Vol. 6, Issue 9, September 2018
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Your community. Your magazine. ™
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila
Michael’s Grill
A Culinary Journey That Became a Tradition By Carla Selby In search of a great meal and wonderful customer service? Venture out and explore! An award-winning dining experience awaits in the heart of Carrollwood. Luckily for those of you in the area, you don’t have to drive very far to enjoy a mind blowing meal with a nice glass
of wine or a cold beer. As for my husband and I, the 35+ minute drive from our home in Tarpon Springs to Michael’s Grill, is always worth it, and let me tell you why…their quality, consistency, and attention to detail in both their meal preparation and extraordinary customer service is second to none. See “Michael’s Grill” on page 22
Insurance Defense Experience Separate Hancock Injury Attorneys from Competition By Deborah Bostock-Kelley When you or a loved one is injured or you’ve lost someone due to another’s negligence, not only do you want the five-star rating reviews, but a law firm with the proven experience to back it. You want someone with hands-on inside information
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
From the Editor: Carla Selby............................6 TECH TALK With Bob The Computer Guy.....10 HAIR By Linda Beach.................................14-15 St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute...............16 Fish the Best, Fish a Yellowfin!........................18 Florida Hospital First with ExcelsiusGPS™.....20 What you have to know BEFORE you GO SOLAR!...............................24
of how the other side works because he once sat at the opposition’s table. For the first eight years of his career, Mike Hancock applied his law degree from South Texas College of Law to working for high-end insurance defense law firms, helping insurance See “Hancock” on page 4
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SEPTEMBER 2018 3
“Hancock”-
continued from page 1
companies retain their money in injury cases. He learned how insurance companies make decisions, what increases or decreases the value of a case, and what motivates them to settle or try a case. “We were hired daily by various insurance companies to defend personal injury lawsuits brought against their insureds. You become privy to how the insurance companies view these cases, their procedures and evaluations of claims,” said Mike. “My job was to do whatever I could to minimize what an insurance company might have to pay. Many times, because I was good at what I did, my job was to pay a person injured due the negligence of someone else less than they deserved. That wasn’t the way I wanted to continue to practice.” Mike said that this experience on the other side of the negotiation table was extremely beneficial to his clients and in 1996, he opened Hancock Injury Attorneys to apply this exceptional knowledge to help those injured receive the best possible settlement. Three years later, his wife Claire left one of the top plaintiff law firms on Florida’s West Coast to join the practice. “For the last 22 years we have been doing nothing but representing people who have been injured or family members of people who have been killed as the result of the negligence of somebody else. I utilize my
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Claire also started an initiative to provide school supplies for the Hillsborough County Education Foundation for their school store and she regularly receives thank you notes from the young recipients. Left: “Dear Claire Hancock. Thank you for the supplies. We would have not finished it in school through the year with out school supplies. - Lomax, 3rd grade Right “Dear Claire Hancock. Thank you for the school supplies. We loved them. I used them a lot. We could not have gone through the year without you. Thank you for all the supplies. - Erica unique background to the benefit of my clients.” Featured as one of the best law firms in Tampa Bay in the Tampa Bay Times 2017 Profile Series, Hancock Injury Attorneys is a family business and you can sense this the moment the free consultation appointment is made. A new client isn’t directed to another name on the employee roster. When you schedule an appointment with Mike, you sit down face-to-
face and discuss your case with him. “Mike’s insider background is definitely one of the things that make our practice unique,” said Claire. Hancock Injury Attorneys is recipient of many honors including Tampa’s Top-Rated Lawyers, Super Lawyers of Florida, Lead Counsel Rating in Personal Injury Law, 10.0 “Superb” from Avvo.com, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
– exclusive to attorneys who have obtained million dollar settlements, AV-Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau, Top 100 National Trial Lawyers, Carrollwood Area Business Association Business of the Year 2017, and are rated by peers with the highest level of professional excellence. They also recently received the 2018 “Law Firm 500” award for being one of the fastest growing law firms in
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the country. A Master with the Tampa Bay Inn of Court, an association of judges, lawyers and law students, Attorney Claire Hancock was recently featured on CNBC. com in an article about business professionals successfully multitasking in their businesses. She also serves on the Editorial Board of the Florida Bar News and Florida Bar Journal. Past President and current board member of the Carrollwood Bar Association, Mike is a regularly requested speaker at CLE (Continuing Legal Education) Seminars in both Tampa and Orlando. His next CLE Seminar speaking engagement is in October in Orlando called, NBI “Auto Injury Litigation: The Ultimate Guide”. The Hancock Injury Attorneys office is in the heart of Carrollwood, in a business complex off Busch Boulevard in Carrollwood. Mike and Claire are Tampa Bay natives – Mike grew up off of Lake Carroll and Claire in Treasure Island, the couple lives in Carrollwood and has raised two
daughters there. With a goal is to be recognized as “Carrollwood’s neighborhood attorneys,” the law firm founded “Care”ollwood, dedicating 1% of its annual revenue to local Carrollwood charities and organizations, including the Community Food Pantry which helped feed 37,000 food insecure residents in 2017. Hancock Injury Attorneys also serves as Gold Sponsors for the pantry. Claire also started an initiative to provide school supplies for the Hillsborough County Education Foundation for their school store and she regularly receives thank you notes from the young recipients. “We are able to clear out closets of pens, pencils, pads of paper and more,” explained Claire. “These are so valuable. Children can use these supplies that we do not need and are clearly very grateful for what we’d otherwise be disposing. We collect anything that teachers can use in the classrooms to help support them in their jobs.”
They also supported CABA’s (Carrollwood Area Business Association) backpack and school supply drive. Whether it’s giving back to their community or providing a satisfying resolution and the best possible settlement for your injury case, this top-rated husband and wife team and their staff go
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above and beyond and that’s the only type of law firm you want in your corner. For additional information or a complimentary consultation visit www. HancockInjuryAttorneys.com or call Mike or Claire at 813-9151110.
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This month marks the start of the academic year in many countries, not just in the U.S. In the Southern hemisphere, September 1st marks the beginning of the meteorological spring. I am an Astronomy and Astrology nerd, so for me, this month is pretty exciting. Meteor showers are expected to take place throughout the entire month of September to early October. So, if you’re into meteor showers as much as me, keep your telescopes ready, because it’s about to get lit! September is a marvelous month for swimming and partaking in water sports. The sea temperature is still amazingly high, averaging 84.2 Fahrenheit, which is as warm as the water surrounding Florida ever gets! So head out to the beaches and enjoy before it gets cold, rainy and those potential nasty Tropical Storms and Hurricanes start threatening us. Also, September 16th marks my one year anniversary with my
husband, Matt Selby. I want to take a minute to tell him I love him and thank you for a spectacular first year of marriage, and here’s to 100 more, or at least 80…Everyone knows I am the oldest one of the two so… And last but not least, I want to thank you all again…I know, I know, it seems to be a common theme on my Editorials lately, but hey… when did thanking people become a nuisance? So, in the spirits of being kind, I want to thank all of those people who reached out to me this past month and shared with me some amazing stories, some which will be featured in all of our issues of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles in the upcoming editions. Make sure you check them out! These are uplifting and positive stories from your own neighbors, your coworker’s brother in law, your best friend’s cousin’s aunt… these are stories from real members of your community that are doing great things, and that truly deserve a chance to get featured so they can let
everyone know about the wonderful impact they are making. If you have an amazing story that you’d want to share with us and the community, please, PLEASE reach out to me directly by emailing me at carla@nnlflorida. com Like I’ve said in my previous editorials, Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles is all about YOU… So if you feel you’re making a difference or are interested in making one, if you volunteer at a specific organization, a non-profit, a rescue shelter, or even if it’s only you…one person, trying to make a difference… I want to hear from you, so don’t be afraid to email me. I do enjoy reading your messages! I’ll leave you with these incredible words from Nelson Mandela, “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” Carla Selby.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 7
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SEPTEMBER 2018 9
TECH TALK With Bob The Computer Guy Today’s Topic: Keyboard Shortcuts
By Bob Dalles Keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform certain command functions that you most often do with the mouse. Fortunately, the Microsoft Windows User Interface provides multiple ways to execute commands. By pressing a specific combination of keys on your keyboard, you can maintain your keyboard prowess by not having to stop and reach for the mouse every time you want to execute a common command. The best way to understand this is to play along. Sit in front of your computer and perform the following keyboard shortcuts as I describe them. If you are not able to do that right now, then just read on and try it later. I am using a Windows 10 computer and the Microsoft “WordPad” application to demonstrate. Most Windows computers have the application “WordPad” installed on them. Search “WordPad” on your computer and then select it. WordPad should open into a blank document ready for you to type. Now type your name. To print this document using the mouse, you would click the “File” menu (located at the upper left side of the screen). The menu opens and then you would click “Print” to open the “Print” dialogue box. Once you are in the “Print” dialogue box, you would usually click “Print” to print the document. If you want to save paper, click “Cancel” to abort the print command.
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(which is the same as clicking “File” menu and selecting “New”) which creates a new blank document. Please note: If you have not saved the current document you have open, the “New” command will prompt you to save your current document first. Using Ctrl+P, Ctrl+S, Ctrl+O, Ctrl+N, and Ctrl+P can speed up your interaction when giving your computer commands. The “Esc” key will cancel these commands if you change your mind. Whether you use these keyboard shortcuts or not is completely up to you. I suggest you try them from time to time to see if you like them.
Now let’s try it using the keyboard shortcut for the print command (Ctrl+P). Hold down the “Ctrl” key with your left hand and tap the “P” key one time with your right hand. When the print dialogue box opens you may release the “Ctrl” key. If you look closely you will see that the “Print” command in the print dialogue box is highlighted. If you press the “Enter” key (on the right side of your keyboard) the document will print. Now here’s a new keystroke (“Esc”), the Escape key is located at the top left side of the keyboard. Tap it once and it will give you the same result as clicking the “Cancel” command in the print dialogue box. Some other keyboard shortcuts using the “Ctrl” key are: Crtl+O (the letter O, not the number zero) is the same
as clicking the “File” menu and then selecting “Open” which presents the “Open” dialogue box which allows you to open another document. Remember how to abort the command? Tap the “Esc” key once. Ctrl+S (which is the same as clicking “File” then “Save”) presents the “Save” dialogue box which allows you to save a document. Ctrl+N
Have a tech question? Email it to TechTalk-TBNL@ BobTheComputerGuy.NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727-534-4000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!
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SEPTEMBER 2018 13
HAIR By Linda Beach Provides Perfect Cut, Color and Perm in Private Setting By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
The magazine rack is overflowing in the intimate single-chair beach-themed salon in Carrollwood. “Nobody ever reads the magazines. We just sit in here talking,” said Linda Beach, owner and Master Stylist of HAIR by Linda Beach. “It’s intimate and we don’t have to worry about anybody interfering.” Linda moved to Tampa, FL in 2016 from Sacramento, CA. “We wanted warmer weather. Everybody thinks California is warm, but Northern California only has summer June through September. It gets cold in the winter,” she said. “We also wanted to be closer to beaches and love to cruise. We’ve already been on two cruises since moving here.” Initially, Linda rented a station at a salon in New Port Richey. After months of working in someone else’s business, she yearned to return to a space of her own.
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She had worked at a Sola Salon Studios, (an indoor complex filled with private cosmetology businesses), during her time in California and discovered a location on North Dale Mabry. She opened the doors of HAIR by Linda Beach in Sola
Salon Studios in November 2017. “I wanted to come back to Sola Salon Studios for a couple of reasons. I am my own boss and I love the fact that I’m one-on-one with my client,” she said. “I knew Sola Salon Studios and how
they work. Mary, the owner here, is fabulous. We’re all individual owners and I made my studio my own by selecting paint, furniture and decorations. I worked in a high-end salon in California for 11 years before I moved to Sola Salon Studios. When I left, I was at the highest level which was International Master Designer. I received additional education by traveling to New York, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.” Linda does the basics cut, color, and perms. “Men are welcome in my salon as well. I have a lot of experience with men’s haircuts.” Linda said that the most important item she brings to her clients is her ability to listen. “My clients tells me what they want, or don’t want done to their hair. I give them an opinion if asked, but always do whatever they want me to do. I’m not going to do something to
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somebody that they don’t want done.” Linda loves when clients bring photographs as ideas for particular cuts or color. “I teach them how to style their hair and how to use products. It’s my job to teach them how to do their hair.” Besides a selection of unread magazines near a comfy couch adorned with fuzzy pillows, Linda makes her clients feel at home by offering a selection of soda, water, and later in the day, wine. Positive reviews prove she is doing exactly what is needed for her clientele. “I love what I do,” she said. “That’s why I’ve been doing it for so long.” HAIR by Linda Beach is located in Sola Salon Studios #9 at 15241 North Dale Mabry Highway. To make an appointment, call Linda at 916.390.2527 or email her at lindagbeach@outlook.com. For more information and testimonials visit www.hairbylindabeach.com. For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com
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A brief history of world-class vision care Even as late as the 1960’s in the most medically advanced country in the world, the understanding of cataracts and their treatment would have been considered almost medieval compared with the medical knowledge and surgical practice of today. No one knew 1968 would prove to be a watershed year for the understanding and treatment of cataracts… including Dr. James P. Gills. A gifted physician, Dr. Gills had studied neurology but became intrigued by the inner workings of the eye and its medical issues. As a result he pursued ophthalmology and opened St. Luke’s Eye Clinic inTarpon Springs, Florida. By 1974, Dr. Gills was the first physician in the United States to dedicate his practice to the treatment of cataracts using intraocular lens implants. Initial reactions from his peers in the medical community was at best, mixed. Dr. Gills’ superior patient outcomes spoke so loudly that in a few short years, he was lauded as a “trail blazer” and one of the few true pioneers of modern surgical techniques for the treatment of cataracts. Dr. Gills and St. Luke’s had come of age. St. Luke’s innovations seemed to emerge almost daily, in medicines used within the eye, advances in anesthesia for the eye surgery, the development of micro-incisions, the use of ultrasonic vibration, computer guided lasers, and an on-site and purpose built surgical center, all of which revolutionized cataract surgery to the point we all recognize it today. St. Luke’s is without a doubt the most experienced cataract surgical center in the world.
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Today a cataract surgeon who performs perhaps hundreds of procedures a year might be considered an experienced cataract surgeon, a St. Luke’s surgeon may have performed thousands. Nothing delivers world class vision care like world class experience. Today, Dr. Pit Gills carries on the St. Luke’s tradition of an unmatched depth of experience and the commitment to innovation with over 40,000 surgical procedures performed, making him the most soughtafter cataract surgeon in Florida over the past seven years. Dr. Pit Gills leads a team of eye surgeons, ophthalmologists and optometrists at St. Luke’s including cataract surgeons Jeffrey Wipfli, MD and Brandon Rodriguez, MD. St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute has not only seen patients from 77 countries, but has cared for more than three generations of Floridians for cataract and refractive surgery, retina diseases, glaucoma, hearing, dermatology and plastic surgery. Call today for a consultation 727-491-8283 or visit us at StLukesEye.com
Jeffrey Wipfli, MD consults with a cataract surgery patient.
Brandon Rodriguez, MD performing cataract surgery.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 17
Fish the Best, Fish a Yellowfin! By Capt. Matt Selby We are really proud to announce we are adding a brand new custom-built Yellowfin to our fleet. This is a very exciting time for us because in all honesty, this is the only boat I’ve ever wanted, and we are really excited to share it with our clients. There are certain moments in your life that you can recall like it was yesterday, no matter how much time passes. I remember the first time I saw a Yellowfin…I was in High School and my Dad called me into the living room, “Matt, come in here,” he said, with what I thought was a serious tone. I was 15, so usually when my Dad called me into the room like that I did something he wasn’t happy about. As I walked in, I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I did, or at least what he found out I did wrong. He was glued to the TV. After a few seconds, he said, “Check out the lines on this boat.” He was right; the style was unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Now I was glued to the fishing show he was watching as well and couldn’t get over the look of this boat. We
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noticed it said Yellowfin on the side and since we didn’t have smart phones back then or even high-speed internet, I jumped on my parents desktop and fired up AOL. About 3 minutes later I was online and I searched “Yellowfin Fishing Boat.” 5 minutes after that, a number of photos popped up on my screen of these beautiful
fishing machines. I was drawn to the sleek flowing lines of the boat and the proud front bow. From that day forward I knew I’d own one someday. In August of 2017, we put down our deposit and got on their custom build list. Yellowfin custom builds each boat, one by one, to ensure quality and perfection their clients have come to expect
over their 20 years as industry leaders in high-performance fishing vessels. Our boat recently came out of the mold and is scheduled for delivery the first week of October! If you or the fishing enthusiast in your life wants an opportunity to catch a trophy fish in style, call us today! Epic Sport Fishing 727-253-5893
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SEPTEMBER 2018 19
Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel becomes first in Tampa Bay area to offer new ExcelsiusGPS™ surgical robotic guidance system The minimally invasive system allows for shorter surgery and recovery time for neurospine patients. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is the first hospital in the Tampa Bay area and only the second in Florida to offer the Globus ExcelsiusGPS™ surgical robotic guidance system through its neurospine program. The system is the first and only robotic platform for spine surgery that combines surgical navigation and robotic guidance; and improves accuracy and patient care for precise minimally invasive spine surgeries by using robotics and navigation. The system provides real time imaging to physicians for increased safety and accuracy; more precise positioning of screws during surgery, less exposure to radiation; and potentially shorter surgery and recovery time for patients. “Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is committed to delivering the best care to every patient, every time,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. “We are continuously adding expert physicians, state-of-the-art services, and innovative technology to meet the growing health care needs of our community.” The Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel neurospine program launched in October 2017 in response to a growing need from the community and a desire for patients to have a long-term solution for spinal pain. The program is led by neurosurgeons, Dr. Amir Ahmadian and Dr. Armen Deukmedjian, of NeuSpine Institute. Dr. Amir Ahmadian recently performed the bay area’s first spine surgery using the system.
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We are dedicated to the newest techniques and best technological advancements in neurospine surgery, and we’re excited to utilize the first ExcelsiusGPS™ robot in the Tampa Bay Area,” said Dr. Armen Deukmedjian of NeuSpine Institute. “It’s a revolutionary tool that will help improve surgical accuracy, reduce anesthesia time and hospital stays. In addition, the system allows us to make smaller incisions for improved healing and an overall elevated patient experience. This is a true game changer in spine surgery.” About Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel From state-of-the-art equipment to the most intricate building details, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel was designed from the ground up to maximize healing, patient care and wellness. This fullservice community hospital has 145 private patient rooms and features expert staff, specialty design and state-of-the art technology built for better patient care. Since opening in October of 2012, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has been recognized as a leader in patient satisfaction, quality and safety. The hospital offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient health services, including surgery, imaging and rehabilitation services and emergency services for adults and children. The hospital features a 50,000sq. ft. community Health & Wellness Center and a wide range of community offerings such as health and wellness presentations, screenings and
events. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently completed a massive expansion which involved 111, 993 square feet of new construction and 10,834 square feet of renovation. In the expansion, the hospital increased its number of emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, and surgical suites, added a second Heart Catheterization Lab, and recovery/ observation rooms as well as shelled space for future growth. For more information, please visit www. FHWesleyChapel.org About NeuSpine Institute NeuSpine Institute is a leader in comprehensive spine and neck care. Founded by neurosurgeons, Dr. Amir Ahmadian and Dr. Armen Deukmedjian they share a unique approach to spine
care, where surgery is always a last resort. Fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery, they specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of simple to complex spinal conditions providing patients with a personalized treatment plan based on their specific needs and pathology.
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SEPTEMBER 2018 21
“Michael’s Grill”- continued from page 1 Every time I’ve visited Michael’s Grill I’ve been enthusiastically greeted by the owners, Chef Michael and his wife Andrea, seated in a beautiful table with fresh cut flowers, served the most delicious food, and treated like a member of the family. Conveniently located at 11720 North Dale Mabry Highway, and open 7 days a week, Mondays through Fridays for lunch and dinner and Saturdays and Sundays for a fantastic breakfast, Michael’s Grill is one of those rare neighborhood gem’s that will keep you coming back for more, no matter where you live. At Michael’s Grill you can enjoy a great selection of fresh seafood dishes, savory chicken entrees, juicy steaks, mouth-watering pastas, home-made soups, including their award-winning She-Crab bisque, and a wide variety of sandwiches and bountiful salads. By hand selecting all the veggies and other ingredients from local farmers markets, and obtaining only the freshest seafood and cuts of meats, Chef Michael and Andrea ensure that everything they put on your table is always fresh and of the best quality. They also like to feature savory specials with tasty seasonal ingredients, so whenever you visit, make sure you check out a list of all specials on the blackboard on their wall to see what deliciously fresh dishes Chef Michael is offering that day. With so many spectacular qualities that keeps this place at the top of my all-time favorite restaurants in Tampa Bay, it comes to no surprise that Michael’s Grill is about to celebrate their 18th anniversary serving the community. “We opened our doors back in 2000, that was the same year we got married,” said Andrea with a big smile on her face, as she reminisced about what an incredible journey has been thus far. Some would say, working side by side with a spouse isn’t typically a recipe for success, but these two are an exception to that rule in every way. Their relationship is stronger than ever and are still best friends to this day! Even though Chef Michael and Andrea come from different countries, both of them grew up surrounded by family members who appreciated the art of cooking a great meal with only the freshest of ingredients. For Chef Michael, growing up in Miami helped him develop a strong passion for everything seafood, although he admits that a nice juicy cut of steak is also right up his alley. For Andrea, growing up in Lakenheath, a small village in England known for its agricultural fields and produce, meant having to help her parents with all the farming responsibilities. “I grew up knowing the importance of fresh produce, hand picking vegetables and learning how to cook them in many different ways,” says Andrea, who til this day, hands pick all fruits and vegetables from local markets here in Tampa Bay to make sure that everything they bring to your table is top quality. Chef Michael
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and Andrea’s culinary backgrounds meshed perfectly into this American / European fusion, which can only be described as one word; delicious. And while Chef Michael prepares all the main entrees, Andrea is in charge of the desserts… oh, and she also makes an amazing Sangria! As a seafood lover myself, I asked Chef Michael to surprise me with a dish that would perfectly represent his and Andrea’s culinary journey of fresh seafood and fresh veggies, so he presented me with a mouth watering Salmon dish that was truly remarkable.
The Salmon was perfectly cooked and was topped with a black olive, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes and accompanied by a fresh veggie and couscous medley. Yum! As if that wasn’t enough, Andrea and Chef Michael also allowed me to try one of their signature lunch sandwiches; The Eiffel Tower. Now, if you’ve read any of my food stories, you’ll know by now how much I love bread. So let me tell you that this sandwich stole my heart at first bite. Piles of house sliced and roasted roast beef served on a warm, soft yet crispy french bread, with au jus
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and horseradish sauce for dipping and a side of steak fries. Definitely a must try! Even though their food is outstanding, their friendly and personal service is what truly sets them apart. “We love to make guests feel special. If we know someone is coming in for a special occasion we’ll have champagne waiting for them when they arrive. We love having fresh cut flowers on all our tables and flickering candles. Michael and I always strive to greet and meet all of our guests,” says Andrea. “We enjoy making people happy, it makes us happy. It’s a great feeling when you can give someone a really great meal. Our love for the customer and great quality food shines not only through us, but our servers and kitchen staff as well.” Local customer, Michael Parise, recently gave Michael’s Grill a 5 star review on Facebook and had this to say about his experience: “Just finished Jay’s Birthday lunch at Michael’s Grill in Carrollwood. Rarely am I able to offer such a comprehensively positive review of a restaurant from the moment we entered to the moment we left and all the wonderful food and drink in between. The sangria was unique and wonderful; best I ever tasted. The meals were fresh, tasty, properly seasoned, and prepared in a way that showed love. The wait staff was fabulous; Bianca could not have been more pleasant and helpful. Michael’s is chef-owned. His wife Andrea tends the bar (she made the sangria!) and makes every guest feel special. And the prices were very reasonable for the quality and care. Thank you Michael’s Grill on Dale Mabry, Carrollwood, Tampa!” Guests’ Favorite Dishes “Some of our guests’ favorites are the Wasabi Crusted Tuna, the
Rustic Salmon and the Steak Au Poivre. Of course the crab cakes, our award-winning She-Crab bisque and the fried brie are a must!” says Andrea. On a previous visit, I had the pleasure of trying the Rustic Salmon, and it was truly unbelievable! A personal favorite of mine as well. This dish consists of a pan seared, succulent, which piece of salmon topped with a warm fresh tomato ragu, and honey goat cheese. Served with roasted cauliflower and a pesto cream. “Our breakfast on Saturday and Sunday is delicious,” says Andrea. I can honestly say that their eggs Benedict are some of the best I’ve ever had. Chef Michael even prepares his Hollandaise sauce from scratch! It’s very creamy and savory with a hint of lemon. You may also want to try the croquet madame, which consists of ham and swiss cheese on Texas toast topped with fried eggs and light cheese sauce. And their mimosas are always $3.99! Chef Michael shared with me that he truly loves what he does. He loves the instant gratification he gets from being a head chef and restaurant owner. “I love the fact that as soon as I am done with a dish I can see the customers’ faces and reactions. I love hearing their compliments from across the bar and every time someone gives me a thumbs up, I feel an enormous amount of instant satisfaction. You cannot get that at all jobs,” says Chef Michael.
Andrea and Chef Michael would like to thank everyone that has supported them through all these years. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your incredible support throughout the years. It’s been a pleasure serving you and getting to know you and your loved ones. It will be 18 years this December, and we wouldn’t be here without your amazing support and loyalty,” says Andrea.
Michael’s Grill is located at 11720 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618. For an extended Menu and information regarding renting a room for a special event, wedding or party please reach out to Andrea or Chef Michael at (813) 964-8334 or email them directly at michaelsgrilltampa@gmail.com
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What you have to know BEFORE you GO SOLAR! With all innovation there’s skepticism, especially when something has relatively been the same since the beginning. Change is always scary no matter what the change is; that’s just human nature but paying the traditional power company for your energy consumption is something that’s changing. As a homeowner you finally have options when it comes to your electric bill. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of switching to Solar! 1. NOT ALL SOLAR COMPANIES ARE CREATED EQUAL This is a big one and I could go on and on but I’ll keep it short. When pricing out solar, make sure the company has an in-house team of installers. The license holder is responsible for the workmanship for a minimum of 10 years! That means if anything fails as far as the installed product, the company who installed it is responsible. This includes roof leaks due to a failed product or installation practice. If a company is subcontracting the installation you have a much tougher time trying to file a claim, especially if the “Solar Company” who subbed out the work is nowhere to be found a few years down the line.
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2. ELIMINATING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL DOESN’T MEAN SOLAR IS FREE!
touched on before, your payment goes directly to something you own. The payment also locks in and never goes up. Once the system is paid The Government is offering a 30% off, you don’t pay anything and your tax credit incentive through the end system likely has plenty of years of life left. of this year for sure but that’s the only FREE portion. Some people 4. NEVER CHOOSE A see $0 down or out of pocket and COMPANY THAT CHARGES A think that means FREE but that just MONEY DOWN FEE refers to start up costs. The goal is to create a system that net 0’s out The panels go up and the your current electric bill. To simplify only cost you pay is your monthly this, the Solar Energy system is payment from there on out. This designed to create enough energy price includes everything including to cover your consumption use and in turn, eliminates your charge from the labor. DON’T let somebody charge you an upfront fee unless the traditional energy company. you are paying for the system in Currently, if you aren’t producing cash and are foregoing the payment your own energy with Solar, you plan. As mentioned above, $0 might as well just light your money money down, $0 out of pocket deals on fire because your payment isn’t going towards anything you own. It’s that most Solar companies’ offer refers to the initial setup. just like renting. It’s not an asset to you. When you rent something it’s like paying 100% interest. It goes to 5. What should you see in nothing to your benefit. Think about your contract? that next time you pay your electric The contract should clearly bill. define the financing, ownership and performance expectations. NEVER 3. SOLAR WILL SAVE YOU sign a contract with a company that MONEY, AND THE PRICE IS THE doesn’t include these important PRICE UNTIL IT’S PAID OFF factors. The cost of the system broken For Information call the Solar into monthly payments is cheaper Professionals of Florida at in month number 1 than your 813-750-7770 average electric bill currently. You save money right away, and as we
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PARTNERS OF SOLAR HOMES LIC. NO. CB-C056667 EC NO. EC-13006510
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