Vol. 3, Issue 10, October 2014
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
Fresh Bites
Mediterranean Restaurant
The Lamb Kabob dinner plate, served with rice, roasted potatoes, hummus, a generous portion of salad and a side of pita bread is absolutely amazing!
Give Your Child a New Love of Learning at Brain Balance Achievement Center of Tampa! By Julie Kanehl
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Raise Money For ALS..................3 a program, it offers proven results. The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Tampa, located at 4022 Tampa Road in Oldsmar, is one of more than 50 Brain Balance Centers in the nation that offer an individualized program that includes nutrution, sensory motor coaching and academic skill improvement. Employing Florida Certified Teachers who have impressive resumes See “Brain Balance” on page 18
Community Calendar/News....4-5 Celtic Day Spa.......................8-9 Dining Contest...............12-13 Galeano Orthodontics....14-15
ECRWSS
More children are diagnosed with a learning, cognitive or processing disorder every day, and modern medicine’s only approach thus far has been for children to take pills that have numerous side effects. Brain Balance Achievement Centers take a whole-child approach that is personalized and focused on finding the root cause, instead of masking the symptoms. For parents who have children who struggle with these issues, Brain Balance offers more than
Postal Customer
Brain Balance Achievement Centers have changed the way that children who face learning challenges become successful. The proven strategies used are completely customized to your child and help them to exercise their brains, the way we exercise our bodies! Brain Balance helps children who have ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disabilities or Processing Disorders, to work beyond those challenges and become more successful socially, developmentally and cognitively.
Win Dining Gift Certificates! Enter Dining Contest on Pages 12-13!
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Whether you have come for the deliciously fresh Mediterranean cuisine, or the welcoming atmosphere and wonderful company, there are so may reasons to visit Fresh Bites in Westchase. And, if you have come just for the food, you will not be disappointed – their food is phenomenal! But, chances are you will leave with so much more than a full stomach; you will also leave with some great new friends – I definitely did after my last visit! Local Westchase residents, the Khalifes, truly are such an amazing
family and owners Samir and Anissa, along with their four children, Joey, Melissa, Diana and Joyce, have done an extraordinary job of bringing their vision to life; in the past two years their restaurant has really flourished. Quickly becoming a favorite amongst guests near and far, Fresh Bites serves customers from all over Tampa Bay, many of which drive quite a distance to come eat their delicious cuisine. “We have guests who, when we do our weekly specials, will come all the way from Sarasota, Brandon and Orlando to eat our food; it’s that good,” says Samir. And, that it is! See “Fresh Bites” on page 20.
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Alexis Selby
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Alexis Selby
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Events to Help Raise Money for the ALS Association Florida Chapter
Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677
By now, we are all pretty familiar with the Ice Bucket Challenge – a unique challenge that has helped raise millions upon millions of dollars for ALS research Nationwide, bringing much needed attention and awareness to the effects of this devastating disease. But the fight is not over, and although you might have dumped ice-cold water on your head, there is still more you can do; as we cannot stop until a cure is found! That being said, I would like to tell you about two great events that are going to be held here locally in Tampa Bay – with proceeds supporting the ALS Association Florida Chapter. The events are as follows:
The Ride to Defeat ALS Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show Come check out this year’s latest and greatest fashions at the Ride to Defeat ALS Benefit Luncheon and Fashion Show. Featuring fashions from
Dressbarn, the lovely models will showcase some great wardrobe options, highlighting the very best of what we can expect for the upcoming year! Accompanying the fashion show will also be a benefit luncheon, with proceeds supporting the ALS Association Florida Chapter. The benefit luncheon and fashion show will take place at the Cheval Golf and Athletic Center in the main dining room at the Country Club on Sunday, November 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be $40 each and includes lunch, tax and tip. There will also be a cash bar. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Gary Dassatti at gdassatti@verizon.net or 413-530-6523.
2014 Ride to Defeat ALS Featuring a scenic coastal ride down Indian Rocks Beach, the Ride to Defeat ALS is a one –day cycling event
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico shores. The event is open to people of all cycling abilities and they offer a 62mile route (metric century), a 25-mile route, and a one-mile family fun route, perfect for children, patients and non-riders. Every participant can count on support from start to finish, with rest stops, SAG vehicles, and route monitors. Upon completing the tour, riders are welcomed back to the Holiday Inn Harbourside byt cheering crowds and finish line festivities that include entertainment, a delicious lunch, icecold beer and more. For more information or to register please visit www.RidetoDefeatALS.org or contact KCooper@alsafl.com or call 888257-1717, ext. 115. Use the coupon code FIGHTLOU14 to save $5 on your registration fee.
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 © 2014 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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Community Calendar & News Briefs
Under Armour Under the Lights Flag Football League Beginning this Winter in Tampa is a new nationwide flag football league sponsored by Under Armour and Brothers In Arms Foundation. The flag football league was created to promote a competitive, confidence-building, non-contact football experience for all skill levels. The league will consist of these core values and principles: • Friday Night Games • Boys and Girls grades K-8th • Weekends Free • Ideal for multi-sport athletes • 8 weeks of Games plus Playoffs • Only 1 practice per week • “Friend/Team” request • 8 Players per team • Food & Entertainment for Families
TPACkids Welcomes the First Neurological Music Therapist to the Area
Proceeds will go to the Brothers In Arms Foundation which honors fallen
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soldiers and provides funding assistance to existing organizations, where the need is significant with an emphasis on educational opportunities and financial assistance for service members, heroic community servants, and their families. Our mission is to provide funding assistance to existing organizations where the need is significant. For more information or to register for the league please go to www.uaflag.com. The season will start in mid-November and conclude towards the end of January.
TPACkids is proud to welcome Marion Z. Haase, MM, MT-BC, NMT-Fellow, a Board Certified Music Therapist and a Fellow of the Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy. Marion received her Bachelor's of Music in Music Therapy
from the University of Minnesota, and has obtained her Master's Degree in Neurologic Music Therapy at Colorado State University. Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) is a scientific model of music therapy, developed at the Center for Biomedical REseach in Music at the Colorado State University. It is a research-based system of standardized clinical techniques in music therapy for motor, speech/language and cognitive training. Marion brings to TPACkids a variety of movement and music classes that are tailored to meet the needs of individuals with neurologic impairments that affect movement, balance, coordination, timing, rhythm, auditory processing long and short term memory, attention, voice, articulation, respiratory function, and executive function to name a few. TherAbilities Performing Arts Center (TPACkids) is an organization
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that provides specialized physical, occupational, speech and music therapy services and extracurricular activities in a therapeutic environment for children or adults with disABILITIES. TPACkids is located at 225 W. Busch Blvd. Suite #102, Tampa, FL 33612. Please visit their website: www.tpackids.com to learn more about our program and classes.
Come Check Out Tampa Bay’s Very Own Dancing With Our Stars Event So, chances are, you have seen, or at least heard of, the show Dancing With Our Stars; and, whether you are a huge fan or not, I think we can all appreciate the hard work and dedication put into the routines and performances each week. And, although you might not ever have the chance to watch their performances live, there is a great alternative I’d like to tell you about. What if I told you, Tampa Bay has their very own Dancing With The Stars event, or as they call it Dancing With Our Stars – our being the key word, as the local “celebrities” are in fact business owners and individuals in our very own community. In fact, this is the 3rd year that Tampa Bay will be home to this wonderful event, and after last years performances I can only
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
image how great it will be this year! Proudly hosting the event, The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce their 3rd annual Dancing With Our Stars, which will be held at The Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel, located at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, on October 18 at 6 p.m. Doors open early, so make sure to get there ahead of time to secure a good spot – if last year’s event is any indication of how it will go this year, the center will be packed! An Evening of fun and entertainment, Dancing With Our Stars gives guests the opportunity to witness firsthand unique, one-of-a-kind performances like never seen before. And, unlike on the hit series – the dancers use plenty of props and can even wear costumes to make their dance truly unforgettable. Last year’s event showcased costumes such as the Hulk– which was definitely entertaining; there were even a few pirates and a mad scientist! To help raise proceeds, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, with the help of star volunteers, are also auctioning off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for their organization. A percentage of proceeds will also benefit
the local dance community, which partnered with the star volunteers to choreograph and train for the event. The 3rd Annual Dancing With Our Stars will be held on October 18 at 6 p.m. at The Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel, located at 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel. To pre-purchase tickets for the event and bid on some of the excellent auction prizes please visit BiddingForGood.com/CPCC. Tickets will also be available at the door – but for an increased price – so if you want the best deal buy them today!
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Indulge in a Revitalizing Wow Factor Experience at Celtic Day Spa in Westchase
By Marcy Sanford Open since June, this luxurious spa is nestled at the rear of the professional center in the Northwest corner of the Publix Shopping Center at 12181 West Linebaugh Avenue. Walking into Celtic Day Spa, I could feel the stresses of my day melt away. Annette McPhee Owner and International Master Aesthetician, has done an exceptional job of creating a tranquil haven where you can rejuvenate and take time away from your daily worries. On my previous visit, the facial I received at Celtic Day Spa
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was so relaxing I fell asleep – twice! Not only did my time at Celtic Day Spa make me feel more revitalized, I walked out with skin that was glowing beautifully. Furthermore, Annette gives you great advice and tools to keep that glow going long after your facial is over. Annette uses her knowledge gained from studying skin care all over the world to help people get healthier skin. She says, “I know first-hand how embarrassing skin conditions can be. I’ve lived in many different countries
and climates and have very sensitive skin that becomes inflamed easily. That is one of the reasons I studied as an Aesthetician and Beauty Therapist. I love being able to help people get beautiful skin and showing them how a simple skin care regime can keep their skin looking and feeling amazing.” During your facial, your therapist will analyze your skin and customize your needs to achieve maximum benefits. Celtic Day Spa uses organic products, developed in USA, by a board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon
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and are suitable for all skin types. The line includes products to help with skin issues like pigmentation, rosacea, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. Annette says she has also had some clients who are cancer patients who have found that the products work well on their inflamed skin. Take a look at the ingredient list of the products you currently use. You may find that the main ingredient or base of many of them is water. Celtic Day Spa products use a 100% certified organic pharmaceutical grade aloe vera
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
base instead of water. “I spent a lot of time searching for products that deliver healthy skin with real results,” says Annette. “The aloe vera base in our products offers many benefits. It’s readily absorbed and is tasked with delivering the other ingredients into the skin to activate your own collagen. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent. With these products, you can have great looking skin in just a few simple steps.” In addition to Celtic Day Spa’s unique anti-aging and specialty products, there is also a line to help with acne. “These products work wonderfully to reduce inflammation and longterm damage. It is such an honor when my clients make an appointment for their children, here at the Spa. I love being able to restore their confidence by helping them achieve clear, beautiful skin.” Celtic Day Spa offers a variety of signature facials, body-sculpting, microdermabrasion, and deep cleansing exfoliation treatments so you can indulge, unwind and enjoy the perfect skin care experience, that will work best for you. Unlike some microdermabrasion treatments that leave your face red and flaky, you won’t have any downtime after a Celtic Day Spa thera-
peutic treatment. Simply because the pure aloe vera based products Celtic Day Spa uses, can counterbalance your skin to the correct pH level. For all new clients after your facial, The Spa also gives you 2-weeks’ worth of their state of the art products so you can continue to reap the benefits of your facial from home. Celtic Day Spa is a wonderful addition to Westchase and a welcome respite for women and men who want to take a bit of a break, to relax and then walk out the door ready to put their best face forward. “I wanted to create a space where people could relax and unwind,” says Annette. “We don’t take enough time for ourselves to escape our daily demands.” Schedule your appointment at Celtic Day Spa today and discover how great your skin can be. Celtic Day Spa is located at 12181 West Linebaugh Avenue. Hours of operation are by appointment only. The spa is open Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wed. and Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. They are closed on Sun. and Mon. For more information or to make an appointment, visit their website celticdayspa.com or call (813) 279-8281.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Here it is! Our much anticipated dining contest is back. We love this contest because it gives us here at Neighborhood News & Lifestyles a chance to give back to our readers! And it couldn’t be easier. All that you have to do is enter and you could win up to $100 in dining gift certificates to favorite local restaurants! To enter Neighborhood News & Lifestyles’ 2014 Readers’ Choice Dining Contest, simply fill out the form on page 13 and mail it to us at Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, 220 S. Safford Ave. in Tarpon Springs, 34689, or you can enter online at westchase.nnlflorida.com/diningcontest. RULES: Fill in your favorite restaurant in each category and make sure to fill in each space (partial entries will not be considered). No duplications please, we are asking for a different restaurant in each of the categories on the form, with the exception of the “Overall Favorite” category. Deadline for entries is November 14. We will announce the winning eateries in the December issue of the Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, as well as the six lucky readers who will win gift certificates. Winners will be chosen at random. One Grand Prize will be worth $100 in dining gift certificates, and five runner-up winners will receive $25 in dining gift certificates. Now, send us those entries and good luck!
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Galeano Orthodontics By Marcy Sanford Since 2002 Galeano Orthodontics, located at 150 Pine Avenue in Oldsmar, has been helping patients get beautiful smiles. Fernando A. Galeano, DDS, MSD, began his orthodontics career in 1989 and eventually decided he wanted to open his own practice so he could give his patients the personalized, individualized attention he felt they deserved. “I’ve always had very close relationships with my patients,” says Dr. Galeano. “I wanted to start my own practice so I would always be available to help patients out and be there for them. We try to make their orthodontist visit fun and enjoyable and do our best to help children relax and feel comfortable.” “Both of my sons have gone to Dr. Galeano,” says Carolyn Jackson. “He has always done a great job and everything at Galeano Orthodontics has been excellent. My second son has required a bit more work than the first one did, but Dr. Galeano and his staff have taken care of everything. They follow up to see how he is
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Fernando A. Galeano, DDS, MSD doing after appointments and are very accommodating with his school schedule. I can call Dr. Galeano any time I have a question and he takes the time to talk to me. Overall, we’ve had a great experience.” Dr. Galeano says that most chil-
dren are excited to come to his office to get their teeth straightened. He suggests that parents bring their children in at age 7 for an initial complimentary consultation. “Dr. Galeano is great with children,” says Lydia Depperman. “He was very patient with my son and took time to explain every step of the process. He explained exactly why the braces and appliances were needed. He told him what would happen and what the teeth would look like when
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they were finished. Spencer has a beautiful smile now. Dr. Galeano is very flexible with schedule changes and is a really great person.” Dr. Galeano says that thanks to new technology and better wires, orthodontic treatment is much more effective and less troublesome than it used to be. While you might have gone through years of treatment when you were a child, your son or daughter might be able to get a beautiful smile in just one year, if treatment is begun
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Regardless of your age, Dr. Galeano and his staff will make you feel welcome and comfortable and ensure that you are smiling ear to ear when your orthodontic treatment is complete! early enough. There are also new options for adults who want to get a more beautiful smile. As you get older, your teeth move and become more worn down. So, even if you had braces when you were younger, you might need them again. There are several orthodontic treatments that can help you regain
your beautiful smile. The new techniques and appliances greatly reduce discomfort, frequency of visit, and the length of treatment time. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces such as Invisalign, or transparent aligners that can be worn at night. In addition to giving you a more confident smile, orthodontic treatment
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
will give you a healthier smile, since crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches, and jaw joint pain. It is Dr. Galeano’s mission to make orthodontic services affordable for everyone. His practice accepts most insurances, including PPOs, and they will work with patients to get them the services they need if they are paying out of pocket. Dr. Galeano specializes in creating beautiful smiles for both children and adults. After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he went on to obtain a certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry degree in Oral Biology at Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Association of Orthodontists, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Pinellas County Dental Association, West Coast District Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontists, American Association of Orthodontists, and the World Federation of Orthodontists. As you can see, he is truly dedicated to his
practice and a natural leader in the field of Orthodontics! In addition to helping patients through his practice, Dr. Galeano is also very involved in the community. Galeano Orthodontics supports many local youth sports programs and local schools. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching recreational soccer and spending quality time with his family. Originally from Honduras, Dr. Galeano speaks Spanish fluently. Regardless of your age, Dr. Galeano and his staff will make you feel welcome, make sure you are comfortable and educated about each step of the process, and make sure you are smiling ear to ear when your orthodontic treatment is complete. A beautiful smile is an investment that continues to pay off for years to come, so why wait? Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Galeano. Galeano Orthodontics is located in the Cypress Lakes Professional Center in Oldsmar at 150 Pine Avenue. To schedule a complimentary consultation or for more information visit their website at www.GaleanoOrtho.com or call (813) 855-8505.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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“Brain Balance” Continued from page 1 in the fields of Behavioral Sciences and Exceptional Education, Brain Balance takes a “brain-based, not drug based” approach. Brain Balance is an education facility, not a medical facility, and they make it a lot of fun for kids to come, play, grow and change! A Balanced Brain is a Successful Brain! The Brain Balance program comes directly from Dr. Robert J. Melillo’s research on neurobehavioral disorders. Dr. Melillo, is a worldrenowned neurologist, professor and author who strongly believes that all of these conditions, which were previously thought to be unrelated, are in fact related, and can be grouped into what is called “Functional Disconnection Syndrome.” Children who are diagnosed with any of these conditions, actually have healthy brains! In fact, in his book, Disconnected Kids, Dr. Melillo explains that if you were to take a child with any of these conditions and give them an MRI scan, or any other number of medical tests, there would be nothing to find. Their brain is not damaged. These issues are all connection issues, and research has proven that the left hemisphere of the brain and the right hemisphere of the brain have distinct responsibilities, abilities and functions. Most of us can easily be labeled “left-brained” or “rightbrained” but research has found that when one-half of the brain has a deficiency, it leads to these connectivity issues, which can result in a “disconnect” between a child and their ability to learn, communicate and succeed. The goal is to challenge the hemisphere of the brain that is showing a deficiency, and to stimulate it so
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that it will learn to function. The Brain Balance here in Oldsmar is actually owned by Director Larry Polnicky, who wanted to find answers for his own son Ben, who has autism. The Polnicky family wanted a solution that didn’t require medication, and while the closest Brain Balance Center was hours away, they were so impressed with the program that they even moved for a time to be closer to it. Their experience with the Brain Balance program was so powerful that he and his wife decided to bring the opportunity to other families in our area. Larry says, “This summer is a wonderful time for parents to choose a program, like ours, that will change their child’s life.” Brain Balance offers programs all year long, and this summer they are inviting families to consider enrolling their child in a program that can honestly change lives for the better! Children who enroll in the program are usually between 5 and 18 years old, and they may have been given a “label” by a school or even a pediatrician. The staff at Brain Balance doesn’t really believe in labels, instead, they set to work using their own expert assessments and proven evaluations to find any deficiencies. Then, they develop an individualized program that is purposeful, helpful and best of all, fun! Sharing Sammy’s Success! Sammy was diagnosed as severely autistic as a child, but today he doesn’t seem to be much different than any other child his age. When he walks into the Brain Balance Achievement Center of Tampa, he walks in like he owns the place! Everyone knows him by his name and his eager smile. While he comes here specifically for the Brain Balance program from Ottawa, Canada, Sammy has a passion for maps and could probably tell you
more about this area than anyone else. He’s read more books than most 13-year-old boys, and his sense of humor is nothing short of charming. Of course, it didn’t start out that way. Sammy was non-verbal and in diapers until he was five years old. His mother, Tatiana, who used to be a biochemist, was determined to get to the root of the problem without using dangerous medicines to do it. When she read Dr. Melillo’s book, she knew she’d found the answer, and today, Sammy is finishing his fourth round of the Brain Balance program. When asked why she comes all the way down to Florida to have Sammy participate in the Brain Balance program, Tatiana says, “It’s worth every single penny, what they do here. What Tatiana travels from Ottawa, Canada to is six months compared to real bring her son Sammy to Brain Balance life changes in your child?” Center of Tampa On paper, his progress is significant, but Sammy is more than a label, more than a prognosis. with Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, ProHe’s a growing boy with an incredible cessing Disorders, or even Autism, future ahead of him. The difference call the Brain Balance Achievement shows, but you don’t have to take it Center of Tampa. from anyone else. The Brain Balance Achievement Sammy says, “When I started, I Center of Tampa is located at 4022 had low functioning autism, and I Tampa Rd., Suite 6. For more inforwasn’t very social. I had limited intermation or to schedule a tour, please ests and very few friends. Now I’m call 813-475-6977. Email them dihigh functioning, I’m social more and I take more interest in things, and I’m rectly at oldsmar@brainbalancecenters.com, or you may visit online at making more friends.” If you have a child who struggles www.brainbalancecenters.com.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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“Fresh Bites” Continued from page 1 Every Friday and Saturday Samir and Anissa feature specialty Lebanese dishes and post pictures of the showcased items on their Facebook, so guests can see what the new special is. For more information on upcoming specials and unique dishes please visit their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FreshBitesMediterranean. At Fresh Bites each guest is made to feel like family, and thus Samir and Anissa feed you as they do their own family. “We all eat here,” says Anissa. “This is what we feed our children.” Fresh Bites’ healthy inspired cuisine is not to just sell food, it is a way of life for the Khalife family. “Everything is from our heart,” adds Samir. “We cook for our customers like we cook for our family.” “I can't say enough good things about Fresh Bites,” writes customer Drew. “From the unbelievably friendly and helpful family owners to the fresh and delicious food, this place is a gem. I've never been a huge fan of Middle Eastern cuisine. I didn't dislike it, but I would never count it among my favorites. This place has completely changed my mind. Some of the options are adventurous, like the raw kebbe I just tried. I would never even think of sampling it anywhere else, but Fresh Bites' reputation for serving nothing but the safest and freshest food in a clean environment put me at ease. Don't be afraid to take your kids, as my son loved the hand-cut potato chips that came with the delectable slider. Try the specials. You won't regret it!”
Who Knew Eating Healthy Could Taste This Good? Offering a wonderful variety of authentic Mediterranean dishes made with only the freshest and healthiest of ingredients, Samir and Anissa’s yummy creations are a true testament to their creative abilities; their food is some of the best I have ever had. And, the best part is, this flavorful, delicious food is also really good for you! Adhering to a healthy lifestyle, when it comes to food, the Khalife’s are very particular with what they put into their bodies, and thus stick to a diet free of food containing carcinogens, pesticides and any other harmful additives; basically avoiding anything that is bad for the body. As such, their restaurant is a reflection of just that – their dedication to incorporating only the very best, quality, natural ingredients. From their lamb to their chicken to their vegetables, all of their ingredi-
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ents are either organic or 100% natural – which means they are hormone, nitrate and anti-biotic free. In addition to fresh, healthy food, Fresh Bites also offers a variety of Lebanese beer and wine, including organic and gluten-free options. Anissa says, “Our most popular beer is the Almaza, which means ‘the diamond’. It’s from a Lebanese brewery that is over 200 years old – everybody knows it.” Fresh Bites also has an extensive catering menu, so if you are looking for a healthy, delicious way to feed a large party or event, give Fresh Bites a call – your guests will be happy you did! An attestation to their friendly nature, upon the arrival of my last visit I was instantly welcomed in and asked to sit down with them to share a family meal. Samir and Anissa’ youngest daughter Joyce also joined us, and her vibrant energy was uplifting and made for some great conversation throughout lunch. “If I don’t know a new customer I will introduce myself,” says Joyce. “People come here because they know they are going to have good food. I don’t think I have ever seen a customer who hasn’t come back. I’m pretty happy about that. Because, every time I see someone new I see them come back, sometimes even the next day.” Very passionate about the food, Joyce happily doted on how amazing her family’s recipes are and explained different menu items that she thought I would really like. A big fan of Lamb, Joyce suggested I try the Lamb Kabob dinner plate, served with rice, roasted potatoes, hummus, a generous portion of salad and a side of pita bread. Simply put, the lamb was amazing; tender, juicy and seasoned to perfection, after the fist bite, I could easily see why this is one of the most popular items on the menu. And, the accompaniments were just as good, and with their very generous portion sizes, this meal is an exceptional value for the quality and amount you are getting. Whether you are a fan of salads or not, after the first bite of the famous Fatoosh salad you will surely be amazed! A mixture of fresh vegetables and spices, including lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, radishes, red peppers, onions, parsley, basil, and other fresh herbs, the zing of freshness you get from the first bite is really astounding. The delicious homemade dressing does a really good job of tying in all the unique flavors and the crunchy pita bread mixed in with the vegetables provides a nice added flavor crunch to this refreshingly tasty salad. By Joyce’s recommendation I also tried her famous Hibiscus Lemonade.
After the first bite of the famous Fatoosh salad you will surely be amazed. This fabulous salad, is just one of the many refreshingly delicious items on the menu at Fresh Bites! Better known as Joyce’s tea, this refreshingly sweet beverage boasted flavorful floral notes that really accented the contrast of the lemonade; I can easily see why this is a favorite amongst Fresh Bites customers! Featuring a nice variety of authentic Mediterranean dishes, Fresh Bites’ menu offers excellent preparations of lamb, beef, chicken and fish, including
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wraps, salads, dinners and a la carte dishes. So whether you have come for a quick lunch, or a relaxing dinner date, you are sure to find the perfect option on Fresh Bites’ wonderful menu! And, their dessert menu is just as impressive! Showcasing a fabulous selection of homemade desserts, such as baklava and Maamoule – a traditional Easter dessert made with dates, al-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Local Westchase residents, the Khalifes, truly are such an amazing family and owners Samir and Anissa, along with their four children, Joey, Diana, Joyce and Melissa have done an extraordinary job of bringing their vision to life! monds, pistachios and cashews – as well as their unique dessert, Esmalia. Joyce says, “Esmalia is made with two kinds of sweet cheeses and cashews, pistachios and walnuts. It is really very tasty.” If you’re lucky you might even get the chance to try Fresh Bites’ Moghly, a traditional Lebanese dessert
to all the customers who come in that day, or until the batch is gone – which usually doesn’t last long! I was fortunate enough to have it on my last visit, and yum, was it good; the creamy rice pudding was perfectly complemented by the flavor of the cinnamon! Finishing up our meal in true Lebanese style, we all shared a pot of fresh Turkish coffee. Served in a smaller cup, almost like an espresso shot, this aromatic full-bodied coffee was absolutely amazing and despite being strong, the coffee was not overbearing and no sugar was required as the flavor was really that good! Although if you want a bit of sweet the Nammoura – a super dense Semolina cake that is specially made to be eaten with coffee – is the perfect accompaniment for those with a sweet tooth. “You have a bite of cake and then sip your coffee,” explains Samir. Guest Maria writes, “This is truly a
hidden treasure in the Tampa Bay area. The quality and the taste are like none other. I eat here at least 3 times a week and attribute a great portion of my significant weight loss to the food. It's all natural and organic, at an incredible price, and the taste is amazing. This is a family run business and I've grown to admire and love them tremendously. They make you feel like family.” Fresh Bites Mediterranean Restaurant is located at 11665 Countryway Blvd in Westchase. They are open Mon. – Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; they are closed Sundays. For more information please call (813) 336-4936, visit their website at www.FreshBites.org or their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FreshBitesMediterranean.
made especially on Christmas and when someone has a baby. Priding themselves on building lasting relationships with their guests, when a Fresh Bites customer has a baby, Anissa whips up a fresh batch of Moghly to celebrate the birth and gives the new mother a whole tray of Moghly and the rest is given away free
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles