Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 28. Issue 26, Dec. 22, 2020 by Neighborhood News

WESLEY CHAPEL

Volume 28

Inside:

Check Out The Amazing New Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market!

See pages 34-35!

Issue 26

NEWS

December 22, 2020

Wesley Chapel To Add A YMCA! By JOHN C. COTEY across the street from the Super john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Target on County Line Rd. The Bonefish Grill officially completOstrem said ed its move from Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel to the Cypress Creek Town the new facility will cost $15 million to Center along S.R. 56 at a grand opening build and will be Dec. 14, but it turns out there were even 30,000 square feet. bigger fish fried during the event. The New Tampa Wesley Chapel is getting a YMCA! Family YMCA, That announcement was all the which is the closest buzz as folks nibbled on some of the current option best appetizers the beautiful, new Bonefor many Wesley fish Grill has to offer. “We’re about to be your new neigh- Chapel residents, is 35,000 sq. ft. bor,” Robyn Ostrem, the VP of operaYMCA vice president of operations & executive director of Tampa Metro“We’re in tions and executive director of the New politan Area YMCA Robyn Ostrem and membership and wellness experience director Ryan Pratt revealed that a Wesley Chapel Family YMCA New Tampa now, Tampa Family YMCA, told the gatherwill be breaking ground in 2021. (Photo: Charmaine George) but we’re going ing right before Bonefish Grill officially to be closer to you After years of rapid growth in the opened. “We’re going to build a Wesley now in Wesley Chapel,” Ostrem said. housing and restaurant markets, the Chapel Family YMCA that will break Generally, YMCAs have indoor “sports & activity” market in Wesley ground in early 2021, and will built by courts for basketball and volleyball, Chapel has picked up the pace this year. June of 2023.” workout areas and rooms for exercise The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus Ostrem, who has been with the classes and daycare, as well as meeting of Pasco County opened in August, with New Tampa YMCA since 2019, did rooms. Many, like the New Tampa Y, the ability to host sports leagues and tournot announce an exact location for the also have pools and can host events like naments for basketball, volleyball, soccer Wesley Chapel location, only that it high school and youth swim meets. and other sports, while the indoor Recreawould be located on Bruce B. Downs The Wesley Chapel Y will be only tion Center at the Wesley Chapel District Blvd, although that really only leaves the third YMCA in Pasco County, joinPark is currently under construction and two possibilities — the land in front of will be completed sometime next year. An the new BayCare Hospital being built in ing the East Pasco Family YMCA in outdoor hockey rink right next to the rec the northesatern portion of Seven Oaks, Zephyrhills and the James P. Gillis Family YMCA in New Port Richey. center was completed last week as well. and the land in front of Meadow Pointe

Unveiling Your Favorites! It’s been a tough year for restaurants and bars, thanks to a pandemic that has been a living nightmare and is likely to have long-lasting effects. So this year, it’s our hope that our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest results will serve as a celebration of food and drink, and of all of our readers’ favorite places in both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. More than 100 restaurants and bars in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area received votes in one category or another. We would like to thank everyone who participated. On page 19, you’ll see your 20 favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel. Keep turning the pages to see your favorite places for pizza, burgers, Asian, Green, Latin, breakfast, dessert and drinks. And as they might say when serving your favorite food in your favorite restaurant, “Bon Appetit!”

Why I’m The ‘Logical’ Choice To Be The Next ‘Jeopardy!’ Host! An editorial by Gary Nager Those of us who have appreciated really hard trivia for the last 37 years are likely still mourning the Nov 8 passing of long-time “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek (photo). Trebek somehow lived two full years following his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, something of a feat in itself (although I’m no doctor, I have known several people who only lived a few months after receiving their diagnoses, depending upon the stage), but he was still taping his 37th season of “Jeopardy!” episodes up until a few weeks before he passed. Trebek is a role model for not only every game show host, but also for a certain news magazine editor who auditioned to be on the greatest game show of all time (but didn’t make it) — twice — and who had what I’m hoping is a unique exchange of words with the late “Jeopardy!” host.

But First: A Little Background..

I don’t remember what age I was when I first was flipping through my seven original TV channels (CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and the New York independent stations — Channels 5, 9 and 11) and saw the late, also great Art Fleming hosting the original “Jeopardy!,” which also featured the dulcet tones of announcer Don Pardo. All I knew was that, as a youngster, I had finally found a place to unleash my truly “encyclopedic” knowledge of...well, as close to everything as I could get (which wasn’t very close, but still) — almost all of which was gleaned not so much from school, but from reading every individual letter edition and every year’s Year Book (beginning around 1963) from our World Book Encyclopedia set. Imagine me as a little smarter version of Joey on “Friends” who loved that my parents purchased more than just the letter “V” for us. Most of my close friends were smarter and did better in school than I did, but I knew I was pretty good at writing and great at “Jeopardy!” I also knew that someday, I would get on the show, win some money and impress the producers enough to have them grooming me to replace Fleming — who couldn’t last forever, could he? And, even though Fleming’s first run with the show ended when producer Merv Griffin’s original “Jeopardy!” was shut down in Jan. 1975, Fleming was brought back for a couple of other revivals of the show, which again ended in 1979. In 1984, Trebek’s first year as the host of the new syndicated version of “Jeopardy!,” I flew out to Los Angeles to audition for the show I knew I could win. “All I have to do is study up on some British royalty and classical music and I’ll dominate,” I kept telling myself. Well, that trip from NYC to Hollywood didn’t have a Hollywood ending for me. At the 20-question test the producers give you during their regular L.A. “talent searches,” I felt pretty good about myself. All of the questions would have been $800 or $1,000 questions at that time (those were the highest amounts during “Double Jeopardy” back then), and I was happy to get 15 of 20 correct. I totally had no idea about a European history question that had to do with Prussia or another about a Pope from the Middle Ages, and I only got one wrong I really thought I had correct...in the (gulp) Sports category (my best back then) about a baseball pitcher from the Old Negro Leagues who wasn’t named Satchel Paige (I think I said Don Newcombe). My 15 out of 20 correct missed by one to qualify me to get to play a mock version of the game. I think they selected 18 of about 120 people to do that. Two or three years later, “Jeopardy” brought Neighborhood News

its talent search to Manhattan’s renowned Radio City Music Hall, where 400 or so people came to audition and they were going to limit the selection to only 50 or so people to advance to that mock game round. This time, I got 16 of 20 questions correct but felt that the questions had something Alex Trebek of a gender bias. Of the four Photo: ABC, Inc. $800 & $1,000 questions I missed, one was in the “Female Poets” category (of course, it couldn’t be Emily Dickinson), one was “Women in History” (and not Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, Amelia Earhardt or Golda Meir) and one was about tapestry making. Oh, and one that I got right was “Female Olympians” (Wilma Rudolph).

I knew, as soon as they said it took 17 correct answers to be called on stage that I hadn’t made it — and I was pissed. I called out to that super smooth, somewhat smug guy announcing those who had advanced, “Yo, Alex.” To my surprise, he looked right at me and said, “Yes?” “Ummm, do you notice anything similar about most of the people (more than 3/4 of which were women 40 & older, an apparently desired demo for the show) on stage? While other people yelled “Sour grapes,” all Trebek said was, “Better luck next time.” I don’t think I said, “I’ll have your job someday,” but I know I thought it. So, even though I was never a contestant, much less a champ (like current interim host Ken Jennings) — really, who deserves the gig more? I’m just kidding. I admired Alex Trebek a lot and wish that I could have done what he did, but no one will ever be able to truly replace him.

INSIDE:

BayCare breaks ground on Wesley Chapel’s second hospital.

Page 6

ACCESSIBLE COMMITTED • EXPERIENCED

Touch Nail Spa opens a second location, as luxurious as the first.

