Esplanade Lifestyle - Azario | Mar/Apr 2023 by Overflow

LIFESTYLE

Mar/Apr 2023

LETTER FROM THE LIFESTYLE TEAM

A note on what's coming up

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Meet Chef Jason Revell

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Around Town: Shen Yun

FEATURED EVENTS

Candle Making Class & Mote Marine

PET FEATURE

Furry Friend: Aprilia

FITNESS

Health & Fitness Classes

CONCIERGE

Exclusive offerings, just for you

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Kris & Steve Borkenhagen

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Around Town: Walking Mural Tour GET INVOLVED

Interest Groups & Social Clubs

Letter From the Lifestyle Team

HAYLEY SMITH YOUR INTERIM LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

Happy Spring!

We started off 2023 with a Spaghetti Dinner Mingler and it was a hit! Members enjoyed this laid-back social event full of pasta, wine, and great conversation. We also hosted a flower arranging class, Yappy Hour at the Bark Park, a kayaking adventure, and Sunset Sips where Members enjoyed a beautiful sunset while catching up with old friends and making new ones!

The Bahama Bar sneak peeks were overwhelmingly popular, and the events filled in hours! Members can look forward to gourmet recipes from Chef Jason as we patiently await the opening of the Bahama Bar.

Your Spa, Fitness & Wellness Manager, Mary Winter, also introduced exciting programming to the community! Tai Chi & Chai Tea was a wonderful afternoon filled with the gentle movements of Tai Chi, followed by homemade Chai Tea for participants. In February, she hosted a dog-friendly yoga class open to all levels and enthusiastically enjoyed by both pet parents and their furry companions.

Our first Signature Event of 2023 invited Members to relax in the simple elegance of a Seaside Social. Full of delectable bites, tropic inspired drinks and music, Members had a serene time with friends and neighbors. We are all looking forward to everything this year has to offer as we watch spring unfold.

Hayley

MAR/APR 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 3

Jason Revell

YOUR CHEF AT THE BAHAMA BAR

We’re pleased to welcome Jason Revell to the Azario family! He is our new Chef at the Bahama Bar located in Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch. Jason is a born and raised Floridian who has lived in the same county his entire life. He started his culinary career at the age of 15 when he and his mother were eating at a local restaurant in his hometown. The owner approached the table and asked if he was interested in a dishwashing job. After his meal, his mother left him to start his first day there. He worked from that position to the kitchen manager and that’s when he realized he had a natural passion and great skill set for cooking and the culinary arts. He has worked at notable restaurants and clubs such as the Beach House, Tara Golf & Country Club, The Ranch Grill and Key Royale Golf & Country Club.

Jason was fortunate enough in his culinary career to have worked under some very experienced and notable chefs that trained and molded him into the high standard chef he is today. The chef he respects the most is Certified Executive Chef Garret Scanlan, a chef who spent many years working in 3 Michelin Star restaurants throughout Europe and even had his own culinary television show air on PBS. Jason himself has earned numerous awards for his culinary accolades including “Chef of the Month” for the Herald Tribune, featured chef for “Out & About Sarasota” and featured executive chef for “Chef Talk Manatee.” He was awarded these titles due to his creative, delicious, colorful and outside the box culinary creations.

In his personal, life Jason is the proud father of a 10-year-old girl named Caitlin. Alongside her father she has been on the restaurant scene since she was a very little girl and due to that, he describes her as “having a very refined palette for such a young child.” Jason lists his greatest accomplishment in life as becoming a “daddy to a wonderful little girl.” He says that “All the awards in the world cower

in comparison to the fact that when he goes home, he is no longer a chef, he’s just daddy and there is no better feeling than that.”

With expertise in fine dining, his goal will be to elevate the culinary scene to something that can’t be found anywhere else in the area. He wants to make the Bahama Bar the premier dining location where Members and guests can enjoy a creative and colorful dining experience that combines great food with wonderful drinks and a beautiful atmosphere.

Around Town

SHEN YUN

March 7 - 8 | 7:30 p.m.

Duke Energy Center for the Arts - The Mahaffey Theater

Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Visit www.themahaffey.com for more details.

