Tallahassee Magazine November-December 2022

WINDOWS OF WONDER: STORIES ARE TOLD IN STAINED GLASS

Hand-Dipped Candles Unite Past & Present An Enchanting Harpist Excites College of Music Landmark Eatery Turns Back Time, Keeps on Shuckin’

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THE JOY OF GIVING

The holiday season proceeds at opposite ends of a spectrum. It inspires more generosity than any other time of the year, and also precipitates great selfindulgence and excessive spending as we struggle to find a gift for the man or woman who has everything. Rather than give presents that will soon be forgotten, consider honoring people on your list by making a contribution to a deserving nonprofit and helping to make a lasting difference. You have many deserving organizations to choose from, including some that are sure to align with the passions and interests of your friends and relatives. We profile five nonprofits whose efforts are geared toward perpetuating Florida as a great place to live and safeguarding vulnerable people and environments.

by STEVE BORNHOFT and EMMA WITMER

FEATURES 96

BEST OF TALLAHASSEE

Again this year, we provided Tallahassee Magazine readers with an opportunity to cast ballots in a poll designed to identify the best businesses in the Capital City — service providers, retailers, food and beverage folks and more. The emergence of a business as a Best of Tallahassee winner means that it has earned the respect and admiration of its customers by reliably meeting and exceeding their expectations, not as a matter of course, but pursuant to conscious effort and purpose. The competition serves not only to validate top businesses, but to celebrate the community of small employers who truly serve as the backbone of our community. And, our winners list can serve you as a guide to businesses that are trustworthy, expert and customer-oriented.

compiled by STEVE BORNHOFT and EMMA WITMER

21 LOOKING BACK Before they were creators of romantic ambiance, candles were purely practical. Artisans at Mission San Luis are keeping alive the art of making candles the old-fashioned way — hand dipping.

28 PERSONALITIES As partners in a real estate agency, Calynne Hill, Hettie Spooner and Lindsay Elliott have created a family-like atmosphere. Each brings to the business insights from her generation.

34 TRADITIONS Visiting Downtown Tallahassee to see the window displays, visits with Santa and basking in colored lights were once essential holiday traditions. With the arrival of malls and retail sprawl, downtown Christmas merriment began to wane.

PANACHE

43 CITIZEN OF STYLE County

Judge Nina AshenafiRichardson displays a briefcase full of titles and responsibilities, but

manages to be serene, elegant, engaged and committed to positive outcomes for others.

46 BOUTIQUE With merchandising maven

Maria Heil at the helm as its manager, the gift shop at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare is jam-packed with artful displays of delightful things to give away — or give to yourself.

GASTRO & GUSTO

61 HOME COOKIN’

Casseroles make for a filling comfort food throughout the year, but the high-carb, cheesy delights truly come to the fore during indulgence season — the holidays.

66 DINING OUT At Shell Oyster Bar, distractions are few. The restaurant is small, modest and decorated with newspaper

clippings, and there isn’t the first television in the place. The focus is on fine seafood.

EXPRESSION

73 MUSIC Inspiring, internationally accomplished harpist Noël Wan can be found this holiday season making heavenly music during performances with the FSU College of Music and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.

80 ART St. John’s Episcopal Church houses one of the most extensive collections of traditional stained-glass windows in Northwest Florida.

Large vertical displays line the chapel with imagery that has been

used in churches for hundreds of years.

DESTINATIONS

121 GETAWAYS Darla and Kenny Harrison have completed 45 cruises, including their most recent one to Portugal, Spain, France and England. But never had they experienced a boat quite like the Queen Elizabeth

ABODES

129 INTERIORS They not only keep us warm on chilly evenings but become a natural focal point in any room. Given the numerous types of fireplaces, it’s important to assess your needs before purchasing a new one.

WHAT’S IN STORE Retailers

are stocked with the finer things — champagne buckets, gold charms, fine wines and a peppermint mug.

136 DECOR For the business owner who doesn’t have time for tinsel or a homeowner struggling to make her entertainment space fit for a holiday party, decorating services are stress-relievers.

142 GREEN SCENE Rainfall doesn’t always provide the moisture landscapes need in the fall. Even though the weather is cooler, evaporation may leave shrubs, grass and trees stressed by drought.

14

ON THE COVER:

Dishes like this crabcake stack made the Backwoods Crossing restaurant a winner in the latest Best of Tallahassee readers poll. The restaurant’s operators, Jesse and Taylor Rice, share a love of the earth and its bounty. When Jesse found his passion as a chef, the natural next step for him was growing his own produce for his creative dishes. Taylor spent five years in Qatar working as an engineer and upon returning home, joined his brother in creating a restaurant and the best of dining experiences.

Photo by Saige Roberts

32 COMMUNITY CONNECTS The Community Foundation of North Florida partners with local businesses like Oliver Sperry Renovations to combat hunger and food insecurity with strategic, sustainable giving through Corporate Advised Funds.

40 WELL-DESERVED ACCOLADE

For many years,  Leon County administrator Vincent Long has made countless impacts locally. Recently, he received an international award recognizing his successes in policy implementation, project management and public safety.

50 SEASONAL SPARKLERS

Sparkle brighter than the lights on your Christmas tree with the purchase of bling and baubles from The Gem Collection.

54 → HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Shop and support local businesses. Consult our Holiday Gift Guide; it has something for anyone and everyone on your holiday shopping list.

← MUSIC UNITES

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra is continuing to expand its entertainment and educational experiences with online programming for high school students, live streamed concerts, new in-person Happy Hour events and performances promoting diversity and inclusivity.

144 PROBLEM SOLVED Since 1978, Keith McNeill Plumbing has been the team that Tallahassee residents call when plumbing problems arise. This trusted business is expanding throughout Northwest Florida and South Georgia.

146 DEAL ESTATE A renovated and remodeled historic charmer in Midtown and a modern farmhouse off Centerville Road are off the market. Still available is a beautiful family home surrounded by the lush Gardens of Killearn.

86 MUSIC IN THE AIR The 30A Songwriters Festival, presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance, features over 250 artists who will bring their talent and tunes to over 30 stages in South Walton County.

88 SEASONAL STAGINGS West of Tallahassee, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company will be putting on holiday shows worth traveling for, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

153 MEDICAL PROFILES

In sickness and in health, Tallahassee’s medical professionals are there for you. Get to know those who keep our community happy, healthy and healing.

166 CALENDAR   The most wonderful time of year is filled with theatrical performances, winter festivals, arts endeavors, the fair and more.

VIRGINIA GLASS Post-High School Scholarships

From her two decades of support for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), to her work with the United Way, 100 Women Who Care and many other organizations, Virginia Glass continues to make our community a better place. Today, through a gift to the TMH Foundation, she is making a difference in the lives of local high school students by providing scholarships for those enrolled in James S. Rickards High School’s Millicent Holifield Academy of Health Sciences.

Virginia, why is this gift meaningful for you?

I grew up in a family with very limited means. I had amazing parents, but money was always an issue. By the grace of God, my life could have gone down many paths. I was blessed to have a career that enables me to lend support to others. Scripture tells us, to whom much is given, much is required.

What do you hope the impact of this gift will be?

I want these young women and men to recognize they have an amazing opportunity and a bright future. Through this scholarship program, they will be able to learn a skill that will lead to a rewarding career in healthcare. We have a critical need in many areas, such as Cath Lab techs, sonographers, EKG techs and others — all of which can open up limitless health career pathways. It is my hope that this will be a “win-win” opportunity for TMH and our talented, local students who will pursue a career in healthcare and stay right here in our community.

What motivates your giving and your service?

For this gift, I was compelled to initiate it when I learned of the opportunities our young people have to create a good future, right here at home. TMH is near and dear to my heart, and to have these students to be able to come in at a young age and elevate the good work being done at TMH is a real blessing.

“ It is my hope that this will be a “win-win” opportunity for TMH and our talented, local students. . . ”

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE

VOL. 45, NO. 6

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

BRIAN E. ROWLAND

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft

MANAGING EDITOR Emilee Mae Struss

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Emma Witmer

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marina Brown, Rosanne Dunkelberger, Darla Harrison, Les Harrison, Rochelle Koff, Lis King, Karen Murphy, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Jay Revell, Ethan Tetreault

CREATIVE

VICE PRESIDENT / PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut

SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Saige Roberts, Scott Schiller, Shruti Shah

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Ariana Aubuchon, Glenn Beil, Michael Booini, Dave Barfield, Jennifer Ekrut, Pablo Gabes, Kiana Govind, Dennis Howard, Patrick Murray, Alicia Osborne, Saige Roberts, Shelly Swanger Photography, Woodland Fields Photography, The Workman

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS

SALES MANAGER, WESTERN DIVISION Rhonda Lynn Murray

SALES MANAGER, EASTERN DIVISION Lori Magee Yeaton

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, EASTERN DIVISION Daniel Parisi

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, WESTERN DIVISION Dan Parker

ADVERTISING SERVICES SPECIALIST Tracy Mulligan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Dorr

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Daugherty, Darla Harrison

MARKETING MANAGER Javis Ogden

SALES AND MARKETING WRITER Rebecca Padgett Frett

ADMINISTRATIVE & CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST Renee Johnson

OPERATIONS

CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven

PRODUCTION EDITOR Paige Aigret

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Dennard

DIGITAL SERVICES

DIGITAL EDITOR Alix Black

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CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Tallahassee 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. Tallahassee Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor.

Copyright November 2022 Tallahassee Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

Tallahassee is a collection of marvelous assets

As I write this, the searchand-rescue effort continues in the area of our state ravaged by Hurricane Ian, even as the storm recedes from headlines throughout most of the nation. In Florida, however, images from scenes created by a hurricane that tossed businesses, homes and livelihoods about like dandelion seeds are enduring.

Invariably, we recognize that it could have been us. And, we are in the position to know that recovery from a major blow is a long-term proposition requiring years of cooperation among public and private entities. Before there was FLORIDA STRONG as a slogan, there was 850 STRONG.

Ultimately, of course, the true measure of a community is not the strength of its buildings or its infrastructure, but the tenacity, resolve and character of its people. I have strong ties and fond memories of Southwest Florida that include my years as a student at the University of South Florida, and I know that area will summon whatever it takes to bounce back.

In October, I was reminded in grand fashion there are in our midst in Northwest Florida a good many women whose experience, talents and leadership contribute to the strength of our region. Rowland Publishing’s ninth annual Pinnacle Awards presentation was held Oct. 5 at the Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State University. The club provided a magnificent setting for the event befitting of its honorees.

The Pinnacle Awards are reserved for women who have distinguished themselves both professionally and as public servants. The 12-member

Class of 2022 included six highly deserving honorees from Tallahassee:

■ Diane McCain, the director for external relations and public affairs at the State University System Florida-Board of Governors.

■ Anna Johnson-Riedel, a longtime broadcast television personality and owner of the Riedel & Associates advertising agency.

■ Karen Vogter, founder of the Tallahassee Tennis Challenger, whose proceeds benefit the Vogter Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

■ Cristina Paredes, a senior consultant and business strategist at VisionFirst Advisors and the former director of the Tallahassee/Leon County Office of Economic Vitality.

■ The Honorable Tiffany BakerCarper, a Leon County judge.

■ The late Iris Pittman Fellows McMillan, who was the CEO of her own publishing company. She died in October 2021.

All of these women, each in her way, channels her energy to the betterment of Tallahassee and the world. They were joined by honorees from Port St. Joe, Pensacola, Miramar Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.

Certainly, it has been a distinct and rewarding privilege for all of us at Rowland Publishing to bring influential, transformational women to the public’s attention via the Pinnacle Awards. I should note that it has long been the case that the majority of employees at Rowland Publishing are women, and for all of their contributions to the success of the RPI brand, I am deeply appreciative.

In Tallahassee, we have much to be grateful for. We live in a beautiful city with a climate that you

couldn’t draw up any better. It is home to three outstanding postsecondary educational institutions in Tallahassee Community College, Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Tallahassee and Leon County’s leadership is forward-leaning, and the business community is strongly entrepreneurial, ambitious and progressive.

We are a place proud of its status as the seat of government in Florida and reverential about its past. And the trees — I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a live oak.

As we approach another holiday season, let’s be mindful of our good fortune, respectful of one another and cognizant of the fact that in this place and in this life, we are all in it together.

Wishing you peace and good health,

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LIVING SPIRIT

Her everlasting energy unites a family

Under a red warning flag on a bluebird day, three of Margaret Ann’s children and five other survivors paired off and, despite the presence of stinging pink meanie jellyfish, entered the surf, each pair carrying a small block of ice removed from a cake-pan mold and containing a portion of her remains. Others watched from the shore. Flowers and short lengths of gold rope that the pallbearers used as handles also were embedded in the ice, which, dragged through 85-degree water, soon melted.

The ashes were freed, my motherin-law became one with the Gulf of Mexico that always enthralled her, and the music played: “Lest mine eyes no longer see / All the glory, all the story of Your love / Talk to me, talk to me / Like You spoke so tenderly / When You talked there, when You walked there, by the sea.”

The life celebrants returned to the beach, and behind them, first one dolphin and then other members of a pod surfaced, and it was easy to attach too much significance to their appearance, but, man, you couldn’t beat the optics. The water was as clear as the sky, and the meanies were easily avoided. I plucked from the sand four olive shells of four different sizes suggestive of Margaret Ann and the three living generations she left behind.

I never knew my mother’s mother, Rose Johnson. A stroke victim, she died in her daughter’s arms when my mom was but a child. But I many times was told that she was her extended family’s social director who organized reunions and orchestrated various activities and observances that served to keep everyone together.

It was at her bidding that she and her husband purchased a cabin on Coon Lake near East Bethel, Minnesota. They named the small wooden boat from which my mother learned to fish The Weiner. They owned a meat company in Minneapolis.

When my wife’s family got together for the soaking of the ashes, we went around the room taking turns naming that person, living or not, whom we have never met and would most like to spend a day with. Abraham Lincoln got a mention. So, too, did sports figures and movie stars. People expected me to go with Ernest Hemingway or Joe DiMaggio or Bob Dylan, and it is true that they crossed my mind, but I instead named my Grandma Rose.

I’ll bet that she and Margaret Ann have a lot in common.

Never will I not think of “Marg,” as she preferred to be called, at the holidays. She was born in Iowa, moved to Fort Myers in retirement and lived her final years at Allegro Senior Living in Tallahassee.

As a small child, she emerged as an extrovert and an entertainer, and that she would be for all of her days. She was the life of countless parties, gatherings and events. She was big that way. It mattered not a whit that she was, as Marg said about herself, “short on one end.”

She pulled off four-generation family reunions that any sane person would have regarded as logistical impossibilities. For Marg, too much, too many and today were just right. Nothing had to wait until tomorrow. At her table, there was a plate for everyone.

Marg inaugurated several holiday traditions that her children handed off to her grandchildren — heavy hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie and oyster stew on Christmas Eve; a casserole and hot cross buns on Christmas morning; a fresh turkey, never frozen, for the big meal, prepared with raisin stuffing. Games always figured in the proceedings: gin rummy, charades, famous names, snaps.

When Marg rang the bell, people came running as the Johnson family did, I will suppose, when Rose extended an invitation. Even in the case of the beach reunion, it was Marg’s magnetic pull that made it happen.

On the beach, someone suggested that closure had been achieved, that we all might now move on from Marg. Such a preposterous idea.

Be well,

STEVE BORNHOFT, EXECUTIVE EDITOR sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOINI / RPI FILE PHOTO

2022-23 season calendar

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

GIVEAWAY Win Tickets to the 30A Songwriters Festival!

We are giving away a four-day weekend of music! Enter to win passes for two to the 30A Songwriters Festival, valued at $950. The event, which will be held Jan. 13–16, 2023, attracts more than 6,500 music lovers from throughout the Southeast and beyond. Get all the details at EmeraldCoastMagazine.com/enterto-win-the-2023-30a-songwriters-festival-giveaway

REWIND

THE 10 BEST BRUNCH PLACES IN TALLAHASSEE

The cool-weather season in Tallahassee is one of the best times of the year, complete with football, a wealth of outdoor festivities and the holidays. It’s a time when people love to gather. When hosting visitors or spending time with loved ones, you may find yourself wondering where in town you can go for a great brunch. We have a few suggestions for you. TallahasseeMagazine.com/ 10-best-brunch-places-in-tallahassee

THANKSGIVING DISHES

We’d love to see some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes! Before digging in, share some of your best holiday meals by tagging us with some mouthwatering pics. Is it a tried-and-true favorite or something new? Follow us on all of our social channels, and let us know what is on the menu for this year!

@tallahasseemag

Tallahassee Magazine @TallahasseeMag

FREEBIE!

Did you know you can sign up for our exclusive e-newsletter for free? Get the latest news, information, giveaways and more about all the happenings in Tallahassee. Go to TallahasseeMagazine.com/ connect-with-us.

TALLY TOP PET VOTING BEGINS DEC. 16!

TALLAHASSEE’S BEST CHOICE IN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING

TALLAHASSEE’S BEST CHOICE IN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the fitness center, savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up with your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and 24-hour security. Best of all, you’ll find safety and security for the future with our full continuum of healthcare services, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more, should your needs change.

Enjoy an active lifestyle emphasizing wellness and lifelong learning opportunities at our Life Plan Community on 140 acres of rolling hills in Tallahassee. At Westminster Oaks, every residence is maintenance-free, so you can take a wellness class in the fitness center, savor a chef-prepared meal, or enjoy the many walking and biking paths nearby instead of keeping up with your home. You’ll love the wide variety of spacious residences available, all with great services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and 24-hour security. Best of all, you’ll find safety and security for the future with our full continuum of healthcare services, including Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Memory Care and more, should your needs change.

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For thousands of years, people have made candles for practical reasons. They were the only source of light, illuminating homes and places of worship.

“They didn’t have electricity, and candles were lighting for the everyday person,” said Janine Heiney, who teaches candle-making classes and leads demonstrations at Tallahassee’s Mission San Luis. “They were a huge part of mission life.”

Candle making is just one of the centuries-old skills portrayed at the living history museum. The setting dates back to the late 1600s, replicating the principal village of the Apalachee people. It was also vital to the Spaniards. Mission San Luis calls it its westernmost military, religious and administrative capital.

According to the History of Lighting website, the earliest candles were made from whale fat in China during the Qin Dynasty, some 200 years B.C. In India, at about the same time, they were made from wax that was a residue of boiling cinnamon.

The glow of candles was, and is, an essential part of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, dating back to 165 B.C., according to the National Candle Association. “There are several Biblical references to candles, and the emperor Constantine is reported to have called for the use of candles during an Easter service in the fourth century.”

A love of candles melds past and present. They’re still a part of religious and personal celebrations. Candlelight pairs with white tablecloths at fine dining restaurants. We display them in our homes, sharing their soothing scents. They provide comfort and light during power outages or storms.

“Candles still help bring families together,” said Kashauna Davis, owner of the local candle company, Milli’s Cute Candles, named after her daughter. “They’re used in times of happiness and sorrow.”

Davis primarily makes soy candles in decorative cups and containers, but

she’s experimenting with hand-dipped candles, conceding the art has its challenges.

“It takes time to work everything out,” she said.

The basic premise for making candles still depends on wicks and wax, though improvements have eased the process.

Walk into a craft store or search online and discover a variety of wicks, scents and molds. Wax options include soy wax or soy wax flakes, beeswax, paraffin, gel wax, bead wax and wax chunks. Some home crafters use their old, halfused candles or even crayons.

The ancient Romans were likely among the first to use tallow or animal fat (not the best smelling) to create their candles, and the practice continued for centuries. Beeswax was an improvement but not always available.

The botanist William Bartram, born in 1739, wrote that honeybees weren’t in this region until the 1770s, Heiney said. “Beeswax was probably not that prevalent and likely imported.”

↙ Janine Heiney, left, and Arielle O’Hara prepare to engage in a candle-making operation. On the table, they have assembled sticks, braided cotton for wicks, water, a scoop made from a shell, and juniper berries, rosemary and cinnamon.

↑ Once purely practical, candles, following the arrival of electricity, have been used to gently illuminate dinners and set moods.

photography by DAVE BARFIELD

Dipping back into history, Heiney demonstrated the art of making candles combining beef tallow and beeswax, which don’t smoke as much or have a distinct odor.

While there are more materials available now, the process is “almost unchanged” after all these years, she added.

Heiney set out a pot of wax to be melted over an outdoor fire. On a table were sticks, braided cotton for wicks, a pot of water, a spoon Heiney made with a piece of wood and a shell, and bowls of juniper

TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR OWN CANDLES

berries, which add a nice cedar smell, and rosemary and cinnamon to be added to the wax. Cinnamon was expensive in the early 1700s, but it became a popular ingredient in candles.

Dipping candles, then and now, is all about building layers. You dip the wick into the wax, pull it out quickly before it burns, and dip it into the water. Repeat until the wax builds up, wiping off the water.

“At first, it doesn’t look like it’s doing anything,” Heiney said. “But it eventually builds up.” TM

Hand-dipped candles add grace to any home and make a welcomed holiday present. They’re also a fun craft activity with kids. Here are tips from Heiney and other pros if you want to make your own handdipped candles. It can be a time-intensive venture, but candlemakers will tell you it’s worth it.

WAX: Wax is a personal preference, said Heiney. For dipped candles, she suggests beeswax or paraffin. There are also taper blend blocks of wax or wax beads.

WICKS: Look for wicks in a natural fiber such as braided cotton. You can find wick spools at a craft store. Beekeeper Charlotte Anderson advises that beeswax burns hotter than some other candle types. This means that a larger wick is usually needed. She suggests a size 2/0 cotton wick.

HERBS: You can use your own herbs or buy candle scents and dyes.

DOUBLE UP: Make an extra-long wick, and you can make two candles at once though you’ll have to keep them from touching. Fold over a stick, a ruler or a wooden laundry rack to dry. Once cool, snip the wick in the center.

MELTING: Modern candlemakers often use a double boiler to melt the wax, plus you’ll need another pot (one that you won’t use again) or can for dipping into water. Don’t pour wax or waxy water down your drain.

LEARN MORE: You can find detailed guides to candle making online and in books like Candlemaking for the First Time by Vanessa-Ann, or online classes are available at Mission San Luis at MissionSanLuis.org under the tab “Workshops.”

↑ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Pot of wax to be melted over an outdoor fire; forming candles (A wick is dipped into wax, pulled out quickly before it burns and dipped into water. Wax builds up as the steps are repeated.); Janine Heiney with a finished product; Brian Kelley lights a wick.

photography by DAVE BARFIELD

WE’RE WITH YOU ON YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY.

FASHION SENSE, BUSINESS ACUMEN

Owners of Hill Spooner & Elliott Inc. make their business thrive

by MARINA BROWN

Put three smart, driven, bigger-than-life entrepreneurs in a room, and what do you get? In the case of Calynne Hill, Hettie Spooner and Lindsay Elliott of Tallahassee’s Hill Spooner & Elliott real estate agency what you get is something that feels a lot like love.

When they discuss the longevity of the firm, which was established in 2005, the family-like relationship is evident. Laughing and talking over one another and weighing in with affectionate anecdotes, each of the women seems to bring something from her own generation to the business table. Spooner is the firm’s broker and owner; Hill and Elliott are her partners.

With long blonde hair and a quick wit, Hill still looks like the svelte model she once was. She recounts how Hill Spooner & Elliott began and what has kept it growing. The standout agency currently comprises 44 real estate agents selling more than 600 homes a year while working from an elegant, contemporary building on Timberlane Road.

Although Hill Spooner & Elliott is known for its luxury home niche, all three women agree that selling a $60,000 property is just as satisfying as a $600,000 one.

What excites this trio most is finding the right properties for their clients. Thirty-four years ago, Hill, who had modeled in New York and Miami, was a restaurant owner. At the urging of friend and Century 21 broker Brian Proctor, she decided to enter the house-selling field.

Applying charm, smarts and determination, Hill soon found herself selling so much she needed help.

“Selling homes is a 24/7 business,” she said. That realization motivated Hill to form a “little team” within the brokerage company and asked one of its employees, 19-year-old Hettie Spooner, to join her.

At the time, Spooner was majoring in communication at Florida State University and working part time in administration at Century 21. The delicate-looking dynamo — who

↑ From left, Hettie Spooner, Calynne Hill and Lindsay Elliott are partners in a namesake real estate brokerage that views all listings as important.

today admits to sleeping with her telephone beside her — was surprised to find that real estate was her calling. Within a year, she had earned her real estate license and with Hill, was tapping into their wide range of Tallahassee contacts to pair owners with the perfect properties.

Hill and Spooner first worked together at Remax.

Something of an organizational prodigy, Spooner saw that the business of real estate was being transformed by the internet. Over time, she figured there was little reason to pay franchise fees when a single-owner business could keep up with the big guys by using local and online advertising. That’s when Spooner proposed to Hill that they form their own company.

Today the two women still love working closely with clients. With their own CPA and bookkeeper on site — and the addition of a new partner,

Lindsey Elliott, in 2010 — they have found time to devote personal attention to home buyers as well as themselves.

Elliott, like Spooner, was 19 when she was plucked from a less visible position as a receptionist to join the Hill Spooner team. She later was asked to become a partner.

“Even to this day, we only have a handshake as to our business relationship,” Spooner said. “It’s built on trust.”

Elliott, the mother of a 6-year-old and a 10-year-old, said the company’s morals, ethics and loyalty are what bind her to her co-workers.

But as close as they are, all three women enjoy stealing a little time for themselves.

When Spooner enjoys occasional free time away from the office, she loves spending time with her two

boys, ages 10 and 14, and likes to stay fit by working out at Premier Gym.

Elliott enjoys slipping off to Millennium Health Spa, having her hair done at Change of Pace, hopping on her Peloton or just hanging out with her kids.

Hill loves long walks and exotic getaways with her husband, Lou, a plastic surgeon. “Normandy and Greece were wonderful highlights this year,” she said.

When Hill, Spooner and Elliott discuss what makes women good Realtors, they agree that women are “nest builders. We empathize with dreams and struggles. We don’t sell cars or shoes. We’re like social workers. We help families discover their perfect place to thrive.”   TM

↘ Lindsay Elliott, Hettie Spooner and Calynne Hill do some homework in Hill’s kitchen. “Selling homes is a 24/7 business,” Hill says, and women excel at it. “We are nest builders. We help people discover their perfect place to live.”

“Even to this day, we only have a handshake as to our business relationship. It’s built on trust.”

—Hettie Spooner

Building Community

Building Community

Corporate Advised Funds benefit nonprofits and businesses

Corporate Advised Funds benefit nonprofits and businesses

Among many people in Tallahassee, Bill Oliver and Todd Sperry are known for their gift of seeing potential. Where others see an old, tired space, they might see a hip new restaurant or state-of-the-art health care facility. This ability to see what’s possible and bring it to life may seem like the greatest strength of Oliver Sperry Renovations, but their No. 1 superpower is their ability to think strategically.