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Wesley Chapel

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Pages 34-35

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

We’re looking forward to meeting you at The Grove! — Katherine & Lead Pastor Garrett Hamblen

Brand new, life-giving, community-focused church launching January 24th! At The Grove Theater

Help us light a new SPARK in Wesley Chapel! For more information and to join our launch team, visit SparkPasco.com

OUR NEW ADDRESS: 28949 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Mike Camunas • Eric Vician Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Office Assistant Benjamin Hobe 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 advertisement reservations for Volume 29, Issue 2, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, December 7, 2020. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously nonpublished 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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

With First Containers In Place; KRATE Is Under Way! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Developer Mark Gold’s vision of a one-of-a-kind hip, trendy and photogenic new outdoor shopping experience off Wesley Chapel Blvd. at I-75 has begun taking shape. Not only will there be a sneak preview of the newly-revamped but not yet open movie theater on Dec. 31 at The Grove’s New Year’s Eve Countdown Extravaganza (check out the ad on pg. 1), the first soon-to-be converted shipping container was officially placed on November 20 at KRATE, the outdoor “container park.” More than a dozen more containers also are now in place, as Gold hopes to open many of the new businesses in the first quarter of 2021. Seventeen modified containers, which will be home to nine businesses, make up the initial phase of what will one day be one of the largest container parks in the world. Though Gold’s vision began with a sun-beaten, unsightly faded yellow steel container being lowered onto a sandy patch of land, the shipping containers will be unrecognizable from their

Sushi (which we featured last issue). The planned retail shops include a music store and a Lego® brand product superstore. KRATE also will feature a stage with daily live entertainment, a dog park, a playground and plenty of outdoor seating. “There is nothing like this in the world,” says Gold, a partner in Mishorim Gold Properties, which purchased the Grove for $62.7 million in September 2019. “KRATE is receiving attention across the globe for its unique concept and offerings. We will become the ultimate shopping and entertainment destination, not just for Wesley Chapel, but for the region and around the world.” While the container park concept is still relatively new, it has proven to be Empty shipping containers like these, amongst the first to be put in place at KRATE, are being transformed into a trendy new food and retail “container park” experience at The popular. Downtown Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf has re-purposed shipping containGrove, which is expected to begin opening in early 2021. (Photo: John C. Cotey) ers housing roughly a dozen takeout original forms after being transformed KRATE is expected to be the bigrestaurants, and places like Kansas City with air-conditioning, glass windows gest of all the container parks. Once and Philadelphia have opened container and doors, countertops, cabinets and complete, it will feature 94 containers parks of varying sizes the past two years. wood and tile flooring and a few coats of and 55 units comprised of 70% restauMeanwhile, in Las Vegas, a popular brightly colored paint designed to create rants and 30% retail stores. Other restaucontainer park — actually named Cona festive look. rants will feature cuisine from around the tainer Park — has 34 outlets with an emThe first set of containers will be world like Colombia, Peru and Germany. phasis on hip and quirky local businesses, occupied by restaurants offering diverse Some of the most recently anas well as a stage and a playground. dishes and items like Asian noodles, nounced tenants include The Cake Girl, Since purchasing The Grove, Gold Puerto Rican cuisine, desserts and charYummy Tablas and ATO, a burrito bowl has signed on 75 new tenants, including cuterie boards. concept by the owners of Zukku-San

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When it is complete, KRATE (rendering above) will feature 94 shipping containers making up 55 units, including more than 30 new restaurants. front, Gold says all of the businesses in some businesses that are already open The Village and in the KRATE complex in what Gold calls The Village area — will include “medical grade” sanitation like F45 Fitness, the dueling piano bar technology, like fogging machines, autorestaurant Treble Makers (see pg. 21) mated thermal temperature scan swing and the Double Branch Artisanal Ales gates at the entrance and UV lights. brewery (see pages 32-33). Those safety steps are expected to Gold says he has invested more encourage people to feel comfortable than $110 million into the renovation of both inside and outside while shopping The Grove property which, in addition and dining, including inside The Grove to KRATE, will include a reimagined movie theater and restaurant, a miniature Movie Theater, which is expected to fully open sometime in January, not too golf course expected to break ground in long after the planned VIP sneak preview January and, potentially, a water park. event on New Year’s Eve. With pandemic safety at the fore-

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Baycare Breaks Ground On Second WC Hospital By JOHN C. COTEY john@neighborhoodnews.com

E IR

NAIL

Wesley Chapel may be known for its growth and burgeoning housing and restaurant markets, but by 2023, it also will be home to two major hospitals. On Dec. 2, BayCare held a ceremonial groundbreaking event — construction had already previously begun — before a small crowd of BayCare executives, local politicians and invited community members. The 86-bed, state-of-the-art hospital is scheduled to be completed in early 2023. According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, planned are 30 medical/surgical inpatient beds, 12 critical care inpatient beds and 10 emergency department beds. “While 2020 has been an unprecedented year for health care that has called for tough decisions and creative solutions, we are grateful to celebrate the long-term goals that brought us to this moment,” said BayCare Chairman of the Board Eric Obeck at the ribbon cutting. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that keeps setting the pace, even as we react to the coronavirus’ impact on our daily business.”

our patient outcomes are among the best as well.” BayCare purchased 34.6 acres of the planned new site for $15 million in 2006, and then paid $6.67 million for an adjoining 19.9-acre parcel in 2007, for a combined $21.67 million. Also in 2007, BayCare purchased an 18.25-acres parcel of land across Eagleston and west of BBD in Wiregrass Ranch for $9.4 million, opening the door for possible expansion. The company originally met with county planners in 2018, looking to build a 60-bed acute care hospital on an The new BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel (rendering above) should be completed by 2023, which 111-acre site it had planned to acquire means Wesley Chapel will have two hospitals within two miles of each other on BBD Blvd. in the northeast quadrant of the future well as physical rehabilitation. The new hospital will be located I-75 exit at Overpass Rd. — construcBayCare also touts the jobs the at the northwest corner of Bruce B. tion of which has not yet begun. new facility will bring to Pasco County. Downs (BBD) Boulevard and Ea“To the leaders here planning new Roughly 500 combined employgleston Blvd. in Seven Oaks, which is construction in the midst of a panees will work on constructing the just two miles north of AdventHealth demic, I thank you,” Waters said. “To Wesley Chapel, which opened as Florida 318,000-square-foot hospital, and then the elected officials who have joined staffing it. According to BayCare, it is Hospital Wesley Chapel in 2012. us today and who are balancing so BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel investing $246 million in Pasco County. many unforeseen challenges this year, will offer comprehensive medical “Across our system, it is the nearly I thank you. And, to the local comservices and health care resources, in30,000 people who work here that munity members who have endured cluding an emergency department, an make BayCare a great place to work,” a year like no other, I thank you. We intensive care unit with virtual-monsaid BayCare executive vice president look forward to getting to know each itoring beds, diagnostic services such and chief operating officer Glenn Waother as BayCare grows along with as an imaging department and lab, as ters. “At the same time, we are proud Pasco County.”

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FREE Community Open House!

Sunday, January 3rd 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. A rendering of the new library planned near Seven Oaks Elementary.

DJ and fun activities for kids on our outdoor event lawn!

Library Gets $1 Million For Design By JOHN C. COTEY john@neighborhoodnews.com The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has okayed $1 million for the design of Wesley Chapel’s second library. The consent item sailed through with barely a discussion at the BCC meeting on Dec. 8. The roughly 20,000-sq.-ft. library is expected to be built in front of Seven Oaks Elementary, off of Mystic Oaks Blvd., inside the Seven Oaks community. The land already is owned by Pasco County and was set aside in 2014 as part of the development agreement for the Seven Oaks DRI with the intention that it would one day house a Pasco County library. “I think this is a huge deal,” says District 2 County Commissioner Mike Moore, who represents much of Wesley Chapel and is a Seven Oaks resident. “This is the fastest-growing area of Pasco County, and when you have more residents, you have more needs.” Wesley Chapel’s only existing library — the New River Branch Library on S.R. 54 near Zephyrhills — although it has been closed for the past year while

undergoing a major renovation. Moore said the designer of the new library should be chosen by summer 2021, but the construction bidding process and permitting ensures the library won’t be finished until late 2024, or early 2025. Moore has said the whole project could cost roughly $10 million. “This will be a lot more convenient (for many Wesley Chapel residents),” Moore says. “The needs of the community have changed. It’s not just about books. It’s also about the ‘maker spaces,’ meeting rooms and a safe place for kids to congregate, whether they are reading a book or on a computer. This won’t be your old school library.” Pasco County Libraries has put a lot of effort into reimagining their existing libraries. The New River Branch Library is getting an improved community garden and covered learning space, while others have woodworking and sewing workshops, music studios and even a robotics lab. “It’s way too early to say what this new one will have,” Moore says. “It might be a new technology that hasn’t even been invented yet. A lot can happen in three years.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

FDOT Making Tweaks To Help Ease Logjam at I-75/56 By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com If you’ve been by the construction site of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at the junction of I-75 and S.R. 56, you may have noticed a difference from past trips. More machines. More workers. More dirt being moved. Just over a month after Pasco County commissioners, particularly District 2 Commissioner Mike Moore (whose district includes much of Wesley Chapel), criticized the efforts of D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. — and expressed disappointment that the project would not finish on time — the work has clearly picked up in the area. “There has been significant improvement,” Moore says. “I want to thank D.A.B. and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for getting this back on schedule.” Moore said he met with both D.A.B. and FDOT, and as a result, he is feeling more confident that the project will finish closer to its original finishing date of sometime in the fall of 2021, as opposed to fears construction would stretch well into 2022.

alternate routes to get in and out of the Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center areas. FDOT also has made efforts to assist in traffic flow since before Thanksgiving by: * Adding message boards on S.R. 56 westbound advising drivers to use the next two signals (the entrance off S.R. 56 and the entrance off the Wesley Chapel Blvd. extension) to enter the outlet mall. * Adding message boards on S.R. 54 eastbound advising that drivers can turn right where Wesley Chapel Blvd. meets S.R. 56 to enter the outlet mall. * Setting traffic signals to “holiday timing” (a common practice near mall areas) to maximize traffic flow. * Adding message boards on The work around the junction of S.R. 56 and I-75 is beginning to show some progress, as efforts southbound I-75, north of the S.R. 54 pick up to finish the Diverging Diamond Interchange by the end of 2021.(Photo: FDOT). Exit 279, to encourage traffic to use the “I feel good about what I heard,” tinued to look for opportunities to S.R. 54 exit to avoid backups on the Moore said. move the project forward, “including Exit 275 ramp to S.R. 56. The $33-million project also had working with the contractor on alter* Adjusting the setup of the barrier drawn the ire of more than 20 lonate materials, construction phasing, wall on the southbound I-75 exit ramp cal businesses, who signed a letter to and other ways to shorten the construc- to give a little more space for drivers Moore and District 3 Commissioner tion duration.” turning right (westbound) onto SR 56. Kathryn Starkey expressing concern With traffic thicker than usual due * Installing additional cameras about the progress. to the holidays, there aren’t too many for FDOT’s traffic management staff Community outreach manager things FDOT can do to ease congesto better monitor traffic at all of the John McShaffrey says FDOT has contion right now, although it is suggesting signalized intersections.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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“AdventHealth saved my life.” When Al experienced chest pain and numbness in his jaw, his wife, Jan, suspected it was more than heartburn. They rushed to an AdventHealth ER where Al was quickly diagnosed and treated for a serious heart attack, giving him a second chance at life. Find one of AdventHealth’s network of convenient, full-service ER locations at TheERExperts.com.

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Fit 4 Life Owner Celebrates 19 Years In New Tampa & His ‘Coaching Tree’ By GARY NAGER In the National Football League, you hear a lot about the “coaching tree” of great head coaches — when that coach’s assistant coaches go on to become head coaches themselves. Among the top-rated coaching trees of all-time in the NFL were the number of great assistant coaches under former San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh who also went on to head coaching success. Well, while my long-time friend and personal trainer Travis Monday of Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy in Tampa Palms doesn’t have a Mike Holmgren or Sam Wyche in his own unique coaching tree, he has had a number of his personal trainers and physical thera(Above left) Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy owner Travis Monday (left) gives head trainer Eric Christiansen a few pointers pists in his nearly a quarter-century (includon one of the studio’s MedX training machines (Photo by Charmaine George). (Above right) Not only was Erica Cook a former Fit 4 Life trainer ing 19 years in Tampa) of being in business and later a contestant on the “American Ninja Warrior” TV show, she has gone on to open No Limits Personal Training in Gainesville. go on to open either successful training or therapy businesses of their own. And, some But, those qualities alone aren’t and operates the Emerald M Therapeutic A Special Coaching Style have even opened other businesses that Riding Center located in Dade City (which Travis is originally from Wisconsin, and enough to make him a great boss. On the aren’t in health-care fields but who learned other hand, the fact that he has been able we’ve featured in these pages before). like most people I’ve met from “America’s from Travis how to run a business and how to not only endure, but also thrive, in our Travis also is proud that Erica Cook, Dairyland,” he’s just a genuinely nice perto treat both customers and employees as area all these years, despite all of the other a former Fit 4 Life personal trainer who son. He also obviously practices whatever much as how to teach them the “Super fitness and therapy places that have come not only has gone on to compete on the he’s been preaching to his troops all these Slow” method of strength training. and gone, is a testament to his ability to “American Ninja Warrior” TV show, she years because I’m sure he’s still in single “I’m really proud to have been in the adapt as needed and keep his people happy. also has opened No Limits Personal Traindigits of body fat and only his graying hair New Tampa community for 19 years and Among the members of Travis’ coaching, a cross-fit studio in Gainesville. makes him look any older than he did when to have had Fit 4 Life alumni go on to even he first started training me at his original ing tree is Lisa Michaelangelo, a former Fit And, Travis also said he feels like he often don’t understand how taxes work in retirement. But they’re keenly bigger and better things,”Retirees Travis says. 4 Life physical therapist who has opened helped Ryan Burroughs go from Fit 4 Life Tampa Palms location around 2001.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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(Left) Former Fit 4 Life trainer Ryan Burroughs (with his son Bode). (Center) Travis with Doctor of Physical Therapy and Fit 4 Life clinical director Kristen Smith. (Right) Whether on MedX machines or in the free weight room, you always get one-on-one attention at Fit 4 Life! (Right two photos by Charmaine George)

trainer to one day open Auto Paint Guard, Inc., which creates invisible “bras” for cars. “It’s not just about training and therapy,” Travis says. “I go over everything I do to run the business with the employees and I get great feedback from them about what they learned here.”

Covid Precautions

In other words, Travis has a lot to be proud of, especially the way Fit 4 Life has been able to stay Covid-free during the pandemic — and that is no accident. “Of course, we follow all of the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) guidelines,” Travis says, “But we go above and beyond that. For example, I

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was told one air purifier would cover the entire facility, but instead I bought two. Our trainers and therapists also wipe down every piece of equipment before and after each time it’s used with a soap and bleach solution that kills the virus. We have hand sanitizing stations and we take everyone’s temperature when they come in. We haven’t had one case here yet and we all want to keep it that way.”

Why Fit 4 Life Works!

In his 24 years of teaching the “Super Slow” method (or “protocol”) on Fit 4 Life’s super-low-friction MedX machines, Travis has added a free weight room and massage/therapy tables, and he says that

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he will continue to offer two free training sessions to any first-time visitor (with the ad on pg. 37). He also offers payment plans for physical therapy patients who want to continue at the facility after their insurance stops paying for their visits. And, all I can tell you is that Travis and his wife (and physical therapy assistant) Fiona and their two young daughters are an amazing family who genuinely appreciate the continued support of the local community. Fit 4 Life Personal Training and Physical Therapy is located at 17419 Bridge Hill Ct. For more information, call (813) 907-7879 or visit Fit4LifeTampa.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Covid-19 Hasn’t Stopped The Usman Law Firm From Helping Local Clients By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Attorney Derek Usman says when jury trials were suspended and courthouses effectively closed this past March, it changed the way he has had to handle litigation, employment law and business law for the clients of The Usman Law Firm, P.A., in Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and beyond. “Because of Covid-19, everything is backed up,” he says, explaining that many facets of litigation have moved to virtual platforms, including Zoom, which takes twice as long to coordinate. Plus, he says, different counties have different rules, and judges have some discretion as to how to conduct jury trials, so they may be either remote or in-person, based on a judge’s preference. It’s a confusing time, but Derek is undaunted. He’s ready to go to work for employees, employers and business owners in need of help. He reminds anyone who has questions about a non-compete agreement, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), how Covid-19 has been handled in the workplace, or other workplace issues, the current backlog in the courts doesn’t extend statutes of limitations, so filing deadlines aren’t extended. In other words, he says, “Don’t wait too long to act.”

Derek Usman of The Usman Law Firm, P.A., on BBD Blvd., just south of Wesley Chapel, has adapted to the pandemic and not missed a beat by utilizing online options to serve his clients.