4 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023

TEAM SPOTLIGHT /

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

Candle Making Class

BY SIP ‘N’ WICK

Saturday, March 4 1 p.m. | Sales Gallery Lanai

Sip ‘N’ Wick will lead a class in candle making and share their knowledge of candles. We will provide snacks and bottled water. Members are encouraged to bring their favorite drink. Cost is $35 per person and everyone goes home with a candle!

Mote Marine

AQUARIUM TRIP

Wednesday, March 22 | 10 a.m.

Dive into the local aquatic environment and experience the Mote Marine Aquarium with friends and neighbors in honor of World Water Day. Tickets for Members are discounted and available for $10 per participant through the community website.

Furry Friends Meet

Aprilia - LOVED BY THE REIS & RODRIGUEZ FAMILY

What breed/type is your pet and what inspired her name? Aprilia is a Yorkshire Terrier mix and she was named after an Italian motorcycle.

Does your pet have any siblings?

Yes, she has two human siblings ages 9 and 12.

Does she have a favorite toy or activity? What are her most unique qualities or something funny she does?

Her favorite toy is a toy bat. Aprilia does a handstand when she goes potty so her feet don’t get wet.

When you travel, does she go or do you have a favorite caretaker? She sometimes travels with us but we also have a close friend she enjoys staying with.

What is something naughty that your pet is always doing? She takes her food to the rug to eat it.

What is her favorite treat and how do you celebrate her birthday? Aprilia loves apples! She is a rescue, and her birth date is unknown, so we celebrate it on December 25 and wrap plenty of treats for her!

Health & Fitness Classes

FITNESS FOR ALL

Saturday, March 4 | 10 a.m.

Vitality Park

Whatever it is that you like to do – run, tennis, pickleball, golf – this class will help make these activities safer, so you can play and do what you love. Combining easy to perform strength and stretch exercises, you’ll understand different body positions that avoid injury, be more efficient, and achieve lasting pain relief by creating better patterns of movement each day. Develop the tools to move with confidence.

EARTH DAY MEDITATION CLASS

Saturday, April 22 | 10 a.m.

Vitality Park

At this Earth Day celebration, find solace in a breath of fresh air, warm sunshine on your face, and a firm hold of the ground. Take time to feel that connection through our Sound Bath Meditation Class in our beautiful outdoor Vitality Park. This deeply immersive full body listening experience is gentle yet powerful, in restoring and nurturing your Mind, Body and Spirit.

6 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023

PET FEATURE / FITNESS

Exclusive Concierge Offerings

Part of the Esplanade Lifestyle is rolling out the red carpet and giving our Members VIP access to exclusive offers and services! We are excited to continue to build and foster these relationships with local organizations and businesses to offer special rates for our community. If you know of a business or organization that would like to partner with Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

ANNOUNCING THE TROON CARD

As a benefit of living in an Esplanade community, we are excited to share that current Esplanade Members receive 25% off standard Troon Card prices. Now in its 25th year, the Troon Card is the ultimate way for golfers to experience the World of Troon at the best rates. In 2023, more than 150 courses are participating in the program. Members can reserve tee times within three-days of their desired date of play and enjoy savings up to 50% off golf fees. Choose from state, region-specific, or national Troon Cards to unlock preferred rates at more than 150 golf courses worldwide. For a complete list of benefits, courses and rates, and to purchase your Troon Card today, visit www.troon.com/product/troon-card-esplanade

CONCIERGE SERVICES

CARVER CONCIERGE SERVICES

Free consultation & 10% off 1st month. 813-546-4070 | carverconcierge.com

CELEBRATORY YARD SIGNS

SIGN DREAMERS OF BRADENTON

$60/day for a Single Day Sign Rental

Derek Pardue: 941-773-5766

FOOD

TWO CHEFS ON HILLVIEW

Specialty Food Shop | 10% Off $40+ 941-210-3535 twochefsonhillview.com

TRAVEL

HEATHER ROEMBKE

Your Personal Travel Advisor hroembke@gosmart.travel gosmart.travel

SPORTING GOODS

VANHUNKS BOARDING

10% off a full price board or boat. Tyrone: 941-218-9095 vanhunksboarding.com

CAR SERVICES

KEITH BANKS LUXURY SUV TRANSPORTATION

Preferred pricing for local transport. 770-883-4641 | banks13@aol.com

JAX CAR WASH

Complimentary car wash (one per person) and 10% off detailing services. 941-746-9274 jaxkarwashfl.com/freebestwash

HOTELS, RESORTS & GOLF

See list and use special links available on your Member website.

