Southern Tatler Issue 13: January/February 2016

12

THE DEPOT

REVITALZING HISTORY

CHEF CHRIS CANNON

INSPIRED SOUTHERN COOKING

LISA DITCHKOFF

BEATING INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS

AUBURN / OPELIKA, AL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

YOUR FAIRY TALE. Surround yourself with the serenity of nature, the sophistication of an upscale lodge and the amenities your guests will always remember. Our outdoor wedding pavilion offers the perfect setting for a spectacular wedding overlooking Lake Saugahatchee and Grand National’s golf courses. From bridal luncheons and groomsmen golf outings to spectacular dinners and receptions, the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel has everything needed to make your dream wedding a reality.

For information or to make reservations, call 800.593.6456 or visit MarriottGrandNational.com.

AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT GRAND NATIONAL 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801 Phone 334.741.9292, MarriottGrandNational.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

© 2015 Marriott International, Inc.

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CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY Creekwood Castle, Auburn AL

22 HOSPITALITY GALA

The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn AL

32 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Marriott at Grand National, Opelika AL

38 NUTCRACKER

Opelika Performing Arts Center, Opelika AL

40 BLACKOUT CANCER PARTY War Eagle Supper Club, Auburn AL

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The Fighter

Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011- 2014 Super Lawyers 334.321.3000 www.waltonlaw.net waltonlaw@waltonlaw.net

“Walton Law Firm Top Five”

$17,500,000.00 Insurance Fraud Verdict $8,000,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement $7,500,000.00 Spine Injury Settlement $6,750,000.00 Brain Injury Settlement $4,000,000.00 Wrongful Death Settlement

As an Alabama Golden Gloves Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, Trip’s motto has always been “We don’t Start the Fight - We Finish It!”

Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury “The recoveries, verdicts, favorable outcomes, and testimonials described in this ad are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The evaluation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, thejurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater thanthe quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES

Dr. Michael O’Brian

52 LOCAL FOCUS

Marriott at Grand National

60 LOCAL FOCUS Jeffcoat Trant

66 CULINARY CORNER

FEATURE STORY

Chef Chris Cannon

LISA DITCHKOFF

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LOCAL FEATURE The Depot

88 FASHION Studio 3:19

98 HOME

Auburn Unviersity Golf Club

114

T R AV E L

RIO

Brazil

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Featuring Keynote Speaker

Laura Bush Former First Lady

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

A Division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies

Koullas Realty www.LiveLakeMartin.com

Tabitha Dumas

256-307-4399 Tabitha@LiveLakeMartin.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

For all your boating needs call Donnie McDaniel at Lakeside Marina. 256.825.9286

SOUTHERN TAT L E R THE ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN SOCIETY

PUBLISHER Matthew Tse

C U S T O M E R R E L AT I O N S S P E C I A L I S T Danielle Sands

A D V E R T I S e M E N T & M ar k eting Matthew Tse Robert Averett

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ashley Walker Iris Saya Miller Stephen Walker

P hotographer Andrea Newman Glen McCarley Isaac Leverett Tracy Young

W riters

Amy Hudson Caroline Lentz Hannah Swanson Jelani Moore for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com Southern Tatler is a bi-monthly magazine by Raw Conceptual, LLC. All material published remain the property of Raw Conceptual, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or copied without Raw Conceptual, LLC consent.

Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center The Opelika Sportsplex is more than just a gym. So much more! Maybe we should call it a “Life Enhancement Center”. From work-outs to performances to sports, swimming, activities and so much more, our state-of-the-art complex truly does offer something for every body. Join now and be part of the Opelika Sportsplex family.

Unsurpassed Features & Services: • Splash Park (Wet Playground) •2 Racquetball Courts •Indoor Aquatics Center – Heated Pool, Jacuzzi, Steam Rooms •Youth Game Room •Concession Area •Outdoor Walking Trail •Gymnasium with Large Stage •Resilient, Rubber Indoor Walking Track •Three Large Meeting Rooms with AV Equipment •Warming Kitchen •EAMC Cardiovascular Area •Cal James Weight Room •Group Fitness Room •Outdoor Amphitheater •Tot Watch •W. James Samford Jr. Soccer Complex

Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center 1001 Andrews Road Opelika, Alabama 36801 p . 3 3 4 .7 0 5 . 5 5 6 0 f . 3 3 4 .7 0 5 . 5 5 6 8 For more information and facility rental details, visit

w w w. o p e l i k a s p o r t s p l e x . c o m

LETTER

the

from

PUBLISHER In this dawning of the new year, we at Southern Tatler have been given the opportunity to meet several gifted individuals in the East Alabama communities. We have learned through their histories that hard work pays off, and that there is no greater place than the Plains to thrive and succeed.

We met the owners of The Depot, a team that has completely revamped the old Depot on Mitcham Avenue in making it an impressive seafood brasserie of sorts. Not only have they restored its former glory, they have also brought new life to the entire downtown area by opening this fabulous restaurant. We also spoke with Mr. Michael Dilworth of Dilworth Development about his growing development near the Auburn University Club and the area’s “comeback’ as a consequence. Dr. O’Brien of O’Brien Dental shared with us his secrets for success in operating his well-respected and distinguished practice. We also learned about Kitchen 3810, a family owned Meat and three with a reputation for deliciousness in Auburn. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeraral home spoke with us about their mission to help grieving families heal. In this issue we also feature Ms. Lisa Ditchkoff, an Opelika resident and business owner (and Boston native) who overcame abuse and adversity throughout childhood and authored The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyebrows: Survival. Resilience. Triumph. in 2013.

Finally, read about the Auburn Marriot Opelika Hotel and Conference Center, a gorgeous gem on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National Golf Club right off Highway 280. Then travel with Southern Tatler to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a vacationer’s dream with its beautiful beaches and scenic mountains.

As always, we thank you for reading and we wish you nothing but the best in 2016.

-Matthew Tse

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LIFE

Cave in to Luxury

ICEHOTEL, SWEDON Now in its 26th season, the original ice hotel has grown from a modest 645 sq. ft. igloo into the world ‘s largest hotel made entirely of ice and snow- at 59,200 sq. ft. Set 200km north of the Arctic Circle and rebuilt every year, the hotel is akin to an art project, with the River Torne, the northern lights and the midnight sun acting as inspiration for artists. www.icehotel.com

PERIVOLAS, SANTORINI Slip away from the world and retreat to the restored group of 300-year-old caves that were once homes and wine cellars for local fishermen. With whitewashed walls and pared-down interiors, the 17 suites luxury inn was restored in keeping with the island’s Cycladic architecture, and let the breathtaking views over the caldera speak for themselves. The infinity pool reaches out over the cliff and seamlessly blends into the Aegean horizon. Opt for Perivolas Suites, which has its own hot tub and pool - a great private spa to watch the famous Santorini sunsets.

www.perivoloas.gr

MUSEUM HOTEL, TURKEY With history spanning thousands of years, this 30-room boutique hotel in Cappadocia doubles as a museum. Rooms offer sweeping views of the valleys, and are thoughtfully decorated with the owner’s collection of Roman and Ottoman antiques.

AMANGIRI, UTAH, US Admittedly, this isn’t exactly a cave hotel- but its canyon point location is set in a valley of colorful, stratified and wind-carved rock, and the beautiful desert scenery at Amangiri (meaning “peaceful mountain”) makes it worth a mention Guests at the sleek, sandstone sanctuary can find peace at the incredible spa. Or, make the most of the great outdoors with the resort’s full programed of guided hikes, rock climbing, biking and canyoneering.

www.museum-hotel.com

www.amanresorts.com

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2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY

H O S P I T A L I T Y G A L A

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VISAGE

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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

N U T C R A C K E R

B L A C K - O U T C A N C E R

VISAGE 2015 CHRISTMAS PA RT Y

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY CREEKWOOD CASTLE, AUBURN AL

December 19, 2015

Jane and Hank Elliott

Valerie Klein, Drew and Erin Clevenger

Deborah and John Mitchell

Therese and John Blaylock Laure Butcher, Emilie Johnson, Joanna Hornig

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Mr. and Mrs. Joe LaFaso

Shelby Prestridge and Shelia Prestridge

Julie and JT Folmar Leigh Allbrook, Brooke Harris

Randall Mauney, Richard Mauney, Gary Bingham, Skip Kanders, Ken Steubing, Stephen Prestridge

LeeAnn Pettit, Carolyn Wright, Mike Reynolds

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2016

VISAGE 2015 CHRISTMAS PA RT Y

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY CREEKWOOD CASTLE, AUBURN AL

December 19, 2015

Katie Hill and Gary Bingham

Craig Wahlberg, Mike Reynolds, Mary Ann Stiles, Therese and John Blaylock

LeeAnn Pettit, Rosemary Gran and Regena Spence CĂŠleste Dorman with Cheryl Patten

Nellie and Al Davis Timmy Dunlap and Marilyn Johnson

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Cornelius Benson, Mikel Swartz Austin Patten, Betty Schiffer

Mr. and Mrs. Sanders Larry DiChiara and Barry Dorman

Katie and Kevin McCarley

MaryAnn Stiles, Susie Litkenhous

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2016

VISAGE 2015 CHRISTMAS PA RT Y

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY CREEKWOOD CASTLE, AUBURN AL

December 19, 2015

Steve Nelson, Julie Burns

Mike Reynolds, Mary Anne Stiles, Stephen Prestridge

Susie Litkenhous, CĂŠleste and Barry Dorman, Blake and Tricia Dorman

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Julie Folmar, Kay and Allen Harris