After moving from Chicago to Wesley Chapel in 2015 to be closer to family, Derek opened his local office of The Usman Law Firm off of Bearss Ave. In 2018, he moved to a new office on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (south of County Line Rd., in the Central Bank building), to be right in the heart of the community where he lives and serves his neighbors on

both sides of the Pasco County line. Derek earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Indiana University in Fort Wayne in 1997 and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2001. He is admitted to practice before the bars of Florida, Illinois, the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

District of Florida and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Derek says many attorneys who practice business and employment law specialize in either initial transactions or disputes. However, Derek isn’t limited to one area or the other. “I know both parts and have experience in both,” he says. “I have more practical knowledge when it comes to forming agreements because I know what usually gets litigated in court.” He says his clients benefit from the hands-on experience he has had in courtrooms, from county courts, to state, federal and even appellate courts. Because he sees how litigation plays out in court, he knows the pitfalls to look out for in drafting agreements and other documentation. He says the current environment has had some positive developments. “It’s given us the opportunity to utilize technology to make our practices better,” Derek explains. “You used to have to go into court for every little thing. Now you can just Zoom for things that just take five minutes, rather than driving to the courthouse, getting scanned through metal detector and waiting around.” But, he says, there’s a downside, too. “It’s more effective to see someone in person,” he says. “It’s better than a Zoom

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meeting. With the virtual interactions, you get convenience, but you lose out on that human aspect of it.” That’s why Derek is meeting with clients in person at his office, for those who want to do that. However, he respects each individual’s comfort level in regards to the Covid-19 situation.

Focused On Help For Small Business Owners

Alina Vitali and her husband Konstantin Tarasovskiy are business owners who contract with large corporations to provide medical transportation. “Our experience with Derek is as excellent as any lawyer experience can be,” says Alina. “You don’t go to a lawyer when you’re happy; you go when you have difficulty.” Her difficulty, she says, is being victimized by corporations when they don’t pay what they’ve agreed to. She says she was previously represented by a “big name” law firm, but when she suggested a lawsuit against one of these large corporations, that law firm refused, saying she would lose. Alina asked for a referral to someone who wouldn’t think like that. She was given Derek’s phone number. “He’s not afraid of big corporations,” Alina says. “If he feels like the truth is on your side, he’ll help.”

extra minutes, like the would at many bigger firms. “He’s a great guy,” Alina adds. “I like everything about working with him. I always feel that he is on my side.” Derek says that’s because the relationship he is able to have with his clients, such as Alina and Konstantin, is much different than that of a bigger law firm. “When you come to me, you’re working with the senior partner,” he says, explaining that at larger firms, clients are often assigned a senior partner with experience comparable to his, but that’s not the attorney who will usually be actually working on your case. “With me, I’m more hands-on and do a thorough investigation, so that I’m thoroughly aware of all the facts of your case.” Derek also says his hourly rate is more flexible than larger firms. “I don’t have a corporate billing policy to follow,” he says. “I make the policy. I have the discretion to make changes in my Derek Usman takes great pride in giving billable hours. Most large firms have to bill back to the community through his work you every time you talk with (anyone who with the New Tampa Rotary Club. works for) them. They don’t have a choice. If you call me to ask a quick question, for She says she especially appreciates the great communication Derek provides, example, it’s my discretion whether to bill and that he doesn’t “count every second” you or not.” when it comes to billing. If she and her husband schedule an hour with Derek and Active In The Community Derek is an active member of the it goes a couple minutes longer, she says North Tampa Bay Chamber of Comthey won’t necessarily get a bill for those

merce and the original Rotary Club of New Tampa, both of which he feels offers important events that help foster a sense of community. “Everybody is trying to continue with their endeavors, but move forward cautiously,” he says. “I’m attending meetings and remaining active to continue (with) the club. Everyone is still doing service projects and need people there to help support them.” The Usman Law Firm is located at 20701 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., on the 2nd floor of the Central Bank building. For more information, please visit UsmanFirm.com, call (813) 377-1197, or see the ad on page 25 of this issue.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Touch Nail Spa Opens New Location In New Tampa By JOHN C. COTEY Long before Covid-19 changed how everyone does business, Timmy Pham’s Touch Nail Spa in Wesley Chapel specialized in cleanliness, excellent customer service and relaxing spaciousness. What started as a 3,200-sq.-ft. nail and beauty salon expanded to nearly 5,000 square feet as the largest nail salon in Wesley Chapel. Now, Timmy has his sights set on doing the same in New Tampa, where a second Touch Nail Spa officially opened Dec. 12 in The Village at Hunter’s Lake, in between The Coder School and Sprouts Farmer’s Market off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. To celebrate, Timmy is offering all customers 10 percent off any service through Jan. 12. The new salon has all of Touch Nail Spa’s signature, well, touches — it is 3,200 square feet, boasts high ceilings for better ventilation, has rows of comfortable leather pedicure chairs lining the walls, and there are tables offering 32 manicure stations in between. Like the popular Wesley Chapel location, Touch Nail Spa in New Tampa offers a relaxing and luxuriously-designed environment to enjoy a pedicure and manicure — appointments are encouraged for safety reasons — as well as some of the salon’s other offerings like eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and even licensed massages. “We try to make this an experience,” says Timmy, who opened his original salon in 2017. “We want people to come in and go, ‘Wow, that is beautiful.’ And then, our customer service completes the package.” As for Touch Nail’s Covid-19 safety precautions, Timmy merely takes what he was already doing in his previous salon — last year he called it “flawlessly clean with all tools and surfaces constantly being sanitized,” which was before coronavirus — and takes it to another level. When you walk in, you are greeted by a sign asking you to walk to the back on the salon where two sinks are set up for handwashing, which all customers are re-

(Above left) Touch Nail Spa owner Timmy Pham invites Wesley Chapel to check out the second location of Touch Nail Spa, which opened earlier this month in the Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in New Tampa (next to Sprouts), where all of the nail and pedicure techs wear masks and gloves and all customers have to wear masks and wash their hands to enter the spa.

quired to do. Masks are available for those who may have forgotten theirs, and hand sanitizer also is readily available. Once you are ready to go, Touch Nail Spa offers a complimentary beverage with every service, such as water, soda or even wine, which is served in a chilled glass (limit one per adult customer with proper I.D.). Timmy also is proud of the extra touch of keeping the drinking glasses for customers in a glass cooler, keeping them free of dust and germs. Although there are 32 stations for manicures, only every other one or two is in use, to create proper social distancing. And, plexiglass partitions separate the technicians from their customers, with enough room on the bottom to comfortably slide your hands through. The pedicure chairs look as expensive as they are — which Timmy says is $4,500 a pop. And, he is quick to show you that he can walk in between each one. “We don’t pile customers on top of each other,” he says. “Lots of room here.” There are 22 pedicure chairs in all, which can accommodate big groups or parties in non-pandemic times (or socially-distanced groups currently) but only

every other chair is in use, due to Covid. They are a soft brown leather, and the foot bath is colored gold and has adjustable leg rests. As an extra layer of precaution, the bath is covered by a disposable plastic liner held in place by elastic, preventing the spread of foot fungus and bacteria. “Between each customer, we sanitize and clean the chair and the liner goes in the trash,” Timmy says. “It’s very clean.”

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While the pandemic has been particularly hard on salons, Timmy says he still has roughly 45 employees in Wesley Chapel and, as business ramps up in New Tampa will probably have the same. For now, he has brought some of his best technicians, all of whom are State-licensed in cosmetology, over for the launch of the New Tampa Touch Nail Spa. “Our customer service is what sets us apart,” Timmy says. “They love what

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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(L.-r.) The new Touch Nail Spa has “every color” of nail polish, as well as state-of-the-art pedicure chairs. Your safety is always at the forefront at Touch, where all surfaces are sanitized regularly and nail techs wear are separated from their manicure clients by a plexiglass shield. (Photos by Charmaine George) they do. They know how to make the customers happy. We listen to them, and they leave happy.” A variety of spa manicures and pedicures are offered, and even the “Simple Touch” pedicure (just $27) includes a callus treatment, pineapple sugar scrub, hot towel wrap and lotion massage, along with nail trimming and shaping, buffing and cuticle grooming. For an even more spa-like experience, a variety of “Hot Touch” and “Organic Touch” pedicures are offered ($47-$62). These include a hot stone massage for your legs and feet, plus additional treatments — such as specialized exfoliation for the bottom of the feet and a mask for legs and heels. Timmy says the Orange Burst

