Volume 32 Issue 2 January 23, 2024
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Treble Makers Is Again Gary’s Favorite In Wesley Chapel!
The Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant Beats Out Falabella Family Bistro & Zukku-San For The Top Spot! By GARY NAGER
Every year, after our readers’ favorite restaurants in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel are published, I like to provide our readers with my own list of favorites — and there are always many differences between your choices and mine. I also always have a few haters every year who say that my reviews aren’t “real,” that I only pick my favorites based on which restaurants advertise with me and/or give me free food, that I have no taste whatsoever, etc. The primary thing these haters don’t seem (or want) to understand or believe is that the restaurants I tell you about in my annual “Gary’s Favorites” are not just the places I like the most, they’re also the places where I spend the most of my own money. And yes, when you consider that there are literally dozens of restaurants named on pgs. 32-38 of this issue, Jannah and I do spend a lot of our money dining out (and taking out food) — I’m betting more than just about anyone else in our distribution areas, especially when you consider our combined annual income. The “trolls” also don’t seem to “get” the other reason I give my opinions on local eateries every year is that I so appreciate the feedback — both positive and negative — I get after “Gary’s Favorites” are published each year. I can’t even tell you how many people come up to me and Jannah when we’re sitting at the bar at The Grill at Morris Bridge, TrebleMakers, Stonewood, Zukku-San, Azteca D’Oro or any of
EDITORIAL
Our editor is ready to celebrate 30 years of Neighborhood News! See page 3
our other favorite eateries to tell me what they think of my opinions. The vast majority of them say things like, “I only tried this place because of what you wrote about them” or “I didn’t really love this place the first time I tried it, but I decided to give it another try because of you.” If you’ve never felt that kind of love from strangers, I promise you that it’s one of the things that most makes the long hours I still put in 30 years since I first started this job (see pg. 3) worthwhile. And yes, a few people also come up to me to tell me that they totally disagree with my assessment of one restaurant or another. Others also tell me that they read my reviews “even though I know they aren’t real.” But, the fact is that whether my haters believe it or not, my dining reviews are 100% real. And, unlike the online trolls who think they’re dining “critics” because they tell their few followers that they hated something they ate (or the service they received) at a particular place, I still tell every restaurant owner in our area that when I write a review of their eatery, I will tell more than 170,000 of my “closest friends” (that’s the total possible number of readers we reach in print) everything I like about their place. Anything I don’t like I will tell the restaurant owner about — and pretty much all of them appreciate this approach a lot more then online trolls who cause their overall online ratings to drop. See pgs. 32-38 to see my 2023 Favorite Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager checks out a few of his favorite dishes at TrebleMakRestaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! ers, his favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel again for 2023. (Photo by Charmaine George)
NEW ELKS LODGE FORMING! The veteran- and children-oriented service organization to open in Wesley Chapel. See page 6
A WHEELCHAIR TRAY FOR ‘PILY!’ Cypress Creek High engineering students work together to help a fellow student. See page 12
BIG GAME SQUARES!
Win FREE dining and make watching the ‘Big Game’ a little more fun! See page 31
Here’s Some New Deliciousness For You! 1
Check out the Leonidas Chocolates Café on pg. 40!
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 2 • January 23, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Celebrating My 30 Years Of Neighborhood News! By GARY NAGER mobile phones 30 years ago? — has meant that we have had to change the ways we cover Editorial
On February 25, I will be celebrating my 30th anniversary of owning the Neighborhood News. I bought (with a former partner) an 11-month old monthly publication that had little more than stories about advertisers written by those advertisers themselves. I published the 12th monthly issue in April 1994 (photo), which we considered to be the first issue of the publication’s second year in business. That’s why this issue is Issue 1 of Volume 32 of the Neighborhood News, rather than Issue 1 of Volume 31. When we purchased the publication in February of 1994, the total direct-mail circulation of the Neighborhood News was 6,500 homes, apartments and businesses — all of which (unbeknownst to me) were located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code and which included the existing subdivisions in Pebble Creek, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green and the first two communities (closest to Bruce B. Downs Blvd., or BBD) of Cross Creek. Although my predecessor claimed to also be mailing to Wesley Chapel, it turned out that all he was doing was dropping about 500 copies each month at the Meadow Pointe I clubhouse. So, as soon as I took over, I added about 2,500 total addresses in Meadow Pointe I, Williamsburg and, a few issues later, an additional 500-700 or so single-family homes and condominium units located in the community around Saddlebrook Resort, where I was living with my family at the time. We began mailing new issues every two weeks, to all of those households, before the end of 1994 and didn’t split into separate New Tampa and Wesley Chapel issues until 2005, when Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes had zoomed past 10,000 residential units, as New Tampa was closing in on 20,000 units of its own. Although I always knew how many units were approved for Wesley Chapel, I had no idea that it would catch up to, and pass, New Tampa in terms of the number of units and people living in them by sometime in 2021. From those first 10,000 total homes (and less than 30,000 total people) in May 1994, our all-direct-mail circulation is now 34,000+ homes, apartments and businesses (and more than 98,000 total people) in Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes (33543, 33544 & 33545), and 29,000 residences and businesses (and more than 80,000 people), almost all of which are located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code — although we do also directly mail to the 750 residential units in the Lake Forest subdivision off BBD (south of Tampa Palms), which has a Lutz zip code (33559). That means our total circulation has grown, with our communities, by at least 600% in 30 years — or by nearly 1,000% if you use the 6,500 units I inherited from my predecessor as our starting point. But for me, this is much more than just a numbers game. I have given everything I could to the communities of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and although many outstanding people have come and gone from our ranks, I am proud to say that I have been the publication’s one constant these last 30 years. The growth of electronic media throughout the world — did you foresee most people getting their news and information from their Neighborhood News
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the news of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but nothing has stopped or even deterred me from continuing to provide more news and information about the communities we serve than any other local medium, print, broadcast and/or electronic. Although I would be lying if I said that being the big media “fish” in a relatively tiny little pond was a lifelong dream of mine — my degree from the University of Florida was in Broadcast News and I always hoped to own and program a radio and/or TV station and write and produce TV programming — serving as the editor of the Neighborhood News the last 30 years has been one of the absolute joys of my life. And, while I don’t think
anyone else would hire me at my age, despite my decades of experience, if I didn’t still love what I do I would definitely try to find some other way to make a living. Although I love singing and acting, anyone who has heard me sing karaoke or seen my stand-up comedy act at the Tampa Improv or Sidesplitters will tell you that I never had a future in those fields. Another thing people who know me will tell you about me is that I love to throw a party — my 25th anniversary event five years ago at Bayscape Bistro on Cross Creek Blvd. was a blast, as was the “Grease” cast party I threw last year at Joe Whiskey’s on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel — and I am planning a doozy for my 30th anniversary celebration. And yes, there will be an opportunity for at least some of you wonderful readers to attend
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and share in that celebration. After all, although I owe my livelihood to the thousands of advertisers who have supported my business these last 30 years, I owe a large portion of my happiness to all of you who have been reading and responding to my work since I first took the reins at this publication. Stay tuned for more info!
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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani Deborah Bostock-Kelley Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales & Marketing Director Jannah Nager Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener 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 necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 32, Issue 4, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, February 8, 2023. 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. © 2024 JM2 Communications, Inc.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 2 • January 23, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Miss Petite Wesley Chapel To Compete For Florida Petite Title In March By GARY NAGER
Local music instructor Aline Giampietro Trifonov didn’t have to win a pageant to be named Miss Petite Wesley Chapel 2024, but she did have to apply to the Miss Petite Florida pageant with professional pictures. She says that candidates for the title are selected based on their contributions to their community. “Through my performing, teaching and work in the performing arts, I was able to demonstrate a significant contribution to Wesley Chapel,” Aline says, “and I had to show the pageant how my work has {done} exactly that for our community. In addition to being a performer and music teacher, I’m also an entrepreneur and I work as a freelance petite model, and I want to represent other petite women.” Aline says the Petite USA Pageant is the #1 pageant in the U.S. for petite women 5’6” tall and under. If you’ve ever watched a Miss America or Miss Universe pageant, it’s obvious that the contestants are tall and willowy. “So, the Miss Petite is a great opportunity for me to represent and inspire other women who wish to pursue modeling, regardless of their height,” Aline says. The 5’-2” classical pianist, performing arts advocate and founder and executive director of the Piano Performance Arts Academy, LLC, in Wesley Chapel, who is originally from Brazil, was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2024 Florida Petite pageant, which is the official state preliminary pageant for the National Petite USA Pageant. The State Division will be held the weekend of March 8-9 at the Em-
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bassy Suites hotel on the USF Tampa Campus and, if Aline wins the Florida title, she will advance to the national Miss Petite USA 2024 pageant, which will be held in July 31Aug. 3 in Chicago. Petite USA™ was founded in 2009 to be a platform for petite women who are 5’6 or less. According to PetiteUSA. com, it is the nation’s largest pageant system for petite women and is proud of its history and past queens. The pageant offers titles for five different divisions: Teen, Miss, Ms. Mrs., and Elite Ms., in more than (Left) Miss Petite Wesley Chapel 2024 Aline Giampietro Trifonov will compete for the title of Miss Petite Florida 50 different states and regions across the U.S. in March. (Right) Aline is not only a music instructor, but also an aerialist who performed at the Whinge Festival in Ybor City in December. (Photos provided by: Georgi Trifonov Photography) The Petite USA pageant healthy competition, and they have their heart City, is seeking sponsorships to support her is the official preliminary attempt to reach the national event. In addition to the Universal Petite pageant, where petite in promoting our personal platforms. This is much more than just a beauty competition. to cash sponsorships, she is seeking a seamwomen from all over the world compete for It allows women to speak of their leadership, stress, pedicures, a photographer, help with the coveted Teen, Miss, Ms., Mrs. and Elite service and how we can use our voices to make wardrobe, shoes, hair extensions and more. Ms. Universal Petite titles. “Help me extend my voice through per“What attracted me to enter this pageant a difference. I would love to expand my voice forming arts, fashion and music!,” Aline says. in the performing arts, music education and is the opportunity to represent my commu“Together, we can do it!” champion other women’s beauty as well.” nity, serve others through my leadership and Aline, who also is the vice president of the To help or for more information, call have an opportunity to have a much bigger Music Teachers National Assn. (MTNA) and an Aline at (813) 528-3638 or email her at outreach,” she says. “I love the fact [the PianoPerformanceArts@gmail.com. pageant] embraces a sisterhood attitude with a aerialist with the Aerial Dragons group in Ybor
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Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge Taking Shape Although the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas have multiple Rotary Clubs, there has never been an Elks Lodge in our area. The closest Elks Lodge to Wesley Chapel is Lodge #2731 on Wire Rd. in Zephyrhills. But, a steering committee is trying to determine if there is enough demand for an Elks Lodge to be built right here in the W.C. On Oct. 4, an initial meeting of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks was held at the Seven Oaks Community Clubhouse and a little more than 20 people attended. Among those in attendance were two past presidents of the Florida State Elks Association — Rudy Masi (left in photo) and Frank Malatesta (right). Masi told the Neighborhood News that there needs to be a minimum of 125 people who sign up that they’re interested in becoming Elks — a national service organization with more than 1,750 chapters, 2,100 lodges and 750,000 total members across the U.S. (90 in Florida) — in order to charter an Elks Club. “After that, we have to find a place to build a lodge,” Malatesta said. Malatesta and Masi said that the Elks primarily focus on service projects to benefit children and veterans and that here in Florida, the State Elks Assn. has two major projects — the Florida Elks Youth Camp, located in Umatilla, and the Florida Elks Therapy Services, a group of about 30 occupational and physical therapists who travel the state providing free rehabilitative services for children. And, although the camp, which hosts
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360 campers per week for seven weeks each summer, isn’t free to attend, “No child who can’t afford to attend is ever turned away,” Malatesta said. “It’s an amazing facility.” In addition, Masi says that the Elks’ motto is “As long as there are veterans, the Elks will never forget them.” He said that after World War I, the Elks created the first veterans hospitals in the U.S. and today, every Elks Lodge has representatives at every VA hospital. These reps help veterans get the benefits they need and deserve. The Elks will hold a second membership drive and meeting, also at the Seven Oaks Community Clubhouse (2910 Sports Core Cir.) on Tuesday, January 30, at 7 p.m. “After that meeting, if the people who attend want to move forward, we will hold another membership drive and a picnic to try to get us closer to 125 people,” Masi said. “We also already have a Realtor® looking for locations in and near Wesley Chapel to build a lodge.” For information about the Jan. 30 meeting, see the ad on this page. — GN
Are You Looking For A Great Service Organization To Help Children & Veterans In Our Community?
Join The New Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge! Our Next Organizational Meeting & Membership Drive Will Be Held:
Tuesday, January 30, at 7p.m. at Seven Oaks Community Clubhouse 2910 Sports Core Circle Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
All Elks Involved — Bring A Friend! The Elks (officially the “Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks,” or BPOE) is a national service organization with more than 1,750 chapters across the U.S., representing about 750,000 total members. The Elks’ Mission is to serve & assist children & veterans in our communities through a fraternal organization and it’s a great way to serve, make friends & socialize with friendly, like-minded people!
For more information, call Susan Slater at 954-601-7209 or email elksactivitiescommittee@gmail.com
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Cypress Creek High Students Engineer A Life-Changing Gift For “Pily” By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent “Pily” has some really strong arms. They’ve gotten that way because the 20-year-old has always used them to push her manual wheelchair wherever she needed to go. But one thing those arms can’t do is be useful for a separate task while she’s pushing the wheelchair. Pily is a student in Cypress Creek High’s on-the-job training (OJT) program for students with disabilities who have deferred their high school diploma and not yet graduated, although they are between 18 and 21 years old. They are learning skills and tasks that will prepare them for opportunities in the workforce when they turn 22 and public school is no longer an option. John Sousa is the OJT educator who teaches Pily, whose real name is Liz Velisse Bermudez-Ortiz. John says OJT, “is a transition program where we help to answer the question for parents, ‘What am I going to do with my child when there is no longer free public school for them?’” The 12 students currently in his class work in the cafeterias at Cypress Creek High and Middle School, and some of them travel to Publix. Without a tray, and while pushing her wheelchair with her arms, Pily was unable to participate in the
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Nathan Baker, the engineering instructor, told him. John says he gladly accepted help from seniors Liam Dzanan and Gabriel Linck. They are part of Cypress Creek High’s “pack leader” program and, in the engineering department, which means they have the opportunity to work on special projects. “I have a refrigerator with snacks,” John says he told them. “And you guys could give this young lady arms. You could give her the ability to pick things up and hold things.” John says they took the task to heart. (Left photo, l.-r.) Cypress Creek High students Liam Dzanan, Liz Velisse Bermudez-Ortiz (aka “Pily”) and Gabriel Linck Liam and Gabriel show off the new wheelchair tray Liam and Gabriel engineered for Pily. (Photos were provided to the Neighborhood News) set out to fabricate and said, ‘Mr. Baker, can you give me two work that the other students were doing. a tray that would fit “I looked at this problem I have,” says hotshots who are really into figuring out on Pily’s wheelchair, allowing her to carry John, “and I realized that I have engineer- solutions to problems?’” trays in the cafeteria, boxes and other “Oh, I’ve got lots of those,” John says ing students next door. So I walked in items, helping her to contribute to the
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 2 • January 23, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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work she and her peers are assigned to do. They came up with a thick acrylic tray and the idea to trim it with a lip, so things wouldn’t roll off it. They also had to take precautions so it wouldn’t crack during fabrication or while Pily is using it. Liam and Gabriel previously had plenty of opportunities to learn engineering skills in the classroom, but this project was the first time that their work was not just hypothetical. A previous project, for example, was to create a boot that would help someone with cerebral palsy to walk. The students came up with a great solution, but it didn’t actually help a real person. The fact that Pily would be counting on them to solve her problem made this
project exceptionally different. “We felt like we couldn’t mess this up,” Liam said. “And like all of our prior practice and hypotheticals all led up to this. Only a real engineer could finish the project to help Pily.” Gabriel agrees. “It’s kind of intimidating because if we make mistakes, they’re expensive,” he says. “We only had one chance to make it. If we messed it up, we would have to buy another sheet for $150, so it’s a lot of pressure.” So they sketched and re-sketched on paper until they were sure they had the right design, then made cardboard models to try it out in real life. They learned how important it is to look at things from Pily’s perspective,
instead of from theirs. This led them to learn to countersink screws to make them perfectly flush so they couldn’t scratch, for example. They did a lot of sanding. They even make changes after they thought they were finally done, adding neoprene to make points of contact more comfortable. It was all worth it when they got to present the new tray to Pily. “She was ecstatic when we gave it to her,” said Liam. John says he is so proud of Liam and Gabriel. “They were able to put that tray on her chair, and even added Velcro straps so it can slide into a new chair if she gets one,” John explains. Not only does the new tray allow Pily
to complete work tasks she couldn’t do before, it’s also essential to helping her feel included as a part of the OJT group. “Independence is a huge thing in life for everyone,” he says. “Here’s a 20-yearold girl who can now carry things from point A to point B, be included in the group, and perform simple job tasks because of the help she got from these kids.” John thinks this is just the beginning of many more projects to come. In fact, he said, engineering students also have come up with a 3D-printed tool that helps his students who lack the dexterity to open a soda can get the leverage they need. “The engineering students at this school are amazing,” he says. “It’s amazing what kids are doing to help other kids.”
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 2 • January 23, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Wesley Chapel’s Schools Show Consistency In State’s Grading System By GARY NAGER
With the 2023-24 school year roughly half over, the Florida Department of Education recently released its letter grades for every school in Florida, including the eight elementary, three middle, four high and three “combination” schools (see chart) in Wesley Chapel for the 2022-23 school year. Of the 18 total public schools in Wesley Chapel, 13 repeated their letter grades from the previous school year, three improved by a letter, one dropped by a letter (Pinecrest Academy Charter School, which dropped from an A to a B) and one — the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation — received an “A” in its first year receiving a grade. Of the 13 schools that repeated with the same letter grades, five (Sand Pine and Seven Oaks elementaries, John Long Middle School, Wiregrass Ranch High and Union Park Charter Academy) repeated As, seven repeated Bs (Quail Hollow, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass elementaries, Cypress Creek and Weightman middle schools and Cypress Creek and Wesley Chapel high schools) and Double Branch Elementary repeated its C grade. The three schools that improved by a letter grade were Veterans and Watergrass elementaries and Innovation Preparatory Academy, all of which went from a C to a B. Of the schools that repeated their letter grades, Sand Pine’s A was its eleventh in a row, Seven Oaks has earned five straight A grades and Wiregrass Ranch High’s A was its fourth in a row. Quail Hollow has earned three straight Bs, Wesley Chapel Elementary’s B was its fourth in a row and Wesley Chapel High earned its fifth straight B.
Bertig Named A TOY Finalist!
On January 25, or a couple of days after this issue reaches your mailbox, Pasco County Schools will celebrate excellence in education at the District’s annual “Star Dinner,” culminating with the selection of one teacher being chosen as the District’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. And, one educator at a Wesley Chapel public school is among the three finalists. Stephanie Bertig is a digital media educator at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. She is 13 years into her second career, having taught video production, journalism and debate at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High in Tampa and video production at Wesley Chapel High before starting with
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Wesley Chapel School Grades 2021-22 & 2022-23
School
Sci
Ttl Pts
66 82 57
48 61 40
Cypress Creek High 53 Kirkland Ranch Academy 66 Wesley Chapel High 53 Wiregrass Ranch High 62
47 69 39 54
Innovation Preparatory Acad. 53 Pinecrest Academy 66 Union Park Charter Acad. 63
51 66 62
54 43 67 72 56 48 67 58
Cypress Creek MS 50 Dr. John Long MS 67 Thomas E. Weightman MS 54
Kirkland Ranch when it opened in 2022. Before that, she earned a degree in communications from the University of Florida and worked as a technical director, college recruiter and marketing director. “I love teaching high school students because they are so open-minded and willing to explore a variety of ideas,” Bertig says. “It’s amazing to see their joy and pride when they create a video or piece of art. I feel so lucky to be teaching digital media and video production. I love the subject matter and truly enjoy watching students discover their own voices through their productions.” A Pasco County Schools media release noted that Bertig and the other finalists were chosen for their “dedication, innovation, and the profound impact they have had on their students and the community.” The release also said that Bertig is, “transforming the way students engage with technology.” Her students have an impressive 95% pass rate in Adobe certification exams, which was noted as, “a testament to her effective teaching methods.” Her classroom is called a “dynamic
ExCEL � MUSIC LEARN
ro EXCEL
Eng Math
Double Branch Elementary 50 Quail Hollow Elementary 44 Sand Pine Elementary 59 Seven Oaks Elementary 62 Veterans Elementary 53 Watergrass Elementary 56 Wesley Chapel Elementary 59 Wiregrass Elementary 61
42 63 68 61 46 48 54 60
C B A A B B B B
C B A A C C B B
306 351 290
B A B
B A B
65 81 73 78
404 216 379 444
B A B A
B NA B A
66 46 58
331 321 355
B B A
C A A
learning environment where students excel in digital literacy and creativity.” Bertig is noted as a leader who contributes significantly to curriculum development and professional development initiatives. Kirkland Ranch principal DeeDee Johnson says Bertig is extremely deserving of the
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Grade 2023 2022
recognition as a finalist and would represent Pasco County well if she were chosen as the overall winner. “She goes above and beyond in all aspects of her teaching position,” Johnson says. “Mrs. Bertig is innovative and ensures that business partners and guest speakers are welcomed as well, so our students know what will be required of them when they graduate and enter post-secondary and/or the workforce. She embodies the District’s mission and vision of providing a world-class education for all students and preparing students for success in college, career, and life.” Bertig says just earning her school’s nomination was an honor, so being selected as a district finalist was a huge surprise. “I am surrounded by such dedicated, passionate, professional teachers and it is such an honor to be representing them,” she says. She adds that she loves Kirkland Ranch and calls it “a unique place to teach.” It is a public high school, but because students have to apply to attend, she says it leads to an entire classroom full of young people who are focused and eager to learn. “It truly makes coming to school a joy,” she says. “I feel very lucky to be working here.” The other finalists for Pasco’s Teacher of the Year are William Rutherford of Gulf High and LeAnne John of Zephyrhills High. Speaking of Kirkland Ranch, congrats go out to Julie Marks, the long-time principal at Chester Taylor Elementary, who recently was named the first principal of the Kirkland Ranch K8 school, which will open for the 2024-25 school year.
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Business Briefs — Starbucks, Avis, King Of The Coop, Paradise Grills & More By GARY NAGER Research by Joel Provenzano
competition (Chick’n Fun, Slim Chickens, The Chicken Boss, etc.) and a difficult-to-read sign (at least from the road) may have contributed to its closing, too.
With so many bigger construction projects still on the horizon, here’s the latest on a number of new businesses now open or getting ready to open in the Wesley Chapel area:
Spot X Hotel Renovations
Starbucks & Avis
These new buildings — Avis Car Rental (635 sq. ft.) and Starbucks (2,568 sq. ft; photo, right) — are located a few lots from each other, set in from Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54 (immediately adjacent to the southbound I-75 off ramp) at The Grove. Avis, which currently is only a wood frame, is located between the Cracker Barrel and the strip plaza that includes Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. (BWB); Starbucks is next to the Marathon gas station. Construction of the Avis has been moving quickly, as it was just permitted in October, and is expected to be done this spring. Avis has more than a dozen locations across Tampa Bay, but currently the closest one to us is on N. Florida Ave., south of E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa. We first told you about this Starbucks in May of 2022 and many locals have wondered when the project will be done. The plans were initially filed in 2022, but then withdrawn and resubmitted in the summer of 2023, hence the reason for the delay. This large Starbucks will be unique and offer something not seen at any of the other stores in our area — double menu board ordering lanes (something you might normally see at a newer McDonald’s) and should make the drive-through more efficient.
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The final touches are being put on the building’s exterior now, as the permits for the store’s illuminated signs were just approved at the end of December. A banner with the Starbucks logo that says “Coming Soon” is hanging on the front railing as a placeholder and a Starbucks spokesperson says the new location should be open by sometime in February.
Flying The Coop
In a Facebook post shortly before we went to press with this issue, the owners of King of the Coop, the Nashville hot chicken place that started in Seminole Heights, had closed its location at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (next to BWB) in front of The Grove as of Jan. 1. King of the Coop also relocated its original Florida Ave. location to just south of the Front Porch restaurant on Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights, but that location also has closed. The Facebook post blamed the closing of the Wesley Chapel restaurant on economic conditions across the Tampa Bay area that has indeed caused many businesses to be shuttered, but both several other new local fried chicken
The small (78-room) hotel that has had several other names at 5703 Oakley Blvd. is now the second privately-owned location of Spot X Hotel (the other is in Orlando). Officially known as “Spot X Hotel Tampa Bay by the Red (Roof Inn) Collection,” the hotel is open and is expected to undergo a $1.2-million renovation that was originally supposed to begin in December but is now scheduled to start sometime next month. For more information, call (813) 9731665 or visit RedRoof.com.
kitchens that will be delivered and installed for one price. If you want a built-in bar, large-screen TVs, a fire pit, tiki hut and/or unique patio furniture, Paradise Grills — which has 45 showrooms in six U.S. states (including 29 in Florida) — is your one-stop shop. For more info, call (813) 328-2545 or visit ParadiseGrillsDirect.com. Meanwhile, the AutoNation USA used car lot located at 2807 Creek Grass Way (just south of Cigars International, next to the Tampa Premium Outlets), wasn’t quite open at our press time, but appeared to be very close to opening, so it actually may be open by the time you receive this issue. The huge lot already had a large collection of vehicles ready to be sold as we went to press and the big service department was buzzing with activity in anticipation of the opening. For more info, call (813) 776-2811 or visit AutoNationUSA.com.
Paradise Grills Is Open; AutoNation May Be, Too
Here are updates on two new businesses we have been telling you about for a while in these pages: The new Paradise Grills (photo, right) opened at 2705 Creek Grass Way (on the south side of S.R. 56 east of Rock & Brews) on Dec. 21 and it is an awesome showroom that anyone who owns a house with a back yard should definitely check out. Paradise Grills specializes in not just grills, but full-on outdoor
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O2B Kids Opens New Location Off WC Blvd.
Congratulations to cofounder/CEO Andy Sherrard and location director Rashonda Powe on the opening of the 50th location of O2B Kids, the preschool/ daycare that opened earlier this month, and held a ribbon cutting on Jan. 10, at 2400 Ashley Creek Trail, which is a side street off Wesley Chapel Blvd., where it meets S.R. 56 and S.R. 54 (next to the Wawa). This is the 39th O2B Kids location in Florida and the second serving kids in our area, as there also is a location in Seven Oaks (at 27830 Summergate Blvd., between Sam’s Club and Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). The new location has room for about 170 children, from infants through pre-Kindergarten, and also offers after-school care for elementary school-aged children.
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O2B Kids locations are vibrantly colored, immaculate and offer play-based learning curriculums for preschoolers and lots of afterschool activities for elementary-aged kids. For info, call (813) 499-1150 for the new O2B or (813) 994-2700 for the Seven Oaks location. Or, visit O2BKids.com.—GN
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Meet Award-Winning Realtor® Dee Strom Of Florida Executive Realty By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Neighborhood News Correspondent Dee Strom, a multi-award-winning Realtor® at Florida Executive Realty (FER) in Tampa Palms since 2014, says she transitioned from hospitality management at the suggestion of her husband, Michael. She sought guidance and turned to Debbie Pearson, a friend and seasoned realtor at FER with 25 years of experience, who became her invaluable mentor. Dee expresses gratitude to Debbie, stating, “I have yet to work with an agent as wonderful and knowledgeable as she is. I am blessed to have learned from the best mentor and company.” In a unique move, Dee interviewed with FER Broker (Doug Loyd) before obtaining her real estate license and became the first agent he brought on who didn’t yet have a license. A USF business graduate, she initially entered the real estate field as, “a driven individual who saw nothing but success.” Marriage and motherhood followed, transforming Dee into one of the busiest working moms at the company. Dee commends Florida Executive Realty for its family-friendly environment, allowing children in the workplace and enabling moms like her to run successful businesses. Highlighting her experience and commitment, Dee asserts, “I have been a Realtor for over a decade, selling more than $20 million of real estate annually, placing me in
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the top 1% of local area. I also the nation. My assist my clients real estate busiwho move out ness knowledge of state and and experirefer them to a ence put me Realtor they can far above most trust in all parts other agents.” of the world.” In fact, What To Dee has been Expect... named FER’s As for what “Agent of the she expects the year” each of local real estate the last three market to be years. She says like in 2024, that building Dee notes that a solid relarecent interest tionship and rate decreases, chemistry with have improved your Realtor is affordability key in the real for prospective estate business. Both buyers and Let Realtor® Dee Strom (left) of Florida Executive Realty buyers. She in Tampa Palms, who lives in New Tampa and specializes in predicts an upsellers should homes in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes and tick in local real collaborate Odessa, help you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Dee Strom) estate sales later with a Realtor in the year and they genuinely a return to more moderate growth in pricconnect with, like and trust. Dee’s work ing compared with the post-Covid period. schedule is based on her client’s availability, Although she covers all of Hillsborough and not the other way around. Pasco counties, Dee says her primary focus “With me, you get me, and it’s a is on New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ one-stop shop. As a Leading Real Estate Lakes, Lutz and Odessa. Companies of the World (LRE) member, I Here is one recent trend Dee has market my listings locally and globally and noticed: As new construction continues to receive relocation clients who move to our
grow, younger Millennial buyers are seeking homes featuring wellness amenities like lap pools and gyms, with proximity to healthy restaurants. She takes pride in offering clients a substantial referral network for lenders, insurance providers and vendors. “I always say my clients are in good hands, not only with the real estate transaction but everything in preparation before selling or purchasing their home,” Dee says. “For example, packing and moving aren’t easy, so I have them focus on that, and I take care of the rest, literally.” Devoted to her clients, Dee shares her husband’s favorite anecdote about her: “Pregnant with my first daughter, Sloane (4), I had my computer in my lap negotiating in the hospital bed. After she was born, as soon as I was released from the hospital, I asked him if it was OK to go show a property, and off I went. As you can see, I am dedicated to my clients….” Dee uses a restaurant analogy to describe why someone should work with an experienced, well-rounded Realtor for buying and selling. She explains that selecting the right Realtor is like choosing a steakhouse. Going to an average chain restaurant, there’s only about a 50/50 chance your steak will be cooked correctly. One time may be good, while another is an awful experience — both the meal and the customer service. “But, when you dine at a high-end steakhouse, like Ruth’s Chris,” she says,
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who is more interested in the well-being of a satisfied customer than a simple commission check. That’s a major key to success. Well done.” “This is why my job is so fulfilling,” Dee says. “and I will do it a thousand times over.” Dee values the connections she makes with her clients, emphasizing her commitment to their lives well beyond the closing. Her overarching goal is to redefine and elevate the real estate profession and eliminate some of the horror
stories of low-level representation. “We, Realtors, can change the public’s perception and reality of what real estate agents and brokers do for their clients to match other highly respected professions,” she says. “One client at a time.” Dee lives in New Tampa with her husband Michael, a Tampa Police Officer for 20 years, and daughters Sloane and Stella. When not surpassing client expectations, she and her family enjoy swimming and cooking out. Realtor® Dee Strom is based at Florida Executive Realty’s Tampa Palms office (15802 Amberly Dr.) For more information, visit DStrom.floridaexecutiverealty. com, search “DeeStromRealty” on Facebook, call (813) 525-7851 or see Dee’s ad on this issue’s back cover (pg. 48).
Let Realtor® Dee Strom help you find the home — and the living room — of your dreams, too. “the steak is perfect every single time and The review said, “You will always be part the customer service is always excellent. We of our family in the Tampa area, as everyone frequent Ruth’s Chris; we have had the same loves ‘Dee,’ the person and mom. I truly server for over 10 years. Real estate, like din- admire your work ethic and professionalism ing out, is about developing relationships.” in handling your real estate business while She adds, “My clients are like family! juggling a growing family. You set high Without the proper knowledge, experience standards for others to emulate and follow, and resources, many agents out there do not but only a select few can accomplish. By now, know what should be known. We are workit should be paying off for you. In the busiing for buyers and sellers completing the ness world, you are very rare... I now call it largest purchase or sale of their lives.” ‘The Dee Factor’ — a balanced combination Dee is proud that the majority of her of real-estate knowledge, professionalism, business comes from repeat clients and elegance, poise, perseverance, hard work, referrals. She highlights a recent review she sales techniques, great attitude, well-spoken received out of the blue from a repeat client. and charming. And, on top of that, someone
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The Law Office Of Paul J. Monsanto Can Help You With Estate Planning Special to the Neighborhood News The one thing we can all count on in life, other than death and taxes, is change. Whether it’s a new baby in the family or someone getting sick, change is constant. We have to make decisions in the best interest of our families and adjust to all the curveballs thrown our way, but what about when we’re not here anymore? Who will be looking out for our families after we’ve passed on? It leaves us with big, heavy questions to ask ourselves. What will happen to my assets? Will my wishes be properly carried out? Who will take care of my children if I pass away before they’re adults? Death and disability are never topics anyone wants to discuss, but avoiding planning for them can cost you and your family big time. In attorney Paul J. Monsanto’s line of work, he’s seen the turmoil created after someone dies without a properly prepared estate plan. “There’s nothing more disheartening than when I see a family who should be grieving, instead having to deal with the legal headache that comes when someone dies without a Will or a Trust because it’s completely avoidable.” The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., located in the Cypress Glenn Professional Park (north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel handles exactly that type of issue. The office specializes in Wills, Trusts, Probate and Family Planning. “A comprehensive estate plan is the single most important thing you can do to
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Attorney Paul Monsanto specializes in Wills, Trusts, Probate and Family Planning and his office is located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park north of S.R. 56. (Photo provided by Paul Monsanto) ensure your family and your hard-earned the deceased to their beneficiaries,” he says. “It money are protected in case you die or beis also an opportunity for creditors to make a come incapacitated,”Paul says. “And it’s not claim against the estate.” as complex as some people think.” For those whose family member passed He adds that, “I believe simplicity is cru- away without an estate plan, probate can be a cial to estate planning. I get a lot of calls from long, arduous process. “I’ll never forget one clients who think they need a complicated particular client,” Paul says. “It was a young estate plan to avoid probate because of some- man in his 40s who came to me because he was thing a friend told them or an article they very sick with cancer. He didn’t have children read online, but for a lot of people, especially but wanted to leave his assets to his mother older folks, that’s not the case.” and brother. My heart broke when I found out he had passed away two months later. He was In fact, the number-one reason that motivates Paul’s clients to call him is because they weak and sick, but still made the effort to create an estate plan. That saved his family months want to avoid probate. “Probate is a courtof added stress.” supervised process of transferring assets from
Paul’s law firm is quickly rising to the top of the pack with 47 five-star Google reviews since he opened his office three years ago. But, while his firm is young, Paul has plenty of experience. He has been practicing law for more than 13 years and is licensed to practice in both Florida and New York. Paul graduated with a Finance degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He attended law school at Duke University in Durham, NC. From there, he moved to New York City and became a litigating attorney for major banks and insurance companies. After his time in the big city, Paul came home to Tampa, where he was raised so he could put down roots. There, he met his wife Laura Diaz, a morning radio personality at WMTX-FM Mix 100.7, and now has two wonderful stepchildren, Norah and Nash. They live in the New Tampa neighborhood of Tampa Palms. His career and personal life have taught Paul that no two family situations are the same. “I’ve seen families with no children and I’ve seen one family with ten children,” he says. “I’ve helped unmarried domestic partners, same-sex couples, people who are on their first marriage, second marriage, third marriage, blended families...you name it!’ He says that the personal aspect of estate planning is what drew him to the practice area and why he plans to continue to practice estate law for years to come. “After practicing commercial litigation for big banks and corporations, it’s so refreshing to help everyday people,” Paul says. “Speaking to my clients and hearing about
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their lives and their families is my favorite part of the job.” His client-focused approach is just one of the ways Paul’s law office stands out from the dozens of others popping up around New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. He strives to keep his fees fair and reasonable. In most cases, he charges a flat fee, so the client knows ahead of time what their legal costs will be. He makes himself accessible to his clients, personally answering his phone, replying to emails and handling consultations and document signings. He encourages potential clients to read his on-line reviews to see what his past clients have said about their experience with his office. Positive word of mouth has indeed helped grow his practice. “It’s such an honor when a client refers me to a friend, neighbor or family member,” Paul says.
Wills and Trusts are what most people think of first when it comes to estate planning, but Paul says there are many more aspects to it that he can help with, such as long-term-care planning, special needs planning and asset protection. He also handles probate cases. “I like to think of myself as an oldschool type of lawyer from a time before everything became impersonal. I’m here to help my clients in any way I can, and if it’s something I don’t do, I can probably help them find someone who does.” To schedule a consultation with attorney Paul J. Monsanto, call (813) 9975290, visit pjmattorneys.com. or see the ad on pg. 39. The Law Office of Paul J. Monsanto, P.A., is located at 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 101.
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Upgrade Your Home For Less With Hangliter Residential! By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent “Residential remodeling is all we know and all we do,” says Jordan Hangliter. “It runs in our blood.” The Hangliters are a proud family of all-around handymen. Four generations ago, Bobby Hangliter started in the remodeling business, and since 1983, Ken Hangliter and his sons have continued the family business with their company, Hangliter Residential, LLC. With decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration, the Hangliters are licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional service and high-quality work. “We are licensed and bonded in the state of Florida as home improvement contractors,” says Jordan. “We always treat each project we complete as if we are doing it for our own family.” Ken Hangliter and his sons Ken Jr., Jordan and Jarrett certainly work well together as a family. At one point, because the three sons were living in three different states — Florida, Maryland, and Ohio — they were actually completing projects across the country. But, with Jordan moving to Wesley Chapel over a year ago to join his father Ken and brother Jarrett, who were already living in the area, the Hangliters now mainly work in Florida.
(L.-r.) Ken Hangliter, Sr., Ken Hangliter, Jr., Jordan Hangliter and Jarrett Hangliter of Hangliter Residential, LLC, are the licensed contractors you want to turn to for kitchen, bath and other home remodeling projects. (Photos provided by Jordan Hangliter) comfortable with undertaking non-convencontractors, like an electrician, plumber, etc. “We of course serve the Wesley Chapel tional solutions that other companies won’t We do everything ourselves and we don’t sub area, but we are happy to take projects in even consider.” out our work out to anyone else.” neighboring towns like Zephyrhills, Dade New customers David and Debbie Beyond kitchen and bathroom work, the City, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, and Morgan shared a wonderful experience that Hangliters can install custom windows, doors even as far south as Tampa,” says Jordan. they had with Hangliter Residential LLC Recently, the Hangliters have been busy and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs and when they completed an extensive door and plumbing — and much more. with full bathroom remodels — updating window repair in their home six months ago. Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis “Hangliter Residential LLC saved us into walk-in showers, installing custom bath- size of the project, it never hurts to contact over $15,000,” says David. “Ken did an Hangliter Residential LLC. You might just room tile from floor to ceiling and more. amazing job on the remodel and restoration When it comes to kitchens, the Hanglit- hear of options — and pricing estimates — of our 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! that competitors won’t offer. ers have experience with “just about everyWe had an estimate from another company “We’ve definitely heard from customthing, A to Z,” says Jordan. to replace eight windows and three exterior ers with projects in which the big companies “With the exception of projects that doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood offer expensive estimates or flat out just say require heavy new electrical or plumbing installation, we can usually do it all,” explains no,” Jordan says. “Then, the only option is to damage from to the wet Florida weather. Ken looked at all of the windows and assured me Jordan. “No need to work with five different scrap everything and start over. But, we are
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Let Hangliter Residential create the kitchen of your dreams, too. that he could REPAIR them all, and that a complete replacement would be a huge waste of money!” He adds, “Ken told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate plus he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results far exceeded my high expectations.” With those savings, the Morgans decided to renovate one of their bathrooms with Ken as well. “We partially ‘invested’ the money we saved into a brand new, custom, complete shower and bathroom renovation that we had Ken do for us as well,” David explains. “He completely removed the old walls, down
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to the 2x4 studs, and the leaking shower floor. We had him make the new shower door opening about six inches wider, and he suggested to drop down the new step-in height by several inches as well. Ken was able to build us a new shower that looks like it belongs in a four- or five-star vacation resort!” David adds, “Ken worked here for five and sometimes six days a week for us. He was here for over three months doing literally over a dozen different repairs, upgrades, remodeling, neglected maintenance, etc. Don’t underestimate his ability to make your dreams of home improvement a reality.” To schedule a free design consultation estimate with Hangliter Residential LLC, call (813) 460-4548 today or see the ad on pg. 43.
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SOHO Wellness Med Spa Brings A South Tampa Experience To Wesley Chapel By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent Long-time former aesthetician Becky Dubikas and her mom, certified hypnotherapist Debbie Dubikas, came up with the idea to collaborate and open a business together in 2014, providing their services to clients in South Tampa at their SOHO Wellness Med Spa on S. Blvd. Over the past nine years, they have added services and considered how to make the experience of visiting SOHO Wellness Med Spa relaxing and sensual as they offer personalized treatments in cosmetics (also known as cosmetic services), for skin and for body. Becky and Debbie have lovingly built up their business — even as they have stepped away from providing services at their med spa themselves — so much that they knew they needed to open a second location to keep up with demand. They chose Wesley Chapel, opening a new med spa this past May in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off of S.R. 56, between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. They named their med spa SOHO, for the “South Howard” (Ave.) area of Tampa, a part of the Hyde Park neighborhood that is home to the pair’s original location. Becky and Debbie recognized that areas of large cities also called SOHO are often the most high-end areas of those cities throughout the world, and Becky and Debbie want their clients to know that SOHO Med Spa is a
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high-quality boutique spa that brings an abundance of services together. What started as a mother and daughter merging their specialties together has evolved into a relaxing, luxurious spa that has any service you need in skin care, cosmetics and body treatments all under one roof. “Today we offer a wide range of services from each category,” says Becky, “From injections and Botox to cosmetic machines, body treatments such as wraps and scrubs, basic facials to dermaplaning, microneedling, and peels — even laser hair removal.” Becky says clients love that the place they go to get their monthly massage also can be the place they get a facial or even Botox or facial fillers. She says laser hair removal is a new service being rolled out at both locations. Debbie and Becky have held off on offering the service as they have evaluated the very large number of machines available on the market to ensure they choose the very best one for their clients — the Soprano ICE Platinum by Alma.. “The machine is awesome,” Becky says. “It’s absolutely painless and we’re excited to launch it in both locations.” Becky says the Wesley Chapel location of SOHO Wellness Med Spa was designed to create a clean, modern space that is relaxing and calming, while their South Tampa location is a little more “homey.” Both locations feature a relaxation lounge, showers and an infrared sauna.
Anyone taking advantage of the spa’s packages can use the relaxation lounge to wait between services. Anytime a client is scheduled for more than one service, they are given a robe so they don’t have to get dressed and undressed as they move from room to room. Use of the infrared sauna is complimentary with the purchase of spa services, along with extras such as champagne, wine or a mimosa, hot tea or coffee, and snacks.
Amazing Reviews...
Becky also says the Wesley Chapel location is growing and getting busier, and that people have had wonderful things to say about it when they come in. In fact, every Google review posted for SOHO Wesley Chapel so far has been five out of five stars. “I went in for a glow facial, infrared Becky (left) and her mother Debbie Dubikas are the sauna, and therapeutic massage and had the owners of two SOHO Med Spas, including the locamost relaxing experience,” says Emmalee tion in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 Gregory in her Google review. “The spa was in Wesley Chapel. (Photo by Charmaine George) beautiful and decorated to perfection. The able, too. I can’t wait to book again!” girls at SOHO all had a great attitude and I Becky wants everyone who walks can’t wait to go back!” through the doors to feel comfortable and A review from Darieliz Lopez echoes have as wonderful an experience as Emmalee Emalee’s compliments. and Darieliz did. “This new location is so beautiful and “We want to provide people in the I absolutely loved my experience,” Darieliz Wesley Chapel area with excellent services so says. “The front desk staff were very welthey will hopefully find their home with us,” coming and made me feel at home before Becky says. my services. My aesthetician and massage She describes SOHO as “kind of an therapist were so sweet and very knowledge- oasis of wellness where cosmetics and relaxa-
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tion combine.” She believes so strongly in this idea that she and her mom made “Where Cosmetics and Relaxation Combine” their tagline for the spa. Becky explains that means your cosmetic procedures are provided as part of a spa experience. You won’t be rushed in and out for a 15-minute appointment like you might be at a clinical facility such as a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office. All medical procedures are performed by a nurse practitioner and overseen by medical director Joseph Castellano, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon who also has his own practice in Tampa. If you have questions about the wide variety of services, discounts and (Above) Lip fillers are a popular service at the Wesley Chapel specials, or how to address location of the SOHO Wellness Med Spa a specific skin, cosmetic, or (Photo from SOHO-Wellness.com). body issue, the friendly staff (Bottom ) Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum machine at SOH Wellness Med Spa by Alma is quick and painless (Photo by Charmaine George) is happy to take your phone service at the Wesley Chapel location if you call and discuss the many options available. mention seeing this story in the NeighborEvery service starts with a consultation hood News. to make sure the staff understands the cliTo make an appointment or for ent’s goals and is ready to meet each client’s more information about SOHO Wellness expectations. Med Spa’s Wesley Chapel location (2008 There also is a variety of packages that Ashley Oaks Cir)., call (813) 512-6920 are designed to help clients save money, or visit SOHO-wellness.com. or you can “buy and bank” services, such as purchasing a package of five services, for example, and get one free. Appointments can be made quickly and easily online at SOHO-wellness.com. Also, be sure to check the website for specials, which change every month. Specials also are advertised in the Neighborhood News, so see the ad on page 28 to see what deals are available now. And, just for those who read this article, Becky and Debbie are offering a new client special of $10 off any
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Decorating Den Interiors — The One-Stop Design Shop That Comes To You! By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent From Better Home & Gardens to HGTV to Instagram influencers, it seems like everyone is telling you that you can decorate (or redecorate) your home yourself “to the tens” on a minimal budget. But, let’s face it, there’s a lot of time, effort and money spent in shopping, woodworking, painting and crafting — and sometimes, you don’t want to “DIY.” If you need help furnishing a new home, refreshing your walls, artwork or carpets, or setting up a special look for the holidays, consider calling Debbie Demboski and her daughter Sara Nelson at Decorating Den Interiors. Established in 1969, Decorating Den Interiors has nearly 300 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The company covers everything when it comes to home décor — inside and out. Decorating Den designers offer design ideas and sell furniture, lighting, window treatments, bedding, paintings and artwork, as well as carpeting and rugs, patio furnishings and more. Whether you need help with one room or your entire home or office, Debbie and Sara offer a free, no-risk (or obligation) consultation and they will bring their design studio to you. They each travel with a Decorating Den van filled with thousands of design samples — wallpaper books, color swatches, fabrics, blinds and sample designs from other successful projects. After parking their studio in your driveway, Debbie and Sara begin by touring your home and asking questions to get a feel for your decorating vision and budget. Then, Debbie and Sara will get to work on a new design right then and there. They will take measurements, share samples, and sketch out the size, shape and colors of possible new designs. “With the two of us, you will get two different approaches,” Debbie says. “I am more traditional, so I still use pen and paper, but Sara is handy with technology so she’ll often use her Apple Pencil and iPad for her sketches.” She adds, “With our first visit, our goal is always to get it right the first time, so that the next time you see us will be for product delivery and installation of your new look. Sometimes, we will come back for a second visit to put together new design ideas or show
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The award-winning local Decorating Den franchise is a story of three generations of designing women — Debbie Demboski, her mother Phyliss & Debbie’s daughter Sara Nelson.
Decorating Den can help you find the unique pieces you need to create the living room (above) or bedroom (photo on next page) of your dreams. (All photos provided by Debbie Demboski) a personalized design presentation, but I’d say that Decorating Den also can help them buy about 50% of the time, we can help you choose custom pieces. “We work with many name-brand your new design at the first appointment.” Decorating Den negotiates directly with manufacturers, such as Lexington, but we can more than 130 design suppliers through its also help you design and order custom, oneLIVV Home Collection and passes on the of-a-kind furniture, upholstery and bedding savings to its clients. too,” says Debbie. “Because we’re such a big interior design The best part, she says, is that if you buy group in North America, we have tremendous through Decorating Den, you don’t have buying power,” explains Debbie. “We buy to pay an hourly consulting fee to Debbie wholesale directly from the manufacturers at or Sara. Their compensation is derived from very competitive rates and then sell at affordeach item they sell. “Our model actually depends on us negoable retail prices to our clients. Of course, if you are looking to buy one or two things, you tiating the best possible wholesale prices from manufacturers because we are then able to may find them somewhere else at a similar or lower cost. But, for designing multiple things, sell at prices that include our fees but still stay below suggested retail prices,” shares Debbie. instead of spending the time looking, priceThe strength of their franchise is the comparing and negotiating at many different amount of repeat business they receive stores, we can save you time and money.” Debbie says people often don’t know through word of mouth/referrals. For ex-
ample, Debbie has worked on Kay Morgan’s home in New Tampa as well as her daughter’s home and a friend’s home on Harbour Island. Sara also has many repeat customers, such as Vicki Reese, who have worked with her multiple times. “Working on the Harbour Island home was very satisfying,” shares Debbie. “The client selected a few things, went up north for the winter, came back for summer and everything was done. She didn’t have to deal with any of the stress and she came back to a brand-new-looking home.”
Three Generations...
Tampa Bay native Debbie Demboski has been a Decorating Den franchise owner since 1989. After earning her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in fashion merchandising and business from West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown in 1976, Debbie worked for several retail companies, including Montgomery Ward. About 34 years ago, she learned about Decorating Den from a friend and decided to buy her own franchise location when her Sara was only 9 months old. Debbie’s mom Phyllis came to help care for Sara and found herself working with Deb-
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bie as a regional secretary and office manager as Debbie’s business and role within Decorating Den grew. As one of the company’s most successful and longest-tenured franchise owners, Debbie also is the Regional Director of Decorating Den’s Central Florida franchises and has the master license of all 13 franchises across the area from St. Pete to Melbourne. “Each franchise runs independently,
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but I do help them get started and check in with them one-on-one and with events, like our holiday parties,” explains Debbie. “Recently, a new location opened in Windermere, so the owner and I worked together to set up a Grand Opening event and I spoke there as well.” Debbie has received many corporate accolades, including Decorating Den’s
Region of the Year three times, President’s Club sales award and 2020 Franchise of the Year. Many of her designs also have been published in national design contests. “Debbie Demboski has decorated three homes for me now,” says Debbie G, a longtime client. “Thanks to her, they have all been beautiful and tasteful. The best thing is that she comes to you, and brings all her books and materials. Debbie listens carefully to what you like, and creates beautiful rooms from your direct input. She will hunt until she finds just the right furniture, blinds, curtains, fabrics, flooring, or accessories for your home. Debbie is the best!” It should come as no surprise that Sara caught the interior design bug from her mom — eventually. Sara graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in journalism and certification in business management. After graduation, Sara continued working with the “As Seen On TV” company that she started working with as an undergrad and worked all the way up to becoming Regional Manager for the Tampa Bay area. But, in 2014, she decided to join forces with her mom and pursue her own creative interests with Decorating Den. Sara completed a year-long internship with Debbie before starting on her own projects. She also went to training offered by Decorating Den in Texas, where she earned a window treatment certification and the prestigious Decorating Den Certified Designer (DDCD) certification. Structured to align with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)’s national standards, the DDCD exam is given
over three days with a written test and practical design portion. By earning the DDCD certification, Sara joined the ranks of only 5% of all Decorating Den employees. Now with nearly ten years of experience at Decorating Den herself, Sara is a design pro in her own right, especially with window treatments, and she takes on the majority of new consultations. She also tackles social media and marketing for the franchise. While Sara is well poised to take over the business someday, Debbie says she isn’t ready to hand over the reins just yet. “People often ask me if I am thinking about retiring, but then I point to my mom,” shares Debbie. She’s 92 years old and she’s still working. So, I always say, I can’t think about retiring until Mom does.” But the real reason is simple — Debbie just isn’t ready to give up her love of designing. “Sara has grown up seeing my business evolve and expand from the very beginning,” says Debbie. “Still, there are so many challenges to deal with, such as unique projects and back orders. I work hard to stay up to date with design trends and I hope to work for as long as I can. I always tell Sara, ‘Franchises allow you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’ and that we’re lucky to have a strong team with each other and with Decorating Den as a whole.” To schedule a free in-home or inoffice design consultation with Debbie and Sara at Decorating Den Interiors, call (813) 817-2264, e-mail debbied@decoratingden.com, or visit DebbieD.DecoratingDen.com. Or, see the ad on pg. 45.
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Here’s How You Can Win FREE Dining In Our ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest!
You Can Win FREE Dining In Our ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest!
Although we started this contest before the end of 2023 pro football season, last year’s ‘Big Game Squares’ contest was so popular we decided to run it back again for our readers and the response from New Tampa already indicates to me that I may have to do two separate grids and double the prizes! So, here’s how you can win FREE dining in our 2024 ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest. Simply email us the entry form at the bottom right of this page or enter on our website (NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net) by Friday, February 9. Please note that entries sent by U.S. mail are NOT allowed for this contest! On Saturday, February 10, I will first assign random squares on the grid below for each of the first 100 (or 200?) entrants. Then, I will randomly assign numbers 0-9 along the top row under the AFC Champion’s name and in the far left column next to the NFC Champ’s name. Then, when the ‘big game’ is played, whoever’s name is in the box that matches up with the last digit of the score for each team wins a FREE gift card to the restaurant of their choice. For example, if the score is NFC 10, AFC 7 at the end of the first quarter and your name is in the box that corresponds to both NFC 0 & AFC 7, you would win a $25 gift card as the first quarter winner. If the score is 13-13 at the end of the first half and your name is in the box that corresponds to both NFC 3, AFC 3, you would win a $50 gift card. We also will offer a $25 gift card to whoever has the correct box at the end of the third quarter and a $100 gift card for the correct score at the end of the game, whether at the end of the 4th quarter or overtime. See all of our official contest rules in the far left column below. — GN
Gary Intro
Contest Rules
Official Contest Rules!
1. No purchase of any kind is necessary to enter or to win. 2. To enter, completely fill out just the entry form in the bottom right corner of this page & email it to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. *Note—Entries sent by U.S. mail will NOT be accepted.
#
AFC Champion NFC CHAMPION
AFC CHAMPION NFC Champion
3. Only one entry per person, whether online or by email, not both. 4. All entries must be received by Friday, February 9, to be eligible. 5. Do NOT fill in or email us any part of the grid when you enter. You will NOT get to choose your square. 6. The first 100 (or 200) properly filled out entries we receive will receive one of the 100 (or 200) available squares. 7. The publisher will assign squares at random on Saturday, February 10. 8. If we receive fewer than 100 entries, those spaces will have no name entered in them and no one will be eligible to win a prize for any of those spaces. 9. After all eligible names have been entered, the publisher will assign numbers 0-9 at random in both the top row and the far left column of the grid. 10. The contest will be posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net as of Tues., Jan. 9. The filled-out grid(s) will be posted before kickoff on Feb. 11. 11. Prizes to be awarded: 1Q-$25; Half-$50; 3Q-$25; 4Q or OT-$100. ALL prizes will be gift cards to the restaurant of each winner’s choice. 12. Contest results will be posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net by Feb. 14 & in our Feb. 20 Wesley Chapel & March 5 New Tampa issues.
‘2024 Game ‘BigBig Game’ Squares’ Squares Contest! Only Emailed Only Emailed&&Online OnlineEntries EntriesWill WillBe BeAccepted! Accepted! Enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or Email this Entry Form to Enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or Email this Entry Form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com by Friday, February 9, to grab your square! Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com by Friday, February 10, to grab your square!
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Gary’s Top 25 Favorite Wesley Chapel Restaurants Of 2023! Despite all of the new restaurants that opened in the area I call Wesley Chapel — which includes everything from west of the Tampa Premium Outlets to Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz — the only newcomers to make my top-25 are Azteca D’Oro and Cooper’s Hawk. And, even though we had never dined at any of family-owned Azteca’s previous locations, Cooper’s Hawk had a bit of an unfair advantage for me because Jannah and I have been eating and enjoying the huge varieties of wines at the Tampa location for the last nine years, so we’d already sampled most of the menu. Other newbies that received consideration but didn’t make my top-25 cut include Slim Chickens, Shuckin’ Shack, Crazy Sushi, , Rice N’ Beans Express (see ad on pg. 44) and even the Leonidas Chocolates Café (see story on pg. 40) — which only added sandwiches and salads in Oct. of 2023. — GN
1. TrebleMakers
2. Falabella Family Bistro
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., The Grove at Wesley Chapel (813) 406-4371 TrebleMakersofWC.com.com; or see the ad on pg. 39
6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., The Grove at Wesley Chapel (813) 428-6957 FalabellaBistro.com; or see the ad on pg. 42
TrebleMakers continues to be my Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel, and all you’d have to do to know this is true is check my bank records to see just how many times Jannah and I have eaten there every month since it opened. We just love sitting at the bar to enjoy a craft cocktail and we often share a Caesar salad and the always-fresh coconut curry grouper or a tender 8-oz. filet mignon. Whenever we’re not sharing, I will usually get one of the following: the lollipop lamb chops shown here, the 16-oz. prime rib or the diver scallops, and the seared ahi tuna or potato gnocchi appetizer (although co-owner Jamie Hess says the Baked Imperial Crab Dip is the most popular app). Try any of these and let me know what you think!
