04-12 WCNN 1-36 web by Neighborhood News

Volume 20 Issue 4

Inside: Our Editor’s 2011 Local Dining Favorites!

February 11, 2012

See Page 30!

The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Since 1993! THE INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINES DIRECTLY MAILED TO: WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge • Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • West Meadows

New Rest Areas Now Open On I-75 Between S.R. 56 & S.R. 54 By Sean Bowes Drivers (and their pets) traveling back and forth between New Tampa and Wesley Chapel on I-75 are now welcome to check out the new rest areas now open in each direction. On December 23, the two rest areas on I-75, between S.R. 56 (Exit 275) and S.R./C.R. 54 (Exit 279) reopened for public use. These new facilities replace the former buildings located on the same land; reconstruction of the sites began in July 2010. “The old facilities weren’t in very good shape,” says Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) spokesman John McShaffery. “The parking was inadequate. It wasn’t up to standards and it just couldn’t hand the volume of traffic.” Both of the rest areas features great amenities such as two small, fenced-in dog parks, night time security and a variety of coffee and vending machines, including one that dispenses ice cream.

Basically, they’re now what rest areas should be — safe areas with plenty of parking, lots of options for snacks and spotless bathrooms. “The bathrooms were very clean,” confirmed Gina Lupton of New York, who stopped at the rest stop on her way down to Naples. All of Florida’s interstate rest areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new rest areas, which have been designated as smoke-free facilities, also offer a walking trail, where travelers are welcome to take their pets for a stroll. There also is preferred parking for vehicles which use alternative fuel sources, like electric cars, hybrids or ones that run on vegetable oil. FDOT officials also are waiting to see if the the rest areas will earn the certification of a being a “Green Building” from the Green Building certification Institute. Both facilities salvaged materials from the old buildings and were outfitted with energy-efficient light bulbs,

The new rest areas on I-75 between S.R.s 56 & 54 are now open to travelers. The $25-million project took a year and a half to complete. The rest areas were rebuilt to prohand dryers and even faucets. vide additional truck parking, add more According to McShaffery, the restroom facilities and to to meet travelcombined cost for both facilities was ers' needs for over 30 years, said a state$25.1 million. He adds that although ment from the FDOT. the rest areas are open to the public, FDOT anticipates construction for some minor construction work remains. both rest areas to be complete no later This may periodically limit access to than the end of February. Cone and some areas of the buildings, parking Graham, Inc. of Tampa completed all lots and other areas until it is entirely of the work on the projects. completed.

Wellness Programs Shaping Up At Wesley Chapel’s Elementary Schools!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Getting Pampered Is Good, Clean Fun At Man Attack’s Daughter’s Date With New Tampa Well-Spa; ‘Yogurt Wars’ & Machete, Yet Another S.R. 54 Widening Update & Plenty Of Local Business News! Other ‘Nibbles,’ Plus, Gary’s 2011 Local Dining Favorites!

See pages 3-26!

See pages 27-36!

See “Wellness” on page 28

ECRWSS

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To earn money for the school, students must complete challenges that could range from taking a pledge to stay healthy to submitting recipes for lowfat foods. Students Pictured are (l. to r.) New River Elementary principal Lynn can keep track of Pabst, cafeteria manager Robin Ladig, physical education their progress using coaches Kathy Gillooly and Holly Mitchell and health assisthe program's webtant Jama Karl. site (see wnd of story), which posts the progress of each student and also put up new challenges for schools. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

Getting healthy and staying fit are trends that are sweeping Wesley Chapel’s elementary schools. In January, Wesley Chapel Elementary (WCE) hosted its first-ever “Fitness Week” and New River Elementary is continuing its participation in “Fuel Up to Play 60,” a national in-school

health and wellness program that encourages at least an hour of exercise every day. On January 16, New River Elementary received $3,944 from the Dairy Council of Florida to support its 2011-12 involvement in “Fuel Up to Play 60.” In addition to exercising daily, the program encourages children to eat nutrient-rich, low-fat

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Sean Bowes

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My First Look At The Race For The Republican Nomination Although I still consider myself to be apolitical, the fact is that I’m a registered Republican who (like most members of the media, or so I hear) leans much more towards the middle of the road than the average member of the Tea Party. As those of you who have been reading these columns for more than four years already knows, I endorsed President Barack Obama over the Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain, in 2008, primarily because I felt a) that Obama did a better job in the debates than the Arizona senator and b) I had a real problem with McCain’s chosen running mate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. But, that’s old news and there’s no doubt that three full years after Obama took office, the U.S. economy as a whole has not rebounded the way it seemed to me it might back at the end of 2010 and that our nation’s budget deficit has flown past the $10 trillion mark for the first time with little or no end in sight if the current president is reelected — especially if by winning a second term, Obama’s coattails help shift the balance of power in the U.S. Legislature away from the Republicans. So, while the early parts of the race to become the 2012 GOP nominee held minimal interest to me (I kind of liked Herman Cain early on, but the only candidate with no previous politiWesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Adv. E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Senior News Reporter Sean Bowes Correspondents Camille Gillies • Heidi Fallis Stone Matt Wiley • Sheryl Young

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Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 20, Issue 6, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, February 27, 2012. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2012 JM2 Communications, Inc.

An editorial by Gary Nager cal experience rightfully dropped out of the race following multiple scandals that took on a life of their own in short order), I have started to follow the race to oppose Obama a little more closely. Since Cain’s exodus, it seemed until a month or so ago (as in prior to the South Carolina primary on January 21) that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney would all but cruise to the nomination. Romney has finished first or second in all four primaries to date (including his big win here in Florida on January 31), and his doubledigit win over former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich in Florida, following the reverse outcome in South Carolina definitely has put his bid to become the first Mormon president in U.S. history back on track. Gov. Romney, who has the perfect “look” to play a president in the movies, looked a whole lot less presidential in the final debate prior to the SC primary, as he fumbled and stumbled to answer questions about when he might release his personal tax returns and how many years of said returns he would release. Since then, it seems his new debate coach has done wonders to restore his chance to win the GOP nod. Many have already called this the most negative campaign between two frontrunners in recent memory — long before Obama would even have to concern himself with either the former Massachusetts governor or the former House speaker, who seem to be putting some distance between themselves and candidates three and four, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and long-time Texas Rep. Ron Paul. Speaker Gingrich, who always comes off as the most “powerful” and polished of the four remaining GOP candidates, was able to whip up on Romney in SC, despite having to deal with an allegation by one of his former

wives that he had asked her for an “open” marriage. Now that Romney is back as the frontrunner (he was favored to also win the Nevada caucus as we went to press), Gingrich’s always-headline-worthy personal life may not become as much of the focus of the campaign as it seemed, at one time, it would be. I honestly thought that Sen. Santorum — who is still a distant third in the race, despite being declared the winner of the Iowa caucus after Romney was originally named the winner there — has actually done the best job of focusing on his positive attributes and distinguishing his platform from that of Pres. Obama in the recent candidate forums. I don’t know if Santorum can win the GOP nod, but if I’m looking for someone with a proven conservative agenda who looks and sounds presidential and clearly distances himself from all things Obama, Santorum’s my guy. I actually voted for him in Florida’s primary, despite the fact I’m not quite the anti-abortionist he is, although I also honestly think he’s young enough to have another chance to run for President in the future. Perhaps the most personally likable candidate is the same doctor and Libertarian who also may have the most

unique ideas about how to fix this country is Rep. Paul. He doesn’t cut nearly as imposing a figure as the other three candidates but, as long as he continues to trail the field, he can continue to fly under the radar and at least impress more and more voters with his unique economic and political agendas. By now, it’s obvious he has little or no chance of winning what his campaign folks call “a marathon, not a sprint” towards the Republican nomination, but he could still run as a Libertarian or Independent candidate, despite his advanced age (76, which would make him the oldest man ever to win a U.S. Presidential election, two years older than Ronald Reagan, who was 73 when he won his second term in office). Of course, once a Republican candidate is selected from this field, that candidate’s selection of a running mate could still change how I will vote — and who I endorse — in November. I preferred Obama to McCain in 2008, but once the latter chose Gov. Palin to stand alongside him, I felt much better about that choice. Will Romney maintain his lead and cruise to the nomination or can Gingrich catch him? I definitely look forward to seeing how the rest of the process plays out this time around.