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and Milk & Honey pedicures are among his most popular. Touch Nail Spa also offers discounted prices for children under the age of 11. You can add additional services like French and gel polish, or dipping power, acrylic nails and nail design. And, just like at the Wesley Chapel location, the color choices are seemingly limitless. Touch Nail Spa carries roughly 1,700 colors, available in both regular polish and gel, giving you access to 3,400 bottles of colors. For those who prefer dipping powders, which add a layer to your nails that is as strong as acrylic but healthier for your nails, there are 2,000 choices. “We have every color,” Timmy says. Touch Nail also offers deals for its

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customers. Pham says if you come in on your birthday and purchase two services, you’ll receive 50-percent off the more expensive service. You must show ID that it is your actual birthdate, as the offer is not valid any other day. The salon also offers a new customer reward program. Upon arrival, sign in on one of the salon’s iPads, and register for your free membership. Rewards members receive 1 point for every dollar spent, and when you reach 500 points, you receive $25 off a pedicure service. You also can now purchase e-gift cards for both locations online at the spa’s website, TouchNailAndSpa.com. There are more than 50,000 nail salons in the country, and many are barely

surviving due to the dangers presented by Covid-19. Timmy says his two locations aren’t immune to the pandemic’s reach, but unlike other salons, he has enacted many layers of safety protocols and is able to offer the level of social distancing that your typical shopping strip center salon can’t. The New Tampa Touch Nail Spa is located at 8630 Hunter’s Village Rd. and is open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sun. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. The Wesley Chapel Touch Nail Spa is located at 27233 S.R. 56 and has the same hours as New Tampa. To make an appointment at either location or for more info, call (813) 973-4111 or see the ad on pg. 22.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

We Are Now Open In Wesley Chapel & Taking Holiday Orders Right Up Until Christmas Eve! Check out all of our amazing departments

Formaggio (Italian & Other Gourmet Cheeses!)

Butcher Shop (Steaks, Chops, Poultry, Italian Sausage & More!)

Deli & Sandwich Shop (Including American & Imported Italian Meats & Cheeses)

Fresh Pasta Selection (Gnocchi, Egg Noodles & Much More!)

Hot Prepared Foods Department (Lasagne, Chicken, Veal & Shrimp Parm & More!)

Fresh Salads Department (Pasta, Bean & Olive Salads, Fresh Bruschetta & More!)

Fresh Bakery Department (Homemade Pastries, Cookies & More!)

Grab & Go Department (Refrigerated & Frozen!)

Imported Packaged Goods (Pastas, Sweets, Olive Oils, Spices & More!)

Imported & Domestic Wine Selection (Red, White, Sparkling & More!)

This is just a sampling of everything we have at Moschella’s! Come in to check us out & take out or place your order today! Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Every Day! 5648 Post Oak Blvd. (at Old Pasco Rd.) Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

For more information, call 813.973.7500 www.Moschellas.com Happy Holidays from the Moschella’s Family to Yours!

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Food 2020: Our Dining Survey Results! By GARY NAGER As we mentioned on page 1, Covid-19 definitely has affected virtually every business in this country, but few industries have been hit harder than the restaurant/hospitality business. The effect was evident by the much smaller number of entries in this year’s Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest when compared with 2019’s record-breaking year in terms of entries. What also is obvious is that even though restaurants and bars were allowed to open before this year’s Dining Survey first hit mailboxes, many of you still weren’t getting your food at area eateries — even though both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa saw a tremendous influx of new restaurants that opened in 2020. It seems like we may have gotten more entries had we had “Best Takeout Food” and “Best Restaurant for Ordering From UberEats (Or Doordash, etc.)” categories, because restaurants that primarily count on dine-in business certainly suffered more than those that were already set up more for take-out and remote ordering/delivery. Many of this year’s newcomers — including Florida Ave. Brewing Co. (see ad on pg. 31 and story on page 32), Zukku-San Sushi (see ad on pg. 20), Rock & Brews, Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, Crumbl Cookie in Wesley Chapel and Via Italia, Oronzo Honest Italian, Michi Ramen and Gu-Wei Noodle House in New Tampa — either weren’t open long enough to even get enough votes from our readers to make the lists (or finish as high as they might have under normal circumstances) on this and the next twelve pages or so were still too new when everyone seemed to be staying home after the pandemic first hit to get into the consciousness of our hungry readers. Even so, hundreds of you who love casting both mail-in and online ballots for this annual contest (and a lot of newcomers, which is always nice, too) did so and the results are at least interesting and, in some cases, surprising (at least to us). This year’s top-20 favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel appear on this page. In past years, we’ve given you the top-25 favorites but with this year’s reduced number of entries, we cut it down to this top-20, which definitely separated themselves from the pack. Just try to remember that these are the favorites for 2020 as voted on by New Tampa and Wesley Chapel

And, The Winners Are...

We love rewarding our readers for entering our Dining Survey & Contest, but only three of you have won one of our free dining gift cards to the restaurant of their choice. Congrats to this year’s winners: $100 Gift Card — Wendy Tunstall, Estancia at Wiregrass Ranch $60 Gift Card — Angela Colonello, Oxford Place at Tampa Palms $35 Gift Card — Guy Conway, Seven Oaks Neighborhood News readers. In our next issue, I will provide the list of my 2020 favorites and pretty much all of the aforementioned newcomers will find their way onto that roster, so keep an eye out for it! And, the great news is that even with so many new restaurants opening in Wesley Chapel in 2020, even more are still on the horizon, especially in The Grove (see story on pages 4-5). And, on pages 34-35 of this issue, we have a full-length dining feature about the new Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, which I’m certain will make its way onto this list in 2021, even though it’s not a sit-down restaurant. At the top of this page are the three winners selected at random from this year’s hundreds of entries to win free dining gift cards.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

rillSmith has been among the favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel with our readers since the day it opened in the Shops at Wiregrass, but it was a little surprising for it to regain its top spot as the #1 in Wesley Chapel from 2018 (after finishing second to Bahama Breeze last year) with all the new places that opened. Even so, it’s hard

to argue with our readers on this one, as GrillSmith does have a great menu with a lot of variety that has been added over the years — including an increased choice of steaks, flatbreads, pastas and more. I also believe that the fact that GrillSmith has added truly fresh “short trip” Florida fish and is one of the few local places that can surprise you with

00º Woodfired Pizza is

more than just a “regular old pizza place,” although few do pizza any better. But its delicious tortellini della casa, pesto di Genovese and other pasta dishes make it so much more.

onefish Grill is one of the

few other choices for truly fresh fish in our area and there’s no doubt its now-open new location on S.R. 56 (with plenty of parking!) will help make it even more popular with our readers in 2021.

cobia, corvina or even amberjack, in addition to the more common grouper, snapper and mahi-mahi. Plus, throw in its bottomless bubbles for weekend brunch, its expanded lunch menu and socially distanced bar area and prime location in the Shops and you’ll understand why GrillSmith’s return to the top spot isn’t that surprising at all. — GN

reble Makers was one of the

first new restaurants to open in “The Chap” early enough in 2020 to register with our readers and its outstanding steaks, fresh fish and dueling pianos entertainment will likely keep it high on this list for years to come.

ahama Breeze dropped

a few slots this year when compared with last, but this islandthemed eatery’s popular Jamaican, Cajun and American specialties, live music and indoor/outdoor bar areas are appreciated by our readers.

The entire list of our readers’ Top 20 Favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel appears on the previous page!

is NOW OPEN for LUNCH & DINNER!

Experience Wesley Chapel’s Newest Home-Grown Sushi Restaurant That Everyone Is Raving About! “By far the best sushi around the Wesley Chapel area!!! The sushi is SO fresh and delicious. Also, the inside is decorated so cute and it’s a great atmosphere. HIGHLY recommended. This is our new go-to spot!.” — Rachel, on Google “Atmosphere is simply stunning, from the simplicity to the local artistry of the koi-fish artwork, bonsai trees and lighting. Music gives the perfect vibe for a perfect date night!” — Josh S. on Yelp Opening responsibly with 50% capacity, routine sanitation & hand sanitation stations, all employees wear masks, and brand new air/ventilation equipment, plus hot towel service!

