Vol. 4, Issue 1, January 2015
Your neighborhood. Your magazine. The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 15,000 Homes In Westchase & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
“Knowledge, experience and services to fit your dog, your style, your Dogism!”
Dogism owners Jason and Renee Russell, with Luey and Bailey
The Great Spiedini – A Family Affair Bringing a Unique Flavor to Westchase Having launched in August 2014, The Great Spiedini Family Grill is still in its infancy. Co-owner Rick Swartwood’s vision for the restaurant however is decades old. As a child, Rick grew up enjoying the Italian goodness of Spiedies and as early as his late teens, even planned out the concept of how this Triple Cities’ (Binghamton, Johnson City, and Endicott area of upstate New York) ethnic favorite might be appreciated in other areas of the country. The term "spiedie" comes from the Italian spiedo meaning spit or spiedini referring to cubes or balls of meat
cooked on a skewer. Rick explained, “In The Triple Cities, a Spiedie is a sandwich made with flame-grilled cubed meat on skewers that is served with a slice of Italian bread.” Though a Spiedie is a recipe that sounds simple, it requires the perfect marinade, a certain quality of meat, and just the right amount of time on the searing flame to make it flawless. After relocating to the Tampa Bay
Celtic Day Spa Correction............3 Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center.......................4-5 Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms.............................8-9 Tampa Rejuvenation.......12-13 Sweeties By Mili.............16-17
area in 1999 Rick and his wife Karen found what all of those who left the friendly valleys of upstate New York before them - no Spiedies. And with See “Great Spiedini” on page 20
ECRWSS
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Postal Customer
See “Dogism” on page 18.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
You are unique, your dog is unique and your relationship with your dog is one-of-a-kind. There is a place in Oldsmar where your unique relationship with your dog is celebrated. Dogism is a training facility that offers classes including agility
training, as well as offering doggy daycare and self-bathing stations. Plus, the retail store is dog-gone stylish with fun finds for your pup and the essentials that he or she needs. Dogism supports your individual philosophy on what your dog means to you and is different in that the
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Katie Thomas
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Alexis Selby
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Celtic Day Spa Article Correction A correction to Celtic Day Spa’s article published in the December edition of the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles: Celtic Day Spa is conveniently nestled in the professional center behind Publix, off Countryway Blvd at 12181 West Linebaugh Avenue, and not behind Publix on Racetrack Road (as incorrectly stated in last month’s magazine.) Sorry if this mistake caused any confusion. In addition to their fabulous spa services, Celtic Day Spa also sells TreSkinRX skin care products online, allowing you to maintain beautiful skin in the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in trying out TreskinRX’s revolutionary skin
care products, I definitely recommend you sampling their trial kits. For a limited time, trial kits of the skin care products are being sold for $9.99 online at www.annettemcphee.com. Choose from normal, oily or clearskin (acne) skin type.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Celtic Day Spa is located in the professional center behind Publix, off Countryway Blvd at 12181 West Linebaugh Avenue. For more information on spa services please call (813) 279-8281 or visit www.celticdayspa.com.
Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: alexis@nnlflorida.com © 2015 Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Viega Mike Bird Jared Nager Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker
Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach
Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center Your Local Back Pain Specialists! By Alexis Selby Revolutionizing the way physical therapists care for their patients, Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center, previously called Westchase Physical Therapy & Medical Supply, is setting the precedence for quality patient care. Providing oneon-one attention to each and every patient in a nurturing, encouraging environment, the veteran staff at Westchase Physical Therapy takes a hands-on approach to back pain and injury. Offering guidance, support and therapy every step of the way, each member of the staff is devoted to you and your recovery. Westchase Physical Therapy is a one-stop-shop for all your therapy needs. They offer post-op rehab, sports injury therapy, neurological rehab, occupational therapy, and therapy for hand and upper limb injuries. Whether you suffer from a minor injury or severe back pain, Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center is your key to recovery!
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Meet The New Owners Taking over ownership as of March of this year, husband and wife team John and Roisin Magee have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the health care industry and have made it their mission to help their patients to overcome pain and injury and lead a healthy, pain-free life. Born and raised in Ireland, the Magees moved to Florida in hopes of bringing to the area an advanced spinal technology that has helped thousands of their patients in Ireland to get rid of their neck and back pain. Specializing in back and neck pain, as well as sports-related injuries, John has an honors degree in Physical Therapy and has treated numerous international athletes from around the world. Roisin, has an honors degree in
Occupational Therapy and specializes in upper limb injuries, as well as orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Suffering from back pain at an early age, John knows all too well the debilitating effects that back pain can cause. He first started experiencing back pain at the age of 14. “I got very frustrated, depressed and angry with my body and became obsessed with trying to ‘fix’ my back,” says John. “I began to study the spine and back pain in great detail.” By the age of 18, John had tried every treatment known to man; Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Nutritionists etc. Some of these treatments worked for a short time, but his pain always returned. John says, “Due to my obsessive interest in back pain I decided to be-
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John Magee demonstrates the Bionic Hand come a Physical Therapist and studied Physical Therapy in my home country (Ireland). During my time as a student Physical Therapist I became aware of a back pain machine that was helping people throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. After a few sessions
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with this machine I could not believe the difference it made; I was pain free and began playing sports again without limitation for the first time in years. I was amazed!”
The Bionic Hand This life-changing machine John is referring to is the Theraflex, also known as the Bionic Hand. The first of its kind in Florida, the Bionic Hand is a back pain therapy machine that has been helping back pain sufferers in Europe for the past decade. “Very safe and effective, it is basically just an extension of the therapist’s hand,” says
John, who has been using the machine for the past seven years at his practice in Ireland, and now instructs and teaches the physical therapists at Westchase Physical Therapy in how to use this state-of-the-art machine. John says, “When you go to a therapist for treatment, typically they use their hands to loosen up your back and relax your muscles. The issue with that is, the joints in the spine are a lot bigger and the vertebra sit very deep and are covered by about 1 1/2 inches of muscle, so it is very difficult to get to with just your thumbs.” Invented in Europe, the Bionic
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Hand is a revolutionary technological breakthrough that allows therapists to get deep inside the joints and loosen the bones and muscles in the back and is something that can do the job longer, faster and more effectively then hands alone. The first of its kind in Florida, John is very proud to bring this amazing Theraflex machine to Florida. John says, “I started a single practice all by myself in Ireland, and within two years it became the largest physical therapy practice in Ireland. I had patients coming from hundreds of miles away and other countries; I even had patients who would fly from the United States to Ireland to come see me. One of the reasons I came here was to bring this new technology to Florida. I know it will help tremendously in getting rid of back pain and stiffness in our patients.” “I lost the power in my left shoulder and could barely through a jab let alone fight 240lb Olympic boxing gold medalist,” says Heavyweight Boxing Champion Martin Rogan. “My back was also killing me every time I ran and was contemplating canceling the fight. After a few sessions, my shoulder power had returned and running was no longer a problem. I went on to beat the Heavyweight Olympic Champion and claimed the Heavyweight Commonwealth title in my next fight. The Bionic Hand helped give me back the tools of my trade and for that I am extremely grateful. The more people that know about this magnificent treatment the better!” Meant to accompany the use of the therapist’s hands and not replace them, the skilled therapists at Westchase Physical Therapy take an
active approach to caring for their patients and use hands on manual therapy, giving the patient as much one on one hands-on treatment as possible. Instead of rushing patients in and out, the physical therapists at Westchase Physical Therapy take the necessary time with their patients, making sure they are given the attention they need, in hopes of optimizing their treatment and allowing them the opportunity to maximize their recovery. A testament to their hands-on approach, the newest member of their elite team, Corey Verostick, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, surely has brought something unique to the Westchase Physical Therapy team. A doctor of physical therapy and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Dr. Verostick holds the prestigious honor of being one of the few manual therapy fellows in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Verostick is accompanied by Occupational therapist Roisin Magee, Physical therapist Dina Traficante, Physical Therapy Assistant Grant Plumely and Massage Therapist Kara Jones. Together, this knowledgeable, skilled staff is dedicated to helping their patients overcome their injury and pain and get back on track to living a healthy, pain-free life! Did you know, physical therapy is usually covered by insurance? Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center is registered with over 800 insurance companies, including the “Big 6” – United, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tri Care, Aetna, Humana and Cigna. So, if you are suffering from back pain or need therapy for any injury, contact Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center. Westchase Physical Therapy & Back Pain Center has two locations to better serve you. Their main location is at 12625 Race Track Road in Westchase and their satellite office is located at 4937 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. For their Westchase location please call (813) 3433960. To reach the Lutz office, call (813) 443-4716. Hours are Mon. Fr. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. For additional info visit their website at www.WestchaseTherapy.com or email your questions to bionichandbackcare@gmail.com.