PET SERVICES

K9 REVIVE All-Natural Dog Supplements 10% off using the code AZARIO10. k9revive.com

BAYSIDE PET RESORT 10% off services. 941-755-3047 | baysidepetresort.com

LUXURY PET SPA

Mobile Pet Grooming | 10% Off Stanley: 941-330-3414

CHIROPRACTOR

BRAIN & BODY CHIROPRACTIC, THE WELLNESS WAY

Food Allergy Testing & More 10% Off All Services 941-702-0553

HOME SERVICES

PARADISE GRILLS & OUTDOOR KITCHENS

10-20% off retail. 941-271-3048 | paradisegrills.com

ZINGA’S

Blinds, Shutters, Shades, Outdoor Screen Shades and Awnings. Buy 3, Get 1 Free + FREE Installation. Kathy Foddrill: 941-254-6514 kathyfoddrill@zingashome.com

STOP SLIP SOLUTIONS INC.

10% off surfaces safer to walk on. Mary Ann Hollander: 941-600-8031 stopslipsolutionsinc.com

HOME SERVICES BY PETER

Electronic & internet-based services. 10% off & free consultation. 941-893-7131 vip.handyman@kleedoc.com

To see full details on all Esplanade Exclusive Concierge Offerings, please visit esplanadeazariolifestyle.com/concierge.

2023 ESPLANADE

7

MAR/APR

CONCIERGE

LIFESTYLE

Kris & Steve Borkenhagen

The Members of our community are truly what make this a wonderful place to live. In each edition, we will spotlight a Member, couple or family to showcase the amazing people that call our community home. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate another Member, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

model home on Valentine’s Day in 2022 and we have been in love with our home ever since.

What Lifestyle programs are you most interested in?

All the Taylor Morrison sponsored events we have attended have been enjoyable and have allowed us to connect with other new Azario families (wine tasting, Signature Events, trivia nights and get-togethers at the Sales Gallery).

What are some of your hobbies?

Currently, we are active in the Azario Reader’s Club, Creative Art’s Club and Bunco. Besides the clubs, we truly enjoy walking our neighborhood. Everyone is so friendly!

Why did you choose Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch to call home?

QQuite simply, the beautiful landscape. The palm trees at the main entrance were so welcoming with the incredible backdrop of the golf course. After touring other developments, we were exhausted. As soon as we turned into Azario, we felt we were home (and we are not even golfers).

AAre you a full-time Member of Azario? If not, where else do you spend time?

We are full-time Members of Azario. Steve and I are originally from Milwaukee, WI and then the last eight years we lived in a Chicago suburb. We purchased our Ambra

Around Town

ST. PETE WALKING MURAL TOUR

Weekly on Saturdays | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Florida CraftArt | 501 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg

The Central Arts District in downtown St. Petersburg is proud to announce our signature Walking Mural Tours. Visitors will hear the inside stories of the making of over 30 murals found in the four-block tour. Who is Woo? Why Frida and Twiggy? Photo ops as a bird, a fish, a bug! The cost for the Mural Tour is $20 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-18, free for children under 5. Wear comfortable shoes as this involves walking on uneven surfaces up four blocks and back. For more information, visit floridacraftart.org/product/mural-tours

What is your favorite thing to do with out-of-town visitors?

When family and friends come for a visit, we always have a beach day. We have started a tradition that all our overnight guests create a one-of-a-kind shell. The shell can be as simple as name and dates of their visit or as elaborate as palm trees with a car and the Florida sun. These shells are our guest book.

We also visit a local restaurant for great seafood. However, the best part of our guests’ visit is to simply to sit at our lanai table, enjoy the morning sunshine, a cup of coffee and wonderful conversation. Nothing is better than lively conversation and the view of palm trees.

8 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT / ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Interest Groups & Social Clubs

Doing more of what makes us happy is called the key to life by many. Share your passion and take the first step by attending or creating a club/group today.

