Emerald Coast Magazine- February/March 2016 by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

JUSTIN GAFFREY

Artist Makes Waves With 3-D Painting

COASTAL CALM

Beachside Home Soothes the Soul

LOW-COST CHIC Making the Most of Flea Market Finds

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DEAR HEART

Inspired by her gratitude for the best part of Florida, Carol Carlan not only sparks change â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she sees it through.

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The Emerald Coast Magazine February + March 2016

contents

FE AT U RE S

Carol Carlan

Leading with passion; healing with heart.

BY LINDA KLEINDIENST

PHOTO BY ROMONA ROBBINS

80 Justin Gaffrey

This reflective risk taker repaves his creative path … again. BY ANNE HUNTER

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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contents in the e.c. 23 Snapshot From A to Zeke … the Gulfarium is ready for a great spring season. 24 Chat Pat Day gets our stamp of approval for three decades of loyal service. 26 Champions Yvonne Franklin gives her heart, hope to our homeless. 28 Editor’s Choice Come backyard birding with the Duncans. 37 Scene News and notes from the EC scene.

happenings 47 Spotlight “Almost, Maine” will tug at your heartstrings. 52 Calendar Warm your winter at these fine fetes and festivals.

55 Social Studies Look who we spotted out and about.

the good life 91 Eudaimonia This empowering organization for women gets our vote.

99 Mind + Body Get lovely brows in just a wink. 103 In Motion Look who’s pushing (and pulling) for the CrossFit craze. 106 Home Feature Tour Allyson Runnels’ coastal charmer in Seagrove. 124 Habitat Turn tattered treasures into a chic retreat.

106

128 Gardening You don't have to jump through hoops to make this house. 130 Flavor Oh is for eating organic on the EC. 136 Cheers Toast the taste of spring with this Moscow-inspired mule. 138 Recipe We pour on the flavor with cornbread chili. 140 On the Town Chef Javier Rosa brings world flavors into his kitchen. 142 Dining Savor the flavor of the EC.

28 136 10 February–March 2016

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

A WORD WITH YOU 14 From the Publisher 16 Editor’s Note 146 The Last Word

Like us at facebook.com/emeraldcoast

PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE WARD (24), COLLEEN DUFFLEY PRODUCTIONS (106) AND COURTESY OF BONEFISH GRILL (136)

92 Going Places We spill the beans on the best of Boston.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM December February–March 2015–January 2016

EMERALD COAST MAGAZINE VOL. 17, NO. 1 FEBRUARY–MARCH 2016

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL SERVICES Steve Bornhoft EDITOR Zandra Wolfgram SENIOR STAFF WRITER Jason Dehart

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...o

ing uniqnuues Featurh nig tly me

STAFF WRITER Chay D. Baxley EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Rebecca Padgett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Benton, Anne Hunter. Jennifer Ireland, Christy Kearney, Lis King, Ann Lewis, Kate Mueller, Rebecca Padgett, Audrey Post, Liesel Schmidt, Ruth Wolfgram EDITORIAL INTERNS Casey Feindt, Kiyo Kawaguchi, Paige Sneed, Arianna Theofan PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan

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SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT McKenzie Burleigh Lohbeck DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS Daniel Parisi AD SERVICES COORDINATORS Tracy Mulligan, Lisa Sostre SALES EXECUTIVES Bess Grasswick, Darla Harrison, Lori Magee, Rhonda Lynn Murray, Dan Parker, Linda Powell, Paula Sconiers, Alice Watts, Brianna Webb SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANT Christie Green EVENTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Leigha Inman

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CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Emerald Coast Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Emerald Coast Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright February 2016 Emerald Coast Magazine Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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from the publisher

I have always said that people cannot fully appreciate their good health until they experience illness or injury. The difficulties may be a simple one like a cold or sinus infection or an acute, chronic or even life-threatening physical challenge. Four decades ago, a family member provided me with an analogy that I never have forgotten. He said that when we are born, we are allotted a certain number of miles on our personal “life” odometer, and it is up to us to choose either the fast lane or an alternative. The lifestyle we lead is directly related to the speed at which we use up the miles we have in the bank. The number of miles we each receive is also tied to our DNA and family history. Moving beyond DNA, just think for a moment about how alcohol, smoking, drugs, environmental hazards, risky behaviors, eating habits, exercise, sleep patterns and other factors can affect longevity and the pace at which the odometer turns. Of course, all of these influences are apart from the “acts of God” that every insurance policy you ever signed enumerates — bolts of lightning or a motorist running a red light, for example. In those cases, people often conclude it was “just his or her time” to punch out. There was nothing that could have been done to prevent the fatal event. But there are steps that most of us can take to slow the odometer. Taking advantage of the outstanding medical facilities and practitioners in our communities is one of them. To help you in that regard, we will be publishing, in conjunction with the April/May edition of Emerald Coast Magazine, the Emerald Coast Medical Resource Guide. With the cooperation of Sacred Heart, Baptist Medical, Fort Walton Beach Medical and White Wilson hospitals, we have compiled a comprehensive and current list of physicians and other medical professionals from Pensacola to Panama City. This welldesigned guide will be organized by specialty and will provide quick-reference contact information for each of the medical-services providers it includes. It will be delivered along with the April/May edition of Emerald Coast Magazine. I trust you will find it useful. The edition you’re currently reading reflects some of the changes that will be included as part of a comprehensive redesign of what has been known in recent years as EC Magazine. We have reverted to “Emerald Coast” as the magazine’s title and with good reason: As part of our commitment to serving readers throughout coastal Northwest Florida, we’ve expanded the magazine’s direct-mail circulation area to include Pensacola and Panama City. The magazine’s page size and press run have been increased, and you’ll see evidence of our efforts to present stories in a more compact, graphically interesting fashion. In this edition and going forward, you will see more stories of a regional scope, including today’s cover story on a true community leader whom I met when she was recognized last year as one of our 850 Business Magazine Pinnacle Award winners. Carol Carlan is president of the Sacred Heart Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing health care services and facilities from Pensacola to Panama City. I know you will enjoy learning about Carol’s remarkable life journey, and I invite you to supply me with your feedback when you encounter the complete redesign in April. In closing, I encourage you to plan for tomorrow and live for today. Enjoy everything in moderation. Strive to lead a happy and healthy life, mindful that the odometer never turns backward. Cheers,

SCOTT HOLSTEIN

Here’s to Your Good Health

on the cover

Pinnacle Award winner and community leader Carol Carlan brings positivity, compassion and business savvy to her new role of president of the Sacred Heart Foundation. Photography by Dave Barfield

JUSTIN GAFFREY

Artist Makes Waves With 3-D Painting

COASTAL CALM

Beachside Home Soothes the Soul

LOW-COST CHIC Making the Most of Flea Market Finds

ORDER UP! Our Svelte, New Dining Section is In

— BRIAN ROWLAND BROWLAND@ROWLANDPUBLISHING.COM

14 February–March 2016

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

DEAR HEART

Inspired by her gratitude for the best part of Florida, Carol Carlan not only sparks change — she sees it through.

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editor’s note

editor’s picks

— ZANDRA WOLFGRAM EC-EDITOR@ROWLANDPUBLISHING.COM 16 February–March 2016

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

‘GOODNIGHT 30A’ Grace Hammond Skertich wrote “Goodnight 30A” in collaboration with fellow Memphis resident David Lynch. Both have small children, and their families are regulars to the sugar-sand beach communities along 30A. The vibrant, hardcover book, published with permission from the 30A Company, provides a tour of all things fun along the famous scenic highway and includes such familiar, family-friendly spots as The Red Bar in Grayton Beach, George’s and Charlie’s Donut Truck in Alys Beach, Frost Bites in Seaside, Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar and YOLO Boarding. You can purchase it for $19.99 at any 30A retail shop or online at 30Agear.com.

AND THE WINNER IS . . . If you’ve had your head in the sand, then you may not know that The Beachcomber Awards are essentially a mash-up of the Grammys and Oscars of the Emerald Coast, only better. Beachcomber’s illustrious editor, Chris Manson, puts his theatrical and dramatic talents to good use and delivers an exciting and entertaining evening while also handing out 30 or so awards. This year’s eighth annual mustnot-miss event is set for Monday, February 29, at 6:30 p.m. For more info, visit beachcomber.com. Insert applause here! AN OLÉ HOLIDAY First hosted in the 1930s, National Margarita Day is celebrated in the United States every year on the 22nd of February, and if you are in my house, pretty much every Saturday during the summer as well. As well it should be, this festive day is dedicated to celebrating the sacred combination of tequila, triple sec, lime and salt, which, not surprisingly, has become the most popular tequila-based cocktail within the United States. Cheers!

PHOTO COURTESY OF 30A.COM

I have had women on my mind lately. (But not in the way you may think.) And rightly so, because women seem to be having a (welldeserved) moment as the expression goes, as well they should … Global Citizen is a grassroots effort created to bring awareness to human issues such as poverty, hunger, the environment and civil rights. They put together a star-studded festival concert held in Central Park in New York. One of the highlights of the show (other than Queen Beyonce’s tour-de-force) was when Malala Yousafzai took the stage in her colorful sari to encourage the live audience and television viewers to join her in her fight for education for all. (As you may recall, Malala is the brave and tenacious young Pakistani teen who was shot in the head in 2012 by Taliban gunmen as she walked home from school.) Obviously, no one has been successful in striking down this fearless young woman’s passion, and she seems to be even more resolved to speak her mind and build on her status as the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. As young women like Malala around the world watch, our U.S. presidential election welcomes women from both sides of the aisle to vie for the big seat in the Oval Office. Regardless of your political leanings, I hope you are as excited as I am to see intelligent, strong, accomplished women taking the debate stage and touring the country to state their cases in an effort to earn votes for the most powerful job in the free world. Speaking of politics, I recently learned about The Institute for Women in Politics of Northwest Florida, which was created with a mission to empower and encourage local women to run for office. As I noted in Eudaimonia in this issue, the highest number of women in office in our region are in Escambia and that is a paltry 34 percent. Perhaps Carly and Hillary will inspire more of the 51 percent of the population to get involved by seeking office all across the nation. They both have my vote on that. Another impressive group of local women comprise Impact 100, a grassroots organization formed in 2012 to harness women’s power and funds in an effort to help nonprofit groups who identify a specific need. On Nov. 15, the group chose three finalists, each of whom received $107,667. (We hope to tell you more about this in a future issue.) None of this is possible without the stalwart leadership of women, including attorney Michelle Anchors, executive Sandy Sims and accountant Christine Carter. Each are each leaders in their fields, members of Impact 100 and tireless champions for numerous community causes. When it comes to recognizing community leaders, our sister publication, 850 Business Magazine does a great job of it. Ten distinguished local women were honored at the second annual Pinnacle Awards at WaterColor Inn and Resort. Carol Carlan, recently tapped to lead the Sacred Heart Foundation, is one of the winners who graces the cover of this edition of Emerald Coast Magazine thanks to a terrific profile piece by another female powerhouse in her own right, 850 editor Linda Kleindienst. And change is coming to the way we’ll make change. The $10 bill is being redesigned to honor a to-be-named woman who helped shape our country. It will be unveiled in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the right of women to vote. But it’s not too early to celebrate if you ask me. Anyone who bet a ten-spot or any other amount on the U.S. Women’s Soccer team won big. And females of all ages won again when the president said during the team’s recent visit to the White House something along the lines of: “Every member of the U.S. national soccer team proved that if you run like a girl … you’re a bad ass.” I could go on and on, but I’ll end with sharing that while I was writing this column, my 14-yearold daughter appeared in my office in full costume as Captain America. Not in tights, but in a dress. That image sums up what’s been on my mind lately. A feeling of hope and perhaps some overdue justice for some much needed … girl power. It’s Women’s History Month, so to all the sisters, mothers and daughters out there … you go girls!

ALLISON YII

I Want to Run Like a Girl, Too

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Special Sections 39 Women in Business

As we celebrate women in March, this special section highlights some of the Emerald Coast’s best and brightest businesswomen.

The Lowdown on Brows

It is said that the most beautiful curve on a woman is her smile. But eyebrows should not be overlooked. We consulted expert makeup artists to find out how best to give an important facial feature the attention it deserves.

48 Top Salon

This Emerald Coast Magazine event brings together masters of makeovers, first-time models and deserving charities.

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Relive Emerald Coast Magazine’s 2015 Best Of the Emerald Coast event benefitting the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. More than 100 of EC reader’s top vote getters were showcased to 3,500 attendees who gathered at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Oct. 24 to celebrate what makes the Emerald Coast the BEST.

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Meet Sweet Zeke!

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park’s latest addition is “rambunctious and playful” and has already begun interacting with park guests. Meet Zeke! Zeke is a 2-year-old juvenile bottlenose dolphin born to Zac and Indie at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach. Thanks to a successful cooperative breeding agreement between the two parks, he has moved to the Gulfarium, where he is getting along swimmingly, according to Chad Stouffer, director of marine mammals at the park. Facilities accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, such as the Gulfarium, engage in cooperative breeding agreements with other accredited facilities in order to proactively manage the population of dolphins under human care and ensure diversity within the gene pool. “Zeke’s arrival is just another sign of the blossoming dolphin family at the Gulfarium,” says park general manager Patrick Berry. Visitors can view Zeke, along with 6-month-old Kaya, 4-year-old Chopper, and females Lily and Delilah, in the main dolphin habitat upon entering the park. For a full schedule of interactive shows, visit gulfarium.com. — Zandra Wolfgram

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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Seaside is Her Stamping Grounds Pat Day Marks 30 Years as Postmistress BY ANN LEWIS

n June 2015, Pat Day celebrated 30 years at the Seaside Post Office. Twenty-nine of those years, she has been postmistress. She moved to Seaside to “get out of the rat race” in South Carolina. Her family had land in the north end of Walton County, and she knew this area well. When she first came to Seaside, she wore many different hats, holding a variety of part-time jobs. In fact, she started at the Seaside Post Office part time. In those days, the other worker in the tiny, quaint post office brought her baby to work because she could, and Seaside even in its infancy had family at its heart. In 1986, Day became postmistress. At that time, one end of the counter was a community book swap, inviting locals and guests to share stories, information and books. Centrally located in the heart of Seaside, the post office, built in 1985, is a gathering place, a photo backdrop and an information center. In the early days, the iconic building was surrounded by sand, with nothing around it but a growing sense of community.

day, I see 20 to 50 photos taken at the post office. It’s pretty iconic in the sense that it was the first public building. Originally, it stood on a pit of sand. People have always gone there to have pictures made. At times, there is a constant stream of picture takers, making it difficult for customers to get in and out.

EC: What was it like in the early days of Seaside? PD: There was so little mail then that I could carry all mail for Seaside in a basket on my arm, delivering business mail to the Seaside office on Tupelo in the morning and picking it up in the afternoon.

EC: In what ways have Seaside founders Robert and Daryl Davis been a part of the Seaside Post Office’s fame? PD: Robert wanted to give it that nice hometown feeling. His good vision has come to fruition. All in all, it’s a wonderful place. It’s been a wonderful place for me to enjoy people from the U.S. and all over, and slow enough to talk with them.

EC: How many times per day do people take pictures in front of the post office? PD: While I’m at the counter on any given

EC: What do you like about your job? PD: I love meeting people and talking to them, learning about them and giving them all the help I can.

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EC: What do you think of when you reflect on 30 years in Seaside? PD: Year after year, those who have invested and bought into the Seaside experience bring their children, creating a feeling of closeness. After 30 years, we have come to know one another. The Seaside lifestyle can be described as an easygoing, whimsical, special flavor. It’s a fun place to be. Families come here. Children can run around free. EC: What’s the single most important attribute in differentiating good businesses from great ones? PD: Your people who meet the public because they provide your first impression. It is essential that we all are very open, very friendly and welcome them to the area. So many of us share great Southern hospitality. Consider how different the Seaside Post Office and its parent office in Santa Rosa Beach on Highway 98 are when it comes to that hometown feel. ec

Photo by Jacqueline Ward Images

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champions

Champion for the Homeless Yvonne Franklin's Passion is Central to her Purpose

haring & Caring volunteer Yvonne Franklin takes pride in her role of nurturing the homeless in Fort Walton Beach. The 77-year-old mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has been a loyal volunteer at Sharing & Caring for 12 years. Originally from Tampa, Franklin moved to the Emerald Coast in 1959 and has seen the area change in many ways. One thing that hasn’t changed is her desire to help others and see people for who they are beyond their lack of home address. Franklin has a reputation on the streets as being an angel, providing homeless persons with socks, clothes and food. She stocks her trunk with items to care for people she sees on the street and at her Friday shift at Sharing & Caring. “I think I’m a mother to everybody on the streets,” Franklin states matter-of-factly. With abundant energy, Franklin works part time at a dental office and her daughter’s restaurant, Bella Donna. When asked how she maintains that pace, Franklin is quick to give her full schedule credit

BY CHRISTY KEARNEY

for keeping her young, saying with a smile, “It keeps me going and active. I don’t feel my age.” After more than a decade of serving the homeless and telling others about her work, Franklin has become a one-person collection agency for clothing and socks for the homeless. “My patients at work know what kind of work I do, and they are very generous with their donations,” says Franklin. In 2003, Franklin took over the Cold Night Shelter program and doubled the number of partner churches participating and opening their doors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. “We give them a meal and breakfast in the morning,” explains Franklin. Her commitment to caring for the homeless goes beyond clothing and food. She personally works with individuals to set up bank accounts and initiate the Social Security process. She also tries to make sure next of kin is documented on their Sharing & Caring files. “I just enjoy what I do so much,” says Franklin. “It gives me a good feeling to do what I do and help somebody. If I can even help one person, that’s enough for me.” ec

This ongoing series shines a spotlight on individuals making a difference. These social champions from all walks and stages of life are equally zealous about the community causes to which they have dedicated their lives. For more champions, go to emeraldcoastmagazine.com.