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(next to Bahama Breeze, across from Tampa Premium Outlets) Order online for take out, delivery, or curbside pick up at ZukkuSushi.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 26 • December 22, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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n our most competitive category in our 2020 Survey, where the top five vote getters were separated by just a handful of votes, Treble Makers, one of

the first new restaurants to open in The Village at The Grove shopping center, sneaked into the top spot. While that may seem a little surprising when you consider how many restaurants are now located in Wesley Chapel, it’s no surprise at all to anyone who’s eaten there — especially if you’ve enjoyed a delicious

dinner and stayed for the dueling piano shows on the weekends or for the live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Chef Kevin Maggard’s menu will likely continue to grow and evolve over time, but he already has a lot of favorites from which to choose, including the unique coconut curry grouper shown here and some of the tenderest, best-seasoned steaks in either of our distribution areas. In my article about Treble Mak-

ubba’s 33 The surprise here

isn’t that Bubba’s 33 finished #2 in this “Favorite American” category, it was more that Bubba’s only finished as your 17th favorite restaurant in WC despite its great menu and drink and food prices.

ers in our Sept. 29 issue, I also raved about Treble Makers’ calamari, ahi tuna and diver scallops appetizers.

onefish Grill is obviously

one of the consistent favorites among our readers again this year, as it finished as both your third favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel and third favorite American restaurant in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

ahama Breeze Even though a

good portion of its menu isn’t necessarily “American” food, Bahama Breeze also was pretty consistent, finishing as your fifth favorite restaurant in WC and fourth favorite American restaurant in both of our markets.

at Rabbit in Tampa Palms is

a classic American joint. The bar serves ice cold beer, including its own craft brew, the burgers and wings are terrific and the supercrispy tater tots shouldn’t be as good as they are.

The Next 10, in order of votes: Oakley’s, GrillSmith, Ciccio Cali, BJ’s Brewhouse, Stonewood, Mr. Dunderbak’s, Glory Days, Walk-On’s, Cheddars, Ford’s Garage.

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hen it comes to pizza in our area, we have a lot of great

options from which to choose, but it’s hard to argue with the readers’ selection of 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass as their favorite for both 2019 and 2020. There’s also no doubt that

izza Mania is the pizza place

that has been open the longest in Wesley Chapel, and it’s always been a top favorite of our readers at its location in the Shoppes of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel for its NY/New Jersey-style pizza and Italian fare.

900º Woodfired owner Steve Falabella (2nd from left in photo) is one of the most beloved restaurant owners in Wesley Chapel. But, the fact that his place serves both authentic wood-fired Neapolitan style, as well as legit New York-style pizza continues to keep 900º Woodfired Pizza among our readers’ favorites (and ours!). We’re partial to 900º Woodfired’s square, thin-crust Sicilian-style and unique Grandma’s pizza, as well as many tasty pasta dishes.

mici’s won this category in 2018 and finished second last year, and it continues to be a topthree favorite of our readers — and for good reason. It features true NY-style pizza and the best linguine & clams in The Chap.

ia Italia was one of the best

places to open in New Tampa in 2020 and while it’s more of a sitdown, authentic Italian “ristorante,” it does serve wood-fired Neapolitan, Roman, “Campione del Mondo” and other unique styles of pizza.

Y NY Pizza repeats its finish

as our readers’ fifth favorite pizza place in our distribution areas, another choice that’s hard to argue. We love it for its garlicky Grandma’s pizza, but try this mainly takeout place by the slice or by the pie.

The Next 10, in order of votes: Mellow Mushroom, Cappy’s, Marco’s, Best NY Pizza, Fratelli’s, Noble Crust, Little Italy’s, Capri, Pomodoro, MOD Pizza.

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burger is often just a burger, and when cooked right, that can be enough.

But, at Burger 21 on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa, which opened its first location in 2010 with 21 menu items, a burger is rarely just a burger. It is, as the restaurant says, reinvented, which helps explain why it is this year’s reader’s choice for the best burger in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Burger 21 offers a variety of different burgers, all served on brioche

buns, ranging from beef to chicken to veggie and there’s even a seafood burger, featuring a spicy Thai shrimp patty. The regular beef burgers come in double-stacked (the “OMG”), blackened or even BBQ-style. You can even get your burger on a gluten-free bun, and the fries (including the sweet potato version) are a tasty side. The menu has salads for non-carnivores, and don’t leave without having one of Burger 21’s creamy, hand-spun shakes. — JCC

ive Guys is the delicious bridge between fast-food and restaurant hamburgers and has been a fan favorite everywhere it’s opened, including locations in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. And of course, the unique fries are addictive, too.

urger Monger received a recent makeover, so maybe that was part of the reason why it had it’s best-ever finish in our Reader Survey this year. Of course, its tasty burgers, hot dogs, shakes and new salads probably had something to do with it, too.

ed Robin is another burger-

oriented eatery which had its best finish in our Reader Survey this year. Red Robin features a large selection of “gourmet burgers and brews” and the bottomless fries are also a welcome treat.

ulver’s is a cooked-to-order,

fast-casual place that started in the Midwest but has continued to grow here in Florida with its delicious burgers and other sandwiches and its ultra-creamy frozen custard is really hard to resist, too.

The Next 6, in order of votes: Fords Garage, Glory Days, Bubba’s 33, Fat Rabbitt, BJs Brewhouse, Mulligans.

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iang’s Bistro has been a consistent winner as the Favorite Asian Restaurant in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel

pretty much every year since it opened and its location on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa (near I-75) is the favorite sit-down, upscale Chinese/Asian fusion restaurant in either of our distribution areas. Liang’s has wonderful NY-style barbecued spare ribs, egg rolls and pan-fried dumplings, and even offers

obe Japanese Steakhouse

has been our readers’ favorite Japanese steak house in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel pretty much every year it’s been open and it also serves great sushi, to go with top-quality hibachi steak, chicken and seafood.

a popular seared ahi tuna appetizer. The signature dishes at Liang’s include General Tso’s chicken, orange chicken, beef or shrimp, Mongolian beef, chicken or shrimp, excellent sizzling teriyaki or Shanghai-style steak and recently added salmon and tuna poké bowls. Another thing that sets Liang’s apart in our area is that it also offers Korean BBQ, Thai curry dishes and Japanese-style, as well as Chinese-style fried rice. You also have to try the sautéed string beans (I order them spicy), with or without ground chicken. Liang’s also serves beer and wine.

onsai Sushi was originally located on Bearss Ave., just south of New Tampa, but its Shoppes of New Tampa at Wesley Chapel location has been even more popular for delicious, fresh sushi and other Japanese specialties.

mu Japanese & Thai Since opening in the former OTB Café space in the plaza across from AdventHealth WC, Umu has been a local favorite with the best selection of white meat fish sushi, plus entrées like miso sake Chilean sea bass.

hina Wok has takeout locations in the WC Village Market and one on County Line Rd. in New Tampa. Since many of our readers didn’t specify which one they were voting for, it’s possible that neither finished this high.

The Next 10, in order of votes: Arroy Thai (WC), Asian Buffet, Sushi Cafe, Thai Ruby, Koizi, Hibachi Express, China Gourmet, Palm Thai, Thai Lanna, Gonna China.

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allarta’s Restaurante Mexicano was the first Mexican place to open in Wesley Chapel and

even though so many other Mexican places in both of our distribution areas have come and gone, it seems that Vallarta’s still strikes the balance that resonates with our readers of authenticity, food quality and price. There’s also good reasons why Vallarta’s is loved by the locals in all of its locations in the

Tampa Bay area — even though its Tampa Palms restaurant closed in 2019. First of all, we still think Vallarta’s has the best sizzling fajitas of any Mexican or Southwest place in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, plus you simply can’t beat the variety of tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas or enchiladas, but we also love the selection of steak, pork and chicken entrées, as well as the awesome daily and Happy Hour specials at its full liquor bar. In other words, the Wesley Chapel Vallarta’s is here to stay.

antina Laredo Wesley Chapel’s most upscale Mexican eatery is definitely a really nice restaurant with very good food and a premium full-liquor bar, even though it is a little pricy. Try the guacamole made tableside.

huy’s Tex-Mex is still a relative newcomer to the Wesley Chapel Latin restaurant scene (this is only its 2nd year in our survey), but it continues to attract plenty of votes from our readers for its food, full liquor bar and vibe.

ice N Beans also has been open in Wesley Chapel for less than two years and its focus is on unique Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and chicharrones, plus live music, salsa dancing and a premium, full-liquor bar.

as Palmas has the best Cuban around, having won the Best of Tampa top award twice, so it’s not open to debate. Start

with a Tour of Havana Trio, but don’t forget to try the roasted pork

and steak entrées.