Meet fellow Members with similar interests by creating or joining an interest group or club! Any Member wishing to develop an interest group or club should contact the Lifestyle Manager to receive information and an application. The Lifestyle Manager will then help to facilitate promotion of activities developed by the Members. Depending on the group size and activity, the Sales Gallery may be a suitable space for your gatherings. Contact your Lifestyle Manager for help in coordinating the appropriate space for your club.

Current Groups & Clubs

5K RUNNING CLUB

Run a 5K route each week. Build motivation, create friendships and receive support for healthy habits! New and experienced runners. Contact Bridget at bridgetbcurtin@ gmail.com or 703-965-4199, or Tim at timfcurtin@gmail.com or 703-939-1669.

BOWLING CLUB

Plans are still in the works for times and locations. Contact Tom Buchanan at twbuch1982@hotmail.com or 941-9150243 or John Coliton at 815-409-5665.

BUNCO CLUB

Third Thursday | 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Contact Darla Perz for more information at darlaperz@outlook.com or 412-400-5790.

COUPLES BRIDGE CLUB

Select Friday Evenings | 7 - 9 p.m.

Sales Gallery

Contact Lizanne Snyder at lizannesnyder@ gmail.com or 908-279-5767.

CREATIVE ARTS CLUB

Third Tuesday | Locations & Times Vary

Contact Nancy Borchers at 513-3792747 or nancy.borchers@gmail.com for more information, as pre-registration and payment for some events are required.

EUCHRE CLUB

This club has grown! There is room for all skill levels. Contact Steve Barr at 248-5354838 or stevebarr32@gmail.com to receive up-to-date club meeting information.

GARDEN CLUB

Fourth Saturday | 1 - 3 p.m. For more information and the location to meet, contact club leader Rosemary Vermost at rosesbeaches@gmail.com or 309-721-1213.

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH & DINNER DIVAS

First Wednesday

Ladies gather to dine out on the town. Contact Michelle Beierschmitt (860-8845191 or shelly10766@aol.com) for info.

MAHJONG CLUB

Every Tuesday | 1 - 4 p.m.

Sales Gallery Community Room

Contact Barbara Drew at bdmeetings@ gmail.com for more information.

MEN’S HAPPY HOUR

Second Sunday

Contact John Markiewicz at 847-951-1948 or chitowngolfer18@comcast.net for info.

MIXED 9 & WINE

Date Varies

9 holes of golf and dinner or drinks after. Looking for a Member to run this as a club!

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

First Tuesday | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Sales Gallery

Contact Steven Wolfson for more info at vonwolf.sw@gmail.com or 516-317-4808.

PICKLEBALL CLUB

Contact Darla Perz at 412-400-5790 or darlaperz@outlook.com for more info.

PLANT BASED EATING GROUP

For more info, email cfrazier731@gmail.com.

SINGLES CLUB

Would you like to connect with other single Members? Contact Karen Hernandez for more information at azariosingles@gmail. com or 516-655-9898.

TENNIS CLUB

Ladies - We are currently in search of a ladies’ tennis club leader.

Men's - Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Randy Pulliam: randypulliam7@gmail.com

MAR/APR 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 9 GET INVOLVED

Recent Events

Flower Bar WORKSHOP

Roaming Petals hosted a floral design class for our Members where they learned all about flowers and flower arrangements while socializing with friends. The only thing more beautiful than the weather were the bouquets our Members went home with.

Noon Years Eve EVENT

The early bird gets the worm … and champagne! We popped open a few bottles and rang in the New Year at noon this year. Members mingled and shared their New Year’s resolutions on the Sales Gallery Lanai. We all raised a glass to another year of delightful events!

Popcorn SOCIAL

Members popped into the Sales Gallery for a delicious snack and fun with neighbors. We popped fresh popcorn with various flavored toppings and Tropical Shores Gourmet Popcorn provided some sweet selections including Cookies & Cream and Classic Caramel popcorn.

10 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

‘

Recent Events

In case you missed some of the events, here is a look back at our fun the last few months!

Spaghetti DinnerMINGLER

What’s not to love about this classic dish? Members dug into a delicious offering of pasta, salad, garlic bread, and wine. Everyone went home full, happy, and looking forward to future culinary events.

Tai Chi & CHAI TEA

Fitness & Wellness Manager, Mary Winter gave Members a taste of programming with a morning of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi, a gentle form of active stretching. The morning was a bit chilly, but everyone warmed up with a hot cup of homemade Chai Tea!