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Photo by Chase Yakaboski

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

editor’s choice

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Bird’s Eye View:

Flying High on the Emerald Coast with the Duncans

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

hough you may not realize it, the Emerald Coast is prime territory for bird watching enthusiasts of all kinds, from the most casual observer to the truest tracker. Areas including Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, with their undeveloped lands along the Gulf Islands National Seashore, play host to countless species of interesting birds that keep birders on their toes, eyes trained on the sky and ears open to the songs of the wild as their feathered friends flit and fly, unaware that they’re playing to an audience of adoring fans who track their every move. For Gulf Breeze residents Bob and Lucy Duncan, the fact that they live in an area so rich in bird life is one of the best things about living along the coast. They see far beyond the obvious beauty of the beaches and listen not so much for the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore, but for the very distinct calls of the birds that so captivate their passion and ignite their imaginations as they meticulously gather details on these winged wonders and catalog them like treasures. The Duncans have been awed by all things avian since 1967 when they began to take notice of the rich variety of birds that they saw around their neighborhood. “Once you really start noticing the birds, it makes you realize that there are a lot more species than you ever dreamed,” says Lucy, a retired Santa Rosa County school teacher. Getting immersed in the culture is fairly simple, according to Lucy, a former board member at the Francis M. Weston Audubon Society in Pensacola. “Join the local Audubon Society and take part in their field trips,” she advises. “Take birding classes –– you’ll have the opportunity to go birding with knowledgeable birders, and they’ll be able to help you get started. If you’re not inclined to enroll in a class, start

Photo by Dave Barfield

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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learning your neighborhood birds and compare them with one another. Find them in the field guide, and take notice of why certain birds are grouped together in families and orders,” she continues. “Keep a list of the birds you see and identify, the date you see them and where they were. This starts your life list, and while it’s an optional activity for birders, it’s really a wise one, because keeping those lists is also an ideal way to reinforce learning.” Lucy finds that once you see the bird, identify

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it and record its name, you’re likely to remember it. That leads to curiosity about birds and their environments, their behaviors and life histories. In their past 40-plus years of bird watching, she and Bob, a retired Civil Service worker whose white hair belies his youthful enthusiasm for the never ending hunt, have traversed the map in search of new species to add to their ever-growing list, tracking and photographing and taking notes on everything from plumage to feeding habits. So what, exactly, does a birder do? “That really depends on what an individual’s interests might be,” says Lucy. “Some are simply satisfied to take photographs and watch their feeders, while some may prefer to take a more intense approach and actively seek out the birds and maintain lists.” There seems to be no shortage of lists from which to choose, ranging in scope and detail so that, whether the interest is a flight of fancy or a scientific study, birders of all levels can collect, analyze and share their finds with their fellow bird lovers. “There are many, many lists, and for some listers, those lists can become quite like a

competitive sport,” Lucy observes. “They can be very focused in one small area, like yard lists, which track birds that you see while you are actually, physically in your yard. Our total is 278, one of the highest in the nation,” she says proudly, her eyes shining brightly as a smile plays across her lips. Looking around the Duncans’ well-shaded, densely planted plot of land, one can easily see why so many birds would happily stop by. As Lucy tells it, the northern Gulf Coast and our coastal plain offer rich and varied habitats, from the vast Gulf of Mexico to the many bays, beaches, marshes, river bottomlands, agricultural lands and forests. “Some of the best areas to go bird-watching locally are on the Blackwater River and at Fort Pickens,” she says, rattling off facts about birds with the ease of breathing. “Every habitat has its own complement of species, and, in Northwest Florida, over 400 different species of birds have been recorded.” For these lifelong birders, some of the most memorable sightings have been the ones that happened when they were least expected. “Once, when Bob and I were casually birding our favorite trail at Fort Pickens, we saw movement under the

PHOTOS BY DAVE BARFIELD AND LUCY DUNCAN (HERON)

Bob and Lucy Duncan have been avid bird watchers for 40-plus years. Below, a great blue heron builds its nest.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

editor’s choice thicket on the trail’s edge that made us pause, and what we saw made us gasp in surprise. Much to our shock, we’d seen a green-tailed towhee, which is a bird common in dense brush on mountainsides and high plateaus of the western U.S., and it really shouldn’t have been here,” Lucy recalls. They spread the word throughout the local area and the Southeast using various birder networks and it didn’t take long before others arrived with their binoculars and cameras in hand, hoping that they would be rewarded. “Birders came from every state in the Southeast just to get a glimpse!” she exclaimed. As Lucy continues to share stories of triumphant sightings, one tale stands out from the rest, one which could be considered by some to be a wild goose chase. Nonetheless, it is one that will never fade from memory. Many years ago, while in the midst of preparing dinner for friends, the Duncans received a phone call telling them that a Caribbean elaenia, a tropical flycatcher never before seen in the U.S., had been Clockwise from discovered several hours top: A northern earlier at Fort Pickens. parula, a member of the warbler Lucy was conflicted by family, clings the news, but she knew to a budding that it was unlikely the branch; birder Bob Duncan merges bird would still be there with a favorite hours after it was sighted. environment; and a yellow-crowned “Even though I knew I night heron. was going to have to abandon my desire to see the bird in favor of continuing my dinner preparations, I sent Bob off in search of it without me, shoving a camera into his hands before I went back to stirring the spaghetti sauce,” she says. Their son found the bird, Bob photographed it and they confirmed its identity. From that point, both the plot and the sauce thickened. The Florida Ornithological Society was meeting in Tampa at a banquet, and the Duncans knew they would want to know about the sighting, but this was in the days before cell phones. Bob telephoned the convention headquarters and asked to speak to any birder who could take the call. “Daylight came, and dozens of birders, including me, were scanning trees searching for a 4-inch bird we had never seen before,” Lucy tells. “It was not to be found, but not one birder regretted the chase!” Whether you’re hiking the trails with field guide and binoculars at hand or sitting on the porch watching alertly for whatever might be passing through, birding truly is an activity limited by neither age, nor gender, or physical ability. Open your eyes to what’s around you, and you might be surprised at what you’ve been missing. ec

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Birding Basics

» When selecting binoculars, make sure the magnification is at least 7-power and the diameter is four to five times larger than the power — 7 x 35 or 8 x 40, for example. The larger the lens, the heavier the binoculars — so be sure it will be comfortable to wear around your neck and carry for a few hours.

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» Purchasing a field guide is easy, but be sure to

learn how to use it. Trying to identify birds flying around at 30 miles per hour while flipping through pages is not an easy feat and can lead to frustration. Learn how the guide is organized so you know the general section to turn to — most guides are in phylogenetic order (based on evolutionary history). Some tech-savvy birders may find it easier to download a field guide app on their smartphone, such as Sibley Birds, where you can see pictures and hear recordings.

Identification Tips

» S hape and Size Details like the size and

shape of the body and length of the tail or legs.

» P lumage Pay attention to feathers and color markings that could set the bird apart.

» Behavior How the bird acts, flies and gets its food. » H abitat Where you are geographically, whether in salt marshes, deciduous forest, urban, etc.

» V oice Listen closely, each bird has its own specific call and song.

Birding Beginner’s Checklist

PHOTOS BY BRENDA CALLAWAY AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY HONEY HILLIARD

These birds are common sights and can be found in our area year-round.

□ Painted Bunting

Cardinal □ Northern (Male and Female)

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Backyard Birding Nothing is better than waking up with your morning coffee and finding a bluebird — or a cardinal or a red-belied woodpecker — outside your window waiting for you. Making your yard more attractive to birds can be a simple matter. “Just add water,” said Cindy Wolf, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in Panama City. Water, frequently overlooked by people who focus on feeders, is the most important element in attracting birds. Drinking and bathing water will draw birds not interested in the foods you offer them. Putting a mister, dripper or water wiggler in your birdbath will entice tanagers, warblers and hummingbirds. Added Wolf, “It’s a good idea, too, to enhance the habitat in your yard by adding plants that will serve as nesting areas and safe retreats for birds.” On average, birds eat 20 percent from feeders and 80 percent from the land. Providing blends with sunflower seeds, safflower and millet, for example, will attract a variety of birds. Planting native berry-bearing plants is also a good idea. During nesting and migration, high-energy foods like suet, bark butter and mealworms will attract insect-eating birds. Putting your feeder near bushes and trees is essential for protection against predators, and baffling your feeder pole will keep unwanted visitors (snakes, raccoons and squirrels) away. Birds in search of a place to raise their young can find a secure home in your backyard with the use of nest boxes. // KATE MUELLER

eBird Hotspots According to eBird.com, local birders flock to these nearby locations listed on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (floridabirdingtrail.com).

» Shoreline Park, Santa Rosa » Gulf Breeze Wayside Park, Santa Rosa » Gulf Islands National Seashore — Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center and N. Bay Trail, Santa Rosa

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SANTA ROSA

GOLF & BEACH CLUB

SantaRosaClub.com | 850.267.2229

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» Pensacola Pier, Escambia » Gulf Island National Seashore — Fort Pickens, Escambia » Garcon Point WMD — South Trailhead, Santa Rosa » Okaloosa Holding Ponds, Okaloosa

The Great Florida Birding Trail The Great Florida Birding Trail is 2,000 miles of self-guided trails that span 515 birding and wildlife viewing sites throughout Florida. The Panhandle section, established in 2004, extends from Escambia to Jefferson counties. Points of interest along the trail in the Emerald Coast region include the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Naval Air Station Pensacola, the Edward Ball Nature Trail, Blackwater River State Forest, Grayton Beach State Park, Pine Log State Forest, Camp Helen State Park and St. Andrews State Park. Pamphlets are available online to download to your computer, your smartphone or tablet for free. WEBSITE: floridabirdingtrail.com APP NAME: Nature Viewing Along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail For more information on becoming involved with the FMWAS, visit fmwaudobon.org. Great tips for beginning your adventure as a bird-watcher are available online at floridabirdingtrail.com.

Empowering Lives to Better Health

Welcome to Precision-Based, Personalized Health Care! Dr. Rodney Soto, MD

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Dennis Lichorwic, DMD Past President Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Stephanie Baya, DMD

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Nisha Waits, DMD Julia Skinner, DMD

Phillip Estes, DMD

scene What’s happening on the Emerald Coast? Here are just a few things we’ve heard about around the area. KUDOS & CONGRATULATIONS ▪ Visit South Walton (VSW) has named Mike Ragsdale its 2015 Van Ness Butler, Jr. Hospitality Award recipient. Ragsdale was presented the annual award at VSW’s 2015 annual meeting held in October at the WaterColor LakeHouse. Each year, VSW recognizes a pioneer in the tourism industry with the prestigious award, bestowed upon a community member for his or her visionary leadership in helping to shape South Walton into a premier tourist destination. Since moving to South Walton in 2006, Ragsdale has become a passionate advocate of the South Walton lifestyle. The owner/founder of 30A.com, which now has several sub-brand businesses, has raised several hundred thousands of dollars for nonprofits in Walton County. ▪ Carley McMillian, lead sales coordinator for Visit South Walton (VSW), was named to Connect Magazine’s annual 40 Under 40 award list. The honor is presented annually to the 40 most promising young sales and meeting professionals in the group sales industry under the age of 40. McMillian, who recently earned her Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certification, has helped VSW in launching Autumn Tides, Above & Beyond, Nature-Based Certified Outfitters and other programs and campaigns.

an innovative partnership that paved the way for the new facility. Northwest Florida State College is leasing the land, located west of the baseball stadium, for an annual fee of $1.

▪ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty announced that it entered into an agreement with John S. Carr & Company in Pensacola. This new affiliation brings two offices and 30 top sales professionals under the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty umbrella. ▪ Bote has released its updated 2016 HD board, which is available in five styles including a Realtree camouflage edition. The HD — or hybrid — combines the advantages of a recreational surf style hull and a displacement touring hull, making for effortless paddling and excellent stability.

▪ Turnberry Associates has announced plans to build a 150-room select service hotel, which will be located adjacent to Destin Commons and feature approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space for corporate meetings and social functions. Turnberry expects to break ground on the hotel in spring 2016, and construction is expected to last about 18 months.

▪ The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College in partnership with AmeriCorps kicked off its 2015–2016 Grasses in Classes Program. This year, CBA launched 21 Grasses in Classes Programs throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. Throughout the month of October, CBA and AmeriCorps members worked together to establish 63 saltmarsh nurseries with 3rd and 5th graders.

PHOTOS BY KAY PHELAN (TURNBERRY ASSOCIATES) AND LINDSEY MULLINS (ECAC)

NEW NEWS ▪ Construction has begun on a $2.5 million, state-of-the-art school and therapy center for the Emerald Coast Autism Center, a nonprofit organization at Northwest Florida State College’s Niceville campus. Founded in 2009 to fill the gap in educational services for children on the autism spectrum living in Okaloosa and Walton counties, ECAC looks forward to the completion of the 15,225-square-foot school in October 2016. The facility, which will allow the organization to nearly double its student population to 130, will feature 10 classrooms and three group classrooms, a speech therapy room, an occupational therapy room, a life skills room, an indoor playground/gymnasium, a multipurpose room with adjoining kitchen, a conference room and administrative offices. In 2013, the locally operated school and therapy center entered into an agreement with Northwest Florida State College, forming

Local leaders celebrate the groundbreaking of Emerald Coast Autism Center's new facility on the campus of Northwest Florida State College. From Left: Brian Pennington, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Northwest Florida State College; Mayor Randall Wise, Mayor of Niceville; Heidi Blalock, CEO of ECAC; Trista Barrett, ECAC student; Staci Berryman, Executive Director of ECAC; Jacob Bender, ECAC student; Dan Buckner, Chairman of the Board of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation; Bob Gelardi, Charity Relations Chair of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

If you have news to share, email us at EC-editor@rowlandpublishing.com.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

▪ Skip and Victoria Moore, owners of 723 Whiskey Bravo Bistro & Bar, celebrated national Be an Angel Day by presenting Angel Flight Soars executive director Jeanine Chambers with a check for $100,000. Angel Flight Soars’ mission is to arrange free air transportation for people who need to travel to receive lifesaving medical treatment but lack the means. ▪ Alys Beach presented a check for $30,000 to Alaqua Animal Refugee. The funds were raised from the Alys Beach 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run and a donation from The Alys Foundation. Approximately 3,000 Emerald Coast residents, making up 116 teams, rallied together on Oct. 17 at Uptown Station for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer community walk, raising approximately $111,000. Impact 100 Winners Impact 100, a nonprofit group of women formed in 2012 to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in Okaloosa and Walton counties, selected Sherry Hall, Candy Knowling and Jackie Bytell (pictured above left to right) during its annual meeting as 2015 finalists to each receive $107,667. Since its founding, Impact 100 has awarded $598,000. Impact 100 Finalists

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION ▪ Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar on 30A in Seaside saluted the change in seasons with a Summer’s End Harvest charity wine dinner prepared by Chef Phil McDonald and featured Stacole Fine Wines. The sold-out event, held Oct. 1, raised $1,000 for Food for Thought, a partnership whose mission is to end childhood hunger in Northwest Florida. ▪ The Fifth Annual Duck Regatta again made a huge splash during the family-fun event at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort on Oct. 10. Approximately 3,000 ducks raced across the Lagoon toward the finish line. The $5,000 lucky duck was adopted by Tiffany Klein. As the rest of the flock made it across the finish line, nine duck “adopters” won prizes, including

Sacred Heart Duck Regatta 38 February–March 2016

▪ South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival was awarded a Flagler Award in the special events category by Visit Florida at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The Festival also earned an Award of Distinction from the Florida Public Relations Association in April at the Image Awards held in Pensacola.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

a paddleboard, airline tickets, iPads and dinner packages. The popular community event benefits the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Volunteer Guild, which raises funds for hospital equipment and continuing education opportunities for hospital associates. ▪ The Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Volunteer Guild recently donated $74,000 to fund several capital projects at the hospital.

▪ The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce has hired Megan Harrison as its new President/CEO. Harrison replaces Kellie Jo Kilberg who left the Chamber after Harrison leading the organization for three years. ▪ Pensacola-based Emmanuel Shepherd and Condon Law Firm, one of the oldest law firms in the area, has opened a new office in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center. ec

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Volunteer Guild

PHOTOS BY ZANDRA WOLFGRAM (IMPACT 100), NIKKI BIRD COURTESY SACRED HEART HOSPITAL ON THE EMERALD COAST (SACRED HEART DUCK REGATTA AND SACRED HEART GUILD) AND COURTESY OF WALTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (HARRISON)

scene

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WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

WOMEN AT WORK What better time than March’s Women’s History Month to shine the spotlight on some of the region’s most accomplished female professionals? The U.S. Department of Labor reports that women comprise 47 percent of the national workforce — and more than 50 percent in the skilled professions. In this special section, we’re honoring the contributions of women in the workforce by sharing the career highlights of talented professionals from our area. Prepare to be impressed.

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WOMEN’S

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PROFILES

Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gifts For 22 years, Laurie Olshefski has been styling the Emerald Coast with grace and charisma. She owns two Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gifts locations, one recently relocated to the new area of 30Avenue in Inlet Beach. The second is in Pier Park. She owns two additional stores, The Fitness Fetish in Seaside and Coastal Casuals in Pier Park, which specialize in apparel. She loves helping customers find the perfect piece of jewelry as a gift or outfitting them in the latest fashions to boost their mood and experience.

40 February–March 2016

corporation. She has always had a passion for fashion. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business and continued to educate herself in sales, marketing, retailing and business leadership.

As a teen, Laurie knew she wanted to lead a

Laurie attributes her success to drive, determination, dedication and devoted faith. She frequently attends seminars and workshops because she believes continuing education and self-development are crucial to her success. As busy as she may be, to keep her mind and body healthy, Laurie teaches yoga and group fitness classes and has done so for the past 25 years.

CONTACT Shimmering Seas | 30Avenue | (850) 231-5100 Coastal Casuals | Pier Park | (850) 234-1101

Shimmering Seas | Pier Park | (850) 234-6200 The Fitness Fetish | Seaside | (850) 231-5000

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“I teach people how to exercise and accessorize,” she says. “I love my job because each day is different and I thrive on variety,” Laurie says. “One day may be planning ads and promotions, the next day meeting with jewelry and apparel reps and another day doing store visits or crunching numbers.”

Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gifts carries these brands and more: Alex and Ani, Marahlago Larimar and UNO de 50.

PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

Her parents supplied her with a strong work ethic and taught her to be kind and friendly to everyone. “I love being a part of my customer’s memories when they are purchasing our products and seeing them wearing them as they are out enjoying life. A customer’s compliments about my store or staff make my heart smile,” Laurie beams. She is proud of her two children, Landen and Alina; her 30-year marriage to her husband and business partner, John; her leadership awards; and the ability to add a bit of shimmer and style to a customer’s life.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PROFILES

Junior League of the When the Junior League of the Emerald Coast originated in 1964, it had five members. Over 50 successful years later, the League is proud to have 250 members who are committed to enhancing the Emerald Coast community. These members are Northwest Florida women with diverse backgrounds, careers and interests. These women unify for the purpose of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the positive action and leadership of trained volunteers. Another vital part of the League’s mission is to help members gain the confidence and experience they need to go out into the community and fulfill leadership positions. Training sessions and conferences aimed at building members’ leadership

potentials are held throughout the year to aid in work life, home life and community endeavors. Members work together to plan fundraisers, organize service projects and conduct community impact days. Every month the JLEC holds Community Impact Days where they partner with other nonprofit organizations to aid them in accomplishing a need, whether that be collecting supplies or assisting with an event. They have worked with Shelter House, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity, Food For Thought and many more. An event that the JLEC started in 1979 and continues today is the Child Clothing Project. In 2015 members helped provide clothing for 317 children in need in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

CONTACT Junior League of the Emerald Coast | (850) 862-2665 | jlec.com

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STM PHOTOGRAPHY

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Emerald Coast Each child, who had been nominated by a school guidance counselor, was given $100 worth of clothing.

OG RA ST M PH OT

After 50 years the Junior League of the Emerald Coast is stronger than ever in its community presence, charitable endeavors and leadership achievements.

PH Y

This event occurs every October. This year the JLEC will take on expanding the impact of this project by creating closets in several schools and nonprofits to meet this need year-round. Children who attend these schools or receive services at local nonprofits will receive access to a closet, stocked with essential items, as they need it throughout the school year. Other beneficial projects include: Rock the Road 5k/10k, Touch-A-Truck and Derby Party. To learn more on how you can contribute or join, visit jlec.org.

Above, JLEC members shopping with children for the Child Clothing Project. Left, president Carly Harmer.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

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WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

Wendy’s Kitchen Wendy Neel loves her family, helping others and cooking. Through her business, Wendy’s Kitchen, she is able to exercise her passion for all three. Almost two years ago, Wendy opened her kitchen, which offers made-from-scratch meals straight out of her recipe book. Wendy prepares the meals, which can be ordered and picked up or delivered directly to your doorstep. Before going into business for herself, Wendy was a registered nurse struggling to find the time to cook homemade meals for her family. She began preparing meals on the weekend and storing them to use throughout the week. This idea caught on as her friends and neighbors began paying her to shop, cook and prepare meals for them. Wendy then decided to extend her cooking talents to a wider audience along the Emerald Coast. “What I enjoy most are interactions with my customers,” Wendy said. “I get to know what they like and dislike because

the majority are regulars coming to us each week. About 95 percent are locals I get to know on a personal level.” The success and popularity of her services has led to a new location in the Emerald Coast Centre, scheduled to open in February or March. Delivery services will be expanded to reach Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville. Concurrent with the reopening will be new meal choices, additional healthy options and a larger kitchen — allowing expansion of catering services. The roots of her business trace back to family and the cooking lessons she learned from her mother and grandmother. Today, she focuses on her own children. “Most important is my family,” Wendy said. “With nursing, I often missed soccer games and homework time. Now, I have the ability to balance a successful business and my family.”

CONTACT (850) 837-8837 | wendyskitchentogo.com | 14071-D Emerald Coast Parkway

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SARAH MARIN O

AMANDA SUANNE PHOTOGRAPHY

PROFILES

SPONSORED REPORT

WOMEN’S

PROFESSIONAL

PURE 7 STUDI OS

AMANDA SAUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

PROFILES

Pure & Couture

Adrianne Brackett, owner of Pure & Couture Salon, has been shaping the lives and hair of her guests for more than 13 years. Adrianne exudes creativity, passion and an altruistic nature, which combined with many years of valuable training, provides satisfying experiences for each guest who enters her salon. From an early age, Adrianne knew her talents involved expressing her creativity through hair and making others feel good about themselves. Adrianne studied hair and worked in Atlanta where she was lucky enough to have an influential mentor who was a graduate of Vidal Sassoon London. She then moved to England with her husband and found that studying hair abroad ignited her passion to mentor and educate. After moving back to the United States, she gained extensive training in the Sahag method of cutting hair and became a national educator for Paul Mitchell. While Adrianne has studied with the best, she credits most of her success to the support and encouragement of her family. Her family comes first, but her salon family is a very close

second. She is proud to own a salon whose stylists focus on teamwork, integrity, skill and professionalism. “As a salon owner, I care about my salon family. They are who I get to collaborate with creatively,” said Adrianne. “I work to ensure our guests have a great experience. As a stylist, I make sure each guest has a look that complements their style and makes them feel great. Sometimes I am working to make a bride’s wedding day perfect or working with fellow creative stylists on photo shoots, but one of the most favorite parts to my day is educating others on the industry.” Adrianne enjoys staying involved in her community and has been blessed to participate with many local charities. When she isn’t at the salon, she loves spending time with her family, watching her sons play sports, biking, yoga and paddle boarding. Adrianne is devoted to sharing her knowledge and passion for the industry both technically and creatively. Her goal is to help others achieve success by being a positive example and lifting them up.

CONTACT (850) 424-3935 | pureandcouture.com | 36150 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL

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happenings EVENTS + CULTURE + CAUSES

spotlight

‘Almost’ is More than Enough

PHOTO BY CHASE YAKABOSKI

On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend — almost — in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. This description sets the scene for John Cariani’s play, “Almost Maine,” Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s (ECTC) second offering of its 2015–16 season. “EC readers should see ‘Almost, Maine’ to be reminded that the work of love is worth it, the risk involved is big, but the reward is huge,” says ECTC producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher. “We need each other, we need that connection, even if it hurts sometimes, we need one another to have a life that is full and rich.” Performances are set for every weekend in February beginning Feb. 5–7 through Feb. 26–28 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. The show will be staged in a non-traditional performance space within The Market Shops in Miramar Beach. Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and $15 for students. Active military with valid ID receive a 10 percent discount. Purchase tickets online at emeraldcoasttheatre.org. For more information about ECTC, call (850) 687-1637. — Zandra Wolfgram

Rachel Lewis of Santa Rosa Beach and Justin McClendon of Panama City are cast in Emerald Coast Theatre Company's bittersweet romantic comedy aptly staged during the season of love.

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PRESENTED BY

EMERALD COAST’S PREMIER SALON COMPETITION AND CHARITY FUNDRAISER

FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2016 HILTON SANDESTIN

BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA

$40 in advance / $50 at the door For more info and to purchase tickets, visit EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM #ECTOPSALON

PRESENTING SPONSOR

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AVANTGARDE SALON AND SPA to benefit Sinfonia

Gulf Coast model Melody Ghostley

THE KAT HOUSE HAIR STUDIO to benefit Heroes

on the Water model Jennifer Boyles

Thank you for your nominations! Ten of the area’s most popular salons have been selected to compete for the title of Emerald Coast’s Top Salon! Now the competition begins. Competing salons — featured on these pages — will each make over a deserving model, and the transformations will be unveiled in a runway show. A panel of judges and

THE CUTTING ROOM SALON AND SPA to benefit Wounded

Warrior Project Crawford

model Rhonda

LA RENAISSANCE SALON to benefit Relay 4 Life (Niceville) model Jennifer Warson

all event attendees will cast votes to determine the Top Salon of Emerald Coast, Fan Favorite and Judges’ Pick. Emerald Coast’s Top Salon wins an advertising campaign developed by Rowland Publishing and a yearlong ad campaign in Emerald Coast Magazine. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the winner’s charity of choice! EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

PRESENTED BY

THE POSH DAISY SALON & SPA to benefit

EMERALD COAST’S PREMIER SALON COMPETITION AND CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Opportunity Place Inc.

model

Lisa St. Aubin

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PHOTOS BY

SERENITY BY THE SEA SPA to benefit National Kidney Foundation of Florida model Pamela Hudson

FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2016 HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA 50 February–March 2016

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$40 in advance / $50 at the door For more info and to purchase tickets, visit EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM #ECTOPSALON

PURE & COUTURE SALON

ROCKURLZ

to benefit Hope House model Charina Perez

to benefit Children’s Advocacy Center model Brittney McCormick

STYLE DOWNTOWN

VIVO SPA SALON

to benefit South Walton Cultural Alliance model Aden Williams

to benefit PACE

Center for Girls model Hara Gabrielle

SPONSORED BY

BENEFITTING

SILVER LEVEL

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House · Sam Taylor Buick GMC Cadillac Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar · One Shot Fishing Charters BRONZE LEVEL

Regions Bank · Whataburger · Infinity Flooring · Alsco

EMERALD LEVEL

Copy Systems Business Center · Jackacuda’s Seafood & Sushi · P.F. Chang’s 70 February–March 2016

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CELEBRATING

THE BEST OF THE BEST

The family friendly event offered endless forms of entertainment, including live music from “Best Local Band” Cadillac Willy, fashionable makeovers by “Best Hair Salon” Avantgarde and more! See more in Social Studies on page 57.

To revisit all the images, video highlights and the complete list of winners visit emeraldcoastmagazine.com EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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Carol Carlan

A Passion

Helping Others

for

story by LINDA KLEINDIENST photo by DAVE BARFIELD

WHEN CAROL CARLAN is having a tough day, she leaves her office and takes a short walk across Pensacola’s Sacred Heart campus to a special place: the Children’s Hospital. There she walks the halls, greets nurses, looks in on the tiny to toddling patients, talks to anxious parents, consults with staff on their needs. Gradually, once again, the world is put back into perspective. Because she is passionate about helping others, Carlan knew it would be a natural fit for her when she was offered the job as president of the Sacred Heart Foundation, which raises funds for Sacred Heart’s health-system entities from Pensacola to Port St. Joe. But that isn’t what she has spent most of her life doing. Before joining the foundation in 2012, she spent 36 years in the banking industry in Pensacola, starting with Citizens & Peoples National Bank and ending with Wachovia/Wells Fargo as the first female president of a large regional bank. Her interest in banking was sparked early in life. Carlan, now 61, lived in a series of foster homes and had little money of her own but was fascinated by it and loved working with numbers. “I loved to read how the bank worked. I loved

the professional environment,” she says. “I thought I would dress up, talk to people and sit at a desk. But my first job was going out talking to people, and I found out I was a good salesman.” A founding member of the Escambia/Santa Rosa PACE Center for Girls, she is no stranger to nonprofit work, having served on 35 boards over the years. She is currently chair of the board of directors for the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce and sits on the board of trustees for Pensacola State College and the board of directors for the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, among others. Grateful for her current post, she says the Sacred Heart Foundation has given her “the opportunity to use my business acumen to raise money for the children’s hospital, the elderly, and I’m having a great time doing it.” Her mission is to always seek out the positive, “even if it seems to be a horrific situation.” The best advice she ever got came from her dad, with whom she eventually was reunited. “‘Love everyone for who they are, and be your own unique person.’ I practice that. I don’t judge others. I try to find something good in everyone.”

Carol Carlan

The Early Years

The best advice she ever got came from her dad, with whom she was reunited. “‘Love everyone for who they are, and be your own unique person.’ I practice that. I don’t judge others. I try to find something good in everyone.”

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In one case, she referred a man to a job opening she knew about. He got the job — and paid his bill. “I went through six mergers,” she recalls of her banking career. “I learned I could grow and not have to leave the region. I learned how to be a good change agent, be resilient.”

The Carlan family gather to celebrate husband Charles’ retirement event from HatchMott MacDonald after more than 40 years as a civil engineer.

Sacred Heart Comes Calling

Carlan left banking in 2007 after her husband, a civil engineer with a large regional firm, retired. She started a consulting business in leadership development, working with companies on behavior assessment, team building and training. She was admittedly “having a ball” when Sacred Heart reached out to her about taking over the foundation. “I looked at it and felt it was a perfect fit. I had been on the board, so I had a real passion for what they were doing,” she recalls. And the need is great. Last year, Sacred Heart spent $40 million on the care of uninsured patients because no one is turned away. At least 70 percent of the children admitted to the Children’s Hospital are on Medicaid. The foundation’s job is to be a connector to the community, to begin the conversation of philanthropy. The major focus right now is on raising money for two big projects: building a five-story expansion of the children’s hospital, which is estimated to cost $95 million, and a $40 million expansion of services, including more operating rooms, at Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach. Walking through the existing Children’s Hospital in Pensacola — the only one of its kind in Northwest Florida — the need to expand is obvious. Families crowd into the various care levels of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU),

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROL CARLAN

Carlan was born in Cairo, Georgia, to parents who married relatively late in life. They had five children in seven years and in 1958, when she was only 3, her mother left the family for another man. Her father, needing help in raising five children, turned to foster care services for help. Although one of the toughest challenges she faced growing up was explaining to friends why she was living in foster homes and not with her parents, Carlan said she learned much from the experience and it helped shape the person she has become. “I ended up living in six homes until I graduated from high school. They were all good people — the salt of the earth,” she remembers. “I never regret having those experiences. That made me open to the world. I value others because of those experiences.” One family actually took in Carlan and her four siblings, whom they raised alongside their own children. That’s when she said she learned out of necessity how to do a lot of things, including how to sew. While bouncing around foster homes early in her life, she never felt sad about moving from one to another, instead looking to find good in each opportunity. “I’m a faith-based individual,” Carlan says. “When we’re given the opportunity to grow, sometimes it’s hard to find the reason why, but it leads us on to the next thing.” She went to what is now Pensacola State College on a clarinet scholarship and after earning her Associate of Arts degree entered the Florida School of Banking, a three-year program at the University of Florida. When she graduated and started to work in banking, she loved it. She started out as a collector on delinquent accounts and found “if you treat them well, they’ll pay you before anyone else.” She remembers dealing with customers who couldn’t afford a $10 bill.

Carlan kicks up her heels for a Dancing With The Stars event to raise funds for the local Hospice Center.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

On stage with leadership guru John Maxwell and Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic an Australian-born motivational speaker/ author born with phocomelia, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs, raising money for The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart as part of the hospital’s 100th anniversary in 2015.

(Right) Carlan hits the airwaves with Miracle Child Jon and radio celebrities Lindsey Marie and Marty White to raise money during a Radiothon for The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart.

76 February–March 2016

watching over their premature or ill babies, some for months. The hospital wants to give parents more space and privacy to be with their children and at the same time address the growing numbers of children seeking medical services at the hospital. Each year, more than 5,000 critically ill and injured newborns are cared for at Sacred Heart. The plan is to construct a new Children’s Pavilion that will combine all aspects of outpatient care for children under one roof and then undertake extensive floor-by-floor modernization of the current Children’s Hospital. The project will consolidate all pediatric services — including pediatric operating rooms — in a central location. “Foundations are becoming more and more important,” Carlan says of the existing needs and the importance of knowing how to reach out to those

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Carol Carlan

Carlan, a founding member of the PACE Center for Girls, is pictured at the Jacksonville Center with one of the students and Dr. Lawanda Ravioria, a longtime PACE state office president and CEO.

who can help. “We have millenials who want to make a difference, and philanthropy is going to become very important to them. And the baby boomers have trillions of dollars that are available to do good.” She began giving to charities in 1978, starting with “a little” and then over time increasing her participation. “There are so many individuals in need in our community,” she reflects. “It really makes you feel good at the end of the day to know you did something.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROL CARLAN

Pace Center For Girls

You never know you can do it if you don’t try: that’s Carlan’s motto. And that’s how the Pace Center for Girls Escambia/Santa Rosa got its start. She had an idea and ran with it. She was particularly motivated by her own childhood memories of being thankful for being in a safe place. And she didn’t want to think of girls and young women in need going without the guidance, education and counseling essential to helping them succeed in life. “It was a dream,” she happily recalls. “I used my imagination, reasoned with the people around me and had a will to focus on the problem.” She was able to get a $250,000 loan to build a

4,000-square-foot facility on the Pensacola State College campus. Her husband donated the building plans and a contractor built it at cost on land the college leased to PACE for $1 a year. Since 1994, more than 2,000 girls have been served, and today the program occupies another facility more than three times the size. Her efforts for the PACE center echo her work in other areas and reflect her attitude toward life. “We can do some powerful things if we are unafraid,” she says. Asked what the best advice is that she could pass along to young women of today, Carlan said it’s important to take time to discover what you are passionate about and think about what life will look like 10 to 20 years down the road. “I tell every young woman that the choices we make today will determine what tomorrow will be like,” she reflects. “It’s very important to think about what really makes you happy.” ec

“I tell every young woman that the choices we make today will determine what tomorrow will be like. It’s very important to think about what really makes you happy.”

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Pinnacle Award Winners

(Additional winners are Dorothy “Dot” Trotman-Ealy and Cecilia Homison from Tallahassee, Amy Geiger from Crawfordville, Augusta West from Apalachicola, Carmen Danielle Smith from Marianna and Robbie Ropella from Milton.) 78 February–March 2016

SIMONA FARONI

CHASE YAKABOSKI

Carol Carlan, featured in this issue, is one of 10 deserving women recently named 850 Business Magazine’s elite Pinnacle Award winners list. This annual honor is designed to shine the spotlight on women in Northwest Florida who have set high standards for themselves and exceeded them, who are a moving force in private business and nonprofit organizations that help the needy in our society, and who promote their communities. From a leader of one of the largest credit unions in Florida to a CEO who helps build houses for those in need, they’re moving forces in business and community, A-listers with A-plus personalities who face challenges head-on and are determined to make their world a better place. As a group, the honorees are optimistic, energetic and goaloriented, filled with a can-do attitude. Their professions cover a wide range of fields, from banking to health care to economic development. They well represent the urban, suburban and rural areas found within 850 Magazine’s 18-county footprint. Readers were asked to nominate women they felt deserved the honor. From the names submitted, please meet three of the Pinnacle Award winners for 2015 who live and work on the Emerald Coast.

Destin

Growing up in Mantova, Italy, Simona Faroni liked the designer clothes she saw other girls wearing at school. She went to went to work at a local restaurant to earn money but had to keep it a secret from her father. “Instead of going out to movies with friends on weekends, I was going to work. But he found out eventually after some family friends came to the restaurant,” she remembers. Her father grounded her from work, but then her mother became her accomplice and covered for her. Faroni, 35, is no stranger to taking on a challenge. Today she lives in Destin and is the cofounder (along with her husband) of Fort Walton Beach-based G.S. Gelato, which employs more than 90 local workers and annually distributes 1.3 million gallons of gelato across the United States. But the beginnings of the business were shaky. When they arrived, neither

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spoke English. They went to night school and communicated with a pocket dictionary. “We couldn’t order a glass of water at a restaurant,” she recalls. “But little by little we learned.” After importing the gelato machines, they began making their product in the back of their home and opened a small storefront in downtown Fort Walton Beach. On one of their best days, their profit was $13.50. But Keith Howard of The Howard Group became a fan and suggested moving the store to Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Destin. The rest is history. They have opened four stores (now sold to a client) and went from a 1,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to 26,000 square feet. “I’ve always wanted to grow in life,” says Faroni. “I never imagined this happening, especially on this side of the world.”

REBECCA PIERSON Panama City

LISA WALTERS Panama City

The call to attend law school came to Lisa Walters when she served as a staffer to a joint legislative committee tackling the issue of how the state should compensate residents and growers who were losing their citrus canker-infected trees to the ax. “The staff was me and a handful of attorneys,” remembers Walters, who had served as a Cabinet aide to the state comptroller and to the insurance commissioner. “When we made our presentation to the speaker of the House, he said, ‘You’re not an attorney, are you? I need one of the attorneys to explain this to me.’ Within a few weeks, I registered to take the LSAT.” That was 20 years ago. Now a shareholder

with Burke & Blue in Panama City, the 53-year-old Walters specializes in real estate and business transactions. Her favorite part of the job is “working with my clients and visioning what a project will look like and finding creative ways to bring their vision to fruition.” Looking back, she can’t remember a time when she didn’t have a job. “I’ve always had jobs, always worked,” she says. Babysitting and mowing lawns were during the early years; working in a children’s specialty shop at the Panama City Mall and then Gayfers department store, in the display department, were jobs she held in high school. “I was grateful for the opportunity to have the jobs and work with the people I worked with. The lesson I learned, which I already knew from my parents but was able to better appreciate, was the importance of doing a good job the first time.”

HOLLY GARDNER

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

As community development director of the Bay Medical Foundation, Rebecca Pierson’s focus is on the vision of serving the health care needs of Bay County. Fundraising for a good cause is nothing new for Pierson, who held a dog show in her backyard when she was in the sixth grade to help out the local Humane Society. When she moved to Panama City, she was a flight attendant for America West Airlines but gradually became more involved in fundraising, explaining, “I’ve always been driven by the idea of helping the little guy. If I believed in it, I raised money for it.” Pierson, 52, was asked to join the Bay Medical Foundation, became president and then joined the staff when the foundation was attached to a then not-for-profit Bay Medical Center. She helped raise more than $5 million for the hospital’s capital campaign, which was used to open the medical tower. When the hospital became for-profit, the foundation became independent and she stayed with it. In the last three years, it has given out $1.4 million in grants to local organizations with a health care connection, such as the St. Andrews Medical Clinic. “There are 55,000 Bay County residents who are uninsured. It’s tough,” says Pierson, who also oversees a program that awards scholarships to 17 Gulf Coast State College students each year. Some of the best advice she ever received came from her father, who retired from the Air Force at the rank of two-star general. “Good or bad, your actions will be followed by consequences — probably not a bad idea to keep your actions good,” says Pierson. “My parents instilled in me the importance of making a difference.”

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artist in

MOTION Justin Gaffrey Discusses his Artistic Beginnings, his Creative Evolution and the Importance of Freeing Oneself

ucked into his studio space in Blue Mountain Beach and surrounded by thick clumps of colorful acrylic paint splatters, introspective artist Justin Gaffrey is meticulously creating a carefree masterpiece. He inscribes his first name and the year at the bottom right-hand corner of the painting — “Justin, 2000.” It was a sunflower painting inspired by Van Gogh that catapulted the recalcitrant chef-turned-painter into his successful art career. “I was painting a sunflower one day when someone walked in the door and bought it before I was finished,” he says. “After that, I kept painting them and they kept selling.” Next, he created the “You Are My Sunshine” sunflower series. “They had a connection with people,” he notes. “The requests kept coming in, and I never stopped painting them.” That was 15 years ago. Today, a larger-than-life painting from the series hangs in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. The 45-year-old’s ties to the Walton County community took root in high school, when he moved to Fort Walton Beach with his father. “It is hard to imagine that I have been living in Walton County since 1986,” he says. “This community has changed a lot since then, but then again, so have I. When I think of community, it brings me right back home to my family.” Gaffrey still lives above the Blue Mountain Beach studio gallery that he and his former wife of 15 years founded in 1995. Billie Gaffrey, the iconic art teacher at the Seaside School, began painting when she was 18 years old. The creative couple had two children together. Their son, Justin Jr., is 21 years old and in his third year of college at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. Aria, their daughter, is 16 and attending Northwest Florida College.

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PHOTOS BY SCOTT HOLSTEIN (GAFFREY) AND COURTESY OF JUSTIN GAFFREY (ART)

BY ANNE HUNTER

The Welded Steel Nest was inspired by the 6' X 6' version that Justin Gaffrey created for the ArtHamptons Fair center piece in Southampton, New York, for its 4th of July celebration in 2015. He had such a great response, he decided to make smaller versions for people to enjoy in their homes. There are a few on display at the WaterColor Inn and The Pearl hotel on 30A.

Inspired by the natural scenery the Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Seascape — on exhibit at Fish Out of Water restaurant on 30A — is the most popular style with Gaffrey collectors.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUSTIN GAFFREY

“I appreciate the tension between the commercial aspect of art and the truly inspired works. What New Urbanism has contributed to the Gulf Coast is the emergence of culture.”— Artist Justin Gaffrey

Artist Justin Graffrey draws on his creative talent as a former chef to “frost” his luscious paint-laden acrylic pieces.

In the early years, the Gaffreys would drive through the remote Southern countryside or into New Orleans in search of tin roofs, windows and doors. They sold furniture, art and other creations at festivals and in their gallery. During this time, Justin was also becoming an award-winning chef. He opened a restaurant called Café Sublime in Gulf Place in 1998. At some point, after weighing the return on a day in the kitchen versus a day in the studio, Gaffrey sold the restaurant in 2000 and picked up a palette knife. In addition to family and community, the prolific creator is ever grateful for the natural environment in Northwest Florida. “I love the Choctawhatchee River and its remote nature,” he says. “It leads into the Choctawhatchee Bay, which leads into the Gulf of Mexico. All three areas provide an awesome experience where I spend quality time with the people I care for the most.” Gaffrey has always been a huge community advocate and donor in Walton County, with a particular passion for the Food for Thought Outreach organization. “I am inspired by the devotion of Tiffanie Nelson, the founder,” he says. “She helps and put others above herself many times over. Food for Thought reaches hungry children in a big way in Walton and Okaloosa counties. Little things can change a person’s entire life, even just a meal to keep them strong.” A skateboarding enthusiast, Gaffrey is also excited about a new project introduced by a few passionate gentleman who have spearheaded the first approved skate park in Santa Rosa Beach at Helen McCall Park.

“Walton County has just donated the land and has given a little bit of money to start the project, but we are going to need much more than the county has fronted,” he says. The father of two is excited to do what he can to help. “I think a skate park is good for our community to keep our youth inspired and active. The skate park will be a year-round activity for our kids. By the way, we need money and lots of it!” Jennifer Steele, executive director of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, was introduced to Gaffrey’s work in Seaside. “It was a painting of pirate skeletons juxtaposed against the ocean in a whimsical way,” Steele says. “I found it so appealing.” She believes that Gaffrey took a leap of faith in becoming a full-time artist in Walton County. “He has paved the way for other artists in our community to follow in his footsteps. Over the years, Justin has been so generous with his time and talent in supporting Walton County,” she says. Seaside was founded in 1981 and is the first traditional town to have been proposed and built since the 1920s. Andres Duany is the urban planner for Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach and a founder of the worldwide movement known as New Urbanism. He is watching the evolution of his handiwork with interest. “I appreciate the tension between the commercial aspect of art and the truly inspired works,” he says. “What New Urbanism has contributed to the Gulf Coast is the emergence of culture.” Duany speculates that artists such as Gaffrey might be remembered as pioneers of a regional art movement. “There is little chance that there could have been artists like this along this coast, had it not been for Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, Duany says. “The art scene would have remained bracketed between seashell paintings and garage sale discoveries. Instead, it has become a vehicle for cultural evolution. True ‘urbanism’ does this.”

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The All Flowers exhibit is a new style that allows Gaffrey to utilize his culinary techniques. Both of these paintings, created by using pastry topping tools, have more than 10 gallons of paint on them. Each flower has been is created individually and placed on cookie sheets inside multiple racks just as one would see in a bakery. Once the flowers are dried, Gaffrey then composites his All Flower creations on wood panels.

“My perspective of art has shifted from just being visual to having deeper meaning. Much of my new work reflects changes in myself; about the psychological shift of being present and letting go of the ideas of who we thought we were or should be.”— Artist Justin Gaffrey At this point for the regionally known artist, it’s not only a matter of choosing which organizations he wants to support, but what he really wants to do. “I used to think art was about making something beautiful or cool,” Gaffrey says. He still gravitates toward the sunflower paintings that sell as he transitions into contemporary works. “My perspective of art has shifted from just being visual to having deeper meaning. Much of my new work reflects changes in myself; about 84 February–March 2016

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the psychological shift of being present and letting go of the ideas of who we thought we were or should be.” From an outside perspective, it has been a graceful transition. “One thing I have learned over the years of being an artist is that the decisions I make will affect my freedom to be unbiased in creativity,” Gaffrey says. “The best thing about being creative is to be free. To me, technique is not as important as being free from the duties of the world. One should

be able to create and have the freedom that allows us to help others and inspire.” Gaffrey recently moved his working studio into a warehouse space near his home and gallery in Blue Mountain Beach to allow more room for building his creations. “I have been really excited about incorporating new techniques,” he says. “I have always loved building things. Much of my new work incorporates welded steel and wood, but I’m certainly not restricted to those materials alone. Over the years, I have primarily painted with acrylics, but now my work has no limits on material, and it brings a lot of inspiration.” The artist now has two distinct markets for art collectors: contemporary and decorative. “Overall, people in this world have given me more support than I could imagine,” he says. “Some may lose interest based on my direction, but that is understandable when you follow someone for 15 years.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUSTIN GAFFREY

The Behind the Glass series including this piece called Behind the Branches, started out with mostly 12" x 12" waterscapes and seascapes. Gaffrey evolved the series by creating whimsical sculptures attached to metal rods placed behind glass. When lit these works give magnificent forms and shadows.

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

The Welded Stag Sculpture was inspired by Gaffrey’s Self-Portrait series. An animal and nature lover, Gaffrey says the white acrylic represents the purity of the stag, and the lock and key show the beauty of its heart.

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The Sprinting Rabbit is from the Equanimity series which shows the balance of life as the rabbit is sprinting through it. The unraveling of the skin on the rabbit’s tail and hind legs show how the rabbit is coming out of his own skin and into the white purist form of self. His heart is made of flowers to show his inner beauty.

PHOTOS BY JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

“So many people use success to be the driving force in their career. What I have found is that success in a career is not necessarily success in life. Being an artist allows one time to explore and challenge life and to see it in a different way.”— Artist Justin Gaffrey

Last year, Gaffrey expanded his artist résumé with 10 art shows. Some of the international juried exhibits have introduced his artwork to the contemporary art world. “Right now, our hub is the original Blue Mountain Beach Gallery,” he notes, “but we traveled and participated in many art fairs in 2015. We exhibited in ArtHampton in New York and the Houston Fine Art Fair, and we will be doing one of the fairs during Art Basel week in Miami.”

Ed Toole, a Seaside homeowner and longtime collector of Gaffrey’s work, seems unfazed by the artist’s leap into the contemporary art world. “Justin’s art vividly captures the culture, creativity and lifestyle that we love about the Scenic 30A area,” Toole says. “I remember many outings with my kids over to his studio in Blue Mountain to watch him work and to explore his completed works, particularly the fresh art laid out to dry.”

Despite his success, Gaffrey values his perspective on being an artist and the benefits that it intrinsically contributes to his lifestyle. “So many people use success to be the driving force in their career,” he says. “What I have found is that success in a career is not necessarily success in life. Being an artist allows one time to explore and challenge life and to see it in a different way.” Today, Gaffrey loves talking to kids and young adults who are interested in taking a path in the arts. He believes that pursuing art as a career has many benefits for a fulfilling life. “To be an artist is not to be able to make cool things, but to make life beautiful and to challenge old ways of thinking that do not work anymore,” he says. “Art is about inspiring others, and it gives freedom from the ordinary rat race of life. If you set yourself up to be free, you will have all of the creativity you want.” While the regional art scene grows, Gaffrey’s beginnings will be forever preserved inside the vibrant paints that compose his myriad sunflowers, as we watch and wait for his next contemporary creation. ec

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next you’ll be saying #IHEARTTALLY too. February 27 O.A.R. Live at the Capital City Amphitheater • March 10-13 Red Hills Horse Trials April 1-2 Springtime Tallahassee • April 8-10 Word of South Festival April 15-17 Southern Shakespeare Festival • April 16-17 LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival April 22 Boz Scaggs Live at the Capital City Amphitheater • May 20 Emancipation Celebration TBD FAMU Spring Game

VisitTallahassee.com 800.628.2866

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Concerts. Performances. Festivals. Parades. There are more things to do this spring in Tally than there are days in the season. Learn more about what’s going on, then come say #IHeartTally with us this spring. Feb. 7

Tallahassee Marathon 2016 Twenty-six miles of picturesque Tallahassee streets and parks fill with runners when the Tallahassee Marathon hosts its 42nd annual distance race event.

Feb. 27

O.A.R. Live at the Capital City Amphitheater at Cascades Park O.A.R. is renowned for its intense, vibrant live show — including selling out Madison Square Garden twice — and the communal feeling it shares with fans.

March 4-5

39th Reenactment of the Battle of Natural Bridge The Confederate Army victory here preserved Tallahassee’s status as the only Southern capitol east of the Mississippi not captured by Union forces. The annual twoday event reenacts the battle and includes a period encampment and demonstrations.

March 10-13

Red Hills International Horse Trials Riders and horses compete in this international equestrian event that includes dressage, cross country and stadium jumping competitions. At Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee.

April 1-2

Springtime Tallahassee Tallahassee’s annual celebration of spring is one of the largest and most celebrated festivals in the Southeast. The twoday event kicks off Friday night with a music festival on Kleman Plaza, featuring national entertainment acts. Saturday brings the Grand Parade — one of the largest and most celebrated parades in the Southeast, the Jubilee in the Park art show, the Children’s Park, a 5K run and local entertainment stages in Downtown Tallahassee.

April 8-10

Word of South The Word of South festival celebrates literature and music with a variety of musical performances, literary discussions, poetry readings, interviews, book signings and a dedicated children’s program. At Cascades Park and locations across Tallahassee.

April 16-17

LeMoyne Chain of Parks Arts Festival Visitors to Tallahassee’s premiere outdoor fine art festival view and purchase amazing one-of-a-kind works offered by more than 150 fine artists from all over the U.S. while enjoying a weekend of fun, fine art, culinary delights and more. The event is free and open to the public.

April 22

Boz Scaggs Live at the Capital City Amphitheater, Cascades Park Boz Scaggs’ remarkable career dates back to the late ‘60s but includes triumphs in every decade. His latest album, A Fool to Care, delivers a concise history of Southern soul and was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the top 50 albums in 2015.

May 20

Emancipation Celebration Annual event commemorating the declaration of Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee. The original declaration was made at the Knott House on May 20, 1865. The event is free and open to the public.

TBD

FAMU Spring Game The Rattlers play the annual Orange and Green spring football game at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.

April 15-17

Southern Shakespeare Festival This openair festival and Renaissance fair includes live Shakespearian performances, facepainting, juggling, crown and wand-making, Elizabethan games and costume play for children.

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the good life FOOD + TRAVEL + HEA LTH + HOME

eudaimonia*

PHOTO COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Go Figure!

Women make up 51 percent of the general population. And when it comes to casting their ballots, female voters have voted in greater numbers than male voters since 1980. Yet when it comes to participation in elected office, the numbers don’t really figure … so to speak. According to “More Women Can Run: Gender and Pathways to the State Legislature” by Susan J. Carroll and Kira Sanbonmatsu, women are less likely to aspire to political office — and the numbers bear that out. Only 20 percent of the Florida congressional delegation is female, which is about the same percentage of women elected to the 114th U.S. Congress. There are even fewer female mayors. The highest

local numbers of women in office are in Escambia County, and that is only 34 percent. The Institute for Women in Politics of Northwest Florida is hoping to change these numbers. Its mission is to achieve greater representation of women in office by “empowering women and the community through outreach, training and mentoring programs.” For more information on how you can support this nonpartisan, nonprofit group’s mandate of “changing politics one woman at a time,” find it on Facebook or visit iwpflorida.org. — Zandra Wolfgram

*happiness is ...

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going places

Beautiful Boston

NAVIGATING THE COUNTRY’S MOST HISTORIC AND HIGHFALUTIN CORRIDORS IS AS EASY AS BOSTON CREAM PIE

hen concocting the perfect getaway, there’s a recipe that never fails. Just combine two parts cultural and historic happenings with one part culinary adventure. Add a splash of waterfront access. Sprinkle in major league sporting events and boutique shopping to taste. Allow ingredients to marinate for a minute, and voila! Out pops Boston. A decidedly youthful city, Boston’s winding (though never sleepy) corridors make it a delicious destination for wanderers. Street after cobblestone street, Bostonians provide locals and visitors alike with an array of entertaining and enriching pastimes. Everywhere one turns, private art galleries, fine and casual dining establishments, fun excursions and eclectic shops abound. And if you like the water, Boston’s authentic nautical vibe cannot be beat. “I think it’s great in all seasons,” said David O’Donnell, media relations manager of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Of course it’s well known in summer, and in fall with the foliage, but it is a town of four seasons. Throughout the year we have great museums, cultural scenes and performing arts.” Whatever is on your traveling menu, Boston’s bustling streets full of living history, “wicked good” seafood and cozy brownstones are sure to hit the spot. 92 February–March 2016

Founding Fathers

Bostonians’ unwavering dedication to the Red Sox might play a part in their reputation as a prideful bunch, but their sense of self-respect stems from something much more than the obvious. History has everything to do with it. “Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution,” said Judith Karlaora, a longtime Bostonian and a historic interpreter/tour guide along the city’s famed Freedom Trail. “America began in Boston.” She’s right. As the Thirteen Colonies’ first major metropolitan hub, much of our nation’s earliest history resides in Boston. A stroll along the city’s welldesigned Freedom Trail, which ushers walkers through decades of colonial and early American history, will prove it. You’ll be amazed at what you can see. For example, in the middle of a congested intersection, alert onlookers will note where the first snowballs were thrown during the Boston Massacre of 1770. Those were the balls of ice that goaded the American Revolution. Farther up the trail, situated between luxury high-rise condo buildings, swanky office suites and an active law school, is the Granary Burying Ground. Beneath lots of trees lie the remains of John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere as well as approximately 5,000 other souls, although only 2,300 burial markers are present.

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F11PHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

BY CHAY D. BAXLEY

As the sun starts to set, the Boston Harbor and Financial District take on new life, glowing on the chilly waters of Massachusetts Bay below.

DESTINATION: BOSTON / DISTANCE FROM THE E.C. APPROX. 1,414 MILES / DRIVING TIME: APPROX. 22 HOURS / AIRPORT: LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BOS) / FLYING TIME: APPROX. 4 HOURS AND 20 MINUTES

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going places

Fun

Convenient, compact and buzzing with creative energy, Boston is more easily managed than some other Northeastern destinations. First-time visitors will be pleased to learn that many of the city’s biggest attractions are within steps of one another. For those on the hunt for culture, museums with exhibits ranging from the Boston Tea Party to contemporary art and John F. Kennedy are open yearround. On the southwest side of town, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are less than a half-mile apart. Parks and attractive student living quarters fill the space between, making for a beautiful walk when weather permits. Though not as stately as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gardner Museum

ZACK FRANK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

(Right) During warmer months the George Washington Equestrian Statue situated in heart of the Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, sets atop a lush green lawn. In colder months, the city makes no such promises. (Below) Historic Feneuil Hall backs against Quincy Market — a popular foodie and tourist hangout.

SEAN PAVONE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Boston Common. Bunker Hill. Faneuil Hall. King’s Chapel. It’s all right there. “The Freedom Trail is a series of incredible stories,” said Karlaora, who spends her workdays portraying Deborah Samson, the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Army. (She was discharged — honorably — after her gender was revealed.) Like her fellow tour guides, Karlaora has thrown herself into her role completely. In contrast to many other areas of historic significance, Boston has managed to build up and around its past while simultaneously preserving it. Visitors will see no tourist traps or flashing lights in the “City of Notions” — only small, tastefully placed plaques. For those hoping to soak in as much information as possible, a guided tour could be a wise investment.

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fills an unexpected niche. Situated in a residential neighborhood, its brownstone exterior contrasts with the displays patrons encounter inside. Guests are encouraged to take in the museum room by room, as if touring a great house. “I think that the kinds of experiences that people have (here) feel different than what they might have in other museums,” said Corinne Zimmermann, director of visitor learning at the Gardner. “I think part of it is that the

museum, itself, is an intimate, domestic space with incredible works of art.” With a sun-drenched courtyard and a static collection that warrants multiple return trips, the fact that the most (monetarily) costly theft in U.S. history occurred on the grounds of the museum in 1990 is an unfortunate, albeit extremely interesting, footnote. (If you don’t know that story yet, it’s worth a Google.) For those in search of a different kind of fun, a ride through downtown

(Top) The Boston Tea Party Museum, in Boston, Massachusetts; (Above from left to right) Museum of Fine Arts; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Titian Room; BOSTON, USA - OCTOBER 28: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, MA, USA is the presidential library and museum of the 35th president of the USA photographed on October 28, 2013. // PHOTOS BY JON BILOUS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (BOSTON TEA PARTY MUSEUM), LEISE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY (MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS), SEAN DUNGAN (ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM) AND MARCIO JOSE BASTOS SILVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (JFK PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY)

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going places FOR A WICKED GOOD TIME, CALL … Boston Duck Tours

Pickup locations vary. See website for details. bostonducktours.com (617) 267-3825 info@bostonducktours.com

JOSEPH SOHM / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MARCIO JOSE BASTOS SILVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Barking Crab

(Top) The Charles River is a dreamy mix of Old World charm and New Age charisma as modern skyscrapers and amphibian buses (known commonly as ducks) contrast with the historic waterway. (Above) Seafood might be king in Boston, but sweets get a fair amount of attention, too. It’s common to see crowds lining up outside of local favorite, like Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s North End.

onboard a certifiable Duck — yes, that’s an aquatic truck that transports riders from land to water and back again — is an entertaining way to get acquainted with the city. A true on-the-water destination, Boston is more than just a walking city. Adventure seekers will find sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking activity right in the heart of the city in the Charles River basin.

