Esplanade Lifestyle - Wiregrass | Sep/Oct 2023

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LIFESTYLE

Sep/Oct 2023

Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Corrin Godlevske, Resort Manager Corrin.Godlevske@TeamEsplanade.com

Caroline Roeber, Lifestyle Manager Caroline.Roeber@TeamEsplanade.com

MEMBER SERVICE

EsplanadeWiregrassLifestyle.com

800-720-0028

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

TAYLOR MORRISON SALES

Cheryl Steers Community Sales Manager 813-240-0553

CSteers@TaylorMorrison.com

Xiomara Romanov Community Sales Manager 813-685-3399

XRomanov@TaylorMorrison.com

Brianna Pyles Community Sales Manager BPyles@TaylorMorrison.com

Christina Brice

Community Sales Manager CBrice@TaylorMorrison.com

2 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023 Contents
In this issue
14 4 15
GALLERY HOURS Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun, 12 - 6 p.m. LETTER FROM THE LIFESTYLE TEAM A note on what’s coming up TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Lori Miles PET FEATURE
Remy FEATURED EVENTS
Nights
Pink WELLNESS Fall in Love with Wellness CONCIERGE Exclusive offerings just for you! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Recent Events GET INVOLVED Interest Groups & Social Clubs A LOOK AHEAD Upcoming Events MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Fran & Jan Fisher FITNESS Personal Training & Group Sessions SPA The Spa Retreat COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP Creating a Bee Garden CULINARY Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe TRAVEL - TRIP SPOTLIGHT Destinations by Esplanade: Alaska ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Around Town Events 4 4 3 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 13 14 10 15 15 8
SALES
Meet
Furry Friend:
Havana
& Pickled

Letter From the Lifestyle Team

CAROLINE ROEBER

YOUR LIFESTYLE MANAGER

Happy Fall!

Fall into cooler weather as the seasons change here in sunny Florida. This is the time to have fireside drinks at our beautiful Resort lanai or around the fireside seating. Join in with friends as you grill out poolside for the big games during football season. Be on the look out for our annual fall events like Fall in Love with Wellness and Pickled Pink!

September and October will be very full of fun events for Members including our third Signature Event, Havana Nights on September 30. Enjoy music, dining, and dance as you take a step into paradise.

The Lifestyle programming is tailored to your interests, so do not hesitate to reach out to us with your comments and suggestions for our events in the future. We encourage all newly closed Members to join us for Esplanade 101, as it is the key to your Lifestyle here at Esplanade.

Happy fall and may you enjoy the changes this new season brings as we move into cooler days.

SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 3 Caroline

Lori Miles

YOUR TENNIS, PICKLEBALL & BOCCE SPORTS COURT PROFESSIONAL

Lori is currently certified as a USPTA Tennis Instructor (since 2006) and Pickleball Instructor (since 2023) by the United States Professional Tennis Association. She has been playing tennis since racquets were made of wood and pickleball since 2004. Lori looks forward to making tennis, pickleball, and bocce fun and exciting for Members!

She has been a tennis instructor for over 30 years, having been affiliated with various organizations such as Nike Tennis, ITA College Official, USTA Official, and coaching High School and USTA Junior Team Tennis Tournaments.

Lori began playing tennis at the age of 16 in Arizona and played 1st position on her team. She brought her talent to Virginia while attending school at Virginia Tech. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a second bachelor’s degree in management science. After graduation, she received a top-secret security clearance and worked at the CIA in Washington, D.C. as a computer financial analyst. From there, she moved to Tampa and started her own business as a tennis instructor. Many years later, with the introduction of pickleball, Lori grew to love the sport and became certified as a teaching instructor.

Lori has lived in the New Tampa area since 1989 after moving from Stamford, Connecticut. She has two daughters that were born and raised in the New Tampa area. Her oldest, Stephanie, lives in Brandon and works as a teacher with the Hillsborough County School District. Her daughter, Courtney, lives on the east cost of Florida and teaches

tennis and pickleball at Riverland in Port St. Lucie. When not on the courts, Lori loves to travel. She’s been to all 50 states and 17 countries including China! Learning about other cultures and traditions has always been fascinating to her.