Among many people in Tallahassee, Bill Oliver and Todd Sperry are known for their gift of seeing potential. Where others see an old, tired space, they might see a hip new restaurant or state-of-the-art health care facility. This ability to see what’s possible and bring it to life may seem like the greatest strength of Oliver Sperry Renovations, but their No. 1 superpower is their ability to think strategically.

“Before any vision can come to fruition, you must have a plan,” Todd reminds people. “Successful projects don’t happen by accident. They are the result of careful planning, bringing the right people to the table and having a clear goal in mind.”

“Before any vision can come to fruition, you must have a plan,” Todd reminds people. “Successful projects don’t happen by accident. They are the result of careful planning, bringing the right people to the table and having a clear goal in mind.”

When it comes to making an impact with their charitable dollars, they’ve taken the same approach.

When it comes to making an impact with their charitable dollars, they’ve taken the same approach.

“Having a strategy is key to the work we perform for our clients and our business, so why shouldn’t the same be true with our charitable giving?” asked Todd. Such consideration led them to the Community Foundation of North Florida where they set up a Corporate Advised Fund.

“Having a strategy is key to the work we perform for our clients and our business, so why shouldn’t the be true with our charitable giving?” asked Todd. Such consideration led them to the Community Foundation of North Florida where they set up a Corporate Advised Fund.

“The beauty of a Corporate Advised Fund is that our business can contribute when times are good and continue supporting the community when times are bad,” Todd explained. “After all, hard times are often when nonprofits need support the most.”

“The beauty of a Corporate Advised Fund is that our business can contribute when times are good and continue supporting the community when times are bad,” Todd explained. “After all, hard times are often when nonprofits need support the most.”

“For us, setting up a Corporate Advised Fund with the Foundation was a no-brainer,” Bill said. “We care deeply about this community and want to do our part in reducing food insecurity and making sure children don’t go to bed hungry. By setting up a Corporate Advised Fund, we’ve ensured that our year-to-year performance of our company doesn’t affect our ability to give.”

“For us, setting up a Corporate Advised Fund with the Foundation was a no-brainer,” Bill said. “We care deeply about this community and want to do our part in reducing food insecurity and making sure children don’t go to bed hungry. By setting up a Corporate Advised Fund, we’ve ensured that our year-to-year performance of our company doesn’t affect our ability to give.”

“I think there are a lot of businesses in Tallahassee that are in a similar place,” Todd added. “They’ve experienced some good times, give when asked and would like to do more, but don’t exactly know where to start.

“I think there are a lot of businesses in Tallahassee that are in a similar place,” Todd added. “They’ve experienced some good times, give when asked and would like to do more, but don’t exactly know where to start.

“Understanding the charitable landscape takes time and can be intimidating. That’s why sitting down with the Community Foundation of North Florida is worth the time. Not only can the Community Foundation help corporations set up a fund to meet their needs, but they can also provide opportunities to lessen any tax burdens while helping corporations support charitable causes.”

“Understanding the charitable landscape takes time and can be intimidating. That’s why sitting down with the Community Foundation of North Florida is worth the time. Not only can the Community Foundation help corporations set up a fund to meet their needs, but they can also provide opportunities to lessen any tax burdens while helping corporations support charitable causes.”

CONTACT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH FLORIDA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR CORPORATION CAN SET UP A CORPORATE ADVISED FUND TO ACHIEVE YOUR CORPORATION’S CHARITABLE GIVING GOALS WHILE BENEFITTING FROM THE GREATEST TAX ADVANTAGES ALLOWED BY LAW. CALL US AT (850) 222-2899 OR EMAIL ADMIN@CFNF.ORG. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT CFNF.ORG.

Bill Oliver, President (Left) and Todd Sperry, VP, CFO

Bill Oliver, President (Left) and Todd Sperry, VP, CFO

CHRISTMASES PAST

A look at Tallahassee’s traditions through the years

by EMMA WITMER

From grand parties spilling over with eggnog and honey ham to children huddled under the covers, feigning sleep and listening for hooves overhead, Christmas traditions are as varied as those who celebrate the yuletide holiday.

As families grow, so do their traditions. Some fall by the wayside, and some shift to accommodate changing times while others become woven into the fabric of family life. This dynamic is equally true for large communities.

Tallahassee has a history of Christmas celebrations dating back to the first European exploration of the continent. Historians have long believed that the Apalachee town of Anhaica, now known as Tallahassee, was the site of the first Christmas celebration in the modern-day United States. In the winter of 1539, Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and his expedition party are thought to have camped in Anhaica, where they likely observed a solemn Catholic Christmas amid conflict with native

↑ IMAGES FROM 1965 Top: Christmas lights affixed to street lamps illuminated downtown Tallahassee’s Monroe Street. Above: Mannequins took their places amidst a window display at Turner’s Clothing Store.

tribes, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Tallahassee’s modern history is marked by more familiar and festive Christmas celebrations. Wreaths, lights and letters to Santa remain hallmarks of the holiday season as they have for many decades. Still, the Capital City has changed a great deal over the last century, a fact that many long-time Tallahasseans know firsthand.

David Chapman, former director of the city parks and recreation department, is a lifelong resident of the city. Born here in 1952, he has witnessed Tallahassee grow from the small town of his boyhood into the bustling metropolis of 2022.

Midcentury Tallahassee was a much different place, Chapman said. Where lobby offices and government buildings dominate today, numerous department stores once lined the downtown streets. During the Christmas holidays, Chapman’s parents would take him and his sister for a wide-eyed stroll past the large, festive store windows as a special treat.

“It wasn’t quite like New York City, but in a way, it was,” he said. “All the downtown

merchants did window displays during Christmastime. It was kind of interesting because most of the downtown merchants were Jewish. We had a Mendelson’s and a Turner’s. They all had Santas outside.”

Chapman recalled that the city also placed simple, classic Christmas decorations — little wreaths and tinsel — on downtown lampposts.

“Then they strung big, old multicolored lights across one section of Monroe Street between College and Park,” he said. “It was a big deal back then!”

Soon, however, the downtown shopping district gave way to Northwoods Mall, the first of its kind in the city, and Tallahassee began to melt into the surrounding area. Stand-alone department stores moved into the city’s growing number of shopping malls, and as they left, the downtown Christmas merriment began to wane.

Chapman started working part time for the city’s recreation department in 1972. He was 20 years old, and many of his childhood Christmas traditions were long gone, so he helped find new ways for Tallahassee to spread holiday cheer.

↑ After penning Christmas-list letters with great anticipation and deliberation, children drop them in a mail slot, trusting that they will reach the North Pole. Photo is from 1964.

The winner will be featured on the cover of Tallahassee Magazine’s 2023 May/June issue.

VOTING PERIODS

VOTE FOR THE TOP EIGHT

Dec. 16–22, 2022

VOTE FOR THE TOP FOUR Jan. 2–8, 2023

VOTE FOR THE TOP TWO

Feb. 22–Mar. 2, 2023

VOTE FOR THE TALLY TOP PET

Mar. 3–10, 2023

“One of my first jobs was to help out with Santa calling,” Chapman said. “They still do this! Parents would fill out forms for their kids under a certain age, and then they got a call from Santa Claus on a night about a month before Christmas.”

Together with volunteers from civic clubs around town, the city made hundreds of calls from the “North Pole” to eager children across Leon County.

“Some of the wives would come in and act like Mrs. Claus or the operator at the North Pole, and then the guys would get on and do their best impression of Santa Claus,” Chapman said. “It was really fun to talk to the kids, but you have to be careful what you say!”

The 1970s also welcomed the first appearance of Soul Santa. Then-director of the parks and recreation department LeVerne Payne proposed that the Santa impersonator who would visit Tallahassee’s community centers during the holiday season ought to look more like the children coming to sit on his lap. He also suggested that Santa arrive in style.

“The majority of our community centers, going back to the ’50s when they were built, are in predominantly black neighborhoods,” Chapman said. “Every year, Soul Santa would arrive either by the sheriff’s helicopter or by a Tallahassee fire truck. They would get local merchants and citizens to donate bicycles, dolls, whatever kids wanted. They would have enough presents wrapped and ready for Santa Claus to give something nice to every kid.”

Soul Santa proved to be a hit and still makes the rounds today. He even makes a special visit to the LeVerne F. Payne Community Center, named in honor of Payne’s many contributions to the Tallahassee community.

“Then along came the Winter Festival,” Chapman said. “We had two great commissioners, Betty Harley and Steve Meisburg, who wanted to do something nice for the community, so they came up with this idea of having a winter celebration — not a Christmas celebration — that would encompass music and the arts and a celebration downtown.”

The first Winter Festival was held in 1986, and the tradition continues today. Over the years, the event has grown into an all-day celebration to rival Springtime Tallahassee. The festival features a massive parade, dozens of vendors, five music stages and a family fun run that draws thousands of people out into the streets. TM

↑ A boy makes the acquaintance of Santa Claus at the Tallahassee Mall in 1985. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

Leon County Administrator

Vincent Long receives coveted Career Excellence honor

Leon County Administrator Vincent Long receives coveted Career Excellence

honor

Known for his fiscal, strategic, and operational expertise in a uniquely challenging field, Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long is the International City/County Management Association’s recipient of the 2022 Award for Career Excellence, the highest honor for local government CEOs internationally.

Known for his fiscal, strategic, and operational expertise in a uniquely challenging field, Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long is the International City/County Management Association’s recipient of the 2022 Award for Career Excellence, the highest honor for local government CEOs internationally.

Annually, ICMA, which consists of more than 12,000 members worldwide, singles out a local government CEO with an award seen as the most prestigious in the field of municipal and county management.

Annually, ICMA, which consists of more than 12,000 members worldwide, singles out a local government CEO with an award seen as the most prestigious in the field of municipal and county management.

“I am extremely humbled to be honored by my peers from around the globe,” said Long. “I see this award as recognition of our talented Leon County team and a reflection of the support and guidance we receive from the Board of County Commissioners. It is special to be recognized by your colleagues in local government who know the challenges we all strive to meet daily.”

“I am extremely humbled to be honored by my peers from around the globe,” said Long. “I see this award as recognition of our talented Leon County team and a reflection of the support and guidance we receive from the Board of County Commissioners. It is special to be recognized by your colleagues in local government who know the challenges we all strive to meet daily.”

Throughout his 11 years as County Administrator, Long has upheld rigorous standards in project and policy implementation, crisis management, public safety protection and communication. Those standards led to the creation of a comprehensive organizational transformation and culture shift, making Leon County government a nationally recognized model for efficiency, innovation, and citizen engagement.

Throughout his 11 years as County Administrator, Long has upheld rigorous standards in project and policy implementation, crisis management, public safety protection and communication. Those standards led to the creation of a comprehensive organizational transformation and culture shift, making Leon County government a nationally recognized model for efficiency, innovation, and citizen engagement.

“I know I am biased, but based on my 27 years as a County Commissioner, I feel like it would be a hard task to find someone who has demonstrated such a level of continuous excellence over their career than Vince,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor.

“I know I am biased, but based on my 27 years as a County Commissioner, I feel like it would be a hard task to find someone who has demonstrated such a level of continuous excellence over their career than Vince,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bill Proctor.

During his time as administrator, Long oversaw the transformation of the world-renowned cross-country course at Apalachee Regional Park, an exceptional place for visitors and cross-country runners alike. He also played an integral role in bringing an Amazon fulfillment center to Leon County. That project will result in a $200 million capital investment, the creation of thousands of jobs and a projected $100 million annual economic impact.

During his time as administrator, Long oversaw the transformation of the world-renowned cross-country course at Apalachee Regional Park, an exceptional place for visitors and cross-country runners alike. He also played an integral role in bringing an Amazon fulfillment center to Leon County. That project will result in a $200 million capital investment, the creation of thousands of jobs and a projected $100 million annual economic impact.

“For nearly all of my 32 years at Florida State University, I have known Vince in various capacities: as a student, a colleague, a county administrator, and as a friend,” said Dr. Frances Berry, Reubin O’D. Askew Eminent Scholar and the Frank Sherwood Professor of Public Administration in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. “In Leon County, Vince has created an organizational culture that year after year delivers on community priorities to shape our future. That’s the hallmark of being one of the world’s top local government CEOs and someone very deserving of this prestigious award.”

“For nearly all of my 32 years at Florida State University, I have known Vince in various capacities: as a student, a colleague, a county administrator, and as a friend,” said Dr. Frances Berry, Reubin O’D. Askew Eminent Scholar and the Frank Sherwood Professor of Public Administration in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy at Florida State University. “In Leon County, Vince has created an organizational culture that year after year delivers on community priorities to shape our future. That’s the hallmark of being one of the world’s top local government CEOs and someone very deserving of this prestigious award.”

Throughout Long’s accomplished career as a chief local government administrator, he has fostered a high-performing county government that delivers transformational projects, fosters strategic partnerships, and achieves community priorities year after year.

Throughout Long’s accomplished career as a chief local government administrator, he has fostered a high-performing county government that delivers transformational projects, fosters strategic partnerships, and achieves community priorities year after year.

“For years, I have served with Vince on boards and worked alongside him to address our community’s most pressing needs,” said Chairman, President and CEO of Capital City Bank Commerce Bill Smith. “Vince has served as a model for effectiveness not only in public service leadership, but leadership of every kind. His love of family, community, service, and mentorship makes him one of the finest executives I know.”

“For years, I have served with Vince on boards and worked alongside him to address our community’s most pressing needs,” said Chairman, President and CEO of Capital City Bank Commerce Bill Smith. “Vince has served as a model for effectiveness not only in public service leadership, but leadership of every kind. His love of family, community, service, and mentorship makes him one of the finest executives I know.”

Vincent Long

Vincent Long

NOV/DEC 2022

REGARDING MATTERS OF ALL THINGS STYLISH

← Leon

Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson loves her job and would trade it for no other office. Here, she wears a suit from Macy’s, a blouse from Chico’s, and accessories from Ann Klein (necklace), Ross Simons (ring) and Rebels’ Midtown Boutique (bracelet).

CITIZEN OF STYLE

OUT OF ETHIOPIA

Leon County Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson discovered similarities among all people as a child

by MARINA BROWN

County

photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

“Style” is defined as the quality that sets one apart from others. It is particular to that person, making them distinctive. Oftentimes, it can be a spontaneous melding of personality and worldview, life’s work on display and a lens through which to view their personal relationships.

In the case of Leon County Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson’s style, she is a woman who displays a briefcase full of titles and responsibilities. Through the representation of who she is, she manages to be warmly serene, elegant, engaged and committed to positive outcomes for others even as she often holds their futures in her hands.

“Many people don’t even know where Ethiopia is,” AshenafiRichardson laughs, speaking of her African homeland. The flash of ebony

interest in people and their stories. It is the court where monetary disputes, misdemeanors and traffic offenses get hashed out, and the place where a judge’s decision can assist or hamper a defendant’s entire future.

“I love serving Tallahassee in this role,” she says of the job which takes up to 50 or 60 hours a week. “I wouldn’t run for any other office but hope to continue in this one for the foreseeable future.” That commitment to public service has won her roles heading the Tallahassee Bar Association, the Tallahassee Women Lawyers Association and becoming the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Judicial Service Award for her support of pro bono services.

But Ashenafi-Richardson does have a life away from the bench, and

eyes, rimmed by black lashes and the pale sienna of her skin provide an exotic context to a demeanor that is very much all-American. “I came here when I was 4 years old when my father, a composer and ethnomusicologist, became a professor at Florida State University,” she said. “It was a wonderful childhood, a time when the house was filled with graduate students from different countries playing their instruments, cooking their national dishes. I learned then that we are really all the same, sharing so much in common.” And though Richardson learned to play the Japanese koto, her interests would develop elsewhere.

Fascinated with the law, AshenafiRichardson would go on to graduate from FSU Law School, and in 2008, she ran for county judge, a position which seems ideally suited to her

as with her ability to expedite judicial matters, she is practical in attention to her personal life priorities as well.

“I am the wife of City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, and the mother of two daughters, one of whom recently graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis,” Ashenafi-Richardson said. “So, yes, there are many public settings where my husband and I appear together.”

And if one does catch her out of her judicial robes, Ashenafi-Richardson will have chosen from a closet filled with elegantly tailored suits, colorblock sheaths in ocean colors and the occasional floral print. “Because of my ‘ethnic’ look, I like to wear big, chunky necklaces, though professionally, I usually choose pieces that would not be distracting,” she said about

↓ HERE COMES THE JUDGE Ashenafi-Richardson is seen (inset photo) in a shirt and skirt from Eliza Fanti Women and accessories from Cotton Etc. Boutique and ChapeauAtelier.

→ Standing outside the courthouse, she wears a jacket and pants from Chico’s and patent leather pumps from DSW.

“BECAUSE OF MY ‘ETHNIC’ LOOK, I LIKE TO WEAR BIG, CHUNKY NECKLACES, THOUGH PROFESSIONALLY, I USUALLY CHOOSE PIECES THAT WOULD NOT BE DISTRACTING.”

— Nina Ashenafi-Richardson, Leon County Judge

her personal style. And she insists on shopping local. From Chico’s to Talbots, to Hearth & Soul, and even a boutique consignment shop near Lake Ella, the judge supports local purveyors.

“The pandemic shifted a lot of things for many of us,” she said. She’s begun wearing her hair longer — “not so Oprah” as before. Having avoided her old indoor gym during COVID, she and her husband now favor long bike rides on the St. Mark’s trail and walks at Cascades and Tom Brown parks. And even her makeup regimen has altered slightly.

“Yes, I usually wear MAC products,” she said, “and I do love trying out different lotions from say, Sephora, or the occasional facial at Millennium,” but Ashenafi-Richardson also likes a little do-it-yourself. “A bit of warmed coconut oil and a drop or two of lavender that I mix in a repurposed cake decorating bag is a wonderful moisturizer and so good for the skin.” It’s also a busy judge’s clever formula for sussing out a practical solution to a problem.

It is that mix of gentle practicality, professional dedication and the ability to be both elegant and compassionate from the bench, as well as stunning when speaking at a gala dinner, that makes Nina Ashenafi-Richardson a unique and exemplary Tallahassee Citizen of Style. TM

↑ Committed public servant AshenafiRichardson devotes 50-60 hours a week to her appointment-filled job. Punctuality is essential. Here, she flashes a watch from Michael Kors.

BOUTIQUE BLOOMS, BLANKIES AND BALLOONS

Buy a present, make a donation when you shop at TMH

by ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

One of Tallahassee’s nicest gift shops can be found in a most unlikely place — Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

To be sure, the Tallahassee Memorial Gift Shop has all the items one would expect to find when picking up something with which to cheer up a friend or family member in the hospital — fresh flower arrangements, mylar balloons, cards and toiletries, for example.

But with merchandising maven Maria Heil at the helm as its manager, the small shop also is jampacked with artful displays of other delightful things to give away — or give to yourself.

Step inside the shop — strategically located in the hallway between the Dozier Atrium and patient rooms — and you’ll immediately be enveloped in the fragrances of candles for sale. There’s also clothing, purses, jewelry, books, spiritual gifts, seasonal items, live plants, home decor, a kids’ corner, self-care galore, puzzles and the occasional unusual item Heil finds at market, such as a toss pillow with buttonon motifs that can be changed for the season or on a whim. The shop’s bestsellers, said Heil, are men’s and women’s colognes.

While commerce is the foremost purpose of the store, Heil said it has another important function — providing a “friendly face” and a serene respite for stressed family members and TMH colleagues.

“It’s very inviting to come in here. And that is my goal — that the people who work here and the way the shop is displayed — that it’s a welcoming place,” Heil said. “Yes, we want to make money. But if there is a need, we do our best to help. And sometimes that means giving merchandise away. You do what you need to. And it always, always, always, always comes back to us.”

TMH director of volunteer services Melinda Pace, left, works closely with gift shop manager Maria Heil. The shop is a fundraising project of the volunteer TMH Auxiliary.

↗ The TMH Gift Shop is home to most any gift item you can think of and some that lie beyond your imagination. The store is both a place to shop and a place of respite.

A second shop is located in the Brickler Women’s Pavilion and is awash with pastel gifts for new babies. In addition to lovies and blankies and my first teddys, the shop boasts an inventory of logo wear for the tiniest fans of Florida State University, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia and Florida A&M University. Ever practical, it also offers grab-and-go salads and sandwiches and microwaveable meals for dads and nurses who might find it hard to leave the floor and trek to the cafeteria.

Shoppers will find a variety of popular names in gifts and accessories, including Mud Pie, Spartina, Scout, enewton and Brümate. Heil says she tries to support Tallahassee businesses in her search for unique items. Flower arrangements are from Hilly Fields, and other offerings

include books by local authors, Coton Colors tableware, cake and cupcakes from The Cake Shop, and Valentine’s Day and Christmas sweets from Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

Heil and TMH director of volunteer services Melinda Pace say buying at the gift shop illustrates a concept they call “giving through.”

When you shop in the TMH Gift Shop, you’re giving to the hospital through your purchases,” Pace said.

While the Gift Shop’s budget is run through the hospital, it is the major fundraising project of the volunteer TMH Auxiliary and is self-supporting. All profits after expenses are donated back to TMH. Some of the requests for proceeds have been small — like heart pillows for patients and memento

boxes for the families of infants who died — while others are major, including scholarships, medical equipment and a $1 million pledge to help fund the Tallahassee Memorial Bixler Trauma & Emergency Center.

The Gift Shop had $710,000 in gross sales in the fiscal year 2018–19, but like the rest of the hospital, the auxiliary was upended by COVID. The hospital was closed to the public, nonessential surgeries were canceled and volunteers were told to stay home. As a result, shop hours were cut and sales dropped. The 2021–22 budget year was affected by a second months-long shutdown, but Heil is hopeful.

“We’re doing well. I expect for Christmas to really pull us through,” she said.

There when you need us.

Speaking of Christmas, the shop closes for two days early in the shopping season to reset the store with holiday-themed decor and gift items. It reopens with a three-day Black Friday-like event that begins Wednesday, Nov. 30. Everything (with a few exclusions) in the store will be 25% off. The first day’s hours are actually 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to accommodate the late-night workday of the hospital’s third shift. TMH colleagues actually are the gift shop’s most loyal customers, Heil said.

Pace shared her long-term goal for the shop.

“I’ve never put it on paper, but my personal wish in the next five years is that we would reach $1 million in sales. It’s sort of a personal goal to see that happen before I retire,” she said. TM

↓ GET YOUR SHOP ON

The TMH Gift Shop is open daily. Hours are: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Hours are extended during the month of December. The Christmas 25% off sale kicks off Nov. 30 at 10 p.m. and runs during regular business hours Dec. 1–2.

↑ The TMH Gift Shop’s inventory offers items that appeal to people of all ages. Clothing items include logo wear for even tiny supporters of Florida’s universities.

Sydney Dodd, Luisa Wondra & Dana Walker

THE GEM COLLECTION

SPARKLING HOLIDAY WISHES YOU A

1. MERRY AND BRIGHT Whether it is a special Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, no guy can go wrong with a simple 1 carat diamond solitaire! Both natural and lab grown diamonds are available. Priced from $1,895 and up

2. WRITTEN IN THE STARS

14K .35ct Shooting Star Earrings It’s written in the stars that she will LOVE this gift! And priced at just $850, you will too!

3. FOLLOW YOUR HEART

14K .21ct Diamond Arrow Necklace

From Cupid’s bow straight to her heart, this arrow necklace will hit its mark! So beautiful and just $499

4. HER NEW FAVORITE Sterling Silver with 18K Gold Overlay Pendant and Chain Beautiful necklace by Spanish Designer Jorge Revilla from his Venice Collection — can you visualize the rippling water? Priced at $299

5. SPARKLE AND SHINE ON 14K Rose Gold Morganite and Diamond Pendant This beautiful Morganite stone was named after the Financier J.P. Morgan in honor of his financial support of the arts and sciences. Good karma! Priced at $3,200

6. ENDLESS LOVE 14K .21ct Diamond Band With so many weddings and anniversaries happening between December and February, this may be the perfect gift! This band is a perfect fit with most engagement rings! Priced at $990

7. TRUE BLUE Beautiful Blue Zircon and Diamond Ring This ring features a 10.39ct Blue Zircon. This rare and exotic gem is considered Cambodia’s gift to the world! It is accented with .37cts of fine diamonds. Priced at $5,200

8. LOVE IS IN THE AIR 14K Fine Enamel and Diamond Dragonfly Necklace Did you know that dragonflies symbolize hope, change, love and happiness? This one will make someone very happy!

Priced at $1,950

What’s In Store?

A roundup of offerings at local businesses

Compiled by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Spruce up your bar cart and your happy hour with Balsam and Berry print linen cocktail napkins from Coton Colors. These embroidered napkins elevate any dining experience.

Poco Vino

This holiday season, let Poco Vino curate themed boxes for everyone in your circle from your coworker to cousin. Poco Vino stocks their shelves with small production, unique wines and gourmet accoutrements.

➸ The ideal gift to bring your New Year’s Eve host is an unexpectedly perfect bottle of CHAMPAGNE DRAPPIER ROSÉ BRUT NATURE and a locally made champagne toast candle from Sweet Talk Candle Co. that can burn throughout the evening and into 2023.

➸ A box for the man in your life, whether dad, brother or husband, could include a luscious bottle of CROSSBARN 2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON from Sonoma County, California, a Ritual chocolate dark mocha bar and a corkscrew gift box.

➸ For the friend who really should have their own cooking show, bring a bottle of DAMILANO BAROLO “CANNUBI” 2017, MURRAYS NYC WHOLE GRAIN MUSTARD, locally made ORCHARD POND ORGANIC OLIVE OIL and ACACIA WOOD CUTTING BOARD to their kitchen.

Hearth & Soul

➸ Keep your memories close and lovingly displayed in unique PRINT WORKS COFFEE TABLE PHOTO ALBUMS that would make a nice addition to anyone on your list’s living room.

➸ Custom jewelry is the ideal gift for a fashion lover. These ADINA REYTER GROOVY LETTERS CHARMS are 14k yellow gold-hinged letter charms with prong-set diamonds that can dangle beautifully from an Italian

➸ Holidays are for celebrating with a pop of champagne. Store your favorite bottles of bubbly in the LSA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPAGNE BUCKET, a hand-blown dual champagne bucket. When not being used for chilling, it makes for an exquisite vase.

➸ The holiday season is for gathering around and cozying up to the fireplace. This beautiful POMME D’AMOUR FIRE LIGHTER

natural wood wool firelighters and two assorted boxes of

COTON COLORS

Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas and cozy up next to a fire with your hot cocoa in the new PEPPERMINT SHAPED MUG. Whether coffee or cocoa, you’ll experience holiday cheer with every sip. // From decking the halls and adorning your favorite wreath to creating a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree that celebrates years of memories and adventures, Happy Everything! has the HANDCRAFTED GLASS ORNAMENTS to represent everyone on Santa’s list. // For those who are sentimental, a handcrafted and CUSTOMIZED ORNAMENT will hit the spot. Select an ornament, customize the text and then package it in a matching box tied with a coordinating ribbon.

BENEBY PERFUME

Treat her to something sophisticated and elegant. Inside every beautiful bottle are notes of warm caramel, lime, mango and mandarin. A gift that will make her feel loved and appreciated.

Ligperfume.com

PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER

Discover our savory array of chocolate confections to please any palate. Holiday gifts or celebrate any occasion. We offer a variety of handmade dipped chocolates and gourmet treats that are simply unique and delicious.

1817 Thomasville Road, Ste. 410

(850) 577-3111

PeterbrookeChocolatier.com

GIFT GUIDE Holiday

SOUTHEASTERN PLASTIC SURGERY, P.A.

Treat that special someone to luxurious medical spa services with the Southeastern Plastic Surgery Gift Card. Services are given by highly trained, licensed aestheticians who combine spa luxury with stateof-the-art equipment and the latest technology. Contact us to learn more.

2030 Fleischmann Road (850) 713-4183

Se-PlasticSurgery.com/ gift-cards

MILLENNIUM

NAIL & DAY SPA

Shiny, beautiful hair is on everyone’s wish list, and why not pamper yourself as well? Smooth infusion™ products from Aveda deliver smoother, sleeker hair in just one use! Available only at our Midtown Millennium location.

3427 Bannerman Road #201

(850) 894-4772

MillenniumNailAndDaySpa.com

With fabulous finds ranging from artisanal creations to sweets and scents, sensational seasonal shopping is assured. Now that’s the spirit!

WILLIAM LOIRY

Order Second Chances: How To Have A Better 2023 and present it as a gift to someone going through bad times this holiday season. Order by visiting Amazon’s Kindle Store at Amazon.com.

WilliamLoiry.com

BRADLEY’S COUNTRY STORE

Start a new tradition each holiday season with a shopping trip to Bradley’s Country Store. We sell the best old-fashioned, country smoked and fresh sausage, preserves, honey, grits, cheese and more. Our quality products are a flavor of a time gone by. 10655 Centerville Road (850) 893-4742 | BradleysCountryStore.com

MIDTOWN READER

Puzzles, cards, gifts, and of course books for everyone on your list!

1123 Thomasville Road (850) 425-2665

MidtownReader.com

RABBIT CREEK MARKET

Come treasure hunt at the largest indoor antique, artisan and vintage market in the Big Bend. Discover unique gifts like these quality, handcrafted leather pieces from Hometown Inspirations and this charcuterie board from Wiregrass Woodworks. 2811 Capital Circle NE | (850) 765-5146 | RabbitCreekMarket.com

HORIZONS BAR & GRILLE

Celebrate the holidays at Horizons Bar & Grille with family, or give a gift card to a friend. It is also a great place to stop in to take a break from hustle and bustle of shopping! Classic, house-made American cuisine. Full bar with a variety of refreshing signature drinks. Dinner, Sunday brunch and happy hour with 20 TVs for the games.

3427 Bannerman Road, Suite #104 | (850) 329-2371 | HorizonsBarAndGrille.com

PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS (MILLENNIUM NAIL & DAY SPA, BENEBY PERFUME, BRADLEY’S COUNTRY STORE, MIDTOWN READER AND RABBIT CREEK MARKET)

ADDICTIVE BEAUTY

Give your loved one a customized beautiful look this holiday season, or treat yourself! Addictive Beauty offers professional permanent eyeliner, eyebrow correction, lip makeup and more. Transform your look for the holidays and the upcoming new year.

327 Office Plaza Drive, Ste. 113 (850) 695-3574 | TallahasseeMicroblading.com

SMASHING OLIVE

’Tis the season to give the perfect gift! Ultra premium extra virgin olive oils and quality balsamic vinegars are unique and flavorful. With over 40 varieties of oils and vinegars available to choose from, you are sure to brighten someone’s holiday with the gift of good taste.

MA’S DINER

Do you have someone on your list that is hard to shop for? Treat them to a gift card to one of Tallahassee’s favorite spots. Everyone loves breakfast and lunch, especially when it is served with a smile.

6668-9 Thomasville Road (850) 765-1910 | Facebook.com/masdinertally

MY FAVORITE THINGS

Celebrate baby’s first Christmas. Vietri recreates a Christmas classic with a cheerful holiday design. The Nutcrackers Bambini set includes a plate, cereal bowl and mug. Beautifully hand painted in Italy. $134 1410 Market St., C3 (850) 681-2824

ShopMFT.com

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD

Fresh Gulf seafood makes a great gift for the holidays!

Stone crabs and lobster are now in season and are always a hit at any party or at home among family and friends. Gift cards are also available.

(850) 893-7301

1415 Timberlane Road in Market Square

SouthernSeafoodMarket.com

BUMBLEBEE SKINCARE AND WAXING

Brush On Block is a natural easy-to-apply SPF 30 mineral powder sunscreen. It goes on quickly and reapplies with ease. Safe for sensitive skin, reef-friendly, vegan-friendly, free of parabens and gluten-free. A great stocking stuffer because everyone deserves a better sunscreen.

359 N. Monroe St. (850) 631-1868

BumblebeeSkincare.com

PHOTO BY SAIGE ROBERTS (SMASHING OLIVE)

Banking that moves you toward what’s next.

Whatever you envision, we’re inspired to help you get going. Let’s think beyond tomorrow and discover what’s next. Let’s see opportunities and seize them. Let’s work together to make your vision real. When you’re ready to go where potential leads, we’ll help you get there.

This Weekend, Make A Few New Friends.

The beautiful fall weather is upon us, so get outside and explore the trails, exhibits and natural beauty of the Tallahassee Museum. From our newly rebuilt aviary to the boardwalk trail past all of our furry friends, you’re sure to enjoy every moment here.

tallahasseemuseum.org

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COOKIN’

SOUTHERN CASSEROLES

From covered dishes comes timeless comfort

Casseroles like this Sugar Hill Strata with custard sauce are eagerly consumed throughout the year but are especially popular during indulgence season — that is, the holidays.

by ROCHELLE KOFF ↓

HOME

photography by DAVE BARFIELD

↘

DINING OUT Shell Oyster Bar

It is both familiar and fitting for special occasions. At a baby shower, a memorial service or a neighborhood covered-dish dinner, the casserole reliably pleases people as a classic comfort fare.

Casseroles like the indispensable tuna casserole have been a staple for generations. Mac and cheese may be the granddaddy of them all, having been written about in 1250.

In the 1950s, casseroles got a big boost from Campbell’s soups. Supping on the green-bean variety made with cream of mushroom soup and served in a Pyrex dish became an experience about as universal as going to the store.

“What is it with Southern casseroles and Mama’n’em?” writes Valerie Fraser Luesse in Southern Living. “It’s as if they’ve found a way to stir together love, concern, consolation, congratulations, comfort and joy — and then top it off with Ritz crackers and butter.”

But you don’t have to be a Southerner to love casseroles; they have global appeal.

“Casserole” is from a French word meaning “saucepan,” a deep dish used for cooking and serving. It’s derived from

the French word “cassa” and the Latin word “cattia,” both meaning “ladle.”

Casseroles are a hit any time of year, but home cooks are even more motivated to find a crowd-pleasing dish during the holidays.

Aiming for a special casserole, Lauren Weekley Tiller concocted the “Sugar Hill Strata,” made with her grandmother’s recipe for cane syrup custard. She uses syrup from the Davis Family Farm in Cairo, Georgia.

“They’ve been making their own cane syrup for four generations,” Tiller said.

Her dish is a French toast strata with a Southern twang and is both sweet and savory. And what better time is there than the holidays to indulge in rich, sweet and savory flavors that taste like home?

Tiller turns out Southern-style staples from her food truck, called Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen, which operates in Havana and Tallahassee. The truck is named after Ida Belle Dassie, the housekeeper with whom Tiller grew up.

“She was family,” said Tiller, who lives in her childhood home in Havana,

PHOTO BY KARANDAEV / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (APPLES)

Sugar Hill Strata

from Lauren Weekley Tiller

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 1 French baguette loaf, cubed

➸ 8 eggs

➸ 1½ cups buttermilk

➸ ¼ cup Davis Family Cane Syrup (or other cane syrup)

➸ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

➸ 1 teaspoon cinnamon

➸ ½ teaspoon nutmeg

➸ 2 Granny Smith apples, cubed

➸ 1 pound of smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled or substitute cooked ground sausage

➸ ¼ cup brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Coat a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside. Cut the baguette into ½-inch cubes and spread evenly along the bottom of the dish. In a large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, cane syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples and bacon (or sausage).

Mix well and pour over bread, covering with plastic wrap and pressing lightly to ensure the egg mixture is absorbed. Refrigerate for two hours or overnight before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bake for 45 minutes or until eggs are no longer runny. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with brown sugar, and let stand for 15 minutes. Top with a drizzle of custard and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS FOR

CUSTARD SAUCE:

➸ 2 eggs

➸ 1½ cups sugar

➸ 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

➸ 1 can of whole milk (after pouring out the evaporated milk, fill the same can with whole milk)

➸ 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

CUSTARD INSTRUCTIONS: Cook ingredients over low heat, constantly whisking to ensure even distribution of egg yolks until thickened. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

← Food truck owner Lauren Weekley Tiller whipped up her favorite casserole at the Prepared Table, a Tallahassee kitchenware shop. The key ingredient: cane syrup custard, made from a family recipe.

where she has 15 animals sharing 15 acres of land.

Tiller’s food truck meals include her fried chicken, pork chops, mac and cheese and pork stew. She also offers take-and-bake dishes that customers can reheat at home.

Katherine Quick, coowner of Tallahassee’s K&R Hidden Farms, said one of her favorite recipes for traditional holiday dishes comes from a friend. Even better, she can pluck the main ingredient right from her farm.

“We enjoy living off the land as much as possible,” said Quick. “We use our fresh butternut squash for the casserole, and it’s always a family favorite.” TM

Butternut Squash

Casserole

from

Katherine Quick

INGREDIENTS:

➸ 2 cups cooked, mashed butternut squash

➸ 3 eggs beaten

➸ 1 stick butter

➸ 1 cup milk

➸ 1 cup sugar

➸ Ritz crackers crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine all ingredients except the Ritz crackers. Pour into a flat baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45–60 minutes. Sprinkle crackers on top of the dish and dot with butter. Continue baking until butter is melted.

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER EKRUT (CASSEROLE) AND SPAXIAX / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (SQUASH)

Celebrate in the heart of Downtown Tallahassee

Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch, and Happy Hour TVs for the Games | Live Music

Catering also available. From weddings to at-home HOLIDAY gatherings to office lunches and events. Catering@AndrewsDowntown.com 228 S. Adams St. | (850) 815-9184 | (850) 815-9124 | AndrewsDowntown.com

A fresh take on Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi. Join us for lunch & dinner. Extensive selection of wine, beer & sake Masa 1650 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-4183

Little Masa 619 S. Woodward Ave., #105 (850) 727-8909

MasaTallahassee.com

FROZEN IN TIME

Shell

by ETHAN TETREAULT

Shell Oyster Bar has been satisfying seafood cravings for almost 80 years and has no plans to stop shucking any time soon.

The small restaurant, located at the corner of North Monroe Street and FAMU Way, was opened in 1945 in the shell of an old gas station, and it quickly garnered a reputation as Tallahassee’s best place for bivalves. Customers seemed to enjoy Shell’s relaxed and inviting atmosphere almost as much as they did the seafood. At the Shell Oyster Bar, all are welcome.

Sometime in the 1970s, the Sessions family, the owners of the restaurant at the time, hired a young man named Leroy Milligan to work in their kitchen. What started as a humble gig for Milligan grew into a leading role at the shack. He made himself an invaluable part of the Shell operation, and by the time the owners decided that they’d had enough of the oyster game, they knew exactly who they would entrust with their legacy business.

Milligan, although he had fulfilled the dream of owning his place of employment, was

not as happy as a clam. When he took over, Subway, the fast-food company, was moving to lease the land where Shell Oyster Bar was located. The corporation’s aggressive expansion in the 1990s meant that many local mom-andpop shops and restaurants had been forced to close, and Shell’s was poised to become the next sacrifice in the name of eating fresh.

↑ Leroy Milligan started work in the kitchen at Shell Oyster Bar in the 1970s. Today, as the business’s owner, he keeps things cash-only simple, just as the oyster bar’s original owners did.

←↗ At left: Oysters of the naturally occurring kind are less uniform in appearance than the farmed varieties also served at Shell Oyster Bar. At right, Windy, a server, prepares to deliver an order.

feast catered you.

holidays is here! Our catering consultants select the right assortment of delicious platters, and desserts for any festive with in-store pickup or delivery, there’s time for making memories this season.

your neighborhood Publix. publix.com/catering

Milligan, however, was not willing to quietly fade away. He resolved to save Shell and succeeded by moving the business just 100 feet back from its previous location to an abandoned paint shop. After the move was accomplished in 1997, Milligan oversaw an expansion of the restaurant, which included the addition of a full dining room. His restaurant now lies just across the street from Proof Brewing Company, a connection that Milligan acknowledges is beneficial for both businesses.

Another blow to the oyster shack came in April 2010, when the Deepwater Horizon oil spill contaminated much of the Gulf of Mexico. The environmental disaster severely limited where and when fishermen could go to harvest oysters. More recently, oystering in Apalachicola Bay was suspended to allow stocks to rebound. Milligan is still feeling the effects of the spill and closure, but he’s taken steps to ensure that his oyster bar is well supplied with its signature delicacy.

Shell Oyster Bar has begun to serve farmed oysters in addition to those tonged from bay bottoms. Milligan was reluctant to serve farmed oysters at first, but oyster cultivators have steadily increased their production and the quality of their product.

Milligan has also expanded his menu to baked and fried fish dishes, shrimp and crab. Changes notwithstanding, Milligan has made an effort to keep his business oldfashioned and to maintain the spirit of the original location. They are still a cash-only business, and the only screen you will find in the dining room is over the door. No televisions here. The walls are wood-paneled, adorned with Coke posters, autographs from FSU coaches and old Tallahassee Democrat articles. When one walks through the threshold, he is transported to a simpler time when cashiers didn’t have iPads and

industrial ceilings were thought of as cheap. Shell Oyster Shack, like the Old Capitol or Ruby Diamond Auditorium, is a Tallahassee icon. The city has grown up around it. It has lasted through 16 governors, 15 presidents, three owners, two locations and an oil spill in the Gulf. Its frozen-intime appearance disguises just how much the restaurant has changed in almost 80 years, but one thing that has not changed is its commitment to quality seafood. When oyster-eating season arrives, don’t hesitate to pay Milligan’s restaurant a visit — just don’t forget to bring cash. TM

←↑ Nuked oysters, at left, are served Cajun or garlic-butter style. The combo platter, above, includes shrimp, oysters, crab claws and scallops. Framed news clippings, below, serve as a Shell Oyster Bar timeline.

photography by DAVE BARFIELD

Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

After recognizing an opportunity in the Japanese-inspired dining realm, owners Michael and Annie Chou opened Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar in Tallahassee in 1998. Having previously owned a Chinese restaurant in Tallahassee, Chou’s Dynasty, Mr. Chou saw an opportunity in uncharted dining territory: hibachi. While the Japanese Steakhouse concept was new for the Chous, the cuisine was not. Mr. Chou was raised in the sovereign state of Taiwan, which was occupied by Japan for 50 years.

From the conception of the Chou’s first Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, to the rebuild of their new Tallahassee location in 2020, the Chous have always held true to three enduring values: cleanliness, service and quality. Over the years, they have grown into other markets and opened Osaka restaurants in both Panama City Beach at Pier Park and in the heart of Destin.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Osaka offers hibachi, a full-service bar, Gulf-fresh sushi and sashimi from their expansive sushi bar — which is the heart of each of their locations. The exterior architecture of the buildings, surrounded by koi ponds and tranquil landscaping, evokes an authentic feeling that could only be found at a local restaurant in Osaka, Japan.

The success of Osaka is due in large part to the commitment of Osaka’s employees. The head chef in Tallahassee joined the team shortly after the restaurant opened nearly three decades ago, and the head sushi chef has been with Osaka for 15 years. This type of tenure in the restaurant business is quite rare, but it speaks to the consistency and loyalty the Chous have established in the workplace, as well as a high level of job satisfaction from the employees.

Whether seated at a hibachi table or at the sushi bar, the Osaka staff makes their customers feel like family. A show in itself, the hibachi room is filled with excitement, laughter and the delightful aroma of fried rice. It’s the perfect space for all corporate events, special occasions and celebrations, with seating of up to 100. If you’re in the mood for something more intimate, step inside the sushi bar area to witness their meticulous handcrafted rolls filled with fresh-caught seafood and farm-fresh ingredients. The expansive menu allows guests to try something new during each visit along with their ever-changing sushi specials.

Over the years, Osaka has won numerous awards, including Best Sushi and Best Hibachi from the readers of Tallahassee Magazine as well as Best

Asian Restaurant, Best Sushi and Best Hibachi by the readers of Emerald Coast Magazine. They’ve also been voted as the Best in Destin for Asian Cuisine by VIP Destin Magazine

Visit OsakaHibachiAndSushi.com to find out more about booking your reservation for lunch, dinner or your next special occasion. Find Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the current specials, events and more.

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR 1489 MACLAY COMMERCE DRIVE, TALLAHASSEE | (850) 900-5149 (850) 531-0222 | THEOSAKASTEAKHOUSE.COM

Restaurant Spotlight

PHOTOS BY THE WORKMANS (SUSHI) AND ALISSA ARYN PHOTOGRAPHY (HIBACHI)

NOV/DEC 2022

KEEPING TABS ON ALL THAT MUSES INSPIRE

NO Ë L, NO Ë L

World renowned harpist joins music faculty at FSU ↓

by KAREN MURPHY

A sensation at age 28, Noël Wan incorporates an international perspective into her teaching at FSU’s College of Music. She hopes to attract students from Europe and Asia to Tallahassee.

ART Glass Menagerie : Celebrating the history and future of an ancient art form

PHOTO COURTESY OF NOËL WAN / PATRICK MURRAY

During the holiday season, Tallahasseans should be on the lookout for Noël. Not Father Noël, but Noël Wan, a new associate professor of harp and entrepreneurship at the Florida State University College of Music.

This young, internationally accomplished harpist now calls Tallahassee home and can be found this holiday season making heavenly music during performances with the FSU College of Music and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.

FSU’s harp program is one of the oldest in the country, guided for more than 50 years by the graceful and steady

hands of Mary Brigid Roman. Earlier this year, Roman retired and passed the torch to Wan.

“I believe that she will expand and lead the harp department to new heights,” Roman said.

Born in the San Francisco Bay area, Wan began playing the harp at 4 years old. “Noël was born with music in her mind,” said Le Pingqiu, a professor of konghou at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.

Wan studied with renowned harpists, and in 2010 at the age of 16, she made her international debut, performing Alberto Ginastera’s harp concerto with the Utrecht Symphony Orchestra in the Netherlands.

She is the youngest first-prize winner in the history of the Dutch Harp Festival, also known as the World Harp Competition. Bart van Oort, a pianoforte specialist and chairman of the festival jury, described Wan as “a huge talent.”

“She has hidden power and amazing maturity,” van Oort said. “She is an enchanting player.”

Wan has performed across Asia, North America and Europe and has been featured as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, the Muziekgebouw, the American Harp Society Summer Institute, World Harp Congress and the Yellow Barn Summer Music Festival. She won first prize at the 2009 Pacific Musical Society Instrumental Competition and grand prize at the 2014 Carmel Music Society Instrumental Competition. Wan is also the only two-time harp winner of the Chimei Arts Foundation Award, receiving the honor in 2012 and 2015. This year she won the prestigious USA International Harp Competition.

Wan earned a bachelor’s and doctorate in music arts from the University of Illinois and a master’s in music from Yale School of Music. She has taught master classes in North America and Asia and has held teaching appointments at the University of Illinois, the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana. Wan also served as an assistant professor of harp at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music.

Wan hopes to continue Roman’s legacy and build upon it.

The Secret Garden You can listen to individual tracks from Noël’s 2010 CD release, The Secret Garden, on Apple Music or Amazon.com.

↘ Wan is the youngest top prize winner in the history of the World Harp Competition, formerly known as the Dutch Harp Festival Competition.

Presenting the 2022 LEON COUNTY ANNUAL REPORT

IN 2022, Leon County Government continued to make great progress and serve our citizens, all while striving to set the standard for performance, fiscal stewardship, and best practices for local governments everywhere. While addressing the critical needs of the citizens we serve, we remained focused on executing our long-term strategy of building and diversifying our local economy by recruiting Amazon to create the largest private sector job opportunity in our history.

With live music and events roaring back, Leon County hosted the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championships at Apalachee Regional Park. This was the first time in the event’s 80-year history that it was held in Florida. And because we created the premier venue for cross country in the nation, our finish line is nowhere in sight—as we were selected and are now preparing to host the World Cross Country Championships in 2026.

Through the vision and leadership provided by the Board of County Commissioners and the hard work of our dedicated County employees, I am proud to report that we at Leon County remain committed to listening to the people we serve, addressing the challenges we face together, and striving to be a place like nowhere else. Please learn more about all of Leon County’s efforts this year on behalf of and alongside our community in the 2022 Leon County Annual Report.

Leon County Board of County Commissioners

VINCENT S. LONG, County Administrator

“I will continue Roman’s strong commitment to excellence in classical harp playing — for solo, classical music orchestral playing, you know, playing with large ensembles, like orchestra or band and even a jazz ensemble sometimes — so all of that will stay the same,” she said.

With a nod to the FSU harp program’s stellar past, Wan plans to put her own unique stamp on the department. She describes her unique qualities as “openness, youthfulness and a global perspective.”

“Being young — I’m 28 years old and will probably be one of the younger full-time faculty members at the College of Music — I will be bringing a new perspective,” she said. “I bring a bit of an international perspective in terms of higher education and a global teaching, and I will be bringing crossover styles to FSU.

“I think that’s a really good fit because there is already brilliant faculty (at FSU) who compose or research music or perform in a lot of different genres.”

One of Wan’s goals is to use her personal connections to attract more international students from Asia and Europe to FSU.

“I really want to make the College of Music Harp program feel international and cosmopolitan,” she added.

At the same time, Wan wants students living in Northwest Florida and across the state to continue to aspire to attend FSU’s top-quality harp program. She also wants to foster more diversity of musical styles within the harp department.

“I teach classical harp technique, but I really want to encourage my students to explore lots of different musical styles, whether it’s pop or jazz or electronic,” she said. “(There are) all of these different musical possibilities. That’s one thing that’s really important, and I think that will attract a more diverse demographic.”

Another goal is to explore music entrepreneurship and develop more partnerships with the community. She already has her eye on Tallahassee’s historic Railroad Square Art District.

“There’s this artsy scene there, and I wonder if we could have more performances there or students doing micro concerts,” she said, adding that she’d like to partner with an organization like Big Brothers Big Sisters to offer low-cost music lessons to young people.

“You know, something that can bridge students with a sense of community experience,” Wan said. “It could provide a teaching experience but would benefit the Tallahassee community.” TM

↑ Wan aims to strengthen partnerships between the College of Music at FSU and community organizations and neighborhoods.

Music that Engages and Soothes

Tallahassee

Symphony Orchestra introduces new concerts and educational programming

Smiles spread across the faces of children hearing an orchestral performance for the first time.

The very same joy infects even people who have been symphony patrons for decades.

Music is the great uniter.

Since 1979, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra has made it their mission to engage, enrich and inspire people at all stages of life through great music. Over the past 42 seasons, the orchestra has evolved, innovated and increased its impact in the community.

The most recent evolution was sparked by the 2020 shutdowns. Thanks to the leadership of the board and CEO Amanda Stringer, the organization quickly shifted their plans for season 2020–2021 to an entirely online concert season: TSO Live.

Because students were also losing exposure to music education due to the pandemic, TSO sought and received support from the National Endowment for the Arts to create the Symphonic Safari Adventure. Recorded and produced by WFSU, this online program introduces young people to orchestral instruments through musician interviews, performances, books and activity guides.

“We were able to pursue these initiatives because of our board of

directors, who are dedicated to the continuous progress and development of the TSO,” said Mary Kelsay, Director of Marketing and Development. “Our patrons and sponsors supported us throughout the pandemic and enabled us not only to survive but thrive.”

Under the direction of Maestro Darko Butorac, the TSO is once again offering classical, pops, and educational concerts while continuing to build on the innovative ideas implemented during the pandemic.

TSO Live streaming is now in its third season, and the orchestra’s educational programming is expanding. The Symphonic Safari Adventure is going

out to schools this fall, and the Young People’s Concerts will reach more than 3,000 elementary school students thanks to generous support from Leon County Schools.

Looking to the future, the orchestra plans to deepen its impact through diversifying programming while staying true to long-time patrons. In addition to a six-concert subscription series, the 2022-23 season brings opportunities to experience the TSO in new ways.

The orchestra kicked off the season with their first Happy Hour with TSO, a shortened, casual concert format for working professionals. They have also invested in an all-female string

quartet, Mina, that is dedicated to education, empowerment and inclusive programming. In March of 2023, the orchestra joins with the FAMU Concert Choir to premiere a new work composed by Joel Thompson (“Seven Last Words of the Unarmed”) commemorating the Tallahassee Bus Boycott.

“The impact of live music is the shared experience,” Kelsay said. “At a TSO concert, we all hear the same music and share in the excitement, and at the same time, the performance takes us on our own journey. It’s community building.”

TSO Principal Cellist, Greg Sauer, engages with elementary school students at a Young People’s Concert.

ART

GLASS MENAGERIE

Celebrating the history and future of an ancient art form

BY EMMA WITMER

St. John’s Episcopal Church houses one of the most prominent collections of traditional stained-glass windows in Northwest Florida. Large vertical displays line the chapel with imagery significant to the Christian faith. Such imagery has been used in churches for hundreds of years to connect parishioners with the saints and stories of the past.

“I taught first grade Sunday school for years, and part of our lesson annually was to come in and listen to somebody tell us about the stained glass and have a scavenger hunt to find the symbols and stories used,” said Mandy Schnittker, director of communications for St. John’s.

St. John’s Parish was incorporated on Oct. 30, 1829. Seven years later, when it was able to call its own rector, its status was changed from mission to parish church. Services were first held in the first St. John’s Episcopal Church building in May 1837. However, in January 1879, fire completely destroyed the original church. Some of St. John’s oldest stained glass windows were installed after the church was repaired in 1884. Of note is a five-window grouping, which includes one depicting the Virgin and Child.

In 2019, as part of extensive restorations to the church, St. John’s stained glass windows were preserved in order to ensure they can better withstand Florida’s heat, rain and wind for years to come. Bovard Studio, based out of Fairfield, Iowa, completed most of the stained glass and window repair and installed new vented protective glazing. Three windows were removed and restored in Bovard’s Studio, and a few smaller windows were taken to Iowa to have inscriptions, which had faded over the years, repainted by artists.

