Winter Garden, FL July 2021 by City Lifestyle

J U LY 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

Anthony S. Adams | Anthony.Adams@Lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

SUMMERTIME IS A MAGICAL SEASON

Michelle Malay Sanchez Michelle.Malay.Sanchez@LifestylePubs.com ADMINISTRATI VE DIRECTOR

Carey Adams | carey.adams@lifestylepubs.com

THE KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL, THE DAYS ARE BEAUTIFULLY LONG, AND

COPY EDITOR

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES, OUTDOORS, SUN,

Candice Hawks

FOOD, AND POOLSIDE COCKTAILS! For many, summer evokes fond memories of childhood and adventure – family vacations, swimming until your fingers shriveled like prunes, playing outside with friends until the streetlights came on. We also celebrate our nation’s independence, are at a point where we can host parties for our friends and families, and, if we’re lucky, take time off work to play and explore.

STAFF WRITER

Austin Arthur AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery

Are you throwing a Fourth of July party or attending one? Either way, we have you

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

covered with expert advice on how to smoke brisket, pork shoulder, or ribs on the

Larry H. Oskin

grill you already have; awesome day trips that will get you and the family out and exploring; we talk with OCN’s Golf Pro Tony Keeton and 100-year old Larry Cheever who is a true Hero Among Us; get some charcuterie inspiration and check out the

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Larry H. Oskin, Wild Florida

brand new Three Birds Café. This month we took a departure from our normal cover theme and want to thank Larry H. Oskin for the cover image of Master Golf Instructor and Head of OCN Golf

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Instruction, Tony Keeton whose story is on page 24.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

We also want to send some love to our Advertising Partners. We support Buying

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

magazine has been vetted by us and have the same involvement and dedication to

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

our community as we do.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lastly, we want to dedicate this July issue to the loving memory of Hunter, our twoand-a-half-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog, who passed away from a snake bite as we were buttoning up the issue you are reading now. We Love and Miss You Hunter.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Master Golf Instructor and Head of

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY

Anthony S. Adams, Publisher

OCN Golf Instruction, Tony Keeton

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY H. OSKIN (LOSKIN@MKTGSOLS.COM, 703-508-6800) OF ART BEAUTIQUE IN CLERMONT, FL 4

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 12 A HERO AMONG US 100 Year Old Veteran in Winter Garden

16 6 Day Trips To Get You Out And Exploring 22 Three Birds Cafe Brings New Energy To Plant Street

24 22

24 Start Your Summer Adventures In The Green! With Inspiring Golf Pro, Tony Keeton

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Local’s Choice

Local Limelight

28 Hot Spot 32 Lifestyle Calendar 33 Realty Report 34 Culinary Creations

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JEFF'S BAGEL RUN OPENS A RETAIL LOCATION

Crooked Can Brewing Company recently

Winter Garden favorite, Jeff's Bagel Run, cre-

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This behind the scenes brewery tour includes

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a 9oz pour to enjoy while you learn about the

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

T E

R A

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

100 YEAR OLD VETERAN IN WINTER GARDEN

A HERO AMONG US ARTICLE AUSTIN ARTHUR

WINTER

LAWRENCE

He was 19 years old when the United States

CHEEVER (REFERRED TO AS LARRY BY FAM-

GARDEN

RESIDENT

entered World War II, and he was one of the first

ILY AND FRIENDS) WAS BORN ON SEPTEMBER

waves of young men to be drafted. Larry explained

20TH, 1920, AND HE IS 100 YEARS OLD.

that at the Induction Center, they swiftly ushered

Now, being 100 years old comes with some

all the boys into a building and into a line in which

fascinating realities. For example, Larry knew

they gave them a paper to sign. This is where

his grandmother; he would see her regularly

Larry first realized he was going to have some

until her death, which was when he was 15 years

difficulty being an army man.

old. His memories of her are quite tangible. The

“I started reading it, and a Sergeant said, ‘Sign

reason why this is particularly interesting is

it and get on down the line!’ I said, ‘My dad told

because Larry’s grandmother was born in 1850.

me never to sign anything until you have read it

That means she was about 11 years old when

all.’ He said, ‘You’re in the army now bud, you just

the Civil War broke out and about 15 years old

sign it and get on down the line!’ I signed it, but

when it ended! That places Larry one degree

to this day, I don’t know yet what I signed,” Larry

away from someone who lived through the

recounted with laughter.