Any of my top-10 favorites could have made it to this spot, but one of the main reasons, for me, that Falabella Family Bistro nails down the #2 spot is because of its amazing weekend dinner specials, which can be anything from a honey bourbon pork chop to tender veal parmesan or Marsala and so many more. Anytime I miss a possible new favorite special (like on my deadline weekends), I always check with owner Steve Falabella to see if I can still get the special after the weekend. Of course, when your regular menu includes crispy zucchini chips, Sam’s meatballs,short rib ragu and the tender chicken parmesan shown here, plus one of our area’s best dessert displays — and the recent addition of full liquor to go with the Bistro’s already popular wine and beer options — helped make it even more popular with the Nagers.
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Gary’s Top-25 Favorite Wesley Chapel Restaurants Of 2023 (continued) 5. Azteca D’Oro 7. Grillsmith 9. The Living Room 3. Zukku-San
25916 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 419-1351 ZukkuSushi.com/zukku-san; or see the ad on pg. 41
Although I love the fresh sushi, there’s no doubt that the reason Jannah (who really only enjoys California roll) and I always have to come back to visit Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill is because of the amazing Starters — like deep-fried pork gyoza, steamed Zukku dumplings, veggie spring rolls, the incredible assortment of veggie tempura options (try the sweet potato and/or zucchini) and the chicken (photo) and tenderloin yakitori. The Japanese fried rice, grilled short ribs, crafted bowls and lychee martinis also are favorites.
2000 Piazza Ave., Unit 170 The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 527-6553; or see the ad on pg. 32 AztecaDoro.com
From our first visit to the new Azteca D’Oro, Jannah and I agreed that its Mexican food was significantly better than Cantina Laredo, the restaurant Azteca replaced. We love Azteca’s huge menu of authentic dishes you won’t find at other local Mexican restaurants, including the borrego (lamb shank) shown above, the taquitos appetizer, the bar area and the place’s “vibe.”
4. Pisco Express 6. Cooper’s Hawk
2000 Piazza Ave., Unit 100 The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 907-1900 Grillsmith.com.com
Despite its 20% service charge, the second location of The Living Room has been a welcome addition to the Wesley Chapel dining scene, although Jannah and I differ on our favorite dishes. She loves the beef tenderloin empanadas and pan-seared crab cakes (and the house white cosmo), while I’m partial to the brown butter scallops (photo), adobo-braised pork ossobuco and “You Bet...Churrasco.”
27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd. Pinebrook at The Grove Plaza (813) 501-4924 ArroyThaiWesleyChapel.com
If Jannah were a fan of Thai food, I’d eat at (and take out from) Arroy Thai a lot more. Still the only place in Wesley Chapel for crispy duck, soft shell crabs, and Thai-style chicken with garlic and black pepper sauce, as well as Thai-style house fried rice, Arroy Thai is a little hidden gem in the same plaza as Joe Whiskey’s.
8. Noble Crust
28963 S.R. 56 Wiregrass Ranch (813) 755-4445 CHWinery.com
28330 Paseo Dr. The Shops at Wiregrass Noble-Crust.com; or see the ad below
Like Lima in New Tampa (see pg. 35), there’s only one place in Wesley Chapel serving authentic Peruvian-style fish ceviche de pescado with giant corn kernels (photo) — Pisco Express. But, Jannah and I also crave other dishes at this unique Peruvian-Chinese fusion restaurant, including the fried pork chicharrons, tallarin saltado (with chicken or steak) and lomo saltado (steak sautéed with onions, tomatoes & peppers).
Although it opened in Wesley Chapel too late in 2023 to earn votes in our Reader Survey, Cooper’s Hawk has been a solid chain restaurant in the Westshore area of Tampa for years, so Jannah and I already had a few favorites, including the pan-roasted mahi (photo), parmesan-crusted filet mignon & others,. But, we’ve also found a few new faves since it opened here.
As our readers’ Wesley Chapel Favorite the last three years, Noble Crust also appeals to yours truly, but it seems that several of the dishes that have been my favorites get removed from the seasonally-changing menu or it would finish higher with me, because I love the place. The chicken fried chicken parm, ricotta gnocchi and steak frites (photo) are among my current faves.
The #1 Favorite Restaurant In Wesley Chapel for 2023 With Our Readers!
28330 Paseo Dr The Shops at Wiregrass
(813) 703-2602 Noble-Crust.com
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Rock Shrimp + Garlic Pasta
TLR.restaurant
Grillsmith, the “mini-chain” with five Tampa Bay-area locations, has consistently finished in my top-10 favorites in Wesley Chapel, in large part because of its “Daily Catch,” which can include anything from mahi and grouper to pompano, amberjack and the Mediterraneanstyle corvina shown above. We do enjoy other entrées at Grillsmith, including the lemon feta chicken, port wine filet, as well as the crunchy ahi tuna appetizer and the great service.
5903 Goldview Pkwy., Ste 109-111 KRATE at The Grove (813) 703-2725 PiscoRest.com
Congratulations To Noble Crust!
2001 Piazza Ave., Unit 100 The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 934-7911
10. Arroy Thai
More of Gary’s Favorites are on pgs. 34-38
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel #s 11-25 11. Yamato 12. Longhorn Steakhouse 13. Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico 14. Pasta di Guy 15. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 16. Top Shelf Sports Lounge 17. Chick N’Fun
18. Bubba’s 33 19. Hungry Greek 20. Blush Wine Room 21. EggTown 22. Café Zorba 23. The Bacon Boss HQ 24. Carrabba’s Italian Grill 25. Señor Tequila (see pg. 37)
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Gary’s Top 25 Favorite New Tampa Restaurants Of 2023! Although a number of new restaurants did open in New Tampa in 2023 — with the reopening of Kobé Japanese Steakhouse in its new location as the biggest news (although it happened too late for our readers to vote for it, it came in at #9 for me) — my top-25 Favorite restaurants in New Tampa didn’t change too much from 2022. In addition to Kobé, the only other “newcomers” to crack my top 25 were Johnny C’s Italian Eatery on Cross Creek Blvd. at #8 and Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli in the Pebble Creek Collection at #20, although I did also enjoy sampling many of the new restaurants in the Sijang Eatery food court at the new Lotte Plaza Market, as well as the unique BangBang! Bowls in the Pebble Creek Collection. Feel free to tell these restaurant owners that I sent you and, as always, I welcome your feedback, both good and bad. — GN
1. The Grill at Morris Bridge 10920 Cross Creek Blvd., Cross Creek Commons (813) 388-5353 TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com; or see the ad below
Since opening in late 2021, The Grill at Morris Bridge finished as the second Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa with our readers last year and third in this year’s voting, even though it has been #1 with me both years, thanks to its always-fresh fish (the bacon parmesan crusted grouper shown here replaced the same dish with mahi-mahi in 2023) and great steaks. In fact, The Grill’s bone-in tomahawk ribeye, which is now a regular menu item, is the only true tomahawk in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Brothers Frank and Jimmy Gouveia also offer one of our area’s best Sunday brunches, the most extensive wine list of any local restaurant, uveia, The Grill at and Morris Bridge craft cocktails always-excellent service. xecutive Chef Daniel Friley.
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2. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Pointe at Tampa Palms (813) 978-0388 StonewoodGrill.com
Stonewood’s run as the favorite with our readers continued for an eighth straight year in 2023, and it again comes in just below The Grill with yours truly. The quality of the fresh fish, steaks (like the unique hand-cut Manhattan strip steak, usually offered as a special, in this picture), pastas and even Jannah’s favorite bowl (the Southwest chicken bowl) in New Tampa, plus the always-packed bar scene make Stonewood an outstanding choice, whether it’s number 1, 2 or lower on your list. Like The Grill, Stonewood isn’t inexpensive, but there are plenty of much lower-priced restaurants to fill that need for you in our area that can’t match Stonewood’s quality or variety.
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Gary’s Top-25 Favorite New Tampa Restaurants Of 2023 (continued) Gary’s 2023 Favorite Restaurants 3. Via Italia Wood 5. Las Palmas Latin Grill Fired Pizza & Bar In New Tampa #s 7-25 8644 Hunter’s Village Rd. Village at Hunter’s Lake (813) 475-4857 EatViaItalia.com
6431 E. County Line Rd. (off BBD Blvd.) (813) 991-5500; see pg. 43 LasPalmasLatinGrill.com
With four of my favorite pasta dishes — the linguine alle vongolé (with clams), cavatelli con salsiccia (sausage) & broccoli rabe and two different types of pesto (Sicilian and the Genovese shown above) — and the biggest variety of gourmet pizzas in town, the only things keeping Via Italia from finishing higher with me are some fresh fish and maybe a steak or veal chop. Love the bar, too!
Even though Las Palmas isn’t “new,” since it did have a food truck at the same plaza all year in 2022, owners Ramses and Ana Garcia’s Las Palmas moved way up on my list this year when they reopened their brick-and-mortar location a couple of months ago. Ramses’ merluza (white fish) a la Rusa (photo) is as good as it gets and his flank steak churrasco, vaca frita (fried steak), picadillo and roast pork also rock.
19062 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. New Tampa Center (813) 304-0205; see ad below
FatRabbitPub.com; see ad below
4. Lima Peruvian 6. Fat Rabbit Pub 16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. Cuisine City Plaza at Tampa Palms (813) 252-3004
7. Frammi American & Italian 8. Johnny C’s Italian Eatery 9. Kobé Steakhouse 10. Acropolis Greek Taverna 11. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss) 12. Liang’s Bistro 13. Cantina Real Mexican 14. Cali Tampa Palms 15. Bayscape Bistro 16. Ha Long Bay
17. Sushi Café 18. Gorkhali Kitchen 19. Thai Ruby 20. Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co. 21. Thai Lanna 22. EggTown 23. Peabody’s Restaurant, Bar & Billiards 24. Fresh Kitchen 25. Michi Ramen
Gary’s Favorite NY-Style Pizza in NT & WC 1. New York New York Pizza
As a native New Yawka, although I have nothing against other kinds of pizza — and there are lots of good options for those other types in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel — pizza to me has a thin crust, a certain kind of mozzarella (only) cheese and a certain tomato sauce taste. Some places have it but most simply don’t. However, all of the places on the list below come pretty close to the pizza I loved most in my home state, with NY Pepperoni & sausage pizza at NY NY Pizza NY coming closest of all.
1. NY NY Pizza 2. Amici Pizza 3. 900º Woodfired & NY Pizza
4. Fratelli’s 5 (tie). PizzaMania 5. (tie) Taste of NY Pizza
Gary’s Favorite Coffee Shops In NT &WC
Where do you go when you love ceviche but can’t eat shrimp? Why, Lima of course! I also love the Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, the unique Chinese fusion dishes like lomo (lo mein) with steak or chicken, and I regularly crave a helping of ceviche with giant corn kernels and Lima is the only place I can enjoy it in New Tampa.
This “Upscale Neighborhood Pub” truly lives up to its name, as you can’t really call the Fat Rabbit just another “sports bar.” From the best wings and tater tots in town to outstanding grilled chicken sandwiches and big burgers (or choose the burger sliders shown above), plus craft cocktails, lots of whiskeys and that unique bar vibe, what’s not to love?
1. The Bean Bar Co. (photo) 2. Bad Ass Coffee 3. Macondo Coffee Roasters 4 Leonidas Chocolates Café 5. Mpanitas
More of Gary’s Favorites appear on pgs. 36-38.
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Gary’s 2023 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Asian Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Although I also love a lot of places for their sushi, my favorite Asian restaurants have to have other favorite dishes, like the hibachi filet at Kobé, the NY-style BBQ spare ribs at Liang’s, the pork chop rice dish at Ha Long Bay, the crispy duck at Arroy Thai and the gyoza (photo) and other appetizers at Zukku-San.