While many of the windows in St. John’s have been dedicated by families within the last half century, several go back much further. The origins of the church’s oldest windows can be traced back to the mid-19th century.

“They are history unto themselves,” Schnittker said. “That history grows piece by piece, just as we add new windows over time.”

While often associated with the Christian faith, stained glass spans across several ceremonial and religious traditions. Like St. John’s, Temple Israel houses several vibrant works of stained glass. These windows, embossed with depictions of the Israelites’ pilgrimage through the desert, the Torah and

representations of the Jewish calendar, express a more modern style.

Temple Israel’s largest stained-glass piece, a sprawling, colorful tree covered in raised handprints, was created by Florida State University’s Master Craftsman Studio, a hands-on arts program that focuses largely on stained glass. The window was commissioned by Temple Israel, said administrator Lisa Slaton, but the handprints were not part of the original design.

“We have a service once a year where we unroll the entire Torah,” Slaton said. “Everybody wears gloves or socks because you cannot touch the Torah directly. They are old and handwritten. That imagery really made an impression on him.”

PHOTO BY DENNIS HOWARD (RIGHT)

FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio is housed in Dodd Hall, where many of its works are on display as part of the university’s Heritage Museum. Dozens of smaller windows honor significant aspects of FSU’s 171-year history, while two large installments on the front and rear of the building commemorate iconic university architecture and University President Emeritus Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, who oversaw the inception of the Master Craftsman Studio in 2000.

“We want to see this craft go on after we are gone,” said Master Craftsman Studios Program Director John Raulerson.

Like Raulerson, Andrew Miller is doing his part to keep the tradition of stained glass alive in the modern age. The Tallahassee stained glass artist and instructor at LeMoyne Arts has worked with stained glass for more than 30 years and has many repaired and original pieces in his own home.

“If I’m making something for myself, I am more interested in the abstract. However, when we are working in class, we usually do something a bit more traditional.” TM

The Heritage Museum on the FSU

campus,

once known as the Werkmeister

Humanities Reading Room, is located in the original west wing of Dodd Hall. Lining the north and south sides of the museum are tall and stately multi-paned glass windows. At the west end of the museum is a window, right, depicting some of the university’s best-known buildings. The window was designed by Professor Emeritus Ivan Johnson and created by FSU alumni Bob and Jo Ann Bischoff; it is 22 feet tall and 10 feet wide and consists of more than 10,000 pieces of glass. Over recent years, alumni and donors have commissioned approximately 20 stained glass windows commemorating legacy organizations and individuals important to the success of FSU. Window below pays tribute to a prominent aspect of campus life, the Marching Chiefs.

ANDREW MILLER

In 1994, two dollars and a dose of overconfidence set Andrew Miller on an unexpected path. Miller was perusing a flea market near his Pittsburgh, Mississippi, home and stumbled across a charming, yet broken, stained glass window. Two crumbled bills later, and Miller resolved that he’d learn to fix the piece himself.

Miller sought the wisdom of a local glass dealer and took a course to learn the tools of the trade. He called antique stores across the state inquiring about damaged stained glass, and though most were reluctant to admit brokering in broken wares, he found a dealer in Jackson, Mississippi.

When Miller arrived at the warehouse, he was quickly ushered to a cracked window nearly eight feet tall and clearly out of his price range.

“Oh, that’s not for sale,” the dealer remarked. “I want you to fix it.”

Miller painstakingly repaired the piece and returned it to the dealer, who silently scrutinized his work.

“Of course, he knew what he was doing,” Miller said. “If you know old antique dealers, you know. Then he reached in his back pocket, pulled out this big wad of bills and started dealing some off. I could see those hundreds, you know. He had me.”

Miller went on to work for the dealer until his retirement in 2006. During that time, he also worked as an associate for Tiffany, restoring windows at a church in Maine.

Today, Miller’s home is filled with glass. In recent years, Miller brought his talent to LeMoyne Arts, where he teaches an eight-week course for beginners. Most of his restorations reflect a traditional style, but in his free time, Miller dabbles in contemporary designs with inspiration from architects like Frank Lloyd Wright.

photography by THE WORKMANS

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD (MILLER)

30A Songwriters Festival

14TH ANNUAL EVENT CONNECTS COMMUNITIES THROUGH MUSIC

The 30A Songwriters Festival unites numerous musical genres at the beach. The 2023 edition of the event will comprise four days and nights of live performances by over 250 artists on more than 30 stages ranging from intimate cafes to large outdoor venues.

Co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, the festival, scheduled for Jan. 13–16, will feature up-andcoming songwriters who are used to small venues and household names who play to sold-out arenas.

The festival, which is a major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA), came about in efforts to enrich the community culturally and strengthen the presence of the arts. It also provides a boost to the local economy, bringing together dozens of businesses, hundreds of artists and thousands of music fans.

The festival will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 11, with a special showcase reserved for CAA members that will include an exclusive “first listen” to some of the weekend’s artists. Venues open to the public on Friday, Jan. 13, and music flows until Monday night.

Main stage performances occur at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center on Saturday and Sunday. Venues range from a 50-person capacity to 5,000. Download the 30A Songwriters app to view the artist lineup, schedule and venues in order to locate the acts you wish to attend.

A Late Check-out Party on Monday, Jan. 16, will take place at The Bay and North Beach Social.

The 2023 lineup is being finalized. Past acts have included John Prine, Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Jackson Browne, Indigo Girls, Grace Potter, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and many others.

“I hope attendees experience a weekend of joy, discover inspiring artists and music, connect with one another and grow more appreciative of all that Walton County has to offer beyond the beach,” said Jennifer Steele, the CAA’s executive director.

Seasonal Stage Productions

30A Songwriters Festival

Emerald Coast Theatre Company transforms classics

14TH ANNUAL EVENT CONNECTS COMMUNITIES THROUGH MUSIC

The 30A Songwriters Festival unites numerous musical genres at the beach. The 2023 edition of the event will comprise four days and nights of live performances by over 250 artists on more than 30 stages ranging from intimate cafes to large outdoor venues.

Co-produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Russell Carter Artist Management, the festival, scheduled for Jan. 13–16, will feature up-andcoming songwriters who are used to small venues and household names who play to sold-out arenas.

The festival, which is a major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA), came about in efforts to enrich the community culturally and strengthen the presence of the arts. It also provides a boost to the local economy, bringing together dozens of businesses, hundreds of artists and thousands of music fans.

With the arrival of the holiday season, we find joy in hearing our favorite carols, watching Christmas classics and attending holiday events. In that spirit, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company invites guests to revisit a childhood favorite, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and experience the regional premier of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.

The festival will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 11, with a special showcase reserved for CAA members that will include an exclusive “first listen” to some of the weekend’s artists. Venues open to the public on Friday, Jan. 13, and music flows until Monday night.

an adaptation of the cartoon classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. The young actors will depict Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang in a performance that’s equal parts humorous and heart-warming.

Main stage performances occur at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center on Saturday and Sunday. Venues range from a 50-person capacity to 5,000. Download the 30A Songwriters app to view the artist lineup, schedule and venues in order to locate the acts you wish to attend.

A Late Check-out Party on Monday, Jan. 16, will take place at The Bay and North Beach Social.

“Holidays come alive here at ECTC,” said Nathanael Fisher, the producing artistic director at ECTC. “We enjoy presenting plays and musicals this time of year that represent a relatable, tried and true holiday story.”

The 2023 lineup is being finalized. Past acts have included John Prine, Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Jackson Browne, Indigo Girls, Grace Potter, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and many others.

Friday morning shows at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. will be reserved for school field trips; Saturday performances at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday performances at 2:30 p.m. are open to the public.

pageant. As the pageant turns to shambles, it’s up to the director Grace Bradley to give the siblings a chance, ultimately teaching all the true meaning of the Christmas season.

From page to stage, the performance is written as a buoyant musical that highlights comedy and compassion. The ECTC cast along with members of the Junior Company bring each character to life.

ECTC will be the first in the region to perform this musical, which was written by Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartener and debuted in 2016 at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The production runs from Dec. 8–18. The schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. and a school field trip showing on Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

From Dec. 2–10, the Junior Company team players will perform

“I hope attendees experience a weekend of joy, discover inspiring artists and music, connect with one another and grow more appreciative of all that Walton County has to offer beyond the beach,” said Jennifer Steele, the CAA’s executive director.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is as an adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s children’s story published in 1971. The story revolves around the six misfit Herdman children who intend to star in the local church’s Christmas

“This holiday season, we hope people have the chance to escape the rigmarole of life and come to experience a beautifully told story that takes them away for a while,” Fisher said. “These shows will provide all the holiday warm fuzzy feelings and foster a sense of community where they know their place in the world is valid and important.”

PHOTO BY NIKKI HEDRICK

Seasonal Stage

3.

Inherent in people may be impulses toward compassion and charity, impulses that are activated more often than not by experiences and circumstances. On June 2, Lou Gehrig Day, I was moved to make a donation to the ALS Association, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the progressive neurodegenerative disease that ended the life of baseball’s Iron Horse. While I am a fan of baseball and a student of its history, my contribution was inspired only in part by a connection to the national pastime. It was triggered more so by an experience I had interviewing and writing about a man battling ALS. He told me he had never been a giver before he got to know others with the disease who are less fortunate than he — people without health insurance or nest eggs or supportive family. To those others, he began to give generously, and to me, he provided a powerful example. On the following pages, we profile a cross-section of nonprofits in an effort to inspire giving. The particular organizations described here may conform to your passions, or they may lead you to consider other causes that you would be comfortable supporting. The holidays can be a season of excess in a world full of exigencies. Why not give yourself the gift of the good feeling that comes with helping people you may never know? — Steve

Bornhoft

TO A GREAT EXTENT, ABILITY1ST IS an organization made up of disabled people working to improve the lives of disabled people.

Its bylaws require that at least 51 percent of employees are disabled, noted assistant director Jackie Fortmann, “but we do far better than that.”

Ability1st strives to make it possible for disabled people to achieve and maintain independent living. The organization, established more than 40 years ago, is sustained by sources of public funding, support from the United Way and by private contributions.

It is currently working with more than 1,000 clients. Many of them have been referred to Ability1st by churches, schools and other nonprofits. Others have been contacted by Ability1st’s street outreach program, which extends assistance to unsheltered homeless people. The organization also has a mental health and substance abuse outreach program.

“We begin by getting people any supplies that they immediately need,”

Fortmann said. “It may be a bus pass or personal hygiene items, food and water and begin to form a relationship. We build trust with people and begin to work with them, but we don’t push them into anything that they do not want.”

There are people, Fortmann said, who decline shelter because they have pets or because they may have had bad experiences at shelters.

“In that case, we provide them with tents and sleeping bags and whatever they need,” she said.

Among private contributors to Ability1st, many ask that their dollars go to the organization’s ramp program, which makes homes wheelchair accessible. Fortmann said the program builds some 100 ramps a year.

Other programs often supported by private donors include a medical equipment program that furnishes people with wheelchairs, walkers and shower chairs. Contributions not designated for a particular program are placed in the general fund. —

Steve Bornhoft

PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: COFFEEKAI (HEART) AND VADIMGUZHVA (01)

SAVE THE MANATEE

ACROSS MUCH OF FLORIDA, toxic blue-green algae blooms resulting from nutrient pollution are plaguing waterways and deteriorating the environment in ways that have lethal consequences for marine life.

The governor empaneled in 2019 a task force charged with reducing the blooms, but the Florida Legislature has done little to convert its recommendations into law.

Save the Manatee maintains as one of its core values “holding policymakers accountable.” The organization has been steadfast in its efforts to curb the overfertilization of nearshore and inshore waters. Sprawling mats of algae at the water’s surface prevent sunlight from reaching the seagrass ecosystem on the bottom, plant-eating manatees starve and a diverse community of life forms suffers.

The stakes in all of this are massive. A Florida environment that does not sustain manatees will not sustain the state’s economy, either.

“The problems that affect manatees also affect dolphins, sea turtles, blue crabs and all the species that use inshore waters as estuaries,” said Patrick Rose, Save the Manatee’s executive director. “Manatees have evolved along with seagrass communities, and what is good for manatees turns out to be good for those communities as a whole and for boaters, fishermen and business.”

Rose heads an organization that is engaged in conservation; advocacy; education and public awareness; rescue, rehabilitation and release; research and membership development.

Save the Manatee does all manner of cool things like increasing public awareness of manatees with abovewater and underwater webcams at two Florida state parks while pursuing heavy lifting such as legal challenges aimed at safeguarding springs. — Steve Bornhoft

SAVETHEMANATEE.ORG PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: NALUPHOTO (02) AND COURTESY OF SECOND HARVEST OF THE BIG BEND (03)

Second Harvest of Bigthe Bend

COMBATING HUNGER AND food insecurity in the Big Bend is a big job, especially when inflation is on the rise. As of January 2021, Florida ranked 10th in food insecurity nationwide and eighth in child food insecurity. Five of the 10 counties experiencing the most drastic need in the state are located in the Big Bend. Second Harvest of the Big Bend and its partner food pantries and soup kitchens work tirelessly to reverse this trend and ensure that no one has to go without.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a member of Feeding America’s national hunger relief efforts, partners with more than 80 food pantries and soup kitchens across its 11-county service area; 37 sites are located in Leon County.

In 2021, Second Harvest of the Big Bend distributed 13.8 million pounds of food. Much of that supply came from national manufacturers, regional farmers, other food banks, wholesalers/ distributors, local retailers and food drives, but small contributions from individual donors go a long way. People who choose to contribute food or money help Second Harvest of the Big Bend achieve its vision — a hunger-free Florida Big Bend. —

Emma Witmer

FIGHTINGHUNGER.ORG

AFTER 19 YEARS of working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, Kelly Otte came to a lifealtering realization. Tallahassee housed a number of organizations devoted to women, but there was no central hub prepared to help women of all ages from every walk of life.

Otte filled that void by creating The Oasis Center for Women and Girls.

“Working in a women’s center reminded me that women’s experiences and the needs of women were broader than just victimization or surviving,” said Otte, the executive director for Oasis. “Women are incredibly diverse, and the barriers for women are not all the same, so you really need a general kind of program.”

Now in its 16th year, Oasis continues to support women and girls in the Tallahassee community through direct services and advocacy efforts. The center provides counseling, support for single mothers and honors women who have bettered the community with its annual Trailblazer Awards during Women’s History Month. As part of its advocacy efforts, Oasis also spearheaded the creation of the Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

One of the organization’s most prominent programs, Girls Circle, builds communities among young women in Leon County with curriculum geared toward building resilience. This past summer, Oasis hosted its 16th annual Girls Can Do Anything Camp, a seven-week program that exposes girls to women in diverse professional environments.

“It really isn’t a matter of cramming some political statement down these girls’ throats,” Otte said. “That’s not what we do. We just expose them to possibilities.”

One great way to support the Oasis mission during the holiday season is to check out the organization’s debut silent auction, featuring items including art, jewelry and vacation packages.

— Emma Witmer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OASIS CENTER FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS (04) AND SUSTAINABLETALLAHASSEE.ORG (05)

The Oasis Center for andWomen Girls

SUSTAINABLETALLAHASSEE.ORG

“SUSTAINABILITY IS A GIANT UMBRELLA,” said Shawn Youngblood, president of the board of directors at Sustainable Tallahassee. “Our aim is to accelerate the community’s transition to environmental, economic and social sustainability. We do that by trying to empower all community residents to participate in that process.”

Founded in 2007, Sustainable Tallahassee is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of sustainability initiatives like renewable energy, transportation, waste reduction and local food systems. Through various committees, Sustainable Tallahassee connects experts and laypeople, acting as an incubator for futureminded conservation efforts.

“Sustainable Tallahassee is here to represent the community’s voice,” Youngblood said. “It’s a vital piece in the conversation about where we want to be as a society. We want to inform public opinion and ensure that our public institutions are acting responsibly.”

During recent county and city elections, Sustainable Tallahassee reached out to candidates, encouraging them to sign on to its Carbon Neutral Campaign Project pledge. The project provided candidates with various carbon reduction strategies, as well as a carbon footprint calculator and information on how to invest in green initiatives.

Sustainable Tallahassee holds monthly and annual events aimed at getting the word out about sustainable living and advocating for change in government and the private sector. Green Drinks, held at Oyster City on the last Monday of each month, features expert speakers who spark conversation while providing information on dayto-day sustainability.

“The loss of in-person events for the better part of two years was a major hit on organizations like ours,” Youngblood said. “Support from the community would allow us to expand our committee’s capacity and grow incubator opportunities.” —

Emma Witmer

We salute the winners and runners-up of our annual readers poll — businesses that have earned the respect and support of their customers.

Best OF TALLAHASSEE

COMPILED BY STEVE BORNHOFT, EMMA WITMER AND MELINDA LANIGAN

Tallahassee is known primarily as a center of government and higher education, but it is the private sector that comprises most of the local economy. Small businesses, especially, get to know their customers and strive continuously to burnish their reputations by delivering outstanding products, experiences and services that exceed expectations. Those who succeed that way take their places among the winners in the Best of Tallahassee readers poll conducted annually by Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing. Finishing atop one of the many categories that make up the competition is no small feat.

Tallahassee attracts chefs, artisans, artists, entertainers, retailers, business professionals and service providers from around the country, effectively making Best of Tallahassee much more than a local competition. Take a bow, winners. Congratulations! —Steve Bornhoft

2022

Best of Tallahassee 2022 benefits the Junior League of Tallahassee and is made possible by presenting sponsor Ox Bottom Animal Hospital with support from Live in Tallahassee, Adams Radio Group, The Greg Tish Show, Dunlap Champions Club, John Gandy Events, FastSigns, Florida Blue and Crafty Crab.

BY SAIGE ROBERTS

Food & Beverage

APPETIZER BACKWOODS CROSSING

Fresh ingredients and culinary innovation shine on Backwoods Crossing’s “Tiny Taste” menu.

Seasonal mushrooms and house-made ricotta give the truffle bruschetta an umami flavor, while zesty peppers and decadent Bradley’s cheese grits elevate the jalapeno catfish bites to new heights.

6725 Mahan Drive (850) 765-3753 backwoodscrossing.com

HONORABLE MENTION

McGowan’s Hops & Grapes

ASIAN

DAO

RESTAURANT

Dao Restaurant’s expertly crafted menu of fresh sushi, Asian fusion, Chinese and Japanese classics reflect its owners’ more than 40 years of experience in Tallahassee. Opened in 2017, Dao is the most recent offering from the owners of Azu and Masa.

3425 Bannerman Road, #A102 (850) 999-1482 daotally.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Masa

BAKERY

TASTY PASTRY

BAKERY

Sibling and certified master baker duo Debbie and Mark keep Tallahassee sweet from Tasty Pastry’s Market Street storefront.

Tasty Pastry’s cakes, cookies, breads, pies and pastries have been a community staple since 1963, thanks

to family recipes and highquality ingredients.

1355 Market St., #A5 (850) 893-3752 tastypastrybakery.com

HONORABLE MENTION

The Cake Shop

BAR

BAR 1903

Bar 1903 is an oasis for craft cocktail lovers with an affinity for exclusivity. Located within the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 offers a warm, intimate setting filled with hardwood and greenery. Bar 1903’s 36-person capacity is first come, first served.

209 E. Park Ave. (850) 354-9739 bar1903tlh.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Hummingbird Wine Bar

BARBECUE WILLIE JEWELL’S OLD SCHOOL BAR-B-Q

Born from the 71-year-old legacy of Bono’s Pit BarB-Q, Willie Jewell’s follows the low and slow barbecue traditions of its forebears, piling each plate, sandwich and salad with the good stuff. Devour juicy meats, scratch-made sides and classic desserts!

5442 Thomasville Road (850) 629-4299 williejewells.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Mo-Betta BBQ

BREAKFAST CANOPY ROAD CAFE

Whether you crave the

classics or prefer to dabble in more adventurous eats, Canopy Road Cafe has “something for everyone.” Canopy Road Cafe’s robust breakfast menu features tasty takes on Benedicts, pancakes, omelets, French toast, skillets, waffles and more. Multiple locations (850) 668-6600 canopyroadcafe.com

HONORABLE MENTION

The Egg Cafe & Eatery

BREWERY/CRAFT BEER PROOF BREWING CO.

Proof Brewing Co. has been serving up an array of bright, bold craft flavors since first opening its doors in 2012. The Tallahasseeborn brewery features a lengthy draft list, outdoor beer garden, modern indoor tasting space and brewpub-style eats.

644 McDonnell Drive (850) 577-0517 proofbrewingco.com

HONOR ABLE MENTION

Ology Brewing Co.

BRUNCH LOFTY PURSUITS

Lofty Pursuits may be best known for its sweet treats, but in-the-know brunch connoisseurs come for biscuits, omelets, grit bowls and more. Lofty Pursuits works with local farmers to bring the freshest ingredients to the menu.

1355 Market St., Ste. A11 (850) 521-0091 loftypursuits.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Jeri’s Midtown Cafe

CAJUN RESTAURANT COOSH’S

A zing of Cajun country in Tallahassee. Spice up your life with jambalaya and crawfish étouffée.

6267 Old Water Oak Road (850) 894-4110 cooshs.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

CATERING SIMPLY ENTERTAINING

Simply Entertaining offers a stress-free, boutique catering experience for all your important moments. As if chef-crafted meals and drinks were not enough, Simply Entertaining now offers full-scale event production services.

1355 Market St., A10-2 (850) 668-1167 simplyentertaining. myshopify.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Catering Capers

CELEBRATION/SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT

IL LUSSO

So much more than a steakhouse, IL Lusso’s fine dining events and private reservations bring a metropolitan feel to the downtown Tallahassee dining scene. Pair decadent dishes with a perfectly aged wine or bourbon for an evening to remember.

201 E. Park Ave., #100 (850) 765-8620 illussotlh.com

HONORABLE MENTION Savour

COFFEE SHOP LUCKY GOAT COFFEE CO.

With five distinct locations across Tallahassee, Lucky Goat Coffee Co. offers expertly roasted coffee and artfully prepared espresso drinks whether you need a pick-meup on your morning commute or a cozy spot to study. Multiple locations luckygoatcoffee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

RedEye Coffee

DESSERT FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

With more than 20 tempting options, Food Glorious Food begs you to save room for dessert. Phyllo dough and honey add a crisp taste of the Mediterranean to the baklava cheesecake, and the warm turtle truffle torte is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth.

1950 Thomasville Road, Ste. C (850) 224-9974 foodgloriousfood.com

HONORABLE MENTION Lofty Pursuits

FINE DINING RESTAURANT LITTLE PARIS

Executive chefs and brothers Herve and Loic Alcesilas provide a luxurious French dining experience at Little Paris. The French natives pull from two decades of culinary experience in France and Switzerland for a reimagined take on traditional French fare.

1355 Market St. (850) 765-7457 littleparistallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

IL Lusso

BEST BAR BAR 1903

Located in the historic Walker Library, Bar 1903 honors the history of mixology while pushing the boundaries of the cocktail experience. Surrounded by modern downtown surroundings, the 100-yearold-plus building stands out. Featuring a cocktail menu spanning 160 years, an extensive spirits list and small plate fare, Bar 1903 specializes in the finer things. Guests are greeted by a host who ensures that capacity is not exceeded, thus preserving a high-quality experience for all patrons.

Best OF TALLAHASSEE

FROZEN TREAT LOFTY

PURSUITS

Lofty Pursuits brings the nostalgia of an oldfashioned soda fountain with a vast array of chilled treats including ice cream, sorbet, sherbet and vegan ice cream. Pick up a scoop, or have your favorite flavor mixed into a milkshake, float or sundae.

1355 Market St., Ste. A11 (850) 521-0091 loftypursuits.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

HAMBURGER VERTIGO BURGERS & FRIES

Vertigo Burgers & Fries turns the everyday backyard burger on its head with delightfully dizzying flavor combinations. Go classic with one of Vertigo’s expertly balanced beef burgers, or stray beyond the pasture with a lamb burger or sausage blend.

1395 E. Lafayette St. (850) 765-7457 vertigoburgersandfries.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Midtown Caboose

HAPPY HOUR TABLE 23

Offered from 4–7 p.m., Table 23’s happy hour deals make the perfect pairing for the restaurant’s elevated Southern fare. Choose from a wide selection of wines for just $3.50 or enjoy $1 off beers and specialty cocktails.

1215 Thomasville Road (850) 329-2261 table23tally.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Hummingbird

Wine Bar

HIBACHI OSAKA

JAPANESE HIBACHI

STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Watch the flames rise and dinner sizzle as Osaka’s talented hibachi chefs provide an exciting and immersive dining experience. A familyowned business, Osaka takes pride in serving organic, local produce, Gulf-fresh seafood and high-quality beef.

1489 Maclay Commerce Drive (850) 900-5149 osakahibachiandsushi.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Nagoya

Steakhouse and Sushi

HOT DOG DOG ET AL

With 10,230 variations on the hot dog and more than 35 years in the Tallahassee community, Dog Et Al is the local hot dog authority. This old-school restaurant offers sausage dogs, turkey dogs and veggie dogs in addition to the all-beef classic.

1456 S. Monroe St. (850) 702-1068 facebook.com/dogetal

HONORABLE MENTION

El Rincon Latino Colombian Restaurant

ITALIAN RESTAURANT BELLA BELLA

Authentic Italian cuisine made fresh, Bella Bella has been a Tallahassee favorite for more than 20 years. Bella Bella’s cozy dining room invites you to sit down with a glass of wine and a plate of Capellini Marinara.

123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114 thebellabella.com

BEST MEXICAN/LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT EL JALISCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

El Jalisco is more than a restaurant, it’s a family legacy. Owned and operated by the Carranza family for more than 20 years, El Jalisco is known for its sizzling fajitas, juicy tacos and delicious two-for-one margaritas served all day every day. El Jalisco is a labor of love for the Carranzas who have expanded the El Jalisco brand to include four locations in Tallahassee and eight more throughout North Florida and Southern Alabama.

HONORABLE MENTION

Riccardo’s Restaurant

LUNCH HOPKINS’ EATERY

Hopkins’ Eatery’s wide variety of delicious hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads and sweets balance fresh ingredients with big flavor. With locations on Market Street, Capital Circle and Monroe Street, you’re never far from Hopkins’ Eatery.

Multiple locations (850) 386-4258 hopkinseatery.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Jeri’s Midtown Cafe

MARTINI/COCKTAIL

BAR 1903

Featuring concoctions as old as cocktails themselves, bar 1903 honors each of the favorite drinks of every era over the past 160 years with care and precision. Indulge in history with a pre-1880s sazerac, or stick to the present with a modern-day penicillin.

209 E. Park Ave. (850) 354-9739 bar1903tlh.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Charlie Park

MEXICAN/LATIN

AMERICAN RESTAURANT

EL JALISCO

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

El Jalisco is beloved in Tallahassee for its authentic Mexican cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere. As the selfproclaimed “home of the 2-for-1 margarita,” it’s always a fiesta at El Jalisco.