Charlotte Kincaid, Susan Hunnicutt, and Chris Kincaid

Dr. Joel Pittard and Dr. Richard Freeman

Anthony Martin

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2016

VISAGE 2015 CHRISTMAS PA RT Y

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY CREEKWOOD CASTLE, AUBURN AL

December 19, 2015

Byron Gulledge, George and Regena Spence, , Leeann Pettit, Rosemary Gran, Jay Watson

Barbara and Dave Swanger

Brad and Susie Litkenhous

Bob Brabham and Theresa Vest

Emilie Johnson, Carolyn Wright, Fatima Mount, Marilyn Horsley, Trisha Ferguson, Gary Mount and Charlie Ferguson

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334.246.3582 oliver-henry.com 2272 Moores Mill Road Suite 210 Auburn, AL 36830

Furniture

Accessories

Interior Design

Gifts

VISAGE 2015 CHRISTMAS PA RT Y

2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY CREEKWOOD CASTLE, AUBURN AL

December 19, 2015

Emilie Johnson, Carolyn Wright, Fatima Mount, Marilyn Horsley, Trisha Ferguson, Gary Mount and Charlie Ferguson

Party Hosts: Robin Reynolds, Mike Reynolds, Carolyn Wright, Jay Watson, Emilie Johnson, Stephen Prestridge, CĂŠleste Dorman, Barry Dorman, Susie Litkenhous, Leeann Pettit, Brad Litkenhous, Adam Crow, Ted Little, Cheryl Patten. (not pictured: Leigh and Willie Allbrook, Mary Ann Stiles and Craig Wahlberg, Johnny Wright, Ann Rundquist, Joel Pittard) Ann Rundquist, Janice Ryan, Jere Bowden

Kathy and Gary Heaton

50 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

Studio 3:19 334.737.6767 204 South 8th Street Opelika, Al 36801

www.studio3-19.com

VISAGE HOSPITALITY GALA

H O S P I TA L I T Y G A L A THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

November 12, 2015

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Hospitality Gala, Symbolized by the pineapple since American colonial times, hospitality is the key ingredient for students, graduates, and educators in Auburn University’s Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRMT) program. We concentrate on service excellence, social and ethical responsibility and diversity in a practically oriented and intellectually challenging learning environment.

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2016

VISAGE HOSPITALITY GALA

H O S P I TA L I T Y G A L A THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

November 12, 2015

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Each Year the Hospitality Gala, honors an individual, 2015 Hospitality Gala Honoree was Dale Katechis, Oskar Blues Brewery.

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2016

VISAGE HOSPITALITY GALA

H O S P I TA L I T Y G A L A THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY & DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER, AUBURN AL

November 12, 2015

36 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

VISAGE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

B R E A K FA S T W I T H SA N TA AUBURN MARRIOTT OPELIKA HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER AT GRAND NATIONAL, OPELIKA AL

December 12, 2015

Josh, Elizabeth, Jackson & Mary Beth Milner

Ragan Ford & Abigail Walker

Brenda, Zach & Hanna Childers / Amanda, Maddie, Tanner & Ashlee Rodgers

Leah, Matt, Allie Grace Knight / Lynn & Lyne Finlay Sarah-Scott Barnes, Hudson Banks, Cooper Whilhite

Nick, Renee, Jackson & Cameron Hamby

Ross & Anne Daniel Fulford

Landon, Amber & Grayson Pickard / Kelly, Matt, Grand & Matthew Johnson

38 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

27 M AY/ J UNE

2015

VISAGE NUTCRACKER

NUTCRACKER

OPELIKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER,OPELIKA AL

December 11-13th, 2015

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Variations studio held their fourth annual performance of the Nutcracker on December 11th - 14th. The Nutcracker was a display of dance skills, talent and a showcase of hard work.

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VISAGE NUTCRACKER

NUTCRACKER

OPELIKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER,OPELIKA AL

December 11-13th, 2015

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VISAGE NUTCRACKER

NUTCRACKER

OPELIKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER,OPELIKA AL

December 11-13th, 2015

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VISAGE BLACK-OUT CANCER PA RT Y

B L A C K- O U T C A N C E R WAR EAGLE SUPPER CLUB, AUBURN AL

November 20th, 2015

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The 6th annual Black-Out Cancer Party is scheduled for Friday November 20th from 6-10 PM at the War Eagle Supper Club. Attendees are asked to “Dress UP, Dress DOWN, just wear BLACK” as an effort to make the statement that we are “Blacking Out Cancer.” This year we are excited about the Lip Sync contest by local celebrities that are sure to entertain!

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VISAGE BLACK-OUT CANCER PA RT Y

B L A C K- O U T C A N C E R WAR EAGLE SUPPER CLUB, AUBURN AL

November 20th, 2015

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Huff Smith Law Protecting Your Future

We are Here to Protect Your Future.

The mission of Huff Smith Law, built by the two partners Haley L. Huff and Brett A. Smith, is to protect the future of our community.

Haley L. Huff

We aspire to provide exemplary legal services and counseling for a variety of legal matters:

• Criminal Brett A. Smith

• Non-Profit • Real Estate • Small Business

Brandon Poticny

Even if you don’t currently have a need for our services, we’d love to meet you and get to know you. Give us a call, or stop by our office just to say “Hi.” Our office is located in downtown Auburn, at the corner of College Street and Samford Avenue, in the historic Cullars-Conner Home.

Contact

(334) 329-5596 www.huffsmithlaw.com info@huffsmithlaw.com

• Family Law

Address

• Charitable Organization

369 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36830

“No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

SOUTHERN

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BREATH FACES: Dr. Michael O’Brien

LOCAL FOCUS: Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National Jeffcoat-Trant

CULINARY CORNER: Chef Chris Cannon

FACES DR.MICHAEL O’BRIAN

uburn A family man DR. MICHAEL O’BRIAN HAS ACCOMPLISHED A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND COUNTRY.

Alabama is notorious for its charming, hospitable, and kind people. These people make living in Auburn special; perhaps they’re why alums of Auburn University can’t seem to stay away. Dr. Michael O’Brien was born and raised in Auburn and loves the community just as much now as he ever did. He is the owner of his practice, O’Brien Dental, and loves practicing dentistry almost as much as he loves his family, his patients, and public speaking. Dr. O’Brien is a former Naval Officer, an avid boater, and an overall people-person. He has a fascinating story to tell, and he does so with a passion for the individuals he has met and the lessons he has learned. His love for people is infectious and is part of what has made him such a successful dentist. Dr. O’Brien makes sure to learn about the people he meets, and more importantly, to learn from them.

After practicing dentistry for 33 years, Dr. O’Brien has become one of the most wellknown dentists in the Auburn-Opelika area.

Dr. O’Brien’s entrance into the world happened under unusual circumstances. When his mother had him, she was visiting his father, who was suffering from the flu, at the Auburn Infirmary. His parents were graduate students at Auburn University at the time. After his parents graduated from Auburn, his dad received an engineering job in Chicago, so his family moved to Highland, Indiana where they lived until a young Dr. O’Brien finished the fourth grade. While living in Highland, Dr. O’Brien said there was a group of singing brothers who would come and entertain the public every time the town had a grand-opening. This charismatic group later became the Jackson 5. “It was funny because my dad said, ‘We’re going to see them again someday,’” Dr. O’Brien laughed. Before Dr. O’Brien was to enter into the fifth grade, his dad accepted a position as an engineering professor at Auburn University, and his family moved back to Auburn. From that time until he graduated from college, Dr. O’Brien called Lee County home. Ironically enough, in the fifth grade, Dr. O’Brien’s teacher, Mrs. Iree Speer, assigned the class to do a project on the teeth. Mrs. Speer was still a patient in the practice when he joined it years later, and that report is proudly kept in Dr. O’Brien’s office.

At an early age, Dr. O’Brien knew he wanted to be a dentist. He enjoyed working with his hands, fixing things around the house, and

My experience in the Navy, in dental school, and my father all taught me a demand for excellence that has ultimately led to my success.

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solving problems. His love for doing these things persists today, as he enjoys doing projects around his house in his spare time. Dr. O’Brien graduated from Auburn High School in 1975, but he didn’t travel far after graduation. He started school at Auburn University that same year and majored in chemistry.

Prior to graduation, Dr. O’Brien was only a few credit hours away from being able to receive his chemical engineering degree as well, but he decided to not test his luck as a student and went ahead and graduated in 1979. After graduation, he had plans to go to dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), but because of government cutbacks on scholarships, he had to earn the money to attend. During that summer off, Dr. O’Brien did a series of odd jobs to save money for dental school, including driving a bulldozer for Harbert Construction. After a summer of saving up, Dr. O’Brien was able to begin his time at UAB as a dental student. He graduated four

years later in 1983. While in dental school, Dr. O’Brien had several mentors, including Dr. Charles McCallum, Dr. Charles Hallum, and Dr. Ragnar Flatland. These mentors guided him throughout the future chapters of his life, and their advice helped make him such a successful dentist.

While at dental school, Dr. O’Brien was approached by a recruiter about joining the Navy. The Navy had several opportunities for newly graduated dental students to apply to, so Dr. O’Brien gave it a shot and received the opportunity of a lifetime. He completed one year of general practice training at the Naval Dental Clinic in San Diego and spent the next three years on active duty for the Navy. During this time, he was able to work alongside some of the finest men and women in our country, whom he says he is still friends with today. “Being in the Navy were some of the best years of my life,” Dr. O’Brien said. He was also able to serve as the dentist for the Blue Angels and also

worked with several SEAL teams. Both of these divisions of the Navy “coined” Dr. O’Brien, a symbol of honor that is given to those who have gone above and beyond in serving their country. Throughout his 11 years spent in the Navy and Naval Reserve, Dr. O’Brien discovered his passion for people and furthered the drive for success his father had previously instilled in him. “My experience in the Navy, in dental school, and my father all taught me a demand for excellence that has ultimately led to my success,” Dr. O’Brien said. He also said if the Naval Reserve Center formerly located in Montgomery was still open, he would have never separated from the Navy!

In his spare time, Dr. O’Brien enjoys relaxing on beautiful Lake Martin. Growing up in Auburn and near Chicago, he was always near a body of water and quickly developed a love for water sports and fishing. The Navy also gave him the opportunity to further grow his love for activities on the lake or in the ocean.

Whether it is cruising around, doing water sports, or fishing, Dr. O’Brien still loves to be on the water. He also spends his free time with his wife, Pamela; his stepson, Wil; and his goddaughter, Shalisa. “I have the best wife in the whole world,” Dr. O’Brien said fondly.

Aside from his family and life on the lake, Dr. O’Brien truly loves the Auburn-Opelika area.

He has traveled to a number of places across the globe, but he says there is no place quite like Auburn. It’s not so much the scenery or the weather, but it is the people of whom he is so fond. Dr. O’Brien says that he is blessed and proud to have the best patients in the world and says he brags on how wonderful his patients are when he goes to conventions with other dentists.

Dr. O’Brien has tried to give back to the community that has given him so much. In addition to civic club membership, serving on various committees, and being on the Chamber of Commerce Board, he has also given back personally. When a local law enforcement officer was killed in the line of duty, his pension benefits did not include any dental coverage for his surviving wife and kids. Dr. O’Brien stepped in and offered to take care of them, and although the kids are grown and gone from home now, they remain friends to this day. Additionally, two fellow Auburn natives and school mates of Dr. O’Brien unfortunately found their lives torn by alcohol and drug abuse. When they were ready to get their lives back in order, Dr. O’Brien agreed to get their dental health back in shape, and these two men are working hard every day to give back to this community through their church and other ways, both able to smile and chew again thanks to Dr. O’Brien.

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I have the best wife in the whole world.

Plan Ahead

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Scott Reaves

Glendean Shopping Center 766 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn, AL 36830

(334) 887-8502

sreaves@alfains.com www.ScottReaves.com

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LOCAL FOCUS Aubur n Mar riott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National

COME. STAY. RELAX. The Lee County area is known for its Southern hospitality and its ability to make guests feel right at home.

Just in between the hustle and bustle of Auburn and Opelika, two large, oak doors stand, waiting to greet guests with this same friendliness the area is known for. The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National strives to host each of their guests with the excellence of the Marriott brand and a hometown warmth that can’t be found just anywhere. Whether it is cheering on the Tigers with football fanatics, hosting a business conference, or creating a haven for a family on vacation, the Marriott works hard to ensure every guest experiences the getaway of a lifetime.

n October 15, 2002, the privately owned hotel opened its doors to guests visiting the Auburn-Opelika area. The hotel is owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama and was established by Dr. David Bronner, the CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, to increase tourism in the Lee County area. Dr. Bronner also dreamed of bringing the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to Lee County, but the golfers didn’t have anywhere close by to stay. As a result, the hotel was built to support the golf course. The hotel currently sits on 2,000 acres of land and backs up directly to the Links Course. Grand National has two regulation courses and one short course, combining for a total 54 holes. Along with the club house, the Grand National courses are a golf lover’s dream.

In 2004, RSA chose to make the hotel a Marriott franchised property. The Marriott brand provided the hotel with the advantage of having brand awareness among guests who may have otherwise been unfamiliar with the hotel. The brand also strives for the best customer service in each of their hotels. It doesn’t matter if a guest is staying at a Ritz Carlton or the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel: service excellence is consistent. “There are many benefits of being a Marriott,” Brooke Kastner, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, says.

“Marriott promotes service excellence, and our training follows that mantra.” The hotel currently houses 129 guest rooms, 15 suites, and 13 meeting rooms along with a number of other amenities. “We want our guests to feel like they’re coming home to family,” Kastner says. The ultimate goal of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel is to provide customer satisfaction and to ensure they have repeat customers.

Between countless renovations and expecting

the most out of their staff, the Marriott hotel directs all of their efforts into exuding excellence for their guests.

The summer of 2015 brought on an exciting time for the Auburn-Opelika area: the Robert Trent Jones Grand National hosted Alabama’s first PGA tournament in more than 15 years. The PGA Tour had not visited the State of Alabama since 1999, so when it was announced that the organization was coming to Lee County there was lots of preparation to be done, especially at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel. “We began planning [for the tournament] about a year out,” Kastner says. Most of the preparation was focused on the golf course and included many upgrades to get ready for the 50,000 people attending the tournament.

However, the hotel’s Rooms Division Manager, Brent Boatwright, says that the PGA tournament wasn’t the busiest the hotel had ever been. Because the tournament took place over an entire week, the number of guests staying in

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their hotel fluctuated throughout earlier parts of the week and the weekend. Boatwright says that the hotel’s busiest times are when it hosts large conferences and fills all 15,000 squarefeet of their meeting space.

The amenities available at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel are unique to hotels in Lee County. “We can offer something no one else can because of our large outdoor space,” Kastner says. That “something” just happens to include an adult pool, tennis center, splash pad, and multiple restaurants. The feature pool in the rear of the hotel measures 4,700 square-feet and includes a waterslide, waterfall, and splash pad—the ideal water-infused playground for adults and kids. This area is optimal for families vacationing during the warmer months.

To continue the resort feel, the hotel’s outdoor aquatic area also houses a 360-degree bar and grill, which is formally called Splash. The limitless activities continue on the hotel’s eight clay courts and four pickle ball courts, which are available for guests year round.

The inside amenities of the hotel boast an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a game room, and a fitness center. “When the guests arrive here, we don’t want them to have to leave for any reason,” Kastner says. The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel provides entertainment for adults and kids, limitless dining options, and comfortable living space for each of their guests. Throughout the year, the hotel hosts an extensive activities program. Camp Soaring Summer allows kids to get up close and personal with birds from the Auburn Raptor Center, an exciting and unique experience. They also host divein movies at the pool, tennis clinics, tastings with John Emerald Distillery, and have s’mores around a campfire. If there is anything a guests needs, they strive to provide it for them. The restaurants at the hotel include a wide range of options to ensure that none of their guests have to go elsewhere for food because of dietary restrictions. The variety of food includes a breakfast buffet in the mornings, an upscale

dining option, and a more casual option. Every week, live musicians fill the hotel’s bar with local sounds, providing constant entertainment for guests. The musicians are local artists and contribute to the hometown feel of the hotel.

Although the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel wants to provide each of their guests with hometown comfort, they also aim to bring a modern style to the hotel to give their guests the ultimate Marriott experience. Over the course of the last 13 years, the hotel has undergone several renovations. In 2008, the first renovation occurred when the hotel enclosed the hallways on the north wing. In 2012, the outdoor space received a fresh new look in order to give guests a top-of-the-line experience.

In June 2015, the hotel renovated its lobby and common space along with its conference space.

The greatest project the hotel will take on is its upcoming renovation of all of their guest rooms and suites. Additionally, they plan to renovate their indoor restaurant and bar.

Although the Marriott is farther from Opelika and Auburn than other hotels in the area, the staff provides guests with the transportation they need to get around town. On Auburn football game weekends, a shuttle travels from the hotel to the Auburn Mall, and from there, guests take a Tiger Transit bus straight

to the stadium. This shuttle is also available, for a nominal fee, if guests want to take a large group out to dinner or don’t have access to their own vehicle to travel around the area. The hotel also partners with many local businesses in Alabama. They sell Overall Company popsicles in their gift shop, work with the athletic office and Raptor Center at the University, and partner with High Ridge Spirits of Union Springs. High Ridge Spirits is Alabama’s first legal moonshine distillery since Prohibition.

Additionally, the hotel works with the Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau to coordinate events and other happenings.

The Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel at Grand National is a “little hidden gem” in the area. It is secluded in between wooded areas and the quietness of the Robert Trent Jones golf course. The staff at the hotel strives to serve their guests with the utmost excellence that is attached to the Marriott brand. Whether a guest is coming to town for a business meeting, a family getaway, or a football game, the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel invites visitors to stay at their hotel and enjoy the simplicity of a hometown feel. Their modern furniture, smiling faces, and delicious food will ensure guests return again and again. for more information on Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National, call 334.741.9292

LOCAL FOCUS

FC JEFFCOAT TRANT

amily HISTORY OF ompassion

jeffcoat-Trant

When planning a funeral, individuals and families are often overwhelmed by the heartbreaking loss of their loved ones.

Arranging the details for the celebration of a loved one’s life is not an easy task. Fortunately, the Auburn-Opelika area is blessed to have a funeral home that has been arranging ceremonies for almost 26 years.

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The people have been kind to us. We are very humble thankful to be in such a great area.

&

r. Bill Trant and his son, Coley, want families who have lost their loved ones to know that they are there to handle all of the arrangements. Dressed in colorful socks and bright bowties, it is easy to see that the Trant men take pride in their business and find joy through serving others in ways that many people cannot. The Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory offers many specialized services for the recently bereaved and provides each individual who comes through their door with impeccable customer service. Jeffcoat-Trant has been in the business for almost 26 years and is able to accommodate everyone’s individualized needs.

Mr. Joe Jeffcoat and Mr. Bill Trant opened Jeffocat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika in 1988, along with their partners Mr. Walter Jackson and Mr. Larry Mills. Mr. Jackson was from Opelika, and the four partners recognized a need for another funeral home in the Auburn-Opelika area. This was not Mr. Trant’s first encounter with the funeral home business.

He began working with his uncle at a cemetery in Opp, AL when he was just 13 years old.

From there, he found a love for serving others in their greatest time of need and has been in the business ever since. Mr. Trant attended mortuary school at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA. From there, he went to work at a funeral home in Dothan for 17 years.

Opening a funeral home in Opelika was definitely a risk for the group of partners because at that time, the funeral homes in the area had been around for more than 100 years. “The people have been kind to us. We are very humble and thankful to be in such a great area,” Mr. Trant said. When the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home first opened in 1988, the men hoped to serve 50 families in the first five years. They exceeded their expectations when they served 117

families in the first year. Currently, they serve over 200 families per year. Ten years ago, Mr. Trant bought sole ownership of the business from Mr. Jeffcoat, but because of the community’s faithfulness to their business, he decided to keep the name the same.

It is no surprise that Coley Trant also joined the funeral home business and is now in a partnership with his father. When the family first moved to the Opelika/Auburn/Lee County area, they lived in the back of the funeral home, so Coley was able to experience the family business first-hand even as a young boy. Coley attended mortuary school at Jefferson State Community College and has continued to follow in his father’s footsteps. “We like to say that we are just families taking care of families,” Coley said, and that is truly what they are doing. Coley and Mr. Bill enjoy working with people and lifting them up on their worst days. Unlike many funeral homes in large cities, Jeffcoat-Trant is independently owned by the Trant men, and it is that and their immaculate customer service that sets them apart from the competition.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home offers several unique services for those who are honoring their

loved ones or for those who would like to preplan their funerals. Jeffcoat-Trant has the only on-site crematory in Lee County. However, it is not only the specialty services Jeffcoat-Trant offers that sets them apart, but it is their love for serving people that makes them different from any other funeral homes in the Auburn-Opelika area. When it comes to arranging funerals, Mr. Bill and Coley want the community to know that they are “here for the people.” It is certainly not an easy business to be in, but because the Trant men have a passion for serving others, they are able to own and operate one of the most successful funeral homes in Lee County.

The staff at the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home exceeds in excellent service and customer care.

The Trant’s recognize the pain and heartbreak that many of their clients are experiencing and aim to relieve them of some of the stress that can accompany the death of a loved one. Mr. Bill and Coley also have an extensive knowledge regarding the formalities of burial processes.

Their charismatic demeanors and warm smiles let their customers know that they are ready to listen and to help them heal during their time

of loss. Because of their immaculate customer care, Mr. Bill and Coley have made a success out of a small family business and plan to continue to do so in the future. Coley’s son, Cole, is just a toddler but has already spent much of his life around the funeral home. It is a family tradition, and this is part of what makes Jeffcoat-Trant so unique.

If you are looking to plan your celebration services in advance or aren’t sure where to turn when faced with the loss of a loved one, the staff at the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is prepared to take care of all of your needs. They are able to assist with preneed traditional burial services, cremation options, and the burial itself. . Bill has been in the funeral business since 1963 and truly knows how to assess the needs of the recently bereaved. He has passed on his compassion and his professionalism down to his son, forming one of the best businesses in the community. for more information on Jeffcoat-Trant, visit www.jeffcoattrant.com

CULINARY CORNER

CHEF CHRIS CANNON

Chef Chris Cannon There are many characteristics that define the SOUTH, but among them all is an undying value of TRADITION. From football to front porch rendezvous, the simple pleasures run deep in the fabrics of SOUTHERN COMFORT. But nothing comes quite as close to our hearts than a plate adorned with HOME COOKED southern FOOD. That’s why at Kitchen 3810, CHEF CANNON takes great pride in satisfying every guest that walks through the door with a FULL STOMACH and MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE.

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For more than four years, Chef Christopher Cannon has been the proud owner of Kitchen 3810 in Opelika. Kitchen 3810 has made its mark on this town by satisfying its guests with unforgettable Southern cuisine. But the most remarkable aspect of this native eatery is its simplicity. From the minimalist décor of the dining tables to the straight-to-the-point composure of the food itself, this restaurant has a flavorful atmosphere that’ll keep you coming back every lunch break.

Opelika-native Chef Cannon claims his childhood was “average,” but skills in entrepreneurship were built into the foundation of his upbringing. While Cannon was a toddler, his father started Cannon Carpet One, a local flooring company just a short drive from where Kitchen 3810 stands today. “I had real loving parents. Anything I need-

ed they would get for me,” Cannon says. But after graduating from Opelika High, Cannon knew he had to find his own niche. “I got accepted to Auburn but went to Southern Union for a while. I did accounting and decided I didn’t want to do that. I was not good at accounting at all.”

Cannon soon hit the road towards Birmingham to pursue a career in a different field of study. “I was going to do computer drafting at Virginia College. I signed up for classes and went to orientation. My first class started the next day. I went home and got on my computer and something was broken. I couldn’t fix it so I said ‘I can’t do this for the rest of my life’. If I can’t fix one small problem, then I shouldn’t be working with computers.” With no options left, Cannon opted out of his classes and enrolled in Virginia College’s culinary program the following day.

When we asked him why he chose a life in the kitchen, Cannon said that he had two main inspirations. “My favorite restaurants were Shogun and Waffle House,” Cannon laughed. “The reason was because I got to sit and watch people cook. It never occurred to me, I just knew I liked to do it. It worked out.” Though it seems like his journey into the culinary arts was a choice made on impulse, we have a different opinion.

“I’m ADD,” Cannon said. “Books and school were a big challenge for me. I like cooking because it’s hands-on.” Prophetically, before Cannon was born, his grandparents opened a small restaurant in Opelika called Andy’s. “Guess you could say it was kind of in my genes,” Cannon said. To this day, Kitchen 3810 receives customers who can still recall their meals at Andy’s.

“I’ve had a few customers come in and bring me recipe cards,” Cannon smiled. “That was kind of neat, but a few of them were desserts: something I can’t make.”

While Kitchen 3810 shows Cannon’s ambition and talent, Cannon had

an impressive resumé long before its opening.

“While I was in college, I worked at a place called Calypso Joe’s and the Summit,” Cannon said. “Right towards the end and after college, I worked for Satterfield’s. It was one of the nicest restaurants in Birmingham…at the time.”

Later, Cannon purchased a restaurant in Opelika. “It was Café 123,” Cannon said. “It was an Italian restaurant when I bought it. I turned into what I call a southern cuisine with a French influence.” Cannon managed the restaurant by himself for a while, but eventually asked his cousin to partner with him. “The restaurant is still there. I just sold my half to him,” Cannon said.

After his first independent venture with Café 123, Chef Cannon took up employment at the Elk’s Lodge. Soon after, Cannon was married and had two children. “I got out of cooking for a little while after that,” Cannon said. “It was long hours, seven days a week. I wasn’t able to see my kids grow up, so I [left] the business and went to work for my dad.” It was there that Cannon realized he had no interest in hard labor.

Chef Cannon quit working for his father and landed a job working for U.S. Foods. But as fate has it, just when you think you’re out, it pulls you right back in. “I rode by one day and saw this place for sale. It used to be Durango’s,” said Cannon. “[My wife and I] thought it was a great location: right on the line of Opelika and Auburn, huge building. We pushed around the idea of just having a breakfast and lunch place so we could still be with the family. Luckily, the guy who owned it was a family friend.

He said yes.” The plan was to buy, remodel and reopen as soon as possible. “We were shooting for about two months,” Cannon said. “I think it took us about four. We opened December 12, 2011.”

Last December marked Kitchen 3810’s fourth year in business—a milestone in the restaurant business. “When I bought

my first restaurant about twelve years ago, the saying was that 70% of restaurants fail in the first year,” Cannon said. “Nowadays, I feel like you have to make it a lot longer to really feel comfortable. We’re looking for five years, if we can get to five years we’ll feel that we have enough regulars in here to get us through the rocky times. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but there’s always statistics showing how many restaurants fail within a year; it’s never a pretty number. We’re just thrilled to still be here.”

Cannon told us that the restaurant wasn’t meant to be a fast track to the highlife. The only thing he desires is to make an honest living doing what he loves. “If it makes enough money to take a trip to the beach or something, great, but that’s just extra. So long as we’re paying the bills, we’re thrilled to death.” Now going on their fifth year in business, Kitchen 3810 looks to have a promising future.

Just last August, Chef Cannon and his wife opened a new location at Southern Union called Kitchen 3810 Express. But nothing comes close to the original, so just what is it that makes this place so unique? “I had an instructor that said that chefs are the greatest thieves in the world,” Cannon said. But oddly enough, he isn’t secretive about his cooking process at all. When we asked him about Kitchen 3810’s signature black-eyed peas, he told us without hesitation. “We cook the bacon in a pan.

Once it’s done, we use the grease to sauté the onions until they’re almost caramelized. Then we’ll throw in garlic, and whether it’s collard greens or black eyes, we’ll add vinegar or chicken broth. For the black eyes we use chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then we add the peas. All the steps take about thirty to forty-five minutes, then you put the peas in and it takes about an hour [to an] hour and a half to cook.” One of the difficulties in the kitchen is that certain dishes, like the black-eyed peas or other popular sides like their juicy, locally-grown collard greens, usually put a single chef out of commission for a few hours. “We’re having to buy and cook a lot more than when we first started,” Cannon said.

“Which is understandable. If we’re not cooking more than we did in the beginning then obviously we’re not doing good.” But even though quantity has its perks, it’s the quality that makes all the difference.