Table of Contents LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, & EDUCATION UPDATES........................................................Pages 1-26 Wesley Chapel News Briefs ...........................................4-5 Wesley Chapel Dad Arrested For Wielding Macheté 75 iPads Stolen from New Tampa’s Best Buy St. Mark Catholic Church Fund Raising For New Building Yet Another S.R. 54 Widening Update....................................8 Yet Another Dougherty Siblings Update.................................9 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar.......................12-13

Local Business Updates..................................16-25 Attorney Patricia Carroll.........................................................16 John S. Wood, CPA...........................................................20 The Soap Factory In Tampa Palms Is ‘Soap Much Fun’.......24

Neighborhood Magazine ‘Spa Girls’ Make A Visit To New Tampa Well-Spa Fun!.......27 Wellness Programs At Area Schools (cont. from page 1)...28 Our Editor’s 2011 Dining Favorites.........................30-33

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS........34

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W ESLEY C HAPEL By Sean Bowes The next time a Wesley Chapel teenager thinks that her dad is still out fishing, she may want to give him a call before inviting friends over. Sometime during the afternoon of January 24, Leroy Trotz, 37, of 30677 Latourette Dr. in the Palm Cove development, came home from a morning fishing trip and found a 17-year-old boy hiding in a closet. The boy was visiting Trotz’s 16-year-old daughter. “I told the boy (before) he was not allowed to come to my home to see my daughter,” Trotz told Pasco County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) deputies. When Trotz found the boy, he tried escaping through a bedroom window, causing damage to a screen, when Trotz attacked him a machete. According the PCSO report, Trotz struck the boy multiple times with the machete’s handle, causing “great bodily harm by several lacerations and contusions.” Once outside, Trotz also smashed the windshield of the boy’s white Honda, which was parked outside. The entire incident took place at Trotz’s Palm Cove home. Trotz was arrested and charged

News Briefs with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief resulting in damages of more than $200 but less than $1,000 to the Honda. He was released the following day by posting a $10,500 bond.

Leroy Trotz

75 iPads Stolen From New Tampa’s Best Buy

Some people will do just about anything for an iPad 2. On January 13, a group of six burglars in a stolen Nissan Maxima went to the New Tampa Best Buy at 18071 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza and took every iPad 2 in the store. On January 13, at 4:48 a.m., one of the burglars crashed the stolen Maxima into the bay door at the rear of the electronics store. The collision made a large enough opening in the aluminum door for the burglars to enter the Best Buy. Once inside, the six burglars, all dressed in black and wearing white masks, used sledge hammers to destroy the display cases that held the iPads.

According to a report by the Tampa Police Department (TPD), the burglars stole 75 iPad 2s from the display cases. Best Buy currently sells the 32GB iPad 2 model for $600. Other higherend iPads with more memory sell for up to $830 on the Best Buy website. The company estimates that some $60,000 of electronics were stolen in the robbery that night, according to the TPD report. Once all of the iPads were loaded into bags, the burglars then loaded the bags into a waiting car and escaped before police arrived. Detectives were still working to solve the case at our press time. The stolen 1997 Nissan Maxima that crashed in to the bay door was abandoned at the scene of the crime.

On the same morning as the robbery, three other Nissan Maximas were stolen from the Temple Terrace area. TPD detectives believe the car thefts could be related to the Best Buy burglary. All of the Maximas stolen on January 13 were taken from apartment complexes in Temple Terrace. All of the cars have been found abandoned by the TPD, with the exception of one Maxima, which was stolen from the River Chase Apartments in Temple Terrace. One of the cars that was stolen had tools inside it that were left at the scene of the iPad burglary. TPD officers are still on the lookout for a 1997 Nissan Maxima with the Florida license plate 551TCZ. Anyone with any information regarding any of the stolen Maximas or the burglary at Best Buy should call TPD detective Michelle DeSmith at 931-6569.

St. Mark Raising Funds For New Church Building

Footage from Best Buy’s surveilance tape shows the burglars unloading the iPads through the damaged door.

The New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area’s only Catholic church wants to transform its campus into something that will make anyone from any background say “wow.” “I want people to walk onto the campus and just have a unique, spiritual experience,” says Father David DeJulio

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This is a rendition of what the new building at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd. may look like in a few years. of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd. “Something like the feeling you get when you walk into the churches in Europe or the older ones here in the States.” The vision of Fr. DeJulio and the church’s leadership is an entirely new church for the 26-acre campus. Currently, the place of worship the church uses is an undersized Family Life Center that was never intended to be the only sanctuary at the site. Every Saturday and Sunday, more than 1,000 families come to the Family Life Center at St. Mark for services, receptions and religious education classes for kids. “It’s hard to get a room sometimes,” says DeJulio. “We’ve always envisioned a real spiritual center for New Tampa and we want to build one here. The current building isn't really a church (in the traditional sense).”

St. Mark’s leadership is looking to use the Family Life Center for local concerts, wedding receptions and to host events for the community. The new plans include a new reconciliation chapel, two quiet rooms that have a view of the altar, an Usher’s Room that would double as a Bride’s Room and an open outside setting that would provde, according to Fr. DeJulio, a “feeling of tranquility.” The current blueprints (see above) include a large, open, landscaped area and a large walking labyrinth that would be located close to the church’s current entrance on Cross Creek Blvd. “The new plans encompass both traditional and futuristic elements,” says Fr. DeJulio. To pay for the new structures, the church is trying to raise the $10 million the project is estimated to cost. Fr.

DeJulio says construction could begin as soon as the church has at least raised half of that cost, or roughly $5 million. He says that currently, the church has a little more than $3 million in its coffers for the construction. Fr. DeJulio admits that fund raising is a slow process, but it’s something the church has been working toward since the Family Life Center first opened in 2003. He is confident the church should reach the halfway goal and start building by 2017. On Sunday, February 19, St. Mark’s will host its annual golf tournament fund raiser at Hunter’s Green Country Club. The tournament will feature longest drive and closest-to-the-

pin contests, as well as a “four-person scramble” format golf competition that costs $125 to enter. A chicken and rib dinner also will be served. Sponsorships are available and the church is inviting the entire New Tampa community to come out and join the fun. “And, you don’t have to be Catholic or a member of the church to come out and play golf or enjoy the tournament,” says Cyndi Letzeisen, St. Mark’s director of development. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is located at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information about the church or the February 19 golf tournament, call Cyndi Letzeisen at 907-7746.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 04 • Februar y 11, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

S.R. 54 Back On Track After Widening Is All But Completed By Sean Bowes & Gary Nager Things are looking better for S.R./C.R. 54 from west of I-75 to just east of Curley Rd (C.R. 577). After years of construction, congested traffic and millions of dollars spent, it finally looks like it will be smooth travels on a road which has been called Pasco County’s busiest. All six lanes of the widened S.R. 54 are now open during peak travels, which are early in the morning and after 4 p.m. However, some lane closures should still be expected until the end of February. Pasco’s chief project manager Robert Shepherd says that the finishing touches from Pepper Contracting Services, the contracting company for the project, include laying a final layer of asphalt near the I-75 onramp and cleaning out storm drains on the roadside of S.R. 54. “The ramp paving at I-75 would already be finished, but the colder weather prevented us from laying the top layer on those lanes,” Shepherd explained. The original completion date for the widening project was April 2012. However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing since the road opened up to six lanes wide in December. Many drivers

have complained about the merge from three lanes into one when approaching Curley Rd. Shepherd says that some drivers were not paying attention to the merger and ended up cutting people off that were either turning left on to Curley Rd. or continuing east on SR 54. This white-striped “lane” located adjacent to the actual lane Officials say that there have not been any where eastbound drivers on S.R. 54 are allowed to turn left onto Curley Rd. has caused some confusion for drivers. accidents related to the new merge lanes, but if are completed. drivers continue to illegally cross lanes, State traffic counts from the Florithe Pasco County Sheriff’s Office will da Department of Transportation begin to enforce the area more heavily. (FDOT) show that roughly 38,000 cars Most of the merging headaches travel S.R./C.R. 54 between I-75 and came before the county laid down the Curley Rd. every day. The road has final lane striping and merging signs. been Pasco County’s most expensive “If drivers were watching the road project — $31 million for consigns, we shouldn't have a problem,” struction and planning and an additionsays Shepherd. al $74.2 million spent on acquiring the The area already is a hot spot for right of way for the project from PCSO to scribble out speeding tickets. landowners along the route. During construction, the speed limit Bagelicious Owner Requests dropped from 45mph to 35mph. At Median/Signal Changes our press time, the 3.2-mile stretch was While most area residents are stilled zoned at 35 mph, but it should happy to see the construction come to open back up to its original speed limit an end, some of the businesses located once the final phases of construction

in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 are concerned about getting vehicles into and out of that plaza safely. Linda Carr, the owner of Bagelicious & More in Freedom Plaza, appeared before the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)’s Access Management Review Committe (AMRC) on January 25 to ask for an opening in the median that would allow vehicles heading west on 54 to turn left into the plaza. The committee denied that request for safety reasons on the 25th. Spokesperson Kris Carson says, however, that FDOT is still looking into Carr’s request to add a left/Uturn signal at the intersection of 54 and Vandine Rd., just west of the entrance to the plaza. There is a designated left/U-turn lane at the intersection of 54 and Vandine, where westbound vehicles can make a U-turn, but without a left turn signal, Carr says most of her breakfast customers will find it too difficult to make that U-turn against fast-moving eastbound traffic. Carson says that FDOT is aware of Carr’s concerns and is considering adding a left turn signal at that location. She said she didn’t know, however, how soon a decision would be made. We’ll keep you posted.