Multiple locations (850) 878-0800 eljalisco.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Maria Maria

Homemade

Mexican Cuisine

OUTDOOR DINING

RESTAURANT

TABLE 23

Enjoy fine Southern dining under the twinkling lights of a mossy oak canopy. Table 23’s outdoor

porch seating offers a breezy respite amid the bustling nightlife of Midtown.

1215 Thomasville Road (850) 329-2261 table23tally.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Food Glorious Food

PIZZA MOMO’S PIZZA

Momo’s Pizza isn’t joking when it says “slices as big as your head,” but it’s not all about size. Momo’s consistently delivers top-tier pies and creative monthly specials like August’s Mexican Street Corn Pizza.

Multiple locations (850) 224-9808 momospizza.com

HONORABLE MENTION Brickyard Pizza

SEAFOOD MARKET SOUTHERN SEAFOOD MARKET

Southern Seafood Market has a simple goal: to offer the best local seafood on

the market, add seasonal out-of-town favorites and charge a fair rate. That’s why it is Tallahassee’s most trusted name for the catch of the day.

1415 Timberlane Road, Ste. #3 (850) 893-7301 southernseafoodmarket.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Capital Seafood Market

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

TALLY FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR

From fried shrimp to crab claws and hush puppies, Tally Fish House & Oyster Bar serves up a taste of the coast daily. Check out the Sunday seafood brunch for out-of-this-world crab cake Benedicts and bottomless mimosas.

6802 Thomasville Road (850) 900-5075

tallyfishhouse.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Wharf Casual Seafood

SOUTHERN CUISINE/FOOD BACKWOODS

CROSSING

Backwoods Crossing’s “farm to table” concept elevates Southern classics with innovative pairings and ingredients plucked straight from the farm behind the restaurant.

Owners Jesse and Tyler Rice’s passion for food shines on each plate.

6725 Mahan Drive (850) 765-3753

backwoodscrossing.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Earley’s Kitchen

SPORTS BAR

WALK-ON’S

SPORTS BISTREAUX

Not your average sports bar, the menu

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux flavors game days with tastes of Louisiana. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients that bring mouthwatering, Cajun cuisine to life. Walk-On’s is always happy to share “swamp culture” with its customers no matter their reason for stopping by — dinner with the family, date night, girl’s night out or to watch a game on a big screen. Founders Brandon Landry and Jack Warner were basketball walk-ons at LSU where they became fast friends.

at Walk-On’s goes beyond bar fare with Cajun favorites and ahi tuna. Choose from the draft list and catch the game inside, or grab a seat on the porch for cocktails with friends.

3390 Capital Circle NE (850) 597-77936 walk-ons.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Island Wing Company

STEAKHOUSE

TED’S MONTANA

GRILL

Juicy steak cut and cooked

how you like it, Ted’s Montana Grill is perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner. Located just off Capital Circle, Ted’s offers great service and a family-friendly environment.

1954 Village Green Way (850) 561-8337 tedsmontanagrill.com

HONORABLE MENTION

IL Lusso Restaurant

SUSHI

KIKU JAPANESE FUSION

Fresh and flavor-packed

specialty rolls are a must at both of Kiku Japanese Fusion’s two Tallahassee locations. A perfect spot for date night, Kiku also offers delicious and cost-effective sushi lunch specials.

3491 Thomasville Road, Ste. 12 (850) 222-5458 kikubogo.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Izzy Pub and Sushi

WINGS ISLAND WING COMPANY

With 26 bold flavors

that range from mild to scorching, wing lovers are sure to find their perfect pairing at Island Wing Company. Island Wing Company skips the fryer in favor of crispy-baked bites for a surprisingly healthconscious feast.

1370 Market St., Ste. 2 (850) 692-3116 islandwing.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Hobbit American Grill

BEST SPORTS BAR

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX

Service Providers

AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING

BENSON’S HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

With more than 40 years of experience at their backs, the team behind Benson’s Heating & Air Conditioning is always ready to lend a helping hand. Benson’s serves both residential and commercial spaces.

5402 Tower Road (850) 562-3132 bensonshvac.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Air Control

Heating & Cooling

ALARM/SECURITY COMPANY REDWIRE

Redwire offers 24-hour protection for your home or business with professional monitoring and top-of-the-line technology to ensure rapid response times at affordable rates.

1136 Thomasville Road (877) 371-9473 redwire.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Lawson Alarm

ALTERATIONS HELGA’S TAILORING AND ALTERATIONS

Helga’s Tailoring and Alterations is there for all of your special moments. Adept with men’s and women’s clothing in any style or material, Helga’s expert alterations services ensure the perfect custom fit.

Multiple locations (850) 877-1266

HONORABLE MENTION

Sunsine Alterations

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE FACILITY

NORTH FLORIDA

SPINE AND WELLNESS

North Florida Spine and Wellness takes a drugless, non-surgical approach to treatment. The clinicians at North Florida Spine and Wellness offer chiropractic services, functional neurology, clinical nutrition and more.

1610 W. Plaza Drive (850) 877-6790 healthytallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Florida Mind Health Center

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

BROOKDALE HERMITAGE BOULEVARD

With personalized care and assisted living options to fit your needs and lifestyle, Brookdale Senior Living handles the cooking, cleaning and more, so you can focus on pursuing your own interests, passions and friendships unencumbered.

1780 Hermitage Blvd. (850) 422-3397 brookdale.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Villas at Killearn Lakes

AUTO/BODY SHOP

LISA’S PAINT & BODY

When accidents happen, Lisa’s Paint & Body is there with a helping hand and a smile. This family owned

and operated business puts customer satisfaction first with precision and patience. 2820 Mahan Drive (850) 385-2665 lisaspaintandbody.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Pedro’s Auto Repair

AUTOMOBILE DEALER THE PROCTOR DEALERSHIPS

Proctor Tallahassee provides reliable service and reliable vehicles with three local dealerships: Proctor Honda, Proctor Acura and Proctor Subaru. In partnership with employees and customers, Proctor supports organizations like the Leon County Humane Society and Big Bend Hospice Foundation.

3523 W. Tennessee St. (Acura) (850) 574-6600

2373 W. Tennessee St. (Honda) (850) 576-5165

1707 Capital Circle NE (Subaru) (850) 702-5678 theproctordealerships.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Peter Boulware

Toyota

BANK CAPITAL CITY BANK

Capital City Bank has been a trusted leader in banking for individuals and businesses for more than 125 years. Capital City Bank provides a full range of services, including mortgage services, loans and home equity loans.

Multiple locations (850) 402-8490 ccbg.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Prime Meridian Bank

BANQUET FACILITY/ EVENT HALL GOODWOOD

MUSEUM & GARDENS

The site of a historic plantation home, Goodwood Museum & Gardens’ stunning grounds are perfect for weddings, corporate banquets or any night to remember. Goodwood Museum & Gardens also features weekly and monthly events.

1600 Miccosukee Road (850) 877-4202 goodwoodmuseum.org

HONORABLE MENTION

Shiloh Farm Chapel and Barn

CARPET CLEANER BOWDEN’S CARPET CLEANING & RESTORATION INC.

Brighten up your home with fresh, clean carpets courtesy of Bowden’s Carpet Cleaning. Bowden’s offers 24-hour emergency service to both private residences and businesses at a competitive price. 2901 E. Park Ave., Ste. 1300 (850) 656-8224 bowdenscarpet.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Extreme Carpet Care, Inc.

CHILD CARE PROVIDER GROWING ROOM

TALLAHASSEE

Growing Room Child Development partners

with parents to create an enriching, nurturing and educational child care setting with planned developmentally appropriate curriculum for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years old.

1271 Metropolitan Blvd. (850) 386-4769 growingroomchildcare.com

HONORABLE MENTION Scottsdale Academy

CHIROPRACTOR SMITH FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC Smith Family Chiropractic is on a mission to improve the lives and health of those in the Tallahassee community through professional chiropractic treatment, education and a focus on patient satisfaction.

2447 Mill Creek Court, Ste. 1 (850) 325-6468 smithfamilychiro.net

HONORABLE MENTION

Fenn Chiropractic COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY COLDWELL BANKER HARTUNG COMMERCIAL Coldwell Banker

Hartung is a fullservice real estate company specializing in residential, commercial and corporate relocations in Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden and Jefferson counties, as well as parts of southern Georgia.

3303 Thomasville Road (850) 386-6160 cbchartung.com

BEST CHILD CARE PROVIDER GROWING ROOM TALLAHASSEE

Quality child care is a top priority for Tallahassee parents. Growing Room Child Development Centers of Tallahassee offer the absolute best for little ones during the first years of life — an environment that is safe, loving and encourages curiosity and friendship. Serving children from 6 weeks to 4 years old, each of Growing Room’s three Tallahassee locations offer hot meals prepared on-site, one-on-one caregiving for infants and developmentally appropriate curriculum and play for toddlers.

HONORABLE MENTION

NAI TALCOR

CREDIT UNION

FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION

Take ownership of your financial future with First Commerce Credit Union. First Commerce Credit Union helps its members achieve their financial goals through high savings rates, low loan rates and minimal fees.

2073 Summit Lake Drive (850) 488-0035 firstcommercecu.org

HONORABLE MENTION

Envision

Credit Union

CUSTOMER SERVICE

REDEMPTION

ORTHODONTICS

Run by a husband and wife orthodontic team, Redemption Orthodontics takes a patient-first approach to dental care with free consultations and personalized treatment. Drs. Michael and Taylor Vracar center their care around Christ-like compassion.

1384 Timberlane Road (850) 782-3232 redemptionorthodontics.com

HONORABLE MENTION

All About Cats

Pet Sitting

DANCE STUDIO

TIMBERLANE

ARTS & DANCE ACADEMY

Timberlane Arts & Dance Academy (TADA) offers premier dance instruction in pre-ballet, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, flag twirling and Irish step dancing for ages 2 through adulthood. Home to the Capital Celtic Dancers, TADA also specializes in traditional Irish dance.

Multiple locations (850) 893-8754 ta-dallc.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Dance Fusion Studios

DAY SPA

MILLENNIUM

NAIL & DAY SPA

A little pampering goes a long way, but a lot of pampering goes further. Enhance your natural beauty with Millennium Nail & Day Spa’s variety of services like facials, nail care, massage and eyelash extensions.

3427 Bannerman Road, Ste. 201 (850) 894-4772 millenniumnailanddayspa.com

HONORABLE MENTION Chelsea Salon & Spa

DENTAL PRACTICE CHANEY, COUCH, CALLAWAY, CARTER & ASSOCIATES, FAMILY DENTISTRY

Experience and training meet communitycentric care at Chaney, Couch, Callaway, Carter & Associates Family Dentistry. This first-class dental practice offers general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, treatment for temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and surgical dentistry.

3612 Austin Davis Ave. (850) 877-0215 tallyteeth.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Russell B. Rainey, DMD

DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF TALLAHASSEE

Dermatology Associates

of Tallahassee has been meeting and exceeding expectations for more than 35 years. Dermatology Associates is there for all your skin care needs from reducing signs of aging and sun damage to life-saving skin cancer screenings and treatment.

1707 Riggins Road (850) 877-4134 datfl.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Pamela S. Kennedy, MD

DRY CLEANER SHAMROCK CLEANERS

It’s not luck that drives Shamrock Cleaners’ success – it’s hard work, experience and attention to detail. Trust Shamrock Cleaners with anything from your bags, bed sheets and linens to your wedding dress.

3501 Maclay Blvd. S. (850) 893-7220 shamrocktally.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Blue Ribbon Cleaners

ELECTRICAL COMPANY

LAWSON & LAWSON

ELECTRICAL

SERVICES, INC.

Lawson & Lawson Electrical Services offers 24-hour electrical services for residential, commercial and industrial properties from experienced professionals. Lawson & Lawson has kept the lights on for more than 40 years and will continue to do so for many more.

5019 Metzke Lane (850) 562-4111 llelectrical.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Joel Foy Electrical Service Inc.

EVENT/WEDDING PLANNER

JOHN GANDY EVENTS

Bringing your dream wedding to life is no small feat, but the dedicated team at John Gandy Events is up to the task.

John Gandy Events works hand in hand with its clients to create a gorgeous and unique celebration to remember.

3463 Garber Drive (850) 570-5999 johngandyevents.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Sweet Tea Events

FAMILY PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

TALLAHASSEE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES (TPCA)

Tallahassee Primary Care Associates (TPCA) is a one-stop shop for medical care for the entire family. TPCA patients have access to primary care, specialist care, lab work, diagnostic imaging and a variety of other services at every stage of life.

1803 Miccosukee Commons Drive (850) 297-0114 tallahasseeprimarycare.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Capital Health Plan

FITNESS CENTER

PREMIER

HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER

Premier Health & Fitness Center promotes health and wellness through fitness programs and wellness treatments.

Premier’s 55,000-squarefoot facility provides the latest in equipment and fitness technology, an indoor track, NBA-size basketball court, two heated pools and a cafe.

3521 Maclay Blvd. (850) 431-2348 premiertlh.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Burn Boot Camp

FLOORING (CARPET/TILE/ETC.)

BRIAN

BARNARD’S FLOORING AMERICA

Family owned and operated for nearly 50 years, Brian Barnard’s Flooring America offers some of the most competitive rates on the market for thousands of flooring options, including carpet, hardwood, tile, laminate and luxury vinyl backed with a warranty. 2731 Capital Circle NE (850) 273-4373 barnardsflooring-america.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Southern Flooring & Design

FLORIST

A COUNTRY ROSE FLORIST

Fresh-cut flowers always brighten up a room, but an expertly styled bouquet is a true showstopper.

A Country Rose Florist selects the brightest blooms and freshest greenery for its wide array of arrangements.

1519 Capital Circle NE (800) 878-8108 acountryrose.com

HONORABLE MENTION TIE

→ Hilly Fields

Florist & Gifts

→ Missy Gunnels

Flowers

HAIR

SALON/STUDIO HAUTE HEADZ SALON

Whether you are looking for a trim or a whole new look, Haute Headz Salon is ready to give your locks some love with talented stylists, specialized treatments and salonquality hair products.

Shamrock Cleaners is Tallahassee’s home for all your dry cleaning needs with a wide variety of services and easy drive-through pickup. Shamrock Cleaners takes the time to carefully inspect your items at every stage of the dry cleaning process to ensure they come back better than you left them. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your linens, formal wear, fabulous furs or leather goods, Shamrock Cleaners’ care and convenience will put your mind at ease.

1950 Thomasville Road, Ste. P (850) 224-0414

hauteheadzsalon.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Hair Works

HAIR WAX/LASER SERVICES

BUMBLEBEE

SKINCARE AND WAXING

Shapely brows and silky smooth skin are just a sample of the benefits of a visit to BumbleBee Skin Care and Waxing. The kind and creative team behind BumbleBee ensure that you are comfortable through every step of the process.

359 N. Monroe St. (850) 631-1868 bumblebeeskincare.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Bare Waxing Center

INSURANCE AGENCY

DOUG CROLEY INSURANCE SERVICES

Doug Croley Insurance Services is a private insurance company offering auto, home, business and life insurance. This fullservice insurance company has served Tallahassee’s residents and businesses for more than 40 years.

2814 Remington Green Circle (850) 386-1922 dougcroleyins.com

HONORABLE MENTION

McKee Insurance Agency

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM JENNIFER

TAYLOR DESIGN

At Jennifer Taylor Design, great home design begins with you. Owner Jennifer Taylor pulls on more than 25 years of design experience to create a space that reflects your wants, needs and personal style.

1114 B Thomasville Road (850) 459-7575

jennifertaylordesign.com

HONORABLE MENTION TIE

→ Ashley Cortese Designs

→ Chrysalis Fine Fabrics & Furnishings

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN SERVICES

ESPOSITO

GARDEN CENTER

The experts at Esposito Garden Center offer reliable lawn care service and comprehensive landscape design for homes, apartment complexes and office buildings with a keen eye for long-lasting, beautiful outdoor spaces.

2743 Capital Circle NE (850) 386-2114

espositogardencenter.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Tallahassee

Nurseries

LAW FIRM/ATTORNEY PRACTICE

FASIG | BROOKS LAW OFFICES

The personal injury attorneys at Fasig | Brooks Personal Injury Lawyers take care to ensure their clients receive fair compensation for injuries caused by negligence or wrongdoing. Life is unpredictable, but Fasig and Brooks are always there with reliable representation.

3522 Thomasville Road, Ste. 200 (850) 777-7777

fasigbrooks.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Thompson, Crawford, Brown & Smiley Attorneys at Law

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD

BEST FLORIST A COUNTRY ROSE FLORIST

A Country Rose Florist is a family-owned, Tallahassee-based florist with three generations in the business. Each arrangement captures a natural beauty that only the freshest blooms and greenery can express. Many of their blooms come straight from the florists’ farm or other local farms. Whether you are celebrating an achievement, walking down the aisle or honoring a loved one lost, A Country Rose Florist is there with friendly service you can count on.

MEDICAL SPA AQUA MEDICAL SPA & DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FL

Aqua Medical Spa’s physician-supervised team of aestheticians provide individualized anti-aging treatment plans based on your wants and needs. Restore, rejuvenate, enhance and protect your natural beauty for years to come at Aqua.

1474 Market St. (850) 254-0244 aquamedicalspa.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Skin Science

Aesthetics

MOVING COMPANY

AMWAT MOVING WAREHOUSING STORAGE

AMWAT Moving Warehousing Storage offers moving, storage and warehouse services whether you are moving across the street or across the country. AMWAT’s high-quality, personal service sets the standard for comprehensive relocation support in Tallahassee.

319 Ross Road (850) 877-7131 amwatmovers.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Griner Moving Services

NAIL SALON MILLENNIUM

NAIL & DAY SPA

Enjoy the elegance at Millennium Nail & Day Spa with premium nail care and various other beauty services. Millennium offers a variety of luxurious manicure and pedicure options as well as gel polish and acrylics.

3427 Bannerman Road, Ste. 201 (850) 894-4772 millenniumnailanddayspa.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Royal Nail Spa

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TALLAHASSEE

The Junior League of Tallahassee empowers women in our community through civic leadership and skills training. These women serve the community by spearheading social activism-focused projects that directly benefit our local community.

404 E. Sixth Ave. (850) 224-9161

jltallahassee.org

HONORABLE MENTION

Hang Tough Foundation

OPTOMETRY/ OPHTHALMOLOGY

PRACTICE

EYE ASSOCIATES OF TALLAHASSEE

Eye Associates of Tallahassee provides the best eye care possible with knowledge, compassion and state-of-the-art technology. From child eye exams to specialistdriven LASIK and cataract treatments, Eye Associates is there to serve all of your eye care needs.

2020 Fleischmann Road (850) 878-6161 eyeassociatesoftallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

The Focal Point

ORAL HEALTH CARE

SPECIALTY PRACTICE

REDEMPTION

ORTHODONTICS

Redemption Orthodontics offers orthodontic care with personalized treatments, patient-centered service and compassionate care. Suited for all ages, Redemption Orthodontics has multiple alignment options to fit your lifestyle

and create a smile you’ll want to show off.

1384 Timberlane Road (850) 782-3232

redemptionorthodontics.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Capital Periodontal |

William T. Baldock, Jr. DMD, MS ·

William T. Baldock, DDS, MS

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

NORTH FLORIDA PEDIATRICS

Trust your little ones with the best care Tallahassee has to offer at North Florida Pediatrics. They are with you every step of the way, keeping parents informed and maintaining a warm, nurturing environment that will put you and your child at ease.

3606 Maclay Blvd., #102 (850) 877-1162 northfloridapeds.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Tallahassee

Pediatrics

PEST CONTROL SERVICE

PAUL’S TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Florida is full of creepy crawlies, but even the most stubborn pests are no match for Paul’s Termite & Pest Control. Locally owned since 1971, Paul’s protects the beauty and safety of your home with experience, exceptional staff and appropriate methods.

254 E. Sixth Ave. (850) 222-6808 callpauls.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Barber’s Best Termite & Pest

PHOTOGRAPHER

BLACK & HUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Bryan and Kelly Honhart, the husband and wife duo behind Black & Hue Photography, take a creative

approach to each shoot. While the Honharts have a passion for wedding photography, they also shoot engagement, maternity, family, graduation and commercial photography.

4021 Bending Court (850) 443-4796 blackandhuephotography.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Elizabeth Birdwell Photography, Inc.

PLUMBING SERVICE

KEITH MCNEILL PLUMBING CONT. INC.

Keith McNeill Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing business that specializes in quality, friendly care for commercial properties, residential properties and new developments. McNeill Plumbing delivers guaranteed service and leaves your space clean when the job is done.

3505 N. Monroe St. (850) 562-5504 mcneillplumbing.com

HONORABLE MENTION

White’s Plumbing Inc.

PRINTING/ COPYING SERVICES

MIDTOWN PRINT CO.

Established in 1987, Midtown Print Co.’s skilled printing professionals, designers and artists produce curated paper products, apparel, promotional items and more. Midtown Print Co. protects our environment by offering products made from recycled materials and using environmentally friendly inks.

1334 N. Monroe St. (850) 681-2900 midtownprinter.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Target Print & Mail

RESIDENTIAL BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR

TALLAHASSEE HOMES

Tallahassee Homes brings the latest in home designs, materials and new technology to create award-winning, luxury homes. With a combined 80 years of experience, Tallahassee Homes builds dream homes and stunning communities all around Tallahassee.

8501 Castle Pine Drive (850) 545-8491 tallahasseehomesrealty.com

HONORABLE MENTION Boulos Corporation

RESIDENTIAL PAINTER SUPERIOR PAINTING

Superior Painting lives up to its name with guaranteed estimates and clean, courteous and skilled painters. Not satisfied? Superior Painting is happy to return and address any problems that may arise to make sure every job is done to perfection.

(850) 297-1882 superiorpainting.net

HONORABLE MENTION

Southern Paint

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

COLDWELL BANKER HARTUNG

The realtors at Coldwell Banker Hartung have been committed to the “dream of home” since 1979. Coldwell Banker Hartung focuses on impeccable ethics and uncompromising integrity to ensure that your home-buying process is as smooth as possible.

3303 Thomasville Road (850) 386-6160 cbchartung.com

BEST PRINTING/COPYING SERVICES MIDTOWN PRINT CO.

Established in 1987, Midtown Print Company, originally known as Durra Quick Print, Inc., was founded on principals of quality, customer service and innovation. To this day, it adheres to those principles in producing curated paper products, apparel, promotional items and more. Its team of skilled printing professionals, designers, and artists combines old school craftsmanship with new technology to make unique and exciting printed products for customers while employing eco-friendly practices including waste prevention and recycling.

HONORABLE MENTION

The Naumann Group Real Estate, Inc.

ROOFING REPAIR/ SERVICES TIE

TADLOCK ROOFING

Roofing services from Tadlock Roofing come with guaranteed quality to fit any roofing budget. Tadlock is North and Central Florida’s source for residential or commercial roofing needs on new construction, repairs,

re-roofs, maintenance and insulation.

502 Capital Circle SE, Unit C1 (850) 877-5516 tadlockroofing.com

LLOYD ROOFING AND

CONSTRUCTION INC.

Lloyd Roofing and Construction puts its clients first with hasslefree professional roofing services and a commitment to precise, high-quality workmanship. Lloyd’s roofing experts will help

with residential roofing, emergency repairs, commercial roofing, storm damage, inspections and more.

1979 Maryland Circle (850) 728-8101

tallahasseeroofingcompany.net

HONORABLE MENTION

Hartsfield Roofing Construction Inc.

SIGN COMPANY

FASTSIGNS

First impressions mean everything, so make a

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD

statement for your business with an eye-catching sign from FASTSIGNS. They deliver custom signage for storefronts, parking garages, building graphics, digital signs or any other type of sign or visual graphic solutions.

1920 N. Monroe St. (850) 894-2400 fastsigns.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Apogee Signs

SPECIALTY FITNESS

STUDIO (YOGA/PILATES/ GROUP FITNESS)

DRIP DROP FITNESS

Feel confident with a great workout from Drip Drop Fitness. Choose from numerous moderate to high-intensity classes that incorporate music, dance, weightlifting, pilates, yoga and functional fitness. Drip Drop Fitness is a fun way to get your body moving.

218 E. Third Ave. (850) 792-7333 dripdropfitness.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Burn Boot Camp

SURGICAL PRACTICE

TALLAHASSEE

PLASTIC

SURGERY CLINIC

Tallahassee Plastic Surgery

Clinic offers the latest techniques and procedures with confidential, personal care in a welcoming environment. Here, board-certified plastic surgeons provide expertly conducted face, breast, body and skin procedures.

2452 Mahan Drive, Ste. 101 (850) 877-2126 tlhplasticsurgery.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A.

BEST WEDDING VENUE GOODWOOD MUSEUM & GARDENS

You’ve said yes! Now it’s time to plan the I dos. Celebrate your big day surrounded by the gorgeous grounds at Goodwood Museum & Gardens. Picturesque live oak canopies and brick pathways enhance the historic plantation homestead’s Southern charm and elegance, setting an idyllic backdrop for your big day. Goodwood Museum & Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the 21st century right in the heart of Tallahassee.

TREE SERVICE MILLER’S TREE SERVICE

Miller’s Tree Service will go out on a limb for you. Offering tree care services for residential and commercial properties, Miller’s highly knowledgeable staff sets the standard for tree care in Tallahassee

with the latest modern equipment and safety practices.

4951 Woodlane Circle (850) 894-TREE (8733) millertreesrv.com

HONORABLE MENTION Fielder Tree Service

WEDDING VENUE GOODWOOD MUSEUM & GARDENS

Canopied by sprawling live oak trees and steeped in Southern charm, Goodwood Museum & Gardens makes for a stunning backdrop on your big day. Hold your wedding ceremony in the

historic carriage house, and let your photographer have a field day.

1600 Miccosukee Road (850) 877-4202 goodwoodmuseum.org

HONORABLE MENTION

Shiloh Farm Chapel and Barn

Shopping

BOOKSTORE MIDTOWN READER

Midtown Reader is an independent bookstore with a passion for sharing lifelong learning. Pick up a classic, or seek out new and noteworthy works ranging from science fiction to cookbooks. Florida authors and books about Florida shine alongside regular programming.

1123 Thomasville Road (850) 425-2665 midtownreader.com

HONORABLE MENTION

My Favorite Books

COSMETIC VENDOR KANVAS

Kanvas is beautifying Tallahassee with a wide assortment of luxury cosmetics, bath and body products, skin care, hair care products and more. Looking for helpful tips?

Owner Lisa Merge is a former New York makeup artist and skin care specialist.

823 Thomasville Road (850) 224-7467

kanvasbeauty.com

HONORABLE MENTION

BumbleBee Skincare and Waxing

FURNITURE STORE

TURNER’S FINE FURNITURE

With an enormous selection of beautiful furniture to fit any budget, there are endless homemaking possibilities at Turner’s Fine Furniture. Peruse mattresses, recliners, rugs and pieces for your living room, dining room, home office, bedroom and outdoor space.

