FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JUNE 2015
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can’t miss event
02 TUESDAY
JUNE
Honorary Mayor of Brandon Kick-Off for Michelle Hernandez- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tadpoles Restaurant: 115 East Brandon Blvd, Brandon, 33511 The Race for Honorary Mayor of Brandon is on for the month of June. Join Michelle Hernandez at Tadpoles for her kick-off Party! Tickets at may be purchased at Center Place, Romero Insurance or Mathnasium. For more information, visit www. michelleforhonorarymayor.com www.facebook.com/ events/1593140910939205/. Or call 813-662-3764.
06 SATURDAY Upscale Sale and Pancake Breakfast - Michelle Hernandez for Mayor- 8 a.m. Bloomingdale High School: 1700 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico, 33596 Enjoy breakfast by Bloomingdale High Culinary Department, served by Bloomingdale Best Buddies. Boutique sale at discount prices, gently used upscale clothing, purses and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.michelleforhonorarymayor.com.
09 TUESDAY “Aloha” Movie Night- Kerrie Hoening for Mayor 6 p.m. AMC Regency 20 Brandon: 2496 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, 33511 This is the first event to benefit Kerrie Hoening for Honorary Mayor of Brandon. Movie, popcorn, beverage, 8 Chick-fil-a nuggets, raffle prizes and fun auction items available! “Aloha” Movie Night - Michelle Hernandez for Mayor- 6 p.m. AMC Regency 20 Brandon: 2496 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, 33511 Movie ticket, popcorn, drinks, fruit kabobs, Chicfila nuggets and ham and cheese sliders for $20 per person. Raffle prizes and silent auction also offered. For more information visit www.michelleforhonorarymayor.com.
16 TUESDAY 2015 Dash and Splash for Youth Drowning Prevention- 5 p.m. Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center: 405 Beverly Boulevard, Brandon, 33511 BSAC’s annual Dash and Splash will serve as a kickoff to summer and promote Youth Drowning Prevention Programs throughout our community. Kids can choose from the Aquathon event, 5k road race, or 1 mile fun run, while adults may participate in the 5k road race and 1 mile fun run. All participants are invited to stay after the race and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. For more information on this event or to register, log onto www.active.com or contact esoncrant@mybsac.org or call 813-689-0908.
Designer Bag Bingo - Michelle Hernandez for Mayor- 6 p.m. Center Place: 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, 33511 Each Bingo game-winner is awarded a designer bag. Tickets for $25 include refreshments and 10 bingo rounds; pay $10 extra for additional bingo stack. Visit www.michelleforhonorarymayor.com for more information. Bunco Night to Benefit Kerrie Hoening for Mayor of Brandon- 6 p.m. The Bridges: 11202 Dewhurst Drive, Riverview, 33578 Call 813-625-1527.
18 THURSDAY Sketch & Sip - Michelle Hernandez for Mayor 12 p.m. Center Place: 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, 33511 Patty Sisco will help you turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece. No painting skills necessary. Cost is $40 per person. Silent auction, raffle prizes, drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Visit www.michelleforhonorarymayor.com.
20 SATURDAY
Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center Community Day 11 a.m. Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center: 405 Beverly Boulevard, Brandon, 33511 BSAC Community Days give families from throughout the county a chance to learn about BSAC’s programs and mission. Chamber members can reserve a 10’x10’ space to promote their business, sell arts and crafts or promote their community organization. As a special thank you to Brandon Chamber of Commerce members, they can receive a $10 discount on space by entering the promotion code BSAC during registration. Both indoor and outdoor space is available. Public is invited to come and visit with friends, swim in the pool, play basketball and other games or enjoy our playground. For more information, contact Eric esoncrant@mybsac.org or 813-689-0908. Visit www.mybsac.com.
27 SATURDAY
Cheeseburger in Paradise - Michelle Hernandez for Mayor- 6 p.m. Center Place: 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon, 33511 Live auction, raffle prizes, cheeseburger bar, music and more for $30 per person and $50 per couple. Contact Katherine.schneider@verizon.net or visit www. michelleforhonorarymayor.com.
28 SUNDAY True Love Waits - Kerri Hoeing for Mayor- 3 p.m. FishHawk Fellowship Church: 15326 FishHawk Boulevard, Lithia 33547 For more information on this special event, call 813625-1527. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JUNE 2015
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KELLER WILLIAMS RED DAY POSITIVELY IMPACTS BSAC AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE BY ANDRIA BARRIOS
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n May 14, beginning at 8 a.m. Keller Williams agents from across the Brandon area gathered at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center for their annual Red Day Event. The word “red” holds special meaning for the people at Keller Williams Realty. “R” stands for Renew, “e” stands for Energize, and “d” for Donate. These words represent Keller William’s determination to improve their local communities. Each year, on the second Thursday in May, this annual Red Day is celebrated when Keller Williams agents from across the US and Canada draw together to enhance various aspects of their surrounding communities. Whether rebuilding homes, giving to shelters, sponsoring blood drives or cleaning up parks, agents everywhere dedicate one day to renew, energize and donate. Projects are chosen each
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year depending on the needs of their communities. This year, the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center was the chosen target of Keller William’s generosity. Over 75 local agents came together to accomplish this major service project. “We were very excited to be partnering with the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center,” explains Tony Baroni, co-chair of this year’s Red Day event. “BSAC has a long history of impacting children throughout the Tampa area both academically and athletically. Our event this year helped create some awesome opportunities for our local children and families.” This year’s Red Day consisted in performing facility upgrades such as painting, replacing windows, and other needed repairs which prepared multiple areas for more effective program usage. “We feel so humbled and fortunate
to have been chosen as this year’s service project recipient,” says Chuck Burgess, Executive Director of the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center. “We really appreciate their support. Thank you to each and every one of them,” BSAC gratefully expresses. Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is a community-based 501c3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to impact lives daily through educational and athletic programming that enhances physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Many successful results have generated from their efforts. BSAC has had an Olympian represent the US every four years since 1968, and has produced 11 Olympian medals as a result. Serving as the training site for the Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Department and Fire Department as well as the Hillsborough County Water Rescue Dive Team, BSAC is also a host site for Special Olympics swimming and tennis competitions.
The Brandon Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Small Business of the Year is currently in collaboration with the YMCA, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County to teach 1800 Head Start children to swim. Keller Williams offered their support to transform three major program spaces, creating more opportunities for children and families to enjoy a more positive experience in their programs at BSAC. This project will enable BSAC to drive more revenue into this 501c3 nonprofit organization, and benefit children socially and educationally through a plethora of programs. The charity-driven project no doubt had lasting impact on BSAC for years to come. For information, visit www.mybsac. org or call Executive Director of Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center, Chuck Burgess, at 813-787-2980.
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ACE GOLF: HELPING TO KEEP OUR KIDS ACTIVE THIS SUMMER
BY MORIAH BARNHART
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s school lets out for summer, most of our kids breathe a deep sigh of relief at a few months off from the rigorous school year schedules of early mornings, schoolwork, and homework. But between full time childcare for those who work outside of the home, family vacations, and planning activities to keep our children busy over the summer months, summertime can be an expensive time of the year for many of us. All of my son’s and many other children’s’ school year sports also end right before summer, leaving a lot of empty slots on our calendar for the first time all year. Going from nonstop to not going at all is a harsh transition. For those of us whose children stay at home during the summer, our kid’s relief can begin to transform into insufferable boredom just a few days into the break; and trying to find inexpensive ways to fill several months’ worth of open schedule is an increasingly demanding task as our children grow older and less easily entertained.
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Needless to say, my entire household was very excited this year to hear about Ace Golf ’s initiative to help keep kids active without breaking the bank this summer. Ace Golf Riverview, Ace Golf Brandon, as well as Crescent Oaks Country Club in Tarpon Springs are all taking part in this program, where children ranging in ages from 5 to 13 will get a free bucket of golf balls every day this summer beginning in June and continuing through mid-August. Golf lovers and completely inexperienced golfers alike can enjoy this free outdoor activity with the kids. I have a feeling mine will be spending a few days each week at the range next month! Getting them up, out, and active, without cutting into the budget is a great way to offset the extra expenses that come along with summer. For more information and details on additional specials, please visit Ace Golf ’s website at www.ace-golf. com or contact Ace Golf Riverview at 813-672-7750 or Ace Golf Brandon at 813-651-4653
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Enhancing Academic Success for Students with Learning or Learning-Related Disabilities Instructor Cortney Wells helps Aidan Smith with his question about a difficult concept.