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Dougherty Sibling Planned Jailbreak; Plea Hearing Postponed By Matt Wiley A high-speed chase laced with gunfire, a bank robbery, a nationwide manhunt and now a foiled jailbreak. It all sounds like something out of an action movie, but this is real life for the Doughtery siblings. The most recent development in the case comes days after Dylan, 26, was discovered to be planning an escape from his Walsenburg, Colorado jail cell, where he and his siblings Lee Grace, 29, and Ryan, 22, have been held since August 10. Dylan has since been transferred from Huerfano County Jail to Pueblo County Jail, about 45 miles to the north. On January 31, a Colorado district court once again postponed a plea hearing for the two brothers. This is the second postponement of a plea hearing since the initial postponement on November 28, while the court awaited the results of a DNA test. The brothers are scheduled to reappear in court on Feb. 16. Lee Grace is still on schedule to go to trial Feb. 21 on charges of attempted second-degree murder and assault, among others. Her brothers are charged with five counts each of

attempted second-degree murder, firstdegree assault, vehicle theft, theft by receiving and displaying fictitious or altered license plates. The Associated Press (AP) reports that during a search of Dylan’s cell on January 10, deputies found a letter to the FBI stating that he had “enjoyed his stay” and another in his sister's cell telling her how he planned to escape and that she he would drop through the ceiling to break her out as well. Dylan will now also be charged with conspiracy to escape and possession of contraband. The siblings began their multistate crime spree last August in Zephyrhills, just east of Wesley Chapel, when Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) Officer Kevin Widener pursued the trio for speeding. A passenger in the white Subaru sedan began firing shots at Ofc. Widener’s vehicle, striking his front-left tire. After escaping Widener, the trio continued north and, according to the FBI, entered a bank in Valdosta and opened fire with an AK47 assault rifle, shooting at the ceiling, and stole an undisclosed amount of cash. They fled first to Utah, where they are the main suspects in two carjack-

The Dougherty siblings (l. to r.) Dylan, Lee Grace & Ryan are still being held in Colorado as they await their trial for their many offenses. ings, one unsuccessful, and then to Colorado, where their car was spotted at a sporting goods store in Colorado Springs. and then at a campground at the San Isabel National Forest. A Colorado state trooper approached the vehicle at a nearby gas station, but the siblings escaped and led authorities on another gunfire-filled

high-speed chase until driving over a spike strip and flipping their car. According to the police report, Lee Grace tried to escape on foot with a pistol in her hand. Authorities shot her in leg after she pointed her gun at Walsenburg Police officers, who then arrested her and her two brother,s who gave themselves up after the crash.

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W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar Honest Abe 5k Race

‘Uncle Dow’ Memorial Comedy Fund Raisers

Friday-Sunday, February 10-12, shows at 8 & 10 p.m. (8 p.m. only on Sun.) — New Tampa’s own Susan Saiger (with Uncle Dow, above) will be one of the featured performers during a weekend of great comedy in tribute to local comic “Uncle Dow” Thomas at Coconuts Comedy Club at Jack’s Joint (2950 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater. In addition to Saiger, 30 of Uncle Dow’s friends will perform, including Steve Arik, Jonny Oz, Larry G. and Steve Baird. Uncle Dow’s own comedy performances also will be featured and all proceeds will benefit his widow, Kay Thomas. Tickets are just a $10 donation per person. For tickets and more information, call (727) 741-8014.

Saturday, February 11, 7 a.m. — The Boy Scouts of America are hosting their second annual ‘Honest Abe’ 5K run. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. at American Consulting (next to the Hampton Inn), off S.R. 56. The Wesley Chapel Rotary club and St. Leo University are sponsoring the event. The entry fee is $20, which includes a free T-shirt. For more info, visit Active.com, keywords “Honest Abe 5K.”

Free Networking Int’l

Monday, February 13, 8 a.m. — Free Networking International (FNI), a group of area business owners, meets each Monday for networking and discussion at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For more information, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499.

Business Networking Int’l

Tuesday, February 14, 7:30 a.m. — Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals who work to support each other through qualified business referrals, meets Tuesdays at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd.).

For more information, contact JD Lane at 391-5018 or by e-mail at Jdlane@benchmarkbusiness.com.

East Pasco Networking

Tuesday, February 14, 9 a.m. — The East Pasco Networking Group meets every Tuesday, 9 a.m., at Beef O’Brady's (1660 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shops at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza). Contact Frankie Ammons at 479-7997 or by e-mail at Frankie@studioglory.com.

Wesley Chapel Rotar y Club

Wednesday, February 15, 12:15 p.m. — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at Pagelli’s at the Shops at Wiregrass (2001 Piazza Ave.). For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

WC Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.— The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol squadron meets every Wednesday at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54). Visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

CBC Networking Group

Thursday, February 16, 7:30 a.m. — The Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking Group meets every Thursday at Organic Life Coffeehouse (1900 Oak Grove Blvd.,

off S.R. 54, Lutz). The group is open to all business leaders and professionals in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities. CBC members’ core philosophy puts God first and bases business decisions on Christian values,. For more information, call Jeff Hanneken at 600-9200.

Networking For Success

Thursday, February 16, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. — The Networking For Your Success group meets every Thursday at Song & Dance Studio (27221 Foamflower Blvd., off S.R. 54). For additional information, call John Anglada at 298-3232 or visit NetWorkingforYourSuccess.com.

WC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m. — The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at Crossroads Community United Methodist Church (26211 County Line Rd.). New members are encouraged to join. For additional information, call Glenn at 746-4821 or e-mail him at Trombonegww@juno.com.

Bachelor Auction!

Thursday, February 16, 7 p.m. — Mary Ann Yaney, a candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Socuety’s

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2012 “Woman of the Year,” is hosting a Bachelor Auction at Pebble Creek Country Club (10550 Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B Downs Blvd.). The cost to attend and bid on a dream date with any of the eligible bachelors — including Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager — is only $10. There will be plenty of great auction items for singles and married couples who attend this great event, and all proceeds beneft Yaney’s “Woman of the Year” campaign. For tickets & more info about the event, including how to get your business’ “swag” in the evening’s goody bags and about VIP seating for single ladies, call 973-3780.

WC Sunrise Rotary Club

Friday, February 17, 7:15 a.m. — The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.) *Note-The Club no longer meets at Lexington Oaks. For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Ierna’s Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, February 18, 11 a.m.2 p.m. — Ierna’s Heating & Cooling will host its first annual “Bring the Heat” Chili Cook-Off at the company’s new headquarters, located at 18843 U.S. Hwy 41 N. in Lutz, near the old brick school house. This fun family event will feature

live music, a bounce house, raffles and five chili competitions will be open and free to the public! The chili contest has a low entry fee of $20 and only 150 contestant spots are available. Cash prizes will be awarded in several categories and the Grand Prize is $500 for the People’s Choice winner! Proceeds from this event will benefit a local family in need. For Chili Cook-Off applications, please e-mail: LoranT@IernaAir.com.

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP)

Monday, February 20, 7:30 a.m. — This networking group meets Monday mornings at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and at 8:00 a.m. for networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd. For more information, call Cindy at 505-3065.

MOMS Club Of WC

Monday, February 20, 10 a.m. — The Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club of Wesley Chapel, a non-profit social group for stay-at-home mothers, meets the third Monday of each month at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54) for activities, field trips and more. For more information, e-mail Heather at WCMoms@yahoo.com.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Monday, February 20, 6:15 p.m. — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” Toastmasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). Club meetings are open to all interested parties. For more information, call 4065931 or visit Toastmasters84.org.

Free Storytelling Event

Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. — Kelly’s Tales will be holding a storytelling event for youngsters at the New Tampa YMCA. This is a free event that includes arts and crafts, refreshments and, of course, a great children’s story. The New Tampa YMCA is located at 16221 Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms. For more info, contact Book Swap of New Tampa at 929-7490.

Women Of Wesley Chapel

Friday, March 2, 7:30 a.m. — WOW, the Women of Wesley Chapel networking group, meets the first Friday of every month at the Branch of Christ Building, Cypress View Square (27223 S.R. 56, next to Boardwalk Frozen Custard). This month’s speaker

is Pasco clerk & comptroller Paula O’Neil, who will be speaking on “Women and Politics.” For info, email Debbie Yoerg at Debbie@DesignedForAPurpose.com.

WC Republican Club

Thursday, March 8, 7 p.m. — The Wesley Chapel Republican Club meets the second Thursday of each month at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). Visitors are always welcome to attend. Call Mike Moore at 777-6171 or email WCRepublican@att.net.

2012 Mid-Florida MS Walk Saturday, March 24, 5:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. — Join the National MS Society, Mid-Florida Chapter, for its annual Walk MS at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (off Sligh Ave.). The 1- & 2mile walks will be fully accessible and fun for the whole family. Walk as an individual, join or create a team. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. and the walk starts at 6:30 p.m. Cost is a $20 donation/participant. Proceeds support research to create a world free of MS. For more information, contact Cody at 889-8363.