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Food

Fresh or fried, steamed or sautéed, Bostonians love their seafood. With selections that could put many of Florida’s ritziest oceanfront establishments to shame, Boston’s culinary scene comes alive during the city’s warm summer months. According to Tallahassee’s John Minas, the executive chef at The Edison and a native Bostonian, Boston as a food

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destination is a delectably immersive experience. “I’m health-conscious and all,” said Minas, “but a buttered, toasted potato roll with a mayonnaisebased lobster salad and some tarragon and celery — it’s what I live for. It’s one of my favorite things to do at the beach: a lobster roll and a Sam Adams. That’s the dream.” If you find yourself in the city during cooler weather, worry not. Lobster rolls might not be as plentiful, but the clam chowder will be a-flowin’. Not a seafood lover? Not a problem. Boston’s famed North End is full of Italian cafés and pizzerias that would delight even the pickiest of eaters. The city’s Chinatown, located near the Theatre District, is also a vibrant and highly recommended Epicurean setting. With more than 100 institutions of higher education in the greater Boston area, it’s easy to locate dining options to suit every palate and pocketbook. After all, this

is a city accustomed to catering to business executives, college students, Harvard Law professors and Patriots fans alike. “To me, the best thing about the food scene in Boston would be the ethnic diversity and the cultures that you can experience,” added Minas, who achieved celebrity chef status during his tenure

88 Sleeper St. barkingcrab.com (617) 426-2722 boston@barkingcrab.com Waterfront restaurant with incredible views of the harbor.

Community Boating Inc.

1 David G Mugar Way community-boating.org (617) 523-1038 info@community-boating.org The oldest youth sailing school in the country, Community Boating offers sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking activities to kids of all ages.

Eastern Standard

528 Commonwealth Ave. easternstandardboston.com (617) 532-9100 info@easternstandardboston.com A dining destination recommended for Tallahasseeans by Chef John Minas, executive chef at The Edison.

The Freedom Trail Foundation

99 Chauncy St. thefreedomtrail.org (617) 357-8300 info@thefreedomtrail.org

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

25 Evans Way gardnermuseum.org (617) 566-1401 information@isgm.org

Top of the Hub

Want to make a splash?

800 Boylston St., Prudential Tower topofthehub.net (617) 536-1775 topofthehub@topofthehub.net Penthouse restaurant, best views in the city.

Try a trip across some of the most famous waterways in America by taking a ferry out to one of Boston’s River Islands, or branch out from home base with an excursion to Cape Cod.

Mike’s Pastry

as the executive chef at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. “There’s many different kinds of venues to celebrate all different kinds of interests and needs. I love the diversity of it all.” ec

Museum of Fine Arts

300 Hanover St. mikespastry.com (617) 742-3050 mikespastry@aol.com Wait in line. Order the cannoli. Repeat as necessary. 465 Huntington Ave. mfa.org (617) 267-9300 webticketing@mfa.org

New England Aquarium 1 Central Wharf neaq.org (617) 973-5200

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EC MAGAZINE

works for us “EC Magazine is the best.” Lino Maldonado, Vice President of Operations, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals EC Magazine advertiser since 2009

“ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals provides the largest selection of professionally managed vacation rentals in Northwest Florida. Being first in class in the hospitality industry means people look to us to lead the way … and that includes marketing. Rowland Publishing Inc. is best in its class, too. We advertise in EC Magazine and other quality Rowland publications and products, because they enable us to reach our target market all across Northwest Florida utilizing multiple communication channels. With Rowland Inc.’s publications, and EC Magazine in particular, we have found a connection with readers who share the passion we have for our very special part of the world.” Give us a call today and discover how Emerald Coast Magazine can work for you.

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mind + body

Big Brows

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

THE BACKSTORY

Boom-ChickaBROW-WOW A HOW-TO ON HARNESSING THE POWER OF YOUR EYEBROWS

BY CHAY D. BAXLEY

ver since Ponce de León’s mission to find the Fountain of Youth turned up diddly, mankind has been resigned to the fact that growing old is inevitable. Considering the billions of dollars thrown at the global beauty industry each year, though, it seems we’re still not quite as comfortable with the notion of actually looking older. Interested in presenting an air of youth? Then perhaps it’s time to take an inquisitive look in the mirror to see what your eyebrows are saying about you. “I think brows frame the face,” started Stacy Agerton, an esthetician and brow expert at the Avantgarde Salon Spa location in Miramar Beach, “so it’s very important to pay attention to them during your morning beauty routine. Eyebrows really impact a person’s appearance. Well maintained brows can lifted and brighten your face.”

Easily overlooked, eyebows deserve close attention as an important facial feature, says makeup artist Randi Buchanan.

If you haven’t been paying attention over the last millennia or so, you might figure that today’s trendy fuller eyebrow started with the modeling industry’s newest darling, Cara Delevingne. Those with longer memories can trace the casual-cool look back to the 1980s, when Brooke Shields rocked her bushy arches all the way to the cover of Time magazine. In the mid CARA DELEVINGNE ’70s, the late Margaux Hemingway made the look all her own with her strong yet casual eye-enhancing coiffure. While these champions of style certainly furthered the importance of eyebrows along in the beauty chronicles of history, they hardly put them on the map. That distinction dates back to ancient Egypt, to the likes of Nefertiti (1370–1330 B.C.) and Cleopatra (69–30 B.C.). For eons, ancient Egyptians were in the habit of keeping their persons completely devoid of hair. After the removal process was complete, men and women alike took to painting on a thick, black, sculptured brow with galena (a lead-based mineral) to create an intense look and to pay homage to their falcon-eyed god, Horus. Later, in ancient Greece as well as Rome, unibrows on women were considered the utmost in femininity. Wealthier members of the Roman Empire could afford to use tree resin to adhere dyed goat’s hair to their brow bones to obtain a fuller look. After experiencing a brief period of disconnect during the Elizabethan era — when the fashion of the day for ladies consisted of removing eyebrow hair entirely, as well as plucking one’s hairline back to create the once-coveted egg-head shape — big brows made their first major appearance in the New World, circa 1700. Along with their powdered dos, proper ladies favored the soft and voluminous appearance of gluing mouse fur to their eyebrows. These days, while pasting rodent pelt to one’s face is a bit taboo, bold brows are once again all the rage. EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

mind + body

BROW-POWER How to Get the Look

1 Know what to look for. To find everyone’s own uniquely perfect brow, makeup artists and waxing professionals such as Agerton subscribe to a readily available formula that focuses on the angles of the face and eye. Starting at the nostril, begin by following an invisible line straight up the face to determine the proper placement of the innermost corner of the brow. To get the arch of the brow just right, align the highest point (remember, not too high now) with the outer corner of the iris. Most artists agree that individual brow length should always follow the shape of the eye — extending ever so slightly beyond the edge of your eye.

1. Formula for the perfect brow shape.

2 Start with a clean canvas. Tweezing is acceptable, but for best results, experts recommend getting regular monthly brow waxings. Not only will this ensure symmetry, it will removes any peach fuzz that might fly under your magnifying mirror’s radar. “I think having a brow expert maintain the shape of your eyebrows is so important,” said Agerton. “It helps to keep that polished look.” Explain to your waxing professional the look you’re going for. Much like the hair salon, pictures never hurt.

3 Brush, trace, brush. Brush brows with a spoolie — a little round brush that looks like a mascara wand. Trace the bottom line of brow with a fine-pointed brow pencil, emphasizing proper arch placement, as per the formula. Continue to the desired length, following the natural shape of the eye socket. Brush again. 4 Find the right color. There aren’t any hard-and-fast rules about what color your brows should be: Marilyn Monroe was beautiful with a striking contrast between her blonde hair and ultra-dark brows, and fashion designer Marc Jacobs caused a stir earlier this year when his runway models all had bleached brows. But for a natural look, choose a brow color that’s a shade or two darker than your hair and stick with colors that match the tone of your hair (cool with cool, warm with warm). 5 Fill, fluff, feather. Beginning at the innermost point, fill your entire brow in with light, feathery strokes. Over time, hair loss can gradually occur, giving eyebrows a sparse and tired look. These strokes are what give the brows their full, youthful appearance, so it’s important to be meticulous. Once brows are filled, brush and fluff again. EXPERT TIP Consider switching to a brow pomade (such as Anastasia Beverly Hills, DIPBROW Pomade — $18 locally at Sephora and Ulta) for a youthful, fun and fuller brow.

Makeup: Randi Buchanan Model: Hannah Elizabeth Buchanan Photos: Lawrence Davidson

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6 Highlight for effect. To fix any imperfections, trace the bottom of your brows with a highlighting pencil. For brows that really pop, highlight both top and bottom 7 Almost done. For the final touches, brush brows once more. For a look that will last all day, finish with a clear holding gel.

STEP BY STEP VIDEO AT EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach 2016 Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a festival of digital virtuosity from all over the world. Join Alys Beach at the intersection of art, technology, and architecture. May 13–15, 2016 Visit digitalgraffiti.com alysbeach.com | 866.481.8390

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James C. Campbell

Whether you are a local civilian resident, a member of the military or a visitor from out of town, our law firm is here to provide you with the crucially important legal services you need. Clark H. Henderson

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in motion

Extreme Fitness WHAT’S THE WOD? CROSSFIT EXPLAINED BY JASON DEHART

t sounds so easy. Run three miles, do 100 pushups, add 100 sit-ups Oomph! CrossFit devotees recognize and lift kettlebells over your head that nothing worth until you can’t lift your arms anyachieving comes more. Tomorrow you do headeasy. But emotional and physical stand pushups and climb to the ceiling on fitness can be heavy rope that will burn you if you try to worth the effort. come down too fast. The day after that … well, who knows? That’s the method behind CrossFit. It’s the most intense workout of your life, and it’s unpredictable. You never know what you’re going to be doing one day to the next. “I’m not going to lie. What we do here is not easy. A lot of times we’re in the middle of doing the workout and we ask ourselves, why are we doing this?” said Lloyd Rodriguez, co-owner of CrossFit Santa Rosa Beach and CrossFit Destin. “Everything worth anything is going to take some struggle to get, but when you’re done doing it, you’re going to feel so much better about yourself, physically and emotionally.” EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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CrossFit is a high-intensity core strength and conditioning program based on constantly changing Workouts of the Day — WODs, in CrossFit-speak. It incorporates elements from gymnastics, Olympic weightlifting, dead lifts and jumping rope. You won’t find workout machines such as stair steppers, stationary spinning bikes or treadmills in a CrossFit gym. What you will find are barbells, kettlebells, some gymnastic equipment and climbing ropes. Here, the human body is the workout machine. The workouts are designed to improve, among other things, your stamina, strength, coordination, agility, balance, power and speed. The ever-changing nature of the regimen is that way for a reason, Rodriguez said. 104 February–March 2016

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“You never really want to get into any kind of a routine. Your body adapts to anything you throw at it. Anything. The last thing you want to do is create a routine where it can adapt. You want to keep shocking it,” he said. And as far as how often you work out, that depends on how you’re feeling one day to the next. “What we encourage is if you’re not necessarily going to work out five days a week, maybe do CrossFit for three days, but you still want to stay active. Well, maybe one day you go for a jog, or a bike ride. Or do one of our cardio classes that isn’t CrossFit, something different. But I would say three to five days is usually the safe number a majority of the people do,” he said.

CrossFit was founded by Greg Glassman, a scraggly-haired, unconventional entrepreneur, in Santa Cruz, California, in 2000. His system proved addictive and quickly spread to competitive athletes, special operations units, military and police personnel and everyday fitness enthusiasts. Today, there are more than 7,000 affiliate gyms around the world. CrossFit Since they can most often trainers eschew machines, which be found occupying forthey say tend mer warehouses, CrossFit to limit range “gyms” are called “boxes.” of motion, in favor of more “CrossFit, in a nutshell, basic workout is basically every workout ingredients: that has been invented, free weights and ropes. or that has been around, wrapped up into one workout. Minus the machines,” said Kathy Rivers, Rodriguez’s business partner. “I’ve done bodybuilding, I’ve done the regular working out, I’ve done the machines. But what happens with the machines is they limit your range of motion. So it doesn’t teach you to use your core.” CrossFit might seem a little intimidating to an outsider. But despite what people think, it’s actually something everyone can do, Rodriguez said. “CrossFit is for everyone. And the only way to find the correct CrossFit gym for you is to actually go through the door and talk to the owners and look to see how they coach. Look and see what their programming consists of,” he said. “Our box is very diverse as far as the fitness level of the people that are members. We do have some people that are athletically inclined, and we also have people that are either coming off of rehab or just have overweight issues. So we have a very diverse group of people.” Everything is scalable, so CrossFit is available for every fitness level, Rivers said. “The only difference between the boxes is the personality and the energy of the actual coaches themselves,” she said. Unlike a typical gym, at CrossFit you’re not turned loose to do your own thing. Just like sports training, a coach is there to give you direction, teach you how to do things the right way and lend encouragement. But unlike training for any particular sport, CrossFit workouts are designed to prepare the body for any physical contingency in everyday life. That’s why they’re becoming more and more popular. “It’s all functional training. That’s the difference between a CrossFit box and a regular global gym like a Gold’s Gym or a Planet Fitness,” Rivers said. “Instead of using a machine, you are the machine. So it not only trains you to be in better shape and to look better, it also trains you for life. That’s why it’s so popular; it’s not about the aesthetics. The aesthetics of looking good or having six-pack abs or whatever, that’s just the icing on the cake.”

JACQUELINE WARD IMAGES

in motion

Pensacola Museum of Art

CrossFit can be exciting, productive and socially enriching — just as long as the clients take care of themselves and the trainers do the right thing, according to Mark Lui, director of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Lui is an exercise physiologist who has worked in cardiac rehab and wellness programs for 33 years. He’s seen different high-intensity workout programs come and go over the years. But CrossFit, he said, is one of the most stable programs CrossFit he’s seen for quite a while. In general, he instructors recommend that favors some high-intensity exercise proanyone who is grams. But he urges caution. If you’re out of shape over the age of 35, you should check with spend a few months doing your doctor first. And if you have a hislower-level tory of lung, heart or kidney problems, workouts before taking on the you should probably steer clear of any heavy lifting. high-intensity program. Even if you are healthy, he said, extreme exercise is not something to enter into without first having reached a certain level of physical conditioning. “This is not something you want to go into deconditioned,” he said. “I would suggest before CrossFit you spend three months at a lower-level cardiovascular activity and weight training. Hopefully the instructor has kind of a progression to where you have lower-level introductory CrossFit and (then can) progress up.” Rodriguez understands those concerns but said the great thing about CrossFit is you can modify your workout to accommodate whatever fitness or wellness level you’re on. There are ways, he said, to do the movements and exercises safely. “I can take a senior citizen who just had a new hip and have them do CrossFit. You modify the movement to accommodate what they are capable of doing,” he said. “So with that being said, you don’t really need to put someone through a pre-course. You just need to know how to coach them correctly from the beginning. You need to understand their limitations, whether they are a couch potato or whether they are a senior citizen or whether they are somebody with an injury. You’ve got to understand what the best route is for them so that they can take part in the class. “It’s all about form. If you don’t use the proper form and just be a brute and muscle it up, absolutely, it’s only a matter of time before you injure yourself,” Rodriguez said. What does Rivers have to say to the women out there in particular who might be intimidated by CrossFit? “They say they don’t want to do CrossFit because ‘it’s going to make me big.’ And my whole thing is, no, CrossFit isn’t going to make you big. Cupcakes are going to make you big. But not CrossFit,” she said. ec

1970’s Cartoon Animation Art

Funky Turns 40 February 23 - April 9, 2016 One of the worlds most unique & extensive collections of original animation! Opening Reception: February 26, 5:30 - 7:30p 407 S. Jefferson St.

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Pensacola Crawfish Festival Friday, April 29, 2016 Saturday, April 30, 2016 Sunday, May 1, 2016

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Calming color schemes of muted aqua hues, natural linens and charcoal grays present a tranquil palette and reflect the natural tones found in the breathtaking views from the many windows throughout the home. 106 Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

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COASTAL

CALM

TRANQUIL COLOR PALETTES COMBINED WITH HANDCRAFTED CONVERSATION PIECES FORM A STRIKING BOND BETWEEN CASUAL COMFORT AND SEASIDE SOPHISTICATION

Inspired by Seagrove’s serene surroundings, Allyson Runnels of Laura Allyson Interiors designed a relaxing retreat for a young Birmingham family. Runnels is passionate about interior design; it’s been her living for 10 years. A resident of Blue Mountain Beach, she draws on her experience as a coastal native when designing a beach home while remaining mindful of her clients’ unique tastes. The Alabama owners were drawn to the idyllic beachfront location and open layout of their new place. Runnels fashioned what she describes as “a casual coastal home with elegant elements.” Soothing hues, locally crafted pieces and intricate detailing beautifully coexist in the home that readily transitions from a beach retreat to a formal dining space. STORY BY REBECCA PADGETT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLLEEN DUFFLEY PRODUCTIONS HOME STYLED BY ALLYSON RUNNELS OF LAURA ALLYSON INTERIORS

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The breezy living and dining areas are illuminated by the effects of taupe walls and natural light. Runnels specializes in striking eye-catchers such as detailed driftwood structures and a concrete slab for the dining room table. Local craftsmen created many of these dramatic pieces that stand out against the light walls. 108 Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

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The kitchen is a chef’s dream complete with double islands, generous cabinets and a fresh, inviting style brought out by custom cabinets, hardwood floors and colorful tile accents. A treasure trove of coral arrangements, seashell chandeliers and polished nautical artifacts establish a maritime theme. “The design elements are coastal without being beachy,” says Runnels. EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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While the home is undeniably lavish, it also respects a vacationer’s needs for relaxed comforts. Rustic sliding barn doors create privacy or welcome arriving visitors. The master bathroom gleams with pristine marble that contrasts with bold printed tile for an overall lustrous look. The keen eye catches the slight twinkle emitted from handmade wallpaper. As Runnels says, “This home is all about the intricate and elegant details.” 112 February–March 2016

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Runnels loves every room, but has a special fondness for the guest room adorned entirely in off-white shades. Clean lines and downy fabrics welcome guests into a cloud. Sitting areas speak ease with plush Sunbrella fabrics and textured rugs. Every room in the home lends itself to lounging and leisure on cozy fabrics bathed in subdued sunlight streaming through the windows. EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;March 2016

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rs in a r ow

1 0 –2 0 1 5

850.650.1039 | infinityfloors.com 116 February–March 2016

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The Beauty & Warmth of Wood, the Benefits of Tile Chic and very low-maintenance, tile is the go-anywhere floor for Florida lifestyles. One of the most durable flooring materials available, tile is a great choice for areas that see a lot of wear or moisture, inside or out. It resists stains and scratches and is easy to maintain — a floor that’s not only

beautiful, but practical as well. Plus, tile in wood look designs makes it possible to add the charm of wood anywhere you like. Today’s tile is available in so many different looks and colors, it’s a natural choice for Emerald Coast homes. Learn more at infinityfloors.com.

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DEAL ESTATE

in the neighborhood

Mary Esther

Come Here to Cash in on the Coastal Lifestyle BY ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

lanked by two U.S. Air Force bases, Mary Esther is nestled along the scenic Santa Rosa Sound. Though it measures only 2½ square miles in size, it is an established community that is known for its expansive shopping mall, a terrific library and a wellrespected animal rescue center, not to mention a variety of eateries and small businesses — all conveniently located off of Mary Esther Cutoff, which traverses the town. You could say Mary Esther is small but mighty. Just ask Lee Newton of RE/MAX Coastal Properties. He is a former military pilot who flies helicopters in his spare time. He has been selling real estate for just a year, but he has quickly learned a great value when he sees it. “In my opinion, Mary Esther offers a great location between Navarre and Fort Walton Beach, with great access to the mall, both military bases, the high school (Fort Walton Beach) and the Intracoastal Waterway,” Newton says. As he suggests, don’t let the shady, tree-lined streets lull you into thinking it’s a slice of suburbia here. In fact, when it comes to delivering a waterfront lifestyle at an affordable price, Mary Esther packs quite a punch. Just take a closer look at some of the unassuming communities nestled along the south side of U.S. Highway 98 in the heart of town and you’ll find Kimbrough, Sleepy Hollow, Misty Water, Calle Rio, Islandview, and one of the newest to be completed, Soundview. Each of these is a distinctive neighborhood with a unique look and feel, offering detached single-family homes in a range of architectural styles from charming Cape Cods to modern Mediterranean villas. The streets are tidy and well maintained, and most of the homes are quite spacious, featuring three, four and sometimes five bedrooms with 2,500-plus square feet. Some of the communities have greenspace parks, such as Sleepy Hollow, and others have a common pool, such as Islandview. But the real value comes

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

PHOTOS BY CHASE YAKABOSKI

GO TO EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM FOR REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

(Clockwise from top) This stucco home is nestled on a quiet cul de sac within a waterfront neighborhood called Sleepy Hollow; The private sound access and dock for residents of Islandview is just down this scenic path that bridges beautiful preserved wetlands; This newly renovated 3,700-square-foot Islandview home on the Intercoastal Waterway is listed for $999,000; Calle Rio is another waterfront subdivision lined with tidy homes; Owners in Sleepy Hollow access their private waterfront dock through this green space dotted with a quaint gazebo.