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especially when you factor in the quality of the food and the size of the portions served and the restaurant’s ability to get you in and out quickly while still cooking your food to order. We recommend trying the Greek salads, gyro and chicken pita bread sandwiches (and platters) and variety of kabob entrées, falafel, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baked pastitsio (Greek lasagne) and spanikopita (spinach pie). Wash it down with a Mythos or other Greek beer.

he Hungry Greek, like Vallarta’s, also keeps the locals happy with great Greek and Mediterranean specialties at super-fair prices —

cropolis Greek Taverna New Tampa’s sit-down Greek restaurant has some of the best Greek cuisine around. Try the saganaki (Greek cheese flambé), grilled octopus, lamb chops and the Athenian fish.

ittle Greek on BBD in New Tampa is very similar in menu and serving style to Hungry Greek, and does an equally outstanding job of getting customers in and out quickly, even during its lunchtime rush.

inerva Indian Restaurant was the only Indian eatery to make this top-5 with its extensive menu packed with flavorful options, as well as one of the best Indian buffets around, with plenty of vegetarian choices as well.

l-Sham Palace in the Pebble Creek Collection is one of our area’s few truly authentic Syrian/Mediterranean restaurants, featuring a variety of shawarma and gyro sandwiches, plus kafta and chicken kababs & more.

The Next 5, in order of votes: Medilish Med Grill, Ice Spice Cafe, Atithi Indian, Taaza Mart Cafe, Petra Mediterranean Express (OOB).

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ew Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s longtime favorite has always dominated this category, and while the vote was

much closer in 2020 as newer options sprouted up, First Watch and its healthy and unique menu still sits on our readers’ breakfast throne. Located in Wesley Chapel but currently building a second location in New Tampa in The Village at Hunter’s Lake, First Watch is known almost as much for its morning crowds as for its diverse menu made

with fresh and local ingredients. Sure, you can get simple scrambled eggs and bacon, but why not expand your horizons with farmhouse hash (picture), a smoked salmon and roasted vegetable frittata, a carnitas burrito with pork and eggs or a BLT Benedict on toasted ciabatta? Instead of regular pancakes, give the cinnamon chip pancakes a try, or maybe go healthy with one of First Watch’s quinoa power bowls. And, a Million Dollar Bloody Mary made with New Amsterdam Gluten Free Vodka and Million Dollar Bacon will surely kickstart your day. — JCC

olf ’s Den is terrific. They keep it simple, and that’s a compliment. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee and old-time diner feel givs it a homey feeling unmatched by others. breakfast places.

racker Barrel, with locations in Wesley Chapel and just off BBD in New Tampa, typically serves up tasty country breakfasts, although, with its vast menu, you can start your day off with meatloaf while the kids down pancakes.

runchies has been another favorite with locals since moving into the former Stage Left location on S.R. 54, a little west of the outlet mall. And, you can add a mimosa to enjoy the great breakfast and lunch items.

he Brunchery is new to the local scene (on BBD in New Tampa), but has been a welcome addition, thanks to its sizable portions of morning favorites, house-made biscuits, french toast, skillets, potatoes and more.

The Next 6, in order of votes: Panera Bread, Big Apple Bagels (Lutz), Buttermilk Provisions, Waffle House, Bagelicious, Bayscape Bistro.

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wistee Treat doesn’t just offer a large selection of delicious soft serve desserts, it also offers what few other places

can without even serving up its first cone — the excitement of ordering from people inside, well, a giant 25foot fiberglass ice cream cone. Twistee Treat, with a Bruce B. Downs Blvd. location each in Wesley Chapel (at S.R. 54) and New Tampa (at New Tampa Rd.), keeps it relatively simple, which

ce Dreammm Shop is the best Mom-n-Pop ice cream place around, with fresh-made ice cream, funky flavors (including some with alcohol, for adults only) and no artifical colors. They may need to add a few “m”s to their name.

might explain its success. Plus, the homemade soft serve ice cream is good, the toppings are plentiful and there’s just enough variety to keep you coming back. The menu has a selection of teats like shakes, slushies, sundaes and even hot dogs, if you need a quick bite before dessert. Whether it’s a simple vanilla or chocolate ice cream cone, with a chocolate dip, or a Twirl blended with your favorite candy and cookie bites, or even one of the popular waffle tacos, Twistee Treat is the most popular dessert stop for Neighborhood News readers this year. — JCC

oldstone Creamery has some of the tastiest ice cream around, and watching them fold in the mix-in treats is always a joy. And, don’t sleep on last year’s winner’s ice cream cakes —they are arguably among the best around.

othing Bundt Cakes was last year’s runner-up in this category, and still has the most outstandingly moist bundt cakes or mini bundtelets around. A Nothing Bundt Cake is always a great gift to bring to parties.

ruster’s Real Ice Cream is a long-time New Tampa staple that has withstood the test of time. A massive variety of flavors and combinations makes it perfect for a family of varying desires. Try the ice cream pies!

The Next 8, in order of votes: 365 Caffe Italliano, Baskin-Robbins, Dairy Queen, Grain & Berry, Buttermilk Provisions, Cake Shop, Menchies, Mr. Penguin.

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Craft Breweries Bringing A Cool Vibe To Wesley Chapel! By MIKE CAMUNAS

The demand for craft beer in Wesley Chapel was already high and now the supply is pouring in. In the span of a couple of months, not just one, but TWO craft breweries have opened in the everchanging landscape of Wesley Chapel, one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. First was Double Branch Artisanal Ales (DBAA), which was all set to open to the public as the pandemic hit, but Covid-19 restrictions had the craft brewery as to-go only until beer enthusiasts were allowed to be inside in late August. Double Branch finally held its official North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 10, and is now a permanent fixture in the revitalized Grove at Wesley Chapel’s The Village shopping district. “We do get a lot of people who say they’ve come out this way to try it — those beer seekers,” said Double Branch general manager Sam Guyer, who, along with her husband, Cody, is one of the four owners. Although it hasn’t even been open for a year yet, at the U.S. Open Beer Championship — one of the top three beer competitions in the country, according to its website — recently awarded DBAA’s Purple Floors & Dinosaurs IPA a gold medal in the New England/ Juicy DIPA category. The name also was picked as the No. 2 overall favorite beer name, behind Menace To Sobriety, a New York craft beer. Meanwhile, Florida Avenue Brewing Co. (see ad on pg. 31) opened its doors on Oct. 5 (also after some pandemic-related delays), and is just a mere 15 minutes (about five miles) away from DBAA in the former space of Sports + Field on S.R. 56. After an impressive renovation of

boom of craft beer breweries throughout the Tampa Bay area, which now boasts more than 70 of them. They have helped make places like Dunedin, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Seminole Heights in Tampa trendy places to grab a bite and a beer. In Pasco County, there are now 11 craft breweries, with more on the way. The influx of malls, stores, businesses and, of course, more residents in Wesley Chapel has raised the demand for more cool drinking destinations. Both Guyer Both Double Branch Artisanal Ales and Florida Ave. Brewing and Derby, who is Co. are brewing — and serving Chappie’s Life Lager. (Photo: part of the ownership group that also Mike Camunas) owns Brew Bus in that fitness facility, Florida Ave. is now Seminole Heights, say they are only a trendy date night locale that, in just building on the demand for craft two months time, has already seen beer that has been present in Wesley more than 17,000 customers walk Chapel for a while. through its doors. The original Brass Tap opened in “What we hear a lot from guests 2008 at The Shops of Wiregrass mall, is that they’re so happy there’s some whetting the appetites of local beer (place to dine and drink) on this side of enthusiasts looking for more than just the (S.R. 56 overpass) and a little away a cold Budweiser in a smoky bar. from (Tampa Premium Outlets) because Derby said he has had a number they don’t want to get in their car and of conversations with Brass Tap owner wait 30 minutes to go half a mile,” says Jeff Martin, who is as familiar with the Florida Avenue co-owner and operalocal beer scene as anyone. tor Anthony Derby. “But I also think “I talked to him numerous times they’re excited for something new and when we were planning on picking fun with craft beer.” our location, so I knew there were Indeed, there has been a real definitely pockets of craft beer en-