If your school, nonprofit/community organization, or networking group has an upcoming event you’d like to promote in this space, please send all pertinent information, with pictures (in any digital format), to NTNNedit@yahoo.com, Attn: Heidi!

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Patricia Carroll - A Lawyer Who Will Make You Feel Comfortable! By Sheryl Young Attorney Patricia Carroll is ready to handle your legal issues on a friendly and personal level. She specializes in bankruptcy, personal injury and probate law, as well as wills and trusts while splitting her time between her two offices — one in Dade City and the other in the New Tampa Professional Park on Regents Park Dr. in Pebble Creek, a mile or so south of the Pasco County line, off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Pat feels she has special skills that distinguish her from other lawyers. “I was a social worker, and my undergraduate degree is in psychology,” she says. “I’m very oriented to working with individuals. This helps me develop a quick, easy rapport with people.” Pat didn’t go to law school until the age of 35, after already helping people through government systems as a social worker. She says she’s committed to accepting only the number of legal cases she feels she can handle well at any given time. “I only take so many clients at once,” she says. “It’s not a certain number, but a certain feeling. When I believe my staff and I won’t be able to give the proper amount of individualized attention to each case, I stop taking new ones.”

Pat, who was a State prosecutor earlier in her law career, is definitely people-friendly, with a down-to-earth skill for listening and empathizing; yet, she is able to remain objective in doing legal analysis. She credits her personal style to her mentor, a former New Tampabased lawyer named Vincent O’Brien. When she was first out of law school, Pat says sent letters to attorneys offering to work without pay for a period of six weeks. “Vincent is the one who called to take me up on my offer,” she recalls. “He told me, ‘Practicing law isn’t about the money. It’s about building relationships and helping people.” After Pat became a prosecutor, O’Brien contacted her to say he was moving to England, where his wife was from, and his law office space in New Tampa would be available. She says, “I was ready to work from the defense side of the law, and grabbed the chance to start my own law firm in his space.”

Serving People With Care & Attention To Detail Pat has followed O’Brien's model of being good-natured and really caring

attorneys are usually scary!” Yet, McBee says, Pat was firm in insisting that he laid everything she needed to know about his case on the table. “I will call on Pat without hesitation if I ever need a lawyer again,” says McBee. When consulting with clients, Pat puts her corporate litigation Attorney Pat Carroll (seated) and her caring persona on a shelf to make them team of professionals in New Tampa & Dade feel at ease. “They don’t teach personal City are happy to help you with your legal issues. skills in law school,” she says. about people. Her perception of need“When my clients have court dates, ing to be formal, which she learned in they may be very anxious and nervous. law school, melted away. “As a result, I meet with them 30 minutes before I’ve rarely had to advertise, and was court to go over things and refresh able to open the second office in Dade their memory. Usually, they breathe a City,” she says. “Many people come to sigh of relief.” me by word-of-mouth from others I've Pat says she will always lay out assisted.” everything that can happen in the Ronald McBee is one such enthucourtroom, and doesn’t charge extra siastic past client of Carroll’s. He confor her time spent doing so. firms that she certainly put him at ease One of Pat’s specialties is helping when he needed legal help with a family people with wills, trusts and estates. “I focused in law school on estate matter. “I was searching for an attorney in taxation,” she says. “This is an important skill set in order to properly process Dade City when I saw her sign from wills and trusts. People are often the street,” he says. “I walked in, met Pat’s paralegal Rose, and had a meeting referred to me through their banks when complex issues regarding estates arranged with Pat in just a couple of and trusts are at stake.” days. She was very friendly, and to me,

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She also assists with bankruptcies, and tries to anticipate every question a client might be asked about their case, especially in “341 meetings” with a trustee. These “341s” are bankruptcy meetings with creditors, where a trustee handles the case for the court between the client and the debtor. In these sessions, the trustee often has a barrage of questions for the bankruptcy applicant. “I ask myself, 'What extra steps can I take to get the stress off my client?'” Pat says, “not just how can I win. Having everything in writing before the client is questioned is something I learned from a very helpful court trustee.” Pat further calls upon her social worker training when someone dies and leaves a will to be dealt with. “When a relative dies, people go through grief and then get angry,” she says. “They often project their anger onto each other, even if they’ve previously gotten along. Many times, the fight isn’t really over money or possessions. It’s because of their grief.” She says she gently works people through this, and feels not enough lawyers are trained to recognize the symptoms while handling valid legal claims versus emotional claims. But even more important is that Pat tries to prevent anger in families

long before that often-devastating time when she is writing a will for someone. “I explain to the person how their relatives might feel once they are gone,” she says. “I guide the person in how to tell their spouse, children or siblings what might happen during the grief process.” In addition to her time serving clients, Pat provides a variety of seminars, including “Estate Planning, It’s About the Love, Not the Money,” where she explains that people are leaving a legacy and don’t want the will process ruined by emotions. She has given these seminars to Rotary Clubs in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, as well as for the Women of Wesley Chapel (aka “WOW”) networking group. Attorney Patricia Carroll can most often be found at 13635 21st St. in Dade City between Old St. Ann Rd. and Coleman, a location that also is convenient for people in Wesley Chapel. Her New Tampa office is at 8907 Regents Park Dr., Suite 310, in the New Tampa Professional Park, behind Pilot Bank. For consultations and more info, call (352) 895-1776 for Dade City or (813) 994-5457 for New Tampa. You also can find her on the web at PatriciaCarrollLaw.com. Appointments are always required.

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John S. Wood, CPA — Accounting Services For Individuals & Businesses needs, but according to John, do-ityourself accounting still has drawbacks. “If a new business owner wants to learn QuickBooks, I can get them started on it,” he says, “but I don't advise it because it's a system that requires constant attention.” The services Wood provides frees business owners from accounting hassles, enabling them to focus on other aspects of their respective businesses. He compiles his clients' monthly financial statements and stays current with their tax deadlines and payroll forms, charging a monthly fee, so clients aren't surprised with an unexpected bill. The fee also includes free consultations throughout the month. “I am readily available to my clients,” he explains. “If something comes up that they have a question about, they can reach me directly any time by phone or e-mail.” Most of his practice involves new or relatively new businesses that require monthly accounting and tax services, such as Star’s Organic Spa in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56. Owner Star Ryan opened her salon approximately 18 months ago

By Camille Gillies When starting a new business, perhaps nothing is more important than establishing accurate and efficient financial systems and controls. Unless you have a strong financial background, the task can be daunting and extremely time-consuming. That's when you should consider seeking professional advice from a Certified Public Accountant like John S. Wood. John S. Wood, CPA, P.A., located in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building on Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms (minutes south of the Pasco County line), specializes in small-business tax and accounting, as well as personal income tax preparation and tax planning. “If you’re starting a new business, you want to concentrate on the specialty you offer and spend your time marketing your business to new clients and customers,” he explains. “You don't want to be bogged down with everyday accounting and things like figuring out payroll taxes.” Many small businesses rely on accounting software programs like QuickBooks to tackle their accounting

John S. Wood, CPA, specializes in small business accounting & tax preparation. His office is located minutes from most of Wesley Chapel in Tampa Palms. and was not satisfied with her first accountant. “Within 10 minutes,” she says, “I knew John was the guy. He is calm, knows what needs to be done and gets right to it. He is very honest and doesn’t try to cut any corners.” Star also has been impressed with Wood's level of service, stating, “He even comes by and picks up all my stuff. He is excellent.”

Income Tax Services With TurboTax and other tax soft-

ware, you might wonder why you would need to go to an accountant to file your personal income tax return. Wood says you should hire a professional because it is too easy to overlook many legitimate deductions and credits. “Tax laws are always changing and the average person isn't able to keep up with these changes,” he says, adding that the whole process is destined to become more complex with the enforcement of Obamacare. Since Wood is a CPA, you would think his expertise would cost quite a bit more than a tax preparation service such as H&R Block, but he says that simply isn’t so. “My services are very competitive with H&R Block and mine are more thorough,” he says. “I offer more services and a better product, conduct more in-depth and thorough initial client interviews and offer better experience and education than those preparers who may have barely passed a short tax course.” Local resident Dan Brott has been trusting Wood to prepare his taxes for more than a decade. “John is extremely knowledgeable and gives you great service,” Dan says. “He goes to your

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house, takes all the paperwork and gets everything back to you on time. I appreciate that he has gotten to know me personally and knows my situation.” He also offers accounting services to corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. Wood opened his Tampa Palmsbased practice five years ago, after spending more than 10 years as an accountant and assistant controller with OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc., the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s and other restaurants. He recently expanded his practice to include an office in Palm Harbor. A graduate of USF, Wood has lived in Tampa since 1987. He decided to pursue an accounting degree at USF after a career in food service brought him to Tampa to run the food-service program at a dorm on the USF campus. He says his food-service background came in handy during his tenure at Outback. “It definitely gave me some insight into what was happening when I talked to the guys out in the field.” Restaurants are still among John’s broad range of business clients today. “I enjoy passing along some of the lessons I learned at Outback to my small-business clients,” he says.

