Vol. 4, Issue 10, October 2016
Your community. Your magazine.™ The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
Osaka Sushi and Grill: THE Sushi Destination of Carrollwood By Matt Selby It’s not very often that I absolutely rave about a restaurant but this is one of those rare occasions. If you haven’t been to Osaka Sushi and Grill, don’t wait another minute! Osaka Sushi and Grill will take you on a culinary journey to a land where each new dish brings you closer to a new way of thinking about food.
You’ll be enticed by fabulous new style sushi and fusion cuisine as well as house specials that are sure to please both your eyes and taste buds. With the location in the Palms of Carrollwood Shopping Center just south of Ehrlich Rd and Dale Mabry Hwy, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some of the best sushi in Tampa Bay! Seriously, the sushi is what I See “Osaka Sushi” on page 24.
By Mike Bird Being affiliated with the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies has created a lot of excitement amongst the owners, managers, and sales executives of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group( FKA Prudential Tropical Realty Group). Carrollwood Market President Shawna Ramkalawan reports
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: New Name...New Logo... Same Great Publication!.......................................3 CMA Health Agency.........................................8-9 Vizcaya Restaurante......................................12-13
Barstool Mania.............................................22-23 Legends on Deck: Brandon Lawson...............28-29
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Heavenly Heat Wing Sauce & Marinade........14-15
that she is most excited about the company’s move into the luxury home market, in addition to serving the residential, commercial and property management needs of clients throughout Carrollwood, Westchase, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, and Odessa. Business partners Dewey Mitchell and Allen Crumbley aligned the See “BHHS” on page 18.
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Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
From The Publisher Matt Selby
New Name...New Logo... Same Great Publication!
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33618, 33624 & 33613 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: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2016 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
When my family first started publishing local magazines over 20 years ago it reached a couple neighborhoods. Now that we serve over 20 zip codes in Tampa Bay with 7 separate publications reaching close to 130,000 homes monthly, we decided the name "Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles" fits us a little better and helps avoid any confusion with
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smaller publications. Many publications only distribute to single neighborhoods or focus on just a couple neighborhoods at best in a certain area. All of our magazines are direct mailed to a minimum of 15,000 homes and a couple are mailed to over 20,000. We also get as many as 50,000 online readers to our website monthly and Carrollwood in
particular was viewed by around 6,000 individual readers last month alone. As always we are still owned and operated by the Selby family and always will be. We hope you like the new name and logo as much as us and we would like to THANK-YOU for reading the Carrollwood edition of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles!
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Publisher Matt Selby
Art Director Tony Sica
Advertising Sales Jared Nager (Manager) Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird Ashley Sica
Correspondents
Marketing & Development Ashley Sica
Julie Kanehl Marcy Sanford Katie Thomas Kim Thomas Dara Tucker Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Nothing that appears in Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Carrollwood Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Carrollwood Tampa Bay 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.
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CMA Health Agency: Your local “Go-to Guys” for Medicare By Matt Selby If you’re turning 65 or if you are already on medicare CMA Health is the agency for you! There is a 53 day window to sign up for medicare with pre- enrollment starting October 1st14 and actual enrollment beginning October 15th and ending December 7th. With so many plans to choose from and so many companies who offer them, you aren’t the only one who may be a little concerned or confused about navigating the best plan for you. Luckily there is a company who does all the work for you, finding you the very best plan with the best company available to meet your individual needs. That company of course is CMA Health Agency conveniently located in the Publix plaza in Carrollwood Square, 5383 Ehrlich Rd #203, Tampa, FL 33625. The entire team at CMA health Agency are very knowledgable, professional and personable. Trust me, after one meeting with these guys you will feel as if you a part of their family. They care about you and your family and do this job full time, not just
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when medicare enrollment is going on. Because this is a full time agency, you can contact them year round with any questions or concerns you may have with your plan or service. That’s what sets them apart from other companies in the area, in my opinion. They really do go above and beyond for their clients helping them not only understand which plan fits their clients best but helping them with anything they need throughout the year ranging from helping with a new doctor to helping decipher and understand medical bills. CMA health agency is also about to launch their very own app that will allow their clients to have even more control of their policy, claims and more! This innovative tool is just another example of CMA’s dedication to excellent customer service. The Process As I mentioned before, pre-enrollment starts October 1st and ends October 14th. This is an excellent time to come in before enrollment officially begins and have the guys at CMA health help find you the very best plan available. Many people have
no idea that a company can shop all the plans out there for you and help you find the best plan at the best price but that’s exactly what CMA does. Medicare can change every year so CMA sits down with you and takes the time to explain everything you need to know about what’s going on. Once they find the plan that meets your needs best, they get everything ready for you to sign once open enrollment starts October 15th. It’s highly recommended that you get in sooner rather than later so they can set
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you up with everything you need and put your mind at ease. Client advocacy is of the foremost importance at CMA Health. I touched on it earlier but I really want you to understand how much these guys care about you after the plan is sold. “We love the Carrollwood are and the people who live here. It’s why we opened an office right next to Publix supermarket. We want to be visible to all the families that call this community home,” says Anthony Recupero co-owner of CMA Health. “We are here for you when-
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ever you need us, and pride ourselves on providing you with better service than anyone else in the industry,” says Alex Rascionato, president of CMA. If you want a stress free, personal touch and the best price on your medicare plan, come in or call CMA Health Agency today. Even though we are mostly focusing on Medicare in this article, remember that November 1st is the start of individual health care enrollment for all ages so make sure you shop all the plans with CMA Health. They do more than just health plans too, keep an eye out for their next feature where we will discuss the
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company much further in depth and talk about all of the divisions of the company including retirement and wealth care with Paul Tamboe! Darius Rascionato says,“Give us an opportunity to earn your business and you won’t be disappointed. When you meet us, you’ll see that we live this stuff and our number one priority is doing what’s best for our clients.” CMA HEALTH AGENCY is located in the Publix plaza in Carrollwood Square, 5383 Ehrlich Rd #203, Tampa, FL 33625 813-999-2011
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Vizcaya Restaurante By Mike Bird Vizcaya Restaurante in the Bentree Plaza at 10905 N. Dale Mabry Highway is the creation of Chef Felix Piedra who is originally from Spain. Vizcaya Restaurant is the only authentic Spanish restaurant right here in Carrollwood. In addition to learning his craft in the most important culinary region of Spain, Chef Felix also spent some time cooking in the southern regions of France and Italy. His Spanish style encompasses aspects of the great European art of cuisine from all of the important regions and that is reflected in what he offers on his menu. When asked what made you want to be a chef Felix responded; “When I was younger, my parents owned a pastry shop, and my brother and I would do all the weekend deliveries. I was fascinated by the huge kitchens and the smells coming out of those kitchens. Even though I eventually started studying electrical engineering in school, in my heart, I really wanted to be a Chef—so I dropped out of the engineering program and started at a hotel apprenticeship.” Felix hails from the Basque region of Spain, which is coastal and shares a border with France, and its varied culinary delights are due to the mixture of sea and mountain cultures that encompass modern top-quality cooking. Vizcaya has been in Carrollwood for 14 years and the Restaurant was opened with the goal of serving flavorful Spanish tapas, paella and seafood dishes. Mr. Piedra immigrated here to Tampa where two of his great uncles live. He met his wife in Carrollwood and his children attend school here. Chef Felix has worked in restaurants all of his life. His first restaurant was
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opened in 1996 on the corner of Waters and Dale Mabry called Maison Basque which he had for four years before selling it and relocating to his present location. Recently renovated, the restaurant seats 130 and features a variety of seating options, including high-top tables, comfortable lounge and high-back chairs, as well as an outdoor patio. The lounge includes a dance floor, a beautiful white baby grand piano and entertainment area. Vizcaya features an extensive tapas menu. In addition, there are a dozen or so full entree items: from black angus steaks, filet mignon and Chateaubriand, to fresh fish (whatever is in season) and of course paella – the national dish of Spain. In fact, They feature three types of paella; seafood, chicken with chorizo and vegetarian. They also feature specialty dishes like ox tail and rabbit. They have ceveche, goose liver pâté, chorizo, great salads, and croquets and cheeses from Spain. Some of the featured fresh fish at this time is black grouper, north Atlantic lemon sole, salmon and black cod. They also serve duck, veal scaloppini and lamb shank. Every thing is made
in house from scratch. All of the sauces are prepared fresh daily. The mother sauces like the chicken stock cook all night so they can reduce and be ready to use as the base for a variety of other sauces. They cook the demi glace for 3 days! (Demi-glace is a rich brown sauce in French cuisine used by itself or as a base for other sauces.) This is fine dining at its best right here in Carrollwood without a pretentious atmosphere. It appears
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that most of the restaurants here in Carrollwood are institutional franchises where things come pre portioned in bags and definitely not prepared fresh ever day. We are lucky to have a fine dining establishment where old world traditions are still practiced. Vizcaya features live entertainment Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday nights feature Spanish style guitar music and Saturday nights feature a Cuban couple that really get the crowd up
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and dancing. The music starts at nine. The wine cellar at Vizcaya features many delightful fine wines mostly from Spain and some Italian and French wines. Happy hour is great at Vizcaya and very enticing with $5 special drinks and $5 Tapas. Catering services are provided and Chef Felix and his crew will come out and serve your party. They can tailor their offering for everything from a tailgate party to a wedding reception at your house or third party banquet hall. Vizcaya can also
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accommodate private parties for banquets and wedding receptions in their fabulous dining room. Felix will prepare a custom menu for each occasion. Felix makes everything from scratch and it shows in the two dishes he presented us with. Fresh Seafood Paella and Cordoba Pork Chop. The Paella included calamari, scallops, grouper, large wild caught shrimp with mussels and clams served with Spanish rice, which is a short thick grain called bomba rice. The Cordoba
Chef Felix Piedra Pork Chop has more marbling in the meat and is prepared with clams and fresh garlic in a reduction of its own juices served with a sweet potato and chorizo mash. Both dishes were SO DELICIOUS!! Stop by Vizcaya Restaurante today to try some of their exquisite Spanish cuisine. Inspired by Chef Felix’s Spanish background, the restaurant is rooted in the same traditions found in traditional Spanish
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cooking. They pride themselves on being a fine Spanish cuisine and tapas bar, located in Tampa Florida. Feel free to visit them and experience the wonderful food they have to offer. Vizcaya Restaurant & Tapas Bar is located at 10905 N. Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. They are open for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner Monday-Saturday. For more information call 813-968-7400 or visit www.vizcayarestaurante.com.
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By Matt Selby
Heavenly Heat wing sauce and marinade is fantastic! I may be a little bias because Davis Salo, the creator of Heavenly Heat is a good friend of mine but I think it’s the best stuff in the world! Not only is the hot sauce an old family recipe that tastes amazing, but David’s story is even more incredible. Let’s talk about how Heavenly Heat LLC was born! It all started with prayers, love and support from others. In 2012 a hot sauce owner by the name of David Salo was ready to move into the retail market and had been searching for the right person to help take him there. Little did David know at the other side of the state was a desperate mother praying for a way to pay medical bills and help her son survive, this was Josie. Josie is Nathan’s mom and Nate had been battling brain cancer that he was diagnosed with on August 28th 2012. David and his family held a benefit for Nate to help with his medical bills and the event was a
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great success that helped the family pay off a large bill accumulated from the All Children’s Hospital. This was so helpful to Josie, Nate and his family. A fellowship of love, prayers and passion formed within the two families. Through conversations and listening to each other’s stories and goals David and Josie discovered they shared something more than just the goal of helping Nate. Josie worked in retail and had most of her life to David’s surprise. As David and Josie continued to discuss his current business plan they both realized that not only did God send David into their lives but by David doing an act of kindness, God also brought Josie into his life to help him achieve his goals. David’s goal was to be in retail grocery stores, yet was in several smaller grocery locations for years. David was soon to find out that his goal was larger than just grocery stores, it was to help others in need. Well the moral of the story goes like this, after over almost 2 years “Heavenly Heat Wing Sauce and Marinade” was born. How did
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we come up with the name you ask? Nate picked the word HEAVENLY because he felt God had brought us together and HEAT because the sauce is not HOT, it just had a beautiful, flavorful heat with every delicious bite. In July 2014 we had our prayers answered and was granted a meeting with Publix in which we were able to get our product into 320 stores. It has been a long road, David and Josie have worked very hard to get this far and still have a long way to go, but we have more ideas and bigger plans for the company. We believe it’s way bigger than us and this opportunity will give us at Heavenly Heat, a way to give back to other children in need. The support we have had from our families and friends is astonishing.
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People believed in us and supported us through thick and thin and here we are a little over a year. Big plans for Heavenly Heat and Nate’s future because when it was all said and done David Salo gave Nathan Dodds 49% of his company to show his love for the cause. Not only will Nate have support for his medical bills he will also have support and a career for his future. Nathan now even works at Publix just like many local teenagers have before him. Please support our local hero David Salo and Nathan Dodds by picking up a few bottles of Heavenly Heat today at your local Publix! Look for it in the meat section and if you can’t find it there then go ahead and ask the store manager for assistance!
Nathan Dodds and David Salo
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“BHHS” Continued from page 1 original Tropical Realty with the Prudential Real Estate Network in 1988. Berkshire Hathaway, led by Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett, acquired the Prudential Real Estate network in 2012. Berkshire Hathaway is the fifth leading public company in the world. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group has been locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area for more than 50 years and consistently ranks nationally among the Top 50 companies in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network. The company began as a single office in 1959 and has since grown into a full service organization with 22 offices serving; Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, and Highlands counties. Continuing its aggressive growth plan in West Central Florida, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group has announced the acquisition of Country Club Realty in Sebring, FL. This brings the total number of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group offices to 22 and more than 600 sales executives. Earlier this year, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group acquired MID-FLORIDA Real Estate Sales with offices in Lakeland, Sebring, and Lake Placid. As Carrollwood Market President Shawna Ramkalawan cites the quote from Warren Buffet himself as the reason people want to work with BHHS agents “Trust”. “A home is one of the most important assets that most people will ever buy. Homes are also where memories are made and you want to work with
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www.LaCasadiAvannotti.com someone you can trust.” Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The Carrollwood branch has had some recent success in the luxury arena. Take for example their new listings: www.LaCasadiAvannotti.com Lindsey Fowkes, The Fowkes Group The perfect balance of modern elegance and tranquility, this grandeur 5 bedroom, 8 bathroom, 5 car garage, with 9423 sq. ft. estate, is immersed within the exclusive gated community of The Reserve at Tampa Palms, set back from the 10th tee of the Tampa Palms Golf and Country
Club. Created with artistry and entertainment in mind, this home has been transformed from its original state to become a true work of art. From the moment you arrive you will embrace the porte cochere, generous open spaces, soaring ceilings, spiraling staircases, expansive lanai and upper deck, panoramic views from the abundance of hurricane glass windows, sleek finishes that flow from room to room, with touches of style and sophistication that capture the serenity within. You will immediately notice the attention to detail, from the open and airy floorplan, to the fine artwork and sparkling chandeliers, this home
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delivers that luxurious feeling throughout the entire property! Additional attributes include the State-of-the-art media room, elevator, 1500+ bottle wine cellar, exotic round cornered 400 gallon salt water fish tank, breathtaking pool and guest house, tropical koi pond, Sub Zero Refrigerator/Freezer, double ovens and dishwashers, commercial grade ice maker, and a luxurious master suite highlighting the elegant seating area, fireplace, serene master bath, and impressive closet. The spectacular 2+ acre grounds and culde-sac location retain the utmost privacy and will exceed your expectations! Offered at $2,500,000
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www.72262ndAveS.com Lindsey Fowkes, The Fowkes Group Designed to capture the characteristic beauty of this iconic location, this exquisite property is sitting on over a half acre of meticulously landscaped grounds, within the brick pavered streets of Old Pasadena. This home has undergone a total transformation, while maintaining its Mediterranean inspiration, with attributes including a restored, screened in front porch with classic coral accents, gleaming Oak and Hart of Pine hardwood floors throughout, all new Sub Zero and Viking kitchen, Wine Cellar, remodeled bathrooms, new windows, electrical, plumbing, roof, and AC, not to mention the in-law apartment above the newly renovated garage, and SO MUCH MORE. The sprawling and private outdoor entertainment space is an extraordinary luxury to this community and where you will spend your days and nights sunning by or swimming in the crystal clear, oversized pool, or enjoying friends and family around the fire pit in the fully fenced, backyard sanctuary. Located just minutes from Florida's award winning beaches, all major highways, shopping, and the entertainment that we have come to enjoy in St. Petersburg!! Offered at $1,250,000 4002 W Obispo Street, Tampa, FL https://my.matterport.com/show/ ?m=fgp632EBJvQ Tammy Waugh, The Sper Group and Deb Zinovoy LIVE IN LUXURY!!! This Mediterranean style home with a meticulously maintained COURTYARD & GARDEN awaits all your entertaining! The home sits on an over-sized corner lot in the highly desired south Tampa neighborhood, Maryland Manor. Complete w/5 BRs/4.5 BAs it is
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www.72262ndAveS.com exquisitely & tastefully decorated with absolute attention to detail. Beautiful WOOD & TRAVERTINE flooring throughout, stunning WROUGHT IRON staircase, NOBLE COLUMNS flanking the dining room, along with stunning CROWN MOULDING, CATHEDRAL CEILING & FIRE PLACE in the formal living area. Natural light enters through the oversized windows throughout. Beautiful plantation shutters, custom baseboards & window moldings are just a few more details. The open kitchen area is complete w/STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, GAS COOKTOP & WARMING DRAWER making entertaining easy! The family room has a CUSTOM BUILT entertainment center with FRENCH DOORS exiting to the incredible European style patio area. A downstairs guest bedroom en suite rarely found in 2-story homes today, is
4002 W Obispo Street perfect for family and guest! Majestic over-sized master suite complete w/luxurious travertine en suite with garden tub, glass shower, dual sinks & large walk thru closet. 3 additional bedrooms upstairs can easily be transformed into a workout area w/ballet barre and/or office. 2 additional bathrooms upstairs. The full size indoor utility room is available on the 2nd floor for usability. Conveniently located to DOWNTOWN, CHANNELSIDE, the RIVERWALK, restaurants, shopping, TIA & more! Offered at $824,900 The core values of BHHS Florida Properties Group are; Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Passion. These principles are put into practice
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on every transaction. Quality assurance and quality control are maintained by surveying each component of the closed transaction by utilizing a third party company. Additionally, Shawna calls everyone involved in the transaction to make sure things went smoothly from the listing to the closing. All she hears are good reports and that is how she intends to keep it! Locally owned and operated since 1959, the company offers residential, commercial, property management, relocation, home warranty, title, mortgage, and insurance services. For more information please visit the company website at www.bhhsfloridaproperties.com. OCTOBER 2016
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Hundreds of Barstools – One Address! Much to the delight of many Carrollwood residents, Barstool Mania relocated two years ago from south Tampa to the Marketplace North Shopping Plaza at 14851 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 on the SE corner of Bearss Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway (a few doors down from Nutrition S’Mart). You will find that charming owners Philomena and George Hamilton (who hail from the UK) and their able assistant Jules will most certainly go out of their way to assist you in selecting or creating the perfect barstools, bars and pub tables that will complement your home décor or satisfy your specific commercial establishment requirements. Barstool Mania has many different styles displayed throughout the showroom from which to choose and they also have an option for you to customize most stools in your choice of three heights (kitchen counter, bar and spectator heights). You’ll see a bevy of various metallic finishes, assorted wood grains, fabrics, vinyls and
leather treatments either on the floor or through a myriad of samples that are prominently displayed. It is wonderful to know that your rugs, wall accents, cushions, drapes and flooring are taken into consideration when you ask for help in visualizing the possibilities! You’ll be asked about your color preferences, the style you’re trying to achieve, along with the functionality requisites you have in mind. You can even bring in your own color swatches, paint colors, tile samples and special furniture finishes that you would like to have assistance in matching. When there are space considerations to deal with, you’ll even be shown matching pieces that coordinate beautifully with their armed counterparts. Perfect! I was fortunate to be able to witness Philomena in action during our interview, when a former client came in to look around. The gentleman was very happy with the two bar stools that he had purchased a few years back, but he noted that he was changing his living space somewhat. With her soothing Scottish brogue, Philomena quickly qualified exactly
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OCTOBER 2016
what he needed, and helped him to realize that he needn’t replace his existing barstools, but instead, just add to their number with several other matching pieces. He was beaming! Certainly, if you have something very specific in mind, let Barstool Mania design exactly what you need for your situation. In most cases, custom orders can be shipped to the store within three to five weeks, depending on the manufacturer. Interestingly, some of Barstool Mania’s sources can even provide matching barstools and dining sets if you’re trying to create continuity in your living space. Just let them know your needs. I dare say that there are not many companies out there that can actually match your
wood (grains and stains) and also provide you the level of customer service that Barstool Mania can! Need extra wide, husky seating? Perhaps a tilt and swivel feature, nail heads or footplates would better suit your design requirements? You’ll find those kind of extras available on some of their stools as well. Not sure if a piece will fit within your existing décor? Ask how you might take it home overnight should you desire to see how it fits in your own personal setting. Even if you find that you have varying heights to accommodate, Barstool Mania has an option for you – gas-lift (pneumatic) stools! They are readily adjustable to suit your changing height requirements as needed.
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Whether it be traditional, modern, contemporary or even “beachy” stools you’re searching for, in metal or wood (or both), open backed or backless styles, cushioned or not, I have to say that there’s something for everyone at Barstool Mania. I was floored by the number of choices in wood backs, fabric backs, backless and armed/armless stools available. The possibilities are endless with a host of different bases in metal or wood. Some stools actually combine both elements for a rich and varied look. Amazing! Just ask to see what options are available for any particular stool type. As far as durability goes, there are stools that have welded legs, many with guarantees from ten years to life, depending on the manufacturer. Philomena explained to me that Barstool Mania deals with more
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than ten different suppliers throughout the United States and Canada, from both the east and west coasts. Get your creative juices flowing and check out their internet page at < TampaBarstools.com >. You’ll see the specials that they are running during the year and a wide assortment of their showroom highlights. And don’t forget to redeem the discount coupon featured on page 15 of our publication! Style, price and great customer service will be sure to score high points in your book whenever you stop in. If they’re closed, go ahead and scan the QR code on the door that directs you to their website. Then take a virtual tour and see the showroom come to life with its numerous floor models on display. You are apt to spot the perfect pieces in minutes! From what I understand, design-
ers absolutely love to come in and experiment with all the bases, styles, and coverings available to complete their clients’ specific vision. It can truly be said that this is a one stop shop for your kitchen counter, bar or spectator stool needs, along with bars and tables (and even matching dinette sets). Remember, when you buy their bar stools, they’ll last a long time, unlike those available in big box stores. The beauty of this place is that you can choose your own woods, metals and fabrics and make your own statement. Even if your décor changes, just order some new seat coverings for a whole new look. Some suppliers will even use your own fabric if you’re trying to match existing dining chairs or sofa
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cushions. Go ahead and give the Hamiltons a visit at Barstool Mania and let them help you to select the perfect stools to suit your style and pocketbook. Prices range from $69$690 and your options are ever abundant. Hope to see you there soon! Barstool Mania is located at 14851 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618 on the SE corner of Bearss Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway (a few doors down from Nutrition S’Mart). They are open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information please call (813) 350-9975 or visit their website at TampaBarStools.com.
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“Osaka Sushi” Continued from page 1 consider to be top tier and you don’t have to pay those crazy top tier prices like you would in South Tampa to enjoy it. “We wanted to create a sushi restaurant that everyone could enjoy. I wanted to make sure we kept the price point down enough so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the very best sushi at an affordable price,” says Owner Xing (pronounced Sing) Lin. Osaka has been open for just under a year now and has already received an overwhelming response from the Carrollwood community. The guests really appreciate the exceptional dining experience which includes an inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course, fantastic food! Providing Carrollwood with special Lin family recipes that have been handed down for generations, you are guaranteed the very best sushi experience! Sushi isn’t the only thing on the menu, although sometimes it’s easy to
forget Osaka has anything else. When I come in, I almost always fixate my attention on those delicious rolls and sashimi but the rest of the menu is top notch as well! Taking a look at the menu at Osaka, you are sure to be impressed. Osaka offers a fusion of Japanese-American masterpieces for every taste and palate. Quite often when you have a group of people, there are one or two guests who don’t like or have never tried sushi. Because of this, they strive to offer many options, so people in your party aren’t feeling left with only sushi to choose from. Xing says, “We are more than just a sushi restaurant. Yes, we do have exceptional sushi, but for those who are looking for something different we have a variety of other options, like steak and seafood. Our Pan Atlantic Salmon topped with mango salsa is really good, although my favorite is the Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chop.” Again, I’m a huge sushi fan so on my last visit I had a number of rolls and Sashimi. Just check out some of those pictures and tell me your mouth
isn’t watering! Xing and I had a wonderful time conversing over a few bottles of cold saki and a plethora of fresh sushi. I recommend you pair some sort of delicious Saki with your
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next sushi experience! I started with the OUT OF CONTROL ROLL which undoubtedly will ignite an explosion of flavor to your taste buds. It combines tuna, yellowtail, salmon,
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avocado and asparagus on the inside before being topped w seared tuna, yellowtail, salmon, caviar and a spicy mayo citrus sauce and eel sauce. I like everything I’ve tasted at Osaka but this has to by my favorite roll and I highly recommend it. The EMPIRE ROLL is my second favorite but borders on being a tie with the Out of Control Roll. This premium sushi roll includes Lobster tempura and a delicious lobster salad inside, topped off with spicy krabmeat,red caviar, spicy eel sauce and citrus mango sauce. The TROPICAL ROLL came next and the refreshing taste was nothing short of perfect. Soybean paper wrapped Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail with a bit of krabmeat, caviar, avocado and topped off with spicy mayo and succulent wasabi honey! I really enjoyed this roll. It’s on the lighter side so it’s perfect for a meal you want to start off with sushi as an appetizer. Xing and I finished off the feast with a beautiful assortment of Sashimi and the WHITE HOT ROLL which was a mix of Spicy, crunchy Yellowtail, Salmon and White
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Fish inside and topped off with White Tuna and jalapeños! It’ spicy but not too spicy; just the perfect amount of flavor packed kick! Come into Osaka Sushi and Grill today and enjoy a sushi experience of a lifetime! I promise you won’t leave disappointed but you will leave full!
Osaka has Happy Hour specials daily from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. where guests can enjoy $1 sushi, $2 sashimi and $3 rolls, as well as a delicious hibachi meal for only $13.99. Osaka Sushi & Grill is located at 14428 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. They are open Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11:30 a.m. 11 p.m.; and Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. For additional information please call (813) 968-8877 or visitwww.OsakaSushiGrill.com. Don’t forget to join their VIP club by texting OSAKA to 91944.
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Exclusive Interview with Rays’ Pitching Prospect Brandon Lawson As a young child, especially one that grows up playing sports, playing for your hometown team, in front of a hometown crowd is something that dreams are made of. For right-handed pitcher Brandon Lawson that dream got a little bit closer as the Tampa Bay area resident, who even spent his collegiate career in Tampa at the University of South Florida, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays this past June. “It was awesome to be able to be drafted by my home town team. I will have the chance for a lot of family and friends to be able to come see me not far from home and hopefully I can make my dreams come true and make it to St. Pete in the majors for the Tampa Bay Rays.” The twenty-one year old had a successful collegiate career at USF including this past season when he was serving up clutch performances on the mound for the Bulls. It was also around that time that he had an idea
that a professional career might be the next step. “My pre-draft experience was awesome. I got to go work out for four teams and it was a very memorable experience for me and my family. I worked out for the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and the New York Mets. After about a month into the college season this year, I could tell that my dreams were about to come true if I just kept working hard and controlling what I could control.” As many would expect, there are always adjustments when making a transition to another level of play. “The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make would be getting used to throwing seven days a week and being at the baseball field from 1pm to 10pm everyday as well. It was a grind this season.” After signing with the Tampa Bay, Lawson was assigned to the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New YorkPenn League, the rookie league affiliation for the Rays.
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He had a solid 2016 season for the Renegades, earning a 6-1 record in 16 relief appearances, with a 2.03 ERA, two saves and 27 strikeouts in 31 innings. “I felt like it was an easy transition from college to the pros with just being able to stay down in the zone and attack hitters in and out. But I fully understand that there is still a lot to learn about this game and how to
pitch and I am looking forward to every bit of it.” In the New York-Penn League Semi-Finals against the Lowell Spinners, Lawson earned a victory in relief helping the Renegades advance to the league Finals. But the magical run ended in a loss to the State College Spikes. “Playing in the postseason in my first season was an awesome experi-
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After a successful season, Lawson is right on track both mentally and physically to make those hometown dreams come true. Brandon was also kind enough to answer a few fun questions: What age did you begin playing baseball? “I started playing baseball at the age of three.” Did you play any other sport(s) growing up? “I never really played any other sports besides baseRays’ Pitching Prospect Brandon Lawson ball. I played a year of middle school basketball and two years ence and everything you dream about going into pro ball. It may not of middle school golf and two years of high school golf.” be the majors, but you are going after a ring and its more experience Who is/was your biggest baseball infor you and the other guys to see fluence? what you can do when you are play“My biggest baseball influence in ing for a championship.”
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my life would have to be my father and my older brother David. They pushed me and guided me in the right direction to make me into the baseball player I am today and have gotten me to where I am.” Have you played any other positions other than pitcher? “Growing up I played everywhere on the field. I played mainly shortstop and pitcher. As I grew older and bigger I moved to center field and first base in high school.” If you weren’t playing baseball what would you be doing? Other career aspirations/interests? “Well in college, I majored in criminology, so I would probably be pursuing that dream as well or go into fire school possibly because I’ve always had that interest as well since my father was a fire fighter for 26 years.”
dinals growing up because I am originally from there. But have been a fan of the Rays since moving to Florida, really like what their organization is about.” It hasn’t been that long but, what did you miss most about the Tampa Bay area? “I just missed my friends and family and going out to the beaches and fishing and the warm weather all the time.” Original article posted on www.LegendsOnDeck.com
Favorite off-season hobby or activity? “My favorite off-season hobby would just have to be, being outside fishing or adventuring or road tripping, but also just spending time with my friends and family.” Which baseball team were you a fan of? “I was a fan of the St. Louis Car-
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