addition of fecting yet seen in a Cirque show—the story of a young writer named Crystal, who is trying ice-show elements to the competitive world,” says Andy. “Certain that cross the acrobatic line.” In turn, to find her voice amidst the deadening rouCirque’s already eclectic things the Olympic skaters share what they’ve tine of daily life. That she does so via a crash mix is exciting for learned from coaching and competition. through the ice, encounters with mysterious Andy is an adagio and pairs skater in Crystal; audiences, it’s been Shadows, an air-borne pas de deux, and Robin is a Shadow, a Businesswoman and unpositively life-changing what may be the highest chair-balancing act derstudy to the lead role. “I get to go in quite ever seen—well, that’s what makes it Cirque. for professional ice often as Crystal,” she says. “Anybody has to be If the addition of ice-show elements to skaters. ready for anything to happen. It’s kind of non-stop.” Cirque’s already eclectic mix is exciting for audiTalk about non-stop: at the time of our call they’d alences, it’s been positively life-changing for professional ready performed in 46 cities. But they can’t imagine it any ice skaters. other way. “We met on the road,” says Robin, “so living and “We’ve been waiting our whole careers for this,” says working and hanging out together is our normal.” skater Andy Buchanan, 41, who performs in the show with his And they also get to share special experiences off the ice. wife, Robin Johnstone, 44. The Canadian-born couple, who They’d just played Winnipeg, which is where Robin is from: now live in Lakewood Ranch, spoke to me by phone from “We had a lot of visitors every night—friends, family, ex-skatGreen Bay, Wisconsin in the midst of the Crystal tour, which ing colleagues from when I grew up, my old coach. And we began in July and will continue until May 2019. had Canadian Thanksgiving, too!” Both grew up in the world of professional skating—met Robin’s favorite thing in the show is to skate with Andy. there, in fact—and have been married 11 years. Having per“In the romantic numbers [like “Courtship”] I really feel like I formed all over the world, co-starring in, among other shows, can get into character.” Holiday On Ice and Disney on Ice (where their roles included AlAndy loves dancing with Robin, too, especially in the finale. addin and Jasmine and Tarzan and Jane), they hadn’t been “We get to do a trick called a caniche. Two acrobats take her planning on touring again. But when this opportunity came by the arms and legs and swing her back and forth until she up, they couldn’t resist. gets up to velocity, and she flies 10 feet across the air and I catch “Skaters had been waiting for Cirque to have a show for so her with her leg around my neck. And then we do a neck spin.” long!” says Robin. You can find it on Andy’s Instagram. Like everything else Neither of them was a stranger to acrobatics—“Robin in Crystal, it looks pretty amazing. and I had done aerial in other shows,” says Andy. “But Cirque,” he emphasizes, “is at a whole other level. We’ve been Cirque du Soleil: Crystal, Amalie Arena, Tampa, Wed.-Fri., Dec. learning new things every day.” At the same time, they’ve been 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 22 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 23 at teaching skating to the acrobats. 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets at 1-877-9CIRQUE or cirquedusoleil.com/crystal. www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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A&E GUIDE
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
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A&E GUIDE
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
HOLIDAY SHOWS & SPECTACLES
Clearwater Miracle on Cleveland Street
Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! Rockin' big-band horn arrangements of holiday favorites from the Grammywinning Stray Cat vocalist and guitarist. 12/5, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, rutheckerdhall.com.
12/1, 5-10 p.m.: Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District will be transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with falling snow, an ice rink, that nice Claus couple—and, best of all, a free concert by New Orleans favorite the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Lighted Boat Parade 12/8, 8 p.m.: Boats cruise past Coachman Park under the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
Dunedin Boat Parade & Tree Lighting 12/1, 7 p.m.: Enjoy holiday music and s'mores while waiting for Santa to arrive by boat and lead the countdown in the lighting of the City's Christmas tree in Dunedin Marina/Edgewater Park.
Gulfport Annual Holiday Hoopla 12/8, 10-5 p.m.: Arts, crafts, foods, live music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere amid bright, twinkling, colorful lights. Stay late to view Boca Ciega Yacht Club's 32nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade.
Largo Holiday Lights in the Garden 11/ 23-12/30, 5:30-9:30 p.m.: Over 1 million LED lights shine throughout the Florida Botanical Gardens in nature- or holiday-themed light displays. $4 suggested donation.
Annual Holiday Stroll: Let it Snow 12/15, 6:30-9 p.m.: Holiday gift market, a snow slide and Santa, of course, in Largo Central Park.
Safety Harbor Tree Lighting 12/7, 6 p.m.: Choirs will warm up the crowd for the lighting of Safety Harbor's giant Christmas tree and a visit from you-know-who at the John Wilson Park Gazebo.
Holiday Parade 12/15, 1 p.m.: Floats, old-fashioned cars and a visit from Santa on Safety Harbor’s Main Street.
St. Pete Beach Christmas Parade 12/8, 11 a.m.: The parade starts at St. Pete Beach City Hall (155 Corey Ave) and heads west down Corey Ave., south on Blind Pass Rd., east on 73rd to Bay Street and back to City Hall.
Lighted Boat Parade 12/7, 6 p.m.: Boat parade and viewing party in Horan Park.
St. Petersburg Santa Parade & Tree Lighting 11/24, 5:30 p.m.: Kick off the holidays in the Sunshine City with the Santa Parade beginning at Albert Whitted Park, followed by Mayor Kriseman lighting the tree at 8 p.m. in North Straub Park.
Snowfest 12/1 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) in North Straub Park. Activities include a big and kiddie toboggan slide, art tent, karaoke, moonwalk, giant slide and a Kiddyland area designed especially for preschoolers with inflatable train and more. Wristbands are $5 and include all activities.
Tampa Winter Village 11/16-1/5: An outdoor ice rink, waterfront cafe, pop-up holiday shops and more in Curtis Hixon Park.
Tree Lighting Ceremony 11/30, 6 p.m.: Festivities begin in Curtis Hixon with a countdown to the tree lighting led by Mayor Buckhorn.
Snow On 7th Parade 12/8, 6-9 p.m.: Santa and snow come to Ybor City.
Tarpon Springs There's Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs 12/7, 5-10 p.m. Snow play area, music, children's activities and a visit with Santa along Tarpon Avenue. Lighted Boat Parade at 8 p.m.
Tarpon Springs Christmas Parade 12/15, 10 a.m.: This annual parade weaves through downtown Tarpon Springs from Manatee Plaza to Spring Bayou. A Candy Cane Hunt follows at Craig Park for children up to age 12.
Treasure Island Lighted Boat Parade 12/14, 6:20 p.m.: Billed as “Las Vegas on the water,” this year's nautical spectacle features boats of all kinds making it the biggest lighted boat parade in Tampa Bay. Boats will depart from The Club at Treasure Island at 6:20 p.m., sail past the Treasure Island Causeway Bridge at 7 p.m. and end at 8:15 p.m. at John's Pass.
Chris Isaak Holiday Tour The “Wicked Game” crooner comes to town. See our spotlight, p. 95. 12/12. Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, rutheckerdhall.com. Cirque du Soleil: Crystal Cirque’s first show on ice combines breathtaking acrobatics with the thrills and chills of professional ice-skating to tell the story of a young writer’s search for her true voice. See the article on p. 86, which includes an interview with Sarasota-based skating—and now Cirque—stars Robin Johnstone and Andy Buchanan. 12/19-23, Amalie Arena, Tampa, cirquedusoleil.com/crystal Damon Fowler’s Holiday Blues Bash Palladium favorite Fowler gathers some musical friends for a special pre-holiday blues show in Hough Hall. 11/21, The Palladium, St. Petersburg, mypalladium.org. Dave Koz and Friends Christmas The silver-foxy saxophonist brings along jazz superstars Mindi Abair, Jonathan Butler and Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui for his 21st anniversary Christmas tour. 11/24, Ruth Eckerd, rutheckerdhall.com. Deck the Halls at Ca’ d’Zan All decked out for the holidays, Ca’ d’Zan (aka the Ringling mansion) will be open during special extended hours for a selfguided walk-through of the first floor. 11/29, 12/ 13, 20, 27 & 1/ 3, 5-8 p.m. Ca’ d’Zan, Ringling Museum, ringling.org. A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour Contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race perform live on stage and rock the catwalk. It's an evening of holiday songs and outstanding drag performances with your favorite queens. 12/28, Straz Center, Tampa, strazcenter.org. Continued
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
A&E GUIDE
WELL, HELLO, BETTY! Bette Midler’s return to Broadway last year in the smash-hit revival of Jerry Herman’s Hello, Dolly! lives in legend. How to match her comic pizzazz and brassy pipes, combined with an undercurrent of vulnerability and a touch of maternal warmth? Easy: go from Bette to Betty. From the moment Betty Buckley sang “Memory” as the original Grizabella in Cats to her long run as stepmom Abby in TV’s Eight Is Enough to her numerous concert and cabaret appearances, she’s shown she possesses all the requisite qualities to play Dolly Levi and then some (and her pipes might just be in better shape than Midler’s). And it’s worth noting that it wasn’t just Midler’s performance that had critics cheering the Dolly revival–it was Jerry Zaks’s direction, Warren Carlyle’s choreography and the sumptuous sets and costumes, too. So look for an empty lap, fellas (or an empty seat at the Straz), and go see Dolly before her parade (and the Hello, Dolly! Broadway tour) passes by. Hello, Dolly! Tues.-Sun., Dec. 4-9, Straz Center, Tampa, 813-229-STAR, strazcenter.org. —David Warner
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A&E GUIDE Every Christmas Story Ever Told When an actor cringes at the thought of doing yet another production of A Christmas Carol, he pairs up with two pals to create a mishmash of every Christmas story ever told, tapping into holiday traditions, seasonal icons, pop culture and every carol ever sung. 11/30-12/30, freeFall Theatre Company, St. Petersburg, freefalltheatre.com Florida Orchestra: Holiday Pops Pure holiday magic you can’t buy at the mall, featuring the velvet voice of American Idol star and St. Pete native Michael Lynche. 12/14, Straz; 12/15, Mahaffey; 12/16, Ruth Eckerd Hall. floridaorchestra.org. Florida Orchestra: Home Alone In Concert Immortal mischief by Macaulay Culkin on screen as The Florida Orchestra plays John Williams’s charming score live. 12/21, Ruth Eckerd Hall, floridaorchestra.org Hello, Dolly! Betty Buckley takes on the title role in the hit Broadway revival of Jerry Herman’s musical about a merry matchmaker. See the Spotlight p. 93. 12/4-9, Straz Center, strazcenter.org. Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas Emmy®- and Golden Globe-winning comedian extraordinaire Jane Lynch (Hollywood Game Night, Glee) delivers a big, shiny sack of Christmas cheer in this delightfully kitschy concert of swing- and big band-style renditions of holiday classics. 12/8-9, Straz Center, strazcenter.org.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER Michael McDonald Season of Peace Holiday & Hits Tour That inimitable Doobie Bros tenor ought to sound right pretty when applied to “White Christmas” and other holiday tunes. Yah Mo B There! 11/23, Capitol Theatre, rutheckerdhall.com. Miss Bennet: Christmas At Pemberley So what happened after Elizabeth Bennet married Mr. Darcy? What about her “bookish” sister Mary? And how do they celebrate Christmas at splendiferous country estates in 1815 England? This comic “sequel” to Pride and Prejudice poses answers to these questions and more. 11/28-12/30, American Stage, St. Petersburg, americanstage.com Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Trust the Russians to do right by Tchaikovsky in a performance of The Nutcracker by the Moscow Ballet. 12/26-27, The Mahaffey, St. Petersburg, themahaffey.com Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday 2018 Nate appears with John Lamb on bass and Mark Feinman on drums, plus some very special guests: St. Pete’s own James Suggs on trumpet and NYC jazz star Adrian Cunningham on sax, clarinet and flute. 12/13, The Palladium, mypalladium.org.
Kenny G: The Miracles Holidays & Hits Tour The curly-haired godfather of smooth jazz saxes it up for the holidays. 12/14, Ruth Eckerd, rutheckerdhall.com. The Manhattan Transfer & Herb Alpert and Lani Hall Holiday Show People have been wrapping presents to Manhattan Transfer’s Christmas album for decades now (“Snowfall” is a guaranteed “aaahhhh”-producer) and Herb Alpert’s been a fave since we first tasted “A Taste of Honey.” So this should be a particularly pleasing holiday treat. 12/8, Capitol Theatre, rutheckerdhall.com.
Radio Theatre Project Holiday Shows The company’s tenth season of live radio theatre continues, complete with microphones, sound effects, a motley crew of actors playing multiple roles, and a special holiday treat or two. 11/26 and 12/17, Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, studio620.org
St. Petersburg Opera: Seasonal Sparkle 2018 A holiday hit parade starring SPO’s Sparkle Chorus, orchestra, and soloists, featuring excerpts from “The Nutcracker,” a tribute to classic Christmas pop songs and a special operatic set inspired by the stars, the moon, and the heavens. 12/18-19, The Palladium, stpeteopera.org. The Winter Wonderettes Those tuneful gals who crooned tunes from the ’50s and ’60s in last year’s Stageworks hit, The Marvelous Wonderettes, return for Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party—but where’s Santa? 12/7-23, Stageworks Theatre, Tampa, stageworkstheatre.org
CLASSICAL The Chopin Project: Arthur Greene The Chopin Project® Music Series presents Arthur Greene in a solo performance of Chopin rarities and favorites. 12/6, The Palladium, mypalladium.org. Florida Orchestra Fridays at the Straz, Saturdays at the Mahaffey. Sundays at Ruth Eckerd Hall (unless otherwise noted), floridaorchestra.org 11/17-18: Vaughan Williams’s A London Symphony. Michael Francis takes you to his homeland with a gorgeous aural tapestry of London. The program also introduces TFO audiences to the brilliant American-Korean violinist Esther Yoo, playing Mendelssohn’s popular Violin Concerto. 12/1, Ruth Eckerd Hall: Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert. Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved Star Wars film in a live symphonic concert experience. 12/7, Straz; 12/8-9, Palladium: Mozart & Sibelius. In his short life, Mozart wrote hundreds of pieces, but few stand out as so achingly beautiful as his Sinfonia Concertante. Featuring TFO soloists Nancy Chang on violin and Derek Mosloff on viola. Palladium Chamber Players An exquisitely talented trio—violinist (and TFO Concertmaster) Jeffrey Multer; cellist Edward Arron; and pianist Jeewon Park play a program of Bach, Turina and Schubert. 12/12, The Palladium, mypalladium.org. Continued
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
A&E GUIDE
MERRY CHRIS, MISSES OK, and misters, too. Who doesn’t have a bit of a crush on crooner Chris Isaak, who’s been seducing listeners since 1990 with his first smash single (and steamy video) “Wicked Game”? High on the list of songs to make babies by and followed up by the hits “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying,” it launched a career that continues to thrive: at 62, Isaak’s still rocking a pompadour, Gibson guitar chops and a voice like burnt caramel. Look for him to sing hits and holiday favorites at his show at the Capitol; on his 2004 Christmas album, he rocked out on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and made even “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” sound like a come-on (“You better not pout,” indeed), so this should be a show as warming as a hot toddy. Chris Isaak Holiday Tour, Wed, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, rutheckerdhall.com. —DW www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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A&E GUIDE JAZZ Helios Jazz Orchestra: License To Thrill Guilty musical pleasures of the international espionage variety, including themes from the James Bond movies, Mission Impossible, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Austin Powers, The Prisoner and more, directed by arranger/conductor David Manson. 11/20, The Palladium, mypalladium.org. Jason Marsalis and the 21st Century Trad Band New Orleans drummer Jason Marsalis, a member of one of jazz’s great families, brings his take on traditional and swing jazz with his 21st Century Trad Band. 12/7, The Palladium, mypalladium.org.
FUNDRAISERS Jobsite Rocks! 20th Anniversary Show The scrappy, ground-breaking and now 20year-old (!) resident professional theater at the Straz celebrates its milestone anniversary with “The Mother of All Variety Shows”—an all-star cast performing “live music, comedy, stupid human tricks, and not-so-stupid human tricks.” 12/1: Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center. VIP (begins at 7 p.m.) $75. GA (begins 8:30) $20. jobsitetheater.org Studio Honors 2018: A Celebration of Art and Architecture The Studio@620’s signature event raises funds to support its mission: To cultivate emerging talent and foster a thriving creative community. Honorees this year are artist Ya La'Ford and architect Tim Clemmons as part of The Studio’s yearlong focus on art and architecture. Alex Jones will receive the Ola Mae Jones Award as an emerging artist in dance, and there will be a special tribute to Studio cofounder G. David Ellis. 12/1, 6:20 p.m., Openhouse, 1113 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $125, studio620.org
MUSEUMS/GALLERIES Dunedin Fine Art Center Through 12/23: Starry, Starry Delights. DFAC’s annual national invitational of fine art, craft + design offers a fusion of gallery 96
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER elegance with a marketplace of cool, affordable hand-made goods. Through Dec. 23: Botanamoeba: Anne Byal Felshue + Candace Knapp and Insatiable. dfac.org. Florida CraftArt 11/17-18: CraftArt Festival 2018. A juried contemporary craft festival in its 21st year that attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year, held in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. floridacraftart.org. Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Through 1/11: North and South: Berenice Abbott’s U.S. Route 1. A visual record of everyday life along the historic East Coast in the summer of 1954 in photos by the great American photographer Berenice Abbott. fmopa.org Galleria Misto @ The Mahaffey 12/5: Inception of Creation Opening Reception. The inaugural showing at the Mahaffey of a selection of artworks from Galleria Misto Fine Art Gallery of Belleair Bluffs. galleriamisto.com James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art 11/17- 3/3: James Michaels: An American Pop Life. A special exhibition devoted to the vibrant pop expressionism and painterly realism of the unique Palm Harbor-based artist. thejamesmuseum.org
Museum of Fine Arts 12/15-3/31: Jewels of the Imagination: Radiant Masterworks by Jean Schlumberger from the Mellon Collection. Extraordinary works by the master mid-century Tiffany & Co. jeweler whose innovative designs graced the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. 12/15-3/10: Drawn to Beauty: The Art and Atelier of Jean Schlumberger. A complementary exhibit tracing the evolution of the Schlumberger style. Through 11/25: This Is Not A Selfie. Don’t miss this thoroughly engrossing survey of photographic self-portraits. mfastpete.org Tampa Museum of Art Through 1/6: Patricia Cronin Responds to Classical Antiquity: Conversations with the Collection. A profoundly beautiful meditation on classical imagery as viewed through a 21st-century sensibility via sculpture, photography and layered, evocative paintings. Through 2/14: Yayoi Kusama: LOVE IS CALLING. You’ll only have a few moments inside Kusama’s mind-blowing Infinity Mirror Room installation, but you likely won’t forget it. Through 3/17: Robert Indiana: A Sculpture Retrospective. He’s most famous, of course, for his bold, graphic LOVE sculptures, but this retrospective reveals much more about this seminal artist’s wide-ranging oeuvre over his five-decade career. tampamuseum.org
A&E GUIDE
American Stage
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
Go for the Gold If you haven’t gone to a play or a musical hereabouts in recent months, you don’t know what you’ve been missing — but I do. I was one of nine judges last year for the awards given out by Theatre Tampa Bay (TTB), the alliance of non-profit professional theater companies in the area, so I got to see just about everything — and in my experience the 2017-18 season was one of the best ever. If you’re coming down with a bad case of FOMO, I’ve got a cure: TTB’s alluring new Golden Ticket contest. Post a selfie with a playbill from any show at a TTB member theater to #theatretampabay, and you could win a Golden Ticket — good for two tickets to every single show at every single member theater for the 2019-20 season. If recent shows are any indication — rave reviews and sold-out houses everywhere — the quality is just going to keep going up, up, and up. And you’ll be right there for all of it. Find full details at TheatreTampaBay.org. —DW
The big winner at October's Theatre Tampa Bay Awards Gala was the American Stage production of The Royale starring Aygemang Clay and Richard B. Watson. www.duPontREGISTRYtampabay.com
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G ive Gi i the G ift if OF F TOGETHERNESS? Ronald McDonald House cares foor families like Ryan, Karen, Caroline & Braylon Steinke, w who stayed at our house while 5-year-old Braylon had open heart surgery. We need your help to continue providing these families a home when they need it most.
Please viisit RmhcT Ta ampaBay.org and make your gift today.
PARTY
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2 2018 Point of Light Luncheon: Lighthouse of Pinellas held its 2018 Point of Light Luncheon presented by Joan and Michael Kline on September 7th. Frank Chivas was presented with the Lighthouse's Beacon of Light Award, and Mike Porter received the John Wilson Spotlight Volunteer Award. The true "winners" are the agency’s blind and visually impaired clients who will receive life-changing services as a result of this event. 1. Joan Kline presents Restaurateur Frank Chivas with the Beacon of Light Award. 2. Point of Light Committee: (L to R) Terry Porter, Chair Joan Kline, Special Event Coordinator Anna Cottos. Not pictured: Pat Grubb. 3. David House presents attorney Mike Porter with the John Wilson Spotlight Volunteer Award.
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Decker Ross Interiors 25TH Anniversary: Decker Ross Interiors recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary with an Appreciation Party featuring music by the Black Honkeys, dinner by Cafe Ponte, and dessert by William Dean Chocolates. All silent auction proceeds and donations benefited Water 4 Mercy Charity. The featured artist was Dorri Buchholtz, and Shannon Behnken of WFLA (Channel 8) was the Master of Ceremonies. 1. Tom duPont and Suzan Decker Ross. 2. Nermine and Samatha Rubin. 3. Tom duPont, Carolyn McNulty, Suzan Decker Ross, and Shannon Behnken.
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2 Butterfly Ball benefiting ALPHA House: ALPHA House of Pinellas County is the only transitional housing program in Pinellas County to serve homeless women and babies. This year’s annual Butterfly Ball, Papillon À Paris, took place at the Renaissance Vinoy. A fun-filled night with silent and live auction, four-course meal, program and entertainment, the event benefited direct services for homeless women and babies. 1. Cheryl and Gary Sanchez. 2. Marilyn Deeb and Patrice Hammill. 3. Robin Roberts Orsino, Philip Orsino, Ceima Louise Mastry, Siane Karns, Bill Karns, and Dr. Alex Harris.
1 Hand in Hand benefitting Hands across the Bay: PureLife Medi-Spa hosted “Hand in Hand” for Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay. 1. Bekim Osmani, Lule Zulbeari, George Matz and Eric Mitchell. 2. Dale and Susan Wagner. 3. Jackie Williams, Julie Weintraub & Melissa Dohme.
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PARTY
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2 Heart Awards: The Housing & Education Alliance’s fifth annual HEART Awards recognized housing heroes and raised funding to bring the dream of homeownership to life for those served by this award-winning nonprofit organization. This year’s Rainbow Nation theme celebrated multi-culturalism and unleashed the adventurous spirit of more than 300 guests in attendance. 1. Philip Tagliarini, Randi Whitney, Sylvia Alvarez and Lissette Campos. 2. Guests of the HEART Awards. 3. Latasha Hicks, Betina Barone, Vanessa McCleary and Shakayla Birch.
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2 Color of Courage: Colors of Courage, presented by the Brink Foundation, was the inaugural fundraising luncheon for Quantum Leap Farm’s equine-assisted therapy programs, paying homage to those who bravely step out to take risks on behalf of others. 1. Patty Washington and Rosemary Sparkman McAteer. 2. Jose Colindres, Christopher Brink and Casey Smit. 3. Chris Swink, Allene Myers, Kimmie Fine and Ashley Swink.
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PARTY
1 2018 Planters Fall Luncheon: Planters, a donor society of Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation, hosted their annual Fall Luncheon on October 16th, featuring the presentation of the 2018 Lois Odence Nursing Scholarships and special guest speaker Kelly Corrigan. 1. Planters Scholarship Recipients with Lisa Johnson, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, BayCare (left); Deb Covert, Director of Nursing Development Practice, West Region (third from left) and Ruth L. duPont, Planters Chair (fourth from right). 2. Kimberlee Leslie, RN; Ruth L. duPont, Planters Chair; Kelly Corrigan; Molly duPont Schaffer; Kimberly Cass, Nancy Bomstein; Lindsey Crown Hardee; Danielle Ciliento. 3. Scholarship recipient Mindy Ehrsam with her husband, Matt. 4. Scholarship recipient Latwanda McAffee
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Broadway Ball at the Straz Center: In anticipation of next spring's big
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attraction at the Straz, Hamilton was the theme of the annual Broadway Ball on Oct. 27. Guests dined on the stage (some in Revolutionary garb) and enjoyed a performance by Jose Rosario, Jr., an Alonso High/USF alum now in the hit show's touring company. Lisa Simington and Paul Scharf co-chaired the event, 365 guests attended, and the evening raised more than $400,000 ($55,00 raised specifically for Patel Conservatory Scholarships) via tickets, sponsorships and auctions both silent and live. Photos courtesy the Straz Center. 1. Ana Diaz and Jane Castor. 2. Sandy and Sandy MacKinnon. 3. Mary K and John Wilson. 4. Dr. Barry Levine and Gina d'Angelo. 5. Event co-chairs Lisa Simington and Paul Scharf.
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BACK PAGE
GIVING X
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Make Your Gift Give More
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he object of this BACKPAGE feature is to be a “focus on philanthropy” for the Tampa Bay area. Now, in our second year, we have found some benefactors whose generosity and leadership have positively affected the community in many, many ways. Keep in mind that it is our intention not only to recognize individuals and organizations for their generosity but also to inspire others in the community to do their part in supporting our neighborhood. A long time ago, I asked a true professional in the gift giving business,” How much should I give?” She replied,” Give till it hurts.” I’ve always interpreted that to mean: Think about how much you can give, then consider how much more you could do and give a little bit more. If everyone did this, then the impact of philanthropy would grow by 10 times, and of course your personal contribution of time and effort will make your gift give even more. When it comes to impact, there are few who can match time and effort with Julie and Steve Weintraub and their Hands Across The Bay foundation. We noted last February that their Dancing With The Stars Tampa Bay was one of the premier philanthropic events of the year. They also constantly reach out to help those in need with “back to school” assistance and their Gold And Diamond Source Christmas Party featuring carloads of gifts and cars for several needy families. They sponsor and participate in many, many more events and activities throughout the year. Their schedule has them busy helping others all year long. In our March/April issue, we focused on WEDU and the BE MORE AWARDS. This celebration of giving honors dozens of small, medium and large philanthropic efforts and their community leadership. The WEDU judges have a difficult task of choosing an annual winner. However, it is fair to say they are all winners. And so is WEDU for working every day to provide everything from PBS national content, to informative local programs featuring our military servicemen and women, to educational content for teachers and students, to programs for Life Long Learning opportunities and last but not least, endless hours of children’s programs. This past spring, we were both pleased and challenged to try and 104
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feature a glimpse of the philanthropic leadership of Dr. Kiran and Dr. Pallavi Patel. It would take volumes to adequately describe the impact of Dr. K’s and Dr. P’s generosity. They have not only touched the lives of the needy in the Tampa Bay area but also around the world, including India and Zambia. The establishment of the new Doctor Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Clearwater will educate hundreds of future healthcare providers and is a sure way to have a gift multiply 10 times....... at least. Over the summer our special “A to Z” Luxury Lifestyle Issue featured Gene and Patsy McNichols. They’ve reached out to many area. Chief amongst their beneficiaries has been Tampa General Hospital, where their leadership led them to chair the Alice in Wonderland, Mad about TGH Gala, which helped provide better resources and support to the healthcare of all of our neighbors. Gene and Patsy’s faith has also led them to support Our Savior Lutheran Church and School and Joshua House. The University of Tampa also is a large part of Gene and Patsy’s generosity and commitment to education. Our last BACK PAGE of the year presented the Lightning Community Heroes Program, which has donated over $16.25 million to various community organizations. Penny and Jeff Vinik have personally funded the program, which recognizes young and old community leaders with the gift of $50,000 at every Tampa Bay Lightning home game. There is no one specific definition of what makes a Lightning Community Hero or a Lightning Community Hero of Tomorrow other than they are all individuals and organizations simply following their desire to help others who are less fortunate. All of these philanthropists and many others have positively impacted our community in may more ways than we have space to list. It is important at this time of year for each of us to follow these philanthropic leaders example and make our own gift to help those less fortunate. Your gift, no matter how large or small, and your commitment to help those in need will enrich your life because you have shared your time and money with others in need.
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