E-Filing & Other Tax Tips If you’re filing your own taxes this year, here are some things you should consider: “E-filing is the way to go,” Wood stresses. “It is convenient; you will have fewer errors and you will get your refund quicker, especially if you have direct deposit.” He adds, “Make sure you know which deductions you qualify for and claim them. On too many occasions, I have seen clients fail to claim a deduction or take a credit that would have exceeded the fee to have the return professionally prepared. The average taxpayer can save not only time, but potentially some money, by having their tax return professionally prepared. They also can avoid a great deal of stress and gain some peace of mind knowing that they are paying the minimum legal amount in taxes.” A West Virginia native, Wood currently lives in New Tampa. For consultations and more information, visit JWoodCPA.com or call 514-2920. John S. Wood, CPA, P.A., is located at 15310 Amberly Dr., Suite, 250, in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building, just off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind the Bank of Tampa.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 04 • Februar y 11, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Soap Factory In Tampa Palms Is Just ‘Soap Much Fun!’ By Heidi Fallis Stone Looking for some good clean fun? Have we got a place for you, thanks to the ingenuity and creativity of “artistes” like Dina Good. This is no soap opera — it's the real deal. Dina and her husband Michael recently opened a shop that specializes in the ancient art of soap making. Located in Tampa Palms, “The Soap Factory,” situated in the Shoppes at The Pointe (behind Olive Garden and Red Lobster), is a nice place to not only choose from more than 70 types of soaps, but where you also can actually take a seat at the “Soap Bar” and make your own unique “soap art” from scratch. What was a hobby for Dina has now turned into a full-time endeavor, and, with Christmas in the rear view mirror and Valentine’s Day just a few days ahead, she is learning exactly what it means to be her own boss. “At first it was just my husband and I,” Dina says. “We signed the lease…and two weeks later we were open. We had to make all of the first batches of soap ourselves, in our garage.” Now, Michael, who has his own insurance-related business, is busy with that venture, leaving Dina to manage the Soap Factory herself.

Early on, she says, the business was aided by a deal with the discount website Groupon, which affiliates itself with both startups and established businesses. While the Groupon offer has since expired, it gave the Goods' shop a much-needed publicity boost, as have write-ups in several publications, including the tony DuPont Registry of Tampa Bay. While the surge in traffic might well be tied to the Groupon deal (and to her recent ads in this publication), Dina is optimistic that her shop will continue to be a popular destination for all kinds of people — young and old, men, women and children — for a long time. And, thanks to the great start, she already has hired an extra employee.

A Little Histor y The art of soap making dates back to around the year 2800 B.C., or almost 5,000 years ago. Like many other customs of antiquity, the craft came from Mesopotamia, where the ancient Babylonians actually left instructions on ancient pottery. Soap making begins when you mix animal or vegetable oils or fats with lye that has been dissolved in water. The resulting substance is soap. Getting to that point is where two different approaches come into play.

and the one that Dina uses at the Soap Factory — is the “hot process” method. It doesn't require the same precision and only needs to be stirred constantly as the pot full of ingredients is heated. The heating causes the ingredients to mix and become soap. Once he soap has cooled, it is available for immediate use. All ingredients Owner Dina Good (left) can teach you the art of soap used at the Soap Facmaking at The Soap Factory in Tampa Palms. tory are natural and The “cold process” method takes non-toxic, since the lye, once the saponification is complete, is no longer up to six weeks to produce a finished in the soap. For a fee, singles or groups product. An exact amount of sodium of would-be soap makers can come in, hydroxide (lye) is mixed in with fatty make soap from scratch, color it, decoacids such as tallow, olive or vegetable rate it, add any number of oils and oils. Once the lye is added, a process called “saponification” begins, and if all scents to it and, best of all, since it is a faster method, there is no six-week wait of the measurements have been accurate, the resulting soap will be mild and for your custom-made soap. There is almost no limit to the very much skin-friendly. Too much lye, however, and the soap can be extremely combinations of ingredients available. There are dozens of different oils and harsh on the skin. scents at the Soap Factory that can be The other, much faster method —

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When you visit the Soap Factory, you can have a seat at the “Soap Bar” (left) or purchase a variety of “slices” of soap... tossed into the mix. A quick perusal of Dina’s shop reveals soaps that look so much like food that you might just scan the table for a knife and fork. There was soap with a layer of oatmeal, another soap with a list of ingredients like “lemon and sugar…just like lemonade” and many, many more. Dina says that a big seller for Valentine's Day is the soap called “Falling in Love,” which contains “lemon peel, vanilla, musk and mandarin.” It looks like a large loaf of light pink bread with two big pink hearts embedded in the loaf. The finished product is available in loaf form or sold as “soap in slices” for $6.95 per slice. And, make no mistake about it, “This IS art!” said Judy, one of six cus...including the “Falling in Love” soap tomers who were busy making soap that is perfect for Valentine’s Day! while the Neighborhood News was visitNails nail salon next door also helps ing. “It is fun, too,” her friend added. draw people who might be interested in Dina's knowledge, as well as her learning how to make specialty soaps. dry wit and care for her craft, resonate The Soap Factory’s website is and make visiting the Soap Factory a under construction and Dina hopes very pleasant and worthwhile experience. She knows her stuff, and it shows. that it eventually will help the shop’s growth and development. She also The Soap Factory also is a great plans to add select beverages and baked place for those who want to buy a nice goods in the near future. gift for their special someone. It also is The Soap Factory is located at a great spot to have a birthday party, 17024 Palm Pointe Dr, in the bridal shower, girls’ night out, and Shoppes at the Point Plaza. The other occasions. When asked why she hours of operation are Tuesday-Satchose to open her shop in Tampa urday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 Palms, Dina simply explains that she lives in the community, and is part of it, p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 971-1511, or visit Shopand she wanted to provide a quality SoapFactory.com. As Dina likes to shop and service for the people she say, “It's soap much fun.” thinks of as her neighbors. The Happy

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 04 • Februar y 11, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Well-Spa’s ‘Spa Girls’ Can Put A Smile On Your Face! “Spa Girls” segment is affiliated with the Well-Spa, while the other...let’s say Angelina:“Hi, I’m Angie.” “rougher,” un-sponsored, un-affiliated version...is where you really get some Diane: “And I’m Diane” insight into the personalities of these Both: “And we’re Spa Girls!” two very...um...interesting and outspoIf you thought you were having ken women. Diane and Angie will talk fun where you’ve been getting your about anything from politics to Angie’s hair, nails and other spa services done, Facebook marriage proposals (she gets all I can say, in all sincerity, is that “you multiple proposals pretty much every ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” day) and the shows are genuinely fun, New Tampa Well-Spa owner funny and even a little raucous. Diane Pellegrino Levin (the wife and But the New Tampa Well-Spa itself Practice Administrator of Podiatrist Dr. is about much more than just the five Stephen Levin’s New Tampa Foot & (at our press time) “Spa Girls” TV segAnkle practice) and her marketing and ments. As a Registered Nurse (RN) and publicity director Angelina Clarke are Practice Administrator at the medical capitalizing on the age of YouTube and office located in the same building in Facebook by not only offering great spa the Cypress Ridge Professional Park off services in an immaculate (more on this S.R. 56, Diane wants all of her potenbelow), elegant setting off S.R. 56, but tial clients in New Tampa and Wesley also by recording two separate “Spa Chapel to know that cleanliness is perGirls” podcasts. One version of each haps the most important service offered at the months-old New Tampa Well-Spa. “We are proud to be nurse-owned and operated,” she says. “We sterilize all of the instruments used in our manicure and pedicure services in the same autoclave used in Steve’s office,” she says. “We get a lot of clients from other nail salons New Tampa Well-Spa owner Diane Pellegrino Levin who either have gotten (left) and Angelina Clarke are also known as “Spa infections there or know Girls” on Youtube.com & Facebook.com. someone who did. We By Gary Nager

Kelli (far left) provides licensed massage, facial and nail services and Keith is the Creative Director & Matrix Artistic Educator at the New Tampa Well-Spa off S.R. 56. All I can tell you is that the place is always want you to have a great spa super-clean without feeling “sterile,” experience when you come here.” She the services are superb and Diane, adds that you can even bring in your Angie and their crew really seem to love own polish, the pedicures are done in what they do. One New Tampa resisterilized stainless steel basins and dent who visited the last time I was there’s even foot reflexology and nail there said, “Keith’s been cutting my care for diabetic patients available. hair for five years. Now that he’s here, I In addition to Diane and Angie, have no reason to go anyplace else!” the New Tampa Well-Spa features the For a complete list of ser vices talents of licensed massage therapist available at the New Tampa Well-Spa (LMT) and “full specialist” Kelli Rodrigue, Creative Director and Matrix (25827 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 103), visit NewTampaWellSpa.com Artistic Educator & Colorist Keith or call 438-2830. Ask how you can Skinner and Stylist & Colorist Sara get 40-percent-of f your fi firrst facial, Blacklidge, all of whom offer outstandwaxing, refl fleexology, massage, maniing services at very fair prices. cure or pedicure with Kelli or your I myself was treated to not only a firrst hair ser vice with Sara with the fi great massage on my birthday last ad on pg. 5 of this issue. Also, check month, but also my first back facial out the “Spa Girls” TV series on (don’t ask), a great little birthday cake YouTube. com or Facebook.com. and kisses from the Spa Girls themThe keywords are “SpaGirlsTampa.” selves (see Magazine header above).

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“Wellness” Continued from page 1 “The Play 60 grant has greatly enhanced our physical education and nutrition program here at New River Elementary,” said Holly Mitchell, physical education teacher and coach at New River. “Play 60” is a program started by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League (NFL) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is currently in the third year and according to Play 60 spokeswoman Allison Ducey, the program has had an impact on children in Florida’s schools. “New River Elementary has started healthy eating projects, the children are keeping activity logs and they started a ‘recess before lunch’ program,” says Ducey. “They know exactly how they’re going to spend the money, down to the dollar.” All Florida public schools still have the opportunity to apply for up to $4,000 for the next Fuel Up to Play 60 funding period. Funding for the 201213 school year will be available until June 1, 2012. For more information, visit the national website for Fuel Up to Play 60 at FuelUpToPlay60.com or the Dairy Council of Florida's website at FloridaMilk.com.

WCE Students Are 'Wild' About Wellness Week

The students, staff, and parents at Wesley Chapel Elementary (WCE) are making new efforts to eat healthier and exercise more often. On January 16, WCE kicked off its first ever “Wildcat Wellness Week,” a five-day-long event filled with healthy activities, including yoga, “fresh fruit Friday” and “Jump Rope for Heart.” Some students also gathered sponsors who donated money to the American Heart Association (AHA) for their participation in the activities. “We tried to plan fun and healthy activities that could be enjoyed by everyone, including our parents,” said Chris Gorman, physical education specialist and wellness committee coordinator. “One of the activities was our 'Commercial Calisthenics' which motivated students and their family members to get moving during the commercial breaks if they were watching television. They could choose from doing sit-ups, jogging in place, hopping on one foot, push-ups, jumping jacks, or any other inside movement activity.” The events raised $600 from sponsors to donate to the AHA. “I loved the Yo-Yo-Yoga Day,” says kindergarten teacher Christina Mendez. “It is very relaxing and helps the students focus on their positions.” The staff at WCE enjoyed more

“grown up” special wellness events such as Wellness Sudoku and Wellness Bingo, which had the teachers and staff marking off a cover-all bingo sheet that included making healthy choices like eating fruit with breakfast or joined a friend or family member for a 30minute workout. According to the USDA, obesity is the single greatest threat to public health in this century. Statistics show that 1 out of 3 children in the U.S. are considered to be overweight or obese. Being overweight can lead to or intensify chronic medical conditions for school-age children including joint problems, asthma, high cholesterol, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. “I believe our Wellness Week will have a positive impact on our community and our students, parents, and staff will continue making healthy changes in their lives,” says Coach Gorman. Students also enjoyed a fresh fruit selection on Wednesday and Friday (photo), thanks to the donations of some local supermarkets, school district suppliers, and fruit stands. They also enjoyed dressing in their sports uniforms on Thursday representing such fitness activities as soccer, baseball, cheerleading, football, and dance. The culminating activity was the “Jump Rope for Heart” student challenge. Students completed nine different stations that included hurdles, long

jump, sack race and vertical jump. WCE also is home to The Student & Staff Wildcat Wellness Center. These fitness centers were created to increase the physical activity levels of both the students and the staff. The student fitness lab provides the classroom teachers with a portable utilizing 27 different stations which students can use during physical education class. The staff fitness lab is filled with all types of cardio and weight training equipment similar to a health club. Teachers and staff are able to work out before school, during lunch and afterschool to increase their fitness levels. The Wesley Chapel Elementary family would like to thank the following business sponsors: Publix Super Markets, Fresh Point, Sweetbay Supermarkets, Beef O' Brady's, Great Clips, MOSI, The YMCA, Applebee's, Shannon's Produce, LA Fitness, Pinnacle Chiropractic, Happy Kids Pediatric Dentistry and Dickey's BBQ Pit.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 04 • Februar y 11, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles - Our Area’s Yogurt Wars & The Baker’s Gallery! New Tampa’s Yogurt Wars!

For those of us who thought we preferred ice cream to frozen yogurt, here’s a kick in the pants — the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area is now home to no fewer than four gourmet frozen yogurt shops and the yogurt is so delicious, you’d swear you were eating a fattening, premium ice cream and not a low-fat or even non-fat yogurt. The first such “yogurt bar,” which opened more than a year ago as You Say When Frozen Yogurt Bar in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, may be on its third different name, but MochiBerri continues to be a success in the mall. But, since then, we’ve already seen (and told you about) Frogury, which opened a few months ago in the same plaza as Five Guys Burgers & Fries (and L.A. Fitness) just south of County Line Rd. off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Since December, however, those two originals have now been joined by two delicious newcomers, one of which has a name — You Say When — we’ve already mentioned, but is now located between Planet Beach and Boston Market on BBD. Less than a half mile north of You Say When, CherryBerry recently celebrated its Grand Opening with a New Tampa Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting (see page 18) in the space previously occupied by Hud-

son Cleaners in the same Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza as Best Buy. Long-time Neighborhood News readers know how much I love my ice cream, especially Bruster’s, but I have to admit that I’m The new Cherry Berry in Highalready hooked on woods Preserve low- and non-fat flahas at least one vors like Dulce de devoted fan! Leche at You Say When and the white chocolate yogurt swirled with peanut butter yogurt at CherryBerry, topped with real hot fudge (You Say When) or Ghirar-delli white chocolate sauce (CherryBerry), plus fresh raspberries and strawberries, white chocolate chips and more. At more than 40 cents per ounce and the average serving size between 710 ozs. (I try to keep mine at 4-6 ounces, including the weight of all my toppings), it may not be cheap to become a frozen yogurt-a-holic, but it’s at least a delicious addiction. For more information, visit CherryBerry (18091 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.) at CherryBerryYogurtBar.com or call (801) 5989688. For You Say When (17505 Preserve Walk Ln.), call 971-2103

or visit YSWYogurt.com.

The Baker’s Gallery Opens In Pebble Creek Collection

But, what if you have the kind of sweet tooth that requires a gourmet cupcake, cake or cheesecake to satisfy it? I suggest visiting my new friend Alexandra Auguste and her equally friendly family at the new Baker’s Gallery in the Pebble Creek Collection, behind Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. The Baker’s Gallery is a delicious and quaint little bake shop which features a dozen different flavors of truly gourmet cupcakes — from my favorite

chocolate dream and espresso to mango and the top-selling red velvet chocolate chip. The shop also features outstanding cheesecakes, whole cakes and even special occasion and wedding cakes that absolutely are works of art. Alexandra has a few on display in the store, but you have to see them to believe them. The Baker’s Gallery also sells great hot coffee by the cup, baking accessories and tasty homemade Jamaican meat patties in a flaky pastry “wrap.” For more information, visit the Baker’s Gallery (19651 BBD) or call 973-9966.

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By Gary Nager The year 2011 was another year of good news/bad news in the local dining scene. Yes, we had a lot of great new places open in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but we also saw too many more good places close their doors for good. That having been said, there was quite a bit pf movement in my favorites from last year. I hope you enjoy debating my selections as much as I enjoy trying each and every one of these restaurants more than once. I also want to make it clear that with both your choices and mine, there are a LOT more restaurants from which to choose in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. In other words, the 25th-place finisher on either list below didn’t finish “last” in my balloting — or yours. In fact, there were more than 60 restaurants receiving at least five votes in both of our distribution areas (close to 80 in New Tampa), so finishing 25th among more than 400 readers or on my list that follows actually puts you in at least the top third of all restaurants in the area, even though some restaurant owners look at their number and think it would’ve been better to not be mentioned at all. I definitely do NOT agree with that!

Gary’s 25 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 1. Ciccio’s Lodge - Great daily specials make the already-mosteclectic menu in New Tampa even better. Where else can you get a perfect black-and-white sesame-crusted tuna and a delicious grilled turkey burger? Ciccio’s brick-oven pizzas, great pasta (photo), wrap sandwiches and California “bowls” are all always on the menu, as are “The Lodge” favorites like a variety of cooked “American sushi” and “Lodge TV dinners” add even more variety. And yes, the bar scene is one of New Tampa’s best. 2. Acropolis Greek Taverna - The best value for your money in New Tampa, with reasonably priced entrées — from my favorite Athenian fish and great lamb chops (photo) to chicken, filet mignon and pork ten-

derloin kabobs — all featuring huge portions and great sides, are combined in a uniquely Mediterranean setting that also features belly dancers, hookah water pipes on the patio and lots of napkins being thrown as attractive servers dance and shout “Opa!” 3. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steak & Sushi - With recent additions to the menu like unique linecaught white meat fish (strawberry grouper, lane snapper, etc.) which I dip in Sushi Tsu’s unique spicy tataki sauce, and sesame-crusted tuna with mango and tomato salsa (photo), plus the top-quality teppanyaki steaks, scallops and more, Sushi Tsu has moved up more notches than any other — with both yours truly and our readers — this year. 4. Café Olé Spanish CuiCuisine - Delicious fresh fish (photo), perfect pork chops, a tasty tapas menu and some of the most flavorful homemade sauces in our area, plus a

gorgeous bar area stocked with ultrapremium liquors and great Spanish and Latin American beers, and a newly expanded, private dining area, combine to make Café Olé one of New Tampa's most unique dining experiences. 5. Jalapeno Mexican Grill One of the highest-rated newcomers ever on my list of favorites, Jalapeno is so much more than just New Tampa’s only authentic Mexican restaurant. It’s also one of our area’s top seafood houses, featuring my favorite new dish in our area for 2011, Jalapeno (in Oak Ramble Plaza)’s awesome (photo) seared fresh grouper/snapper/amberjack sashimi. 6. Sukhothai - Of New Tampa’s outstanding Thai restaurants, Sukhothai is the only one with authentic sunken seating and delicious fresh sushi. You can’t go wrong with Sukhothai’s signature tilapia tataki, its unique steak teriyaki, delectable crispy duck, super spring rolls or incredible combo fried rice (photo). 7. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine - The best egg rolls, barbecued spareribs and sweet Thai chile sauce in our area combined with unique Pan-Asian dishes — everything from Japanese-style fried rice to Korean steak.

Liang’s is always adding new items to the menu, including a new seared ahi tuna (photo) appetizer. 8. Fushia Asian Bistro With all the new menu items at Liang’s, Fushia has dropped to #2 in our Chinese cuisine “race” in our area, although I love the real NYstyle dim sum appetizers and the best beef with Chinese broccoli, spicy shredded pork dishes and Yong Chow fried rice in New Tampa. 9. Thai Ruby - Again, just a notch below the top three Asian places on my list because it doesn’t have sushi like Sukhothai, Thai Ruby may be the prettiest of the bunch and it still has my favorite crispy duck with ginger sauce and great combo fried rice, spring and egg rolls. 10. La Cubanita Café Adding ice cold cerveza to the best roast mojo pork, merluza and best bacon, egg and cheese on Cuban bread in our area didn’t hurt La Cubanita in my list of 2011 favorites. 11. Wood Fired Pizza & Wine Bar - Still serving 850-degree wood-burning-ovenbaked pizzas named for sexy female movie stars, Wood Fired also has a great wedge salad and an incredible selection of fine wines and craft draft and bottled beers. 12. Sushi Ko Chinese & Japanese Cuisine - Some of the best BBQ spare ribs in New Tampa, a superb pork with garlic sauce and always fresh sushi, Sushi Ko also has added a great dim sum menu to keep it near my top-10. 13. Stonewood Grill & Tavern - This year’s readers’ Continued on next page.

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favorite still gets high marks from me, too, for its excellent steaks and appetizers like sesame seared tuna and smoked salmon on crispy toast points, as well as for the happening bar area and outstanding service. 14. Urban Culinar y Café The best fried chicken place in New Tampa, which also offered great fresh fish specials, unique sauces and even decadent desserts like creamy white chocolate mousse, closed last month. UCC also featured live music and unique cooking classes. 15. Soho Sushi - The sushi is always fresh and the asparagus & steak maki, the best tempura in our area and incredible boxed meal specials keep Soho Sushi high among my local favorites. 16. Kobe Japanese SteakSteakhouse - This small chain of Japanese steak houses opened in Wasabi’s former location a couple of months ago and from my first few experiences, the sushi and hibachi grill items definitely have been upgraded. Kobe may be able to move up a few notches next year. 17. Oakley’s Grill - The second-highest-rated 2011 newcomer on my list (behind Jalapeno) features my favorite grilled cheeseburger, beef dip and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in New Tampa, as well as delicious chicken sandwiches, fries and recently added items like great fajitas and blackened tilapia, too. 18. Las Palmas Spanish Café - Always reliable for Cubanstyle roast pork and merluza a la Russe, Las Palmas also has great pressed Cubans, ropa vieja and still boasts one of the best lunch crowds in New Tampa. 19. Lee Roy Selmon’s - The awesome spicy Caesar salad, grilled NY strip steak, grilled chicken with

wild rice and the multitude of TV screens make Selmon’s one of my favorite restaurants for watching football, baseball, basketball and hockey games. 20. J. Baja’s Mexican Grill - The fresh food answer to places like Moe’s & Tijuana Flats, J. Baja’s in Tampa Palms is a new-in-2011 addition that makes each burrito, quesadilla and bowl to order and the difference in the quality of the meats and salsas served also shows. 21. Season’s Fresh Fresh Café My new favorite coffee place (serving the delicious Illy Italian coffee), Season’s Fresh in the Palms Connection Plaza also has delicious sandwiches featuring the freshest, sometimes organic ingredients, breads and Italian gelato, too. 22. PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub I never thought of myself as a big fan of Shepherd’s Pie or authentic fish & chips, but PJ Dolan’s, located in the same space athat used to be home to Remington’s & Cody’s Roadhouse, has these and other good and unique (for our area) dishes, plus a great bar, Karaoke on Wed. nights and live entertainment on weekends. 23. Five Guys Burgers & Fries - A favorite of mine since the first Bay area location opened on Fowler Ave., Five Guys combines big, juicy burgers and skin-on Idaho potato French fries with, of course, free peanuts while you wait. 24. Saf fron fron Indian Cuisine - Curry still isn’t high on my list of favorites or Saffron in the Cross Creek Center wmight have finished higher on my list because of the quality of items like the best lamb chops in New Tampa and delicious garlic naan bread. 25. Ploy Thai - Great duck, excellent fresh fish and great spring

rolls in an elegant setting make Ploy Thai another New Tampa treasure. Try the coconut cake for dessert! Honorable Mention Peabody’s, Jimmy John’s, Bruster’s

Real Ice Cream, Mr. Dunderbak’s, Biagio’s II Pizza, Coffee Beanery Café, Panera Bread, PizzaZone, TGI Friday’s, Cold Stone Creamery & Toast Fine Wine Bar.

Gary’s 25 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 1. Dempsey’s Steak House, Saddlebrook Saddlebrook Resor t Tampa - Saddlebrook owner Tom Dempsey’s tribute to the country’s best steakhouses, Dempsey’s is pricy, but it’s still among my top two or three steakhouses in the entire Tampa Bay area, thanks to its (in my opinion) Best-of-the-Bay bone-in cowboy ribeye (photo), thick New York strip steaks, awesome fresh local fish and the top steakhouse hash brown potatoes and the best salad bar you’ll find anywhere. 2. Bonefish Grill - Still my favorite Outback-owned concept restaurant, the local fish is always fresh and the semispicy sauce on the black-and-white sesame seed-seared ahi tuna appetizer (photo) should be sold by the bottle. The awesome bar area features ultra-premium spirits and equally excellent wine specials. 3. Cantina Laredo - I hear a lot of people say it’s too expensive for a Mexican restaurant, but the tableside-prepared guacamole, outstanding fajitas (photo) and even the fresh fish have kept Cantina in my top five in Wesley Chapel since it opened. And, the ultra-premium bar enhances its

position as my favorite restaurant in the Shops at Wiregrass mall. 4. GrillSmith - Just one notch below Cantina at the Shops at Wiregrass mall for me, GrillSmith features unique preparations on items like the caprese (mozzarella and tomato) stack, a miso-glazed sea bass, great steaks like the Argentinian-style chimichurri steak and a superb wine list that are all well worth checking out on your next visit to the mall. 5. La Prima Pizza - My favorite true New York-style pizza in the Tampa Bay area (which is saying a lot; there actually are a lot of great pizzerias across the Bay area), coupled with excellent Italian cuisine (great lasagne and other pastas), keep La Prima Pizza near the top of my Wesley Chapel list year after year. 6. Texas Texas Roadhouse - If not for having the entire wait staff take breaks every hour to line dance, the awesome steaks at the Texas Roadhouse might have kept it even higher on my list. The NY strips are just so consistent, especially the thicker cuts. 7. Vallar Vallar ta’s Mexican Restaurant - Huge portions of tasty Mexican fare (seriously, the portions of fajitas, photo, are larger than most other places’ “fajitas for two”) Continued on next page.

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7. Vallarta’s (cont. from pg. 31) - combine perfectly with delicious salsa and most of my favorite Mexican cervezas. 8. The Hungry Greek Still serving the best gyros and Greek salads in our area, The Hungry Greek’s fried grouper sandwiches, cheeseburgers and even the authentic, decadent Greek desserts and fast, friendly service also never disappoint. 9. 900º Woodfired Pizza The fact that 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass mall offers both those yummyy woodfiredoven pizzas AND true NYstyle ‘za would help it make my list no matter what, but you have to try the place’s delicious pastas, too. 10. Wolf’s Den - From our area’s best breakfast to the unique, thin-crust pizzas and the delicious fried chicken (photo) and other hot specialties, Wolf’s Den on S.R. 56 continues to score with readers and yours truly & now has expanded dinner hours, too. 11. Outback Steakhouse Outback jumped back up a little higher on my list last year, when it brought back its delicious New Zealand rack of lamb and I do love the steaks and remoulade sauce served with Outback’s shrimp on the barbie (even though I can’t eat the shrimp). 12. Remington’s SteakSteakhouse - You still can’t beat the value-conscious combination of

Outback-quality steaks at outstanding prices at Remington’s, which also has tasty baby back ribs and fresh fish. 13. Aja Wiregrass - In addition to being the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area’s top dance locale (and my favorite bar overall in our area, too), Aja is an underrated restaurant with great fresh snapper, tasty steaks (photo) and other upscale bar fare. 14. Quail Hollow Country Club - This grade will likely go higher as I get to sample more of the new dinner menu, but the restaurant at the newly revamped Quail Hollow already has my favorite Caesar salad in the area and very good steaks and burgers. 15. Taste of Boston - The fried haddock and blackened basa are my favorite dishes but my friends from New England still tell me that the fried whole baby clams are the best in the Bay area and I also love the “Best Outside of Philly” cheesesteak sandwiches and fries. 16. PizzaMania - PizzaMania’s Philly-style pizza is great, but I really love the calzones, meatball and veal parmigiana hero sandwiches and the Italian salad even more. 17. Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant - My favorite dishes are still the thick pork chop alla griglia (photo) and the Jo-Jo pollo, but Pagelli’s also has great steaks, good pasta, excellent desserts and a beautiful bar area with live music.

18. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse - Very good sushi and even better hibachi steak, chicken and seafood at very fair prices, plus a fun, lively atmosphere make Yamato one of the favorite restaurants at the Wiregrass Mall. 19. Café Fresco - Delicious sandwiches (super Italian bread), including the excellent blackened grouper sandwiches on Fridays, plus awesome baked goods, still make Café Fresco a true favorite. 20. Bonsai Sushi - The best sushi overall in Wesley Chapel and very good Japanese fare make Bonsai Sushi a local favorite worthy of being in anyone’s Wesley Chapel top-20. 21. Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ - Now that the S.R. 54 construction is complete, more locals are finding out about the upscale new bar area. And of course, Sonny’s salad bar is consistently fresh and although I don’t eat a lot of BBQ anymore, Sonny’s has added a few very good items (including the High Springs grilled chicken) for those of us who need more than just BBQ chicken, ribs and pork. 22. Café 365- Delicious pressed sandwiches, outstanding Lavazza Italian coffee and espresso

(photo) and the best sfogliatelles in the Tampa Bay area are my reasons for loving Café 365 in the Shops at Wiregrass. Regulars rave about the Italian gelato and freshly made crepes, too. 23. CineBistro - The food is actually very good and the bar area at CineBistro, the restaurant inside the Grove 20 Movie Theater, is lovely and stocked with super- and ultra-premium liquors. The experience of dining at the movie theater and the cost keep CineBistro from ranking higher on my list. 24. Red Robin - The hamburgers are good, the grilled chicken and roast beef au just sandwiches are even better and the bottomless (I order ‘em extra crispy) steak fries don’t disappoint at Red Robin (yum), which also has a premium liquor bar and big-screen TVs. 25. First Watch - The breakfast is very good, albeit a little pricy, and the lunch sandwiches and salads keep First Watch on my Wesley Chapel list, although never as high as on our readers’ list. Honorable Mention Bagelicious & More, Woody’s Pizza & Wings, Boardwalk Frozen Custard, Winners Grill, MochiBerri, China Taste & Don Pan International Bakery

Gary’s Favorite Asian Restaurants In NT & WC! There are so many great Asian restaurants in our distribution areas, especially in New Tampa, that this list could have easily been a top-15 or 20 with still plenty of quality places to choose from: 1. Sushi Tsu 2. Sukhothai

3. Liang’s Bistro 4. Fushia Asian Bistro 5. Thai Ruby 6. Sushi Ko 7. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 8. Soho Sushi 9. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 10. (tie) Bonsai Sushi & Saffron

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Gary’s Favorite Latin Restaurants In NT & WC! While the number of Latin restaurants in our area isn’t quite as great as the Asian choices, we do still have some very-high-quality Spanish, Mexican & Cuban Cuisine in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Café Olé takes #1, but the new Jalapeno is already on the rise. 1. Café Olé

2. Jalapeno Mexican Grill 3. Cantina Laredo 4. La Cubanita Café 5. Vallarta’s 6. Las Palmas Spanish Café 7. J. Baja’s Mexican Grill 8. Machismo Burrito Bar 9. Silver Ring Café 10. Latin Twist Café

Gary’s Favorite Pizza Restaurants In NT & WC! It just so happens that this was the toughest category for me because we just have so much great pizza in our distribution areas, both my favorite true New York style, as well as brick and wood oven style. The new 900º Woodfired is the only place to offer both styles. 1. La Prima Pizza

2. 900º Woodfired (Wiregrass) 3. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss) 4. PizzaMania 5. Peabody’s 6. Pizzazzone 7. Biagio’s II 8. Westshore Pizza 9. Ciccio’s Lodge 10. Marco’s Pizza

Gary’s Favorite Sandwich Shops/Delis In NT & WC! I love a great sandwich as much as the next guy and there are a lot of great sandwich shops in our area. I gave the newcomer Oakley’s Grill the nod as my favorite sandwich place because its burgers, sandwiches and fries are all topquality, as is every place on this list. 1. Oakley’s Grill

2. Jersey Mike’s Subs 3. Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop 4. Season’s Fresh Café 5. Cafe 365 6. The Hungry Greek 7. Café Fresco 8. Wolf’s Den 9. Mr. Dunderbak’s 10. Panera Bread

Gary’s Favorite Restaurants For Steak In NT & WC! My favorite category because a great New York strip is just so satisying. restaurants that don’t also have a NY strip can not finish as high on my list, although my favorite steak at Dempsey’s is still the cowboy bone-in ribeye. 1. Dempsey’s Steakhouse at Saddlebrook Resort

2. Texas Roadhouse 3. Sushi Tsu 4. Remington’s Steakhouse 5. Outback Steakhouse 6. Lee Roy Selmon’s 7. Bonefish Grill 8. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 9. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 10. (tie) Stonewood & Café Olé

Gary’s Favorite Bars, Pubs & Taverns In NT & WC! Peabody’s is next to my office, but is primarily a USF hangout. Aja is a little pricy, but the crowd is always well-dressed and closer to my age group. A lot of our area’s best restaurants have great bars, too, and I’m not as partial to beerand-wine-only bars as full liquor. 1. Aja Wiregrass

2. Peabody’s 3. Ciccio’s Lodge 4. Acropolis 5. Cantina Laredo 6. Lee Roy Selmon’s 7. Café Olé 8. Stonewood 9. Dempsey’s Too Saddlebrook 10. (tie) Toast & Prime Bar

Gary’s Favorite Ice Cream & Dessert Places In NT & WC! I’m an ice creamaholic, to be sure, but the new frozen yogurt craze (see page 29) is having me rethink a few of these, and the fact that it also includes non-ice-cream desserts made this an even tougher category for me to sort out. Bruster’s just may be my favorite ice cream of all time. 1. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

2. Cold Stone Creamery 3. Café 365 4. Boardwalk Frozen Custard 5. North Pole Ices 6. Baskin Robbins 7. Dairy Queen 8. The Hungry Greek 9. Acropolis 10. (tie) MochiBerri & Frogury

Some Of Gary’s Other ‘Favorite’ Categories Gary’s 5 Favorite Coffee Shops In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel As a true coffee addict, this one is kind of tough for me because the coffee is so delish at so many places, but here’s my top-5 in our area right now: 1. Season’s Fresh Café 2. Café 365 3. Coffee Beanery Café 4. La Cubanita Café 5. Starbucks Gary’s 5 Favorite Places For Seared Tuna In NT & WC My good friend and standup comic Susan Saiger once roasted me for how much I love seared tuna. And, although I make it as tasty at home as almost any of these places, the fact is that my sauce for the

tuna can’t match those found at any of the places on this list. 1. Sushi Tsu 2. Ciccio’s Lodge 3. Bonefish Grill 4. Stonewood 5. (tie) Sukhothai & Sushi Ko Gary’s 5 Favorite Fresh Fish Restaurants In NT & WC So many great places serving so much great fresh fish makes this is another really tough category for me to put in order. Note-This does not include sushi restaurants. 1. Dempsey’s Steakhouse 2. Jalapeno Mexican Grill 3. Café Olé 4. Bonefish Grill 5. (tie) Cantina Laredo & Ciccio’s Lodge

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COMPUTER SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT – in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 15 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 20, Issue 04 • Februar y 11, 2012 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com