Bahama Bar Craft Beer EVENT

Members had a wonderful evening tasting local craft beers and getting a sneak peek at the future Bahama Bar offerings. Food & Beverage Manager, Chris McDonald and Executive Chef Jason Revell were both on site to answer questions and mingle with Members.

MAR/APR 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 11

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on weekly Lifestyle emails for more fun and enriching events! All activities and events are subject to change. Visit esplanadeazariolifestyle.com to see the most up-to-date information.

MOTE MARINE OUTING

Wednesday, March 22 | 10 a.m.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

In honor of World Water Day, we are heading to the aquarium. Get up close and personal with the local aquatic environment as we explore the aquarium and all it has to offer.

SUNSET SIPS

Mondays, March 27 & April 17 | 7 - 8 p.m.

Sales Gallery Lanai

Meet for Sunset Sips and enjoy the best sunset views in Lakewood Ranch. Members are invited to bring their own beverages. Registration is required for this popular event and space is limited.

HERSCAN

Monday, March 27 | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sales Gallery

SIP ‘N’ WICK CANDLE CLASS

Saturday, March 4 | 1 - 3 p.m.

Sales Gallery Lanai

Learn how to create your own candle and take it home to enjoy! You choose your vessel color and your fragrance, and the instructor shows you how to put it together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Sip ‘N’ Wick is proud to offer clean burning fragrances that are free from toxins or carcinogens. $35 per participant.

YAPPY HOUR

Wednesday, March 8 | 4:30 p.m.

Bark Park

Bring your pups out for Yappy Hour treats and fun! Join us at the Bark Park for puppaccinos. Members are welcome to bring their own beverage. Registration is required for puppaccinos and treats, but feel free to “pup” on in for socializing even if you did not register!

SPRING BREAK BASH

Saturday, March 11 | 12 - 2 p.m.

Montello Pool

Celebrate the beginning of spring break with a pool party! Join us for pizza, popsicles, and games while a DJ keeps the party jumping!

In honor of National Women’s Day this month, let’s practice ultimate self-care and take charge of your health! Schedule your appointment for a pain-free ultrasound screening and give yourself peace of mind. A link to make your appointment will be posted on the community website. You can also visit herscan.com/registration or call 800-3387499 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

12 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023 A LOOK AHEAD

Upcoming Events

Keep an eye on weekly Lifestyle emails for more fun and enriching events! All activities and events are subject to change. Visit esplanadeazariolifestyle.com to see the most up-to-date information.

YAPPY HOUR TREAT HUNT

Wednesday, April 5 | 4 - 5 p.m.

Bark Park

Sniff your way to the Bark Park and celebrate spring with a treat hunt for your furry friends. Beverages, puppaccinos, great conversations and tail wags provided!

KID’S SPRING EGG HUNT

Saturday, April 8 | 10 a.m. Vitality Park

Spring has sprung so let’s celebrate! Hop on down to Vitality Park with your basket for a spring egg hunt. Be sure to arrive early as this event goes quickly!

Monthly Member Meetings

FLOWER ARRANGING CLASS

Wednesday, April 12 | 5:30 p.m.

Sales Gallery Lanai

Join us in learning to create beautiful flower arrangements in this hands-on class hosted by TwoBlooms. Everything you need for your creation will be provided, but we do encourage you to bring your favorite snack and drink! Every participant will go home with the arrangement they created; vase included! Cost is $45 per participant.

ESPLANADE 101

Tuesdays, March 14 & April 18 6 p.m. (Mar) & 10 a.m. (Apr) | Sales Gallery

Join us for new homeowner orientation with the Lifestyle Manager and Community Association Manager as we introduce you to everything Esplanade. Come with questions!

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Thursdays, March 16 & April 20 10 a.m. | Virtual

Join your Community Association Manager for the most current updates about your community. Meetings will be held in person and via Zoom.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Tuesdays, March 21 & April 11 10 a.m. | Sales Gallery

Join your Lifestyle Manager for coffee and conversation, as we discuss the latest and greatest Lifestyle news in a relaxed and social atmosphere.