thusiasts up here in Wesley Chapel,” Derby says. The growth in Wesley Chapel may lead to more breweries in the future, perhaps mirroring what Seminole Heights has experienced. In that trendy, older neighborhood, many young people began moving in, so new restaurants and bars, especially more craft beer breweries, emerged as places for them to spend their evenings. When Derby and his partners wanted to create a second location, but with a different brand than their Brew Bus, they took polls from distributors about where the highest concentration of craft beer sales were. One of the most popular answers? Wesley Chapel. “My mother-in-law lives across (S.R 56) in the neighborhood, so I was always up here, say, for a Sunday dinner, making me very familiar with the area and, given how the area bloomed, it was a no-brainer,” Derby says. “We’re very excited to be here and even have Double Branch up the road, because what they’re doing there is awesome and why we have collaborated with them already.” That’s right. Florida Avenue and Double Branch have already put their hoppy heads together and created a special beer just for Wesley Chapel — “Chappie’s Life,” an American-style light lager that’s available at both locations, and honors the growing area that was once a trucker stop down at the end of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. or, as longtime locals called it, “The Road to Nowhere.” Now, it’s the road to some innovative and tasty craft beers. “This area does seem to have its charm, right?,” Guyer asked. “I mean, I have obviously heard that it used to just be cows grazing, and now we have all this stuff and — believe it or not — a real-life craft beer scene.”

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he Brass Tap is more than just this year’s winner of the Favorite Bar in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel — be-

cause it had to stay closed (as all non-restaurant bars in Florida did) much longer than restaurant/bar combos, owner Jeff Martin and his crew have not only survived, but have come back strong after having to endure this year’s Covidextended bar closure. Therefore, it’s a true tribute to Jeff and his crew to be named this

year’s Favorite Bar in our distribution areas. And, thanks to The Brass Tap’s huge selection of craft and microbrewed beers, ciders and more, it’s full, super-premium liquor bar (with great prices) and karaoke, trivia and live music — plus its proximity to GrillSmith, Cantina Laredo and now Chuck Lager America’s Tavern in the

ouble Branch Artisanal Ales is like a beer labratory with how often they churn out new flavors and styles, and it’s a fun spot for a cold brew. Try the new Chappie’s Life light lager! When the kitchen opens, look out!

Shops at Wiregrass — it’s obvious that The Brass Tap is well-positioned to stay near the top of the local bar scene for years to come.

oe Whiskey’s is no longer a smoking bar and that may have something to do with this year’s best-ever finish in our Reader Survey. Smokers still have an outdoor patio and non-smokers can now enjoy karaoke four nights a week.

he Basement on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz allso had its best-ever finish in this year’s survey, but the last we heard was that it is not going to re-open. We agree with the readers who voted for it about its cool vibe, so it’s a sad loss.

inksters Tap Room isn’t trendy or hip, and that’s not a bad thing —it’s a great thing. It’s a small bar with friendly staff, a pool table, jukebox and a cold beer (or premium liquor) while you catch a game on TV. Perfect!

The Next 8, in order of votes: The Bar (Hilton Garden Inn), Chapel Cigars, Fat Rabbit, Glory Days, O’Brien’s, Peabody’s, Mulligans, Stonewood Grill.

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Check Out Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market!

By GARY NAGER

henever a new place opens in our area, most of us check it out to decide if there’s something there worth coming back for again and again. Well, I honestly think that anyone who checks out the new Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, which opened the day before we went to press with this issue in the brand new plaza on Post Oak Blvd. (off Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54 and Old Pasco Rd.) should be able to find a dozen or more items that will fast become some of their all-time favorites. Owners Bill Moschella and Anthony Spadafora and their families (see top left photo) invite you to check out what can best be described as a gourmet shop on steroids, with so many different departments that it’s hard to leave the place without buying at least something — and for folks like me, many things.

(Above left, l.-r.) Niko, Gianna, Gina and Anthony Spadafora and Bill, Devanie, Anthony & Matt Moschella invite the Wesley Chapel community to check out the new Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market on Post Oak Blvd. (Above right) An opening day customer at Moschella’s orders fresh pasta from the store’s huge selection. (Photos on this page by Charmaine George)

But First, The Story...

Bill and Anthony are long-time friends from the Italian north end of Boston. Anthony and his wife Gina still live in Boston, but Bill and his wife Devanie and their family moved to just outside of Wesley Chapel. Bill was in the food concession business for 35 years. Anthony’s family owned catering restaurants and Bill’s family owned a pizza and pastry shop in Boston. Since moving here, Bill and Devanie kept wondering why they had to drive to St. Pete in order to visit a real Italian market. They drew up the plans for Moschella’s on their kitchen counter. “Even though Devanie and I are running the place,” Bill says, “Anthony and his family have contributed just as much to getting it open and for helping make sure it has everything we need.”

And Now, The Food!

Although I found the Italian and other imported and gourmet domestic cheeses (there’s also a separate Grab & Go cheese display), the fully stocked butcher shop (I haven’t been able to throw my bone-in veal chop on the grill yet), the incredible deli sandwich selection (with both a complete Boar’s Head case and a second case with just imported Italian meats and cheeses for slicing) and huge variety of fresh pastas you can make at home, it is Moschella’s displays of fresh, prepared hot and cold foods that really caught my eye. Bill credits Chef Megan, who has worked in both catering and local restaurants, with refining every menu item idea the families had for these displays. The hot foods display includes chicken, veal and even shrimp parmesan, plus beef, veggie and sausage lasagne, as well as prepared (but not sauced) chicken, veal and eggplant cutlets, as well as delicious braised lamb shanks and so much more than I have room to describe here. There also are plenty of unique

(Top left) This is just a tiny portion of the imported and gourmet cheese display case. (Tope right) Moschella’s customers check out the butcher shop display case. (Above left) If you love imported Italian deli meats on your Italian sub, you’re in the right place. (Above right) How many kinds of lasagne do you need? (Right) The prepared salads include marinated roasted peppers, three bean salad and so much more. cold prepared salads, from house-made genic as everything else bruschetta, amazing broccoli rabe with shown on these pages. sundried tomatoes, three bean salad, marinated roasted peppers, artichoke stems and Dessert, Too? tuna salad with shells, to name a few. Do you reAnd, although Moschella’s hasn’t yet ally need to ask? started selling its gourmet pizzas or arancini Moschella’s has an (rice balls), Devanie says to give it another amazing display week or two and they’ll be available. case of everything There also are huge display cases of from rainbow, chocolate sandwich (see “Grab & Go” prepared food items, includ- photo on next page) and lace cookies to ing both refrigerated and frozen sections. sfogliatella (think of a super-crisp croisIn other words, if you need a whole sant loaded with a thick, cannoli-like tray of lasagne to bring to Christmas dinner, cream) and yes, cannolis hand-piped, you can buy it today (while supplies last) and also with that homemade cannoli cream. bake it to perfection yourself. I didn’t show And, best of all, all of these luscious, pics of the Grab & Go displays here because decadent desserts are made in-house. I didn’t have room and they’re not as photoAnd of course, Moschella’s has all

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of the pre-packaged imported items Italian families and great cooks crave — from cookies and cakes to virtually every brand of imported tomato sauces (top right photo on next page), pastas, olive oils and balsamic vinegars (including oils and vinegars bearing a Moschella’s label) and so much more. Like my new friend Liz from Staten Island said as she walked through Moschella’s — “I feel like I’m home!” @NTWCNews

And Yes, Fine Wines, Too!

The guy usually behind the cheese counter, Mario, is from Sardinia and he also helped Moschella’s pick its amazing assortment of truly fine wines, the largest percentage of which are imported from Italy. If you love Italian reds like I do, you have to check out Moschella’s selection of Brunellos (photo, right), Barolos, Amarones, Barberas, Chiantis and Sangioveses — it’s the best variety I’ve seen since I left New York City almost 30 years ago. Yes, these are a little pricy, but oh so worth it. There also are other more popularly priced Italian and domestic red, white and sparkling wines, and many more. So, do yourself a favor and get to Moschella’s and start shopping now. This issue will hit mailboxes on Dec. 21 or 22, but Devanie says they are taking orders right up until they close early for Christmas at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve day. Moschella’s Italian Eatery &

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Market is open every day, 9 a.m.-6. p.m. (other than their holiday hours) at 5648 Post Oak Blvd. For more information, call (813) 973-7500, visit Moschellas.com or see their ad on page 18 of this issue. Mangia!

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