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By Cheryl Johnston
One peek inside a classroom at Pepin Academies begs the question: “What makes for such engaging interaction between teachers and students? The answer: When students experience a sense of belonging, they’re eager to learn. Here young, inquisitive minds nurture each other in a spirit of acceptance appreciation. A common expression sums up a perfect truth: “Everybody is working on something.” The mission of creating “a high intensity, low threat therapeutic learning community that celebrates the gifts of every student” drives the more than 200 staff members involved at the not-for-profit organization’s four campuses. Founder Crisha Scolaro credits the team for striving “to break the destructive cycle of learned helplessness by finding our students’ academic strengths and abilities and making social skills a top priority.” “At Pepin our students are allowed to be themselves and discover their many talents,” she added. “Our specialized services allow them to grow academically and socially. And our teachers care deeply about each child’s success.” She believes the dedicated staff works to “save one child at a time from falling through the cracks of education.” Three pillars of success are foundational for Pepin
Academies’ students. These are Integrity—the personal choice to do what is right without fail; Responsibility—the opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions; and Respect—a positive feeling of esteem or caring. For a beautiful glimpse of the miracles taking place here, search YouTube for the “Pepin Academies 2015 Awareness Video.” Student testimonies confirm why parents are willing to drive long distances for their student to attend such special schools. Despite the organization’s humble beginnings in 1999, today the 501(c)3, tuition-free public charter schools serve more than 850 students with identified learning and learningrelated disabilities and an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Scolaro is proud to report, “Our schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools™ and we are the only school of its kind in Florida offering a standard diploma option, in addition to the special diploma track for ESE children.” “Frequently, we are the last hope for already discouraged students,” she continued. “But thanks to our caring administrators, teachers and staff, we are successfully developing the gifts of a diverse population.” In classrooms where the teacher-student ration is 1 to 12 or 15, ten core values prepare Pepin students for success in life. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JUNE 2015
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These are: 1. Be Responsible 2. Show Respect and Compassion 3. Lead by Example 4. Demonstrate Integrity 5. Provide a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Learning 6. Create Self-Advocacy 7. Be Different 8. Inspire and Be Inspired 9. Have a Sense of Humor 10. Build Community and Meaningful Relationships Numerous awards, recognitions and accolades illustrate what educational treasures these schools are to the families of the 850 attending students. In addition to the original main campus in Tampa, Pepin now welcomes learners at its Riverview and New Port Richey locations. The Pepin Transitional Program, which partners with some of the Tampa Bay area’s most respected businesses and organizations, has classrooms at the main campus and a downtown campus at The Law Offices of Julianne Holt, a jobsite partner.
Origins Persistent Parents and the Pepin Family
Pepin Academy originally occupied one room, offering education and hope to 9-12th graders with specific learning disabilities (SLD). Quickly the need for elementary and middle school grades became evident. By 2006, the school added its Pepin Transitional job training program for young adults, 18-22, who need extra time and help with life/job skills in preparation for independent living. In 1997, however, few Floridians knew what a charter school was, including Crisha Murray-Scolaro and Edward Scolaro. Their son Anthony had experienced academic and social success during his first five school years in two excellent Hillsborough County School District full-time specific SLD classrooms. When they realized he would have difficulty transitioning from self-contained environments to being “mainstreamed” in middle school, one of Anthony’s teachers
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suggested a private school specializing in students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. The lower student-to-teacher ratio and ESE-certified staff made this choice a perfect fit. But in his eighth grade year, no public or private programs were comparable to his first three schools. As parents, they couldn’t comprehend how their son could need a “full time” service one year and be expected to perform similarly in the next with minimal support in a general education classroom. Their research on charter schools led them eventually in 1999 to establish the first Pepin Academy, so named for the Art and Polly Pepin family (including son Tom and daughter Pam) who helped fund the opening. The Scolaros credit Dr. Barry Morris, a University of South Florida professor, for the revised, resubmitted, and approved charter application. So here they were, ready to open for the 1999-2000 school year with no money, no facility, no staff and two students who desperately needed a miracle. Dr. Morris invited JoAnn Shaw, a retired school principal with 30 years experience, to attend the first board meeting. After listening through several additional meetings, she realized that despite hearts in the right places, the two families and board members, all professionals, actually hadn’t a clue about opening a school. They were delighted when she became the first principal, not only for her vast experience with the system, but also for her inherent knack in dealing with this specific student population. The group rented a small space in a local church and was blessed by the Pepin family’s interest in the effort. When Art took over the Tampa Bay market for Pepin Distributing, he and Polly decided to join with people who have poured their heart and soul into their respective charities. With their generosity and belief in the cause, the Pepins supported the board in opening what the board of directors unanimously named Pepin Academy (9th-12th). Pepin evolved into the perfect high school for Anthony and many others. Eventually, it branched out into four schools encompassing Pepin Academy, Pepin Elementary School, Pepin Middle School and Pepin Transitional School, offering a complete solution for students from kindergarten to postsecondary training (18 to 22-years-old). Recently, the district granted Pepin Academies, Inc. permission to consolidate its four charters into just one (Pepin Academies 3rd - Transitional 18 to 22-years-old).