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with deeded access to the waterfront. Many of the communities have a public dock, and some of these have deepwater boat slips equipped with lifts. They are available either as deeded property or as a leased option through the community homeowner association, as is the case with Islandview. Naturally, waterfront adds great value to any community. The home at 14 Islandview was sold as a distressed property for just $228,000 in 2014. After a complete makeover, it is now a stunning 3,700-square-foot waterfront home with three bedrooms and stellar views — on the market for $999,000. Just down the street there are two other homes for sale: a three-bedroom, three-bath Cape Cod-style house for $350,000 and a contemporary four-bedroom, two-and-ahalf-bath stucco home for $329,000. These homes do not convey with a boat slip, but if no one else is on the waiting list, you claim one and sail off to enjoy the coastal lifestyle just as much as the folks who will pay nearly a million just a few houses down. Naturally, these homes are listed above the average for Mary Esther, which, according to Newton, is $153,000. If you want to cash in on the coastal lifestyle, don’t wait for long: Newton says the average number of days on the market is just 85, and the average of buyers getting their asking price is a whopping 96 percent. And with sunsets over the sound just steps from these Mary Esther homes, they’ll get what they are asking. ec EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February–March 2016

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YOUR INVITATION TO THE EXCEPTIONAL ... A living experience like no other, Venue Emerald Coast offers an exceptional array of upscale luxury features and desired amenities in spacious one-, two- and threebedroom apartment homes, complete with detached one-car garages. Our masterful attention to detail and craftsmanship is meticulously built into each home.

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DEAL ESTATE

just listed

Finding The Right Home

COURTESY OF MAIN STREET PROPERTIES

BY REBECCA PADGETT

here are few properties more laudable than the Tildon Estate with its 73 acres, a main house fit for a royal family and an abundance of options for guests. This estate is a sight to behold, with a stunning 7,000-square-foot home cloaked by historic oaks and fronting a massive spring-fed pond. “The gently sloping hills give way to the main home, which boasts a commanding view over the private pond,” said Realtor Sam Parker. “Take peace in knowing that the property has the capabilities to be totally self-sufficient, but you will be only minutes away QUICK LOOK from city amenities.” LIST PRICE: $3,200,000 The main home is a traditional SouthBEDROOMS: 9 ern estate with a circular drive and stately BATHROOMS: 9 full, 2 half pillars. The grand entrance leads into a reCONTACT: Sam Parker, markable foyer that flows into the kitchen Main Street Properties, and sitting areas. The home boasts four (850) 777-6314 bedrooms, four bathrooms, two half-baths and two kitchens. The 1,100-square-foot master suite is a jewel in its own right, lending itself to luxurious relaxation and featuring six walk-in closets. The master bath contains custom cabinetry, his-and-her water closets, an extravagant sevennozzle shower and separate vanities. An attached mother-in-law suite includes a full dining area, living space and a bedroom suite. This home caters perfectly to entertaining with a game room complete with wet bar and refrigerator and a theater room ideal for in-home movie viewings. Just add popcorn. In case one home is not enough, a second home is perched atop a hill overlooking the property. In keeping with Southern traditions, the home features a wraparound porch and dormer windows. The open floor plan includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms and custom built-in decks. This second home could be used for a variety of purposes including a guesthouse, bed and breakfast or event venue. The consumate host will thrive on this property with an entertainment complex with temperature-controlled screened enclosures, outdoor kitchen, gas fireplaces and a 2,400-square-foot barn. Enjoy a dip in the saltwater pool year-around with temperature-controlled settings. The five-acre pond glistens invitingly for those who fancy fishing, and the abundant wildlife roaming the property tempt the avid outdoorsman. The barn is fully stocked with the tools, tractors, mowers and equipment that are essential in maintaining the beautiful grounds. “You would never have to be a tourist again. You could own an exquisite luxury estate in the Florida Panhandle,” Parker said. ec

AGE LEN RTG

R DE

A Palatial Property

Starts With The Right Mortgage Company MO

5249 TILDON STREET, MILTON

Jill Cadenhead | Loan Officer 850-826-2571 NMLS#390506

2014, 2015

jcadenhead@englending.com VA, FHA, RD, Conventional, Condo & Construction

348 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Ste #37 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval including credit worthiness, insurability, and ability to provide acceptable collateral. Not all loans or products are available in all states or counties. ENG Lending and Bank of England are not affiliated with any government agency. ENG Lending is a division of Bank of England. NMLS 418481. Member FDIC.

Ginger’s

DESTIN CONNECTION Finding a new house, condo or piece of property can be more painful than a poor-fitting pair of shoes, or as comfortable as your favorite sandals. So, in choosing a real estate agent, it’s important to get the right fit from the start. I have been shopping with clients for 28 years, listening to their needs and desires, then vigorously pursuing the market until I find the right fit, and I will do the same for you!

I t ’s A l l A b o u t

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DEAL ESTATE

just sold

BEST of the BEST

111 S. FOUNDERS LANE, WATERSOUND

A Castle by the Sea BY REBECCA PADGETT

SPECIAL PROMOTION

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COURTESY OF BEACHY BEACH 30A

magine the most elaborate sand castle you could create. It is expansive, contains room after room, has a unique design and, of course, it is right on the beach. Now, imagine that perfect sand castle has come to life. In the prominent community of WaterSound Beach, it has. It is no wonder that this new home did not stay on the market for long. It is everything and more that you could wish for in a 30A home and stands like a fortress on 1.5 acres of private Gulffront beach. “This is the epitome of a 30A resiQUICK LOOK dence, created to flow effortlessly beLIST PRICE: $5,195,000 tween the beautiful environment and SOLD PRICE: $4,995,000 the extraordinary craftsmanship,” said SQUARE FEET: 4,050 broker Chad Farnum. “It provides BEDROOMS: 5 timeless, casual elegance required for BATHROOMS: 6 CONTACT: Chad & Hilary the best in 30A living.” Farnum, Beachy Beach It is open and inviting, each room 30A, (850) 419-7383 flowing into the next. The living room faces the Gulf and features nano doors that admit gentle sea breezes. The kitchen boasts all of the latest appliances and a uniquely spherical design. There are four levels to this home, three of which offer spacious bedrooms each complete with private bathrooms. The master suite encompasses the entire third floor. It is centrally located as a haven for the queen and king. The views from this third floor space are endless and priceless. A master bathroom and sitting room provide luxury conveniences. The fourth floor is known as the tower room, because all castles have one. A sundeck 50 feet off the ground overlooks white sand dunes and Gulf horizons. Connected to the main home is a pedestrian bridge that leads to a carriage house, which includes a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. Given this home’s prime location, world-class views and surplus of space, its new owners are sure to enjoy their castle by the sea. ec

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habitat

SHANTY

CHIC HOW TO DECORATE LIKE A DESIGNER WITH YOUR FLEA MARKET FINDS

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1 COFFEE TABLES. There’s no excuse for settling for a boring standard coffee table. The spot in front of the sofa can be an old steamer trunk, an industrial cart, a pile of leather luggage, an antique bench, an ottoman, a duo of fat tree stumps.

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

e all love a bargain, but flea marketers contend that it isn’t just thrift that compels us to pore through phantasmagorias of clam cages, orphan dishes, vintage Christmas ornaments and cast-off furniture. “America has come to love re-using and re-inventing castoffs,” explains Stacie Hoard of De ’France, a Fort Walton Beach indoor flea market specializing in home furnishings. “It has made flea market decorating a very hot trend. And the appeal is clear. What else but one-of-a-kind treasures can create such uniquely personal rooms?” Obviously, designers and editors agree with Hoard. These days, you find charming thrift-decorated homes and furnishings featured by glossy home magazines, on HGTV and even in upscale catalogs. The rooms look so effortless. But are they really that easy to create? Is it actually OK to marry rustic country styles and sleek mid-century furnishings? Can that antique child’s cart turned coffee table live happily with a Queen Anne sofa? What to do about the bird house collection that’s growing out of bounds? Well, yesteryear’s matchy-matchy rooms, bought as sets, were unquestionably easier to deal with (albeit boring), but Stacie Hoard and other design-savvy flea marketers insist that you, too, can create wonderful interiors that fuse disparate elements. To help you on the journey, they have come up with some tried and true guidelines.

PHOTO BY CHASE YAKABOSKI

BY LIS KING

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5 6 7

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PHOTOS BY JENNIFER G. PHOTOGRAPHY (4, 5, 7, 8, 11) AND CHASE YAKABOSKI (2,3, 6, 9, 10)

habitat

2 MIXING OLD AND NEW. Opposites do attract, say the experts. Yes, a molded mid-century plastic chair can be good company for a curvy French chair. A modern abstract painting can add funky cool to a traditional room. Rustic furniture can co-exist nicely with Scandinavian modern. The trick is to choose pieces of similar size and height, say the pros, and not overdo. Contrasts are a nice surprise as your eye travels around a room, but chaos isn’t pretty. Aim for a nice cadence, with touches of the unexpected. 3 OLD DRESSERS. Snap them up for wherever you need storage. Chances are that they are a lot better constructed than new ones. Paint or refinish them. You probably paid so little for them that you won’t feel guilty doing a wild paint job. Polka dots, anyone? Your little princess will love it. And dressers aren’t just for bedroom storage. There’s no reason they shouldn’t move into the family room, holding DVDs, games or toys. Or find two narrow ones of the same height, top with a flat door or recycled planks and you’ve got a desk. Or add a vessel sink to create a chic bathroom fixture. 4 USE COLOR TO UNIFY A ROOM OF MIXED STYLES. Repeat a contrasting or complementary color throughout the room, in pillows, a rug, lamps and some artwork. 5 GRAB IT IF YOU SPOT AN EXTRAORDINARY TREASURE. “Don’t wait,” says Lydia Smith. “It might well be gone if you leave for a bit to think about it. My most recent flea market find was a French-styled day bed of carved wood. It was authentic, vintage rustic and beautiful, so I snapped it up. It is headed for my porch.” 6 SLIPCOVERS SAVE THE DAY. Living rooms call for lots of comfortable seating. You spy a flea market sofa that exudes comfort, ditto a love seat, but they aren’t a matched set? Not to worry. Slipcovers will unite them. Designers love to cover nonmatching seating in hefty white canvas because it adds structure and shows off colorful pillows, quilts and throws.

EMERALD COAST FLEA MARKETS Panama City Indoor Flea Market 253 W. 15th St. Panama City (850) 571-4842

11 7 HARNESS COLLECTIONS. Don’t spread a collection all over the house. Clutter is never pretty. Instead put it all in once place. In a hutch, perhaps, or on open shelves, and display space should complement the collection. Glassware, for example, is a weakness of T & W Flea Market’s Amanda Patterson, and that takes on special glitter when displayed in direct sunlight. It’s a good idea to store away part of a collection, rotating the display several times a year. That way it won’t become a stagnant part of the background. 8 USEFUL COLLECTIBLES. There are certain items that seasoned thrift shoppers never fail to check out. Baskets, for sure, all sizes and shapes, to hold everything from apples to knitting yarn. Picture frames. Odd pottery, ironstone and glass pitchers so pretty they show up all around the house, serving sangria or showing off flowers. Stools that can be seating, little tables, display venues. 9 LOOK AGAIN. Forget what things are supposed to be, says Susan Henry of Ava’s Attic in Miramar Beach. Look out for castoffs that can be given new life in an entirely different way. A good example is the china cabinet, part of yesteryear’s dining room set. Flea markets are full of

Lola’s on 30A 3788 Scenic Highway 30A Santa Rosa Beach (850) 660-1662

them. Remove the glass-fronted top, and you’ve got a sofa table or TV console. Now put legs on the upper part and it becomes a storage cabinet for the kitchen. Or move the whole china cabinet into the bathroom, suggests Lydia Smith of Brocante in Miramar Beach. It’ll work beautifully for family toiletries.

Flutterby Antiques 209 Main St. Destin (850) 269-3200

10 IMPROVING THE CLASSICS. In love with an old bed with fanciful carvings? This happens often at T & W Flea Market’s hundreds of shops and stalls in Pensacola, says co-owner Bryant Fields. The problem is that those beautiful old beds are full-sized, but they can indeed be converted to queen size. “Always think of ways to update the classics,” he says. “Upholster a traditional British settee in lime green, paint a French bergere chair canary yellow or robin egg’s blue.”

Brocante 9755 U.S. Highway 98 W. Miramar Beach 850-424-6520

11 HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Haunt the flea markets at Christmas time. Here, you’ll find inspired ornaments, handmade wreaths and one-of-akind gifts, both antique and newly crafted by local artisans. “Think of it as a treasure hunt,” says Amanda Patterson. “Consider fishing gear, kitchen collectibles, art, clever signs, metal letters from an old movie marquee, coins, compasses, vintage embroidered tablecloths. So many possibilities and great fun.” ec

Ava’s Attic 12889 Emerald Coast Pkwy. Miramar Beach (850) 424-6826

Fort Walton Beach Flea Market 125 Eglin Pkwy. SE Fort Walton Beach (850) 301-3729 De ’France Indoor Flea Market 230 Eighth Pkwy. SE Fort Walton Beach (850) 314-7500 Gulf Breeze Flea Market 5760 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze 850-934-1971 Once Upon A Time Market 51 E. Gregory St. Pensacola (850) 332-5265 T & W Flea Market 1717 N T St. Pensacola (850) 433-4315

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gardening

How-to Build a Hoop House

ALL TUCKED IN Our mild

winters make cool-season gardening a pleasure most of the time. For those occasional nights when temperatures drop below freezing, you can protect a 4-foot by 8-foot garden bed by building a homemade hoop house. All you need is a roll of plastic sheeting, rebar and PVC pipe.

BY AUDREY POST, MS. GROW-IT-ALL®

PLASTIC SHEETING

PVC PIPES

Your Monthly Garden Chores FEBRUARY

» Prune roses, removing

dead or damaged canes back to the ground.

» Prune crape myrtles,

removing any crossing or rubbing branches. Do not shear the top; it will weaken the branch structure and contrary to myth, it doesn’t produce any more blossoms.

» Plant seed

potatoes for midsummer harvest.

» If you have cold-

damaged plants in your garden, resist the urge to prune them until all danger of frost is over.

» Fertilize citrus trees. MARCH

» Fertilize camellias and azaleas

ROCKS

after they finish blooming, but wait until June to prune to preserve next year’s flower buds

RAISED BED REBAR STAKE

STEP 1: Sink 18-inch Rebar stakes halfway into the ground at the corners of the bed and midway down each long side. Get a 10-foot length of PVC pipe, half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and set it over the Rebar at one corner of the bed.

STEP 2: Bend the PVC across the planting bed and place the other end of the pipe over the Rebar on the other side. Repeat at the other corner and in the middle. Now you have your frame.

STEP 3: Drape plastic sheeting over the frame. Bury the end on one side in the soil and hold the other down with rocks. Leave enough at each end to overlap and secure with clothespins. The rocks and pins let you remove the cover easily when the weather warms.

TIP

Let it absorb heat before the sun goes down. If a hard freeze is forecast, secure your hoop house about 2 or 3 in the afternoon so it will build up heat inside. As the temperatures drop overnight, the plants inside will stay snug.

» Wait until April to fertilize your lawn; the soil is still too cool to absorb the nutrients.

» Plant summer-

blooming bulbs, tubers and corms such as lilies, ornamental gingers, agapanthus and gladiolas.

» Watch for pests on new

growth on perennials and shrubs, and use an insecticidal soap as needed.

» Fertilize non-citrus fruit trees.

and early March brings mole crickets out from their winter hibernation in the soil, but don’t grab the pesticides just yet. Adult mole crickets are hard to kill, and their days are numbered anyway. Work with nature to get the most effective results. That incessant chirping at night is the male calling the female to mate. Once that’s done, he dies and she flies off to lay eggs in several places, creating those telltale tunnels and small piles of soil in your lawn. After she lays her eggs, she dies. Pesticides applied now won’t kill the eggs, so wait until the eggs have hatched but the nymphs can’t yet fly — mid-June through July. If you don’t see any evidence of mole crickets, use a soap solution to flush out any that might be present: Dissolve one ounce of liquid soap in two gallons of water and pour over a 3-foot by 3-foot square. It only takes a few minutes for any mole crickets that are present to emerge. If you see more than five or six, treat the area with a pesticide labeled for use on mole crickets and follow the directions carefully.

PESKY PESTS

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© 2016 Postscript Publishing, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll.com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com. Ms. Grow-ItAll® is a registered trademark of Postscript Publishing.

ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA TAYLOR

Wait until summer to treat lawn for mole crickets The warm weather of late February

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Synergy Organic Juice Bar and Café’s Everquake sandwich topped with sunflower seeds, sprouts and the Evergreen marinade puts locally grown greens and veggies centerstage. 130 February–March 2016

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PHOTOS BY MATT BURKE (EVERQUAKE SANDWICH) AND SHANE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC/SILVERTHORNE PHOTOGRAPHY/SILVERTHORNEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM (CULTIVATE)

Here’s To Your Health! FOUR EC RESTAURANTS HELP HEALTH-CONSCIOUS DINERS STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND GO ORGANIC BY SUSAN BENTON

ust like the weather, food trend forecasts are tricky, but one thing is for certain: Emerald Coasters are demanding higher quality and healthier options, and area restaurants are stepping up to the plate. A recent study, “Healthy Eating: Impact on the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry,” by Harris Interactive, Rochester, New York, found that almost 64 percent of U.S. adults consider themselves healthy eaters, while 45 percent say they follow some type of health-conscious diet. Given that interest in eating better, consumers are purchasing more locally sourced food from area farmer’s markets and seeking nutrient rich choices when dining out. Try these top four healthy hot spots if seeking a lifestyle change or to get back on track if your diet has derailed.  