American Civil War! Not only this, but Larry’s

After signing, he became a member of the

grandfather actually fought in the Civil War for

451st Triple-A Battalion and immediately came

the North. The allure of Larry’s history does not

into conflict with his superior, a man Larry would

end there. Larry’s family can trace themselves

never forget, Captain Lossen.

back directly to living in Massachusetts- during the American Revolution.

Larry recalls, “I had strikes against me the moment I entered the army. I was a Seventh-

For years Larry has told his life stories to his

day Adventist who believed in keeping the true

family and friends, even wrote some down. Many

Sabbath of the Lord as commanded in God’s word.

of them sound like classic All-American moments.

The other was that I objected to carrying a gun to

“I remember one time in the winter, a little child

kill my fellow man. Consequently, Capt. Lossen

put his mouth around the steel pole on the merry

and I had many unhappy meetings together.”

go round. His tongue stuck fast to the frosty pole

Throughout the war, Larry stood by his faith and

and the teacher came and put snow on it till it

beliefs as a Seventh Day Adventist Christian. On one

let go. If he had pulled his tongue loose it would

occasion, Captain Lossen called him into his office

have taken all its skin off it,” said Larry recalling a

and lambasted him, stating that if everyone believed

story that took place in the 1920s.

as Larry did, that the enemy would come and take

Larry has countless tales, but this July, as we

them all. Larry replied respectfully to his captain and

celebrate the blessing of our national indepen-

explained that if everyone believed as he did, there

dence, we focus on why we acknowledge Larry

would be no conflicts. As he put it, “the Lord would

Cheever as a hero among us.

take care of us, and we wouldn’t have to fight.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Many times Captain Lossen threatened Larry with a Court Martial. Larry was beside himself and did not know what to do. He wanted to serve his country, knew his faith, and believed he could serve without having to fire a weapon at another human. Just before going overseas, Larry wrote to the nearest SDA Church explaining his situation to the pastor. This pastor came to Larry’s base and spoke with Captain Lossen’s superior, who then arranged for Larry to be a medic, where he was able to serve his country in the war effort without sacrificing his beliefs. Where Larry saw the most action and horror was during his time in the Italian campaign of the war, especially in the Battle of Anzio, where the Allied Forces faced thousands of casualties. Larry was also present during the last major offensive by Hitler, the Battle of the Bulge, which paved the way to the Allied Victory. However, the moment that codified Larry’s personal heroism is when he saved two men who were suffering potentially fatal injuries in the middle of a minefield. Portions of their bodies had been mutilated due to their stepping on mines in the field in which they laid. Larry, along with his friend “Shorty” Sturgeon, did not hesitate to walk out into that live minefield, risking their own lives, to save the two men… and they did. The war did not end without Larry seeing his old Captain again, the one that gave him so much trouble at the beginning of the war. Larry was at a ceremony where he received the bronzed medal for his actions in helping to save the lives of those men in the minefield. The man who pinned the medal on him was more than notable, Captain Lossen himself. After the war, he went to college, where he met the love of his life, Lois Bale. They married and moved down to Winter Garden, where they created a beautiful life and family together. They spent 69 beautiful years together before her passing in 2018. Among his many achievements, Larry also took part in building the first Seventh-day Adventist Church in Winter Garden. Larry lives in the home he built in 1961. Many in the community visited him there this past September to celebrate his 100th birthday. Among the many gems our great city of Winter Garden holds, Mr. Larry Cheever is a hero among us, who we should all cherish.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

H E Larry and Lois on Wedding Day

O CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

6 DAY TRIPS TO GET YOU OUT AND EXPLORING IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO ESCAPE FOR A BIT, THERE ARE MANY DAY TRIPS THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. You can watch rockets launch into the sky, swim around with manatees in pristine hot springs, take a highspeed airboat ride, or explore historic neighboring cities, just to name a few. We’re sharing 6 day trips that won’t take you all day to get to, along with our choices of where to eat and imbibe in each. So, whatever you’re in the mood for, hop in the car and let’s go!

BE AN ASTRONAUT FOR THE DAY! You don’t have to be a budding astronaut to appreciate the attractions at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex (www.KennedySpaceCenter. com - (855) 433-4210). This famous NASA facility has historic launch pads, rocket exhibits, astronaut encounters, 3D IMAX films, and a poignant memorial to NASA’s fallen heroes. Arrive at the center as early as you can, as there’s enough here to keep you busy for the full day.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

Kennedy Space Center (KSC)

EXPLORE

Kennedy Space Center (KSC)

Favorite exhibits include watching a live launch, the Space

Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the Shuttle Launch Experience, and

the Apollo/Saturn V Center (where you can easily spend a few hours exploring the exhibits). Must-do upgrades include the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) and Mars Base 1. Although astronauts need to eat dehydrated food, you don’t. Our favorite local diner destination is Dixie Crossroads (https://

DixieCrossroads.com – (321) 268-5000), where we eat some many Corn Fritters; we can barely finish the Dixie Spectacular Combo!

EXPLORE HISTORIC ST. AUGUSTINE Founded in 1565, Saint Augustine (www.VisitStAugustine. com - (904) 825-1000) is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. Established 55 years before the Pilgrims by Spanish St. Augustine

St. Augustine

explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. Amazing landmarks fill the historic downtown, and the Colonial Quarter is a living history taking you back in time. The hop-on/off trolley is a great way to explore the town. Top stops include the Pirate and Treasure Museum, Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, and don’t forget to explore picturesque St. George Street for charming boutique shops, antiques, and great food. You can even sail aboard the Schooner Freedom (https://www.SchoonerFreedom.com - (904) 810-1010). All that exploring will make you thirsty, and our pick for ‘cocktails with lunch’ is Forgotten Tonic (https://forgottentonic. com – (904) 827-9055), where our favorites are the Baked Brie and “I Can’t Even” cocktail. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

ADVENTURE LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Wild Florida

AN AIRBOAT RIDE, DRIVE-THRU SAFARI ADVENTURE, AND GATOR PARK Travel deep into the protected swamps, marshes and rivers that make up the Headwaters of the Everglades on one of Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park (https://WildFloridAirboats.com - (407) 9573135) high-speed airboat as you get an in-depth look at the gators, birds, eagles, trees, and plants as you glide through endless miles of beautiful wilderness. Next, drive your own car through a Safari Park with more than 100 exotic animals and native Florida wildlife. You can even hand-feed giraffes from a platform high above the safari park with incredible views and check out the pond dedicated exclusively as a home for all the “nuisance” alligators trapped by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. To close out the day, explore the Gator Park where you can see albino gators, meet Crusher the mon-

THE MANATEES OF CRYSTAL RIVER

ster alligator, get hands-on during a personal animal encounter with sloths, lemurs, porcupines, and gators,

If you’re a wildlife lover, few experiences are more thrill-

and explore the Hawk Swamp boardwalk through a

ing than a face-to-face encounter with an endangered

pristine Florida cypress swamp ecosystem.

1,500-pound West Indian Manatee. These gentle giants,

Wild Florida’s own Chomp House Grill is a bar-

sometimes called sea cows, swim in the warm waters of

beque restaurant with smoked chicken, pulled pork,

the Crystal River (https://Read.WG.Life/CrystalRiver).

burgers, hotdogs. Our pick for lunch is a Swamp

Remember to ‘Mind Your Manatee Manners’ (https://

Slushy and Swamp Platter with fried catfish and

Read.WG.Life/MindYourManateeManners) as it is a fel-

gator – Just don’t tell Crusher!

ony to touch a manatee. Your best choice to swim and Wild Florida

snorkel with the animals in their natural habitat is with an expert guide. River Ventures (www.RiverVentures.com –

Manatees Of Crystal River

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

Inverness, FL

(352) 564-8687) has a 3-hour Swim with Manatee Tour and a Paddle with Manatee Tour. You can usually spot the manatee at any time of year, although November through March is the prime time when they

TRAVEL

come here to escape cooling sea temperatures.

For dinner, check out the Seagrass Waterfront Pub and Grill (352-503-2007), where you can relax like a

manatee and enjoy a Bacardi Yum Rum Runner and Parmesan Scallops.

CYCLE THE WITHLACOOCHEE STATE TRAIL The 46-mile long Withlacoochee State Trail (http:// Read.WG.Life/Withlacoochee) on Florida’s central Gulf Coast is a perfect way to discover a part of Florida few get to see. The former stretch of railroad track managed by the State of Florida is part of their “rails-to-trails” program and follows the course of the Withlacoochee River from Dunnellon to Floral City on a paved recreational trail that’s perfect for hiking, biking, and skating. The trail is flat and ideal for all levels of cycling and fitness skill, and horseback riding is also available on a separate trail which parallels portions of the paved trail. The quiet Withlacoochee offers some of the most stunning vistas of old Florida along the Tsala Apopka, a chain of freshwater lakes, marsh, cypress swamps,

Withlacoochee State Trail

and pasture extending for miles in every direction. Currently, the Trail is the longest paved rail-to-trail in the state and extends through three counties – Citrus,

Elvis Presley. Citrus County Speedway (www.

Hernando, and Pasco.

CitrusCountySpeedwayAndTrack.com)

Close to the Crystal River and a great starting point to ride (or walk), the trail is in Inverness. You

unique figure-8 racetrack that hosts several popular races throughout the season.

can rent bikes from Dave’s Cycle World (352-637-

After a long day on a long trail (46-miles long

5757) for everyone in the family. History lovers will

to be exact), dinner calls for something fresh

enjoy a visit to the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum

and cool; sushi. Kawa Sushi (https://www.

(https://CCCourthouse.org) features a local his-

KawaSushiInverness.com

tory museum and is famous as a filming location

where the Spicy Girl Roll and an ice-cold Ichiban is

from the 1961 movie “Follow That Dream” starring

the winning combination.

(352)

765-3337)

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

DISCOVER LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

St. Petersburg

VISIT THE “THE SUNSHINE CITY” Saint Petersburg, which sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, is known for holding the title of “most consecutive days with sunshine” at 768 days! Downtown St. Petersburg is the city’s heart, home to great shopping, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. “The Sunshine City” offers a great mix of cultural and outdoorsy attractions. Baseball fans can catch a Tampa Bay Rays game at Tropicana Field (https:// www.MLB.com/Rays/Ballpark). St. Pete is home to The Dalí (TheDali.org – (727) 823-3767), which has the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Spain and well worth a visit. Exploring the beautiful Vinoy Park with tall banyan

St. Petersburg

trees, outdoor cafes, iconic museums is a great spend of the afternoon. While in the park, don’t forget to visit the historic Vinoy hotel (just note that this hotel is said to be haunted, although we have never experienced any ghosts). A few blocks from Tropicana Field, in the Grand Central District, is Trophy Fish (http:// TrophyFishStPete.com - (727) 258-7883), where the menu changes daily according to the catch of the day, and the cocktail menu has won multiple awards. We just close our eyes and point to the menu!

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

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ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ

birds c e e afe s r g h t brin t energy to e e pla r w t nt s e n

THREE BIRDS CAFE RECENTLY OPENED AT 2 WEST PLANT STREET IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN. You may recognize a few menu items stemming from the owner's previous concept, Melts on Main. Just after the two year anniversary of ownership of Melts on Main, Ashley Morton-Delcourt, rebranded and relocated Melts to make the business completely her own, with the opening of Three Birds Cafe. The inspiration behind the name for Three Birds Cafe came from her family. "The 'Three' comes from myself and my brother and sister," said Ashley, "and the 'Birds' came from a family game we used to play while walking home from school. My mom would look up at all of the birds sitting on a phone line and ask, 'What do you think they are talking about?'" She wanted the cafe to represent a gathering spot, like the phone line for birds.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

This summer, Three Birds Cafe will start selling their new Craft Italian Sodas in flavors like Cucumber Mint, Hibiscus

Lemonade,

Strawberry

Cilantro Aqua Fresca. These refreshing coolers will be served alongside a summer coffee menu and Three Birds Cafe classics like the spicy chicken avocado sandwich, the grilled chicken cranberry wrap, and their popular shareable boards. Other new additions to Three Birds will be the launch of their retail line, including hats, shirts, bags, cups, local honey, coffee, and more! Ashley thanks her local support for her success and ability to move forward with Three Birds Cafe. She regularly partners with other local businesses and brands. In the space where Melts on Main was located, she hosted popups with Piccolo Coffee and hosted Jeff's Bagel Run for their first-ever pop-up! Whether you are taking a stroll down Plant Street or seeking out a fresh and flavorful lunch, be sure to add Three Birds Cafe to your list of "must try" restaurants in Winter Garden!

Three Birds Cafe Interior

Blue Flax Bakery Vegan Carrot Cake

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

S TA RT YOU R SU M M ER A DV E N T U R E S IN THE GR E E N !

WITH INSPIRING GOLF PRO, TONY KEETON

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LARRY H. OSKIN

GET READY TO EXPLORE YOUR SUMMER ADVEN-

With many years of instructional golf experience

TURES! The local Orange County National Golf Center

to teach others, he has worked with many top-ranked

is an open public golf course, while it shares a national

professional players, including PGA Tour winners,

and international reputation as one of the finest profes-

Champions Tour players, state champions, and NCAA

sional golf courses in the world! Tony Keeton is their

Division 1 nationally ranked players. He has also person-

inspiring and celebrated Master Golf Instructor and

ally coached numerous celebrities and national sports

Head of OCN Golf Instruction.

figures. He has many regular local clients as well as

Originally from England, Keeton was inspired by his

others from all over the USA and Canada, some of which

father, who started to play golf with him when he was

he teaches virtually with weekly lessons. Armed with

only 7. His father bought him an 8 iron to play with. Then,

a background of experience and expertise, he remains

his Christmas gift was a full set of golf clubs. From that

passionate to share what he knows with his clients as

point, he started to work at golf courses in the pro shop

they work together to improve their golf games.

while taking lessons and helping run tournaments. He

Keeton notes, “While OCN is already nationally ranked

also quickly became a well-respected golf instructor. He

as one of the best golf courses, I am proud to be helping

began to follow all of the top golfers and tournaments

keep our Orange County National Golf Center on the map.”

while starting to perfect his own swing and game. After

Today, as Head of OCN Golf Instruction, he offers person-

going to the British Open in 1988, he wanted to become

alized golf instruction with basics for beginners, children,

a professional golfer. Keeton became the runner-up at

and less experienced teachers as well as those who are

the National Junior Boy’s Championship in the UK at 17

more advanced. Some are newbie beginners at golf, while

years old. He was ranked as one of the top 10 competitive

others are just aspiring to achieve greatness by winning

amateur junior golfers in England. With an accomplished

golf tournaments, improved swings, and perfected strokes.

junior golf career, Keeton has competed against other

Keeton has an endless array of golf awards and

nationally ranked players such as Justin Rose, Sergio

honors with about ten different diverse golf instruction

Garcia, and Francesco Molinari. He earned a golf schol-

certifications from across the USA. He is a Certified

arship to Campbell University in North Carolina to study

Master Instructor with the United States Golf Teachers

golf and professional golf management.

Federation -- USGTF. He is a Certified Master

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

START YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES IN THE GREEN! (CONTINUED)

Instructor with the Professional Golf Teachers

their swings as well as their strategic mental and

& Coaches of America – PGTCA. He has many

physical game performances.

certifications with the Mitchell Golf Equipment

Keeton shares, “My dad remains my idol. He is

Company. He is also a Certified Plane Truth Golf

the most determined man I have ever met. From

Instructor, which is considered one of the top ten

him, I have learned that to achieve greatness in

best instructional golf institutions.

golf, you must get up early, consistently practice

The Orange County National Golf Center

and continually push yourself to meet all of the

has a variety of exciting new golfing opportu-

many strategic challenges of your golf game. If

nities available for children, teens, and adults.

you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail.” Keeton

Three summer Junior Golf Camps are planned,

further notes how your attitude, breathing, focus,

with registration now open. They have a First

psychology, pre-shot routine and even learning

Tee Program for beginning juniors. The Orange

how to smell the grass … are all important things

County National Golf Center features Florida's

to complement your perfected swing in any

Premier Golf Academy and the largest driving

weather. He adds, “The golf swing is like a signa-

range and practice facility in America. Keeton

ture. No two golf swings are alike. Every student

shares, “With two excellent 18-hole courses,

that I work with is unique. I relish in the task of

you can play the Crooked Cat and the Panther

taking what they have, and together we grow by

Lake championship golf courses. You can come

putting in the missing links.” Keeton also adds, “If

to OCN to play our par-three executive course

you cannot learn by the way I teach, then I will

– The Tooth.” The Orange County National ‘Golf

teach you the way you learn!”

Performance Village’ was created to be a onestop golf destination to improve your game.

Inspired by music and celebrated golfers from a young age, Keeton tried to dress, act and perform

Virtual Success! Keeton notes, “I always

like the great golf role models. He carefully stud-

become more inspired when I see the kids out

ied their every move. He loves his music, wife and

here! I have been teaching one kid online lessons

kids! He has his favorite golf courses to play across

since he was only 6 years old. He just won the

the globe, including Tobacco Road Golf Club in

Texas Junior Open, while beating the current Junior

North Carolina and the challenging courses of the

World Champion.” Keeton has been effectively

British Isles. He notes, “I have learned how to be

teaching an autistic young man who wants to play

outgoing, extroverted and confident while teaching

in the next Special Olympics. Together, they work

these attributes and many others to my client stu-

on how to best take on the mental and physical

dents. Together, we are always smelling the fresh

challenges of the game so that he will be ready for

air, swinging for success, and meeting the many

the national tournament competition. Keeton has

diverse challenges of golf!.”

weekly Facetime appointments for lessons with

(contact Tony Keeton directly at 919-333-9024,

various aged clients, where they review everything

TKeeton@OCNGolf.com, www.TonyKeetonGolf.

from the basics with a complete video review of

com, or www.OCNGolf.com).

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

HOT SPOT

s m o k e’ i n h o t july bbq

SMOKE’IN 28

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

David Betz

TURN THE GRILL YOU ALREADY HAVE INTO A SMOKER!

SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT BEING OUTDOORS, FUN, AND ADVENTURE. By anyone’s measure, quing weekend of the year, according to a recent Statista survey, even above Memorial Day! This year, in the quest to ‘Live Your Best Life,’ we challenge you to step up your barbeque game and move from the normal grilling hotdogs and hamburgers or ‘BBQ’ing’ steaks to smoking a big

“Most people think of smoking meat and believe

piece of meat like a pork shoulder, brisket, or even

that it’s something handled by Professional or

those ribs that you would normally sear-and-

Backyard Pitmasters with these giant or high-

serve! We’ll be the first to admit that smoking

tech rigs; that’s the stereotypical image,” says

isn’t exactly a quick, easy process. It can take a

David Betz (Owner of the pop-up Smoking Soul

few hours (all day or even all night) to get it done

BBQ in Horizon West).” “The result of perfect

just right, and a lot of babysitting can go into it,

BBQ is from the ‘chef’ and not the equipment;

especially when you’re just learning. You may

you can use the grill you already have to produce

think you need a big expensive pellet smoker or

some pretty awesome BBQ.” Betz continues,

a wood-burning smoker with a pile of exotic fruit-

“The real secret to epic BBQ is clean smoke, time,

wood or oak - You don’t!

attention, and quality ingredients.” Mike Mullen (General Manager at The Local Butcher and Market in Winter Garden) agrees, “Really good BBQ starts with really good ingredients and the meat your Butcher helps you pick out (helped along with spices, rubs, etcetera), is the star of the show. You should always buy the highest-grade protein in your budget. In simplest terms, the USDA grades are based on fat marbling and range Select, Choice, and Prime.” Mullen adds, “One of the most affordable beef cuts to smoke right now is USDA Prime beef brisket, but we also have some pretty amazing pork shoulders and ribs that would smoke up pretty well.” “At Smoking Soul, we use ‘Big Sexy,’ our 13-foot trailer base smoker with a 250-gallon cooking chamber; but at home when I’m smoking for family and friends, I use the Webber kettle grill I started with!” says Betz. “To set the grill up; I typically go with the ‘Snake Method’ where you make a wall of charcoal briskets, about as wide as

H OT B B Q

the July 4th weekend is the most popular barbe-

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

your hand and two or three tall in a snake from, let’s say 12-O’clock to 6-o’clock on one side of the grill. About every four to five inches or so on the snake, I lay on a chunk of the wood I’m using to smoke.” Betz added, “for brisket, I like to use oak; for pork butt, a cherry or applewood is great; for chicken or ribs, I like to use hickory or mesquite to get that smokehouse flavor – you can pick up various kinds of wood chunks from your local BBQ supply shop, like Megabyte BBQ Supply in Winter Garden (https://MegaByteBBQ. com / 855-965-2160) and have even seen some options at our local hardware and grocery stores.” The last step to set up your grill as a smoker is to ensure moisture and convection in the cooking space. I use an old loaf pan, right in the middle of the grilling area, filled with water to act as a barrier between the heat source and whatever I’m smoking,” Betz described. “then ditch the lighter fluid and use fire starters to get the charcoal snake lit and let the grill get 225-degree to 250-degree cooking range. You can add charcoal and wood chunks to maintain that temperature during your smoke.” Mullen adds, “now’s a good time to chat about preparing your protein. For brisket, you will want to trim off most of the fat on The Point and spot trim around the brisket. For pork shoulder/butt, you don’t have to really do anything other than don’t ever trim the fat cap; if the shoulder/butt is missing the fat cap, don’t buy it – fat is flavor! For ribs, just remove the silver skin or ask your butcher to do it for you as it can be tricky.” Both Mullen and Betz agree that keeping it simple regarding rubs and seasoning is key when starting out. Betz explains, “I really like Texas Style BBQ where you let the flavor of the smoke and meat shine. For example, I’d suggest a super simple rub of equal parts kosher salt and ground black pepper for brisket. For pork shoulder/butt, chicken, or ribs, you can pick from any number of rubs at your BBQ supply shop or local grocery store; or something fun to do with where you can have some bragging rights is to Google ‘BBQ rub recipe’ and make your own! One thing to remember,” Mike Mullen

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

Betz adds “because pork shoulders/butts and ribs take longer to smoke, try to find a rub for those that

Tanner Mangum, Mike Mullen, Chloe Vrhovac, Liam Clow

have a lower sugar content, so you don’t get a burnt flavor.” Mullen’s adds, “now that we’re ready for the protein to meet the grill, remember fat is flavor and is always top! For brisket, there is a clear top; for pork shoulder/butts, the fat cap is top; for ribs, I start them out with the meat side up.” During the smoke, you will want to maintain the grill’s temperature around 250-degrees by adding charcoal briskets and woodchucks; also, remember to keep water in your water pan. Depending on weight, it can take 1-hour to 2-hours for chicken, 2-hours to 8-hours for ribs, and 12-hours plus for brisket, you will want to keep a close eye on the meat temperature. Betz adds, “I pull the brisket and pork shoulders/butts off the smoker at about 165-degree and wrap them tightly in pink butcher paper (your Butcher can give you extra) as at this point the meat won’t take any more smoke flavors,

“Now it’s time to cut, serve and enjoy the fruits

AND to protect that beautiful bark that formed.”

of your labor!” Betz says. “For brisket, my best

Betz continues, “then I put them in a disposable

tip is to use a sharp knife (or you’ll destroy the

aluminum pan and back on the grill until their done;

bark that formed, and your beautiful brisket will

165-degrees for chicken and 195-degrees for bris-

look like day-old pot roast), cut the point off of the

ket and pork shoulder/butt.”

flat and cube it, cut the flat in even one-half inch

“Now it’s time for The Rest,” adds Mullen. “You’ve

slices against/across the grain. For pulled pork,

heard that letting the meat rest before you cut into

pull apart with a fork or your fingers but don’t

it allows time for the juices to reconstitute, that’s

work the meat too much; I like to see chunks and

correct, but it also gives more time for the fat and

shreds in my pulled pork.”

collagen in the meat to break down, adding more

And there you have it from our pro’s; how to teach

flavor and texture.” Mullen and Betz both agree that

the grill you already have new tricks and claim that

about 15-minutes for chicken and an hour for beef

all-important title of Master Backyard Pitmaster!

and pork is a good bet.

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CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

JULY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

friends find loving homes. The

STAR-SPANGLED WEEKEND CELEBRATION

THE BODYGUARD, THE MUSICAL

course adoptable pups!

3251 Margaritaville Blvd Kissimmee,

Winter Garden, Florida, 34787

FL 34747

'The

Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk

shows live at The Garden Theatre in

to celebrate

Day

Downtown Winter Garden from July

Weekend with two days of live music

9, 2021, through August 1, 2021. Visit

and entertainment, followed by a

www.gardentheatre.org for tickets.

Independence

event is open to the public and will have live music, family fun, and of

160 W Plant Street,

Bodyguard,

The

musical'

fireworks display on Sunday, the 4th of July, at 9:30 p.m. This event has free admission and will host ten live bands and DJs.

4 FREE 4TH OF JULY PANCAKE BREAKFAST IN WINDERMERE

17 THE WINE TOUR AT THE GROVE WINDERMERE

4750-4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere, FL 34786, 1pm - 5pm

Explore interesting wines and cham-

CAR & TRUCK SHOW AT THE PROMENADE AT SUNSET WALK

During this Progressive Wine Tasting

pagnes as you walk around The Grove Shopping Center in Windermere. event, you may sample up to 15 wines

3251 Margaritaville Blvd Kissimmee,

from the featured 50 wines at host

FL 34747

locations around the center (http://

Classic car and truck collectors from

read.wg.life/TheGroveWine).

all eras will showcase their vehicles at the Promenade at Sunset Walk.

W 6th Ave, Windermere, FL 34786, 9am - 11am

The

Town

Windermere

excited to announce the return of the annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. To celebrate this year, the pancake breakfast is FREE!

11 2ND SUNDAY'S DOG RESCUE 426 W Plant Street,

Winter Garden, Florida, 34787

Would you like to get in touch with

Join the Crooked Can Brewing

us? We would love to hear from you!

Company in their Cause for Paws on

the second Sunday of each month

WinterGarden using the Get In Touch

to help a few of their four-legged

link and let us know what you think.

Home Inspections Pool Leak Detection and Location Service

Inspection Services: • Pool Leak • Pre-Purchase • New Construction • Insurance • Builders Warranty • Air Quality

Because Experience Makes a Difference 32

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

Call Us Now! 407-319-4608 cliorlando.com

REALTY REPORT

Windermere

Winter Garden

NEIGHBORHOOD

WINTER GARDEN & WINDERMERE REALTY REPORT

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Isles of Lake Hancock

$1,799,000

$1,900,000

106%

Deer Island

$1,550,000

$1,570,000

101%

Stoneybrook West

$850,000

$900,000

106%

Signature Lakes

$739,000

$780,000

106%

3.5

Lake Avalon Groves

$779,000

100%

4.5

Stanton Estates

$775,000

$769,000

99%

Cypress Reserve

$678,000

$663,000

98%

3.5

Glynwood

$560,000

$601,000

107%

Summerlake

$550,000

100%

2.5

Harbor Isle

$1,750,000

$1,625,000

93%

Windermere Club

$1,199,000

$1,240,000

103%

4.5

Casa Del Lago

$949,999

$950,000

100%

3.5

Keenes Pointe

$829,000

100%

Manors at Butler Bay

$819,000

$850,000

104%

Tuscany Ridge

$809,000

$824,000

102%

4.5

Enclave

$740,000

$765,000

103%

Windermere Trails

$679,900

$675,000

99%

4.5

This data is a sampling of sold properties from April 23 - to May 21. Source: MLS

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CULINARY CREATIONS

SUMMER CHARCUTERIE I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M WINTER GARDEN CH E E S E BOAR D’S GINA MCNEIL WINTER

GARDEN

LOCAL

AND

CHARCUTERIE

EXTRAORDINAIRE GINA MCNEIL IS THE OWNER OF WINTER GARDEN CHEESEBOARDS. You may have seen some of her dazzling designs at gatherings, parties, or on social media. We sat down with Gina to talk about summer-inspired boards, perfect for holiday celebrations and the warmer summer weather.

Red, White, and Bleu Board

ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ

"When I think of a summer board," said Gina, "I imagine a

pairing with white wine." Her go-to summer board includes cantaloupe melon balls, mozzarella, fresh basil, and prosciutto. For a festive board, Gina incorporates our national colors into a Red, White, and Bleu themed board with aged cheddar in a red wax coating, gouda, bleu cheese, and berries! You can contact Gina and find all of her inspiring edible designs on social media @WinterGardenCheeseBoards and WGCheeseboards.com.

Winter Garden Lifestyle | July 2021

Summer Inspired Board

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