MAR/APR 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 13 A LOOK AHEAD

Wellness Challenges

Spring Cleaning: 21-Day Declutter Challenge

» Day 1: Listen to a podcast about organizing.

» Day 2: Organize your closet and pack away winter clothes.

» Day 3: Clean out your refrigerator and freezer.

» Day 4: Organize your pantry.

» Day 5: Remove clutter from kitchen counter tops.

» Day 6: Organize kitchen cabinets; donate items no longer used.

» Day 7: Organize laundry room.

» Day 8: Clean out your wallet and purse.

» Day 9: Organize your bedroom closets.

» Day 10: Clean out your junk drawer.

» Day 11: Sort through your USPS mail.

» Day 12: Remove old apps from your phone.

» Day 13: Clean out your inbox and unsubscribe from emails.

» Day 14: Open the windows to enjoy fresh air and play music!

» Day 15: Purge old personal grooming items and makeup.

» Day 16: Vacuum the interior of your car.

» Day 17: Clean the garage and storage closets.

» Day 18: Organize your home office and filing cabinets.

» Day 19: Organize your medicine cabinet.

7 Ways to Lower Your Stress Challenge

1. Practice 10 minutes of mindful meditation, either in the morning, or before bed.

2. Limit your caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon.

3. Establish a routine for exercise, eating and bedtime (routine = practicability).

4. Identify and understand your sources of stress.

5. Write down five things you are grateful for in your life.

6. Go screen-free at least one hour before bed.

7. Eat well-balanced meals.

» Day 20: Organize holiday decorations and storage bins.

» Day 21: Donate unused clothes, toys and shoes.

National Wildlife® Photo Contest

Calling for Entries!

The National Wildlife® Photo Contest, which began over five decades ago, celebrates the power of photography to advance conservation and connect both photographers and viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. The most compelling nature images can help protect wildlife in profound ways. Showcase the beauty found within your Esplanade community (and beyond!) and share your nature and wildlife photos for a chance to win prizes and to get published in the pages of their award-winning magazine. Entries may be submitted now through March 26 and voting begins May 1. Visit photocontest.nwf.org to enter!

14 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE MAR/APR 2023 WELLNESS / COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP

What’s in Season?

With the seasons changing, we also see a change in what food is in season! Below you will find items that are coming into season, are already in season, or are at the end of their peak season that you should enjoy.

FRUITS

» In season: kiwi

» End of peak season: lemons, oranges, passion fruit, pomegranates

VEGETABLES

» Coming into season: peppers, spring onions, spinach

» In season: cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli, rhubarb

» End of peak season: celeriac, leeks, shallots

PROTEINS

» In season: rabbit, turkey, salmon (wild caught)

» End of peak season: mussels, oysters

Culinary CreationsAT HOME

Raspberry Rhubarb Margarita

Tequila and acidity make for an unquestionably harmonious combination, and owner Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon likes to invite rhubarb into her margarita parties. “Rhubarb makes these spring cocktails slightly tangy, which complements the sweetness from the raspberries nicely. Cooking the rhubarb per the recipe also happens to give this tasty cocktail a beautiful pink color that is 100% natural.”

INGREDIENTS

» 2 oz tequila blanco

» 2 oz fresh lime juice

» 2 oz raspberry rhubarb syrup (recipe to the right)

» 2-3 jalapeño slices

» Fresh raspberries, limes, and jalapeño, for garnish

RASPBERRY RHUBARB SYRUP

1. Add 1/2 cup chopped rhubarb, 3/4 cup raspberries, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and the juice of 1/2 a lemon to a small saucepot and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a low boil.

2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft.

3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cooled, mash the rhubarb and raspberries with the back of a fork or a wooden spoon.

4. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, extracting as much liquid as possible. Pour the liquid into a jar or sealed container and place in the refrigerator to cool.

DIRECTIONS

1. Place a thin layer of flake salt on a small plate. Rim glass with lime juice and dip each glass into the salt. Set aside.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and 2-3 jalapeño slices. Add the tequila, lime juice, and raspberry rhubarb syrup to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Fill prepared glass with ice and, using a cocktail strainer, pour the mixture over the ice. Garnish with fresh limes, fresh raspberries, and jalapeño slices, if desired.

MAR/APR 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 15 CULINARY

EsplanadeAzarioLifestyle.com