Synergy Organic Juice Bar and Café located off Miracle Strip Parkway in downtown Fort Walton Beach offers protein packed breakfast and lunch options, as well as refreshing juices to enjoy while dining in, by take out, or to grab and go without a wait. Owners Amy Likins and Christian Echele are longtime locals that teamed up to bring Emerald Coast foodies healthy alternatives more than 16 years ago and opened Synergy in the last two. Echele is a classically trained chef who brings flavor to the forefront of the dishes he creates, while Likins, who holds a degree in (Clockwise) Table Holistic Nutrition, offers welltops made with ness and lifestyle programs, reclaimed wood yoga classes and whole food dot Cultivate Cafe; Chef Joyce “J.J.” cooking classes. Sedersten; The “We try to help people get Sasquash Panini is made with roasted in contact with local farmers so butternut squash, that they will cook whole foods caramelized onions, at home, and we can tailor a candied jalapeños, apples and arugula program to meet anyone’s diand is served with etary needs,” said Amy. Order a cup of the soup the Island Burrito packed with of the day. EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February 2015–March 2016

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black beans, avocado, with the seasons, and the sprouts, salsa and cilanmeat offering changes (Clockwise) Jenifer Kuntz, tro-lime cream for a soul daily. If in the mood for owner of Raw & Juicy Airstream in Seaside. Kuntz satisfying meal, or the seafood, order the most totes a bin of locally grown popular double chocopopular menu item, the kale from GreenMan’s Garden; The popular late almond smoothie shrimp tacos, or open nutrition-packed Breakfast to boost your morning, wide and take a big bite Blend Granola gives you making it anything but of The Notorious S.F.G. energy on the go. routine. (super food group) SalIn Destin, Cultivate ad. Filled with shredded Café showcases off “beet” local eats, spekale and Brussels sprouts, blackberries, cializing in sustainable cuisine sourced avocado and sunflower seeds, your body within a 50-mile radius. Shane Morris will thank you. and Joyce (J.J.) Sedersten are the owners Jenifer Kuntz is the owner of the Raw and met in Colorado where J.J. attended & Juicy Airstream located in Seaside, and culinary school. The beaches were calling she knows a thing or two about the search Shane back home to the Emerald Coast for tasty and healthy raw food selections. where he was born and raised, and on New When she moved to the 30A area more Year’s Day 2015, the pair leased the space than 12 years ago, she made it her mission on Harbor Boulevard, opening the eatery to locate the best and found as did many, last March. that raw, vegetarian and vegan offerings “We want people to enjoy our good back then were slim. food while supporting the local economy,” “I felt like a cat trying to get out of a said Morris. With meat sourced from Arbag!” explained Kuntz. At Raw & Juicy, rowhead Beef, seafood from Destin Ice everything offered on the chalkboard and produce from the Seaside Farmer’s menu is made from scratch in the gluten Market, Cultivate Café makes that easy free kitchen, and most ingredients are orfor you to do. “Our concept is more than ganic. Rest assured you are going to eat just food. We support local businesses by well here, as Jen is also the founder of the purchasing local products to serve in our Seaside Farmer’s Market open on Saturrestaurant, a win for all,” said Morris. day mornings in the Seaside AmphitheCultivate’s chalkboard menu changes ater, currently boasting over 30 vendors. 132 February–March 2016

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PHOTOS BY SEAN MURPHY/COURTESY OF RAW & JUICY

flavor

#localsservinglocals @jackacudas #jackacudas 8 5 0

APPETIZER Harborwalk Village Destin, FL

Eat Local

4 2 4 3 5 0 7

The American Cancer Society invites you to don your western wear and attend the 9th Annual Emerald Coast Cattle Barons’ Ball. Saturday March 19, 2016 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Baron Table for 10 u $5,000 Rancher Table for 10 u $2500 Individual Tickets u $200 For more information or to purchase tickets: Laura Bland 850-519-4320 lauratbland@gmail.com

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P R I M E

S T E A K S

S E A F O O D

SAVOR THE CLASSIC & SOPHISTICATED Relying on an array of fresh, seasonally inspired ingredients, Executive Chef Dan Vargo creates the most unforgettable meals found on the Emerald Coast. With hand selected prime steaks, Gulf-to-table seafood, craft cocktails and more than 600 wines, Seagar’s prides itself in providing the most decadent and indulgent meals.

R E SE R VAT I ON S

8 5 0 - 6 2 2-1 5 0 0 Located at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa 4000 Sandestin Blvd. S., Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Seagars.com | Contact@Seagars.com

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12/16/2015 5:15:47 PM

Clean eating is a breeze when delectable green juices, smoothies and live whole food options are at your fingertips. Order the veggiehummus wrap, the kale salad drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkled with sea salt and topped with avocado dressing, or dive into the Costa Rican bowl, perfect for those on the run or needing to get back to the beach. It is nourishing, satiating and is loaded with organic brown rice, seasoned black beans, Wild Roots Pizzetta salsa fresco, avocado and a zesty squeeze of lime. Stimulate your taste buds at Wild Roots on Pensacola Beach, where the Hippocrates quote, “Let There is no limit to how Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine good you can feel by choosBe Thy Food,” is the motto. Owner ing to eat pure clean food Lynne Foster says, “You have to take that is full of flavor. Take care of yourself and let the control, be proactive and restore folks at one of these area your own health and nutrition.” She restaurants specializing in was drawn to Pensacola Beach for its healthy foods serve you: positive energy and healing attributes while living in Washington, D.C., after Cultivate Café battling an illness in which her own 529 Harbor Blvd. #101, medications made her even sicker. Destin (850) 461-2698 Offering unprocessed organic, vegoffbeetlocaleats.com an, vegetarian, raw and paleo options and offerings free of gluten, grains Ever’man Cooperative and pesticides, there truly is someGrocery & Café thing for everyone to savor. Indulge 315 W. Garden St., in a bowl of comforting ramen made Pensacola with zucchini noodles and served (850) 438-0402 in a cremini, portobello and shitake everman.org mushroom broth, or amino blast and Raw & Juicy detox your liver, skin or brain with 2255 E. County Hwy. 30A, one of the many restorative smoothSanta Rosa Beach ies on the menu. (850) 231-0043 Add chicken, beef or shrimp for rawandjuicylife.com an additional charge to any wrap, big salad, stir-fry dish or pizzetta — a thin Synergy Organic Juice Bar and Cafe and crispy pizza — or nosh on the All 120 Miracle Strip Parkway, American Plate of free-range meatloaf Fort Walton Beach served with sweet potatoes and season(850) 865-4919 al veggies on the side. Call or text in synergyorganiccafefwb.com your order to go and take home organic beer, wine, fresh produce, milk, cheese Wild Roots Organic Foods or in-house fresh baked goods from the 5 Via Deluna Drive Unit B, restaurant’s own market. The gluten Pensacola Beach (888) 935-8827 and grain free scones, muffins and trufwildrootsorganicfoods.com fles are wildly in demand, as are the artisan beach pops with no added sugar. Zen Garden Market and “In order to restore health through Lotus Café food, Wild Roots needed to have a 707 Richard Jackson menu with a wide variety that would Blvd., Panama City Beach appeal to all,” said Foster. “You can’t in(850) 234-1651 zengardenmarket.com fluence the people you don’t serve.” ec

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD ROOTS

flavor

THANK YOU DESTIN! for voting Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer as the BEST RESTAURANT IN OKALOOSA COUNTY 2015

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USE O H D O O SEAFN D T E A M E R A S

BEST GUMBO BEST GIRL’S NIGHT OUT

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TEL 850.460.8900 W W W. B R OT U L A S . CO M

Make any day special Locals love Shan Kishi for their exceptional sushi and Japanese cuisine. The friendly and knowledgeable staff offers the finest sushi presentations with only the freshest wingredients. With three locations, Shan Kishi is the perfect spot for every celebration.

SHANKISHI.COM · 3 LOCATIONS PANAMA CITY BEACH

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13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy

12805 US Highway 98 E Suite E101

11275 US Highway 98 W Unit 4

(850) 249-3663

(850) 909-0106

(850) 460-8998

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dining

10 MUSTHAVE BAR TOOLS With great bar accoutrements readily available, it's never been easier to stock your bar cart with everything needed to pour on great chemistry at your next party. Here are 10 thirstquenching reasons your friends and family will love to belly up to your home bar.

CHEERS

Vodka with a Kick The Moscow Mule was created in 1941 by John Martin and Jack Morgan. They ordered engraved copper mugs and set off to market it around the country using one of the first Polaroid cameras and asked barmen to pose with a Moscow Mule Copper Mug. Prior to Prohibition, vodka was not a popular spirit in the U.S. When Prohibition was lifted, this was the drink that really introduced vodka to the masses in the U.S.

Jigger Measure well for the perfect pour every time 2

TRADITIONAL MOSCOW MULE

Corkscrew Pop corks like a pro 3

Bar Knife Simply slice and garnish

Combine the fresh lime juice and your of Domaine de Canton Ginger liqueur, or INGREDIENTS: favorite vodka into a shaker tin. Shake and you can muddle fresh ginger for an added » 2 oz of your strain into a copper mug filled with crushed “WOW” factor when showing off to your favorite vodka ice. Top off with ginger beer and give a guest. Candied ginger also makes a fun » .50 oz of fresh lime juice little stir to mix. Garnish with a fresh mint. garnish. You can find this at your local » 2 oz of ginger beer For a fresh seasonal approach, muddle your specialty food market like Fresh Market favorite fresh fruit or herbs into the mix. or Whole Foods. Not a fan of vodka? We love the combination of fresh pineapple and mint! Substitute some dark rum, and you have a delicious For a little extra ginger kick you can also add a splash Dark and Stormy! Recipe courtesy Bonefish Grill

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Along the Emerald (Green) Coast PENSACOLA

DESTIN

30A

PANAMA CITY BEACH

March 12, 9 a.m. The 39th annual edition of this 5K certified course (3.1 miles) starts and finishes at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Downtown Pensacola. You must be able to run or walk 3.1 miles in under one hour. The course will open to traffic at 10 a.m. Stragglers will be picked up by McGuire’s bus. For more information, visit mcquiresirishpub.com.

March 12-13, 1 p.m.-until This family-friendly festival features bagpipes, live music, Irish dancing, feasting, kids activities and plenty of green beer. Proceeds benefit Food for Thought Outreach, Inc. Bring a plastic jar of peanut butter or jelly and receive $5 off your Pub Crawl Pass. For more info, visit Emeraldgrande. com/harborwalk or call (850) 337-8500.

March 12, 1 p.m. parade Everyone is Irish during the 9th annual 30A St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. Held along the scenic Highway 30A, this festive weekend promises a variety of floats, live entertainment and a steady stream of green beer with lots of frolicking and fun. For parade route and festival ticket info, visit 30aparade.com.

March 17 Downtown PCB welcomes St. Patrick’s Day with sidewalks decked out in green, Irish flags, green lights, balloons and banners. Enjoy live music as well as traditional Irish dancers, bagpipe players and more. Many of the businesses will be doing their own special ode to St. Patrick’s Day, so make sure you check in for discounts and specials.

McGuires St. Patrick’s Day Prediction 5K Run

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Irish Festival & Grogg March

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30A St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Downtown Panama City Beach

Ice Scoop Chill out while you crack, scoop and strain 5

Stirrer What every mixologist can’t live without 6

Zester Add citrus zing with this thing 7

Strainer Keeps the riff raff out of your concoction 8

Bottle Opener Open up any bottled beverage with style 9

Hand Juicer Enjoy fresh citrus minus the seeds 10

Muddler Clearly the way to crush fresh fruits and herbs

PHOTO COURTESY OF BONEFISH GRILL

How to Make a Traditional Moscow Mule

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February 2015–March 2016

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dining It’s the season of love. Here are a

few tasty tips to be sure your romantic dinner at home is just that.

RECIPE

Mason Jar Chili and Cornbread

SET THE MOOD

Flowers, music and candles can create a warm and inviting ambiance — let your imagination take flight, but be mindful that scented candles can detract from food and wine flavors. After you decorate and set the table, take a seat and be sure the candles — whether extravagant or simple — allow you to look at each other across the table.

Put prepared chili into a mason jar and add cornbread batter on top. The jar is then baked to create a perfect combo to keep warm during dinner on a cold night. Cook onion, pepper, garlic and ground beef over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are soft. Drain grease if needed. Return beef mixture to a large pot and add the remaining ingredients — beans through broth. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. In a bowl, stir cornbread mix, corn, cheese, green onions, milk and egg. Carefully spoon chili into pint-size mason jars, filling halfway. Add 1/3-cup cornbread mix to the mason jars. Bake chili and cornbread in the oven at 400 degrees for 15–20 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown. Remove from oven carefully and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

CHOOSE ROMANTIC FOOD

Pasta is a classic romantic dish that is easy to prepare and pairs well with wine, chicken and salmon can be prepared an endless number of ways — so be creative. Consider foods that are aphrodisiacs for an even more romantic night. If so, add oysters, almonds, basil and asparagus to your menu. AVOID DISTRACTIONS

» 1 cup onion, chopped » ¾ cup green bell pepper, chopped (any color pepper will do) » 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon prepared garlic/garlic powder)

» 1 pound lean ground beef » 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed » 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed » 1 15-ounce can hominy, drained » 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice

» 1 tablespoon chili powder » 1 tablespoon cumin » ½ teaspoon salt » ½ teaspoon pepper » 2 ½ cups beef broth

FOR THE CORNBREAD

» 1 8.5-ounce package of cornbread mix » ¾ cup corn (canned or frozen) » 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded » 3 green onions, sliced » ¾ cup milk » 1 egg

Add the one you love and enjoy!

A Taste for … Cranberries Early European settlers to America thought the flower on cranberry bushes resembled a crane, and

originally named the fruit “craneberry.” Native Americans were the first to use it as food, healing ointment and dye. Today we enjoy cranberries raw, dried, mulled, sautéed and stewed. And we serve them up in juice, sauce, relish, jam, salad and stuffing, to name just a few. Cranberries pack a flavorful punch, so they are a like adding an exclamation point to your meal menu. Whether you use them to simmer in a pot or garnish your cocktail, cranberries are a healthy addition to your menu any time of year. These bright berries are bursting with vitamin C and K. They are full of fiber, and their antioxidant properties elevate them to the status of a “superfood.” We raise our cranberry cocktail glass and honor the berry that adds romance to dining all year. Cheers!

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PHOTO BY SAIGE ROBERTS

INGREDIENTS

Make arrangements for child care, tidy up the house, turn off your television and all of your devices, put on some great mellow music such as jazz, classical or blues and … pay attention to one another.

NOW OPEN at Pier Park in Panama City Beach

we roll with the freshest Local Produce, Fresh Gulf Fish, Highest Quality Beef

www.osakahibachiandsushi.com

Capt.on Dave’s the

Gulf

Casual Gulf Front Dining The locals’ favorite since 1968!

SERVING LOCAL FLORIDA SEAFOOD AND STEAKS Dinner 4pm UNTIL … For more information visit captdavesonthegulf.com Enjoy cocktails on the deck for sunset Daily Happy Hour 4–6pm

3796 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin 850.837.2627 captdavesonthegulf.com

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dining

Chef Javier Rosa

EC BITES

FOR SANDESTIN GOLF AND BEACH RESORT executive chef Javier Rosa, the road that would shape his culinary prowess and global influences started in the home kitchen where he grew up in Puerto Rico. From those humble beginnings where he learned the importance of flavors, textures and taste, he has traveled to more than 20 countries to hone his culinary skills, including excursions to Europe, Asia and the Caribbean to experience an array of global cuisines. Over the years, he has prepared meals for presidents, kings, queens and famous personalities from around the world. Javier Rosa has spent most of his career with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company with stints in the United States and the Caribbean. While working at The RitzCarlton, Washington, D.C., he had the opportunity to thrill the palates of presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti. At Grand Cayman Island, he hosted many celebrities including Iron Chef Morimoto, Jean Banchet, Michael Richard and Fabio Trabocchi. “Throughout my life, I have experienced different countries and culinary styles, and it has shaped me into the chef I am today,” said Rosa. “I am thrilled to be at Sandestin, so I can share my passion for food and the fusion of a variety of cuisines to Northwest Florida.” Rosa is recognized as a culinary innovator, and his art of plating and food styling have earned him numerous accolades in multiple newspapers and magazines. ON THE MENU Intoxicating sunsets and devilishly delicious desserts: The Emerald Coast is tempting and tasty, so go ahead and eat and drink it all in. Original Waterfront Crab Shack Restaurant & Marina, Fort Walton Beach Come for the seafood and stay for the sunset. This little unassuming shack is a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike because it has delicious food, great service and an undeniably awesome water view. One of the classics here is the Drunken Mussels, featuring a pound of savory black mussels tossed with garlic, onion and tomato in a white-wine butter sauce and served with crusty garlic bread. With an intoxicating view at the end of the dock just steps from the outdoor deck dining, be prepared to get a wee bit tipsy.

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Smashburger, Destin It’s a smash hit! Smashburger slammed into Destin Commons with what it calls “a fresh approach.” Meaning its 100 percent certified, all-natural Angus beef burgers are smashed to order on a hot-buttered grill to sear in the juices, seasoned to bring out the natural flavor and topped with pretty much whatever you can cram under the bun. The regular Classic Smash comes with American cheese, Smash Sauce, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion on an egg bun. Add a side of Smashfries, thin-cut fries tossed with rosemary, olive oil and garlic, for just $2.29. Yes, a smashing success for sure. $5.99

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

Bon Appetit French Bakery & Café, Fort Walton Beach When someone announces “bon appetit,” it’s a clarion call for all foodies to get their taste buds ready for something sensational. Bon Appetit French Bakery & Café has earned its name in a single bite — the perfect cream pull pastry. This mini-bite maxes out on flavor. Pate a choux filled with crème patisserie, then dusted with powdered sugar: In a word … perfection! $0.95

» The Craft Bar opens two new locations in Grand Boulevard and Grayton Beach. » Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer in Destin recently unveiled a new weekend brunch menu that features an Lobster Omelet with goat cheese and house made spicy hollandaise and the hearty Down South Omelet with crab meat, bacon and pimento cheese. » Brotula’s also has partnered with McNeese Distributing to present Monthly Wine Tastings. For $15, guests can enjoy a selection of red and white wines from guest vineyards from across the country paired with artful bites served on a different day each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. » Marlin Grill in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin offers a Ménage A Trois menu Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. For $33, guests can enjoy an appetizer, salad and one of nine different entrée options with side.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANDESTIN BEACH AND GOLF RESORT AND SMASHBURGER

From Modest Beginnings to Dates with Royalty

» A collaborative effort between acclaimed Atlanta chef, Cesar Velazquez, and two respected restaurateurs, Lance Jaglarski and Andy McKowski, Chiringo fuses the energetic, coastal vibe of Southern Spain with the fun, funky atmosphere of Grayton Beach. The Chiringo team traveled to Tarifa, Spain where siestas are a way of life, and meals are simple, fresh and healthy and hope to bring this experience to Hotz Avenue in Grayton Beach (across from Red Bar).

FRESH SEAFOOD?

One of the first questions people ask when they visit our area is “How can we be sure we’re getting fresh seafood?” That’s an excellent question. There is a good chance that the seafood you will be offered traveled farther than you did. In the state of Florida, even though we are surrounded by water, more than 90% of the seafood sold this year will be imported from other countries. Throughout the United States, the huge majority of seafood is imported. Most of it is mislabeled. Frozen seafood is sold as “fresh” and imported seafood is sold as “local.” According to Oceana, 93% of fish sold as red snapper is actually some other species. 57% of tuna sold at sushi bars throughout the country is not tuna. Most of the tilapia served in this country comes from Viet Nam and Thailand and much of it is farmed in waters with sewage run-off and the source of feed is pig feces.

Harbor Docks has been selling fish through its wholesale market since 1981. We sell to markets across the United States and Canada. We also sell to select restaurants along the Gulf Coast. Harbor Docks contracts with over 100 commercial boats to insure that we have an adequate supply of fresh fish. We invite you to dine at our restaurants – Harbor Docks, in the heart of Destin, and Camille’s, overlooking the Gulf in Crystal Beach. But we’d also encourage you to try any of the wonderful, independent, local restaurants in our area that are committed to serving Florida seafood. We know who they are, because we sell them their fish.