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Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms By Marcy Sanford Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms offers you the best of both worlds – personalized, individual design help for your remodeling needs and an extensive selection of cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures to meet all budgets and styles. If you’re thinking of remodeling this year, Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms can help make your dreams a reality. Owner and designer Cheryl Colvin has worked in the kitchen and bath industry for more than 25 years and uses her experience and knowledge to help turn her clients’ remodeling visions into beautiful and functional rooms. Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms showroom is located at 33478 US Highway 19 N in Palm Harbor. You can visit the showroom to get ideas or set up an appointment for Cheryl to come to your home to talk to you about all the wonderful possibilities available for your remodel. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms on our project,” says Edwin Rivera. “I can’t believe how
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smooth everything ran and how thrilled I am in having used Personal Touch Kitchens for my remodel. Their attention to detail and to total customer satisfaction is commendable. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a referral.”
Cabinets for Every Style, Room, & Budget Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms sells many different brands of cabinetry to meet any storage or remodeling issue you’re facing. Most of the lines are made in the U.S.A. and all come with a lifetime warranty. Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms has standard cabinets but can also provide custom cabinets to fit unique or unusual spaces. Some come with features that might surprise you, like a lift-up door that can be used to hide toiletries, medicine bottles, hair dryers, and other accessories that clutter bathroom counters. Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms can find cabinets for every space in your kitchen so that there is no wasted space and allow you to be able to find the pot, pan, spice, or
dish you’re looking for with ease. “If you haven’t renovated your kitchen since you moved into your home, it may be time,” says Cheryl. “Many standard kitchens have awkward, cheap cabinetry that makes it difficult for people to get to the items they need when they are cooking. We will help you get a kitchen that looks beautiful and is more functional.” Cheryl says that cabinets can give you much needed storage in any
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If you are thinking about remodeling this year, Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms can help make your dreams a reality! room and a quick look around the Personal Touch Kitchens and Bathrooms showroom gives you an idea of how versatile and helpful cabinets can be in any room in your home. With Cheryl’s help you can have a beautiful, custom built-in entertainment center or extra storage to help keep a child’s room neat. If you have a home office or mudroom, you can also get
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
valuable storage custom-made for those rooms from Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms. In addition to Cheryl, designer Kimberly McMann, who has more than 13 years of kitchen design experience, is available to help you realize your remodeling visions. With these ladies helping you out, you can get a kitchen that will truly be the best room in your house or a bathroom that will become your own personal
retreat. Whatever space you want remodeled or wherever you need more storage, give Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms a call and they will give you a free design consultation to help make your vision become a reality. “I try to help people find ways to save money every step of the way with their remodels,” says Cheryl. “We help our customers find solutions to their remodeling needs that are within their budget.”