Today
Many of the faces have changed, but the passion for excellence remains. With the efforts of a visionary board and the continued dedication of the Pepin family, Pepin Academies purchased a permanent facility and continues to build steam as an educational option not previously afforded to our community. Along the way many committed administrators have graced Pepin Academies with their leadership, including Dr. Carolyn
Scott, Geri Henry, Celeste Kellar, Monika Perez, and Lauren Egan Bergold. Dr. Craig Butz now serves as principal over the Hillsborough campuses. In August of 2014, the Pasco County campus opened with over 200 students and under Kellar’s leadership as principal.
Crisha Scolaro—A Dreambuilder
As the Community Liaison Director, founder Crisha Scolaro identifies, cultivates, and solicits political and financial support. She believes God prepared her through her extensive and impressive background in corporate and youth image training for the role she plays now. The Pepin Academies Support Services, a 501(c)3 foundation established in 2008 (EIN #26-1710411) presents an Annual Gala each Spring to promote awareness about the school’s mission, thank community supporters, and fundraise necessary donations to keep 100% of the federal funding in the classroom. Remarkably, the Pepin Academies organization has celebrated over 15 years of excellence in education, with over 80% of the students graduating with a standard high school diploma and 20% with a special diploma. Many years ago the concept of opening a charter school was foreign and the challenge for some determined parents seemed insurmountable. But in 2015, the Pepin team is proud of their educational community. Of the 40 high school seniors graduating this year, six are on track for Bright Futures Scholarships. Several will attend a Florida university with 14 students attending HCC next Fall. Underclassmen are working on dual enrollment and AP courses. Pepin has been so successful in Riverview that groundbreaking on a larger home campus to serve 300-350 students in grades three through twelve begins this month. Area neighbors are invited to see firsthand the positive
community impact by visiting at 6PM on June 10 for open house at 15030 Lake St. Charles Boulevard. The Pepin Academies team appreciates the continued support of friends, board members, donors, families and staff. “Thank you for believing all students learn differently and should be given the opportunity to excel,” said Scolaro. “We are a family, believing our students can discover their own gifts in academics, sports, music, art, technology, drama, and teambuilding. With Crisha Scolaro’s parents taught her to imagine our help, guidance anything she applied her efforts to was possiand support they will ble if, like Winston Churchill, she determined to succeed. Today, thanks “NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!” to great minds and hearts, the dream is a reality.” Your tax-deductible financial support to this life-changing educational community will help to create tomorrow’s leaders. Visit pepinacademies.com for details. The smiles say it best—students at Pepin Academies succeed! Standing, L-R, are Adam C., Kamaria G. and Brad B. Seated, L-R, are Layla L., Fiamma A., Jaymalis S., Kennedy C., and Isaiah G.
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and challenging. If you aren’t working on a difficult pattern that you haven’t attempted before, it is challenging and sometimes you want challenging. Otherwise, it’s a great way to relax. Often you can watch TV and be working on a project at the same time. It becomes a soothing activity and the best therapy. “ Future plans for the shop are many. The offerings of yarns from all over the world, books, needles, gadgets and accessories will continue to grow as customers dictate their needs. Classes that Brandon Yarn Boutique is known for will be starting soon. People from all age groups and abilities take these classes, from older children to older adults. They come in to learn and enjoy
BRANDON YARN SHOP BY JUDY RONEY
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arole Mordue began knitting twenty-five years ago. She learned the hard way; by teaching herself. She was soon helping others to read knitting directions from the pattern books. Her husband, Jerry, and she have three grown children, six grand kids, and one great grandchild. They have lived in the Brandon area for sixteen years. Five years ago Carole opened her own shop on Moon Street, across from the hospital. The venture was successful but it was soon apparent that she could use more space. The thoughts of a larger shop became a dream she pursued. On May 19, Carole opened her new, larger shop (almost twice the space) on N. Kings Ave. She opened the doors at the new location on May 19. She has seen a great response from friends and customers from her old shop and new customers that are curious about what Brandon Yarn Boutique offers. Carole
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is ready to help with her knowledge of yarns and knitting. She runs the shop herself but when she’s in a pinch, she has friends, like Brenda Nixon, who will step in and help out. FOCUS was fortunate enough to meet Tara Forrest who took off time from work to come see the new shop. She’s been a customer for many years and said this was her most favorite place on earth. She loves the atmosphere Brandon Yarn Boutique offers and she gets great advice, great ideas, and great yarn there. She stated that she often just drops by the shop to knit. No better review than a satisfied customer. Brandon Yarn Boutique is open to customers and browsers now but do plan on being at the Grand Opening on June 20th where all those that are at the shop can help celebrate with door prizes, trunk shows, and refreshments. Carole Mordue says, “Knitting or crocheting is relaxing, therapeutic
INFORMATION BRANDON YARN SHOP
Owner: Carole Mordue 111 N. Kings Avenue 813-409-3859 Email: carole@brandonyarnboutique.com Website: www.brandonyarnboutique.com
the camaraderie of the classes and the shop. If you knit, crochet, weave, or would like to – stop by and check out Brandon Yarn Boutique. You’ll find everything you want including kits, yarn, needles, gadgets, books, accessories, instruction, help, suggestions, classes and lots of ideas.
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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
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THE WINNING WOLF BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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s a junior at Newsome High School Cassidy Davis can already say she has a softball state championship under her belt finishing up this school year. This accomplishment has been her team’s goal for the past two years but Cassidy has been playing since she was just six years old and always had dreams of winning big. She is a well-rounded girl being a member of multiple school clubs and being a promotional model for Photography Blu by Christina Hinnant. When Cassidy was a little girl she wanted to do everything her older sister did, and her older sister Bailey influenced her to play softball. The first softball team she ever played on was the Thunder at Bloomingdale Little League. She fell in love with softball because of the mental aspect of the game. “I have to know what to do in hundreds of situations and it made me want to get better and execute in every way.” Cassidy explained.
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Softball has helped Cassidy face many challenges in life outside of the sport. Shaping her into a better person, the sport she loves, has taught her to persevere through difficult times and work hard at things that she may struggle with. The chance to play in a state championship is an opportunity not many people get in a lifetime, although Cassidy did it with the determination to win, channeling the excitement from her team mates. She hit one of the four homeruns throughout the season during the game. Starting at pitcher, she closed out the final inning with the last out. This game didn’t go without saying it was one of Cassidy’s most unforgettable moments. Cassidy is a well-deserved and inspiring young woman. As a scholar athlete she is also involved with class council and a member of the National Honor Society. Congratulations on being Athlete of the Month!
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Office suites start at $400 and are inclusive
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Tenants have 24/7 access as well as use of the meeting rooms (upon availability). Short term (6 mos) leases are available as well as longer terms (1-2 years). Perfect for home-based businesses who have outgrown their home office or for larger companies who would like a presence in the Greater Brandon area without having to open a full office!
PLEASE CALL 813-689-1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JUNE 2015
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TEAM OF THE MONTH
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WE DIG CLUB VOLLEYBALL BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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he Tampa United Volleyball Academy 16’s is a group of dedicated girls who love volleyball. Many of the girls play volleyball year round with school volleyball in the fall and club season during the spring. Club volleyball gives the ladies a chance to better their skills in the off season. They devote their life to the sport. The team practices three days a week in the spring and spend their weekends playing in tournaments. Nothing means more to these girls than working hard and making new friends that share love for the sport. During club season it is hard to keep track of their wins and losses due to tournament play. They won most of their games and if they lost, they always put up a good fight. These ladies made sure to never be an easy opponent for the other team. Once they learned how to work as a team they were a hard team to beat. All the girls are from different high schools around the area. They had
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to get know each other quickly and instead of being opponents they had to become team mates. “We all got along really well from the start, when we had tournaments away we would spend time together either going out to dinner or staying in someone’s room watching movies; we just all spend a lot of time together.“ Megan Gonzalez explained. The girls didn’t focus on where they
came from, it was more important as what type of player she was on and off the court. The girls gained lots of great memories during the season. “There were so many great times with the team, we had some really fun practices; the trip to Orlando when the team stayed in the same hotel helped us bond. We would
stay up eating pizza and getting to know each other better.” Julia Jordan described. This made tournaments fun and took the pressure off. “The little things we did together made all the difference.” Deja Love stated. Congratulations Tampa United Volleyball Academy 16’s on being Team of the Month!
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PORK POTSTICKERS
RIVER’S VIEW THAI AND MORE
either chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Crispy duck fried rice and crabmeat fried rice as well as red and panang curry dishes were also available. Our first dining review entrée was the Basil Thai prepared with chicken that was stir fried with bamboo shoots, red bell peppers, sweet snap beans, and Thai basil served with steaming jasmine rice. Thai food in general is known as being extremely flavorful and fresh. This dish offered all of the components of an authentic Thai dish with each bite delivering to the palate an explosion of flavors that compliment and combine together extremely well. The rice was the perfect texture as well, not too spongy or soft, but just right. Our second entrée was the Thai fried rice which is prepared using steaming white jasmine rice that has been stir fried with egg, onion, tomato and broccoli. Even though I am admittedly not a huge fan of rice, this dish had flavors that kept me coming back for bite after bite. The Thai fried rice felt like the perfect Thai comfort food. If the American food is as good as the Thai food then River’s View Thai and
BY HEATHER DAVIS
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ften times in the hustle and bustle of Brandon and the surrounding areas it is hard to imagine a place where you can have the chance to dine on good food all while enjoying the tranquility and peace of mother nature. River’s View Thai and More which is located in the same location as the Beer Shed in Riverview is just such a place. Owner Dennis Pariee and his partner and chef, JJ, who is of Thai descent have only been in the Riverview location for just one month, but are already creating quite a positive impact. Previously before owning River’s View Thai and More, Dennis and JJ, had a thriving restaurant in South Tampa known as Kombo Kitchen. Dennis explains that they were looking for a slower paced way of life so when the opportunity came up to start a restaurant in conjunction with the Beer Shed it seemed like a perfect opportunity. River’s View Thai and More along with the Beer Shed are located right on the Alafia River, offering outside
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dining with views to the water that are spectacular and extremely soothing. The name, River’s View Thai and More is very self-explanatory in its definition. To begin with the restaurant is located on the river, the name Thai and more refers to the fact that the menu offers both American and Thai food. For this dining review we sampled only the Thai food, but the American food seemed very popular and looked quite delicious as well. The Thai portion of the menu began with appetizers such as the Vegetable Egg rolls with housemade pineapple dipping sauce and Pork Potstickers which included pork and vegetables stuffed in a wanton wrapper, served crispy or steamed with dipping sauce. All the appetizers came out flavorful and freshly prepared per order. The housemade pineapple dipping sauce was an amazing fusion of flavors which served as a perfect complement to the Vegetable Egg Rolls. Main course entrees included either choices of noodles or rice accompanied with
CHICKEN BASIL THAI
THAI FRIED RICE
INFORMATION RIVER’S VIEW THAI AND MORE
11218 Casa Loma Dr. Riverview, Florida 813-215-1656 Closed Mondays and Tuesdays Wed – Fri Noon to 10pm Sat and Sun 10am to 10pm
More is a definite winner. Of course one cannot expect to dine on such good food in beautiful surroundings without perhaps sampling a glass or two of the wine or a frosty mug of cold draft beer from the Beer Shed conveniently located in the exact same vicinity. As a side note to this dining review we did have the rare opportunity while eating to witness two beautiful dolphins put on an amazing show right in front of us at the river’s edge. Locals who have been coming for twenty years said although manatees are often spotted, that dolphins are not a usual spectacle to behold. Lucky for us we were in the right place at the right time.
Exquisite Fine Dining
Authentic Indian Cuisine
Specialties include:
Butter chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Masala dosa, Garlic Shrimp, goat Curry, Whole Fried Snapper
FULL BAR • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
WEEKDAY BUFFET 11:30-2:30 $9.95
WEEKEND BUFFET 12:00-3:00 $12.95
689-4040 902 E. Brandon Blvd.
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ACE Heating & Cooling is a full service heating and air conditioning contractor.
RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL
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