Furry Friends

Meet Remy

Remy is the newest edition to Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch. He found his “furever” home with Lynne and Jerry Brown in August. The Browns struggled with just the perfect name for their miniature labradoodle, finally deciding that Remy was the sweetest fit to join their family. Welcome home Remy!

HAVE A PET TO FEATURE?

Contact your Lifestyle Manager to feature your pet in the next edition of the Lifestyle Magazine. Answer a few questions about your furry, feathery, or scaly friend and share a couple pictures.

4 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023
TEAM SPOTLIGHT / PET FEATURE
LOVED BY THE BROWN FAMILY

Havana

NIGHTS

Saturday, September 30

5 - 8 p.m. | The Resort Venue

Whisk yourself away to an evening in paradise and immerse yourself in the spirit of the tropics! Enjoy Cuban-inspired cuisine and cha-cha charm your way onto the dance floor with authentic themed music, as well as live cigar rolling!

You’re invited to join us for our annual Esplanade Pickleball tournament for a cause:

Pickled Pink

Saturday, October 14 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Pickleball Courts

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, form your all-star team and take part in competitive play on the courts with Members of neighboring Esplanade communities, as you enjoy live entertainment, and light refreshments!

Both men and women are encouraged to come dressed in their best pink pickleball attire as we participate in a shared effort to raise money for organizations supporting breast cancer research. For additional tournament details and to register, visit the Sport Programs page on your Member website!

Fall in Love WITH WELLNESS

At Esplanade, our approach to wellness is multi-faceted and designed to create a holistic experience for our Members and guests. It is in this spirit that we are pleased to invite you to our 2nd annual health and wellness expo: Fall in Love with Wellness.

Within the expo, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of health and wellness providers in the area. Connect with health professionals, holistic practitioners, mental health experts, and other partners from our library of concierge services as you learn more about how you can interconnect the 8 dimensions of wellness into your life. Exciting raffles and light refreshments will be available for your enjoyment!

NOVEMBER 11 | 8 A.M. – 12 P.M. THE VENUE

Esplanade offers both all-ages and 55+ communities. For our Age-Qualified Communities only (not applicable to Esplanade’s All-Ages Communities): At least one resident of house hold must be 55 or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55 in limited circumstances. For minimum age requirements for permanent residents in a specific community, please see Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for complete details. All information (including, but not limited to amenities, programs, and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, or delay without notice. Photos are for illustration only. Activities, venues and events listed are for informational purposes only without guarantee and subject to change outside of Taylor Morrison’s control. Special events, clubs, classes and trips may be for residents only, while other events invite prospective homeowners as our guest to experience the Resort Lifestyle. Participation subject to reservations and space availability. Community Association and additional fees may apply for certain activities and events for residents and/or guests. Community’s Lifestyle Manager reserves the right without notice to reschedule, modify or cancel events due to enrollment levels and/or other circumstances beyond its control (e.g., inclement weather). If you have additional questions, please contact your Lifestyle Manager. For prospective buyers: This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. © 2022, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

EMOTIONAL | PHYSICAL | SPIRITUAL | SOCIAL | ENVIRONMENTAL | FINANCIAL | INTELLECTUAL | OCCUPATIONAL

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 Wiregrass Ranch, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

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

BEAUTY

MARI’S MOBILE NAILS

Contact Mari: 813-507-3967

facebook.com/marismobilenails

VENUS NAIL BAR

10% off services.

28842 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel 813-406-4000

TRANSPORTATION

AFFARI TRANSPORTATION 10% Discount 813-448-4703

affaritampa.com

GOLF

VELOCITY CUSTOM GOLF CARS

$250 off of a New Golf Cart 813-501-2103

velocitycustomgolfcars.com

DRY CLEANING

QUALITY PLUS DRY CLEANING Free Pickup & Delivery Service 727-807-3257

qpcleaners.com

PETS

PAW WASH PLUS Grooming Services

727-375-7070

K9 ADVENTURE Dog Daycare

10% Off Regular Services 727-375-9995

k9adventurestrinity.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GARAGE OCD

Total garage organizing, customizing, and detailing service, as well as most handyman services, paver pressure washing, stripping and sealing.