Even for seasoned professionals like Chef Cannon, much of the culinary business ultimately depends on trial and error. “You’ve got culinary as an art form where people are coming up with new flavors, and even the plate designs are different,” Cannon said. “That’s what

we did at the Café [123].

One of my claims to fame is one dish that I added called the Tenderloin Napoleon. I’m pretty sure it was listed as one of the top ten dishes to eat in this area. The dish is a fried green tomato, a fillet, and on top is another fried green tomato with lump crabmeat and Béarnaise sauce. The flavors go really well together. You’ve got the tart from the tomato, the tinder fillet and then the brunette sauce ties everything together.”

The Tenderloin Napoleon still holds its place on Café 123’s menu to this day as one of their staple cuisines.

The ambitions of youth often yield innovative ideas, and though Chef Canon believes the learning experience in the kitchen is never done, his main goal now is to fill his guest’s stomachs with a hearty, memorable meal at a reasonable price. “Here [Kitchen 3810], we still play with the flavors; its still art,” Cannon said. “Most people here are eating on their lunch break.

They’re not worried about something beautiful on the plate. They’ve got to tear into it and get back to work.”

Chef Cannon developed his passion for Southern cuisine over a lifetime. “Growing up I didn’t really care much for this type of [Southern] food. It wasn’t until I got older and looked back on it that I craved those flavors. You want that good home cooking where after you get done with it, you want to sit down and take a nap. When you eat it, it takes you back, like eating with your grandparents. It’s that type of food that brings back a memory. That’s what we’re looking for.”

Though the customer is the highest priority in food service, none of it would be possible without a few good hands on deck. Chef Cannon has undoubtedly been blessed with a loyal staff that is more like an extended family than employees. “We’ve gotten some great people,” Cannon said. “That’s probably the main reason why this place is still here. Most people we have here now have been here for a minimum of one and a half to three and a half years. We went for about three and a half years with only six people. We’re up to sixteen now.”

For some businesses, it can be said—in reference to customer relations—that the larger they grow the lesser they know, but at Kitchen 3810, the customers are valued as close friends.

“Personality out is here is a huge keeper,” Cannon said. “The girls here call people by their names; they have inside jokes. They’ve got real intimate relationships with the customers. It’s like a big family. Three-quarters of the time, everyone is joking and having fun, but just like a family, there’ll be times when someone gets mad at somebody. I think you almost have to have that. If, for some reason, everyone is always mad at everybody or if there’s never an issue then there’s something wrong. You have a little argument every once in a while, but after it’s over with, you hug and make up. At other places I’ve worked you might get into an argument and not talk to someone for another two or three weeks. We got real lucky on the people who came here and kept this place going.” As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We suppose the same could be said for a restaurant. Though the food is what keeps the lights on, it’s the

people who make it all worthwhile.

Food service is exactly what the title entails: a service. When people provide services to each other, bonds are formed and relationships are born. But a relationship is only as good as the ingredients it takes to make them: a willing heart, a dash of loyalty, a spoonful of good work ethic, and plenty of love is all it takes to make a tasteful stock for an outstanding kitchen. Like plates of warm Southern food, family is a cherished Southern tradition. for more information on Chef Canon or Kitchen 3810, visit 3798 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 or call 334.737.3636

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FEATURE 80

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LISA DITCHKOFF

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FEATURE LISA DITCHKOFF

Lisa Ditchkoff Walking up the aged hardwood stairs of Lisa Ditchkoff’s Opelika Loft, a stranger could never guess the life she has endured. Her plush leather sofas invite guests to sit down and listen to Lisa’s incredibly unique and inspiring story.

isa has overcome a number of obstacles throughout her life. She escaped the Boston Mafia, lived in hiding for 27 years, put herself through college, raised two sons, and faced financial adversity with her business, the Bottling Plant Event Center in historic downtown Opelika. Lisa manages her event venue and is an author of which she publicly speaks about her life story. Lisa originally came to the Auburn-Opelika area because of the University and has dedicated her life to serving others. Lisa’s book, The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyebrows: Survival. Resilience. Triumph., details her struggles from her early childhood to young adulthood as a young, single woman living in Oklahoma.

Lisa was born in the rough and tumble city of Boston, Massachusetts on August 1, 1973.

She, her two older brothers, her parents, and her grandparents all lived in the community of Southie until Lisa was four years old. At that time, her mother learned that there was a hit out on her life. Her father, Tommy Connors, was an alleged member of the Irish Mob in Boston and was associated with the infamous Whitey Bulger.

“My mother felt like my father was truly capable of anything because of who my father was connected to,” Lisa said. “My parents were going through a brutal divorce at this time and my mother had begun dating another man.” Several weeks into their relationship, her mother’s boyfriend was pulverized by a group of her father’s friends, some known as the Winter Hill Gang.

This was when her mother knew she had to get out of town.

To help them escape, Lisa’s mother’s boyfriend staged a plan to move them to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they would be safe from Lisa’s

father and his connections. On the night of their run, Lisa’s mother packed her three children and three suitcases into a telephone truck and drove out of Boston during the biggest snowstorm the city had ever seen. They relocated to Tulsa, where Lisa’s mother remarried and Lisa’s struggles as a child began. When she was seven years old, a man at a country club in Tulsa was killed by a group of men associated with Whitey Bulger.

During the same time frame, her stepfather was severely injured in a mysterious hit and run. “My mother really believed my father was involved, and she lived her life paralyzed by fear after this,” Lisa said. After the accident, Lisa’s stepfather was hospitalized in a coma for a while and later was never able to work again, becoming an alcoholic, and her mother began to work nightshifts as a nurse’s aide to support their family.

At this stage of her life, Lisa was very alone.

Her brothers tormented her by subjecting her to

the dangers of bums and drunks in downtown Tulsa. “My brothers would take me to downtown Tulsa and then leave me to find my way back home by myself,” she said. This only forced Lisa to cling to other families around her, but because of the amount of life she had already experienced, she was unable to turn back. “At a very young age, I was running the streets,” she said. “I was drawn to families that had meals on the table, and I just spent my time with other families and people.” Lisa’s home life was not her only hardship; she described her life at school as being almost miserable. Barely able to read or write because of a learning disability, Lisa’s peers teased and bullied her by calling her names like “Chip” and “L.D.” “Chip” was because her two front teeth were chipped for years and “L.D.” stood for “learning disabled” because she could barely read. “I really just avoided people,” Lisa said.

A few years later, Lisa got pregnant with her

“I have found that I have such a big heart, and I want to help so much…

But I also have really strong work ethics, so it’s sometimes tough to balance that.”

first son at the age of fifteen. “I think that he kind of saved my life,” she said. In an attempt to turn her life around, Lisa enrolled at Tulsa Junior College. She scored a 14 on her ACTs and had to take freshman composition three times before she could successfully write a paragraph. “I put the first paragraph I ever made a good grade on in my book,” Lisa laughed. But Lisa wasn’t going to stop here. She had a dream of attending Oklahoma State University but received a rejection letter because of her 1.09 grade point average. Lisa called OSU on multiple occasions, but each person she talked to said there was nothing they could do. But she was not one to let things go. She put her two boys in the car along with a friend and drove to Stillwater to talk to the dean of admissions.

When she arrived at OSU, she had no sort of plan or any idea on where to go. “When I got there, I just knew I had to find the important building,” she said. “I had no idea how administrative hierarchy worked then and so I just walked from office to office begging for someone to give me a chance.” Each office said there’s nothing we can do, depleting Lisa’s hope. Finally, out of the mercy of an OSU administrator, she was accepted into OSU on academic probation.

She packed her bags and moved herself and two sons to Stillwater, where she knew no one, but at 21 years old and as a single mom with two boys, she had nothing but hope.

While at OSU, Lisa majored in human environmental sciences and child development— she had a passion for helping underprivileged children. Because of her learning disabilities, Lisa began her college career by making all D’s & F’s, but through a lot of determination, she started making straight A’s. “I began volunteering at an alternative school for class credit, but they eventually hired me once they knew I needed the money,” Lisa said. One opportunity led to another, and Lisa eventually landed a job at the Payne County Youth and Family Services and helped with foster care, adoption, and at-risk situations. Lisa then began working for the Big

Brothers Big Sisters organization and was hired as a full-time case manager after graduation. Still today, Lisa focuses many of her charity events on helping with raising money for organizations. “I have found that I have such a big heart, and I want to help so much,” she said. “But I also have really strong work ethics, so it’s sometimes tough to balance that.”

Even working as a case manager and raising her two boys, Lisa still wanted to make more of an impact on helping others. She began planning events and coordinated everything from CPR trainings to sumo wrestling contests while working at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Later after relocating to the Auburn-Opelika area and following the death of her older brother, Scotty, Lisa founded Professional Event Planning Services, or P.E.P.S., in 2003, and event planning became her full-time career. “I enjoy event planning because I can still make a contribution to help organizations but help in another way,” Lisa said.

The event planning business for Lisa was a stepping-stone to one day owning her own unique venue.

In 2010, Lisa partially opened the Bottling Plant Event Center in historic downtown Opelika. The venue was a dream of hers after overcoming years of heartache and adversity. Little did she know, her dreams of owning a venue would come with the baggage of a bad economy and a nasty divorce. “I couldn’t understand for the life in me at that time why the bank wouldn’t give us a loan,” Lisa said. To stay afloat, Lisa began to hand deliver many of her utility bills, among other struggles, and contemplated giving up. “I just really buckled down and gave it all I had,” she said. “And I really started turning to scripture. I would just stop and pray seven or eight times a day.”

Through all of the adversity she faced, Lisa’s faith in God grew stronger than ever. Many years before she purchased the center, Lisa realized how short life is after the death of her brother Scotty.

“He always told me, ‘Little sister, you can do it, you can do it,’” she said. Lisa began to write her

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“I just really buckled down and gave it all I had… And I really started turning to scripture.

I would just stop and pray seven or eight times a day.”

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first book a week after her brother’s passing. A few months later in June 2004, she rekindled her relationship with her estranged father to hopefully help her mother overcome her fears that left her paralyzed. “My only memory of my father was of him lifting me up and saying, ‘You’re so beautiful,’” she recalled. She said that when she saw her dad for the first time in 27 years at the age of 30, she thought her dad, a former professional boxer, looked very small. Despite her mother’s resistance, she has since given in to seeing her former husband, and they have grown to be close friends.

Meeting her father provided Lisa with much of the inspiration she needed to write her book.

She spent nine years trying to compose her life story into a memoir while battling her struggles with her business and the economy, her family, and her inner self. “Even if you take away the mafia and living in hiding for 27 years, I realized I had overcome extraordinary odds,” she said.

“So I felt as though sharing my story could help give hope and inspiration to other people that often give up.” The possibility of helping others through her story provided Lisa the courage to release her book and to tell her remarkable story.

As a child, scripture and God were not a part of Lisa’s home. “We didn’t even have books in our home,” Lisa laughed. And then one evening while watching the news, a comment from Mike Huckabee inspired Lisa to consider writing a second book. “I’ve heard both Huckabee and Rush Limbaugh say that one of things that will help in regard to our country’s economy is for people who have faced tremendous struggles come out and tell their stories. So many people have given up on their goals and dreams,” she remarked. So when the title for a second book came to her, she knew she had to write it. “The hardest part about the first book was coming up with the title,” she said. Paying the Minimum is expected to hit shelves by mid-2016 and will revolve

around Lisa’s faith in Christ and her struggles in regard to the economy and her business. “The title is like paying the minimum on a maxed out credit card,” she said. “But how often are we truly only paying the minimum in our relationship with Christ?” This is one of the questions Lisa wrestles with in her second work.

Since opening the Bottling Plant Event Center, Lisa has relied on her community to support her. “The support has continued to grow, the community has continued to grow, and I like that,” she said. “The community does come through to help organizations when they’re in need. “There’s something inside me. I don’t give up very easily,” she said. Wine Down Wednesdays have become a weekly event at the center and community members to relax and have fun while enjoying the pleasures of various wines.

The center expanded its business license recently and sells wine retail. Lisa also supports local non-profits by offering a non-profit rate. And the venue’s popularity is only growing as the City of Opelika and surrounding area continues to expand. “I recall a week in which we had 13 or 14 events,” Lisa said. “Some weeks we might have two events or some we might have six or seven.”

Lisa Ditchkoff’s hard work and dedication to her community is a perfect example of the American Dream. She is stronger in her faith than she has ever been. By quite literally pulling herself up by her bootstraps, she put herself through school, successfully raised two sons, and built her own businesses from the ground up. As she embarks on the journey of publishing her second book, her faith will be tested, but she is confident in God’s plan for her life.

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LOCAL FEATURE THE DEPOT

: RE VIVAL

You might remember the old red train depot sitting lonely on the corner of Mitcham Avenue and North College Street in Auburn. If you have lived in Auburn for long, you may even remember it housing a number of local small businesses since the last time a passenger train departed the location sometime in the 1970s. You may have driven past the site, curious about what was to become of the dilapidated building with peeling paint and broken windows. Thanks to the City of Auburn and four creative individuals, the old depot is now a transformed and beautiful seafood brasserie, drawing a healthy crowd even in its first months of existence.

hen I walked into The Depot, in the early afternoon just a few weeks ago, I received a warm welcome from its owners, and I could tell they could not wait to show me the fruits of their labor. I quickly realized that they had a lot to brag about in their recent renovations.

When Matt and Jana Poirier moved to Auburn in 2011 with dreams of opening a restaurant, they visited the old train depot and fell in love with its potential. But with all the work and renovation the old depot needed, it wasn’t the right time to purchase the structure. The Poiriers chose to open their now very popular restaurant, The Hound, in the heart of downtown Auburn on Tichenor Avenue, just next to the parking deck between Gay and College streets.

The depot needed much more than a facelift. Although many toured the site and considered revamping the historic location, the cleanup alone was a project no one felt equipped to handle. A mark of vacancy and desolation, an empty gas station remained on the abandoned property. Finally, after the neglected depot stood vacant for more than a decade, the city of Auburn bought the site, hoping to help someone breathe new life into the historical structure.

The Poiriers appreciated the city’s campaign for revitalization of the train depot and took the opportunity to open a sister restaurant to their firstborn, the Hound. A homage to the bustling train depot of the past, the Poiriers created The Depot. They partnered with Mr. Richard Tomasello, former owner of Auburn’s 17-16 bar, and Executive Chef Scott Simpson to acquire the property. The visionaries knew that they were tackling a project that many before had deemed impossible, or

when

WE CAN’T WAIT to see their faces realize WHAT WE HAVE DONE with the place, WOW THEM A SECOND TIME when their food

they

then we get to comes to the table.

perhaps not worth the effort, but their resolve was strong and focused.

Even more helpful was the community’s eagerness to see The Depot reopened and thriving. “Every night someone stopped by and told us a story about the old depot, or that they, too, had looked at the property,” Tomasello laughed. “A lot of people have wanted to see something in this building over the years, but nothing was ever done. There just seemed to be too many deterrents.” People buzzed with excitement in 2014 when they heard about the remodeling, and many volunteered their services to expedite the process. The project would not only restore The Depot to preserve its legacy, but would add attractive curb appeal to the downtown area itself. The Depot could bring in visitors from all over the state.

Not many Auburnites know the rich history of The Depot. The first physical structure on the property was built in 1847, only eight years after the city of Auburn was incorporated in 1839. In a time when passenger trains were a convenient and popular method of transport, thousands of Alabama travelers boarded trains departing Auburn. In July of 1864, during the American Civil War, Union forces burned down the depot and tore up the tracks, barring the movement of military supplies between Selma’s Confederate armory and Atlanta during its siege. Just a few years later, in 1870, it was rebuilt, only to burn again in 1904 due to a lightning strike. Thankfully, Ralph Dudley, a 21-year-old architecture student of Alabama Polytechnic Institute, designed a third and final Victorian rail-

road depot to reinstate Auburn as a center of travel in Alabama shortly after.

Throughout the Great Depression and into the latter half of the twentieth century, The Depot was a place to welcome soldiers home from war, celebrate football victories, and gather with friends. Until the last passenger train pulled into The Depot in January of 1970, eight trains per day stopped in Auburn, headed to Atlanta, Mobile, Montgomery, New Orleans, and New York. A record store and several other businesses opened in the depot after its closing, with Cary-Pick Real Estate being the last to occupy it before moving out in 2003. Many have recognized the historical significance of the tracks and The Depot, and have not forgotten the sadness and joy witnessed there. Because of the rich history and cultural significance, the reopening of The Debot as a venue for celebration is exciting for many.

Once plans for the restaurant were finalized, it took only six months to complete the project. Tomasello bragged that this was an incredibly fast turn-around for such a large endeavor. He appreciates the encouragement of the commu-

nity in helping them reach the finish line.

Restoration of the building included preserving its bare bones so that the beloved establishment stayed as true to its roots as possible. The Depot has been painted a handsome blue approved by the historical society, and pays gorgeous homage to its original functionality with its celebration of the landmark railroad track just six feet from its windows. The 5500 square foot building was renovated in small ways throughout the years, such as when a carport was added where the bar now stands. Some of these prior additions are obvious, while some are not.

As I spoke with Tomasello and Simpson, we sat in the train booth, a special seat (and favorite of young visitors) that vibrates when the train passes due to its proximity to the tracks. This booth was once The Depot’s ticket or luggage window.

“People don’t realize the train is coming, then it’s on top of them and they are amazed,” Tomasello smiled. If the sheer rush of the train traveling alongside the depot isn’t enough, its deafening roar will bring you quickly to reality.

The chef ’s table and the bar top are made from original Heartwood Pine pulled from The Depot’s platform (now the kitchen). Contributing to the relaxing atmosphere, the fixtures in the restaurant are elegant but understated. There are no white table cloths or maître d’s in tuxes. Instead, there is simply high quality, excellent food in a comfortable atmosphere. A Latin-style Asador Grill is the centerpiece in the Depot kitchen.

The only one of its kind in Alabama, this unique

wood-burning grill reaches temperatures far higher than a conventional grill. Hickory and pecan woods are burned in the open air.

“It’s basically like containing a small forest fire,” Chef Simpson explained. “It’s so intense it requires constant attention and care. It’s a living, organic wood fire which sears and cooks the meat and fish in a very unique way, capturing in natural flavors and enhancing them.”

The Depot has something to satisfy almost any palate. From college students to dignitaries, the depot’s clientele is as diverse as their menu.

Visitors can select from gourmet salads, gulf-fresh seafood that is brought in daily, or a number of other decadent dishes. For the adventuresome diner, the brasserie specializes in unusual—but delicious—seafood dishes like Cobia Wings, or a San Francisco Style Cioppino. A vast selection of house-designed, pre-prohibition era cocktails perfectly complement any number of dishes, especially fresh Oysters on the half shell. Not only are the oysters one of the more popular items on the menu, but they are also a favorite at the bar where they have earned a steady following by the after-work crowd. Six offerings appear on the “Daily Catch” menu, and each of these dishes are made available on the day they are delivered.

The Depot also offers non-seafood dishes, such as American Lamb, Prime Grade Steaks, and Muscovy Duck. The restaurant currently serves dinner only, but they hope to add a lunch menu in the near future. The owners intend to keep the restaurant small and intimate to ensure the cuisine is always impeccable. Chef Simpson expressed his excitement about expanding into the lunch market, but they are in no rush, and The Depot will not compromise quality to expedite the expansion. “We are still perfecting the dinner experience. We want to make sure we understand our demographic before opening for lunch in the next few months or so,” he said.

Satisfying Auburn’s need for an upscale seafood restaurant sourced from the gulf was something the Poiriers, Tomasello, and Simpson took

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in stride. Much to their delight, it was a relatively smooth process, but not without a few hiccups. “Restoring the roof and the floors was challenging because the building had been sitting empty for such a long time,” Tomasello said. “And making the building ADA compliant while preserving its historical feel meant we had to get creative.” The Depot is a dream come true for its owners, and it is evident that opening the doors to Auburn’s next killer restaurant was worth any turbulence along the way. “So what makes it worth it?” I asked Tomasello. He didn’t hesitate: “It’s so much fun to see people enjoying their dinner in this beautiful old building that everyone thought was going to fall in on itself. People are taken back by what we have done, and it is an honor that guests would choose to celebrate milestones like graduating college, birthdays, and anniversaries with us. Really anytime someone walks through the doors for the first time, we are thrilled that they have chosen The Depot.

We can’t wait to see their faces when they realize what we have done with the place, then we get to wow them a second time when their food comes to the table. It’s really gratifying.”

Go see for yourself the gift Matt and Jana Poirier, Mr. Richard Tomasello, and Chef Scott Simpson have given to downtown Auburn in opening The Depot. Not only have they brought an impressive dining experience to the area, but they have given new life to one of the most important historical sites in East Alabama. Drive by to see the gorgeous new exterior. Even better, make a reservation and enjoy The Depot’s fabulous food and atmosphere. If it is available, arrange for your party be seated at the chef ’s table made of The Depot’s original Heartwood Pine, where you can see right down the line in Chef Simpson’s kitchen. Watch as the Asador grill is fired up, and appreciate Simpson’s and his staff’s meticulous preparation of their culinary conceptions.

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Serving the Southeast for over 37 years.

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HOME AUBURN UNIVERSITY GOLF

CLUB

Stately Elegance

DEFINED In a world where innovative developers are bringing new products and impressive designs to the consumer limelight, what sets a homebuilder apart? Is it his passion for an ever growing industry and the satisfaction of the families he serves? Is it his extraordinary level of ability and imaginative spirit? Or is it his natural sense of a customer’s style and taste?

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2016

pon meeting with the talented Mr. Michael Dilworth, owner of Dilworth Development, one soon realizes that all of these are qualities of an outstanding home builder. While a student of Building Science at Auburn University, Michael built his first home at 19 and became impassioned by the art. At a time when most college students are unsure of what field they will pursue, Michael sold his first beautiful house. He started his company soon after, specializing in enduring designs and unique architectural elements. Today, with the Dilworth Development stamp on so many up and coming neighborhoods in the Auburn area, including a large group of homes within the Auburn University Club, he is a leader among Auburn business owners.

Dilworth’s most recent group of developments, made up of about 200 lots surrounding the gorgeous greens and fairways of Auburn University Club, is Auburn’s newest gem. In an effort to bring new life to the area just north of Shug Jordan Parkway between Donahue Drive and Richland Road, Dilworth and

his team provide families with homes built custom to their specifications and lifestyle. Aside from the fact that these homes are situated upon some of the most lush and beautiful plots of land in town, buyers can enjoy the convenience of the location as well. The properties are not more than a few miles from some of Auburn’s best schools and shopping, while also being in close proximity to Lake Martin, Highway 280, and Alabama Interstate 85. The Club itself was acquired by Mr. Mike Thompson and his partners in 2011, when they realized that the city needed a private country club that offered outstanding amenities with a competitive price.

Since then, the Auburn University Club has established a number of partnerships which bring significant benefit to the community. They have given the property a complete facelift, revamping its fabulous “Clubhouse” restaurant and enhancing the award-winning, 225-acre course. It also boasts a state of the art fitness center and fully stocked pro shop along with a 12,000 square foot clubhouse, two pools, and facilities. All residents of the community can become members of the Auburn University Club and enjoy its benefits. As a bonus, initiation fees are waived for neighborhood residents.

Michael and his company have experienced an impressive positive response to the lots they have to sell and are expanding their part of the development in the years to come. Not only do families buying and building their homes recognize the value in purchasing a house within the Auburn University Club Development, but they also recognize the quality they are investing in when they trust Michael and his team to build for them a home. Dilworth Development is exceptionally skilled in taking an ordinary budget and creating an extraordinary and long-lasting house. “We aren’t about giving you the most house for your money,” Michael told us. “We’re about giving you the best house for your money.”

Opened in 1999, Dilworth Development has raised the bar for Auburn homebuilders as east Alabama’s premiere construction and development company. Professionalism, honesty, and efficiency are their most important standards of business, and these truly shine through in their work. By fostering real and positive relationships with customers, Michael and the Dilworth team can meet the demands presented by a constantly evolving market.

Even better, they generate customer loyalty.

Building a house is one of the most important decisions a family makes, so a fantastic support

system goes a very long way. Buying, building, and designing the home of your dreams requires a lot of planning, and Dilworth Development’s careful attention to detail and hardworking team of experienced employees truly make it a joy. Each home is thoughtfully and skillfully crafted with the needs and desires of the buyer in mind. Homes in the Auburn University Club development are no exception.

When we asked Michael why customers love to work with his team, he smiled and said, “there are so many choices to make when it comes to building y o u r o w n home, but if I can s h o w someone just a few pictures and have them tell me what they do and don’t like, I can gain a pretty good idea of what they want in their dream house. It’s exciting to sit down with somebody and help them to realize that we can build to a tee what they have envisioned.” Dilworth Development urges its customers to explore the possibilities of the canvas that is their building plan. With the Dilworth team’s knowledge and skill, customers can approach the task of homebuilding with confidence and anticipation.

Families looking at moving into the Auburn University Club development can expect the Dilworth team to be with them every step of the way. In-house designers work closely alongside architects to bring creative ideas and one-of-a-kind blueprints. Even the tasks of choosing flooring, cabinetry, countertops, wall color, and lighting are facilitated by the Dilworth Development staff alongside the client. No detail is missed. Michael believes in using natural materials, not only because they serve to enhance the rustic, Old World architecture he finds so appealing, but because they are materials of integrity. Any materials that can be sourced close to home are considered quality, and supporting local business is just one way Dilworth gives back to Auburn.

Michael and the Dilworth team have built over 100 homes within the University Club and are not stopping there. Thirty-three lots will come on the market at the beginning of 2016’s first quarter in a section called “Club Creek,” and “Pine Valley” is also in the plans with 90 more lots. Dilworth Development is pleased with the interest of consumers in the Falls Crest, PARC, Fairway, and Yarbrough Farms sections of the development. The community values the beauty, natural landscape, quality construction, and location.

Walking through a home planned and constructed by Dilworth Development is quick to convince anyone of its impeccability.

Falls Crest consists of approximately thirty very

private lots backing up to the Auburn University Club’s course with a number of floor plans to choose from. PARC features breathtaking views and centrally located green spaces. The Fairway features all brick, low-maintenance cottage lots neighboring the Club House. The Treehouses of Yarborough Farms are nestled in the trees bordering the 10th fairway.

“There is a real investment opportunity in purchasing one of our homes at the Auburn University Club,” Michael assured us. “We want everyone to know that the Club is greatly enhanced. It’s the next best place to live in Auburn, and lots are going quick.

We’ll work with you to give you what you want. We try to build for our customers homes that have some of the elements of multi-million-dollar homes. If there’s something they want that seems a little out of reach, we’ll do our best to make it happen.” Michael and his partners predict that the Auburn University Club will become one of the most sought after residential areas in Auburn in the next decade.

What is your version of home? Is it a soft place to land after a long day on the job? Is it dinner at

the family table with a view of your sparkling pool and the rolling greens of a golf course along Saugahatchee Creek? Or is it a Sunday afternoon movie in the dark of a cozy den, warmed by the roaring fire of a wood burning fireplace? Do you appreciate creatively unique and sophisticated detail in architecture? If so, Dilworth Development and their homes available in and around the Auburn University Club appeal to this lifestyle. Customers interested in making a home in one of these growing subdivisions start by sitting down with Michael and the development team to come up with an initial plan. It tends to be the case that when a customer’s vison is combined with Michael’s the product is greater than either of them could have imagined. Dilworth Development, “the builder of choice,” is located at 2124 Moores Mill Road, Suite 130A in Auburn. Call the office at 334-821-6610 if you’d like to talk to the team about making a Dilworth home your own. The Auburn University Club is located at 1650 Yarborough Farms Boulevard. Call 334-821-8381 for more information about memberships and facilities.

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A new start at Southern Tatler means newer and better online content and to prove our point, we provide all of our past issues, and behind the scenes of each of our past cover feature.

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TRAVEL RIO BRAZIL

Brazil

long the southeastern coast of Brazil lies a cornucopia of sandy beaches and sun-kissed bodies that rival that of Olympus. The coastal landscape, shaped in deep, smooth curves, complements the feminine essence of Yemanjá herself. Here, the sunlight greets you at every step as you wander through the bustling metropolis punctuated by the smiling faces of the carioca (Rio natives). And, as the sun sets over the horizon of the Atlantic, you find new life in the carnival of lights gathered at the feet of the mountains like fallen stars. Travelers beware; Rio de Janeiro has a way of intoxicating its visitors with a feeling or paradise unlike any other.

Rio de Janeiro was supposedly discovered in the year 1502 by a Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos. The name Rio de Janeiro translates to “River of January” or “January River”. Lemos gave the city its name when he and his crew arrived at the mouth of a river, which was truly a bay, in the month of January.

Soon, other European countries like France attempted to establish a foothold in the developing city but were driven out after intense wars. Rio de Janeiro’s main export at the time was sugarcane, however, after increased competition with other South American countries, Rio switched their market to coffee production. Today, Brazil is one of the largest coffee exporters in the world.

For thirteen years, Rio was home to the Portuguese royal family. Under their rule, the city grew rapidly, adding modern infrastructure and buildings along the foothills of the mountain peaks that tower over the bay. In 1889, Brazil gained its independence, and Rio de Janeiro became the nation’s capital.

Without the burden of rulers, Rio became Brazil’s cornerstone for culture, economy, and politics. Today, Rio de Janeiro is the second most popular city in Brazil, next to São Paolo, which is currently the nation’s capital. Rio de Janeiro attracted over 1 million foreign visitors in 2010, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. If you would like to visit the beautiful Rio de Janeiro, we’ve included a few tips for your trip.

To begin, you’ll need to book a flight. The easiest way to access the city is by plane, although, the adventurous sea-goer may find the water to be a more suitable means of transport. Upon arrival, check into one of the beachfront hotels: the sunsets and rises are one of the main attractions. For a front-row seat, you might reserve a suite at Caesar Park. Just a short walk from the sands of the famous Ipanema beach, Caesar Park offers a luxurious cosmopolitan atmosphere with an upbeat swing. Amenities are limited, but in Rio, the hotel is an afterthought. Life here is simple; soaking up the first light is a valued pastime for both carioca and tourists.

Ipanema Beach is one of the most desired destinations in Rio. Located in Zona Sul (South Zone), Ipanema among the most posh and high-dollar areas to hang out. Nonetheless, Ipanema is a well-known hangout spot for people of all social classes. Beach day in Rio is just about every day, but Sunday is the weekly holiday. On Sunday, the beach comes alive with the light of a thousand smiling faces spread across the crescent shorelines. People flock to the sand for cool water, a warm breeze, and exciting conversation. Rio is also a prime city for beach sports like volleyball and Frisbee. The people of Rio strongly value their physical appearances: a passion bordering on obsession.

For miles along the coast, you will find swarms of dark, glistening bodies cooked by the sun. Some of the carioca view their skin as part of their clothing, like an outfit. Brazil has one of the highest demands for plastic surgery in the world. The carioca also take pride in personal outward expressions in the form of extravagant tattoos. They dance along the streets, half naked, with tattoos like a human canvas. It’s beautiful, but for a society so fascinated with body image, nudity is still illegal in all parts of the city, except for one: Abricó beach, which is Rio de Janeiro’s only nude beach.

The beaches are usually going to be the highlight of one’s visit to Rio, but the city has more to offer than sand and salt. One of the most unique features of Rio de Janeiro is its harmony with nature. If the beach scene gets too hot, visitors can find refuge in the shade of the canopy while still within the city limits. The Sugarloaf Mountain is one of Rio’s most famous natural attractions. Rising over 350 meters, the Sugarloaf got its name in the 16th century when Rio’s largest export was sugarcane. According to legend, locals thought the mountain looked like a lump of sugar, leading to the name officially used today.

The Sugarloaf is now famous for its cable car, which peaks at 700 feet above sea level, giving visitors a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city.

Another popular sight is the Corcovado Mountain, home of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. The statue is the city’s most recognizable icon.

Standing over 100 feet tall, it is one of the largest and most famous statues in the world. Though the statue is situated at the top of the Corcovado Mountain, it is conveniently accessible by foot, car, or train. But if you enjoy a more laid-back setting among the lush greenery of Rio’s natural world, the Jardim Botânico should be at the top of your list. This pristine garden covers about 340 acres of untouched natural beauty.

The garden hosts around 6,000 different species of both exotic and indigenous flora. This hidden gem provides visitors with a quiet, easygoing experience that’s only a stone’s throw away from the chaos of the city, but with a sense of privacy that puts a busy mind at ease.

In the center of the city are numerous natural attractions that coexist with the roaring momentum of civilization. Another great place to check out is the Tijuca Forest. The Tijuca Forest is located at the heart of Rio, separating the west, south, and north

zones. The Forest is claimed to be the largest urban forest in the world; however, that title is often disputed between the Tijuca and the Johannesburg Forest in South Africa.

We understand that outdoor expeditions can be physically exhausting, so in order to rejuvenate your thrill for adventure, you might grab a cup of coconut milk and hang out on the beach before settling into an authentic, Portuguese meal. We could go down a list of cookie-cutter dining hotspots concocted by some travel agency, but if you want a taste of the real Rio, we suggest spending some time at the Laranjeiras Market. One of the oldest markets in Rio, Laranjeiras is a cultural center for food, music, and art. We believe that food is one of the best ways to experience a different culture, and street food is as authentic as it gets.

The market is most easily accessible by car. When you get off at Laranjeira street, keep walking until you smell the aroma of street food. Those who are fond of their southern comfort zone might find it satisfying that Rio is a great place to enjoy a colorful variety

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of delicious fried foods. One delicacy that you must try is Rio’s famous Pastels, a Brazilian fast food that is deep-fried in a crispy golden pie full of any number of fillings that range from meat and cheese, to various types of jellies. This isn’t a five-star meal served by waiters in uniforms who know all the names of the best wines around, but it is an authentic culinary experience that will not disappoint. However, if you are in the mood for something a bit more posh, Rio is home to a number of different churrascarias.

Churrascarias are the equivalent to an American smokehouse. Visitors are welcomed to come in and enjoy a taste of some of the finest meats in all of Brazil. There are many different churrascarias in Rio, but to narrow down the list, we recommend the Carretão which has two locations at the Copacabana and Ipanema. Only here can visitors enjoy various types of meats, cooked to perfection by five-star chefs whose first priority is to give you something to boast about back home. Valet parking is available for those who choose not to walk, but in a place like Rio, walking is ideal.

Rio keeps its visitors entertained year-round with many different activities and attractions, but one of the most festive events the city hosts is their legendary Carnival. This year, Carnival will take place from February 5th to February 10th. This five-day extrav-

aganza of culture and entertainment offers an array of spectacles from sunrise to sunset. One such spectacle is the Samba Parade, a dazzling dance and music collaboration hosted by Rio’s most prestigious samba schools. Visitors can also enjoy the evening at various balls and street parties. Carnival is the Mardi Gras of Rio de Janeiro. For five days, visitors will experience a most glamorous and intimate time among the carioca and centuries of European and native cultures.

In terms of culture, Rio wouldn’t be Rio without samba. Both a dance style and musical genre native to Brazil, samba is one of the most iconic cultural expressions of the nation. Visitors interested in learning the dance will get the best exposure by watching the pros. Most samba schools in the city host a samba night where both beginners and experts can come and dance. And if you’re really feeling lucky you might even inquire to enter the samba parade for Carnival.

Perhaps even more culturally diverse than the city itself are the Olympics, and Rio, the first South American city ever to do so, will be the official host of the 2016 Summer Games. Rio was chosen as the hosting city in 2009, outbidding formidable opponents like Tokyo, Chicago and Madrid. From August 5th to 21st, more than 10,000 athletes will compete for gold. This year, the games will host 306 medal events in 42 different athletic categories, including sports

like water polo, rhythmic gymnastics, archery, beach volleyball, and more. The Copacabana, Barra, Deodoro, and Maracaña regions of the city will primarily host the Olympic venues. For more information about the Summer Olympics, visit Rio2016.com.

As a vacation destination, Rio leaves little room for dissatisfaction. Rio’s welcoming smiles draw visitors like a siren’s song; the city’s heartbeat dances to the tune of bongos and maracas played gaily on the salted banks of Copacabana. Here the people live beneath the ever-present sun in a cultural, harmonious symphony. If you’re looking for a place to find yourself while escaping the brutal North American winter, Rio de Janeiro is just over the horizon.

C O N C I E R G E

John James Audubon’s early eighteenth-century book Birds of America provides a portal to the natural world. Containing over four hundred life-sized watercolor illustrations of North American birds, Birds of America is considered the archetype of wildlife illustration. According to a 2010 article in the Wall Street Journal, “‘Birds’ Book Soars to Record,” London fine art dealer Michael Tollemache purchased the Audubon book for $11.5 million.

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Valentine’s Getaway at The Hotel at Auburn University

Includes Valentine’s Dinner for Two in Ariccia, Overnight Accommodations, Two Piccolo’s of Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Breakfast for Two in Ariccia.

Call (334) 821-8200 for Reservations X

Romantic Valentine’s Dinner

Sunday, February 14 Ariccia will feature a special three course Valentine’s Day dinner .

X

February 12-14 X 5:00-9:00pm Enjoy S’mores on the patio, featuring a hot chocolate & coffee bar $10 per couple X

Live Jazz Performances February 13 & 14 8:00-11:00pm

For more information visit www.auhcc.com To make reservations please contact Ariccia at (334)844-5140 241 S. College Street, Auburn, AL @hotelatauburn

SINCE 1946

111 South College Street, Auburn • 334.821.7375 The Shoppes at EastChase, Montgomery • 334.386.9273 Eastern Shore Centre, Spanish Fort • 251.338.9273