1. Zukku-San 2. Kobé Japanese Steakhouse 3. Liang’s Bistro 4. Ha Long Bay 5. Arroy Thai
For me, this was one of the toughest of all categories, as virtually every place on the list has multiple dishes among my favorites. But, Lima’s ceviche and tallarin saltado de pollo (photo) keep it ahead of the merluza at Las Palmas, the ceviche at Pisco, the chicharrons at Rice N Beans and the cachapas at Chamo Bites.
6. Yamato 7. Sushi Café 8. Gorkhali Kitchen 9. Thai Lanna 10. Crazy Sushi
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Bars & Taverns In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel No one has ever doubted that Jannah and I love to sit at the bar and enjoy a great cocktail with our meal and there are several other favorite places that didn’t make this list, including Miller’s Ale House, Carrabba’s, Bonefish, Grillsmith and Outback, but Grill at Morris Bridge gets this year’s nod for its consistency.
1. Grill at Morris Bridge 2. TrebleMakers 3. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 4. Fat Rabbit Pub 5. Cooper’s Hawk
1. Lima Peruvian Cuisine 2. Las Palmas Latin Grill
3. Pisco Express 4. Rice n Beans Puerto Rico (40) 5. Chamo Bites
You’ll note that there are no frozen yogurt or gelato shops on this list, as rich, creamy ice cream will always be favored by yours truly over anything else. Quality toppings — like real hot fudge or chocolate dip tops — will help elevate some over others (like Leonidas; see pg. 40), but the Ice Dreammm Shop is still my go-to.
1. Ice Dreammm Shop 2. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 3. Ice Ssscreamin’ (temp. closed) 4. Astro Craft Ice Cream 10. (tie) Brass Tap & Noble Crust 5. Leonidas Chocolates Café
Jannah loves brunch more than I do, but I am and always have been a breakfast guy. It’s hard for me to not pick bagel places as my top choices for breakfast, but give me the fried eggs, toast, crispy bacon and perfect grits at EggTown (photo) over the other places on this list, all of which are worth visiting.
4. Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. 5. Happy Hangar Café
6. Rice n Beans Express (pg. 44) 7. Mojo Grill 8. La Creacion Xpress 9. Latin Twist Café 10. Arepa Mia
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Ice Cream Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
6. Joe Whiskey’s (see ad below) 7. Via Italia 8. The Living Room 9. Bubba’s 33
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Breakfast Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
1. EggTown 2. Brunchie’s 3. Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Latin Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
6. Twistee Treat 7. Cold Stone Creamery 8. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream 9. Culver’s 10. 35 Below
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Mexican Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Every restaurant on this list has at least one Mexican dish I like, but the 2023 opening of Azteca D’Oro and its more authentic menu (with items like the chicken taquitos shown here), plus great “vibe” nudged it past Cantina, which has equally great fajitas, and Señor Tequila, which revamped its menu in 2023.
1. Azteca D’Oro (see pg. 32) 2. Cantina Real Mexican 3. Señor Tequila (see pg. 37)
4. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant 5. Tacos El Patron
Gary’s Favorite (Food) KRATEs At The Grove This is a category I foolishly neglected to include for our Reader Survey this year. Even though not all of these places qualify as restaurants (e.g., Bakery X and Urban Sweets), these are all great KRATEs for food. And, it speaks to the quality of the options at the KRATEs that Chicken Boss, Shake-A-Salad, Rhythm Pon, Sausage King & more didn’t make this list.
1. Pisco Express (photo) 2. Blush Wine Room 3. Urban Sweets 4. Bakery X 5. The Bacon Boss HQ 36
6. Café Zorba 7. Chamo Bites 8. Ato 9. Mojo Grill 10. Tacos El Patron
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Gary’s 2023 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (cont.)
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Non-Ice Cream Dessert Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Whether or not you’re an actual bakery, if you have a dessert tray or display case for desserts at your restaurant, like Falabella Bistro, you can qualify as one of my favorite dessert places. But, no one in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel has a better cookie sandwich than Urban Sweets in the KRATEs, so they’re still #1.
1. Urban Sweets 2. Leonidas Chocolates Café 3. Falabella Family Bistro 4. Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.
5. SmallCakes Cupcakery 6. Nothing Bundt Cakes 7. Bakery X 8. Moschella’s
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Sushi In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
All of these restaurants have great sushi, although I honestly really only like tuna and white meat fish sushi, like grouper, flounder, cobia, etc., so I may not be the best judge of what’s best. Even so, these are the restaurants with the sushi I like best and the bluefin tuna options at Zukku-San (photo) are just extra delicious.
1. Zukku-San 2. Sushi Café 3. Bonsai Sushi 4. Thai Lanna
5. Sake House 6. Bluefin Sushi 7. Umu Japanese & Thai 8. Yamato
Gary’s 2023 Favorite New Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel This was another tough category for me, as Cooper’s Hawk got the most pre-opening fanfare — and is living up to it — but Azteca D’Oro nudged it out for my #5 favorite overall in Wesley Chapel, so it gets top billing here, too. But, Johnny C’s, the reopened Kobé, Zio’s and Rice N Beans Express all deserved recognition, too.
1. Azteca D’Oro 2. Cooper’s Hawk 3. Johnny C’s Italian Eatery
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Non-Dessert Bakeries In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
If the only croissants you think you like are the microwaved ones at Starbucks, you’ve never had a real French croissant. If so, please try the authentic butter croissants from Bakery X (photo), although the Leonidas Chocolates Café and Tous Les Jours Café at the Lotte Plaza Market also have the real things. Bakery X also has the best fresh-baked French baguettes.
1. Bakery X 2. Leonidas Chocolates Café 3. Tous Les Jours Café 4. Moschella’s
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Fresh Fish In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Since I can’t eat most shellfish (except clams, crabs & scallops) and I don’t like salmon, I’m only ranking places that serve obviously fresh fish, and mine and Jannah’s go-to is still the coconut curry grouper (photo) at TrebleMakers. However, the bacon/parmesan-crusted grouper at The Grill, Stonewood’s grouper, the merluza at Las Palmas, the “short trip” catch at Grillsmith & crusted mahi at Cooper’s Hawk are all great, too.
1. TrebleMakers 2. Grill at Morris Bridge 3. Stonewood Grill & Tavern
4. Las Palmas Latin Grill 5. Grillsmith 6. Cooper’s Hawk
Gary’s 2023 Favorite Burger Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel To be fair, I haven’t even tried the burgers at every place that sells them in our distribution areas, but I have sampled most of them and the ten shown below are my current faves. Fat Rabbit (photo) gets the narrow edge over Bubba’s and Bacon Boss, but all three are pretty close to perfect in terms of size, ingredients and flavor.
4. Kobé Japanese Steakhouse 5. Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli 6. Rice N Beans Express
1. Fat Rabbit Pub 2. Bubba’s 33 3. Bacon Boss HQ
4. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 5. Frammi 6. Glory Days Grill
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39
Leonidas Chocolates Café — Much More Than Just The Finest Belgian Chocolates! By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George
For those of us who have never traveled to Europe, the name “Leonidas Chocolates” might not mean much, other than the fact that the Leonidas Chocolates Café opened in the Shops at Wiregrass last year. But, Leonidas is a family name that dates all the way back to 1913, when Greek citizen Leonidas Kestekides first started working on the company’s beloved praline in Brussels, Belgium — where the world’s favorite (and finest) chocolates are made. For four generations, the Kestekides family has made its mark on Leonidas, making this brand a true family business. What started out as a single shop with a sliding sash window, where pralines were displayed on the window sill, has evolved into an international brand experience with more than 1,300 shops worldwide. The “Maîtres” (Master) Chocolatiers of Leonidas use only 100% pure cocoa butter chocolate (made with only sustainably sourced cocoa from the Rainforest Alliance and other areas throughout the world) and are still made 100% in Belgium, no matter which Leonidas location you visit. There are only about 20 Leonidas-branded locations in the U.S. and Canada (although many other stores carry the brand), with the first U.S. location opening on Madison Ave. in New York City in 1991. Although that store has since closed, the current Leonidas location in Manhattan is on Broadway. Even so, U.S. sales account for only about 2% of Leonidas
40
sales worldwide. And, only about 10% of the Leonidas stores are “Chocolates Cafés,” which carry far more than just the Leonidas chocolates themselves. Jannah and I have made many visits to the Wiregrass location, which is owned by Tom and Mary Caravellos. Their daughter Eleni is the operations manager. I am glad to have sampled not only the creamy and delicious Leonidas chocolates themselves, but many of the café’s other food and dessert items. See below for a lot more.
Artisan Chocolates
Whether you prefer dark, milk or white chocolate, Leonidas Wesley Chapel offers more than 50 different flavors of chocolates and confections, all available in the store. These varieties are filled with everything from delicious buttercream, ganache and praline to caramel, creme and liqueur, using only the finest ingredients from across the world. And, although I prefer Leonidas’ solid milk chocolate (available in bulk and packaged bars and a number of shapes) over any of those, no matter how gourmet your taste in chocolate runs, Leonidas has you covered.
The Leonidas Chocolates Café in the Shops at Wiregrass sells more than just artisan Belgian chocolates (above left). There also are huge varieties of desserts imported from Italy (above right), freshly baked flaky croissants and pastries (right) and sandwiches like the pressed prosciutto panini (below left) and caprese toast (below right). more about that in a moment. But, when you go up to the counter, your eyes immediately look to the left at the huge dessert display, with so many amazing-looking options that
Start With Dessert?
When you walk into the Wiregrass Leonidas Café, the first thing you see behind the counter is a softserve ice cream machine and a menu of available dips for that ice cream. We’ll tell you
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there’s no way I could list even half of them here. Among my favorites so far are the (top right photo on previous page, l.-r.) Opera layer cake, chocolate hazelnut cake and the Colombian “bombe,” as well as (photo above, l.-r.) the chocolate mousse, coppa mascarpone, the profiteroles cup and the babamisu (next to the coffee cup), all of which taste even better with a full-flavored latte or other coffee drink made with equally gourmet Illy brand Italian coffee. “Our pastries are flown in frozen directly from Italy,” Mary says. Descriptions of each decadent dessert are available in the display case, but store general manager Eri (top right photo) also is happy to describe them for you and she honestly does a much better job of it than I ever could.
Making Ice Cream Even Better!
Every Leonidas Chocolates Café also offers locally-sourced ice cream, which is delicious on its own, but is only available in vanilla or chocolate at our café, and is made even better with a large variety of chocolate dip flavors made with that amazing Belgian chocolate. My favorite is the banana milk chocolate dip, but there also are chocolate s’mores, red velvet, salted caramel, white, milk and dark chocolate, cookies ‘n’ cream, pistachio white chocolate and new flavors like raspberry and dark peppermint dips. There also are toppings like Fruity Pebbles cereal, chocolate chips, mini M&Ms and more you can add for even more flavor. The café also offers a variety of different hand-spun milkshakes and even ice cream sundaes, with a different monthly special sundae.
Sandwiches, Salads & More!
Although I had previously seen a small display case of freshly baked croissants on the counter, until photographer Charmaine George and I walked in three weeks ago to take pictures for this story at the Leonidas Chocolates Café, I had no idea that the café also served sandwiches and salads, despite my many earlier visits. “That’s because we only added the lunch items in October,” Mary says. “We know there are limited lunch locations in the mall and in Wesley Chapel, and this is a café, after all.” Charmaine loved the caprese toast, which combines cherry tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella, basil, pesto, balsamic glaze and a generous “shmear” of avocado on multigrain (or white) toast. I was thrilled with the pressed prosciutto panini sandwich, with thinly slice prosciutto di Parma, provolone, tomato and authentic pesto pressed on a delicious baguette. Other sandwiches include the smoked salmon bagel (with cream cheese, red onions and capers); the Leonidas sandwich (turkey breast, Swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce and mayo on a baguette); a vegetarian sandwich (with roasted red peppers, goat cheese, sundried Neighborhood News
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tomatoes and pesto on a baguette) and the pizza boat (a bread “boat” with three different types of peppers and mozzarella). I also enjoyed the tasty Cobb salad, with lettuce, chicken, bacon, onion, tomato, avocado, hard-boiled egg and zesty ranch dressing. Other salads include Greek, Caesar and spinach, plus Greek yogurt and smoothie bowls. And, don’t forget to check out the store’s retail displays (photos above and below), especially with Valentine’s Day coming up soon. “The reaction from the community so far has been amazing,” Mary says. “After doing our research for a year, we know we chose the right Wesley Chapel location.” The Leonidas Chocolates Café (28163 Paseo Dr., #105) is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. every day. For more info, call (813) 388-9653, visit LeonidasWesleyChapel. com or see the ad on pg. 45 to get 10% off a chocolate purchase of $30 or more.