10% Discount on All Services 813-783-4013 garageocd@outlook.com

NEXT LEVEL TRIM

Custom Woodworking and Home Improvement 5% off.

Dave Sa – Owner 813-580-0673 nextleveltrim.com

HOTEL RATES

Ask your Lifestyle team for more info about special discounts at area hotels.

FOOD & DRINK

PRP WINE

Complimentary In-Home Wine Tasting ($79 value)

Jason Lima: 813-621-1911 prpwine.com

BOYETTE FAMILY FARMS

10% off. Open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 6715 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel, 813-312-5388

ACTIVITIES

KAI LANI CATAMARAN

Catamaran Cruise: $45 per person 727-656-7894

kailanicat.com

SARAH VANDE BERG TENNIS CENTER MEMBERSHIP

No Imitation Fee, 20% Discount on All Membership Fees & 1 Free Salt Session 813-361-6660

svbtenniscenter.com

SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 7
CONCIERGE

Recent Events

Destinations by Esplanade INFORMATION SESSION

Members participated in an onsite “African Safari” as they learned more about our Destinations by Esplanade travel program and available Africa itineraries. Members had the opportunity to interact with snakes, monkeys, parrots, alligators, and the show stopping 50lb tortoise that no one could stop talking about. Unparalleled exploration and once-in lifetime experiences await. Visit DestinationsByEsplanade.com and use code esplanade2023 to learn more!

Spice it Up SEASONING CLASS

What a great way to learn to make your own steak seasoning, chicken dust, and dip seasonings. Members were able to mix up their own seasonings to take home with them while they dined on short ribs, chicken bites, and Hawaiian bread dip from the seasonings they made. Hosted right after a long day of working or relaxing by the pool, this was a great crowd pleaser.

Summer Social Cornhole TOURNAMENT

This summer series really started off with a bang! Members were able to competitively learn the game of cornhole in our first ever Cornhole Tournament. Lifestyle Manager, Caroline Roeber teamed up with Lori Miles, Sport Courts Specialist, to create the fun of this party. Everyone dined on a variety of food while listening to our very own Member-led band RPM 55 perform. Competition was really stiff when the Cornhole Traveling Trophy was up for the win!

Esplanade in Color SIGNATURE EVENT

What an experience Members had with our Signature Event, Esplanade in Color! Everything was splashed in LED Color from the dance floor, drinks, putt putt course, and even the axe throwing booth! Everyone had a wonderful and colorful time!

8 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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 their Lifestyle Manager to receive information and an application. Your Lifestyle Manager will assist in coordinating when and where is available for your club or interest group to meet at the Resort Amenity. All groups and clubs must be open to any Member of the community who is interested in joining. For more information about creating a club or group, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

1. DEVELOP

Create the name and purpose of your club or group. Review the guidelines.

2. SUBMIT APPLICATION

Let us know! The Lifestyle Team will help schedule your meeting place and time.

3. GET LISTED

Once approved, your new club will be listed on the website and in the Lifestyle Magazine.

Current Clubs & Interest Groups

ACRYLIC PAINTING

Monthly | 2 - 5 p.m. | The Venue Gary Bernardo: oldschoolartstudio@yahoo.com

BITES WITH THE BOYS

Monthly | 11:30 a.m.

See website calendar for dates & locations.

BOOK CLUB

First Thursday | 6 p.m. | The Venue

Erl Piscitelli: ekpiscitelli@aol.com

BRIDGE CLUB

Thursday | 1 p.m. | The Venue

Della Mandel: adela.mandel24@gmail.com

BUNCO

Third Monday | 1:30 p.m. | The Venue Tammy Barnes: tleeb507@yahoo.com

GENEALOGY CLUB

Last Wednesday | 7 p.m. | The Venue Jane: jane@alkington.com

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH

Monthly | 11:30 a.m.

See website calendar for dates & locations.

MAHJONG

Wednesday | 1 p.m. | The Venue

Roberta Hyde: rshyde@hotmail.com

MEXICAN TRAIN

Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | The Venue Join Members for a friendly game. You do not need to be experienced to play.

MUSICIANS GROUP

Tuesday | 8 p.m. | The Venue Bert: hq57swim@yahoo.com

PINOCHLE

Tuesday | 1 p.m. | The Venue

Herb Hyman: herbhyman@hotmail.com

POKER NIGHT

Monthly | 7 p.m. | The Venue

See website calendar for dates. Whether you are a seasoned pro or want to learn, join other Members to play. Friendly competition is always welcome, as you play for chips.

SINGLES GROUP

Monthly | The Venue

See website calendar for dates and times. Taffi Stearman: udisstearman@gmail.com

YARN LOVERS

Monthly | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | The Venue

Leslie Urso: leslie.urso@gmail.com

SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 9 GET INVOLVED

Upcoming Events

All activities/events subject to change. For details and to register, visit esplanadewiregrasslifestyle.com/events.

LET’S MAKE SOAP LOAFS

Monday, September 11 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Fee: $10

The Venue

Customize your soap loaf with color and dried flowers to enhance the senses. Each Member will leave with creative soap bars.

ESSENTIAL OILS CRAFT CLASS

Monday, September 25 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Fee: $10

The Venue

Learn the basic properties of essential oils while you create combinations of your own to take home. Using essential oils diluted in roller bottles will save you money by making your oils last longer. We will make roller ball combinations of: Muscle Rub, Headache Support, and Bug Bite Relief.

HAVANA NIGHTS SIGNATURE EVENT

VETERANS BRUNCH

Saturday, September 2 | 10 - 11:30 a.m.

The Venue

Let’s honor our Veterans of Service with a Veterans Brunch hosted by your Lifestyle team. Come sip on fresh juices and enjoy a culinary experience.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE

Saturday, September 9 | 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Entire Community

Have a few things to get rid of? Need a few things? Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch is hosting our Community Yard Sale! Feel free to stop by any house participating.

BBQ COOKOFF FUNDRAISER

Saturday, September 9 | 6 - 8 p.m.

The Venue

It’s time to have our first ever Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch BBQ Cookoff! Come out and enjoy live music while you sample BBQ cooked by our very own Members. Compete for Gold, Silver and Bronze BBQ medals to find out who are the Kings or Queens of BBQ Cooking. All forms of BBQ will be accepted and rated by your very own Memphis, Tennessee Natives, Dominic Lane and Caroline Roeber. Bring your drink of choice to enjoy. Potato salad, coleslaw, and sandwich buns will be provided. What if you do not BBQ? Bring a dessert of your choice for the dessert auction to benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Charity.

Saturday, September 30 | 5 - 8 p.m.

The Venue

Join us for our Signature Event, Havana Nights, featuring live music, dancing, Cuban inspired culinary experience, and live cigar rolling!

ROLL N’ CRAB FOOD TRUCK

Friday, October 27 | 5:30 - 8 p.m.

The Venue

No cooking for you tonight! Come visit the Roll n’ Crab Food Truck!

OCTOBER SPOOKY MEMBER MINGLER

Saturday, October 28 | 8 - 10 p.m.

The Venue

Join your Lifestyle team and dance the night away as we enjoy spooky themed costumes, food, music, and dance.

10 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023 A LOOK AHEAD

Fran & Jan Fisher

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 who call our community home. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate another Member, please contact your Lifestyle Manager.

Why did you choose Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch?

Fran: We looked in Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch while renting and fell in love with the lifestyle and weather.

Jan: My daughter lives in Tampa and she is only 15 minutes away plus we loved the area. We are from Pittsburgh, so we were looking forward to a climate without the harsh winters.

What Lifestyle programming are you most interested in? What are your hobbies?

Fran: I love swimming, pickleball, golf, and singing with our Member formed band RPM 55.

Jan: I love pickleball after trying it for the first time, pinnacle, and bunco. I also love visiting places I have never been before, reading, and traveling everywhere especially beaches.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received or given?

Fran: Live your life with everything in moderation. Always try to do a different activity every day.

Jan: There is something good in everyone. Seek and you shall find.