Check our website to find out which restaurants sell certified Gulf-to-Table fish from Harbor Docks Seafood Market. DES TIN , FL | 850. 837. 2506 | H A R B O R D O C K S .CO M S E A F O O D & C O C K TA I L S

Snapper and Tuna stats: http://oceana.org/en/news-media/publications/reports/oceana-study-reveals-seafood-fraud-nationwide Imported seafood stat: http://www.fishwatch.gov/farmed_seafood/outside_the_us.htm Tilapia/pig feces: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-10-11/asian-seafood-raised-on-pig-feces-approved-for-u-s-consumers.html EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February 2015–March 2016

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dining Alys Beach

GEORGE’S AT ALYS BEACH American. Seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Open daily 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. 30 Castle Harbour Dr., 850-641-0017. $$ L D

Blue Mountain Beach

MARIE’S BISTRO & BAR ★ Mediterranean. Seafood, steak, pasta and sushi. Serving lunch 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Tues–Fri and dinner at 5 p.m. Tues–Sun. 2260 W. County Highway 30A, 850-278-6856. $$ L D BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY Ice Cream. Homemade ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt treats. Open daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Cash only. 2129 S. County Highway 83, 850-278-6849. $$

Destin

ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFÉ ★ Breakfast. Breakfast all day, plus sandwiches, patty melts, specials, soups, salads and desserts. Open daily 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Closed Mondays. 979 E. Highway 98, Suite F, 850-650-0499. $ B BOATHOUSE OYSTER BAR Seafood. Ice cold beer, raw oysters, award-winning gumbo. Open daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m. 288 B Harbor Blvd., 850-837-3645. L D

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Ba set

Baytowne Marina

Sun

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Audubon Dr

Blue Her on Dr Sandestin Golf Club & Beach Resort

Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hwy 98 Fresh Gulf Seafood | Housemade Jellies & Dressings Breakfast & Lunch served 7am–2pm | Dinner coming soon Tiki Bar Poolside 11am–Sunset Private Events & Catering Available SunsetBayCafeSandestin.com | 850-267-7108 158 Sandestin Blvd. N. @ Linkside Conference Center Open 7 days | Breakfast · Lunch 142 February–March 2016

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BOSHAMPS SEAFOOD & OYSTER HOUSE ★ Seafood. Gulf-to-table Southern cuisine. Open daily at 11 a.m. 414 Harbor Blvd., 850-424-7406. $$ L D BROTULA’S SEAFOOD HOUSE & STEAMER ★ Seafood/American. Fresh steamed and boiled seafood dishes. Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Destin Harbor, 850-460-8900. $$$ B BRUSTERS Ice Cream. Ice Cream Selections are made fresh on-site daily. Noon–7:00 p.m. 4655 Gulfstar Dr., 850-269-2920 CALLAHAN’S RESTAURANT & DELI American. Great sandwiches, seafood specials and prime rib. Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 791 Harbor Blvd., 850-837-6328. $LD CRAB ISLAND CANTINA Mexican. Latin-inspired Mexican cuisine. Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. 2 Harbor Blvd., 850-424-7417. $$ L D

The Key The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Emerald Coast Magazine editorial department, except where noted. Outdoor Dining Live Music Emerald Coast $ Inexpensive 2015 Winner $$ Moderately Breakfast Expensive Lunch $$$ Expensive Dinner

★ Best of the B L D

THE CRAFT BAR ★ American. Craft brews on tap along with artisan cocktails and elevated bar fare. Open daily 11 a.m.–12 a.m. 4424 Commons Dr. 850-460-7907. $$ L D DESTIN ICE SEAFOOD MARKET & DELI ★ Gourmet Takeout. Fresh fish and seafood items, pastas, salads and side dishes, Buckhead meats, decadent deserts,wines, cheeses, spices and more. Open daily 8 a.m.–7 p.m. 663 Emerald Coast Pkwy, 850-837-8333. $$ L D CUVEE BISTRO ★ American. Classic Italian, French and Asian influenced dishes. Open daily 5:30-10 p.m. 36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W. (Also at 12805 Highway 98 in Inlet Beach.) 850-650-8900. $$$ D

DEWEY DESTIN’S HARBORSIDE ★ Seafood. Award-winning seafood in a quaint house. Open daily 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. 202 Harbor Blvd., 850-837-7525. $$$ L D DEWEY DESTIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET ★ Seafood. Outdoor setting, fresh seafood. Open 11 a.m.–8 p.m. 9 Calhoun Ave., 850-837-7575. $$ B

L D

GRAFFITI Italian. Traditional Italian house specialties like seafood pizza. Mon– Thu 5–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 5–10 p.m. 707 E. Hwy. 98, 850-654-2764. $$ D HARBOR DOCKS ★ American. A surf-and-turf restaurant. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and the best sushi on the Emerald Coast. Open daily 5 a.m.–11 p.m. 538 E. Hwy. 98, 850-837-2506. $$ B L D HARRY T’S Seafood. Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 46 Harbor Blvd., 850-654-4800. $$ B L D JACKACUDA’S EAFOOD & SUSHI Seafood. Seafood, sushi, salad and sandwiches. Open daily from 11 a.m. Sunday brunch at 10 a.m. 56 Harbor Blvd., HarborWalk Village, 850-424-3507. $$ L D JASMINE THAI ★ Thai. Traditional dishes in a contemporary atmosphere. Lunch: Tue–Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Dinner: Tue– Sun 5–9 p.m. 4463 Common Drive W., 108. 850-460-7780. $$ L D JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q ★ Barbecue. Smokehouse barbecue,

beer and wine. Open daily 11 a.m. 14073 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850-351-1991. $ L D JOHNNY O’QUIGLEY’S ★ American. Steak, seafood and barbecue. Mon–Thu 11 a.m.– midnight, Fri–Sun 11 a.m.–1 a.m. 34940 Emerald Coast Pkwy, 850-837-1015. $ L D MAMA CLEMENZA’S EUROPEAN BREAKFAST ★ European. Award-winning breakfast. Old World family recipes. Open Wed–Sun 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Holiday Plaza, 12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., 850-246-6262. $$ B MARINA CAFÉ American. Gourmet pizzas, Creole and American cuisine. Open daily 5–10 p.m. 404 E. Hwy. 98, 850-837-7960. $$ D MCGUIRE’S IRISH PUB ★ Irish. Burgers and pub grub and the famous 18-cent Senate Bean Soup. Open daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m. 33 Highway 98, 850-650-0000. $$ L D MIMMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian. Italian dishes. Open Mon– Fri 11 a.m–10 p.m.,Sat–Sun 5–10 p.m. 979 Highway 98, Suite 5, 850-460-7353. $$ L D OSAKA ★ Japanese. Known for its sushi but serves a variety of dishes, including chicken, steak and seafood. Lunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Dinner 5–10:30 p.m. 34845 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850650-4688 or 850-650-4689. $$ L D PEPITO’S ★ Mexican. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 757 E. Hwy. 98, 850-650-7734. $$ L D RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE ★ Steak and Seafood. New Orleansinspired. Mon–Sat 5:30–10 p.m., Sun 5:30–9 p.m. Silver Shells Resort. 1500 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850-337-5108. $$$ D SARAH K’S GOURMET Gourmet Takeout. Ready-to-heat cuisine. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fresh chicken salad. Open at 11 a.m. 34940 Hwy. 98, 850-269-0044. $ L D TUSCANY ITALIAN BISTRO Italian. Northern Italian cuisine meats, fresh seafood and garden vegetables. Tues–Sun 4 p.m.–close. 36178 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850-650-2451. $$ D WENDY’S KITCHEN Take-Out Homemade meals from Wendy’s kitchen to your table. Comfort Food, Casseroles 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. Mon–Fri. 14091 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850-837-8837.

Fort Walton Beach

BON APPETIT FRENCH BAKERY & CAFÉ ★ French. French pastries, croissants, crusty breads, soup, salads and sandwiches served 7:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. Mon–Fri, Sat 7:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. Closed Sun. 420 Mary Esther Cutoff, 850-244-2848.

BUFFALO’S REEF FAMOUS WINGS ★ American. Hot wings and cold beer.. Tue–Sat open at 10:30 a.m., Sun open at noon. 116 Eglin Pkwy., 850-243-9463. $ L D CLEMENZA’S UPTOWN ★ Italian. Italian cuisine and woodfired pizza. Open Mon–Fri for lunch, Mon–Sat for dinner. 75 Eglin Pkwy., 850-243-0707. $$ B L D HELEN BACK Pizza. Pizza and cold beer in a sports bar atmosphere. Locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview and Valparaiso. Open daily 11 a.m.–4 a.m. 114 Amberjack Dr., 850-796-1451. $L D HIGH TIDE RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR ★ Seafood. Casual eatery featuring an oyster bar. Open daily 11 a.m.9:30 p.m. 1203 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE., 850-244-2124. $$ L D

2008 - Best Italian 2009 - Best Pizza 2010 - Best Pizza & Best Chef 2011 - Best Pizza, Best Italian & Best Chef 2012 - Best Italian 2013 - Best Pizza & Best Walton Restaurant 2014 - Best Pizza, Best Walton Restaurant & Best Chef 2015 - Best Pizza

The original, award-winning wood-fired pizza and classical Italian cuisine

MAGNOLIA GRILL Steak, Seafood and Italian. Steak, seafood, pasta, soups, salads and desserts. Lunch Mon–Fri 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. Dinner Mon–Sat, open at 5 p.m. Closed Sun. 157 SE Brooks St., 850-302-0266. $$ L D PRANZO ITALIAN RISTORANTE Italian. Classic and contemporary Italian cuisine. Dinner Mon–Sat, 5 p.m. 1222 Santa Rosa Blvd., 850-244-9955. $ D

Grayton Beach

Lunch M–F 11–2 · Dinner M–Sat 5–9 · 850.650.5980 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach · fatclemenzas.com

PICOLO’S RESTAURANT Seafood. Fresh seafood. Open daily 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. 70 Hotz Ave., 850-231-1008. $$ L D TRATTORIA BORAGO Italian. Pork tenderloin or pan-seared grouper from the open kitchen. Open 6 p.m. daily. 80 E. Hwy. 30A, Grayton Beach, 850-231-9167. $$ D

Miramar Beach

AEGEAN RESTAURANT ★ Greek. Authentic Greek restaurant. Breakfast 8–11 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., Dinner 4–9 p.m. 11225 Emerald Coast Pkwy., 850-460-2728. $$ B L D THE BEACH HOUSE American. Casual beach front dining. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 4009 S. Sandestin Blvd. 850-267-4800. $$ L D

BIJOUX RESTAURANT & SPIRITS ★ Steak and Seafood. Fine dining coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair, Gulf seafood, prime steaks. Open daily, 4–10 p.m. The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., Suite 22, Miramar Beach, 850-622-0760. $$$ D CANTINA LAREDO ★ Mexican. A gourmet twist on Mexican favorites. Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m. 585 Grand Blvd., 850-654-5649. $$ B L D FAT CLEMENZA’S ★ Italian. Classical Italian cuisine.

Magnolia Grill fort walton beach

tom & peggy rice, proprietors

(850) 302-0266

www.magnoliagrillfwb.com bridal luncheons • wedding rehearsals unique receptions

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The Tradition Continues EUROPEAN BREAKFAST

Best Italian 2013, 2014, 2015

Best Brunch 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Best Restaurant Okaloosa County 2013, 2014 Best Service, Food & Beverage 2015

dining Lunch Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Dinner Mon–Wed 5–9:30 p.m., Thu–Sat 5–10 p.m. Holiday Plaza/ Hwy. 98, 850-650-5980. $$ L D JOHN WEHNER’S VILLAGE DOOR BAYFRONT RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB ★ American. Dinner and dancing. Serving barbecue and seafood daily 5–9 p.m. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 126 Fisherman’s Cove, 850-502-4590. $ D MARINA BAR AND GRILL American. Seafood, po-boys, burgers and salads. Open daily 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Breakfast Sat–Sun 8–11 a.m. Kitchen closed Mon–Tue. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W., 850-267-7778. $ B L D MARLIN GRILL ★ Steak and Seafood. Seafood, steaks, salads and appetizers. Open nightly at 5 p.m. Village of Baytowne Wharf, 850-351-1990. $$$ L D

12273 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach | 844.246.MAMA (toll free) Uptown Station, 75 Eglin Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach 850.243.0707 | ClemenzasAtUptown.com

PEPITO’S ★ Mexican. Authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious margaritas and weekly specials. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 11225 Hwy. 98, 850-269-7788. $$ L D POPPY’S SEAFOOD FACTORY Seafood. Fresh seafood, steak and poultry dishes. Open 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Village of Baytowne Wharf, 850-351-1996. $$$ L D SEAGAR’S PRIME STEAKS AND SEAFOOD Steak and Seafood. Premium steak, fresh seafood and caviar. Open 6 p.m. daily. Hilton Sandestin. 4000 S. Sandestin Blvd., 850-622-1500. $$$ D SUNSET BAY CAFÉ American. Chef-inspired twists on classic dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktail. Open daily 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Tiki Bar open noon to sunset. Linkside Conference Center, 158 Sandestin Blvd. N., 850-267-7108. $ B L VIN’TIJ WINE BOUTIQUE & BISTRO American. Traditional favorites. Open daily 11 a.m.–midnight. 10859 W. Emerald Coast Pkwy., Suite 103, 850-650-9820. $ L D

Niceville/ Valparaiso

Bruster’s & Nathan’s of Destin 4655 Gulfstarr Drive 855-269-2920 BRUSTERS.COM 144 February–March 2016

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PEPITO’S ★ Mexican. Locals love the authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas and allday Monday Happy Hour special. Open daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 4585 E. Hwy 20, Suite 100, Niceville, 850-279-4949. $$ L D TRADEWINDS Italian. A cozy favorite among locals serving heaping portions from old family recipes. Enjoy a number of pasta variations as well as seafood, chicken, veal, steak

and thin crust pizza. Expansive wine and beer list. Reservations required. Open Tue–Sat 5 p.m. 205 Government St., 850-678-8299. $$ D

Santa Rosa Beach

BASMATI’S ASIAN CUISINE & SUSHI Asian. Asian dishes and full sushi bar. Open 4 p.m. daily. 3295 W. Hwy. 30A, 850-267-3028. $$ D CAFÉ BOLO ★ American. Gourmet coffee, sandwiches, soups, pastries and cakes on beautiful Scenic 30A. Open daily from 7 a.m. 4368 County Road 30A, 850-267-2060. $ B L CAFÉ TANGO American. Seafood, poultry and pasta served with specialty sauces. Homemade desserts. Open Tue–Sun 5–10 p.m. 14 Vicki St., 850-267-0054. $$$ D FISH OUT OF WATER RESTAURANT Continental. Southern coastal cuisine with an Asian flair: 5:30–10 p.m. daily. Located in the WaterColor Inn, 850-534-5050. $$$ D

Seaside & Seagrove Beach 45 CENTRAL American. Enjoy big wines and small plates in an intimate atmosphere. Open daily 11 a.m.– mindnight. 45 Central Square, Seaside, 850-231-4545. $$ L D

ANGELINA’S PIZZA & PASTA Italian. Authentic homemade pizza pie and Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. 4005 E. Hwy. 30A, 850-231-2500. $ L D BUD & ALLEY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT Seafood. Sea-to-table dining serving fresh seafood, steak and vegetarian dishes. Open 11:30 a.m. Mon–Fri. Roof bar open 11:30 p.m.– 2 a.m. in summer. 2236 E. Hwy. 30A, 850-231-5900. $$$ L D THE PIZZA BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Italian. Artisan cheese, fresh salads, antipasto dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, hearty pastas and homemade wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. Open daily from 11 a.m. 2236 E. County Road 30A, Seaside. 850-231-3113. $$ L D THE TACO BAR AT BUD & ALLEY’S Mexican. Baja fish tacos, homemade guacamole, burritos and top shelf margaritas. Open daily from 11 a.m. (in season). 2236 E. Country Road 30A, Seaside, 850-231-4781. ec $$ L D

B e st L o

cally O w

n e d R e s t a u ra n t

Marie’s Bistro - on 30a!

Lunch • Dinner • Sunday Brunch • Live Music • Happy Hour Drive-Thru • Catering • Events • Ask about our Locals Card

MariesBistro.com · 850.278.6856 2260 W Hwy 30A, Blue Mountain Beach

2016

Wine Walkabout & tasting Friday, February 19, 2016 | 6:00-8:00pm

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Coral Ballroom Sample from the 600+ 2016 South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival entries, including medal winners in 60 categories and gourmet food stations.

tiCkets

to purChase tiCkets visit

dcwaf.org

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM February 2015–March 2016

145

the last word

Thoroughly Modern Ruthie

m BY RUTH WOLFGRAM

y grandma, Ruth Harris, was born in 1903. She used to tell a story that happened in the 1920s, as follows: It was the custom for unmarried young ladies to have long hair, which was always worn down. After marriage, they would pin it up in a more matronly top twist deemed appropriate to a married woman. In 1922, when my grandmother was 19, she worked up enough courage to ask her father if she could get a haircut that was becoming popular at that time called “the bob.” (Her mother had passed away when she was a baby.) He was a well-to-do businessman in the small northern Michigan town

of Benzonia. He was horrified at her request and sternly denied it. Grandma had inherited many fine china and silver items from her mother, which were safely tucked away in her hope chest. She courageously defied her father’s edict and sold a china pitcher for haircut money. After she left the hairdresser, she proudly walked home and waited for her father to arrive home for supper. She became nervous to the point of her hands sweating. As was customary, the door opened at 5:15 p.m., but instead of greeting him

as usual, she remained in her room trembling with fear. Dinner was called and she was terrified to go to the table. Finally, she went to the dining room and sat at her place. Great Grandfather stared at her in horror! She cried and was soundly reprimanded, and her punishment was severe indeed. She wasn’t allowed to sit at the table when her father was present for a month. But she didn’t care because she was one of the first to get a bob in her neighborhood and was the talk of the town! You could say that she was thoroughly modern. ec

Our guest author is enjoying retirement, especially time with her grandchildren, in Northwest Michigan, where she was born and raised. 146 February–March 2016

EMERALDCOASTMAGAZINE.COM

Featuring • Handcrafted Premium Cigars • Fine Wines and Cold Beers • Knowledgeable, Friendly Staff

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• Indoor Lounge with Bar • Private Conference Room • Outdoor Patio Seating

Open to the Public 10am–10pm 7 Days a Week 850.650.2235 www.cigarfactorysocialclub.com cigarfactorysocialclub@hotmail.com 12272 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach (next to Gold’s Gym)

Colleen Krika

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Betty Krika

Bettykrika@gmail.com (850) 865-2232 Cell (850) 267-0013 Office bettyatthebeach.com

Summer Ridge - Santa Rosa Beach This four bedroom, three and one half bathroom custom built home with detached carriage house is located within the gated community of Summer Ridge. In addition to 2,560 square feet of living space, this home features over 1,000 square feet of deck space, spacious fenced-in courtyard and a Gunite pool. This custom built home’s interior includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wood-burning fireplace, wet bar and wine fridge perfect for entertaining.

72 Summit Drive

699,900

Brad Smith

Broker Associate BradinDestin@gmail.com (850) 598-6771 Cell (850) 267-0013 Office www.BradSmithDestin.com

Burnt Pine - Sandestin Located within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Burnt Pine Golf Club, this pristine Neoclassical Mediterranean style home boasts four bedrooms, four and one half bathrooms and an expansive 4,450 square feet of living space all on one floor.. Immaculately designed, this home features a chefs kitchen, serene lanai, airy living space, formal dining room and an impressive master suite.

2954 Pine Valley Drive

1,190,000

www.BHHSPenFed.com | (850) 267-0013 7684 W County Highway 30A | Santa Rosa Beach, FL ©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.