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Bubba’s 33 — Wesley Chapel’s Scratch Kitchen Celebrates Four Years! By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George
Unlike most other local restaurants, Bubba’s 33’s menu has changed very little since it first opened on the south side of S.R. 56 (just east of I-75) in Wesley Chapel four years ago. “That’s an indication that our customers enjoy our food,” says managing partner (since July 2021) Joe Vergona. “And we take a lot of pride in it. Almost everything we make is from scratch.” Vergona says that although Bubba’s 33’s fries and pickles aren’t made from scratch, “pretty much all of our sauces are. We even make our own spice mixes.” Bubba’s 33, the sports bar chain created in 2013 by Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor, today has 45 locations in 15 U.S. states, with Texas having 19 of those. The Wesley Chapel Bubba’s (Clockwise from top left) The new BBQ chicken pizza, the bacon cheeseburger, the Super Stromboli and the Signature 33 was the chain’s first link in Florida. ribeye steak at Bubba’s 33, located off S.R. 56 near I-75. Jannah and I have been Bubba’s 33 fans since the beginning, and many members of our family have their own favorites. I love both the grilled and the espresso-marinated Signature, Texas Roadhousequality ribeye steaks; Jannah’s favorites are the classic cheeseburger with crispy bacon (and the tasty sweet potato fries) and the California chicken (grilled chicken breast topped with avocado, pico de gallo, jack cheese and scratch-made honey lime sauce); Jannah’s daughter Lauren is partial to the creamy chipotle pasta (with shrimp and grilled chicken, roasted peppers, onions and mushrooms tossed in spicy chipotle cream sauce and topped with cilantro and parmesan); and our granddaughter Rosie is crazy for the chicken & bacon mac n’ cheese. I’m also a fan of the fried chicken dinner (although I get the scratch-made cream gravy on the side) and I recently also enjoyed the Super Stromboli (homemade pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni, Genoa salami, sweet Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, mozzarella, provolone and pizza sauce). him. “The crunchiness and the flavor of the batter are scratch-made honey chipotle BBQ sauce) and especially, Meanwhile, photographer Charmaine George sings the praises of definitely different,” Charmaine adds. the shotgun shrimp appetizer (“It’s just spicy enough and delicious,” she the “Big Ol’”onion rings. “We think our onion rings are the best in Wesley And, while Bubba’s 33’s hand-made pizzas can’t says), the new BBQ chicken pizza (with pepper jack cheese added to the Chapel,” Vergona says, and it’s hard to argue with be called “New York style” (which is, of course, my usual Bubba’s 33 blend of cheeses, plus red onions, banana peppers and
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favorite; see pg. 36), they are super-tasty, have a crispy crust and are made with outstanding ingredients. My favorites are the meaty-meaty and the Dickie V (with Italian sausage, cherry peppers, fresh basil, grated parmesan and a zesty garlic buttered crust). The desserts can’t be called anything but decadent. Both the chocolate chip cookie sundae and Oreo® brownie are served with vanilla ice cream and the Bubba’s cheesecake is NY-style and offered with your choice of strawberry glaze, fudge, caramel and pecan toppings.
About The Place
Bubba’s 33 features high-definition TVs all around, and has an excellent drink menu with a full premium-liquor bar and imported, domestic and craft beer options at great prices, so it’s the perfect place for watching football and hockey games and we also appreciate the nonstop rock videos. Specials include Monday Madness, when any burger on the menu is just $10.99. Mondays also are “Ditch the Digital” nights, where you get a free dessert or appetizer for keeping your phone in a sealed pizza box and playing board games throughout your meal. “We have lots of regulars coming in for Ditch the Digital,” Vergona says. “It’s fun!” Speaking of free appetizers, you also can get one (up to $8.99) with the purchase of any entrée with the ad on pg. 45 of this issue. See the ad for details and restrictions. Tuesday is Pizza Night, when any 12” (small) pizza is just $12.99. Tuesday also is free Music Bingo night (7 p.m.-9 p.m.). On most Wednesdays, Magic Mike (a magician,
Try the California chicken entrée (above) and the delicious “Big Ol’” onion rings at Bubba’s 33.
not a male dancer) performs and one kid 12 & under eats free with each paid adult meal. Vergona says a four-year anniversary celebration is in the works for later this month. Call or visit Bubba’s 33 for details. Bubba’s 33 (26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.) is open every day, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. For more info, call (813) 522-5090, visit Bubbas33.com or see the ad on pg. 45.
REMODEL • RESTORE • REPAIR Professional Licensed Contractor Family Owned & Operated For More Than 25 Years! • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • All Flooring Types • Water Damage Restoration CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!
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New BellaBrava In Bexley Has Local Connections
WESLEY CHAPEL
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Although it is located ten miles east of Wesley Chapel in The Hub at Bexley (which we first told you about in our Oct. 31 issue), we attended the pre-opening of the third location of BellaBrava New World Trattoria (16722 Focus Loop, Lutz) which has both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel connections. First of all, BellaBrava, which has now been open at The Hub for less than two weeks as you’re reading this, is owned by 2B (it’s actually 2 over B but I have no idea how to write that here) Hospitality, which is led by president Thomas Sanborn. Sanborn was the original chef at Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms under then- (and long-time former) proprietor Dave Rathbun. Rathbun, who left Stonewood a few years ago, is now a manager at BellaBrava Bexley. In addition, Sanborn says that before finding the Bexley location, he actually negotiated with two separate locations in Wesley Chapel. “We looked at the space where Azteca D’Oro is now in the Shops at Wiregrass,” Sanborn says. “We also looked at the (stillopen) space next to the new Cooper’s Hawk on State Road 56, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on either site, so we went with the Bexley location.” The 7,000-sq.-ft. BellaBrava at Bexley is an elegant restaurant with a premium fullliquor bar and is definitely worth a visit — especially if you’ve ever dined at the original BellaBrava location on Beach Dr. in downtown St. Petersburg or the recently opened Midtown Tampa restaurant. Sanborn’s 2B Hospitality also owns Stillwaters Tavern two doors down
from the original BellaBrava. Anyway, our first visit to the Bexley location was excellent. We all agreed that our favorite dish was the hot honey pepperoni pizza (top right photo on this page), although we also enjoyed the Bella bruschetta (top left; which has a unique layer of goat cheese between the diced tomatoes and Jamison’s breadhouse ciabatta toast points), the bucatini with meatballs (right) and the lasagna Bolognese (photo on next page). Photographer Charmaine George (who took all of these pictures) also gave high marks to her seafood fra diavolo (not pictured) and Italian gimlet cocktail (left). BellaBrava also offers wonderful-looking sandwiches, Rhode Island-style calamari fritti, a prime NY strip steak and the dish we all wish we ordered after seeing it delivered to other
tables, the Trattoria chicken parmesan. Tell Sanborn, Rathbun and general manager Tina Stormer we sent you. BellaBrava Bexley is open every day for lunch & dinner. For info, call (813) 4894890 or visit BellaBravaBexley.com. — GN
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New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds Are you or isMISCELLANEOUS someone you love struggling COMPUTER SERVICES PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/25 years of exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate! DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.
___ LAWN, & LANDSCAPING_____
HOME IMPROVEMENT
NEED HELP PACKING, UNPACKING & ORGANIZING? Let us help you! We LOVE putting things in their place. We specialize in helping you de-clutter, organize & purge unwanted/unused items. We can unpack & organize your new home or help you prepare & pack for your move. Call 813-523-2421 or 813-469-7935 or visit homesweettampabay.com. JUNK HAULING SERVICE! We handle all types of furniture removal — bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs - take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Ofc, home & factory • Comm’l/res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/ text Nigel @ 888-346-5865. WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHINGCOM. Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 30+ years of exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999. Lic. #SCC131149699
JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow •Edge •Turf Trim •Air-Sweep •Right-of-Way Weed Control •Bed Edging •Resod •Design Your Lawn •Mulch •Shrub Trim/Shape •Hedge Trim •Yard Cleanup. “For no lawn stress, just join John’s Curb Appeal Success!” Save 12%/mo for 6 mos w/a 1-yr contract. Call Maitland John @ 813.327.1039.
ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials.
TRANSPORTATION
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AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transporta-tion Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provide safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations.• New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/every transfer. AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062.
ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.
with math? Do you find the material difficult to understand? Well, not anymore, because I can help make math easier for you to understand. My lessons will help you learn easy methods to solve problems. Contact Tim Rajpathak at (561) 2519093 or by email: timaculus397@gmail.com CNA/HHA & Companion. Will provide private care in your home. 25+ years of experience. References available upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868. Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 or email resume_guru@outlook.com. Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! Register for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training classes. Our NRA Certified Instructors provide training to help you gain confidence & proficiency to protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t compromise your safety. Visit our website & register at 2ARatedTraining.com. Train with us. Empower yourself. Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com. RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots & events, allow me to capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs. com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off! DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED CARE AT HOME? Faith Compassionate Home Care Provides Medical & Non-Medical Home Health Care svcs: Nursing care, medication mgmt, case mgmt, companion care, home health aide, respite care, bowel care services, training to caregiver & more. Flexible pymt options. We accept private pay only. For info, call 813-602-4431. 360 BOOKKEEPING LLC - We focus on your Bookkeeping so you can focus on your Business. Est’d business? We’ll clean up your books to get you back on track. New Business? We can set up your chart of accounts to get you organized & efficient. Call now & get peace of mind—plus 20% off set-up fees—(813) 336-1363. Hughes School of Music now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory with a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact us at 813-748-3216.
To order your Classified ad, call (813) 910-2575! Please note that our online ordering system isn’t working, so please call!
___ REAL ESTATE & OFFICE_____
Steven Kessel, REALTOR® with Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced up to date user friendly property search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida area. And it’s FREE for you to use and enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com
For Rent — Three BR, fully furnished ground floor condominium in Anand Vihar, a beautiful independent living, gated community in the lovely Wesley Chapel area in Tampa, Florida. Beautiful Club House, with a gym, swimming pool, game room, auditorium and a dining hall. Lunch or dinner Meal plans are available If needed. Contact Dinesh @ 716-830-7260 Well-appointed Prof. Ofc Space for Rent. 600 sq. ft. in New Tampa, opposite Publix on BBD. Two separate office spaces, secretarial space, good-sized bathroom, large closet with shelving & wide hallway. Plenty of parking. Excellent location for Attorney, CPA, Chiropractor, Insurance Co., IT Consultant. For leasing details, please call 813-468-9110.
CLEANING SERVICES
ANA PARRA HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. Prof’l House Cleaning — Best prices & quality,. Licensed & Insured. Routine, Deep & Move-In/ Move-Out cleaning. Serving New Tampa /Lutz/ Wesley Chapel & more. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or special needs. Avail. Mon-Sat. Refs avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free est: (305) 338-0981.
A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly/Deep Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE NoObligation Quote: 813-462-1270. Local refs. supplied upon request. MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@ gmail.com. PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com.
TREE SERVICES
FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27 yrs of Prof. Svc. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 2 • January 23, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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