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
“I can highly recommend Personal Touch Kitchens and especially Cheryl Colvin for remodeling jobs,” says Jan Wiesler. “I wanted a new kitchen and baths, but since I travel so much, was having trouble figuring out how to get it all scheduled. Cheryl coordinated all the work and kept in touch with us along the way regarding progress and what to expect. She also kept in touch with contractors to make sure they worked around our schedule and everything went very smoothly. The results are beautiful and I am happy with my new cabinets, granite, and flooring. The high level of service and commitment from Personal Touch Kitchens has been evident from the beginning and I believe anyone would experience great value from hiring them.” Cheryl and Kim are committed to helping their clients every step of the way. “We can do as little or as much as needed,” says Cheryl. “We have many skilled contractors we work with or we can recommend ones and let the client oversee the project. We want to work with our clients to ensure they get the remodel that they want at a budget they can afford. Each remodeling project is different and so we make sure our clients get the individual, personal at-
tention they deserve so they are happy when their remodel is complete.” Personal Touch Kitchens & Bathrooms is located in the Palm Harbor Commons near Nebraska Avenue at 33478 US Highway 19 N. They are open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and by appointment. You can also schedule a free in-home design consultation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.ptkitchens.com or call Cheryl at (813) 777-5947 or Kim at (508) 840-6764.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Aging is a Part of Life, but it Does Not Mean You Have to Feel Old!!! By Marcy Sanford The way we feel, the way we think, the way we heal, the way we look is all dictated by our body’s hormones. If you’ve had difficulty losing weight, often feel sluggish, have lost your sex drive or are starting to see signs of aging, Tampa Rejuvenation can help.
Stop the Negative Signs of Aging “As you get older, both men and women begin to lose levels of estrogen and testosterone,” says Gina Pastore, ARNP-MSN, board certified antiaging specialist. “Undiagnosed thyroid conditions can also cause a hormonal imbalance. With bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, we run a full screen of lab tests on a blood or saliva sample to determine if hormone levels have declined. A compound pharmacy then creates hormones that are identical to the ones found within your body. The purpose is to establish hormonal balance, which will help you regain your energy, stamina, even your body’s ability to lose weight. As hormones start to rebalance, some patients are able to cut back and in some cases even stop other medications such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and sleep medications.” Depending upon the patients’ lifestyles, methods of administration can be customized to a cream, trochee, capsule, injection or even pellets. “There is no reason to accept the negative effects of aging,” says Tampa Rejuvenation client Carol. “At 35 years old I began noticing changes in
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At Tampa Rejuvenation, a qualified staff of professionals are ready to help you look and feel rejuvenated! my body and the way I felt. I gained 20 pounds, was always tired, and my desire for sex disappeared. I went to several doctors and they told me I was normal and that what I was feeling is part of normal aging. I have been on Tampa Rejuvenation’s amazing program for 3 months and lost 18 pounds and feel great. I am back to my revitalized self.” Tampa Rejuvenation client Allen says, “Who would have ever thought a man would need hormone replacement therapy at 38. I knew I had lost something. When I read the symptoms of Andropause, I thought they were talking about me. Hormone replacement therapy has changed my life.” Gina says that hormones can become imbalanced at any age and that
she sees patients as young as 20, and up to their late 70s. She says, “Hormonal imbalance can be caused by aging, genetics, lifestyle factors, stress or even trauma/injury to the body that can affect the endocrine glands that produce or regulate hormones. At Tampa Rejuvenation, not only do we look at our patients’ lab results, but we also take the time to talk to them about the symptoms and problems they are experiencing so that we can develop individualized treatments.” Tampa Rejuvenation is a proud member of Forever Health. Gina is one of the only two providers in the Tampa Bay area with this distinction. Suzanne Somers, a supporter of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy says, “Thanks to BHRT I enjoy
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robust health, balanced hormones, strong bones, and the energy of someone half my age.”