Tell us something about yourselves that may surprise people?

Fran: I think singing with the band has surprised most people. Prior to moving here, I never even sang karaoke.

Jan: I have a twin sister that lives in Myrtle Beach, and my daughter has twin boys.

Monthly Member Meetings

Where is the most exciting place you’ve traveled, and what made it so memorable?

Fran: Prior to the pandemic we traveled to Europe. The most memorable was the different cultures, but similarities in family life.

Jan: I loved going to Aruba, mostly because I won money on the slot machines, plus we met a lot of wonderful people. We would definitely like to go back.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Tuesdays, September 5 & October 3 10 - 11 a.m. | The Venue

Join your Lifestyle Manager for a relaxing and informative meeting. Find out what’s happening on the social scene. Bring your questions and suggestions.

ESPLANADE 101

Tuesdays, September 12 & October 10 1 - 2 p.m. | The Venue

New Homeowner orientation for Members who recently closed on their homes. Join your management team and find out everything you need to know about Esplanade.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Tuesdays, September 20 & October 10 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. | The Venue

Meet with your Community Association Manager and discuss community matters. Find out what’s happening around the community.

SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 11
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT / A LOOK AHEAD

Personal Training & Small Group Sessions

Uniquely Curated Programming Designed for You

Get ready to reach your health and fitness goals in an exciting and fun way. Take advantage of expert personal training from your Fitness Manager, Dominic Lane. Allow him to guide you through the correct positioning and form is invaluable. Ensure your workout plan and exercise plan are the most effective for your body. You’ll not only see the results you want but avoid potential injury this way. With weekly check-ins and evaluations, Dominic provides accountability and support. Whether you want to tone up for that upcoming special trip or looking to move better on the Pickleball Court. All training packages are on sale and come with two complimentary sessions added to any select packages for the month of July and August.

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINING

» 60 minute sessions

» Individual Session: $80

» Personal Training packages are also available in 4, 8 and 12 sessions

SMALL GROUP FITNESS TRAININGS

» 60 minute sessions

» 2 participants: $60 per person

» 3 participants: $50 per person

» 4 participants: $40 per person

ONLINE FITNESS COACHING

» 4-week Program $140

» 6-week Program $210

» Individualized program via email, virtual meetings and weekly check-ins

SMALL GROUP FITNESS TRAININGS

» 60 minute sessions

» 2 participants: $60 per person

» 3 participants: $50 per person

» 4 participants: $40 per person

COMPLETE FITNESS & WELLNESS ASSESSMENT

» Fitness Assessment: $20 (30 minutes)

» Lifestyle evaluation, goal setting and series of exercises that help evaluate your overall health and physical status

Personal Training and Small Group Sessions are available by appointment only. Please call the Resort Amenity Center or email Dominic Lane, our Fitness Manager, to schedule your session or get more information at Dominic.Lane@TeamEsplanade.com. Appointments are based on availability.

12 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023 FITNESS

The Spa Retreat

Organic. Artisanal. Inspired by You

Grounded in our approach to holistic wellness, Esplanade is delighted to introduce our new private label bath, body, and home collection, The Spa Retreat, featuring Esplanade’s signature Coconut, Lime, + Verbena scent, crafted exclusively for our Esplanade Members. From lotions, candles, reed diffusers, linen spray, aromatherapy, body washes, and scrubs, these artisanal products are natural, organic and vegan, and formulated without parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, or phthalates. Each blend has been created to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, restoring your balance and energy.

Our Signature Scent

A captivating fusion of fresh coconut, lime and invigorating verbena soothed by vanilla with sweet notes of citrus on a background of musk and sandalwood. Our scent creates an uplifting atmosphere, thanks to its naturally light and breezy notes. We hope Coconut, Lime + Verbena will become synonymous with bringing you a calm spirit and renewed energy. To browse the full collection, please contact your Lifestyle team or order online at ShopEsplanade.com