Multiple locations (229) 377-1030 turnerfurniture.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Rare Bird Interiors

JEWELRY STORE

TALLAHASSEE DIAMOND CENTER

Tallahassee Diamond Center is a locally owned, independent jewelry store with a gorgeous selection of fine jewelry and watches. Owner Sean Everett ensures that materials are ethically sourced and cuts out the middleman to give you the best price.

1355 Market St., Ste. A2 (850) 906-9213 tallahasseediamonds.com

HONORABLE MENTION

The Gem Collection

KIDS CLOTHING KIDS POINTE RESALE BOUTIQUE

Find amazing deals on popular brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Gymboree, Mini Boden, Carter’s, Pea In The Pod, Graco, Gap, Matilda Jane and more. Kids Pointe Resale & Boutique only accepts high-quality clothing items in excellent condition.

3507 Maclay Blvd. S. (850) 894-8991 kidsresale.org

HONORABLE MENTION Loli&theBean

MEN’S CLOTHING/ ACCESSORIES

NIC’S TOGGERY

Ranked by Esquire Magazine as one of the “Finest Menswear Specialty Stores,” Nic’s Toggery will have you looking suave from day to night with top brands and current styles. Nic’s Toggery offers standard sizing and big and tall. Mulitple locations (850) 893-9599 nicstoggery.com

HONORABLE MENTION Southern Compass Outfitters

NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER

BEST COSMETIC VENDOR KANVAS

The right beauty products don’t just make you look good, they make you feel good. At Kanvas, you will find more than 100 different product lines for women and men, ranging from luxury cosmetics to bath and body products, skincare and hair care products. This serene shop and day spa harnesses the keen eye and industry experience of its owner, Lisa Mergel, to provide a sprawling assortment of unique products to protect, pamper anyone who walks through the door.

TALLAHASSEE NURSERIES

Tallahassee Nurseries’ stunning outdoor garden center is an attraction all on its own, but with expert advice, stellar landscaping services and a variety of local

PHOTOS BY DAVE BARFIELD

BEST BOOK STORE MIDTOWN READER

Owner Sally Bradshaw’s dream of working in a bookstore came true in 2016 when Midtown Reader opened as Tallahassee’s only general-subject, independent bookstore selling new books. Located in a city that is home to a diverse community of readers, the business emphasizes lifelong learning and works to put precisely the right book in customers’ hands. From literary fiction, mysteries, poetry, and science fiction to young adult books, biographies, and cookbooks, Midtown Reader carries a vast selection of noteworthy titles.

The shelves at Cosmic Cat Comics are filled with new, hard-to-find graphic novels, hardcover books, comic books and action figures and other toys. Owner Ned Stacy opened the store in 1987 and is about to turn the brick-and-mortar operation over to a successor, Drew Begley. Via Facebook, Stacy has reassured his customers. “Let’s just say you could drop Drew into the television show Big Bang Theory, and he would fit right in. He plans on bringing in a lot more vintage and collectible toys and figures, and who knows, maybe the return of back issues.”

and tropical plants, Tallahassee Nurseries is the one-stop shop for your gardening needs.

2911 Thomasville Road (850) 385-2162

tallahasseenurseries.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Esposito Garden Center

SPECIALTY RETAIL STORE COSMIC CAT COMICS

Comic books are back in the limelight, and Tallahassee’s Cosmic Cat Comics is the place to go for all things surrounding the world of graphic novels. Check out new and used comics, collectibles, art, manga and anime.

605-5 Railroad Square (850) 224-5554

facebook.com/ CosmicCatComics

HONORABLE MENTION

Necessary Skate Co.

SPORTING GOODS STORE

KEVIN’S FINE OUTDOOR

GEAR AND APPAREL

From riffles and fishing gear to Southern fashion statements and table settings, Kevin’s is the go-to sporting goods store for Tallahassee’s Southern belles and gentlemen. This familyowned business has

served the region for more than 40 years.

3350 Capital Circle NE (850) 386-5544 kevinscatalog.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Trail & Ski

WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES

SPARKLE

TALLAHASSEE

Add a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe with boutique jewelry and accessories from Sparkle Tallahassee. Throw on a wide-brimmed hat and grab your graphic tote to make a statement wherever you go.

2627 Capital Circle NE (850) 567-1805 sparkletallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Gypsy Rose

Boutique

WOMEN’S CLOTHING SPARKLE

TALLAHASSEE

Driven by a love of fashion, affordability and delighted customers, Sparkle Tallahassee is your home for gameday fashion, adorable weekend looks and Pinterest-worthy outfit inspiration for all shapes and sizes. Watch out for new arrivals to stay on top of this season’s trends.

2627 Capital Circle NE (850) 567-1805 sparkletallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION Cotton Etc.

WOMEN’S SHOES NARCISSUS

Put your best foot forward with Narcissus’ vast array of trendsetting footwear for every occasion. Shop from a selection of designer brands for fashionable tennis shoes, high heels, flats, sandals and wedges galore.

1408 Timberlane Road (850) 668-4807 narcissusstyle.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Hearth & Soul

BEST SPECIALTY RETAIL STORE COSMIC CAT COMICS

PHOTO BY JENNIFER EKRUT

Nearly 60% of pet owners think their veterinary hospital is accredited when it is not. AAHA-accredited hospitals are the only animal hospitals to regularly pass on-site evaluations based on more than 900 standards of veterinary care.

Dr. Lauren Combs and Dr. Melanie Brewster

Entertainment

BAND

TOP SHELF BAND

When Top Shelf Band puts on a show, it’s always a crowd pleaser. Catch Top Shelf Band playing all your favorites from various genres and decades at bars, restaurants and events all over town.

(816) 885-3252 topshelftallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Michael Miller Band

COMMUNITY EVENT

SPRINGTIME

TALLAHASSEE

Springtime Tallahassee has been Tallahassee’s premier annual event for more than 55 years. Springtime Tallahassee is a massive celebration with live music, a parade, children’s events and various arts, craft, boutique and food vendors from around the country.

114 E. Fifth Ave. (850) 583-9613 springtimetallahassee.com

HONORABLE MENTION

LeMoyne’s Chain of Parks Art Festival

GOLF COURSE

GOLF CLUB AT

SUMMERBROOKE

The Golf Club at Summerbrooke is a hidden gem for Tallahassee golfers. This recently renovated course features 18 new holes. Enjoy an after-dark experience? Check out Summerbrooke’s lighted driving range, open from 6 to 10 p.m. daily.

7505 Preservation Road (850) 894-4653 theclubatsummerbrooke.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Southwood Golf Club

BEST GOLF COURSE GOLF CLUB AT SUMMERBROOKE

When it comes to golf in Tallahassee, it doesn’t get any better than the hidden gem known as The Golf Club at Summerbrooke. The course and amenities are widely regarded as the best value in town. An aggressive new maintenance plan has provided an already fantastic golf course with a facelift, and all 18 greens are new. The No. 1 handicap hole — number 3 — is 492 yards from the white tees. Try to reach the green in two, and you need to be careful. Any approach shot skipping through the green is likely to get wet.

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM

A popular field trip destination for elementary schools, Tallahassee Museum offers hands-on, experience-driven learning and tons of fun for kids of all ages. Tallahassee Museum’s outdoor setting is rich with Florida wildlife enclosures, trails, play areas and a tree-totree obstacle course.

3945 Museum Drive (850) 575-8684

tallahasseemuseum.org

HONORABLE MENTION

City of Tallahassee, Cascades Park

RADIO PERSONALITY

GREG TISH

93.3

Greg Tish is Tallahassee’s weekday wake-up call, kicking off the morning with conservative radio station Real Talk 93.3 from 6 to 9 a.m. Tish keeps his finger on the pulse with a signature dry sense of humor. 2607 Callaway Road (850) 396-8255 realtalk93.com

HONORABLE MENTION

Mornings with Cash, Woody and Ally

TV PERSONALITY TIE

WCTV –MADISON

GLASER

Glaser keeps Tallahassee informed, entertained and tapped into the community as WCTV’s weekend morning anchor. In her role as a news reporter, Glaser compassionately shares the triumphs and tragedies in our community with her audience.

1801 Halstead Blvd. (850) 893-6666 wctv.tv

WCTV –ROB NUCATOLA

WCTV meteorologist

Rob Nucatola has been Tallahassee’s most trusted name in weather reporting since 2000. You can watch Nucatola’s report during weekdays on Daybreak, The Good Morning Show and Eyewitness News at Noon

1801 Halstead Blvd. (850) 893-6666 wctv.tv

HONORABLE MENTION

ABC – Casanova Nurse

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER EKRUT (GOLF COURSE AND ARIANA AUBUCHON (GLASER)

BEST TV PERSONALITY

MADISON GLASER

WCTV’s Madison Glaser makes sure you never miss a beat with stellar reporting and compassionate commentary on the news of the day. You can watch Glaser throughout the week in her role as a news reporter, or tune in early to catch her in the anchor’s chair for the weekend morning show. Glaser’s fun and lighthearted rapport with co-anchor Jaclyn Harold will keep you informed and entertained for the day ahead.

by DARLA HARRISON

↘

For my husband Kenny and I, cruising is our favorite way to travel. We love the freedom, adventure and serenity that we experience while at sea, so much so that we have taken 45 cruises, so far.

Kenny is my personal travel planner, and he put together two trans-Atlantic voyages. Departing Fort Lauderdale, we would spend 16 days aboard the Emerald Princess, making several stops in Spain and Portugal en route to Southampton, England. We would return as passengers for 12 days aboard the extraordinarily luxurious Queen Elizabeth.

The Emerald Princess was delightful, offering impeccable service, delicious food, outstanding entertainment and a wonderful itinerary. The ship made stops in the Azores Islands at Ponta Delgada; Lisbon; La Coruña and Bilbao, Spain; and Cherbourg, France, before arriving at Southampton.

I had researched Spain on Instagram in anticipation of our adventure and already had fallen in love with its beauty. I was far less acquainted with the Azores, which had never been on my radar. The islands were spectacularly beautiful and made me feel I was at the center of the earth and totally at peace. It is hard to explain what they did for me. We enjoyed all the ports, but the Azores was extra special to me.

In Lisbon, we happened upon a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) driver, Armando, who was born in Portugal and loved history. We negotiated a 60-minute tour of the city along its cobblestone narrow streets. Our driver was a font of information, and our planned hour became 2 ½ hours instead.

Kenny and I walked our socks off in La Coruña, taking in sights including the Hercules tower, which was built by the Romans as a lighthouse. Bilbao is famous as the site of a Guggenheim Museum, but what fascinated me was the quaint, bustling city center and its farmers market with the most exotic fruits, vegetables and cheeses sold by the pound.

↓ The Harrisons’ month-long adventure was their 45th voyage aboard cruise vessels. They left behind the Emerald Princess in Southampton, England, and boarded the Queen Elizabeth for the crossing back to the United States.

Cruise Route and Ports of Call

↑ The Emerald Princess carried Darla and Kenny Harrison across the Atlantic to ports of call in Europe. On a calm day at sea, Darla enjoyed the sun and the view at the stern of the ship.

← TOWER OF HERCULES

Located in A Coruña, Spain, the tower is the only fully preserved Roman lighthouse still used for maritime signaling. As such, it pays testimony to the elaborate system of navigation that existed in antiquity and provides insights to the Atlantic sea route in Western Europe. The Tower of Hercules was restored in the 18th century and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

↑ RIBERA MARKET Seen at the left of a footbridge over the Nervion River, the Mercado de la Ribera is located in Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Province of Viscay in the north of Spain. It has, since 1929, been the largest covered market in Europe.

“What fascinated me in Bilbao was the quaint, bustling city center and its farmers market with the most exotic fruits, vegetables and cheeses sold by the pound.”

BEACHES OF NORMANDY

The airborne and beach assault at Normandy by Allied Forces in World War II took place on June 10, 1946. The Normandy beaches were chosen by planners because they lay within range of air cover and were less heavily defended than the obvious objective of the Pas de Calais, the shortest distance between Great Britain and the European continent. Airborne drops at both ends of the beachheads were to protect the flanks, as well as open up roadways to the interior. Disorganization and confusion characterized the initial phases of the landings, but most troops were able to adapt to the disorganization. In the end, the Allies achieved their objective.

Cherbourg, France, was our jumping-off point for visiting the beaches of Normandy and the American Memorial Cemetery. The city is also home to a famous umbrella factory, Le Parapluie de Cherbourg.

A long run of pleasant weather ended when we got to Southampton. Kenny had booked a room in a swanky hotel, The Harbor House, located on the harbor and overlooking the entrance to the city’s port. On a table were decanters of gin and sherry and a pair of binoculars. From our window, we watched the Emerald Princess sail away and the Queen Elizabeth arrive.

Beneath our umbrellas, we walked to the Old Town district in Southampton while admiring many private yachts. From somewhere, the music of Tom Jones exited speakers. The Welsh performer remains popular in the United Kingdom — and I always found him to be fine, myself.

The locals gather in pubs, and we discovered a great one just around the block from the hotel. We liked it so much that we took all our Southampton meals there.

It was cold and rainy when we lined up to board the QE. Most of the passengers were Europeans in their 80s and 90s, and I began

PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: GEORGECLERK (TUDOR HOUSE) AND ALEH VARANISHCHA (CLIFFS)

Source: U.S. Army.

↑ Tudor House in the historic Old Town district of Southampton features a timber-framed exterior. The house was built in the 15th century and is now open to the public as a historical museum.

→ A golf course sits atop the cliffs of Etretat at Normandy Beach in France.

to think that we may have booked the wrong cruise. I am 66 and Kenny is 72, and everyone around looked old to us. Each passenger was allowed to board with one bottle of wine, but due to the cold, bottles were slipping from the numb hands of passengers and breaking on the pavement. Nothing like the smell of wine at 9 in the morning.

The Queen Elizabeth recalls the glory days of luxury cruise liners. We were greeted at the elevators by operators in their bright red uniforms and white gloves. A pungent floor-to-ceiling floral arrangement graced the grand lobby. A sexy saxophonist played seductive music. We were immersed in the culture and fabric of upper-class Brits.

Our Club Britannia-level accommodations entitled us to a special small dining room, where we had the same table and

enjoyed the same waiter at every meal. The maître d’ prepared flaming desserts that were followed by exotic cheeses, dried fruits, nuts and biscuits served from a cart.

High tea was served every afternoon at 3. Twenty-five waiters, dressed in starched white uniforms and white gloves, marched in carrying sterling silver trays of finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. Tea is poured, piping hot, from Wedgewood china teapots as an orchestra performs.

Our crossing back to Fort Lauderdale would include eight uninterrupted sea days, meaning that the crew needed to be prepared with lots of onboard activities. They were. Live music could be heard all over the ship. Fascinating speakers gave lectures daily. There were dance classes (soft shoe tap, line and ballroom

↑ Traditional afternoon teas aboard the Queen Elizabeth are served with precision in the most elegant and mannerly way possible.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CUNARD (DINING AND STAIRWAY) AND DARLA HARRISON

dancing), exercise classes and croquet. I was stimulated in every way.

Every day at 3:15, the shipboard British Pub hosted a darts tournament. Kenny plays darts, and I figured he’d have an easy time of it with the octogenarians. Instead, they kicked his butt! Kenny would eventually manage to win some and was admitted to the onboard darts fraternity, whose members took to calling him Ken Darts.

The QE stopped for a night at Port Canaveral, and Kenny and I made a side trip to see Epcot and the International Flower Show. We were truly fortunate to have been at Port Canaveral on the day Elon Musk launched a rocket for his Star Link Satellite System. What an experience! We then closed the loop at Fort Lauderdale.

Jacques Cousteau once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever.”

I agree, Mr. Cousteau. We don’t intend for our shore leave to last long. TM

← The Grand Staircase about the Queen Elizabeth exemplifies the grandeur of the ship.

↓ For Darla and Kenny Harrison, the ship itself and activities on board were highlights of their month-long cruise vacation. Kenny, once he established himself alongside the many British pub veterans he sailed with, came to be known as Mr. Darts.

Fireplaces are inviting and purposeful. They not only keep us warm on chilly evenings but become a natural focal point in any room. With numerous types of fireplaces, it’s vital to assess your needs before purchasing a new one. Whether adding a fireplace to new construction or an existing house, the range of options is dazzling, trending from sleek, linear models to traditional mantel designs.

“My first question whenever I consult with someone about them wanting a fireplace is what do they want?” said Jay Walker, president of Jay Walker Enterprises Inc., in Tallahassee. “Are they looking for efficiency and heat, or are they looking mainly for atmosphere? The next step is figuring out if they are more of a traditional type fireplace person with a log, whether that be gas logs or wood burning, or if they want something more contemporary with a linear type fireplace that has glass or similar features.”

GAS FIREPLACES

If you’re looking for a fireplace that involves minimal mess, a gas type could be just the ticket. It doesn’t produce smoke or ash and includes convenient features such as remote-control operation, a timer and a thermostat. Some are even Wi-Fi connected, so you can start the heating on your commute home from the office and walk into a perfectly heated home. Walker, whose business specializes in fireplace maintenance, sales and installation, says that gas fireplaces have become a major trend in North Florida. Styles include long and slim modern designs. However, if traditional is more your style, a gas fireplace fits well into a classic mantel. For both options, you’ll need access to natural or bottled gas.

“When people get older, they get tired of clearing ashes, chopping wood and having to build a fire,” Walker said. “With a gas log, you can sit back, turn a switch on and have an instant fire.”

↙ Gas fireplace styles have trended toward long and slim. They don’t produce ashes or smoke and lend themselves to remotecontrol operation.

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There are different ways to vent a gas fireplace, Walker explained. Flues can run up, down or sideways, which makes these fireplaces suitable for most property types, including apartments and townhouses. Vent-free gas fireplaces are also available. They are highly heat-efficient, but Walker warns that they can produce small amounts of particulates that may irritate respiratory issues if burned for long periods of time.

WOOD BURNERS

It’s hard to beat a wood-burning fireplace. The flickering flames are amorous, and a natural fire is perfect for roasting marshmallows. However, it requires a fair amount of work and maintenance, including gathering wood logs, lighting the fire, cleaning out ash and chimney sweeping.

There are built-in types with intricate masonry, modular masonry and zero-clearance models. Zero-clearance designs are pre-manufactured models that can be installed directly against combustible materials, including wood and paneling. Zero-clearance models have become quite popular, noted

Tona Mast,

manager at Capital City Fireplace & Grill, due to their elegant design and because they can be easily retrofitted to heat the entire house.

PHOTOS BY ISTOCK

GETTY IMAGES PLUS: PETE BEMMER (FIREPLACE WITH WOMAN), DIANE39 (PUPPY) AND HIKESTERSON (ELECTRIC FIREPLACE)

In addition, free-standing fireplaces range from traditional country-style stoves to sleek, contemporary designs, such as pod styles, that serve as functional art. They can be installed in any room but should be mindfully kept away from kids and pets to avoid collisions or burns.

ELECTRIC FIREPLACES

Electric fireplaces are the ideal option if you don’t want the hassle of a flue and hope to take your fireplace with you should you move. Mast has seen a huge spike in the popularity of electric fireplaces among Tallahassee residents. She said these designs have undergone vast improvements and look entirely different from a few years ago.

“They are starting to look so real,” she said. “They look fantastic, believe it or not. They’ve done a very good job, and they also make them energy efficient, so they’re not gobbling up the electricity.

“The beauty of the electrics is you can still have the aesthetics of having a fireplace going, but you can shut the heating apparatus off and use it on a year-round basis. It can be 100 degrees outside, but if you want the fireplace going in the background to look pretty, you can turn the heat off and still run it.” TM

↑ Electric fireplaces have unique advantages — they don’t require a flue and they are highly portable. Their popularity has spiked recently.

Join in the Holida y Cheer

DECK YOUR HALLS WITH HELPERS

Decorating services make the holidays less hectic

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

Ah, the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year. Until you remember the in-laws arrive in three weeks, your shopping list is nowhere near completed, the kids have multiple Christmas plays, you haven’t thought about a holiday menu, you have a huge client meeting approaching, and the ornaments are still covered in dust in the attic.

While the holidays are merry and bright, they can also be hectic and harried. You want to be present in the spirit of the season, but the list of holiday tasks and happenings keep piling up, heavier than Santa’s sleigh. Fortunately, there are design and décor services throughout Tallahassee that alleviate some of the stress.

Whether you’re a busy business owner who doesn’t have the time to decorate, a senior citizen who can’t deck their tree or someone who’s hosting a holiday party but doesn’t know where to begin, decorating professionals are prepared to meet all needs.

“We provide the convenience of easing your worries,” Hurtis Amerson, lead designer at Esposito Garden Center, said. “We deck your halls, put ornaments on your tree, light up the inside and outside, all so you can come home and enjoy it.”

The holidays are when Esposito’s truly gets to shine, offering both indoor and outdoor holiday decorating services. Indoor services include tree installation, ornament hanging, garland, wreaths and more. Outdoor services involve a lighting crew that hangs lights or their signature lighted spheres in a selection of five sizes.

The Esposito Christmas shop, a treasure trove of over 10,000 ornaments, opens in August. Their fresh-cut Christmas trees are available by early November. You can either use your own décor and tree or stop by the garden center to select.

Tree offerings range from 4–15 feet in Fraser, Noble and Nordmann firs. Customers can select their own trees or provide tree specifications to the team that will deliver the tree to the home or business.

In many households, the Christmas tree is the most aromatic, traditional and central piece among holiday decorations. Fresh-cut fir trees in a range of sizes are available at Esposito’s beginning in early November.

Commonly, the biggest headache for holiday decorators is outdoor lighting — the endless detangling, dead bulbs and dangerous heights atop a wobbly ladder. The Esposito lighting team offers over 30 different styles and colors of lights.

Appointments book early, spanning throughout the fall to days before Christmas. The services and styles you’re seeking can be taken at the store, over the phone or by meeting at your home. Once the holidays are over, the team returns for removal.

MAYS-MUNROE & the sleep center

THE ONLY NAME YOU NEED TO KNOW!

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↑ As the holiday season approaches, businesses that decorate home exteriors and interiors are at the ready. Event planners and stagers also serve as stress relievers. NEAT Interiors & Design specializes in tablescapes.

Elder Care Services Inc. is a resource specifically for seniors. Their in-home services do not include installing outdoor lights or trees, but simple decorating and housekeeping are available. Another service offered is Elder Elf, a program where local businesses and individuals can fulfill the holiday wish list of a senior. Often this includes holiday decorations and treats.

NEAT Interiors & Design offers a full collection of holiday décor and decorating services for holiday entertaining. They also collaborate with Ed Blissard, a landscape artist noted for using electric outdoor décor.

“Our clients often work with us to come up with a look for their holiday décor that complements or completes the look and feel of their family traditions,” Darcia Smith, co-founder of NEAT, said. “For these clients, we custom order décor and help create a plan to bring their vision forward.”

For the party planner, NEAT specializes in tablescapes for holiday gatherings from linens, tableware, glassware, candles, ribbons, ornaments and more.

John Gandy Events works on a larger scale, providing design as well as installation services. The process begins by meeting on-site to discuss the space possibilities, your vision and your budget. From there, a mood board is put together to ensure a cohesive design.

“Hiring our team allows you to enjoy the process and celebrate the season,” John Gandy, owner of John Gandy Events, said. “We allow for a unique vision and offer up a variety of themes and decor for your celebration.”

During the holidays, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Hire a professional to assist with your holiday decorating so you can be fully present for other holiday gatherings and festivities. TM

CRS, CDPE, SFR, e-PRO, GRI, ABR, CHMS, WCR | Home Economist, Broker/Owner

Specializing in gifts for the Home, Body and Family.

Personal services in Bridal Registry, Stationery & Invitations.

(850) 681-2824 | (800) 983-2266 1410 Market Street, C3 | ShopMFT.com

A Christmas classic is brought to life in this beautiful hand-painted collection from Italy. Watch the artist create this masterpiece on Sunday, November 13. Call for information and reservations. Follow

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GREEN SCENE

FLOWERING CHERRY

Tiny tree adds splash of color

by LES HARRISON

Late autumn into early winter is the ideal time to brighten any home landscape with the Taiwan Cherry.

Native to southern China, the Taiwan Cherry is a relatively small flowering tree that has adapted well to the climate and environment of Northwest Florida. The well-drained acidic soils of the area are ideal for this showy flowering cherry.

A deciduous tree, it performs best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. When installing this specific cherry blossom variety, give it enough room to reach its 20-foot height and width potential.

Potted specimens are available at nurseries and garden centers. Sometimes bare-root trees are offered for sale.

When planting, dig the hole about twice the size of a potted Taiwan

Cherry root ball. Backfill with ample organic material such as composted oak leaves or peat moss. Be sure to have the top of the root ball about an inch above the top of the soil level, as it will settle after planting.

For bare-root shoots, combine the same organic matter with local soil on a one-toone basis. Leave the soil line on the trunk about an inch above the top of the soil level to account for settling.

Mid-January will produce a flush of 1-inch hot pink blooms on the leafless branches. Flowering usually lasts several weeks and sometimes results in tiny red fruit. While the fruit is inedible, at least to the human population, resident and migratory songbirds will feast on the bounty creating a lively and beautiful environment.

Scale Insects are Lions in Winter

One of the many beneficial changes associated with the cooler season in the Tallahassee area is the severe reduction in insect activity.

Unlike grasshoppers and other pest species, which leave eggs and then die, the scale insects continue to operate. Their pace of life is slowed by the cold, but they remain active as tiny plant vampires hiding in the protective foliage.

Scale insects vary drastically in appearance, but most are small and frequently escape notice without the aid of a magnifying glass. In Florida, there are over 180 species of scale insects.

Several family groupings of this pest species can be divided into two main categories: armored and soft. Northwest Florida, including Tallahassee, has both types of species.

The local scale insects are plant parasites, which feed on the sap and juices drawn directly from the plant’s vascular system. Some are very particular about their choice of host plants, while others are far less selective. All use their hair-like mouthparts like a soda straw to suck up the nutrient-laced juices. Check the underside of leaves and tender stems for signs of these insects. Effective treatments are easy, inexpensive and readily available at local garden centers and nurseries.

WATER MONITORING

One often overlooked landscape task during late autumn is watering the lawn and landscape. Rainfall will typically provide the necessary moisture; however, it’s not always the case, depending on the year. Even though the weather is cooler, evaporation may leave shrubs, turfgrass and trees with drought stress. If there has been no rain for a week, it is time to start monitoring. The simplest way is to insert a finger up to the second knuckle to test for moisture. The soil should be damp but not saturated. If the soil is dry and powdery, it is time to water — 1 ½ to 2 inches of water weekly is average. Do not water lightly. Keeping the upper layer of soil moist while the lower depths are dry will encourage root growth only in the upper layer and make the plant much more susceptible to death during a drought. Mulching over the plant’s root zone will help hold the moisture in place. Organic matter holds water, releasing it slowly.

Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

The Perks of McNeill Plumbing

Tallahassee’s trusted choice continues to grow

McNeill Plumbing builds relationships while solving problems.

“Whenever someone calls a plumber, their main expectation is that the problem will be resolved, but we strive to go further through our strong customer service that leads to long-term customer relationships,” said Chase McNeill, owner of McNeill Plumbing.

McNeill Plumbing has been committed to delivering exemplary service since the company’s founding in 1978, resulting in an outstanding reputation and name recognition across generations.

The company was started by Chase’s father, Keith McNeill. From a young age, Chase spent his summers working for his father’s company. Upon college graduation, he pursued a career in new

construction, and in 2005, he became the youngest state-certified master plumber. By 2008, Chase was managing his father’s company, and in 2010 he purchased it. They still enjoy working together on a daily basis.

McNeill Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company engaged in everything from service house calls to residential, commercial and industrial installations and natural gas piping.

Tallahassee residents are used to seeing the company’s 18 service trucks, nine new construction trucks, two natural gas trucks, one jetting truck and eight managerial vehicles.

Presently, the company has 92 employees and has satellite branches located in Wakulla County, Franklin County and Gulf County. The Tallahassee

headquarters services the North Florida region and South Georgia.

“I encourage my employees to be entrepreneurial in their thinking and generating work, which has led us west and south where we are able to provide our services to areas booming with growth,” McNeill said.

Besides being experts in their field, McNeill Plumbing has an impressive focus on giving back. Local youth and athletic programs, The United Way of the Big Bend and wildlife conservation efforts throughout Northwest Florida are just a few of the many areas that they support.

“As a fourth-generation Tallahassean, my family and I love this community and want to make sure it thrives whether that’s through being your trusted plumber or giving back and investing locally,” McNeill said.

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD

CHASE AND KEITH MCNEILL

A Midtown Renovation to the Nines!

Historic charm! Built in 1933 and truly one of the most unusual homes in Tallahassee, this four-bedroom, three-bath, 3,208-square-foot brick Tudor-style home in Midtown was recently renovated by Renowned Restorations. The contractor maintained the home’s original charm while offering many modern upgrades. The eight-month restoration started with big ticket items, including a new roof and abatement of old asbestos shingles, a new HVAC system and a tankless water heater, but the upgrades didn’t stop there. Renowned Restorations continued with new electrical and plumbing in the kitchen, family bathroom, master bath, bedroom and many other areas. The transformation of this house is like no other, and you can’t beat the location in the heart of Tallahassee, close to TMH, downtown, many local restaurants and shopping. Charming, to say the least!

SOLD PRICE: $716,700

ADDRESS: 787 Miccosukee Road

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,208

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

YEAR BUILT: 1933

FEATURES: A show-stopping, exposedbrick-wall kitchen with all new cabinets, quartzite counters and new, high-end appliances,including a range hood with Bluetooth speakers, makes for the perfect kitchen for all your cooking and entertaining needs. The master bathroom offers a soaking tub, water closet, shower with frameless glass, custom tile and a double vanity.

APPEAL: The main focus of this renovation was to maintain the original charm and overall feel of this 1933 Tudor-style home, but give it a modern upgrade. This gem of a home features four bedrooms and three bathrooms on half an acre in the heart of Tallahassee, and it is architecturally unique. As you enter the home, you will see beautifully restored cherry hardwood floors, exquisite archways and doors with a brick exterior showing the true craftsmanship from years past.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Scott Williamson

Jacobs Williamson Davis Team

(850) 228-5512

ScottWilliamsonHomes@gmail.com

Coldwell Banker Hartung

JUST SOLD

Dream of a Modern Farmhouse

This one-of-a-kind home is located in Centerville Conservation, a community situated in a natural setting off Centerville Road near the historic Pisgah Church. The gated community is made up of gracious Southern-style homes and is characterized by high ground, rolling hills, several lakes, a charming lake house, horse stables and pastures. Much of the community’s 950+ acres is a protected wildlife preserve and conservation space. The home was custom built in 2018 on a lot of just over an acre in size. This modern farmhouse has everything you can dream of and more!

LISTED PRICE: $1,550,000

ADDRESS: 6490 Wiregrass Way

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 4,907

BEDROOMS: 5

BATHROOMS: 4.5

YEAR BUILT: 2018

FEATURES: Located on just over an acre, this home has it all — four large bedrooms each with an en suite bath, bunk room, wood burning fireplace in living room and back porch, butler’s pantry with extra dishwasher, luxurious laundry room with additional refrigerator, home office with custom shelving, guest suite upstairs, second living space with pool table, walk-in attic storage, woodwork detail throughout, kitchen backsplash in mosaic tile from Turkey and custom brick work.

APPEAL: Custom home built by Bridgewater Builders in 2018 backing up to conservation area/green space for a private, natural backyard setting. Incredible millwork and soaring ceilings. The home offers an inviting flow among the open living space, kitchen and eating area — perfect for everyday living or entertaining.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Katie Searcy

Katie@KatieSearcy.com

(850) 766-1444

The Naumann Group, Inc.

JUST LISTED

Spacious Killearn Home Sits Amid Gardens

This traditional beauty sits amid gardens and a natural setting in a popular family neighborhood. Spacious floor plan with three living areas and a double split bedroom plan featuring four bedrooms and three baths. Open kitchen/family room/breakfast nook along with a light and bright sunroom. Quiet formal living and dining rooms for mom and dad. Beautiful gardens and two pergolas to attract birds and butterflies. Fabulous fenced backyard for family playtime!

LISTED PRICE: $499,000

ADDRESS: 3390 Gardenview Way

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,532

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3

YEAR BUILT: 1996

FEATURES: Four bedrooms/three baths. Wonderfully updated primary en suite bed and bath. Other bedrooms are double split, including a private guest suite. Spacious kitchen with bar and breakfast nook leading to large family room. Sunroom with views of the sweeping manicured yard and gardens with pergola. Abounds in privacy with woods in the back and a pond at one side. Beautiful curb appeal with gardens and pergola in the front of the house.

APPEAL: Northeast location; huge established residential neighborhood area with playgrounds, golf course, lakes, etc. Popular elementary and middle schools nearby. Shopping, restaurants and services are close. Convenient to I-10 interchange.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Joan H. Raley, REALTOR (850) 545-9390

Joan@JoanRaley.com JoanRaley.com

LEARN ABOUT THE DRESS.

LEARN ABOUT THE DRESS.

The Little Black Dress Initiative is a poverty-awareness campaign to illustrate the effects poverty can have on our community’s access to resources.

5 DAYS. BIG IMPACT.

The funds raised during this campaign allow the execution of the mission of the Junior League of Tallahassee possible! Every dollar raised supports impactful community projects and partnerships which seek to provide basic needs to families in our community.

WE

WEAR THE DRESS

1 5

BIG BEND DON’T KNOW WHEN THEIR NEXT MEAL WILL BE.

IN

17.6% OF PEOPLE

IN POVERTY

LIVE IN

MEDICAL

Profiles

The most fundamental factor in happiness is good health. We can help ourselves out by eating well, exercising regularly and eliminating sources of stress. Medical professionals are essential, too, as experts in preventive care and treatment of symptoms and diseases. In this section, we profile dedicated health practitioners, their practices and their approaches to keeping their patients healthy and helping them make important health care decisions.

SANITAS MEDICAL CENTER

SANITAS MEDICAL CENTER WILL BE INTRODUCING FOUR NEW, advanced primary care centers in Tallahassee as early as December 2022.

Sanitas Medical Center has a direct relationship with Florida Blue insurance, an arrangement that ensures that patients can afford comprehensive medical care — often at a $0 copay.

“With convenience and cost of care being the two most prominent deterrents for receiving medical care, Sanitas helps break down those barriers,” said Dr. Venis Wilder, Sanitas Regional Medical Director.

Sanitas Medical Centers will offer services including preventive care, walkin care, chronic condition management, lab work, diagnostic imaging services, therapy services through the Be Well mental health program and more. In addition, patients have access to the mySanitas app where over 50 dedicated staff doctors and nurses provide care 24/7, on-demand and at no cost

As a result of all services being in one center, plus virtual care, wait times are reduced and patients don’t have to travel around town to attend various appointments.

The four locations are strategically placed throughout Tallahassee. The Sanitas care team has been doing research to determine the unique needs of each neighborhood.

“We intend to get a pulse on what the community wants and needs,” Dr. Wilder said. “Such a wealth of knowledge already exists in Tallahassee, and we are here to expand that fabric and connection to health care within the community.”

Sanitas takes care to hire physicians who are committed to compassionate

and culturally sensitive care. Each doctor focuses on diagnoses with an evidence-based treatment plan.

Care coordinators are on staff to help patients navigate the system and connect with the resources that can best address their individual needs. This service puts

people in touch with the care they need when they need it.

“Sanitas physicians and staff always have a strong sense of who their patients are, which assures patients that they are heard, cared for and supported, bringing value to the community,” said Dr. Wilder.

THE VEIN INSTITUTE Specialists

Tallahassee’s only IAC Accredited Vein Center

VENOUS DISORDERS AFFECT BOTH MEN AND WOMEN Unsightly veins may not just be cosmetic as they could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. By identifying the underlying cause of your varicose veins, we can prevent and treat lifelong chronic venous disorders.

WHY A VASCULAR SURGEON IS THE RIGHT CHOICE A vascular surgeon’s sole expertise is in the diagnosis and treatment of all vascular conditions. Our training encompasses over two decades of knowledge in the continued pursuit of learning this pathology. In order to identify the best treatment plan for you, we have a superior knowledge base of the entire spectrum of vascular anatomy and the disease process to best identify and cure venous disorders. No other physician that claims to treat venous disease can compare with the decades of education and training that only a vascular surgery residency and fellowship can provide. This foundation allows our specialty to best diagnose and formulate a comprehensive and complete treatment plan individualized for each and every patient. At The Vein Institute, our team is led by the only board-certified vascular and endovascular surgery practice in Tallahassee and the Big Bend area.

WELCOME TO OUR VEIN INSTITUTE

The Vein Institute of Tallahassee welcomes you to our new office located at the regional office center. The office is comfortable and spacious, featuring new patient examination

rooms, a dedicated venous ultrasound specialist, sclerotherapy and laser treatment room, and two operating suites. Recovery rooms are arranged for efficiency and patient comfort. We also have a conference room with audiovisual capability for educational presentations to patients. Because this facility is state-of-the-art and created for the best possible clinical results, our highly trained staff can accommodate any needs while providing the highest quality service.

During your first visit, you will be evaluated by one of our venous specialists. If indicated, a comprehensive venous ultrasound examination will be performed. The combination of the history of the clinical problem, your physical examination, the ultrasound study findings, and the visualization of veins beneath the skin surface, will provide a complete assessment of your overall venous health. We will explain the findings and their significance, and if indicated, we will offer recommendations for treatment with any alternatives and risks of the procedures. At The Vein Institute, we want you to be fully informed and, most importantly, be comfortable knowing that your best possible clinical result is our ultimate desire.

We are honored and excited to offer this new practice to the Tallahassee community. We thank you for your continued support and encourage you to explore our website for the latest information on venous disorders and treatments. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of vascular care to our patients and ensure your partnership with us for your venous health for years to come.

Megan I. March MD, RPVI, FSVS

Robert S. Brumberg DO, FACOS, Medical Director

VENOUS DISORDERS

▪ Spider Veins

▪ Hand and Facial Veins

▪ Varicose Veins

▪ Superficial and Deep Venous Insufficiency

▪ Deep Vein Thrombosis

▪ Pelvic and Labial Veins

▪ Leg Cramps

▪ Restless Leg Syndrome

▪ Venous Ulcers

▪ May-Thurner Syndrome / Deep Vein Compression Syndrome

▪ Leg Heaviness and Lymphedema

▪ Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

▪ Superficial Venous Thrombosis and Phlebitis

▪ Scrotal Veins and Male Infertility

▪ Venous Malformations

▪ Venous Skin Conditions

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENTS

▪ Topical and Endovenous Foam Sclerotherapy

▪ Ultrasound Guided Endovenous Chemical Ablation

▪ Micro-Ambulatory Phlebectomy

▪ Topical Skin, Facial and Hand Laser Therapy

▪ Endovenous Radiofrequency Vein Ablation

▪ Endovenous Laser Vein Therapy

▪ Venography with Angioplasty and Stenting

▪ Intra-Vascular Ultrasound

Diagnostics and Therapy

▪ Deep Vein Thrombectomy and Clot Retrieval

▪ Ovarian, Pelvic and Scrotal Vein Embolization

▪ Inferior and Superior Cava Filter Placement

Cassie Davis, APRN

Denise A. Smith MD, PhD, RPVI, FSVS

Lawrence D. Kaelin MD, FACS

DERMATOLOGY SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA & AQUA MEDICAL SPA

I. WAYNE FREILICH, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? At Dermatology Specialists of Florida, we provide the full range of dermatology services, from diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin disease to removal of skin cancer — by surgery and/or medical (non-surgical) modalities. And it’s all delivered with good old-fashioned human kindness in our modern clinical office setting.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? Being in the dermatology field for 36+ years, I believe my success can best be defined in three-steps. First, describing for my patient the range of treatments available for their condition(s). Second, carefully listening when they voice their preferences from among their various options, then arriving at the optimal treatment selected specifically for that person in the exam room at that moment. Then, third, continuously monitoring treatment progress to tailor the treatment to the individual.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? We provide quick access to care with the ability to schedule patients within days, not months. Skin cancer rates are rising. It’s well known that earlier diagnosis leads to an easier cure with better results.

KATIE BRIDGES, PA-C CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENTS RECEIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE? Our practice strives to provide exemplary service from beginning to end in a convenient location that offers a wide variety of treatments from skin cancer diagnosis and treatment to cosmetic injectables.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The process of diagnosing and treating patients — whether it be a complex skin disorder or anti-aging treatment. I especially love treating acne.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? Success is feeling like you are living up to the best version of yourself. I think the only way to feel that way is to continue to grow and learn daily. I feel most successful when I can help my patients become their best self through providing customized aesthetic services and treatments.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE FROM VISITING YOUR PRACTICE? I hope people feel genuinely cared for and that they learn something about taking care of themselves and their skin.

SQUARE ONE AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

Medispa puts people on paths to healthiness

TIMOTHY WALKER, MD, AND HANNAH WALKER, APRN, founded their practice, Square One Aesthetics & Wellness, with a commitment to putting people on new paths to healthiness.

Dr. Walker is a graduate of Florida State University and University of Florida and is double board certified in family medicine and addiction medicine with extensive experience in emergency medicine.

Hannah Walker is board certified as a family nurse practitioner. She completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at FSU and also holds a master’s degree in nursing education.

After years in private practice, the couple opened Square One, fueled by their shared experiences in health care.

“So much of medicine is based on the disease model, which involves treating those who are already sick,” Dr. Walker said. “Rather than treating someone at the end of the spectrum, we want to help them to not end up there in the first place through holistic medicine.”

Their secret is simple yet transformative: Begin with prevention. They believe it’s never too late to change your health trajectory.

As a medispa, they promote viewing health holistically through the lenses of body, mind and soul.

The Walkers offer corrective and preventive treatments for the face and body including Botox, dermafillers, microneedling, body contouring, injectables and other popular aesthetician services.

They are currently the only office in Tallahassee to offer the advanced Lutronics Genius microneedling technology boasting the thinnest needles on the market and the innovative Viora platform. Together they are a powerhouse combination for total face and body skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, acne treatment, body sculpting, cellulite reduction, hair removal, scar correction and more.

The Drip Bar features IV cocktails customized to treat conditions related to energy levels, skin, nails, hair, headaches, fatigue, hydration, immunity and more.

Specialized services include medical weight loss, bioidentical hormones, TMJ and headache relief, men’s health and addiction treatment.

Whether your health has been on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs or has

slightly strayed off path, Square One is prepared to get you back on track.

“We are advocates for your health because we want you to feel better, look better, live happier and achieve your health goals,” Hannah Walker said.

Left to right: Hannah Walker, APRN, Timothy Walker, MD

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD (SQUARE ONE AESTHETICS)

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART?

Our purpose is to provide each patient with exemplary care and an exceptional experience through every stage of interaction. It is our goal to render dermatologic services of a superior quality to our local and regional communities. We also strive to treat our staff with dignity, which in turn fosters an environment in which our team shows genuine concern and compassion for our patients.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?

We measure success in terms of patient outcomes and satisfaction. We also measure success by the happiness and longevity of our staff, which in turn creates an environment where patients can enjoy a positive and fruitful visit with us. We feel most successful when we frequently hear patients say, “I love coming here; this is my favorite office.”

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PATIENTS EXPERIENCE FROM VISITING YOUR PRACTICE? We understand how challenging it can be to face health concerns. We strive to ensure our patients feel cared for from their initial call through each step of their visit. We want our patients to feel comfortable talking to us openly about their concerns. We want to celebrate good news and help patients feel supported when we have to deliver difficult news, such as a diagnosis of skin cancer.

WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR PRACTICE PROVIDE?

▪ We are a full-service medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology practice.  Our practice offers up-to-date advances in skin cancer treatment, Mohs surgery and comprehensive skin care.

▪ We treat over 3,000 medical conditions involving the skin, hair and nails. We offer specialized treatments such as Xtrac laser for vitiligo and psoriasis, as well as photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses (pre-cancer).

▪ For cosmetic treatments we offer a wide array of treatments including: PDO thread lifts, microneedling with PRP, chemical peels, laser hair removal, laser vein and pigmentation treatments, laser skin tightening, etc.

▪ We have cultivated top talent to perform cosmetic treatments and surgical procedures with artistry and skill.

TALLAHASSEE DENTAL ASSOCIATES

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We provide cosmetic, general and implant restorative dentistry — including aesthetic crowns and bridges, veneers, onlays and smile whitening. Also, tooth-colored fillings, root canals, oral cancer screening and dentures. Implant retained restorations include single-tooth replacement, as well as full-arch tooth replacement with permanent non-removable hybrid restorations.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? By the quality of the relationships we establish with our patients. Patient satisfaction is huge. We work hard to provide the best care possible. We feel successful when the patient has had a pleasant and positive experience.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY?

To always have our patient’s best interests in mind and to treat each person with the utmost respect.

HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS EXPANDED? Tallahassee Dental Associates is excited to welcome Dr. Hunter Brantley to the team. Dr. Brantley is committed to delivering the highest quality of dental care possible for his patients. He, like the other doctors, is experienced with the latest treatment procedures and technologies. The doctors utilize a digital scanner to take impressions, which avoids the use of impression materials that can be uncomfortable for some patients. We utilize digital radiography which reduces our patients’ exposure to radiation by as much as 70%. We employ intraoral cameras, which allow patients to see

inside their own mouths. For our patients, we provide metal-free, all-porcelain veneers and crowns, which are the most aesthetic restorations available.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART?

Our commitment to continuing education for the doctors and staff. Each year, we take hundreds of hours of classes at the Spear Institute, the top-rated dental education center in the U.S. Also, we work with consultants to improve our teamwork, services and efficiency. Because we have five doctors, we can accommodate our patients’ needs and schedules by providing expanded hours and emergency care.

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPACT

THE COMMUNITY? Every year, we provide the Smiles By Beck Scholarship for dental hygiene and dental assisting students who attend Tallahassee Community College. We support many local fundraising events large or small. We guest lecture at UF, FSU and TCC. The Tallahassee Tennis Challenger Tournament, which benefits the Tallahassee Memorial Neuro Intensive Care Unit, is another event we enjoy supporting. We provide aid to the medical examiner’s office. And of course, volunteering for We Care helps us provide dentistry in our area to low-income people in need.

Left to right: Dr. Hunter Brantley, Dr. Julie Bailey, Dr. Glenn Beck, Dr. Marci Beck, Dr. Brian Beck

PHOTO BY DAVE BARFIELD (SMILES BY BECK)

CAPITAL PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES

Dr. William T. Baldock, Jr., DMD, MS

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? Comprehensive periodontal care with services that include preventing and treating gum disease, gum recession, placing dental implants, as well as saving compromised teeth and treating peri-implantitis.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS? A big part of our success is our team. Nothing I do here is done by myself. I succeed because of my team that is dedicated to exceptional service with a kind and caring mentality.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS CAREER?

The periodontal field combines everything I love. It’s a good combination of science and technology. There’s always new research and literature, which keeps the job interesting and ensures I’m constantly learning. All of these advancements make sure patients’ lives continue to improve. I greatly enjoy the surgery side and all the different procedures we get to do. I love talking to people, and this career gives me the opportunity to meet and get to know people. We get to see many patients for most of their lives, allowing us to get to know them and their families.

HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPACT THE COMMUNITY?

Our goal is to provide excellent health care by providing a place where patients feel comfortable while we help them with their periodontal conditions. We love to give back to our community because we wouldn’t be here without them. We provide our services through different volunteer programs such as Mission of Mercy and offer free charity care every month.

WHAT AWARDS AND RECOGNITION HAS YOUR PRACTICE RECEIVED? The most special rewards are the gifts patients give us — doughnuts, handwritten letters, kind compliments. Those little things warm my heart and make us realize we improve quality of life. Our patients bring us joy every day. We were also very excited to have won the Best of Tallahassee award in 2021 for best specialty dental practice.

PHOTO BY BRANDI ROBERSON PHOTOGRAPHY (BALDOCK, JR.)

SINCE 1960, EYE ASSOCIATES OF TALLAHASSEE has provided insight on eyesight. Originally established in Tallahassee, the practice has expanded to Marianna, Perry, Quincy and soon Crawfordville, with groundbreaking set for the newest location in 2023.

Being the oldest and most expansive ophthalmology and optometry practice in the area, they offer eye exams, contacts and glasses, Lasik surgery, glaucoma treatment, cornea surgery, cataract surgery and implants, dry-eye treatment, oculoplastic,

neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric care and urgent eye care. Their nine doctors are highly educated on the latest techniques and continue to broaden their training and services to fit patient needs.

The practice continuously acclimates to fit the expanding

audience and to be the most convenient for patients so they are able to stay where they reside. With locations throughout Northwest Florida, Eye Associates of Tallahassee ensures patients’ eye care needs are easily accessible. For further community outreach, they actively participate in “Lunch and Learn” events at local senior centers.

Patients are assured they are in good hands as Eye Associates has won Best Optometry/Ophthalmology Practice from Tallahassee Magazine for multiple years. Patient satisfaction is always at the forefront of the practice’s vision and mission to provide personalized care while being inclusive of the needs of Tallahassee and the surrounding area.

TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC

Dr. Larry Harper, Dr. Alfredo Paredes and Dr. Jeffrey Rawlings

SINCE 1978, TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC has provided services to rejuvenate, revive and reconstruct patients. Being in tune and in touch with the latest techniques and desired procedures, the practice strives to exceed patient satisfaction above all.

The three board-certified physicians — Dr. Larry Harper, Dr. Alfredo Paredes and Dr. Jeffrey Rawlings — alongside the medical care staff, blend art and science to craft and customize procedures to fit each patient’s personal needs and intended results.

The practice offers cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the face and body and non-surgical treatments, including dermal injectables such as Botox and Juvederm. The Physician’s Skin Care Clinic enlists the talents of two licensed estheticians, Sue Anne Pearce

and Mysty Billbrey, who provide skin care treatments, such as rejuvenation treatments, dermaplaning, micro-peels, SkinCeuticals products and more.

The offices are elegant and welcoming, intended to put each patient at ease. Paired with the expertise and highly acclaimed doctors and medical staff, each patient is assured they are receiving confidential, compassionate and quality care. Adjacent to the main office is the Surgery Center, a fully accredited outpatient surgery center with the mission of providing board-certified surgical procedures and outpatient care in an environment of safety, comfort and respect.

Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic is honored to be one of the most highly respected and sought-after practices in the Southeast.

Viet N. Bui, MD Jerry G. Ford, MD Paul Harman, OD

Sarah Ko, MD Kenneth P. Kato, MD

Deanna Louie, MD Elizabeth Strickland, OD Joshua M. Trafton, OD Tony A. Weaver, MD

Alfredo A. Paredes Jr., MD; Larry Harper, MD, FACS; and Jeffrey M. Rawlings, MD, FACS

DRS. WALTON & CARDMAN DENTISTRY

James Walton III, DDS & David W. Cardman, DMD

WALTON AND CARDMAN DENTISTRY, guarantees that visitors will experience more than just the typical dental practice when they visit. Each patient’s comfort and confidence comes first when matters of dentistry are concerned. Their mission is to provide the highest quality of dentistry and patient care available.

The staff maintains the highest level of accreditation and education in order to stay in tune with the latest trends in dentistry. They offer a full range of treatment options that can be personalized to meet your unique needs and expectations. Their services include preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, teeth whitening, general dentistry and more.

IN 1985, ANGELA MYERS, a registered nurse at the time, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. When she inquired about her prognosis, the doctor told her she would require joint replacements and eventually would be in a wheelchair.

Myers’ reply: “No, I don’t think so.” This began her journey into treating chronic illness in a holistic, functional, integrative approach. She changed her lifestyle, diet and began using allopathic, alternative and holistic therapies.

By 1990, Myers’ body was rid of the pain and suffering of rheumatoid arthritis. While working to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), her mind was clearly focused on opening her own practice, and thus the Medical Healing Center was created in 1999. The goal was to help people with chronic illness by employing an integrative, functional holistic approach to medicine.

The primary care practice offers services in general health and wellness, chronic illness, nutritional therapy, bioidentical hormones, aesthetic services, IV infusions, IV injections, (shot bar), prolozone injections (joint injections), antiaging infusions, and other integrative and oxygen therapies. We assess and treat every patient individually, evaluating numerous aspects of events in one’s life that can affect the utmost functioning of their health and wellness.

“I lived a life of pain and suffering, and I have a great degree of empathy and compassion for those who do,” Myers said. “I believe my life purpose is to help people function at their highest capacity so they can live in optimal wellness and enjoy their lives.”

That’s what we do at the Medical Healing Center. Come see us, and get your own individualized care plan.

Angela Myers, APRN; Eric Myers, BS, Biofeedback Therapist; Celeste Lind, APRN; Elizabeth Walker, APRN, FNP-C

PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS (DRS. WALTON AND CARDMAN DENTISTRY)

JAMES F. WALTON III, DDS

DAVID W. CARDMAN, DMD

Experience that Makes a Difference for 22 Years!

Ben J. Kirbo, M.D. ~ Laurence Z. Rosenberg, M.D. ~ Chris DeRosier, M.D.

CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Everyone talks about personalized care, but at Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A. in Tallahassee, FL it is exactly the patient experience that makes all the difference. From the moment a patient enters the door, they will encounter a sense of caring that continues throughout their visit. The importance of individualized, personal treatment is at the heart of every patient experience.