Lose Weight and Gain a Healthier, Happier Life Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, Tampa Rejuvenation’s Weight Loss Programs are custom designed and monitored by a physician to help you reach your goal. Every program includes a nutritional plan that is easy to follow, with recipes and workouts emailed to you every morning, medication to help increase the amount of fat you lose and decrease your cravings, and personalized workouts to help you gain muscle and keep the weight off. At Tampa Rejuvenation you’ll get
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one-on-one counseling, not only from the practitioners, but their on-staff program coordinators who are required to have a college degree in nutrition or exercise science. Tampa Rejuvenation even has an app to help you keep track of your weight loss and goals as well as how many calories you’ve consumed for a day versus how many you need to burn. If you’re ready to make a positive change this New Year for a healthier, happier you, visit Tampa Rejuvenation for a no cost consultation to see how they can help you get your youthful energy and vitality back. Tampa Rejuvenation has four
clinics in the Tampa Bay Area, North Tampa, South Tampa, Brandon and the Oldsmar / Westchase office. The Oldsmar / Westchase Clinic is located in the Covington Professional Park at 13648 West Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa (right past the intersection of Racetrack Road and Hillsborough Ave.) and can be reached at (813) 749-7550. Hours for this location are Mon. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wed. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Fri. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The other locations offer varying days and hours. For more information and other locations, please call (888) 865-8370.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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By Alexis Selby Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Lucky for you, because the perfect sweet treat is closer than ever and more heavenly than you can possibly imagine! Showcasing a deliciously delectable selection of desserts and pastries, Sweeties By Mili has just what you need to knock out your sugar craving! Their pre-made selection of desserts includes truffles, cookies, chocolates, cakes, croissants, brownies, cupcakes, ice cream, coffee, real-fruit smoothies and everything in between. They also make custom deserts and cakes, such as those for specials events, weddings and birthdays and offer a light café-style lunch menu with a nice selection of
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croissant sandwiches, which are served alongside their soup of the day. “Baking has always been my passion and this is the reason why I decided to become a pastry chef,” says owner Milouska Kennis. “Since I was a child, I have always loved to bake. Everybody in my family bakes; my mother; my grandmother. Although I earned my pastry chef certificate at The Notter School of Pastry Arts in Orlando, my interest in baking started back when I was in my birth country, Peru.” Coming up with the name and the logo with the help of her son Jaime, Mili runs the café alongside her mother Isabel and daughter Stephanie, who have helped bring her vision to life. Styled like a posh, upscale French
café, you’ll feel as if you just stepped off the streets in France into an elegant local patisserie. Drawing inspiration from her French and Italian roots, Mili’s menu of sweet treats is a fabulous reflection of her rich heritage, and combining her Peruvian upbringing with her unique family recipes and what she has learned in school, Mili puts her own little twist on some classic favorites to bring you authentic, one-of-a-kind desserts that are sure to tantalize your taste buds! Mili adds, “Previous to attending The Notter School of Pastry Arts, I had knowledge of Peruvian-style baking, cakes, and desserts. I have incorporated this previous knowledge to what I have learned in school, making
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my repertoire of recipes larger, more varied, and fresher.” A quick look among their alluring selection of sweets and your mouth is guaranteed to start watering with anticipation. Everything on their menu is made from scratch and the quality ingredients used really makes a difference in the taste! On my previous visit I had Mili pick out some of her favorites for me to try. Bringing out a plate with a few selections, I started with the French cookie – a recipe passed down from her great grandmother. Crumbly on the outside and moist on the inside, this delicious cookie has an even better surprise in the middle – a yummy layer of homemade dulce de leche. A great little snack, the French cookies are the perfect portion size for those who want a little bit of sweet. Like truffles? Hand-made by Mili herself, her bakery showcases a fabulous selection of truffles, including a huge customer favorite – her rum truffles. Made with a blend of rum and chocolate, the creamy consistency and rich flavor of the rum truffle is oh-so good, making it a must try on your next visit to Sweeties By Mili. The last item I sampled was, Mili’s dulce de leche flavored cupcake. Made with handspun sweet butter
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
cream atop a vanilla cupcake, this cupcake is so moist it literally melts in your mouth and the butter cream icing is absolutely heavenly. Looking for a different flavor? Sweeties by Mili has a wonderful selection of cupcakes, for every taste and preference, which are displayed in the front case. Seeing that it was lunchtime I had to try one of her tempting caféstyle sandwiches – I opted for the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant. It was so tasty! You could taste the freshness of the croissant, and the chicken salad was flavorful and delicious and paired perfectly with the buttery flavor of the warm croissant. The sandwich was served alongside their soup of the day – cream of celery – which was really good. Oh, did I mention I have a huge
sweet tooth? That being said, of course I couldn’t just leave without getting some more sweets for the road. Not to mention my husband would be super upset if I didn’t bring him back one of her homemade, realchocolate ganache brownies – wow was it good! You could taste the different in that it was actually made with real chocolate and not just cocoa powder. Whether you are just stopping by to grab a little treat or would like a one-of-a-kind custom cake or chocolates that will really wow your guests at your next party or event, Sweeties By Mili is sure to impress! So stop by today and treat yourself to a little taste of bliss! Sweeties By Mili is located next to Mellow Mushroom at 11961 Sheldon Rd. in Tampa. Hours are Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. For more info or to set up an appointment for a custom cake please call (813) 298.0492, (407) 694.2660, or e-mail SweetiesByMili@aol.com. Additional information can be found on their website at www.SweetiesByMili.com or their Facebook page.
