Season's Greetings!
’Tis the season! Lights are sparkling everywhere, and the festive spirit is in the air. There’s no better way to wrap up the year than in high spirits, surrounded by the people you cherish most.
December is a time for reflection—an opportunity to look back on the year and plan ahead to fill any voids in the coming one. After a month of gratitude, we’re reminded to put thankfulness into action through the joy of giving. Even the smallest gesture can have a big impact.
When it comes to gift-giving, there are endless ways to make it special. By shopping locally, you can share the essence of Pensacola with friends and family. From unique finds at markets to show tickets, local is ALWAYS best. Be sure to check out our gift guide, where we spotlight some of the best offerings this season.
This time of year also brings a sense of hope for a better world and a new beginning. There are many ways to support our community, from churches to local charities. The Kim Tauer Foundation is a dedicated advocate for the west side of Pensacola, more specifically Warrington and beyond. Discover how they’re making a difference and how you can help them bring food to local families this season and all year long.
With family in town, kids out of school, and holiday closures, there’s finally time to tackle that to-do list. But remember to take a break and explore! A quick day trip to nearby Fairhope offers a perfect escape, or maybe dive into something new together, like learning about some blends of wine that are versatile and will complement your holiday meal. Every shared meal with family is a chance to indulge and create memories.
Sharing your stories each month is an honor for us at Pensacola City Lifestyle. You inspire us every day through your efforts and missions, reminding us all what community truly means. We’re excited to keep sharing more with you in 2025.
Happy Holidays!
BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Pope | suzanne.pope@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
bianca.bainvillegas@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kairym Lisch | kairym.lisch@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alex Boykin, Leisl Lemire, Kairym Lisch, Bianca Bain Villegas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
B.Media, Kairym Lisch
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Brunch & Bubbles 2024 2: Jackson’s Fall Menu Media Tasting 3: The Hispanic Heritage Gala 2024 4: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night Rehearsal 5: DepARTure 2024 6: Celebrating Our Ancestors 2024 7: November Cover Reveal
Lucky Dough Pizza
Lucky Dough Pizza specializes in crafting naturally leavened sourdough, brick oven pizza that celebrate creativity and flavor with an approachable yet elevated dining experience. We welcome all ages and all pizza lovers. Our inclusive approach caters to health-conscious individuals and pizza enthusiasts alike. We love our Pensacola community. We meticulously prepare each pizza with fresh, all-natural ingredients that will leave you feeling joyful, inspired, and satisfied without any food guilt. luckydoughpizza.com | 850.888.0223
Szotski's Cheesecakes
If you are looking for the ultimate Cheesecake experience, you have found the perfect place! We proudly offer one of the largest selections of Cheesecake flavors in Pensacola with more than 300 varieties and counting! Our Cheesecakes are baked in small batches giving them the proper attention they deserve! By focusing on Mini Cheesecakes, we have created the perfect combination of size and variety! Veteran owned | szotskis-cheesecakes.com | 850.466.3477
Coral's Closet
At Corals Closet, we believe that imagination is the key to the portal of play. Be it at our play space filled with costumes and interactive play elements, in our curated toy store full of magical toys and books, or at a birthday party, we are here to provide tools that enhance and expand your child’s imagination and reignite the childhood feeling of whimsical innocence. coralscloset.com | 850.480.0251
ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Wining for the Holidays
“What temperature is it there?” “74 degrees.” “Is it sunny?” “Yes.” “We should go visit. I just can’t take another four months of winter!” Many adventures are spurred by a need. The need in this case was to escape 30+ years of living through endless New England Winters, and after some research a trip to Pensacola was booked. During the third evening, while having dinner outside (it was 74 degrees) at a downtown restaurant, watching the sun set on Pensacola Bay the idea was solidified; “We are moving here!” Jump forward one year and our travelers have purchased a house and are moving in before the holidays. On the second
evening after moving in the couple living next door walks over and introduces themselves. Upon finding out that our new Pensacolians would be alone for the holidays, the neighbors invite them over for Christmas dinner. “Can we bring anything?” asked our intrepid new Pensacolians. The neighbor’s response; “Just bring a bottle or two of some nice wine.”
If you are one of those who can instantly feel the fear set in then you are not alone! If you have ever been in a similar situation: in charge of drinks for the holiday office party, or the first time hosting the family holiday dinner as the daughter-in-law and his parents LOVE wine, but your husband’s only answer is “they drink everything,” then you may have experienced a similar, dreadful, feeling. “WHAT DO I BUY?!?” Well, fear not! Here are a few words of wisdom that will keep you from spiraling down into the winter abyss of despair, and instead help make you the toast of the evening.
First and foremost, know your audience and occasion. Do some research. Do your neighbors regularly drink Yellow Tail, OR have you heard them say “Southern Rhône,” or “Red Mountain” while swirling their wine? Does your mother-in-law always like to start with a white? Will your office mates or uncle just try to get drunk as fast as possible? Will there be food, and if so, what? A few simple cue words will probably be all that is needed to get you started down the right path. For the larger occasions such as the office party or first-time family holiday dinner host I recommend a white and a red that are middle of the road in intensity and have lower relative alcohol. A good example would be a Pinot Gris and a Tempranillo. The balance of acid, fruit, and minerality will complement most foods and the lower alcohol level will keep your guests from heading under the table too soon. For more intimate affairs a little more attention to the menu would be in order. BUT, while trying to pull off the perfect wine-tofood pairing is always a noble challenge, it is not the most important aspect of what wine to bring.
Bring a wine that you like! NEVER take a wine to any function that you would not drink. This is not the time for experimentation. Be able to talk about your wine, even in the simplest of terms, BUT DON’T TALK ABOUT WHAT IT SHOULD TASTE LIKE!! What if you taste dark plum in your favorite wine but your mother-in-law tastes bitter red cherries? Well, you have just entered the conflict zone! Instead talk about where it’s from and maybe another fact that YOU might find interesting about the wine, keeping it simple. Example: “This is a red blend from the Douro in Portugal. It has many of the same grapes that they make Port wine from.” After everyone tries some then you can talk about what everyone tasted. Ensure that you tell everyone that it is okay to taste different things. This will give everyone, including yourself, an out. Everyone tastes differently, so Be Confident in what you taste and Be Comfortable with sharing what you taste.
So how did the new neighbors do at the first Pensacola dinner? Well, the husband, upon hearing “Just bring a bottle or two of some nice wine,” responded with “We don’t drink…” Happy Holidays and Cheers to a good season!
THE KIMBERLY TAUER FOUNDATION
Empowering Individuals and Building Community through Faith, Hope, and Love
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Imagine a place where kindness meets community, where small sparks of hope ignite lasting change. This is the vision of the Kimberly Tauer Foundation—a unified mission focused on empowering women and children through education, support, and compassion. The Foundation cultivates a sense of belonging, fosters personal growth, and creates a positive impact that endures.
It all began with Christie Costello, owner of a local butcher shop. She had worked hard to build a life she loved and felt content with her achievements. But everything changed when her mother passed away, a profound loss that reshaped her world. Her mother’s legacy of kindness and compassion inspired Christie to honor that spirit by creating something greater—a way to give back to her community in a manner that reflected her mother’s generosity. This vision led to the founding of the Kimberly Tauer Foundation, a tribute to the woman who had given Christie’s life its deepest meaning.
A resilient woman of faith and compassion, Christie is deeply committed to serving others. Guided by her belief in the transformative power of education and the strength of genuine human connections, she established the foundation around these core values. Her mission goes beyond offering assistance; she seeks to empower individuals and communities, helping them find resilience, purpose, and opportunity. Through this work, Christie strives to build a lasting legacy of kindness and positive change. She is especially driven to serve the west side of Pensacola. It is a part of our community that she feels is continuously overlooked, with many of our local services centralized. She says that the need
is great in Warrington and beyond. It is a driving force, for her and the foundation.
The Kimberly Tauer Foundation’s mission centers on empowering individuals through education and fostering a strong sense of community. The foundation believes that equipping people with essential life skills is vital for personal growth and success. To achieve this, the foundation promotes a culture of continuous learning and provides welcoming spaces where individuals can connect, build, and strengthen their relationships. By nurturing these connections, the foundation seeks to cultivate an environment that encourages everyone to reach their full potential. Through these efforts, the foundation is gradually transforming lives and communities.
The work of the Kimberly Tauer Foundation would not be possible without the dedication of its volunteers. These individuals devote their time three days a week, working tirelessly to create a meaningful impact on the lives of those around them. Their passion and commitment form the backbone of the foundation’s success, and their efforts are deeply appreciated. Together, the volunteers and foundation are making a difference, step by step, creating positive change within the west side community.
The Kimberly Tauer Foundation extends an invitation to anyone who wants to join in its mission and be part of this transformative journey.
The foundation’s impact has been profound; to date, it has served over 204,000 meals to children in need. This milestone reflects the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that no child goes hungry and that everyone in the community has access to resources that support well-being and growth.
CONTINUED >
Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of women and children in the community. The foundation offers various ways for people to contribute and support its mission, whether through donations, volunteering, or participating in its programs. Each act of generosity—no matter how small—helps uplift those in need and moves the foundation closer to its goals. Together, we can create positive change and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
The Kimberly Tauer Foundation also hosts seasonal events to bring joy and support to the community during important times of the year. Mark your calendars for the upcoming events:
• November 23: Thanksgiving Meal – Join us in giving thanks and providing a warm meal for families in need.
• December 1 - December 21: Toy Drive – Spread holiday cheer by donating toys to children who might not otherwise receive gifts.
• December 7: Hope for the Holidays Christmas Fundraiser Event – Bring unwrapped toys, non-perishable food, and a monetary donation to support the year round work of the Kimberly Tauer Foundation. Reach out to Pensacola City Lifestyle for more information.
• December 23: Christmas Family Meal Pick-Up – Celebrate the season by helping to ensure that every family has a joyful holiday meal.
The Kimberly Tauer Foundation is more than just an organization; it’s a movement, a mission, and a community serving the west side of Pensacola and dedicated to honoring Kimberly’s legacy. Through kindness, empowerment, and unity, the foundation is building a better future—one meal, one event, and one connection at a time. Join us in making a lasting impact, and let’s create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. ktf4love.org
ARTICLE BY THE PENSACOLA CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Pensacola City Lifestyle Local Holiday Picks
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AND BUY LOCAL FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Be Marvilous:
Vitamin C Brightly Serum. Brighten things up with this medically proven formula from Dr. Sylvia Harris of Ageless. Use PNS20Life through January 1st at bemarvilous.com for a glow up to start 2025.
La Tordera Prosecco:
Find Alne, A3, Rosé at Aragon Wine Market, Bodacious, and Apple Market. It’s our preferred Prosecco, and that’s saying a lot. Make sure to toast the season with this fabulous find.
Minds on Music:
Mom and Me Music & Movement Online is the perfect way to enhance the learning experience for the littlest humans you know. Lay the foundation for a bright future.
Taste of Pensacola:
Create curated, themed gift boxes for your nearest and dearest or your work family. Brand your box and support local businesses with this fun approach to gifting. The possibilities are endless.
Tickets to the Ballet/ Opera/Symphony/Theater.
Find your fancy or experience them all. We have all the markings of a big city. The BIG 5 are a gift we must celebrate and support!
Suzanne Pope, Publisher
Gina Ritchie Original:
Pensacola, where elegance begins - The launch of Gina Ritchie Original. You must get your hands on this exclusive scent inspired by, and created right here in Pensacola. ginaritchie.com
Pensacola Souvenirs:
Celebrating Pensacola every day of the year. Stop in and find custom souvenirs - blankets to cushions, mugs to tumblers and more. Artesana always has special gifts.
Amplify your food with these robust flavors. Be it a simple salad or a fresh catch to table, experience this aromatic array of offerings enhancing every bite of your next meal.
Annual Pass to UWF Historic Trust Museums:
A Peek into the past and beyond. Celebrating Pensacola and all that the First City has to offer through its rich history and modern exhibits.
ALK Designs:
Custom jewelry experience. Line up a daytime party or a night of fun with your girls. This local, trending experience is a giddy, good time.
Private studios, Quayside, Artel, Blue Morning, ICON, Subculture, First City, Pensacola Arts Market, Palafox Market, and Gallery Night — just some of the spaces where local arts flourish.
Day Trip Destinations: Fairhope, AL
CRUISING NEARBY OFFERINGS GIVES A NEW TWIST ON STAYCATION
ARTICLE BY LEISL LEMIRE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Fairhope Pier
Locals
What would the perfect culinary day trip look like, if your destination is Fairhope, AL? Start on Scenic 98, slightly north of downtown. There you will find Coffee Loft, an eclectic little hole in the wall with funky music and a bohemian vibe. Opened in the year 2000 by Beth Goldberg, it was the first place in town to offer specialty coffee, thus revealing to residents how much, in fact, they need fancy coffee. Order a White Silk coffee, hot or cold, (or other beverage of your choice), and some of the freshly baked pumpkin bread. Grab it to go and make your way over to the Fairhope Pier, for a peaceful start to your day. After giving thanks for the beauty surrounding you, take a walk, enjoy the duck pond, or sit in a swing and watch the boats and birds out on the bay.
After your morning retreat, followed by a little shopping downtown, it is only a short 1.7-mile drive down South Section Street to Dragonfly Food Bar, owned by Doug and Briana Kerr. Recently relocated from the Central Business District, it is well worth the trek to taste the “marriage of Asian and Mexican Cuisine.” As their Facebook page accurately claims, “Prepare to have your taste buds rocked.” Offering meals paired with beverage options galore, try the Mango Habanero Wing Chops or Baby Green Salad to get started. For your main course, the popular Kung Pao Chicken Tacos or Firecracker Shrimp Bowls, and for a side, throw in the Tempura Turnip Fries. Current trends have many people driving from Pensacola, Pascagoula, and places beyond.
Heading back downtown, if your sweet tooth calls, turn left on De La Mare Avenue and find dessert at Mr. Gene’s Beans, a longtime local favorite. No longer under the ownership of Mr. Gene, Chris Bartz carries on the tradition of ice cream, cookies, gourmet popcorn, and the infamous Fairhope Float, a delicious frozen coffee beverage loved by many. Sit on the outdoor patio and watch the golf carts and shoppers pass by.
There are still plenty of shops nearby, to peruse, but a great way to wrap up your day, is to circle the block over to Fairhope Avenue until you see Tuscan architecture and flowers luring you to Locals , a quaint spot owned by Wade and Ashley Peryer bringing years of experience in the restaurant business. The gourmet burgers are made from bison or beef, and vegetarian options with fresh herbs and vegetables are all sourced from local farmers. Locals offers three indoor dining options, though many Fairhopians and visitors prefer the European cafe style seating on the cobblestone walkway, and the soft light of the gas lamps as they listen to live music and feel the breeze flow through the patio.
Deserving of mention for perhaps another full day in Fairhope, is one restaurant where you could literally spend your entire day. Featuring coffee, wine, gifts, and an open space large enough for mamas to push babies in strollers. Provision is owned by Elisabeth and William Hanes, and is a place to bring friends. With oversized bamboo chairs facing each other along the sunny window space, sofas and chairs in cozy squares for community gathering, Provision considers itself Fairhope’s Living Room and has space for almost any combination of guests. They offer a variety of seasonal coffee options such as Hawaiian Day Dream, or Honey Bee Latte. The gourmet breakfast offerings like Whipped Fig & Feta Toast, or the Breakfast Biscuit with a basic name, has a taste that is anything but basic. Popular lunch choices include the Fairhippie Bowl or the Conecuh Cuban Po’ Boy. Add a full wine bar with charcuterie options on the opposite end from those sunny windows, and it is hard to imagine a more ideal setting for people watching, while simultaneously delighting the taste buds. Bon Appetit!
CITY OF FAIRHOPE: Fairhope is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States, located on the eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay. The population was 22,477 at the 2020 census. Fairhope is a principal city of the DaphneFairhope-Foley metropolitan area, which includes all of Baldwin County.
HOLIDAY PERFECT PRIME RIB ROAST: THE ULTIMATE CENTERPIECE FOR YOUR FESTIVE TABLE
Perfect Holiday Fare
Dazzle your guests this holiday season with the perfect Prime Rib roast, guaranteed to make you shine like the North Star. This foolproof recipe is ideal for both amateur and seasoned cooks. What makes a Prime Rib roast truly special is its crispy, caramelized crust paired with the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth
SECRET RIBEYE ROAST CALCULATIONS:
Seasoning: the instructions 1 to 1.5 tsp kosher salt per 1 lb + cracked black pepper (optional)
Roasting: 5 minutes per 1 lb at 500°F
DIRECTIONS:
1. Rub the entire roast with kosher salt 1 to 24 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
3. Season with cracked black pepper to taste.
texture of a medium-rare center. When planning your feast, estimate about 1 lb per person. Visit your local butcher to ensure you get the perfect size for your gathering, and you’ll be all set for a show-stopping meal. To ensure the perfect roast the ratio per weight and cooking time is utmost important.
4. Place the roast in the oven and cook for 5 minutes per 1 lb (without opening the oven).
5. When the time is up, turn off the oven and leave the roast undisturbed for 2 hours. Do not open the oven door at any point.
Serving: Transfer the roast to the center of the dinner table on a butcher block, garnished with fresh rosemary. Carve into 1⁄4 inch thick slices and serve.
Shout out to Costello’s Butcher Shop for this fine local farm raised Ribeye used to provide the images for this recipe.
“This foolproof recipe is ideal for both amateur and seasoned cooks.”
ARTICLE BY KAIRYM LISCH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
"I take care of Veterans because I am a Veteran"
-Mike Esmond
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
Neal Grossheider Owner - TAB Emerald Coast Peer Advisory Boards Business Coaching
events
DECEMBER 5TH
Archaeology on Tap: Tales of Tails
Odd Colony | 7:00 PM
This December, walk in and grab a drink to hear UWF Anthropology Professor Dr. John Bratten present "Tales of Tails: Analyzing the Critters of Luna's Shipwrecks." As co-principal investigator of the Emanuel Point II shipwreck, Bratten combines his passion for science and archeology by overseeing the excavation and artifact conservation of the second vessel from Tristán de Luna’s 1559 colonization fleet.
DECEMBER 13TH
A Christmas Story
The Center 400 S Jefferson Street, Downtown Pensacola | 7:30 PM
The Pensacola Little Theatre seasonal production of "A Christmas Story" follows young Ralphie Parker's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun in 1940s Indiana. Despite warnings of "You'll shoot your eye out," Ralphie navigates childhood challenges, including bullies and family dynamics, in his pursuit of his ultimate Christmas Wish. On stage at The Center Friday, December 13th through Sunday, December 22nd.
DECEMBER 14TH
Annual Gingerbread Competition
SCI Building | 11:00 AM
Our Annual Gingerbread Competition Event will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:00am-2:00pm. It is open to the public with free entry. We will have holiday bingo, entertainment, children can decorate cookies, enjoy hot cocoa, view the amazing gingerbread houses and take a trip up to the North Pole to see Santa. Pictures with Santa will also be available.
DECEMBER 16TH
Jingle Jazz!
Phineas Phogg's at Seville Quarter | 6:30 PM
Mark your calendar for JINGLE JAZZ! It's on Monday, December 16, 6:30 PM at Phineas Phogg's in Seville Quarter. Celebrate the holidays with cheerful jazz featuring your holiday favorites.
DECEMBER 20TH
Ballet Pensacola Presents: The Nutcracker
Saenger Theater | 7:00 PM
Set to Tchaikovsky's beautifully timeless score, join Clara in this wondrous journey of imagination and love as she embarks on a magical journey through glistening snowflakes, toy soldiers, mice filled battle fields and delicious festivities in the Land of the Sweets. Friday, December 20th- Sunday, December 22nd at the Saenger Theater. Come and witness the magic of Christmas!
DECEMBER 31ST
Pensacola Symphony: Celebrate the New Year!
Saenger Theater | 7:30 PM
Acclaimed for their command of jazz vernacular, vocalist Sydney McSweeney and vocalist and trumpeter Byron Stripling join the orchestra for a swinging evening of classic standards from Gershwin, Berlin and friends. It will be an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration and a heartfelt tribute to some of America’s finest music.
Refresh your view
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