THE SPA

Creating a Bee Garden

Bees are pollinators and incredibly important wildlife. Bees visit flowers to feed on nectar and gather pollen to feed their young. In doing so bees spread some of that pollen and fertilize or “pollinate” the flowers, which then form seeds that become the next generation of plants. Those seeds are often packaged in fruits, berries and nuts that then become food for other animals, from birds to reptiles to mammals (including us). Those animals then disperse the seeds away from the parent plant in their droppings, which serve as fertilizer. Here are four things you can do in your own yard or other garden space to support native bees:

1) Plant Natives; 2) Reduce the Size of Your Lawn; 3) Stop Using Pesticides; and 4) Offer Nesting Habitat. To read the full article and learn more, visit blog.nwf.org/2023/06/creating-a-bee-garden

SPA / COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP
INTRODUCING THE NEW SIGNATURE
SPA COLLECTION
AT ESPLANADE SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 13

Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup with Thyme, Pecans, and Crème Fraîche

Culinary CreationsAT HOME

Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 50 min | Serving Size: 6 - 8

INGREDIENTS

» 2 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

» 3 granny smith apples, peeled and diced

» 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

» Kosher salt

» 1 red onion, chopped

» 1 large shallot, chopped

» 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped, plus a few extra sprigs for garnish

» 4 cups good quality store-bought chicken stock

» 1 (8 ounce) container crème fraîche

» 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar

» Pinch cayenne pepper

» ½ cup pecans, ground fine in a food processor

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets and one small baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread chopped butternut squash in a single, even layer on the two large baking trays. Spread chopped apple in a single layer on the

small baking sheet. Drizzle squash and apples with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil. Season generously with Kosher salt and toss to coat. Roast squash in oven for 20-30 minutes, until tender. Roast apples for only 15-20 minutes, until tender.

2. In a large stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion and shallot, season with Kosher salt, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. Add roasted squash, roasted apple, thyme, and stock. Season with Kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

3. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until very smooth. Alternatively, place soup in a blender (in batches if necessary), and blend until smooth (just be sure to securely hold top on blender with hot soup in there).

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine crème fraîche, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season with Kosher salt.

5. When ready to serve, divide soup between bowls, top with a dollop of crème fraîche, and sprinkle with ground pecans. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired. Devour immediately.

CULINARY
14 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE SEP/OCT 2023

Trip Spotlight: Wildlife & Frontier Seattle to Seattle

Embark on an 11-day voyage to the heart of the last frontier—Alaska. From forested mountains to glacial bays, prepare to witness the majesty of nature. Watch out for bald eagles, breaching whales, and brown bears as you sail the tranquil waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Visit DestinationsByEsplanade.com and view “The Americas” on the Partner Trips tab to learn more. Don’t forget, you will need password “esplanade2023” to log in.

Direct Link: journeys360travel.com/ere-member/wildlife-frontierseattle-to-seattle

Around Town

– and of course, beer! A variety of beers from traditional German Pils, to multiple Oktoberfest marzens and Hefeweizen will all also be available. Additionally, red and white wine, fresh-squeezed lemonade and other refreshments will also be available.

Festival goers are encouraged to participate in the wide range of custom-crafted Outrageous Bavarian Games (free to play) that foster fun challenges to win cool prizes and more importantly, bragging rights. Saturday afternoon is jam-packed with some of our biggest competitions, including The Beard and Mustache competition and the Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest. Hoist your stein with us and watch one of Tampa’s most engaging personal competitions available throughout the year! Other challenges include: Stein Hoisting, Keg stacking, Brat Toss, Carry the Wench and much more.

OKTOBERFEST TAMPA

October 13 - 15 | Friday: 4 - 11 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Curtis Hixon Park | Downtown Tampa

Soak in the sprawling downtown views and beautiful sunsets as the park buzzes with live music, dancing, alphorns, dirndls, lederhosen

Every year, entrance to the event is free for men and women of the Armed Forces (active or retired) and any first responders of the City of Tampa (TPD, TFR, EMS) for you and your spouse. Simply show your proper ID at the entry gate. This event proudly supports Are U Safe, a local Tampa non-profit organization that advocates and assists domestic violence victims through empowerment and education. To learn more, visit oktoberfesttampa.com

TRAVEL / ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SEP/OCT 2023 ESPLANADE LIFESTYLE 15

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