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“Dogism” Continued from page 1 trainers try to communicate and understand the animals on both sides of the leash. How do you want your relationship with your dog to be? The team at Dogism can help you maintain your individual style in dog ownership in a fun atmosphere that is filled with dog-friendly fun, learning and games! Dogism owners Renee and Jason Russell, who are owned and inspired by their two beautiful Vizslas, Luey and Bailey, began working and training in the world of competitive dog sports with their first Vizsla. Renee says, “We loved the obedience and agility in competitions, it was a ton of fun, but very time consuming. Our idea for Dogism stemmed from our love of training without the strict time consuming schedule of competition. We knew we wanted a place that would offer all the fun with training that everyone could enjoy with their dogs!” Renee is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and an AKC Evaluator, while Jason is a Psych graduate. Both Jason and Renee practice positive reinforcement training, which is largely
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based upon the renowned work of psychologists Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner. The couple has been competing for more than six years and their Vizslas have earned multiple AKC titles in Agility, Obedience and Field Work. Luey is even a certified therapy dog! Jason and Renee share the mission to provide fun and easy dog time at Dogism. They have built Dogism to be a multi-service facility where you can achieve balance and simplicity and enjoy life with your dog. Tail Wagging Training Dogism offers training in obedience for puppies and adult dogs. And, they will even help train you to become a better dog owner! With a flexible schedule that includes evening and weekend classes, the Dogism team makes it easy to work on doggie behavioral issues, even for those with the busiest schedules. “We understand that life is busy and complicated enough,” says Renee. “Our mission here is to provide flexible courses that cater to you and your pups needs.” Training classes at Dogism are kept small in size, so you can work on the individual needs of your dog. Your trainer will find out what behaviors you need to work on with your dog
and will address your individual concerns and specifications. The Dogism training philosophy is to create a learning environment that caters to how you want to train your dog. Everyone has diverse ideas on the relationship they want with their pet and the Dogism trainers are here to help you hone in on the best ways to help you accomplish the goals you have for your best friend! Advanced registration is available for all training classes and you will need to provide your dogs shot records. Bring a five or six foot leash to class, your dogs favorite treats and a
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fun attitude with a willingness to learn with your dog by your side and you will be prepped and ready for the best training classes around! Agility Training Agility courses are a great way to have fun with your dog, implement training and is a healthy release for your pup’s excess energy – plus it’s a great workout for you too! Dogism’s classes include Introduction to Equipment, Beginner Agility and Fungility courses that will help you build your own self-confidence as well as your dogs!