As the region’s premier choice for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Southeastern Plastic Surgery includes board-certified general and plastic surgeons with unique complementary expertise, skin care specialists and others dedicated to provide outstanding care and service.

Dr. Chris DeRosier is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and brings unique expertise to the region in the areas of free tissue breast reconstruction know as Free TRAM and DIEP flaps. He also brings much-needed expertise in abdominal wall reconstruction and wound care to this region.

“Patients are my number one priority,” said Dr. Ben Kirbo, board-certified plastic surgeon. “They influence the quality of staff and technology, the design of our office and the time we spend to educate our patients about the procedures and services they are considering.”

Dr. Ben Kirbo has been practicing in the North Florida and South Georgia area for more than 20 years. He is dedicated to providing unparalleled quality to every patient. A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, Dr. Kirbo received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and completed his medical degree at the University of Miami. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Kentucky and his plastic surgery residency at Vanderbilt University where he trained under several internationally recognized plastic surgeons.

He has a particular interest in facial cosmetic surgery, breast surgery and body contouring. Additionally, he has interest and experience in post-bariatric weight loss surgery.

He has extensive training in melanoma/skin cancer treatment and Mohs repairs. Dr. Kirbo is known by his colleagues for his expertise in correcting undesirable plastic surgery results. Along with Southeastern Plastic Surgery, he was selected as the only local surgical practice to participate in the Florida Melanoma Study.

“At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, we strive to deliver excellent patient care, in a warm, compassionate setting,” said Dr. Laurence Rosenberg, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Laurence Rosenberg grew up in Albany, New York, and attended Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for both college and medical school, where he earned many awards and distinctions.

Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he completed both general surgery and plastic surgery residency and trained at the University of Alabama under pioneering plastic surgeon, Dr. Luis Vasconez. As a result of his training and research, he is an editorial board member of the Annals of Plastic Surgery

With a variety of interests and areas of specialization within cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Rosenberg’s areas of focus include facelifts, eyelid surgery, breast reconstruction, breast augmentation and reduction, abdominoplasty, hand surgery, laser treatments of skin disorders and body contouring with particular interest in massive weight loss patients.

Dr. Rosenberg is the only board-certified physician in North Florida and South Georgia to perform a unique hair restoration procedure of surgically transplanting individual hair follicular units.

Dr. DeRosier’s leadership in these areas has resulted in Southeastern Plastic Surgery becoming a regional referral center for secondary and tertiary abdominal wall reconstruction and limb salvage reconstruction. Recognized nationally, Dr. DeRosier offers his expertise during multiple grand rounds and lectures to many medical centers throughout the United States. He has provided leadership to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and the medical community by serving as Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Medical Director of the Skin and Soft Tissue Center and was most recently elected to the Medical Executive Committee.

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. DeRosier is an AOA graduate of the University of Alabama (UAB) School of Medicine. He completed both his general and plastic surgery residencies at UAB prior to starting his practice at the university. In 2013 Dr. DeRosier joined Southeastern Plastic Surgery bringing academic level reconstructive surgery to the Big Bend area.

se-plasticsurgery.com

L-R: Dr. Rosenberg, Dr. Kirbo, Dr. DeRosier

NOV/DEC 2022

For more events in Tallahassee, visit TallahasseeMagazine.com.

compiled by JAVIS OGDEN and REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

WILDLIFE ARTS FESTIVAL

→ Thomasville Center for the Arts welcomes the annual arrival of world-renowned wildlife artists to the 27th Wildlife Arts Festival, scheduled for Nov. 10–20, in Thomasville, Georgia. This 10-day festival features a dozen experiences that celebrate the sporting life of the Red Hills region through the lens of art. Many events are free and family-friendly!

Tickets and more details at ThomasvilleArts.org/wildlife, or call (229) 226-0588.

NOV. 24

Holiday Magic: Cirque de Noel

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to bring back Cirque de la Symphonie with a new holiday show. Showcasing new music, stunning aerial feats and awe-inspiring acrobatics, this performance is sure to fill you and your family with the wonder of the season.

For tickets and more information, visit TallahasseeSymphony.org.

NOV. 10–20

REGIONAL DEC. 8-18

The Best

Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical

→ The Herdmans may be the worst kids in the world, so when they demand parts in their Sunday school’s Christmas pageant, people panic — there’s not supposed to be biting or cigar smoking in Bethlehem. Soon, everyone is calling for director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s now up to Bradley to help the community see the Herdman kids through new eyes. Performances of this buoyant musical adaptation of a funny and touching holiday classic are slated for Thursday, Dec. 8, through Sunday, Dec. 18. Consult EmeraldCoastTheatre.org/on-stage for show times.

DEC. 17

TALLAHASSEE TURKEY TROT

→ The annual Thanksgiving tradition is back in 2022. Last year, 3,769 registrants finished one or more of the following distances: one mile (657); 5K (2,577); 10K (351) and 15K (184). A total of $35,492.72 was raised by participants and sponsors for race beneficiaries Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend, The Kearney Center and Refuge House. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. Compete in all races, a select few or even just one, and break up the distances to manageable sessions. Either way, have fun with it. For more information, visit the race’s official website at TallyTurkeyTrot.com.

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER :

50TH ANNIVERSARY & FINAL WORLD TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE DIVA JAZZ ORCHESTRA

→ Don’t miss your chance to see the 10-time Grammy awardwinning quartet on their final world tour. The legendary group has compiled an incomparable list of pop and jazz hits, becoming one of the world’s most iconic music groups. The show takes place Jan. 12 at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets and additional information, visit OpeningNights.FSU.edu.

NORTH FLORIDA FAIR

NOV. 3–13

Ten days of dizzying rides, tasty food, lively entertainment, children’s attractions, agricultural displays and more will entertain crowds at the 80th annual North Florida Fair. northfloridafair.com

FLORIDA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

NOV. 4–5

The historic city of Apalachicola celebrates Gulf seafood served in all forms and flavors. The festival features seafood vendors, oyster eating and oyster shucking contests, a parade, the 5K Redfish Run, blue crab races, arts and crafts, musical entertainment and more. floridaseafoodfestival.com

PANDORA PRESENTS DISNEY PRINCESS THE CONCERT

NOV. 5

Generations have adored Disney princesses. Now, a quartet of Broadway and animated film icons celebrate these beloved songs on stage with pure Disney magic. openingnights.fsu.edu/events/ disney-princess-the-concert

ZACH WILLIAMS

NOV. 5

Join Zach Williams and special guest Ben Fuller for a night of music and ministry that will fill your heart and have you singing along all night long. Grammy Award-winning Williams and his signature blend of Southern rock, country and faith-filled songwriting are unlike anything else in contemporary Christian music today.

tuckerciviccenter.com/events/detail/ zach-williams

SEVEN NATIONS

NOV. 17

Seven Nations, which refers to the seven original Celtic nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Galicia, Isle of Man and Brittany, is not your father’s Celtic band. With a passionate, tender and at times rollicking style that veers from roots and folk to dance and fusion-rock, Seven Nations has earned a growing reputation as an adventurous band with a charismatic stage presence. openingnights.fsu.edu/events/seven-nations

LEMOYNE ARTS ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW

NOV. 25–DEC. 24

The LeMoyne Arts Annual Holiday Show has been a tradition for 59 years. Purchase unique handmade gifts created by local and regional artisans. Throughout the month, there will be events including an ugly sweater contest, a cocktail party, family day, a multicultural holiday celebration and more. lemoyne.org/holidayshow

TALLAHASSEE ARTISAN FESTIVAL

NOV. 26–27

A seasonal artisan festival featuring the best painters, ceramicists and craft artists in the Tallahassee area. visittallahassee.com/events/tis-the-seasonartisan-festival

WINTER FESTIVAL

DEC. 3

Tallahassee becomes a winter wonderland during a night of twinkling lights, Christmas tunes, holiday treats, food vendors, children’s activities, the lighting of the trees at the Chain of Parks, the Jingle Bell Run and the City of Tallahassee Nighttime Holiday Parade.

talgov.com/parks/winterevents

SEASONAL CELEBRATION

DEC. 4

Sing along with the combined choirs of the Florida State University College of Music as they come together to “sing in” the holiday season with time-honored

traditional choral arrangements and contemporary favorites. tallahasseearts.org/event/seasonalcelebration-5

TENTHING BRASS ENSEMBLE

DEC. 8

The all-female Norwegian tenThing Brass Ensemble, formed and led by trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, brings joy and excitement to Christmastime. It presents a powerful, yet fun, soulful and lyrical evening of brass music. openingnights.fsu.edu/events/tenthingbrass-ensemble

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

THOMASVILLE

DEC. 8–9

The annual Victorian Christmas will take you back in time to another era. Stroll the brick streets and be entertained by performers, carolers and musicians. Shop, dine and welcome the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. thomasvillega.com/attractions/events/ victorian-christmas

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

DEC. 9–18

At Theatre Tallahassee, the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future journey through time to remind an iron-hearted Scrooge what Christmas is truly about. This thrilling adaptation by Patrick Barlow brings Charles Dickens’ most beloved characters to life using five actors, imaginative props and mesmerizing design.

tallahasseearts.org/event/a-christmascarol-4

TALLAHASSEE BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

DEC. 10–11

Sugarplum fairies will dance in your head and snow will fall as the beloved Christmas classic, The Nutcracker , twirls to life on the Ruby Diamond stage. The Tallahassee Ballet welcomes all ages to enjoy a treasured performance of beautiful ballet, a live orchestra, intricate costumes and a breathtaking set. tallahasseeballet.org

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Let us know how we can help you avoid common missteps, make confident financial decisions, and put your assets to work so you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from financial security

SOCIAL STUDIES

FAMU Grape Harvest Festival

AUG. 20 The annual Grape Harvest Festival includes a 3K walk, trailer rides, water slides, grape throwing, grape stomping and hula hoop competitions, live entertainment, a health fair and community exhibitors. The venue, the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, was founded in 1978 by an act of the Florida Legislature. It is a national leader in muscadine grape research.

2 Dr. Violeta Tsolova, Director of the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research and Chair of the Grape Harvest Festival

3 Residents and families of Tallahassee make their way down to the vineyard to pick grapes at the festival

Oktoberfest

OCT. 9 Hundreds of community members enjoyed an afternoon of food, drinks and games in Cascades Park for Elder Care Services’ 24th Annual Oktoberfest. A number of area brewers showcased beers and Elder Care’s Meals on Wheels kitchen provided a German meal while an oompah band played the classics of the season. All funds raised support senior service programs in our area.

PHOTOS BY GLENN BEIL

1 Adam Ramgeet

4 Ernest Nelfrard

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIAN MARQUEZ AND JOCELYNE FLIGER

1 Julie Montanaro, WCTV

2 Oyster City Brewing: Victoria Keating and Eric O’Hara

3 Amicus Brewing: Shaun and Laura York with Mary and Sheldon Steen

4 Tom Kirwin and Anita Favors

dining guide

AMERICAN

ANDREW’S DOWNTOWN

After 49 years, Andrew’s is still an energetic, casual, see-and-be-seen spot. House favorites include a popular lunch buffet, hamburgers, salads and pasta dishes. Downtown delivery. 228 S. Adams St. (850) 222-3444. $$ B L D

BACKWOODS CROSSING ★

Sit down at this 2021 Best of winner for fresh gourmet food at Tallahassee’s farm-to-table, destination concept restaurant featuring locally caught and produced soft-shell crabs, sausage, duck and blueberries. 6725 Mahan Dr. (850) 765-3753. $$ L D

DISTRICT 850

Mix an on-site restaurant and a full bar with a wide range of activities, like laser tag, a ropes course, bowling and much more, and you get Tallahassee’s premier entertainment location. 2662 Fleischmann Rd. (850) 513-2114. $$ L D

DOG ET AL ★

Foot-long and veggie entrees alike grace this award-winning menu. Also ask about their incredibly valued family packs. 1456 S. Monroe St. (850) 222-4099. $ L D

THE EDISON

This relaxed, fine dining establishment is equipped with a beer garden, wine cellar, casual cafe, open-air alternatives and a gorgeous view that has become a Tallahassee favorite. 470 Suwannee St. (850) 684-2117. $$/$$$ B L D

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD ★

The name says it all! This restaurant boasts a palate-pleasing combination of personalized service, eclectic ambiance and award-winning cuisine and is the Best Desserts winner for 2017–21. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 224-9974. $$ L D

HOPKINS’ EATERY ★

A Best of 2021 winner, Hopkins’ provides favorites such as the Ultimate Turkey, the Linda Special and a variety of salads to keep customers coming back. Multiple locations. Hours vary. $ L D

HORIZO NS BAR & GRILLE

Classic, homemade American cuisine along with a full bar serving premium liquors, local craft beers and wine. 3427 Bannerman Rd., Ste. 104. (850) 329-2371. $$ B D

HOT BIRDIE’S CHICKEN

Serving chicken sandwiches made with the best available chicken breasts. Signature sauces, the Hot Mess Cookie, Honey Slaw, Gooey Mac & Cheese, Spicy Pickles and seasoned breading are all housemade. Enjoy tasty waffle fries and signature milkshakes. Catering services available. 1898 Thomasville Rd. (850) 765-9184 $ L D

HUMMINGBIRD WINE BAR

Hummingbird brings together great wine with house-made plates and paninis for the perfect after-work or evening get-together — or start your Sunday off right with an early brunch. 1216-4 N. Monroe St. (850) 296-2766 $$ D

ISLAND WING COMPANY ★

Get baked! This 2021 Best of winner for Best Wings won’t serve you up greasy, fried wings; instead Island Wing bakes them fresh. 1370 Market St. (850) 692-3116. $ L D

JUICY BLUE

Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown, this cool lobby restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique dishes include tapas with a twist, such as the Georgia peaches with caramel. 316 W. Tennessee St. (850) 422-0071. $ B L D

LIBERTY BAR AND RESTAURANT ★

Carefully crafted unique cocktails mixed with a gourmet menu that features fresh, local produce. 1307 N. Monroe, Unit No. 2. (850) 354-8277. $$ D

LOFTY PURSUITS ★

This old-fashioned soda fountain serves ice cream, milkshakes and candy — plus brunch dishes and a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1355 Market St., A11. (850) 521-0091. $ B

MA’S DINER

No one does it like Ma! Ma’s Diner serves family-style food in a familyfriendly setting. Homestyle classics are served for breakfast and lunch with quick, attentive and friendly service. 6668-9 Thomasville Rd. (850) 765-1910. $ B L

MADISON SOCIAL

Whether it’s for a social cocktail, a quick lunch or a place to gather before home football games, Madison Social offers something for everyone. 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 894-6276.

$$ B L D

OVERUNDER BAR + LOUNGE ★

Two experiences under one

OverUnder features specialty

cocktails plus curated food and drink pairings and is a 2021 Best Bar winner. 1240 Thomasville Rd. (850) 597-7552. $$

PROOF BREWPUB

Tallahassee’s first brewery, Proof’s brewpub in downtown offers shareables, such as sliders and fried oysters, plus burgers, sandwiches and tacos to pair with their tasty craft brews. 1320 S. Monroe St. (850) 577-0517. $$ D

REDEYE COFFEE

Serving locally roasted coffees, highquality teas and hand-blended cocoas. Also serving pastries, chocolates, platters and grazing boards. Committed to local-centric business practices and sustainability. 1122 Thomasville Rd. and 1196 Capital Circle NE, (850) 999-8278.

R&R EATERY

Located in Hotel Indigo, R&R Eatery is a modern American restaurant with fresh takes on classic dishes and a mix of signature craft cocktails. 826 W. Gaines St. (850) 210-0008. $$ B D

ROOTSTOCK

With an ever-changing menu of unique flavors, Rootstock offers shareable plates, artisan cocktails and a selection of 25 wines by the glass. 228 S. Adams. (850) 518-0201. $$$ D

SAGE RESTAURANT ★

Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French. The setting is gorgeous but cozy, and the outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone for a relaxing evening. 3534 Maclay Blvd. (850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

SAVOUR

Downtown fine dining with a vision for seasonally inspired, regionally sourced and creatively prepared cuisine, such as bourbon-brined pork chops, Gulf Coast bouillabaisse or miso marinated grouper. 115 E. Park Ave. (850) 765-6966. $$$ D

TABLE 23 ★

This “Southern porch, table and bar” is cozied up among oak trees on one of Tallahassee’s favorite street corners. Lucky Goat coffee-rubbed ribeye and Schermer pecan-crusted chicken are among the regional offerings. 1215 Thomasville Rd. (850) 329-2261. $$$ L D

UPTOWN CAFÉ

Specialties at the bustling, family-run cafe include apricot-glazed smoked salmon, one-of-a-kind omelets, banana bread French toast and flavorful sandwiches. 1325 Miccosukee Rd. (850) 219-9800. $ B L

VERTIGO BURGERS AND FRIES ★

Vertigo is home to some of the juiciest, funkiest burgers in town. The modern building provides a no-frills setting to enjoy such favorites as the Vertigo Burger — a beef patty served with a fried egg, applewood bacon, grilled jalapenos, sharp cheddar and Vertigo sauce. 1395 E. Lafayette St. (850) 878-2020. $$ L D

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX ★

Not your usual sports bar, this import from Louisiana offers seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands — plus 40 beers on tap and wall-towall TVs for the big games. 3390 Capital Circle NE. (850) 597-7736. $$ L D

ASIAN

AZU LUCY HO’S

Enjoy an extensive array of classic dishes

with a modern flare, including gyoza dumplings, crab rangoon, General Tso’s chicken and Szechuan beef, all in a relaxed setting. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy., Ste. 13. (850) 893-4112. $$ L D

KIKU JAPANESE FUSION ★

From tempura to teriyaki and sushi to sashimi, Kiku Japanese Fusion, voted Best Sushi in 2021, fuses vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients. 800 Ocala Rd. (850) 575-5458, 3491 Thomasville Rd. (850) 222-5458. $$ L D

MASA ★

A 2021 Best Asian winner, Masa’s menu offers a creative blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. 1650 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-4183. $/$$

NAGOYA STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI

Dine in or takeout, Nagoya offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, including hibachi, salads, sushi and sashimi. 1925 N. Monroe St. (850) 553-1867. $/$$ L D

OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

★

Rated Best Hibachi for 2021, Osaka provides dinner and a show, with the chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. 1489 Maclay Commerce Dr. (850) 900-5149. $$$ D

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI

This American-style sushi chain born in Mobile offers fresh rolls, salads and hibachi — all with a rock-and-roll theme. 1415 Timberlane Rd., #305. (850) 999-1748 $$ L D

BARBECUE

WILLIE JEWELL’S OLD SCHOOL BBQ ★

Platters, sandwiches or by the pound, Willie Jewell’s, the 2021 Best Barbecue winner, offers smoked brisket, pork, turkey, sausage, chicken and ribs with a bevy of Southern sides. 5442 Thomasville Rd. (850) 629-4299. $ L D

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY

CANOPY ROAD CAFÉ ★

Traditional breakfasts, fluffy omelets, skillets, French toast and sweet potato pancakes keep customers coming back to this 2021 Best Breakfast winner. Canopy also goes all out on lunch favorites. Multiple locations. (850) 668-6600. $ B L

THE EGG CAFÉ & EATERY

When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Second location now open in Kleman Plaza. Multiple locations. (850) 907-3447. $$ B L

TASTY PASTRY BAKERY ★

Tallahassee’s original cakery and 2021 Best Bakery winner features fresh breads, bagels, pies, cakes and catering. Mon–Sat 6:45 am–6 pm. 1355 Market St., No. A-5. (850) 893-3752. $ B L D

TREVA’S PASTRIES & FINE FOODS

Specializing in sweet treats, cakes, pastries and croissants, this bistro-style pastry shop and fine foods store also uses 100% natural ingredients to make savory sandwiches, salads and soups. 2766 Capital Circle NE. (850) 765-0811. $$ L

CAJUN

COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE ★

This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2021 brings a menu jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, including favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Multiple locations. (850) 894-4110.$$ B L D

CATERING

BLACK FIG ★

Voted Best Catering in 2021, whether you’re planning an event for five or 500, Black Fig offers a bevy of dining options, including catering-to-go. 1400 Village Square Blvd., #7. (850) 727-0016.

CATERING CAPERS

Offering meals, bar services and more, Catering Capers makes entertaining and planning corporate events, weddings or private parties in Tallahassee easy. 2915 E. Park Ave., Unit 4. (850) 385-5953.

ITALIAN/PIZZA

BELLA BELLA ★

Voted Best Italian in 2021, this locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and serves all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings. 123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D

GAINES STREET PIES

Locally owned and open since 2012, Gaines Street offers fresh ingredients and inventive pies, such as the Metal Mike with Sriracha. 603 W. Gaines St., No. 3, (850) 765-9275; 1184 Capital Circle NE, Ste. E, (850) 329-2141; 1122 Thomasville Rd., No. 4. (850) 765-4120. $$ L D

IL LUSSO ★

Homemade pasta, local seafood and a choice of prime steaks define this downtown fine dining experience. 201 E. Park Ave., Ste. 100. (850) 765-8620. $$$ D

MOMO’S ★

After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2021 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. Multiple locations. (850) 224-9808. $ L D

RICCARDO’S RESTAURANT

A Tallahassee tradition since 1999, Riccardo’s features savory Italian classics, from pasta and pizza to homemade subs and calzones — plus a wide-ranging selection of wines and craft brews. 1950 Thomasville Rd. (850) 386-3988 $$ L D

MEXICAN EL JALISCO ★

In the mood for sizzling enchiladas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2021 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection. Multiple locations. $ L D

EL PATRON MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Find all your authentic Mexican

classics such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos, or take a sip of a yardstick margarita. 1170 Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 656-7264 $$ L D

THE IRON DAISY

Made-to-order Mexican food with a Florida flair, The Iron Daisy blends traditional cast-iron cooking with the funky vibe of the Arts District. 507 W. Gaines St. (850) 597-9997. $$ L D

MARIA MARIA

Fast casual restaurant serving homemade Mexican food. Named for owner Edgar Gomez’s mother and grandmother, Maria Maria never cuts corners — dishes are never prepped ahead of time. Choose the Taco Dorado, Maria’s Tostada or Chicken Mole and be assured that it has been created with the freshest ingredients. 1304 N. Monroe St., (850) 270-9057. $ L D

SEAFOOD/STEAK

THE BLU HALO ★

Blu Halo is a high-end culinary experience featuring dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood along with fine wines and a martini bar. A private dining room for up to 20 guests is available. 3431 Bannerman Rd., #2 (850) 999-1696. $$$ L D

CRAFTY CRAB

Offering the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area, including crab, crawfish, calamari, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and more. 1241 Apalachee Pkwy. & 2226 N. Monroe St. (850) 671-2722. $$ L D

GEORGIO’S FINE FOOD & SPIRITS

George Koikos has over 50 years of experience in Tallahassee restaurants, and his hands-on commitment has made this upscale restaurant a local favorite featuring local seafood, prime steaks and banquet rooms for private parties. Apalachee Pkwy. (850) 877-3211. $$$

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

Serving Southern, Cajun and Creole flavors in classic and modern dishes since 1987. Full bar is available at each location. 301 S. Bronough St., in Kleman Plaza. (850) 222-3976. $$ L D

SHULA’S 347

Located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with a premium Black Angus beef burger or a gourmet salad, or opt for one of their signature entrees — a “Shula Cut” steak. Reservations suggested. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD ★

Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, the 2021 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 668-2203.

THE SEINEYARD ★

Fried, grilled or blackened, the area’s best and freshest seafood is found at The Seineyard. Grab your basket or mix it up with a plate of grouper, catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops and more. Multiple locations. (850) 421-9191. $$ L D

THE JOY OF RUNNING

Retail politics at the local level has its rewards

by JAY REVELL

Most folks these days think of politics as a toxic pool best avoided.

I couldn’t disagree more.

I found running for office to be a worthwhile experience on many fronts. In fact, I would offer anyone considering a run three reasons to jump headfirst into the deep end and do it.

First, the people you meet while on the campaign trail will inspire you. Behind every door I knocked on was a story worth hearing. To be a good candidate, you have to learn how to listen, and I’m grateful I had the chance to do that.

While canvassing neighborhoods, I met veterans, teachers, students, entrepreneurs and retirees. I had chats with neighborhood presidents, precinct captains and PTO leaders. They all share a deep love for our community and a strong desire to see our local government solve problems. Hearing their hopes and concerns for our shared future was the lifeblood of my campaign. When I left those conversations, often with a handshake or good luck wish, I felt like I had found another reason to run.

Secondly, running for office will help you fall deeper in love with your community. As part of our campaign, I took a Saturday to walk across the district on my way to casting my ballot during early voting. Along with a few dedicated volunteers who took shifts keeping me company, we walked all the way from the Chaires Community Center to the Leon County Courthouse downtown.

Along the way, I saw the sun rise over fields in rural Leon County. There were deer, turkeys and men on tractors waving good morning. Later as we arrived in Buck Lake, I stopped off to grab some boiled peanuts from a vendor who sets up there each weekend, and we talked about how much we were looking forward to the cooler weather of fall.

I strolled by new developments on Mahan Drive, stopped in a local restaurant during a rainstorm and finally walked right up Apalachee Parkway to the state capitol. All along the way and throughout each day I spent campaigning, I was reminded of the beauty and charm of our community. This is a special place, and running for office made me get out and see all the evidence of why. Finally, and this may be the most important reason to run, I saw firsthand how much people appreciate a positive message about their community. I’ve always believed that Tallahassee had a marketing problem, and election season tends to make that worse. We are a community where, unfortunately, perceptions of our hometown depart from the amazing reality. I ran to change that.

A lot of politicians spend their time talking about everything that’s wrong with the community or their opponents. My campaign took a different path. Of course,

our community has challenges that need improvement, but I found that people are hungry to hear the good news about Tallahassee. They want to love where they live, and right now, there aren’t enough folks telling stories that help make that happen.

Our campaign chose to be positive, forward-looking and committed to telling the story of just how great we are and can become. Seeing my neighbors respond to that made the whole effort worthwhile. Even after coming up short on election day, I still get positive feedback from strangers about the way we ran our campaign.

Our community needs people to run for office. We need people who want to help make Tallahassee and Leon County a better place. Win, lose or draw, there is so much to learn about the place we call home and the people we share it with.

As a candidate, you’ll have an opportunity to know your community like never before. The community will also have an opportunity to get to know you. Whether you’re walking the dog, shopping for groceries or dropping your kids off at school, when you run for office there’s always a conversation to be had.

With each interaction, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why you love living here. Running for office isn’t easy, but think of all the reasons to love Tallahassee you’ll miss if you don’t give it a try. TM

Jay Revell is the president of Revell Media, a provider of public relations services and branding advice. He was a candidate for the District 5 seat on the Leon County Commission but did not qualify for the Nov. 8 runoff.

PHOTO BY THE WORKMANS (REVELL)

illustration by LINDSEY MASTERSON

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