FOCUS MAGAZINE BRANDON JULY 2015
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can’t miss event
BRANDON’S
4TH OF JULY PARADE
Bring your folding chairs, suntan lotion, and sunglasses and enjoy Florida’s largest 4th of July Parade, a perfect way to start the weekend! Sponsored by The Community Roundtable, festivities take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Entries in the parade include military, area businesses, Girl and Boy Scouts, marching bands, dance teams, and more. The parade also honors grand marshal, the Alice B. Tompkins Community Service Award recipient, the Maureen Krzanowski Scholarship winner, and the nonprofit of the year.
JULY 02 THURSDAY
11 SATURDAY
Throwback Thursday Toga Party: Sponsored by Michelle for Honorary Mayor O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill | 7 p.m. 701 W Lumsden Rd, Brandon Wrap yourself in your favorite bed sheet, throw on some ivy, and get ready for some fun. For $20 receive an armband that includes beer, appetizers, and full access to the Frat House keg, beer pong, giant Jenga game, and Jell-O shots. There will also be a silent auction and raffle. Tickets can be purchased at Center Place, Mathnasium, and Romero Insurance. For more information, call Center Place at 813-685-8888.
Charity Thrift Sale ECHO Brandon | 8 a.m. 57 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted clothing and small household items. For more information, call Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.
04 SATURDAY Brandon Elks 4th of July Picnic Brandon Elks | 1 p.m. 800 Centennial Lodge Dr., Brandon Cool off after the parade with food and games. For more information, contact Brandon Elks at 813-685-6469. Westfield Brandon Blast 4th of July Fireworks Celebration Westfield Brandon | 6 p.m. 459 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon Continue celebrating Independence Day after the parade with live music, family fun, and fireworks! Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Please refrain from bringing personal barbecues, alcoholic beverages, and personal fireworks. For more information, call 813-661-5100.
18 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO Brandon | 8 a.m. 57 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted clothing and small household items. For more information, call Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.
25 SATURDAY Charity Thrift Sale ECHO Brandon | 8 a.m. 57 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted clothing and small household items. For more information, call Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.
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PLANT CITY MERCANTILE
NEW! CURATED BOUTIQUE MARKETPLACE Antique, Vintage, Arts & Crafts, Gifts Supporting Florida Artists, Vendors & Craftsman. Quality Consignments Vendor Space Available
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm
208 S. Collins St., Plant City, 33563 813-659-1600 www.facebook.com/plantcitymercantile
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Drowning prevention is a big deal at BSAC, and swimming lessons are offered for all ages.
SUMMER HOTSPOT:
members, they can receive a $10 discount on space by entering the promotional code BSAC during registration. The Hillsborough County Special Olympics will be incorporated into the Community Day in July. Special needs students in the Trident program perform in and train for the Special Olympics right on BSAC’s facilities. As a result of the Keller William’s Red Day, BSAC now has newly refurbished facilities. “Hundreds of agents came to make some of BSAC’s rooms look more modern and presentable,” Soncrat says. “We have older facilities which take on a lot of wear and tear. Painting, floor and ceiling work, and other renovations were made in the arts and crafts room, the teen room, as well as the family lounge. It was awesome, and we want to thank them for all they did.”
Scholarships are even offered for families unable to afford BSAC. Through fundraising and cooperation with each family, Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center refuses to say no to a child. “We don’t want to decline them one day, then see them in the news from having drowned the next.” BSAC wants to make sure businesses are aware of the advertising opportunities available at their facility through their banner program, community days and other events. This 501c3 nonprofit organization also invites everyone to participate in their Community Days and learn more about what they do. For more information, visit www. mybsac.org or contact Eric Soncrat at 813-689-0902 or esoncrat@mybsac.org. Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center is located at 405 Beverly Blvd.
BRANDON SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTER BY ANDRIA BARRIOS
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ith school out and summer well underway, kids need to stay active and productive, while beating the summer heat. Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) is the perfect place for families and kids to spend their summer days. BSAC offers everything from swim lessons to summer camps to tennis classes to personal trainers. People of all ages can get involved. “Though we don’t offer baby daycare, our summer camps generally begin at age 3. Monthly and annual memberships for adults are also available, as well as senior citizen programs. Kids are the heart and soul of our organization, but we focus on catering to the whole family. Our goal is to provide what the community needs,” says Eric Soncrat, Director of Development. Soncrat has been Director of Development since October of last year, and thoroughly enjoys the job. As a parent who brought his children to BSAC for years, he can finally give back to the program he loves so much. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make
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Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center better, because I really appreciate all it provides,” he explains. The Dash and Splash Youth Drowning Prevention Program is one beneficial outreach hosted by BSAC. This annual event draws attention to drowning prevention, the leading cause of death among younger children. BSAC is one of two organizations in the state that emphasizes drowning prevention. They are part of a program teaching 1,800 children in the Hillsborough County Head Start program to swim. Community Days are something new and unique to BSAC. Every third Saturday of the month, local families are invited to come and see what BSAC is all about. These days will take place on June 20, July 18 and August 15. Residents can swim in BSAC’s pool, use the playground, basketball courts, fitness room and other facilities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on these days. Businesses are also permitted to reserve a 10’x10’ space, either indoor or outdoor, to sell arts, crafts and advertise. As a special thank you to Brandon Chamber of Commerce
Kids in the Trident program for special needs students participate in Tennis for Fun, one of the many tennis programs offered at BSAC.
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KARMA YOGA OFFERS YOGA FOR EVERYONE AND EVERY-BODY
BY HEATHER DAVIS
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ard work, discipline, perseverance, and determination are all words that come to mind when one thinks of what it takes to begin and maintain a strong, thriving business. The owners of Karma Yoga, Megan and Nooie Hochheimer demonstrate these qualities on a daily basis in order to keep their business of teaching and sharing their love of yoga with the community alive and flourishing. Megan and Nooie come from a strong background of personal fitness training as they were both personal fitness trainers for Lifestyle Fitness as well as competitors in body building competitions. Three years ago Megan and Nooie opened Karma Yoga together with a handful of teachers based on the dream that they would bring Yoga to the community and be able to live out their personal karma. During yoga teacher training Megan learned that when one is following your karma and living in alignment with your purpose that obstacles melt away. This belief is the reason and purpose for the existence of Karma Yoga as both Megan and Nooie felt it was what they were meant to do. As married parents of two boys, Megan and Nooie are partners in both business and life, and they live with the commitment to give to community, body, and self. These principles and values are evident throughout the very essence of Karma Yoga. In just over one year of being open Karma Yoga expanded its space by double the size to meet the
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demands of the community. Karma Yoga truly is a multi-specialty studio, offering something for everyone. “We are here every day, working one-onone with people to make sure they get the most out of their personal practice by meeting their goals and making sure that what they are practicing is balanced.” Nooie explains. He continues, “no one here is a stranger, we get to know everyone on a first name basis. “ Karma Yoga is home to nine staff teachers, who all offer their own personal style of teaching. All types of classes are offered giving everyone a chance to find their own level and style of class. Giving back to community and raising awareness is always first and foremost on the minds of Megan and Nooie. By doing so once a month Karma Yoga partners with a charity in order to offer a donation class that raises money for that specific charity. They have partnered with St. Jude, Relay for Life, Seeds of Hope, and First Origin to mention a few. Once a month Karma Yoga also does a free yoga class in the park behind Ciccio Cali in Brandon at Winthrop. Karma Yoga is setting the standard when it comes to giving back to the community and in helping to raise awareness of the benefits that yoga brings to the mind and body. To find out more about classes, workshops, Yoga Alliance Registered teacher training, kids camps, and personal yoga you may visit Karma Yoga’s website at www.karmayogafitness.com
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THE
REGENT
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By Cheryl Johnston Photos courtesy of Torrie Fagan Studios
Tucked away from noisy traffic, yet accessible to major roads, The Regent is no longer the “best-kept secret” in Riverview. Just ask Executive Director Julie Juteau about the number of people who have heard about the facility from former clients. ”We’re the preferred venue for weddings, quinceaneras, corporate meetings, and charitable fundraising events because of our size,” explains Juteau. “Not many Tampa area facilities can hold up to 500 seated dinner guests, with a dance floor.” The Regent boasts 30,000 square feet of luxurious, versatile event space which can accommodate intimate parties of 50 upwards to 600 seated. Music, dancing, and dining are extra special in the 10,000 square foot ballroom with 22’ ceilings and hardwood floors. As necessary, the space can be divided into two or three suites for specific guest counts. Clients will appreciate the comfortably appointed dressing suite, and everyone is impressed by the picturesque terrace, grand staircase and landscaped courtyard, the perfect backdrops for treasured photos.
Julie Juteau
Executive Director of The Regent
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The French-Canadian born event-planning specialist experienced “an amazing small town upbringing” in Nicolet, Quebec, Canada. Juteau earned her A.A. degree in Hotel Management from LaSalle College in Montreal, Quebec and moved to Florida for an internship shortly thereafter. She made Riverview her home and now hosts many “winter” visitors from her family in Quebec. The girl who inherited her father’s passion for hockey worked seven years and long hours for Amelie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. That experience added to her expertise, along with her extensive background in corporate event sales. The Regent’s notably dedicated staff consists of Juteau, Events Manager Michelle Thompson, and Event Coordinator Natalie Bailey. “We’re a great team,” Juteau stated, “and we all live in this area, which is great, as we’re personally a part of the community. We help promote local vendors and businesses with our clients and we enjoy building those relationships.”
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Together this team’s experience in the hospitality industry provides the client with attention to detail to help them enjoy a truly exceptional customized experience. ”We try to give people more than what they expect to receive,” says Juteau. Although most events are scheduled for the weekend, corporate rates are available weekdays and hourly rates apply weeknights. Not-for-profit organizations receive a 50% discount during the week and a variety of package pricing options applies to weekend events. Active military personnel are offered a 15% discount and teachers receive a 10% price reduction. As for community service work, The Regent is especially interested in efforts that benefit children, the arts, and charitable causes. “We try to be active in the area gatherings, too,” said Juteau, “like the Winthrop Arts Festival and the Way 2 Dance Charity Ball which benefits the Toys for Tots cause. We’re also happy to host the Riverview Chamber of Commerce’s annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, as well as monthly networking luncheons for both the Riverview and
Brandon Chambers of Commerce.” Of her work, Julie shared, “It’s nice to touch people’s lives by listening to their needs and helping them realize their dream celebrations. And going the extra mile for them is our norm. Their smiles and thanks mean a lot to us.” Many positive reviews have been posted on social media in regards to The Regent team, like this one: “The Regent did an amazing job helping me to plan the wedding of my dreams, from helping me choose the very best vendors to “dance therapy”, which calmed me on that last day before my event!From start to finish, a great experience with Julie, Michelle, and Natalie!” “We’ve rescued some wedding dress issues, too,” Juteau added. “Recently we’ve re-stitched broken straps and repaired broken zippers. We love being of service in the memories we help make. Weddings, showers, anniversaries, proms, homecomings, quinceneras, Sweet 16 parties, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, reunions, charitable cause galas, tradeshows, corporate trainings, community workshops and church services—we love them all!” Up next at The Regent is “Christmas in July - VIP Open House” event on July 16 from 6:00 to 8:30PM. “It’s our way of giving back to our preferred vendors,” Juteau offered. “We invite our future clients who haven’t settled on details yet. This provides them a one-stop shopping experience. Parties booked that day qualify for a 10% discount. Guests considering an upcoming event can meet the venue’s preferred vendors,
enjoy food samplings and complimentary wine and beer. It’s necessary to RSVP by July 10 with an e-mail to info@ ExperienceTheRegent.com. Admission and bring to the event a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to Way2Dance for their annual Toys for Tots toy drive and fundraising event to be held at The Regent in December. “We love being part of the Greater Brandon and Riverview areas,” she continued. “To share this fantastic facility with the wonderful businesses, community groups and individual families doesn’t seem like work to us. Life is simply better when we make time to enjoy each other.”
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Purpose which is Florida’s largest annual pole fitness showcase to benefit women’s causes. The date this year is August 15 at the Straz Center in Tampa. There are four Aerobics & Fitness Association of America certified instructors at Impulse. You can try different classes to see which one suits you. Everyone teaches a little differently. Some are strictly gymnastic pole dancing, others make you feel more confident in your sexy side. Aly says they wear stilettos in some of her routines because they make you feel sexy and give you a better work out. Forget any old connotations of pole dancing and see how it has developed
IMPULSE POLE DANCE FITNESS CLASSES BRANDON STUDIO BY JUDY RONEY
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ole dancing has grown by leaps and bounds as a fun way to stay physically fit. It has evolved in the last decade from its negative image to a popular work out. There’s even a push to have pole dancing gymnastics become an Olympic event in 2016. Aly Brooks is the manager and Pole Instructor at Impulse Pole Dance Studio in Brandon/Riverview area. She was raised in Tarpon Springs and has been taking dancing and gymnastics classes since she was four years old. This dance style was a new challenge for her. Sarah Murray and Kelly Gilbert own the studios in St. Petersburg and Brandon. Aly (Stage name: Gemma Lux) states that Sarah Murray, who taught her, is still one of her mentors. 2014 was a very good year for Aly because that is the year she married her husband, Joseph. She was also made manager at Brandon/Riverview Impulse studio. Aly doesn’t just teach at the
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studio. She also develops new routines, new transitions and ways to motivate her students. She maintains small class sizes and makes sure each student feels they are in a safe place to learn and develop physically. When asked the advantages of pole dancing as a physical fitness program, she flashes her easy smile and becomes animated talking about the classes that she has a passion for. Pole dancing provides a full body exercise, including all your core muscles. The routines are artistic and pole dancing is a way to feel sexy while you keep in shape. It builds strength and confidence in the participant. Impulse provides beginner classes so no one feels out of place. Her students say Aly has a way of making you feel comfortable and leads you step by step so you become surer of yourself with every class. Another great advantage of the classes is the friendships you make. Impulse participates in Pole for a
INFORMATION IMPULSE POLE DANCE FITNESS CLASSES BRANDON STUDIO
6037 Winthrop Commerce Ave, Suite 225 Riverview, FL 33578 Web: polefitnessbrandon.com Phone: (813) 325-1990
and redefined into a graceful gymnastic performance with enumerable benefits health wise. Any initial skepticism will be a thing of the past after one class. Give Impulse a call and talk to Aly or any of the other staffers. They will help you learn how to move your body with more confidence and strength.
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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
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KEEP IT AT CENTER BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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ason Colleta has lived in more places than the average person will in a lifetime. But this challenge has not stopped him from playing hockey, the sport he loves. He will be a junior at Newsome High School in the fall. He started playing in Rhode Island but then moved in fourth grade to South Carolina. He also lived in Japan, and Alabama where he wasn’t able to play because the skating rinks were too far away. Freshman year his family moved to Florida where he once again was united with the sport he loved. It was just like riding a bike, he picked up skating quickly and now plays for the Newsome Hockey team. Mason’s father taught him to skate as a youngster. His father grew up playing hockey and his two uncles played in the National Hockey League, thus, hockey is in his blood. According to Mason playing in Rhode Island prepared him most because it was truly a lifestyle. “I remember playing league
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games early in the morning, then going straight to the pond and playing pick-up pond hockey until it was dark outside.” Mason said. His experiences in Rhode Island have helped him stay focused in Florida because it is even harder to be exposed to opportunities to play in college or the Junior League. Hockey rinks aren’t as easily found in the South as they are up North. Mason’s knew hockey was the sport for him when he scored his first goal. It was an amazing adrenaline rush. At center, Mason is responsible for covering the entire ice. “It can be very tiring but it pushes me to be the most conditioned on the ice.” Mason explained. Hockey has taught Mason how to work well with others, and to have a strong work ethic. Most importantly it has helped Mason put his trust in others both on and off the ice. Congratulations Mason on being Athlete of the Month!
Mid-Florida Summer
HOME SHOW & Taste of Plant City
SATURDAY, JULY 11 • 10AM-6PM & SUNDAY, JULY 12 • 10AM-5PM EXPO HALL 2301 W. OAK AVE., PLANT CITY
T is TOIO M SS! O T S U O I DELIC N This EVE
y t i C t n la P f o e t s at Ta
M NOON-5P • Y L N O Y xpo H all SATURDA y Festival E awberr Back of Str
FREE EVENT • FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT Demonstrations and tips from the area’s top home improvement specialists • Over 100 unique home improvement vendors and local artist
THE TASTE OF PLANT CITY RUNS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MID-FLORIDA SUMMER HOME SHOW.
Live entertainment • Delicious food from various local restaurants Vote for your favorite restaurant • The Boys & Girls Club will be collecting Back 2 School supplies for children in the east Hillsborough area.
$5.00 ADULTS • CHILDREN FREE
A portion of the entry fee will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club
Florida’s Home Improvement Professionals Licensed • Bonded • Insured
For more information, contact Simply Events (727) 674-1464 or find a vendor application at www.simplyeventsfl.com 15915 N. Florida Ave. • Lutz, Florida 33459 State Certified Residential Contractor • CRC 057210
(813) 931-HOME (4663)
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TEAM OF THE MONTH
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TAMPA GIRLS WORK IT BY OLIVIA GOTTMAN
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ampa Bay United Premiere 98 is a Soccer team of eighteen dedicated, athletic, and hard working girls. The core of this team has been playing together for the past five years and it is safe to say their team camaraderie goes a long way. This team is made up of young ladies from a variety of High Schools in the area. In the last few months the girls won the State Cup and traveled to Arkansas to compete in the FYSA Southern Regional tournament. This was an exciting accomplishment for this group of ladies. These past few months have really brought the girls closer together. It has been a great challenge for this team to come together and work as one because every girl can’t be the one to make the goal but with perseverance and determination the girls learned what can happen when they work together as a team. “It is about all of us not just one of us,” Ellie Laxer explained. The direct result was State Cup. “It took the heart and soul of each of the eighteen girls to
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advance to Regionals,” Cat Headley said. The girls competed against many great teams and learned more about each other every time they played. The love of soccer forced this team to have good chemistry; there isn’t a way to get around it. The girls are always
traveling to tournaments, practicing, and spending time together. “It’s a fun thing to do with all of my best friends,” Kristen Kelly said. This team seems to know they have to hold each other accountable and honesty is the best policy. The Tampa Bay United Premiere 98
girls are going to have friendships that will last a life time, as well as successes to be proud of for the rest of their lives. Congratulations Tampa Bay United Premiere 98 Girls Soccer on being Team of the Month!
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TASTE OF EDEN BRANDON’S FIRST VEGAN RESTAURANT BY HEATHER DAVIS
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any of us may be caught somewhere in the middle of wanting to eat better, make wiser eating choices, and improve our health but still want food that tastes delicious. We crave food that not only feeds our bodies, but feeds our souls as well. With the recent addition of Taste of Eden, Brandon’s first vegan restaurant, we now have a place that provides healthy food that makes your body feel alive and also feeds our soul with food that tastes outrageously delicious. Dave and Sherry Orcutt, owners of Taste of Eden, were the owners and operators of Hallelujah Acres Lifestyle Center in Plant City, since 2004. They both began to be followers of the Hallelujah Diet since January of 2002 after Dave experienced an illness that was improved by the diet. The Hallelujah Diet is a clean food, plant-based diet that has been proven to address nutritional deficiency, reduce toxicity and improve overall health. Their center was extremely successful but now
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they have begun the next part of their journey with the opening of the Taste of Eden just April of this year. Open only almost two months, Taste of Eden has been met with a tremendous amount of success. Sherry stated that although her goals were lofty to begin with, she has exceeded her goals, by double what she was hoping for in only their first couple months of being open. The menu at the Taste of Eden includes appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, sides, as well as a great selection of smoothies, fresh juices, and deserts. Menu items are all vegan with a large selection of raw, uncooked items to enjoy as well. We started our meal off with a ‘‘green power’ fresh juice prepared with apple, spinach, kale, celery, and just enough cinnamon to give it a little bit of a kick. All juices are prepared fresh upon order and the freshness is evident upon first sip. Our meal continued with a navy bean soup, vegan and not raw but cooked. Sherry shared with us that this soup was a favorite
among vegans and non-vegans alike and it was easy to see why. Delicious and hearty, the navy bean soup was the ultimate in comfort food. Appetizers were served next and came out to us artfully arranged. All of the food at Taste of Eden is not only pleasing to the pallet, but also pleasing to the eye. Artichoke dip combined with raw veggies and tortilla chips made for a scrumptious appetizer. Out next came one of the most beautiful salads I have ever seen, the Dijon Delight Salad (raw), prepared with mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted curry cashews (for wonderful crunch and flavor) tossed with a Dijon vinaigrette. The entrees knocked the ball out of the park when it came to flavorful and satisfying. First to try was the Tacos in Napa Shell (raw), prepared with raw napa cabbage, stuffed with walnut taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, kidney beans, corn and onions, topped with American cheeze (vegan), guacamole cream and veganaise taco ranch dressing. Secondly came to us looking wildly beautiful and delicious (my favorite) the Mediterranean special, prepared with garlic chick pea hummus, on top of kale,
INFORMATION TASTE OF EDEN
1107 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Brandon, FL 33511 www.edenbistro.com 813-655-3336 Tuesday-Thursday 11:30-3:00 (Lunch) Friday – Saturday 11:30-8:00 (Lunch & Dinner)
spinach and romaine, smothered with grilled onions and veggies, placed on a gluten free onion bagel. No meal is complete without desert, and Taste of Eden delivered with deserts that were not only healthy, but filled you up with happiness upon eating each tasty morsel. A (vegan) cheesecake with a cashew crust and slightly tart lemon flavor topped with fresh raspberries, followed by carob vanilla truffles (raw) were the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Healthy, fulfiling food that makes you feel good, while satisfying both body and soul, the Taste of Eden truly works at and succeeds in meeting the needs and desires of all of the senses. So yes, in this case “food is thy medicine, so let’s eat!”
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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