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Introduction to Equipment introduces the agility equipment to you and your dog, while going over basic safety rules. You will learn proper execution for each piece of agility training equipment as a handler and your dog will learn to use each piece with practice, practice, practice! These classes are offered on Thursdays and Saturdays as continuous classes, which means you can start at any time! The Beginner Agility program is designed for you as a handler. Your dog can feel your confidence and comfort with agility equipment and training will go much smoother when
you are fully confident and versed in the workings of agility handling. You will learn to guide your dog around the course with crosses, signing and signals that are all based on body language. Your dog and you will be learning a language that will create a bond of trust and understanding during this course! Classes are offered on Fridays and Saturdays, as session classes, and your dog must be at least one year old to join. Fungility classes at Dogism are for all levels and are suggested “for the dog and handler who feel confident in their abilities.” Different courses are set up every week, from basic to advanced, offering a continuous challenge and learning experience for you and your dog! The Fungility course is open every Thursday and Saturday. Doggie Day Care Many dog owners will agree that
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
a tired dog is a good dog. Dogism offers a different kind of daycare that is scheduled and well planned, so your dog gets structure, fun and training while you are away for the day. Each daycare class has a limit for the number of dogs allowed in to ensure that each dog is receiving a lot of attention. Trained staff will supervise your dog at all times and will learn his or her preferences, whether it is a favorite place to be scratched or a certain eating time to eat. Basic training methods are used and there is a scheduled rest time, as well as treat time, outside time and play area time. Small and big dogs have completely separate areas for safety and all dogs are required to undergo a behavioral evaluation before entering daycare classes to ensure that everyone can get along in the pack! DIY Doggie Bathing & Tail Waggin’ Retail! Bathing at Dogism is the best! Bring in your dirty dog, use Dogism’s premium supplies, save yourself some back pain, make a mess and leave with a fresh-smelling, clean pup! Dogism offers large, raised grooming tubs, complete with ramps for large dogs and sitting shelves for small dogs. Supplies include specialty shampoos that
will nourish your dog’s coat and skin, plus brushes, towels, ear wipes and nail clippers are on-hand, as well as your pick of bandannas or bows to show off your dogs fresh new look! Dogism’s retail store stocks collars, leashes, food, treats, toys and more. You will find training tools, ecofriendly toys, safe treats and dog-approved merchandise. If you want something special, Dogism will try to find it and order it in. All of the items in Dogism’s retail store are products that they would use on their own dogs – the best of the best! The Dogism retail store is open 10 a.m. –9 p.m. on Mon. – Thurs., and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fri. and Sat.; and noon–5 p.m. on Sun. DIY Dog Bathing is open during retail hours. Dogism Daycare hours are 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on Mon. – Fri. Evaluations are held by appointment only on Monday and Wednesday at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. All dogs over 6 months must be spayed or neutered. Dogism is located at 110 Pine Avenue South in Oldsmar. For a complete calendar of events, training classes, or more information, please visit www.dogism.com or call (813) 854-3647 (DOGS).
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“Great Spiedini” Continued from page 1 that, the quest for the perfect Spiedie marinade began. After years of trials (and numerous tweaks based on feedback from family and friends), the Swartwood Spiedie marinade began to take shape. That culinary seed that had been planted decades ago in upstate New York had found root in Tampa Bay, Florida. Having been urged on by those who had become familiar with his Spiedies and with newly found time on his hands, Rick and his son Tony, who has a food-service background, began talking about what it would take to bring Spiedies to the Tampa Bay area. “We knew we had to test it out and do some sort of proof of concept before going too far,” Rick said. So in January 2013 The Swartwood’s began introducing Spiedies to the Tampa Bay area at Farmers Markets and music events using the name Rick had in his back pocket for years, The Great Spiedini. At one of the larger events, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival, Rick’s personal favorite, the Shrimp Spiedini, took second place. “It was the first
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time we had ever used the marinade on seafood” said Rick. That win, coupled with the public’s consistent positive reception, gave the Swartwood’s confidence to take the concept to the next, more permanent step. Combining the human resources skills of his wife, culinary talents The Great Spiedini offers a variety of fresh options on of his son, and Rick’s optheir fabulous menu. erations and financial background, the Swartwood’s began the ardueight themed finishes as well as your ous process of planning the launch of choice of an Amoroso roll, a wheat restaurant. wrap, or having your sandwich plated After careful consideration, the over a bed of Romaine lettuce. location in the Westchase Shopping If a patron chooses the traditional Plaza, 9648 West Linebaugh Avenue Spiedie – either pork or chicken – he was chosen, partly because they were will find himself enjoying the most flainspired by the successes of the two vorful, moistest and tender perfectly other well-known establishments grilled cubes of skewered meat. founded there – Burger 21 and Though the deluxe choices range World of Beer. from savory favorites such as the Eighteen months from hopeful Greek, the Philly, the Buffalo, and the vision to brick and mortar reality, Rick Marsala, I recommend you try the traand family opened The Great Spiedini ditional first. And, make sure you eat Family Grill in Westchase. the Italian bread that sops up the Here, guests can enjoy traditional marinade deliciousness. Triple Cities Spiedies or a deluxe verThey can also savor Spiedini Marision that can be jazzed up with one of nated Options including the restau-
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rant’s signature Steak Sandwich with mushrooms, cherry peppers, onions, and American cheese to his mouthwatering Shrimp Spiedini. The Great Spiedini’s menu doesn’t exclude the vegetarian. One of the most popular sandwiches is their Spiedini Marinated Portobello that is grilled and topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, alfalfa sprouts, and pesto sauce and served on a toasted ciabatta roll. If a guest chooses to order Rick’s favorite option, the Shrimp Spiedini, be prepared to never order anything else but that meal again and again. This scrumptious appetizer features six succulent shrimp, freckled with pepper
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
and other spices nestled a top a spring mix and decorated with a lemon. Take a moment to breathe in the wonderful aroma before indulging in this delicious seared seafood. Your taste buds will be treated to a flavorful marinade – that Rick will never reveal – with a short-lasting bite of heat. “The secret is in the marinade,” said Rick. “It brings out incredible flavors in our offerings and we add just a dab of heat to serve as a pleasant little side effect.” Other non-meat options include salads like the Strawberry Mango Kale Salad with kale, strawberries, mango,
sliced almonds, avocado and feta cheese, complemented by a mango vinaigrette or the Caprese Tomato Stack with sweet yellow tomatoes, red tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh chopped basil topped with a vinaigrette made from vinegar and oils from fellow Westchase merchant, The Olive Tree. The Great Spiedini also offers deep-fried chicken wings made 5 different ways – Naked, BBQ, Medium, Hot, or for the brave soul, Ass-Troid, with a Garlic Parmesan offering on the way. In a short time, the Great Spiedini wings have already been dubbed,
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
“the best in Westchase” and to some, the best in Tampa Bay. The Swartwood’s are excited to introduce Spiedie sandwiches and their Spiedini Marinated counterparts to a new state and brings a little bit of home to Westchase’s Triple Cities transplants and seasonal snowbirds. On January 24, The Great Spiedini will be hosting a mixer for Spiedie Lovers “from upstate New York to Tampa Bay.” Not only will the mixer feature Spiedies, but also a classic favorite side dish – salt potatoes smothered in butter and garnished with parsley and thyme. And let’s not forget the upstate favorites, Genesee Cream Ale and Red Cat Wine. Besides bringing a unique Italian immigrant flavor profile to the Westchase community, Rick promises a family friendly atmosphere, a well balanced kids menu, along with a mix of music and sports and “the nicest patio in Westchase.” “The Great Spiedini is kind of melting pot in its own right,” explained Rick. “Mom and Dad can come in on Saturday and enjoy a meal and sip on a glass of wine while the kids hang out in the Bounce House. We also have live entertainment on Saturday’s as well as seven TV’s that
are tuned to follow the Tampa and New York sports scenes, particularly Buffalo and Syracuse.” Monday is Kid’s Day at The Great Spiedini, followed by Traditional Tuesday, Wing Wednesday and Burger Thursday. Friday and Saturday are open to chef’s discretion and Sunday guests can enjoy specials on buckets of their favorite bottled beer and wings. The Great Spiedini also features a full catering menu for events large or small. The Swartwood’s long-term goal is to develop franchises for their unique brand of offerings. But for now, Rick is more than satisfied with working hard at The Great Spiedini and enjoying time in his family business and taking it one step at a time The Great Spiedini is located at 9648 West Linebaugh Avenue in Westchase. They are open Mon. – Fri. 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. The patio is pet-friendly and the restaurant features Happy Hour – 50% Off Beer and Wine Mon. – Thur. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m. with an early Friday Happy Hour beginning at 4 p.m. For additional info please call (813) 749-7522 or visit www.TheGreatSpiedini.com.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles