Cover: Tacos from Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina, photography by Wes Roberts This page: Back Porch Brewing Company’s Burrata Platter and their Centennial Park Citro Hazy Pale Ale, photography by Wyatt Kostygan.
taco tales 46
There’s something universally irresistible about tacos. Whether you’re savoring the crunch of a crispy shell or sinking your teeth into a tender soft tortilla, tacos take diners on a flavor-packed adventure that transcends borders and cultures.
BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY WES ROBERTS
brew crew 54
Five local craft breweries putting the emphasis on craft. The Sarasota and Bradenton area has a rich cultural scene with a strong appreciation for food, craftsmanship, and the arts. There is an incredible array of local breweries where craft beer aficionados can slake their thirst for this buzzy beverage.
BY KATE WIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN , WES ROBERTS
srqist 12
Unearth remnants of Florida’s past on a fossil dig with local outfitter Fossil Recovery Exploration. At Jetty Boys Rum Cakes, the whole family plays a role in producing delectable desserts. Chef Edward Lee connects cultures through a love and respect for different cuisines. No camper gets left out on the docks with Spectrum Sailing.
culture city 28
When Sarasota Ballet brings Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle to the Sarasota Opera House stage this November, it will be with a secret weapon helming the production—Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri. Carolyn Fletcher Marx and the power of process. The Sarasota International Chalk Festival is hosting a historic gathering of Flower Carpet artists from around the world.
cargo 41
Kitten heels are back and they’re all the rage. Gone are the days of suffering for fashion, check out these comfortable shoes for the 9-5.
forage 65
Since opening in February, Arts and Central has been dazzling diners with its creative cuisine. Osteria 500 is bringing Italy to Sarasota with authentic Italian cuisine and a conscientiously curated wine list.
giving coast 94
Brock Leach is a philanthropist known to fight for social justice. Leach has been quoted as saying “The best gift one can give to another is the gift of opportunity.” This is a reference to unleashing human potential by ensuring that everyone, especially kids have a chance to bring their best selves to the world.
This page, clockwise: Arts & Central cocktail, photo by Zach Dauth; Jetty Boys Rum Cake’s Shark Bites cake, photo courtesy of Jetty Boys Rum Cake; and, Spectrum Sailing, photography by Wes Roberts.
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The “SRQ” in SRQ magazine originates from the designated call letters for the local Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “SR” was the original abbreviation for the airport before the growth in total number of airports required the use of a three-letter code. Letters like “X” and “Q” were used as filler, thus the original “SR” was revised to “SRQ,” much as the Los Angeles airport became “LAX.” As a regional publication committed to the residents of and visitors to both Sarasota and Manatee counties, SRQ captures the place that we call home.
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Chris Mandell and the team at Fossil Recovery Exploration dig for unique and rare fossils along the banks of the Peace River. Dylan Campbell
This spread: Finding mammoth teeth, large mammal fossils and shark teeth is not uncommon during a fossil dig with Fossil Recovery Exploration,.
CHRIS MANDELL HAS ALWAYS DUG FOR BURIED TREASURE. He did so growing up in Western New York, sifting through the sediment of creeks and streams for local Devonian fossils. He did so as a father, taking his children to the beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast to hunt for Megalodon teeth. And he does so now, as the owner and tour guide of Fossil Recovery Exploration (FRE). “I came to FRE in 2020 originally as a customer. I became friends with the original owner, started guiding with him and networking myself throughout the fossil community,” says Mandell. “As I gained knowledge, the gentleman that owned the business expressed the fact that he was looking to retire and it kind of fell into my lap.”
Mandell, who has been splitting his time between working as a United States Coast Guard charter boat captain on Lake Ontario and selling antique books in Florida, was thrust into an ownership position after Hurricane Ian wiped out his collection of antique books in 2022. Ever since, Mandell has brought his voracious appetite for fossils— and infectious attitude—to Desoto County, where FRE operates along the tannin-stained creeks and estuaries of the Peace River. FRE is a partner of Peace River Charters, an outfitter that provides them with the airboats, swamp buggies and resources to access the privately owned land on which they dig for fossils. The Peace River Formation of South-Central Florida—and the Floridian peninsula as a whole–is a hotbed for fossils because of the geological variations tracing back approximately 50 million years ago. As a result of fluctuating sea levels–the entire peninsula at one point submerged under an ocean–and sedimentary run-off from the Appalachian mountains, fossils from different eras of land and marine mammals can be found buried throughout the area’s dense swamps, creeks and riverbeds.
A dig with FRE lasts four to six hours and starts in the morning, with an educational “lecture” preparing participants for what to expect, before a wind-whipping ride on an airboat—or slightly slower ride on a swamp buggy—to the dig site, where participants wade
through the black water river, digging for primordial treasure with speciality shovels and sifts. “Myself and the other guides delight in helping everybody that we can. We dig alongside them, educating as we go. There’s a lot of hands-on tutorials with the equipment which is all locally sourced and built within or partnered with a local company,” says Mandell. “We want to give them the knowledge they need where if they choose to do this on their own, they’ve got a way better idea of how to do it. We don’t try to hold the customers to come back only with us, we want them to take what they’ve learned and do it right, do it ethically in respect to the rules of the state and the environment.”
The day ends with a ride back to the launch site, where Mandell and his team will help patrons identify their findings–which range from Megalodon teeth to whale invertebrates to jaw bones of wooly mammoths— and answer any questions they might have. Mandell’s family typically joins him at this time, his wife making custom necklaces from shark teeth and his children basking in the afterglow of the primordial hunt. This is where his life has taken him, from the swells of Lake Ontario to the banks of the Peace River, deep within the Floridian undergrowth. For Chris Mandell is still digging, not just for fossils, but for the memories that accompany them. SRQ
This page, left to right: Mandell and his team offer various modes of fossil hunting using both airboats and swamp buggies. FRE's heavyduty stainless steel scoops increase the chances to find more fossils on a dig.Fossil Recovery Exploration, 585-880-3150,
This page, clockwise: Brady, Rebecca, Josh, and Preston Jones (left to right) are lifelong Venice residents who are following their dreams of becoming bakers of the most delicious rum cakes in Southwest Florida; Jetty Boys Rum Cakes are made to order using the finest local ingredients, including their own harvested salt.
THE FAMILY THAT BAKES TOGETHER
Jetty Boys Rum Cakes is a family business in the truest sense. Kate Wight
AFTER TASTING A “LIFE-CHANGING” RUM CAKE MADE BY A FAMILY FRIEND, Josh and Rebecca Jones immediately began to daydream about starting a business making their own decadent rum-soaked cakes. From day one, they knew they wanted the business to be a family venture that involved their sons Brady, 13, and Preston, 11. Earlier this year, the family launched Jetty Boy Rum Cakes and they’ve been satisfying sweet tooths at farmer’s markets throughout the area ever since.
“We spent six months diving into recipes, trying to figure out what our original recipe was going to be,” Rebecca recalls. “A lot of them failed. It was a good learning process for my boys to learn about picking yourself up and trying again.” Eventually the family perfected their original recipe—a fragrant, melt-inyour-mouth cake with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom and dried oranges along with a satisfying crunch from candied pecans. That original recipe also serves as the base for other rum cake flavors like chocolate, key lime and toasted coconut. Jetty Boys uses local ingredients whenever possible, including local rums like Righteous Rum & Spice from St. Petersburg Distillery. They even harvest their own salt.
“On really clear days we go to the jetties in Venice early in the morning, before all the people are out, when the water is crystal clear,” Rebecca says. “We collect about ten gallons of water and we bring it home and boil it for 10-12 hours in the backyard, then bring it inside and finish it on the stove.”
Ten gallons of water yields about two pounds of salt which is more than enough for their cakes. Any extra salt is packed up and sold plain or in flavors like Spicy Citrus and Lavender Lemon at farmer’s markets alongside the decadent cakes. Naturally, the whole family pitches in at the market, too.
“Brady works the samples and then passes people over to Mom or Dad to talk about the different ingredients and rums,” Rebecca says. “And then anyone that’s interested in purchasing, I pass them over to Preston and he does the cashier work.” Both boys have even started selling handmade goods of their own at the Jetty Boys booth. Brady makes laserengraved leather bracelets and Preston designs his own stickers. Clearly the business lessons have been paying off. You can find Jetty Boys at the Venice Farmers Market Saturdays from 8am-1pm and the Wellen Park Fresh Harvest Farmers Market Sundays from 9am to 1pm. For more markets and events, check their website or social media. SRQ
Left: Premium Florida rums are used to give Jetty Boys rum cakes their full authentic SWFL vibe.Jetty Boys Rum Cakes, 941-800-7626, jettyboysrumcakes. com, facebook.com/ jettyboysrumcakes, instagram.com/ jettyboysrumcakes.
Below: The Off The Page event with Chef Edward Lee, will take place in the Suncoast Technical College connected to Shannon Staub Library. Doors will open at 5 pm and the program will begin at 6 pm. For more information visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com
MORE THAN A CHEF
Chef Edward Lee comes to Sarasota in November to speak on his new book, Bourbon Land and how cuisine is a connector of cultures. Dylan Campbell
THE GREATEST THINGS OFTEN COME BY SURPRISE. In 2001, Brooklyn-born Chef Edward Lee was on a road trip when he stopped in Louisville, KY en route to seeing the Kentucky Derby. What started as a pit stop turned into a career—so taken with the area, food and local culture was Lee that he packed his bags, left his friends, family and burgeoning culinary career in NYC and began working at Louisville’s 610 Magnolia. “When I came to Louisville I didn’t think I was going to stay. My plan was to stay for 6 months and then return to NYC but once I started to plant roots in the area, it was obvious to me that there was something special here,” says Chef Lee. “The traditions of Kentucky were a great foundation from which to grow from. And the people here were food obsessed but also craving something more and different. I saw an opportunity and I'm glad that I stuck with it.”
Some 20-odd years later, Chef Lee has carved out a name for himself as one of the pioneering contemporary chefs in the country. Fusing the Korean cuisine that he grew up with the classic flavors of down home Southern cooking, Chef Lee owns multiple restaurants, has been nominated four times by the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef: Southeast, appeared on prominent television programs and has published several cookbooks, including 2024’s Bourbon Land. This November, Chef Lee is coming to the Gulf Coast for the Off the Page Literary Celebration hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.
Although Chef Lee has adopted Kentucky as his home state, he is, in many ways, still nomadic in nature. In Bourbon Land, just as in the rest of his ‘cookbooks’, he uses food as a form of cultural currency–recipes are not just a list of ingredients or directions on how to prepare a dish, they are stories in and of themselves, histories of people past and present. It is the wielding of this knowledge that allows Chef Lee to be the kind of person, both inside and outside of the kitchen, that he wants to be. Yes, his creativity and talent as a chef are what have paved the way for much of his professional success—you don’t get to be a judge on Gordon Ramsey’s Top Chef or cook for the White House State Dinner in 2023 by not being one of the industry’s top talents—but it’s his understanding and respect for the culture of these cuisines that allow him to be a true trailblazer. Without that understanding, he wouldn’t have so deeply entrenched himself in the Louisville community. He wouldn't have shut down his restaurant Milkwood in 2020 and used the kitchen space to create the McAtee Community Kitchen to help feed neighboring communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. He wouldn’t have co-founded the Lee Initiative, a program devoted to increasing diversity and equality in professional kitchens. And he surely wouldn’t have used his platform to tell the stories of those around him, with food and cuisine being the connecting thread. Knowing that what's on the plate is just the tip of the iceberg is what makes Chef Lee more than a chef—it makes him a storyteller, a cultural connector and above all, someone worth listening to. SRQ
SAILING WITHOUT LIMITS
No child gets left sitting on the dock at Spectrum Sailing Camp. Barbie Heit
SPECTRUM SAILING (501C3), THE ONLY NATIONAL AUTISM SAILING CAMP, provided a free camp to 20 local children this fall. The camp, hosted by Sarasota Youth Sailing and Sarasota Sailing Squadron taught the basics of sailing—a rare opportunity for children ages 10-17 with autism. Spectrum Sailing offers maritime education, programming and outreach for individuals with autism and provides opportunities for skill development, social interaction and confidence building. Sailing is the platform that the organization uses to positively impact the physical, mental and social health of the participants.
SPECTRUM SAILING WAS BORN OUT OF NECESSITY when the group’s executive director and founder, Scott Herman, was looking for a sailing camp for his son, Daniel, about seven years ago. “I wanted Daniel to be able to attend sailing camp—sort of a right of passage in the world of sailors,” shares Herman. “We have five programs in Charleston and none of them would take him because of his autism diagnosis. They didn't have staff or anything they felt they needed for that type of camp. That was a little disheartening to me and to my wife, so we searched and found a group
called Surfers Healing—a national organization that goes around the country hosting surfing events for autistic youth, and Daniel was lucky enough to attend one. I left there with the determination that we were going to start a camp of our own the next summer and so that’s what we did—my wife and I started a program for kids like Daniel. The first year, there were 10 spots and we had 70 kids apply. And that's when we realized, we're on to something, we haven't even run a camp yet and we had this much interest.”
Below: Scott Herman incorporates classroom learning into all of his sailing camps.To learn more about Spectrum Sailing, visit spectrumsailing.org.
Founded in Charleston, the Hermans built the only Autism Sailing Camp in South Carolina. The local program grew and proved successful. It was then that Scott decided kids across the country needed this opportunity. Through the generosity of both the Autism and Sailing communities Spectrum Sailing now offers camps in multiple locations at no cost to the sailors or their families. This year alone, they’ve hosted ten camps in ten cities across the country. “We started the year in Newport Beach, California and went all the way to Portland Maine,” says Herman. “We already have a number of cities and new locations that want us to come and so we're working on putting that calendar together as we speak.”
Since there are spots for only 20 campers, Spectrum Sailing uses a lottery program to admit campers. Herman believes that the huge demand to be a part of the lottery has proven that there is a strong need for his program. He feels strongly that part of the program’s success comes from having a lot of adults on board to
help. At minimum, there are eight adults to every ten kids at all times. Then they divide the ten kids onto the boats with no more than four kids, with two adults on board. “Each of the three boats has two adults and then, myself, and another adult are on the water in a powerboat for a safety boat,” he explains. “And then when we're in the classroom, again it's a minimum of eight. We still have some parents that stick around and some volunteers who don't want to go on the water so they stay inside for the lessons.
Although Daniel is the reason that Spectrum Sailing was formed in the first place, Herman’s now 16 yearold sophomore son shares that he does not love sailing. “He's much more into video games or other things,” says Herman.” However, one of the coolest things that's come out of it is really how he's openly told me multiple times that he’s proud I'm doing this for other kids like him. It’s not often that a16 year-old boy is telling his dad that he's proud of him. So it's kind of a cool moment, even if he’d rather be playing video games!” SRQ
Below: Spectrum sailing camps teach kids how to sail and provide opportunities for confidence building and lifelong friendships.
This page: Victoria Hulland and Ricardo Rhodes in Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle, photography by Frank Atura.
culture city
A JOURNEY WITH GISELLE
From Understudy to Maestro: Margaret Barbieri’s Dance with Destiny. Phil Lederer
WHEN SARASOTA BALLET BRINGS SIR PETER WRIGHT’S GISELLE TO THE SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE stage this November, it will be with a secret weapon helming the production—Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri. A former dancer with the Royal Ballet in London, Barbieri’s career has been forever entwined with the ghostly romantic ballet, and it could be argued that few, if any, know this particular production as well or as intimately as she. But it all began with an unlikely performance that catapulted a young understudy to international acclaim. The year is 1968; the place: Royal Ballet in London. A hot young choreographer named Peter Wright (there was no ‘Sir’ yet) is wowing the world with his fresh new take on the romantic classic, Giselle. (Hint: Considerably more death by sword and considerably less miming.) And if you checked the cast list for the lead role of Giselle, you would see written plain as day, the names of famed ballerinas Doreen Wells, Betty Anderton, and Lucette Aldous. Tucked away at the end, confined in brackets, Barbieri. “And in brackets meant you were never going to do it,” says Barbieri. “You were there to learn.”
Essentially an understudy—but still thrilled to be there—the young corps de ballet dancer found herself a spot in the corner of the studio, out of the way, where she could watch and observe and dance without bothering the principals. “I was pretty intimidated,” says Barbieri. “I was not a very confident person, certainly not then.” So she was particularly surprised when the director pulled her and three male dancers out of rehearsals a week before the opening and had them perform a small section of Giselle on their own. Nothing seemed to come of it until the following Monday when Barbieri, dressed for rehearsal in her role as a nameless peasant girl extra, received a knock from the director on her dressing room door. “Barbieri!” he yells, “Get out of your costume!” Barbieri is next to tears. The show opens
culture city
in four days and she’s being fired. The director escorts Barbieri to the front of the Covent Garden stage of The Royal Ballet and tells her, “You’re going to be dancing Giselle in the Saturday matinee.”
“Now, when I look back, I’m amazed how I did it,” says Barbieri. “Luckily for me, it went very well.” Which is kinda like saying the Grand Canyon is “pretty big.”
Barbieri’s performance, at a matinee no less, was an instant sensation in the ballet world, with one critic of the time praising her elegance, grace and embodiment of the romantic period by writing, “It looked like she stepped straight out of a lithograph.” Suddenly, the understudy was in demand. She performed Giselle all around the world, from Frankfurt to Cape Town, Washington DC and even her hometown of Durbin. (“My mother was thrilled,” Barbieri says.) Though perhaps the most memorable performance was again something of a surprise, when Wright rung her up on a Thursday with a rather blunt query. “How strong do
you feel?” he asked. “How strong do you want me to feel?” she responded. Within 24 hours, Barbieri was in Oslo, rehearsing to perform Giselle that Saturday with the Norwegian National Ballet. They had to open up the Royal Opera House after hours to pick up her pointe shoes on the way.
All told, Barbieri danced Giselle more than 100 times throughout her career with The Royal Ballet. So who better to lead the dancers of today through the subtleties of Wright’s work? It was, after all, Wright himself who earlier this year, when hearing Barbieri was staging Giselle, insisted she use his choreography. “This is in your blood,” he said. “You have to do my production.” And for Barbieri’s part, she’s enjoying seeing Giselle from a whole new perspective.
“I love it,” she says. “A lot of people think that dancers who retire are always longing to be back onstage, but I find it equally or more rewarding to make the whole ballet come to life, not just Giselle.” SRQ
Below, left to right: Barbieri’s title role of Giselle at the age of 21 is what first established her special reputation as a Romantic Ballerina. The Sarasota Ballet’s production of Giselle opens November 22 at the Sarasota Opera House.
WRANGLING CHAOS
Carolyn Fletcher Marx and the power of process. Phil Lederer
SOMEWHERE IN THE SUBURBAN NOT-SO-WILDS OF SARASOTA, surrounded by spiny bougainvillea and giant lilies, Carolyn Fletcher Marx is casting a spell. She works in ash and hue, water and light, scrawling strange symbols upon panes of glass like portents. She moves by instinct but there is a careful order to be observed, a deliberate process of many steps that must be followed. And when the ritual is complete, what emerges could be anything from the portrait of a psychedelic nebula to some punk rock abstraction looking like spray paint on a dirty brick wall. Still others appear to be murky underwater landscapes, and some can’t be categorized at all. “It’s barely controlled chaos,” Marx says. But it looks a lot like magic.
The chaos begins with a simple flick of the wrist. In a moment of spontaneous inspiration—no more than 10 seconds or the magic is gone—Marx will dash something out in charcoal, pen or paint with a series of fluid gestures. There’s no planning or second-guessing but rather an attempt at pure freeflow creation, like capturing the movement of the spirit itself. “Because if you don’t have something dynamic and in motion,” Marx says, “then it’s not alive.” And for the spell to work as the artist intends, it will certainly require the spark of life. “But that’s just the start,” she says. At this
process—that the magic happens. This is not an operation in control, after all, but chaos.
With a (mostly) clear view through her glass canvas to the gesture below, Marx begins mixing her paints directly on said glass. Choosing colors by instinct, the die is cast in great blobs of blue and white paint that she plunks down almost carelessly, swirling them together with slow deliberate sweeps, her brushstroke dancing with the charcoal stroke below, not in an exact match but a complementing gesture. The colors blend imperfectly, which is perfect for Marx. Serendipity is the muse she courts most frequently, to the point that
point, Marx still has no idea what the piece will become. It’s a far cry from her time as a landscape artist, when the very earth in front of her stood as both weathervane and barometer to her efforts. All she can do here is trust in the process and keep faith that something wondrous will emerge.
It’s an expression of hope, in its way, and perhaps one should not be surprised that Marx first began working in this way during COVID. Slipping the sketch under a glass tabletop long ago repurposed as her canvas, Marx takes a broad utility knife and begins to scrape an area (mostly) clean of the acrylic paint buildup. It’s not a perfect job and there will be remnants of past projects echoing through this one in errant flecks and streaks of pigment but Marx welcomes this. There may be an order to things but that doesn’t mean everything has to be ordered. “I love surprises,” Marx says. “Just as I love the process.” And it’s in the tension between these two elements—the regimented nature of the process and the elements of randomness nurtured within each step of that
top of the cellophane now, before selecting one last color—a bright orange in this case— and begins painting those plastic peaks with streaks of fire. The result . . . is startling.
“This may not be a beautiful work of art right now,” Marx says with full confidence and not a hint of embarrassment, “but that’s the process.” And the final step is perhaps the most transformative of all. Taking another (mostly) clean pane of glass, Marx mercilessly smashes her creation with it, sandwiching the paint between the panes of glass and pressing. As she does, she takes up her waterbottle once more and sprays water (and sometimes dish
any “accident” occurring on her canvas almost stretches the definition. But with the paint drying and the light failing, Marx has no time to get lost in these mental thickets. Things are about to get weird.
An age-old painter’s trick for keeping acrylics malleable on the palette is to give them a quick spray with a waterbottle and then cover the whole thing in clingwrap. But for Marx, this becomes an active part of the creative process. Misting her painting, Marx loosely covers the thick mounds of paint with her clingwrap—and then starts smushing. It’s a highly technical term, she assures, as she digs her fingers into the paint through the cellophane, smearing the pigment. Like a god creating the topography of a new world, she lifts mountains and digs trenches through continents of acrylic. And as the plastic drags and stretches across the surface of the paint, it becomes a chaotic echo of her movements, populating that land with strange marks and hollows she never could have planned. Taking up the spraybottle once more, she mists the
soap) into the gap, freeing the paint even more and allowing bubbles and streams to work their way through the composition. Rivers form over the flattened topography and spurting bubbles build and pop like propagating cells and the whole thing looks suddenly biological, like a beating heart born from the primordial soup.
Removing the sketch from beneath the glass, Marx discards it. Mounting her paintspattered camera directly above her glass canvas, she makes last minute adjustments to the composition and then takes her photo. And when Marx scrapes the glass clean once more, the photo is all that will remain. And the end result will be as much a revelation to Marx as any other.“It all comes from the unconscious,” she says, and the artist cannot explain the origins any more than she can tell you where the words of her thoughts find their shape. In many ways, the art arises as an epiphenomenon to the process, intended but at times undirected— something sacred but unknowable brought forth by the ritual. “I don’t feel like I make it,” Marx says, “so much as I discover it.” SRQ
TAPESTRIES OF TIME
At Floralia Infiorata, rich traditions of Flower Carpet artists from across the globe will share their talents at the Sarasota International Chalk Festival. Dylan Campbell
IT LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A DREAM. A carpet of flowers, stretched out as far as the eye can see, millions upon millions of crushed petals arranged in intricate designs, their bright colors pointing toward the heavens. Without having seen this type of artwork in real life, it can be difficult for one to conceptualize what it might actually look like. However, this fall, for the first time ever, the Sarasota International Chalk Festival is inviting delegations from multiple countries of artists who specialize in this unique and rare art form.
This November, various traditions of flower tapestries will be on display at Floralia Infiorata, a special exhibition by the Chalk Festival. Teams of artists from Italy, Spain, India, Mexico and Japan, will work together with local volunteers to transform pavement into paintings–albeit these are made from crushed flower petals, sand, finely ground sawdust and other natural materials. These artists bring not only their team and their tools, but rich histories within the art form, dating back hundreds and even thousands of years, all with distinct identities.
This page: “Floralia Infiorata” at the Sarasota International Chalk Festival, Nov 8-10, Downtown Burns Sq, 941-488-8877, chalkfestival.org
different types of flowers, sands and sawdusts must be ordered to Sarasota and then finely sorted for the artists upon their arrival. “The materials are insanely expensive. We’re ordering those in advance. Every team has picked their designs and figured out exactly the amount they need,” says Kowal. “We’re also putting out the call for local volunteers to be a part of these teams. They’ll do a number of things, from helping source local materials like flowers, sand, coffee grinds, whatever it may be and help prepare the materials and assemble the
Teams from Italy will represent iterations of “Infiorata”, or decorating with flowers, an artistic discipline with devotional origins from the Baroque period that remains popular around the country. From India, a team will represent the “Rangoli” tradition, an artistic practice deploying mainly sand to create often religious imagery that dates back thousands of years on the Indian subcontinent. A delegation from Mexico practices a tradition known as ‘Alfombras de Aserrín’, introduced to them by Spain some 400 years ago, specializing in the use of finely ground sawdust to create expansive works of art.
The preservation of artistic cultural histories such as these, are a large part of why the Chalk Festival, which premiered in 2007, was first created. The entire idea of a festival dedicated to pavement art–which itself traces its origins back to the Madonnari artists of 16th century Italy—was not only to provide a place for these artists to flourish, but also to expose North-American audiences to art-forms outside of the mainstream.
It’s a mission that festival founder Denise Kowal has devoted herself to since the festival first transformed the streets of Sarasota in 2007. Bringing the delegations of flower carpet artists to Sarasota—which was originally planned for 2022 but delayed due to Hurricane Ian—is a near herculean task: thousands upon thousands of
artwork itself. These teams will instruct the artists that they’re working with and community people working with them in how to help create these carpets.”
Just as different teams use different materials, from the volcanic ash of the team from Tenerife, Spain to the crushed flower petals of the delegation from Japan, so do these traditions all have differing rules and protocol to follow when creating their art. The group from Genzano di Roma, for instance, uses whole flower petals, while the pioneering 3-D artist from Spello, Italy uses crushed flower petals. These idiosyncrasies, touchstones of cultural heritage, are more examples of why it is so essential to preserve these cultures. It’s why Kowal—who traveled to multiple Infiorata festivals in Spain and Italy over the summer and was asked to speak at the International Ephemeral Art Congress in Barcelona—has gone to such lengths to bring these delegations to Sarasota. “These artists spend generations learning these techniques. There’s an immense communal aspect to it, where the gathering of people and the spirit behind it is really magical to experience. I want to bring that to Sarasota and show the different cultures of this art form,” says Kowal. “This is a very historic moment for us. It’s the first time in this country that an organization has hosted multiple delegations of flower carpet artists at one time.” SRQ
STEP UP BibiLou LOLSalones Mesh Mule Low Heel Black $228, L. Boutique, 556 S Pineapple Ave UNIT B, Sarasota, 941-906-1350; Billini Kelso Kitten Heel $80, Surge Style, 1405 1st St, Sarasota, 941-928-0685.
KITTEN HEELS
Kitten heels are back and they’re all the rage.
Megan Mitchell
IF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WYATT KOSTYGAN.
THE SHOE FITS, LEFT: BibiLou LOL544Z19VK Closed Toe Mule Silver $228, L. Boutique, 556 S Pineapple Ave UNIT B, Sarasota, 941-906-1350; Lueffler Randall Pleated Knot Mule Sage $350, Santoni Pup Mirrored Pink $950, Lotus Boutique, 1464 Main St, 941-906-7080. SHOOT YOUR SHOT, RIGHT: Internationally Blank INTFlume Low Heel Sandal Black $228, L. Boutique, 556 S Pineapple Ave UNIT B, Sarasota, 941- 906-1350; Donald Pliner Rafy Je/PLTI $178, Pelle Moda Flame Patent $146, Pelle Moda Aqua Patent $146, Foxy Lady West, 481 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, 941-388-5239.
TACO TALES
STORIES BEHIND
LOCAL
TAKES
ON
THE MUNCHABLE HANDHELD
THERE’S SOMETHING UNIVERSALLY IRRESISTIBLE ABOUT TACOS. Whether you’re savoring the crunch of a crispy shell or sinking your teeth into a tender soft tortilla, tacos take diners on a flavor-packed adventure that transcends borders and cultures. A traditional Mexican dish, tacos seem at first glance to be the very picture of simplicity. The base of the taco is a tortilla which is typically made from cornmeal or wheat flour and served soft or crispy. The tortilla is then folded or rolled around your choice of fillings. Super straightforward, right? But with numerous regional variations and modern twists, this versatile dish is endlessly customizable.
This page and opposite page:
THE ORIGINS OF TACOS DATE BACK CENTURIES AND ARE DEEPLY ROOTED in the indigenous culinary traditions of Mexico. Tacos as we know them today began to emerge in Mexico City in the 18th century, when street vendors started selling thick corn tortillas stuffed with savory meats like pork, beef or chicken and topped with cilantro and onions. Three centuries later, the humble street taco garnished with fresh onion and cilantro remains a favorite among taco enthusiasts. But as tacos have made their way into the world at large, they’ve also branched out into other forms. The American taco, often characterized by a hard shell, ground beef, shredded lettuce, and cheddar cheese is a departure from the authentic Mexican street taco with its minimalist approach and focus on fresh ingredients. Then there are modern tacos, which combine traditional techniques with modern cooking styles and global influences to create bold and innovative flavors. In Sarasota, the taco scene is particularly vibrant, with restaurants offering tacos in every style you can imagine. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of traditional street tacos or looking to try a modern twist on this classic dish, Sarasota has it all. Five local restaurants are bringing their own unique flair to this beloved dish and serving up some of the most memorable tacos the area has to offer.
Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill
ONCE UPON A TIME, chef Gino Calleja opened the popular Reyna’s Taqueria along with some family members. They ran the local hotspot for six years before selling it in August of 2023. The following month Callejo launched his new venture, Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill, with co-owner Jose Rojas. “(Rojas) is also a very talented chef and he grew up in Mexico eating a similar type of food to what I grew up with,” Calleja says. “We collaborated on this menu that we have at Kolucan. We wanted to elevate the food a little bit more and also pay homage to childhood recipes. I’m Mexican and I’m proud of my roots.” That sense of elevation is evident in the tasteful and sophisticated decor as well as the inspired menu. But the magic lies in the authenticity and the sense of personal connection to the cuisine. “We make all our own sauces in-house from scratch the way they are traditionally made,” says Calleja. “Like we say in Mexico, it’s not a good taco if it doesn’t have a good salsa with it.” While the tacos at Kolucan are inspired by traditional street tacos, they’re done in a lighter style that tells of a more modern influence. The fresh tortillas aren’t usually fried, and are instead grilled on the plancha. The exception is the House Birria Street Tacos. For these, meat is marinated overnight in housemade marinade to really let the flavor permeate. Then it’s slowly simmered in small batches until the meat is fall-apart tender and the subtly spicy broth is reserved. The tacos are fried on the flat top in some of the reserved broth to really amplify the flavor, then topped with earthy oaxaca cheese, onion and cilantro. Finally, the crispy tacos are served with more broth for dipping, for a dish with incomparable depth of flavor. Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill, 6644 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota, 941-921-3133, kolucan.com.
Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill and chef Gino Calleja.
IT’S NOT UNCOMMON FOR MEXICAN RESTAURANTS TO MAKE THEIR OWN TORTILLAS OUT OF MASA, which is a maize dough made from ground corn. It’s far more unusual for a restaurant to make their own masa from scratch. At Casa Masa, they go that extra mile. “We import dried heirloom blue corn from Mexico,” says owner Rob Disilvio. “We cook it every night and steep it in a lime solution, then we grind it the next day.” The practice he is describing is nixtamalization, a traditional Mesoamerican technique for preparing corn and other grains that dates back 3,500 years. The process makes the corn easier to digest and increases its nutritional value. The blue corn they use at Casa Masa gives the made-to-order tortillas and tortilla chips a deep, indigo hue that’s as inviting to the eyes as it is the taste buds. There are 31 states in Mexico and every region has its own culinary identity. Disilvio wanted to highlight cuisine from an area that was underrepresented in Sarasota. “The style of Mexican food I do is from the state of Oaxaca and I think that’s another original thing we do,” Disilvio says. “Not many people were implementing food from that region into their menus here.” Disilvio isn’t afraid to push boundaries with his modern menu, but while his flavors are bold and exciting they remain perfectly in balance. The Oxtail Taco features succulent oxtail that has been slow-braised with smoky guajillo chiles paired with hot and tangy jalapenos that are pickled in-house and topped with fresh micro cilantro. In the Duck Carnitas Taco, the fatty richness of duck confit plays beautifully against crisp napa cabbage, house-made pickled red onion, and tart plum sauce. Casa Masa, 2773 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 941922-8226, casamasa-srq.com.
Casa Masa
Opposite page, clockwise: At Casa Masa, even the masa is made from scratch. Casa Masa owner Rob Disilvio sources heirloom blue corn as the base ingredient for the eatery’s signature tortillas. Slowcooking the meat infuses tacos with unbelievable richness and depth of flavor. This page, below: Patrick Coleman is bringing the freshness and versatility of Missionstyle Mexican food to the Sarasota area. Far bottom: The heritage Cheshire pork in the Carnitas Tacos at Poppo’s Taqueria is brined, slowbraised and roasted over the course of three days for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Poppo’s Taqueria
THERE ARE MANY REGIONAL VARIATIONS ON MEXICAN FOOD, some better-known than others. Mission-style Mexican food originated in the Mission District of San Francisco and is characterized by its fresh ingredients, customizability, and fusion of traditional Mexican food with California influences. The people behind Poppo’s Taqueria have made it their mission to bring this style of cuisine to the Sarasota area. “My family was originally from Petaluma where we really fell in love with Mission-style Mexican food,” says co-owner Patrick Coleman. “My dad would always go and chat with the cooks at the taquerias and find out what they were doing and when we would have family gatherings that’s what we would cook.” Fast forward a few decades. Patrick and his wife Rowen were visiting his family in Florida when he and his brother Casey started talking about the idea of starting a taco truck influenced by the flavors of their childhood. The idea quickly grew, and soon they had a commercial space and an investment from family members who believed in their vision. In 2013, the trio opened the first Poppo’s Taqueria in Anna Maria, naming the business after Patrick and Casey’s grandfather. It’s become a huge success–there are currently five Poppo’s locations including the original flagship store. At Poppo’s the priority is sourcing fresh, high quality ingredients and making everything fresh in-house. You can taste that in the tacos. The Carnitas Taco is made with heritage Cheshire Pork that is brined, slow-braised and then roasted over the course of three days, imparting it with an incredible amount of flavor. The taco also has fresh lime juice and house-made salsa verde and is served in the traditional street taco-style with organic red onions and cilantro on a corn tortilla that has been grilled to order. You also can’t go wrong with the classic Poppo’s Taco with smoky ancho chicken, sweet and crisp honey-lime cabbage slaw, salsa verde, pico de gallo, and tangy feta cheese on a flour tortilla. Poppo’s Tacos University Town Center, 8471 Cooper Creek Boulevard, Bradenton, 941-359-3720, poppostaqueria.com.
Below right: The classic Poppo’s Taco gets a bright burst of flavor from honey-lime
cabbage slaw and tangy feta cheese.
Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina
“WE OPENED IN DECEMBER OF 1999 and are the oldest Mexican restaurant in Sarasota,” says Bonifacio Caro, owner of Mi Pueblo. “It’s been fun, but it’s been a crazy ride.” That ride started 25 years ago when Mi Pueblo’s flagship location opened on Bee Ridge Road. Since then two other locations have popped up, one in the University area and one in Venice. Diners keep coming back year after year, drawn in by the vibrant ambience and the tasty and traditional Mexican food. “I’m originally from Chihuahua, which is in the northern part of Mexico,” Caro explains. “We do have dishes like mole that are more from the south, but most of our menu is northern-style Mexican food.” The atmosphere is as authentic as the cuisine. Mi Pueblo’s University location is particularly delightful because Caro had the opportunity to build it from the ground up. Caro worked with an architect to source building materials like wood, doors, iron work and century-old pillars directly from Mexico. It’s the perfect setting to sip an award-winning margarita and dig into a plate of Mi Pueblo’s perennially popular crispy tacos. “With our crispy tacos, we actually put the meat in the corn tortilla and then we close it up and fry it together, then we open it up and add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, onions, whatever you want. That’s how grandma used to make them,” Caro says. “It makes the flavor totally different. Unfortunately, anything fried is really good.” Looking for something a little lighter? You’re in luck. This month Mi Pueblo rolled out several new menu items including a new variation on their fish tacos. Instead of fried fish, this version features hearty mahi-mahi that has been grilled until it’s tender and juicy. Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina (Bee Ridge), 44336 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 941-379-2880, mipueblomexican.com.
This spread, left to right: Bonifacio Caro has been pleasing palates with tasty tacos at Mi Pueblo for 25 years and counting. At Mi Pueblo, the decor is as bright and lively as the food. The crispy tacos at Mi Pueblo are a fan favorite.
This page: Tacos & Tequila is putting their own unique twist on Mexican food.
Tacos and Tequila
DANA LOPEZ AND HER HUSBAND ISELL AREN’T NEW TO THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY. They pioneered Chicano’s Mexican restaurant in Venice back in 2001, and a few years ago they were looking to open a second location farther north. They found a unique spot in Osprey that would allow them to open two different restaurant concepts in a single space. One is an Italian restaurant called Bella Vino & Cucina. The other is Tacos & Tequila. While Bella Vino and Tacos and & Tequila are two distinct restaurants with different decor, diners can order from both menus in either space. But the taco menu alone is comprehensive enough to keep you occupied over the course of several visits. “When we opened, we wanted to do something a little different than any other typical Mexican restaurant,” says Dana. “We wanted to give customers the option to completely customize their own meal.” To start, diners can choose what style of tacos they want–modern, American or street. Then they choose their filling. People who like American-style tacos might opt for shredded chicken or ground beef, while people who want a more authentic Mexican experience can opt for asada (grilled chicken or steak), barbacoa (shredded beef) or lengua (beef tongue). The Tacos Al Pastor are a particularly delectable option. Marinated pork is cooked on a spit until it’s tender on the outside, with a slightly charred exterior. Pineapple adds a burst of sweetness to the savory spiced pork. While tacos al pastor are often served street-style with onions and cilantro, at Tacos & Tequila you might want to opt for modern style instead: the bright pickled onions, salty queso fresco, and fresh micro cilantro dial up the flavor even more. Tacos and Tequila, 3983 Destination Drive, Osprey, 941-966-2365, tacosandtequilaosprey.com.
This page: The addition of pineapple makes these Tacos Al Pastor a delightful duet of sweet and savory.
IN RECENT YEARS, CRAFT BEER HAS SURGED IN POPULARITY, transforming from a niche hobby into a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just about the beer itself, though the inventive flavors and zymurgical artistry are certainly a major draw. For many people, craft beer embodies a sense of community and creativity. It gives drinkers an opportunity to savor something unique, something that has been crafted with passion and care, often by brewers who are deeply connected to the community.
BREW CREW
FIVE LOCAL CRAFT BREWERIES PUTTING THE EMPHASIS ON CRAFT
WRITTEN BY KATE WIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS/WYATT KOSTYGAN
This spread, left to right: Scott Harper , who co-owns 3 Bridges Brewing with wife Corey, takes pride in reinvesting in the community. Right: Harper demonstrates a hands-on approach.
While craft beer started to become more mainstream in the 1990s and 2000s, it wasn’t until the 2010s that the craze became widespread. The explosive growth of the last decade has slowed, but the craft beer industry has remained robust by continuing to evolve. Consumer tastes are always shifting, and craft breweries have learned how to adapt by embracing trends like sour beers which are intentionally tart and tangy. Drinkers have shown interest in low-alcohol and no-alcohol beers, a need that many craft breweries are happy to fill. Craft breweries are also expanding beyond beer, venturing into areas like hard seltzers, kombucha and craft spirits. The Sarasota and Bradenton area has a rich cultural scene with a strong appreciation for food, craftsmanship and the arts. It should come as no surprise then, that the craft beer scene is still thriving in Sarasota and the surrounding areas. There is an incredible array of local breweries where craft beer aficionados can slake their thirst for this buzzy beverage.
3 Bridges Brewing
SCOTT AND COREY HARPER FIRST STARTED 3 BRIDGES BREWING IN 2017 as the brewpub side of a local restaurant. In 2023, the husband and wife team struck out on their own, opening the flagship location of 3 Bridges Brewing in Venice. This family-friendly, dog-friendly brewery has a bright and airy taproom with murals and local art in lieu of TV screens, as well as 1700 feet of outdoor space with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, cornhole boards, and a designated play area for kids. The Harpers are passionate about giving back to their community and have used the grounds to host fundraising events like a beer festival last May, with proceeds going to The Twig, a local nonprofit organization that supports foster families. 3 Bridges has 22 taps available for beer, about ten of which are dedicated to their core beers like the 1765, a Czech-style lager. The rest rotate in and out regularly. One particularly popular brew is the Tropicat, a heavily fruited sour beer made with pineapple, mango and guava. If you fall in love with a beer, you can even take it home - 3 Bridges sells cans and crowlers out of their taproom. “We don’t really lean into one type of beer,” says Scott. “We love making many different styles, and whatever kind we do we focus on putting everything we have into that.” 3 Bridges also dedicates two taps to hard seltzer. The standard seltzer is 5.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and can have natural flavors added soda-fountain style, while the disco seltzer is 12% ABV and has flavors inspired by cocktails like mojitos and Moscow mules. It’s one disco party you’ll definitely want to attend. 3 Bridges Brewing, 1765 South Tamiami Trail, Venice, 941-445-4067, 3bridgesbrewing.com.
Back Porch Brewing Company
MORE AND MORE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE GOING UP EVERY DAY EAST OF THE INTERSTATE. But while there’s plenty of commercial development out there, it’s not always easy to find a laid-back neighborhood hangout spot. That’s where Back Porch Brewing comes in. “Not everyone in Florida is originally from here,” says Sarah Tomaselli, who co-owns the brewery with her husband Anthony. “They’re kind of looking for their place and we want to be that spot where people can come.” Though they only opened in 2023, the Rhode Island natives have already built up a crowd of devoted regulars who appreciate the brewery’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to smaller tables for more intimate groups, the family-friendly establishment also offers communal seating so you can bring a lot of friends - or even make some new ones. They
Above: While some beers rotate in and out at
3 Bridges Brewing, core beers like the 1765 Czechstyle lager are nearly always available..
This page: They’ll leave a light on for you at Back Porch Brewing.
offering
from
Left: Back Porch Brewing keeps it versatile,
everything
pale ales to coffee stouts.
also keep plenty of fun diversions on hand, including Jenga and an assortment of board games and card games. Anthony is a chef by trade who started out home brewing as a hobby. After spending five years working as a professional brewer, he now brews the beers at Back Porch where he typically has 10-12 taps of his creations on draft at any given time. In the summer, the tendency is to focus on drinkable beers with a low ABV and you’ll see some of those on the menu year round like the Centennial Park Citra, the brewery’s signature pale ale. But in the fall, you might see more cozy beers, like a coffee stout done in collaboration with Black Gold Coffee Roasters in Venice. For her part, Sarah is a wine expert with a level 3 WSET certification, and she has curated a wine list that is leaps and bounds above what you’d typically see in a brewpub. As if that weren’t enough, the dynamic duo has also started serving up fantastic Italian-inspired bar fare made in-house. Back Porch Brewing Company, 3469 Precision Drive, North Venice, 941-218-4156, bpbrewing.com.
Inner Compass Brewing Company
IN CRAFT BREWING, SEVERAL ELEMENTS MUST WORK IN HARMONY TO CREATE THE PERFECT SIP. The same thing could be said for Inner Compass Brewing Company Itself. There are several family members involved in Inner Compass Brewing. Robert Carrubba, a home remodeler by trade, built out the space. His wife Susan Carrubba handles the finances. Robert’s daughter Brittany Sutherin is the General Manager. Susan’s son Rob Turner is the head brewer. Every person has a unique role to play and together they’ve built a business that’s as well-rounded as a great craft beer.
The beer menu at Inner Compass isn’t set in stone. Rob pays attention to what’s popular with his customers and isn‘t afraid to get inspired which leads to some really creative brews like the Stouts Honor Peanut Butter Milk Stout that’s sweet and creamy with a hint of underlying bitterness. Some of the beers rotate out regularly, so it’s a good idea to check the daily menu on the website before you come in to scope it out. However, there are some core beers that Rob tries to keep on hand. “We have a saison, a couple of IPAs, a milk stout,” Rob says. “The Kölsch style is probably our most popular. It’s an easy drinking ale, not quite as light as a lager, originally from Germany.” Inner Compass has thirty taps and about half of them are dedicated to their own brews. The other taps feature guest beers purchased from
Left to right: Head brewer Rob Turner is always experimenting and innovating at Inner Compass. At Inner Compass, craft beer is a family affair. coffee stouts.
This page, clockwise: There’s always something new on tap at Calusa. Lifelong friends Geordie Rauch (left) and Vic Faulk (right) keep the good times going at Calusa Brewing. Calusa’s flagship beer is the Zote hazy IPA.
other Florida breweries. Doing this allows them to expand their selection considerably, offering options like sours and ciders. But it also exemplifies that community spirit that makes the craft beer industry so special. The brewery also offers a well-curated wine selection and canned cocktails as well as a menu of traditional bar fare made in house. Inner Compass Brewing Company, 10316 Technology Terrace, Bradenton, 941-900-1102, innercompassbrewingcompany.com.
Calusa Brewing
THE STORY OF CALUSA BREWING IS ONE OF FRIENDSHIP AND CAMARADERIE, and Vic Faulk is at the center of it. Faulk opened Calusa with Geordie Rauch, his brother-in-law and lifelong friend. Their partner in the venture is Jason Thompson, who is also the head brewer. Faulk and Thompson were both in the military and fell in love with the craft brewing scene when stationed in San Diego in the early 2002. “Jason lived right across the street from Ballast Point, which at the time was a little tiny brewery with a home brew shop,” Faulk says. “We used to walk over there and have beers and hang out and talk about, when we get out what do we want to do?” As it turned out, a craft
brewery of their own appealed to a lot of their interests. Faulk went on to get an MBA at the University of South Florida where he and his cohort put together a full-scale business plan for their capstone project. That business plan would serve as the model for Calusa, which opened in 2016. In 2023, the trio moved their taproom operations to a 12,000 square foot location filled with colorful murals by local artist Will Ralston. Ralston also designs the vibrant and imaginative artwork on Calusa’s canned beers. A new food concept called PigFish, a sustainable gastropub, also evolved with the new location. Calusa was one of the first breweries in Florida to champion hazy IPAs, which eventually became a major craze. Their flagship beer Zote is a hazy IPA that is fresh, juicy and citrusy, and it can be found on tap at several bars and restaurants throughout the Sarasota area. But for other Calusa beers, it’s best to go right to the source. The laid-back taproom typically has at least 20 of their own brews on tap, from hoppy beers to heavily-fruited beers to more traditional lagers, and they continue to evolve. “We’re constantly coming up with new labels and new fun styles that feature different hops and different ingredients,” Faulk says. “We’re fortunate that we’re small enough that we still release new beers almost every weekend.” Calusa Brewing, 5377 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, 941-552-8846, calusabrewing.com.
This page: In addition to old favorites, you can always find something new
brewing at Calusa.
Motorworks Brewing
IN EUROPE, IT’S NOT UNUSUAL FOR BREWERIES TO BE HOUSED IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS. While that practice is considerably less common in the United States, Motorworks Brewing is carrying on the tradition. As soon as owners Frank and Denise Tschida saw the 27,000 square foot brick building from 1923 they knew it had to be theirs. The historic building once housed an automobile dealership, so when they opened their brewery in 2013 they named it Motorworks Brewing as an homage.
Because they purchased an adjacent piece of property, the Tschidas were also able to create a massive outdoor space—in fact, the brewery has the largest beer garden in the state of Florida. The garden boasts a spacious deck, turfed lawn, several cornhole boards, and life-sized Connect Four and Jenga sets, with an immense 150-year old oak tree at its heart. The beer garden is also home to a 22 foot projection screen
for movies and a live music stage that is jamming every weekend. “We have something going every day of the week, whether it’s Bingo Mondays and Wednesdays, Trivia Thursdays, Poker and Texas Hold ‘Em Thursdays and Sundays,” says Josh Mallory, General Manager at Motorworks. “We also do a lot for the community. Every month we do a Yappy Hour where a local animal shelter or animal rescue will come in and we’ll fundraise for them.” And of course you can’t talk about a brewery without mentioning the beer. Motorworks has 29 taps, all of which feature their own brews. Many of the beers are award-winning like the Pulp Friction, a grapefruit IPA with lots of citrus flavor and a hint of pine and Midnight Espresso, a coffee porter with strong notes of chocolate and coffee. You can even take their beers home in the form of a six-pack, growler or keg. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, 941-567-6218, motorworksbrewing.com.
This page, left to right: Motorworks Brewery co-owner Frank Tschida does some quality assurance. The Pulp Friction grapefruit IPA is bright and flavorful.
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When we share our favorite dining, shopping, arts, philanthropy, people and places, we celebrate the local experiences that make our hometown special.
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CREATIVITY ABOUNDS
Since opening in February, Arts and Central has been dazzling diners with its creative cuisine. Kate Wight
THE ROSEMARY DISTRICT IS ONE OF SARASOTA’S OLDEST NEIGHBORHOODS, with a history that dates back to the late 19th century. Over the last fifteen years, the neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from an industrial area into a walkable community with an interesting blend of modern and historic architecture, a thriving arts scene and a growing number of local restaurants. The Rosemary District is the perfect backdrop for a unique eatery like Arts and Central, where diverse influences come together to create a dining experience that is as dynamic and inspired as the neighborhood itself.
“Starting a restaurant has been a family conversation as long as I’ve been alive,” says owner Dan Henson Jr. “We’re a family of natural hosts. My dad is one of five brothers and my mom is one of six siblings, so their entire lives revolved around hosting large family events. Every Thanksgiving we had forty people. So we just naturally gravitated toward that.” The restaurant dream wouldn’t be realized right away. Henson went to school for journalism, then worked in commercial real estate for several years. When the COVID pandemic hit and he and his wife felt themselves going “stir-crazy” in their office jobs, they knew it was time to make a change and began conceptualizing a restaurant. They relocated from Houston to Sarasota and Henson would go on to open Arts and Central with his dad, making the family dream a reality.
“We wanted to touch on all the places that we’ve lived,” Henson says. “We lived in the UK, several different states throughout the US, I lived in Texas for 13 years, we lived in Mexico when I was little. So we wanted to pull inspiration from those life experiences while also playing to our chef’s strengths and letting him kind of run wild and design and play with certain aspects of the food and make it fun and inventive.”
This spread, clockwise: Wild mushroom risotto with truffle, piquillo peppers with goat cheese, poolside tots, tomato watermelon salad and Poseidon’s oysters are just a few of the dishes that make Arts & Central unique.
This page left to right: Craft cocktails, Poseidon’s oysters and Adult Milk & Cookies are among the restaurant’s culinary works of art that are both photo worthy and delicious. Arts and Central is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11am-11pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-12pm. There are a lot of reasons to visit the Rosemary District and Arts and Central is high on the list. Arts and Central, 611 Central Avenue, Sarasota, 941-306-2356, artsandcentral.com.
That goal has been achieved. The menu that has been developed under the tutelage of executive chef Erik Walker is playful, creative, and eclectic, with influences from all over. At lunchtime the fare trends a little lighter, with an emphasis on Gardens & Greens (salads) and Between the Bread (sandwiches). The Apple & Fennel Salad is light and bright, with arugula, frisee, fennel, and ribbons of apple. It is dressed in a tart citrus vinaigrette and topped with salty feta cheese and buttery Marcona almonds. It’s a satisfying size, filling and flavorful. The Boat Launch Sandwich features responsiblysourced grilled mahi-mahi that has been lightly seasoned so that the flavor of the fish really shines through. It’s served on an onion roll with iceberg lettuce, tomato, garlic red
pepper cucumber, and house-made mustard aioli. It’s an elevated take on a fish sandwich, with an incredibly balanced flavor profile. These lighter options are available at dinner too, along with an expanded selection of Entrees and Shareable Snacks. Arguably the best way to acquaint yourself with Arts and Central is to come in with a few friends, order a round of cocktails, and try several of the Shareable Snacks to experience some of the more whimsical menu items. In the Piquillo & Goat Cheese snack, roasted sweet and smoky piquillo peppers are stuffed with tangy goat cheese and served with a bourbon reduction. The Lobster Corn Dog is a dish that Walker has been playing with for years. That features a cold water lobster tail fried in a house made corn dog batter and served with mustard aioli.
The Poolside Tots are inspired by Henson’s time in Houston and are loaded with tender brisket, scallions, aioli, scallions and a sweet soy glaze. In the mood for something heartier? Turn your attention to the entrees instead. The Wild Mushroom Risotto with Carnaroli rice, chives, and Parmesan is rich, creamy, and earthy. You can even add shaved truffle if you’re feeling particularly indulgent. Don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Adult Milk & Cookies are deliriously decadent. Three large house-made chocolate chip cookies are served with a cold mug of milk, as well as a shot of amaretto, Bailey’s or Kahlua on the side. Pour the shot into the mug and dunk your cookies into the spiked milk. It’s a great dessert to share with friends, but no judgment if you decide to keep it for yourself once you taste it. SRQ
A WAY WITH WINE
Carmine Ussano of Osteria 500 shares how he put together an award-winning wine list. Kate Wight
OSTERIA 500 HAS BECOME A DESIRABLE DESTINATION FOR DINERS SEEKING AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE.
Patrons rave about the restaurant’s traditional dishes, where every mouthful transports you straight to Italy. But beyond the food, it is the meticulously curated wine list that elevates the dining experience even further. Co-owner Carmine Ussano is in charge of the wine program at Osteria 500, and over time he has built up an impressively comprehensive wine list that is filled with hidden gems. While the wine list is extensive now, it started off much smaller.
“The list has been a process,” says Ussano. “I wanted to introduce customers to new varietals that are still maybe unheard of here, but I didn’t want to overwhelm anyone, especially at the beginning when we first opened. Every month or so I would add more wines to the list, so as people would return I would introduce them to some new varietals and some new wineries.” Many of those new wineries are ones that Ussano discovered in the course of his other business. For the past twenty years he has run a private tour company in Italy, a venture he still maintains. Commercial tour companies will often take tourists in by the busload to visit mass-production wineries, but Ussano has a very different approach.
“Doing private tours, I always wanted to take the customers to what to me was authentic, which was a family that has been producing wine in that area for maybe five generations,” Ussano says. “That business gave me the opportunity to take clients to so many wineries throughout Italy and make a lot of connections with the winemakers or winery owners that are almost impossible to find in the US.” That direct connection to vintners gives Ussano an edge over other restaurateurs, who tend to rely on distributors that work with multiple wineries. In the course of his tour business, he has been able to sample wines and find ones that would be a good fit for the wine list at Osteria 500. He works with wine importers he is friendly with to bring those wines stateside. Many of the wines on the menu aren’t available through distributors in the United States, and in some cases the winemakers don’t even have a website. It is only because of Ussano’s connection to Italy that these wines have come to the United States at all.
“We do have a lot of wines that a lot of the other restaurants won’t be able to have,” Ussano says. “We’re one of the only places where people can come and find certain wines on the wine list. They cannot buy these wines online, and in most cases they cannot even find them in wine shops in the area.” When asked if there are any wines at the restaurant that are particularly special to Ussano, he has an immediate answer.
“The name of the winery is Tenuta San Francesco. I love their wine, but the fact that the winemaker is my grandfather’s cousin is something special that I’m really really proud of,” he says. “It brings me very nice memories because I was very little when my grandfather or my mom and dad took me to the vineyards. Now my family is no longer with me anymore. So I’m very happy and proud to have this wine over here and represented in my restaurant, almost like a tribute to my family.”
It’s clear that Ussano has a deep love for wine, and he works diligently to pass his knowledge along to the rest of the team at Osteria 500. The employees have a group chat, and whenever a new wine comes in Ussano shares a fact sheet and important information that servers can share with the customers. “I’m hands-on at the restaurant, so I’m often there,” he says. “All the staff knows they can call me and I will go to the table or bar and talk about wine.”
That hands-on attitude extends to the wine room which Ussano designed himself. The temperature controlled room holds between 2,000 and 2,500 bottles at any given time, and it is designed in a way that most of the bottles have their labels on display, like a high-end wine shop. The vast majority of the wines at Osteria 500 are Italian, however, there is a section of the wine list called “The Rest of the World” highlighting some select wines from places like Italy, France, New Zealand, Washington and California. “We have a system that preserves wine for 21 days and can be used for sparkling wines as well as still wines,” says Ussano. “Because of that, we have the opportunity to have wine like Amarone or Barolo or even Brunello as well as some other unique wine blends that you don’t usually find on a wine list by the glass because maybe they’re too exclusive or the price is too high.”
An enormous amount of thought has gone into the wine menu at Osteria 500, and people are taking notice. This year the restaurant received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, an honor given out by Wine Spectator magazine. “It’s really incredible,” Ussan says. “We do a lot of hard work, so there are many sleepless nights. When we get awarded and we get recognized, it all makes sense.” SRQ
This spread, clockwise: From pizza to pasta to fine Italian wines, Carmine Ussano is proud to serve up authentic Italian cuisine at his restaurant, Osteria 500.Osteria 500, 1580 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota, 941-866-8962, osteria500.com.
SRQ HOME AND DESIGN
Compiled and written by Kate Wight.
H & D WALLPAPER
These home interior design trends are incredibly popular this fall, but they’re timeless enough that they’ll stay in style season after season.
Designer Walls
“There are some fantastic wood and metal wall treatments these days that are pretty interesting, but I happen to like wallpaper,” says Sarah Burke. “And with all the different wallpaper houses out there like Vahallan and Phillip Jeffries, there’s so much interest in wallpaper in comparison to years ago.” Burke, an interior designer with Clive Daniel Home, enjoys wallpaper for a lot of reasons. One is its versatility. “I did a customer’s house the other day and chose a very soft, textural wallpaper in a mixture of white and ivory, because all I really wanted to do was bring a little warmth and depth into the room,” she says. “But there are also really high-end specific designs like Jardin florals and Versace wallpapers that have a big wow factor and are also a lot of fun to work with. If you don’t have a lot of art, that wallpaper kind of becomes the art in the room. And there are so many other fantastic wallpapers available, from metallics to mica to grasscloth.” There are also plenty of practical reasons to hop onto the wallpaper wagon. “A lot of new homes have orange peel walls. I’ve heard from contractors they can’t get enough labor to make smooth walls, which I understand,” Burke says. As a designer though, I don’t love the look of orange peel walls and wallpaper resolves that problem. And for people with young kids, a vinyl grasscloth wallpaper can be really great. It’s really easy to wipe sticky fingerprints off the wall.” Clive Daniel Home, Sarah Burke,3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, 941-900-4663, clivedaniel.com
Top left: Botanical wallpaper is perfect for soft and serene spaces like this bedroom sanctuary. Bottom left: Wallpaper in a dark hue like navy blue looks stately in a study, but alternating gray stripes keeps it from feeling too overwhelming. Bottom right: Strips of wall molding and a graphic wallpaper print combine to create a bold artistic statement. Images courtesy of Clive Daniel Home.
& D
EARTHY NEUTRALS
Essence of Nature
The leaves may not be changing color in Florida, but the color pale es in interior design are certainly evolving according to Christiana Engert, owner and principal interior designer of Frond and Fern Design. “Earthy neutrals are making a bold statement in interior design,” Engert says. “Where we once saw cool grays and stark whites, interiors are shi ing toward warmer, more calming tones inspired by the outdoors. This pale e evokes the grounding essence of nature with hues that echo soil, sand, wood and foliage. Earthy neutrals are versatile, appealing to both modern and traditional design sensibilities while maintaining a deep connection to the natural world and providing comfort and serenity.” Earthy neutrals are showing up everywhere, from furniture to fabrics to bedding. Even countertop appliances are ge ing in on the fun. The KitchenAid Evergreen Design series is incredibly popular right now and it fully embraces the earthy neutral trend with its ma e olive green base and rich walnut bowl. “Manufacturers are weaving in warm browns, rust, ochre, and my personal favorite, olive green,” says Engert. “Olive is the new gray. Like gray, olive is versatile. It pairs beautifully with a range of materials and colors, from warm woods and brass accents to so creams and terraco as. It adds personality and depth without overpowering the space, providing a refreshing yet timeless alternative to more neutral hues.” Frond and Fern Design, Christiana Engert, design@ frontandferndesign.com. frondandferndesign.com
Top le : The Arteriors Home Alanna O oman in Moss Green brings earthy neutral colors and textural elements. Bo om le : The KitchenAid Evergreen Mixer embodies everything people love about the earthy neutral trend. Bo om right: Crate and Barrel Natural European Flax Linen in Burnt Green brings the cozy fall vibes. Images courtesy of Frond and Fern Design.
Wight
H & D WARM MODERN
Artisanal Details
Sarasota has a rich architectural history as the birthplace of the Sarasota School of Architecture, a mid-twentieth century movement that emphasized modernist principles. Contemporary architecture continues to be perennially popular in the area, and DSDG Architects is a go-to firm for homeowners who are attracted to the clean lines and simple elegance that exemplify the style. Megan Trahin is an interior designer with DSDG Architects, and she’s noticed a movement toward warm modern interiors. “Warm modern is achieved by mixing the clean, minimalistic look of modern design with softer finishes like natural stone,” Trahin explains. “Travertine tile is popular right now, and people are using it in unexpected places. Instead of just using it on outdoor patios, people are putting travertine—or porcelain tile that looks like travertine—into their kitchens.” Materials like metal, glass, and concrete are prevalent in traditional modern design, while in warm modern design, organic elements are introduced to add warmth and texture. In a living room, this might mean grounding a sleek glass fireplace with a rough-edged limestone slab. In a kitchen, it could entail installing some warm walnut built-ins to balance out bright white cabinetry. “Bringing in artisanal details is also characteristic of warm modern design,” Trahin adds. “An example would be installing a mosaic marble tile in a very modern bathroom but keeping the colors tone-on-tone. It’s all about the touches.” DSDG Architects, Megan Trahin, 1348 Fruitville Rd, Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-955-5645, DSDGArchitects.com.
elements like the natural limestone fireplace slab are enhanced by natural decor items like woven baskets.
tile made from natural stone adds an artisanal touch to this modern bathroom. Images courtesy of DSDG Architects.
Top right: Warm walnut builtins, chairs and island accents bring an organic element to this contemporary kitchen. Bottom left: Warm organic
Bottom right: Mosaic
Wight
H & D MIXED METALS
Below: In the Palm Bay Model in Wellen Park’s Everly neighborhood, mixed metals add depth, contrast and a sense of sophistication. Images courtesy of Neal Communities.
While the rest of the country enjoys crisp fall air and colorful foliage, we miss out on those familiar hallmarks that herald the changing of the seasons. If you’re ready for a change of scenery, this may be the perfect time to think about refreshing your space.
Visual Accents
As the design gallery director for Neal Communities, Jennifer Joslin always has a front-row seat to the newest trends in the design industry. “We’re seeing a lot of mixed metals,” Joslin says. “You can see black and gold, brass and chrome, copper and bronze. There really isn’t a right or wrong way when it comes to metals.” Homeowners sometimes shy away from using mixed metals because they feel like all of their metal accents should match. But incorporating different metal finishes can add depth, contrast and visual interest to a space and keep the design from feeling flat. Combining different metals allows homeowners to add a personal touch to their space, moving away from overly coordinated, showroom-ready designs and toward something unique and custom. The key to this trend is balance. Using one metal as a dominant finish (for instance, matte black as the primary color) and others as accents (like gold or brass) helps create harmony without overwhelming the space. It’s not feasible to remodel your home multiple times a year to keep up with the latest design trends, but you can make small sustainable changes when you’re ready for a refresh. The mixed metal trend is perfect for folks who want a facelift for their kitchens or bathrooms, which tend to be the most expensive rooms to renovate. “Your lighting, your faucets and your hardware, that’s the jewelry in your home,” Joslin explains. “Changing the jewelry can transform the whole outfit.” Neal Communities, Jennifer Joslin, 5800 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Sarasota, 888-720-4429, NealCommunities.com.
Compiled and written by
Kate Wight
H & D ELEVATED CLOSETS
All in the Details
Below: No longer an afterthought, closets are now as chic and stylish as any other room in your home. Top right: LED lights bring a modern, high-end look to walk-in closets.
The Tailored Closet is a company that specializes in creating custom storage solutions for homes, with a focus on creating wellorganized spaces with a personal touch. The business designs and installs pantries, home offices, laundry rooms and other home storage areas but they are probably best known for their custom closet designs. “The same trends that you’re seeing throughout the kitchen and bath industry are also flowing into the custom closet space,” says Steve Jacoby, owner of The Tailored Closet. “What we’re seeing now is people are moving toward a contemporary look, with clean lines and sleek, understated handles.” LED lighting has always been popular in the custom closet world, and it remains at the forefront of the industry. Jacoby is also seeing higher levels of detail in closet design, like wood-tone drawer fronts and glass doors with aluminum frames. “When it came to design, it used to be that people would focus their attention on rooms like the kitchen while the closet was more of an afterthought,” he says. “Now people are elevating their closet spaces to tie in with the overall design of their homes.” The Tailored Closet, 579 Interstate Blvd, Sarasota,, 941-328-8989.
Compiled and written by Kate Wight
& D
THE FIFTH WALL
Room Impact
“Obviously, people come into our showroom asking for wallpaper and wall coverings,” says Susanna Ruden. “But we’re finding there is a trend that people are asking for and they don’t really know the term. But this is what it is: it’s the fifth wall of their home.” When you walk into a room and look around, you’ll usually see four walls. When you look up at the ceiling, that’s where you find the fifth wall. While often overlooked, the ceiling is considered the fifth wall of a room because it has the potential to add significant design impact, just like the other four walls. Treating the ceiling as a key design element can enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. Susanna Ruden has an interior design degree and has worked in kitchen and bath design for thirty years. In her current role at M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds, she helps customers figure out the best wallcovering solutions for their particular spaces.
“When you think about your fifth wall you have to factor in how it will relate to other elements that are in the room. You also need to consider the scale and proportion of the room,” she explains. “Some of the things that will affect your selection are how high the ceilings are, and how much natural light comes in. It’s sometimes difficult to use directional patterns on a ceiling, so you might want to use things like grasscloth or marbleized textures.” It’s also important to have a sense of the feeling and look you’re going for when selecting a wallpaper or other wallcovering for the fifth wall. “Metallics help lift up a room and make it feel lighter and more open,” Ruden says. “Darker colors create a sense of intimacy.” A lot of new homes are being built with cove ceilings, which provide the perfect frame for a fifth ceiling. You can also easily install trim to create separation between the walls and the ceiling and make the space feel more elevated. “When someone walks into a room and looks up, the fifth wall can have a calming feel or a really dramatic look,” Ruden says. “It has such a beautiful impact in a room.” M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds, 4801 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 7, Sarasota, 941-925-7800, mmwallcoveringsblinds.com.
Above left: In this recent install by M&M Wallcoverings, a textured wallpaper brought shine and dimension to the fifth wall of a home. Image courtesy of M&M Wallcoverings and Blinds. Right: Cove and tray ceilings make the perfect framing element for homeowners contemplating a fifth wall.
Compiled
and
wri en by Kate Wight
H & D FEATURE WALL
Below: Jennifer Wright of Clive Daniel uses renderings like these to show how transformative a feature wall can be.contemplating a fi h wall. Image courtesy of Clive Daniel Home.
Endless Opportunity
Where there’s a wall, there’s a way. Just ask Jennifer Wright. Wright has worked in design for over two decades and is currently an interior designer at Clive Daniel Home, where she works on a diverse array of projects from model homes to custom builds. No ma er what kind of project she’s taking on, she’s o en asked to include a feature wall in her design. A feature wall is a single wall within a room that is designed to stand out from the rest of the space, typically through the use of color, texture, material or artwork. For Wright, texture is her preferred method of expression. “In design, you want to create dimension and textures. Feature walls start off that whole process in a home,” Wright says. “We have all the textures in the world to work with when designing a feature wall. We have stone, we have amazing wood pieces we can now do. We’ve got Keenon which is like a decorative acrylic with all kinds of different colors and textures and shagreen which is a type of rawhide. The world is our oyster with what’s available out there to work with which is why I like feature walls. It’s just endless opportunity.” Feature walls can also be used to address design challenges within a space. Wright recently finished a villa in the Longboat Key area with an unusual view. “They had a 12-foot slider off the dining room that looked out at another outside wall that was all encased,” Wright recalls. “From the slider to the wall, I don’t think it was more than four feet. It’s very private, but you can’t sit out there or do anything.” Wright’s solution was to transform that outside wall into an exterior atrium, using resin panels made to look like wood slats and installing large boxed planters. “We used faux greenery because they’re not here all the time,” she explains. “It was a bit of a challenge to get the proper greenery that was all UV protected and waterproof.”Clive Daniel Home, Jennifer Wright, 3055 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, 941- 900-4663, clivedaniel.com
giving coast
THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST
Brock Leach is a philanthropist known to fight for social justice Barbie Heit
BROCK LEACH GREW UP SURROUNDED BY parents, older siblings, teachers and mentors who encouraged him to learn about himself and develop a sense of purpose in life. For this, he considers himself to be extraordinarily fortunate. “The intersection of what I do well, what I love to do and what matters to me has evolved over time and several careers,” he says. “It has given me the confidence that I can make some small difference in the world. As a later-in-life and unexpected child who is 18 years younger than his sister and 16 years younger than his brother, Leach is the son of an engineer for General Motors (GM). When he was four, his family moved to Germany for four years for his father’s work with GM’s Opel division. He started school in an international program with kids from all over the world and returned to the Detroit area when he was 8. At age 14, Leach’s parents retired to Colorado where he attended a small high school in the town of Monument with a graduating class of only 78, made up of kids from all walks of life with different backgrounds.
giving coast
LEACH ALSO FEELS LUCKYTO HAVE BEEN part of an ecumenical church community led by a minister who believed the work of the church happened outside the church. “He took a group of us teenagers on outreach projects with diverse communities—building a Head Start center with immigrant families in Conejos County, CO, one of the poorest counties in the country; gleaning vegetables with migrant farm workers, working in an addiction recovery center. It left me with the impression that we can all make some difference for someone else, and how rewarding that could be.”
Leach attended the University of Colorado Boulder with the idea that he would do some kind of human service work and worked many different jobs, including as a night janitor in the molecular biology labs, business manager for the yearbook, night auditor at the Rodeway Inn, co-president of the student government for the College of Arts and Sciences and two years as manager of summer housing for programs that were hosted in university dorms. Along the way, he learned that he liked working with people in organizations with common purpose. He went on to attend the MBA program at the University of Chicago to learn more about organizational leadership. “There weren’t many people recruiting for human service jobs out of the MBA program so I ended up looking for jobs in consumer products/ brand marketing because they offered an opportunity to learn how organizations work from all angles,” he says. He met his wife, Julie, in the MBA program, and both ended up getting jobs in Dallas, TX, Leach with Frito-Lay, a part of PepsiCo.
“I only intended to do that for a couple of years, but then 24 went by. It was an incredible experience, and I had my roles but I discovered my first love which was leading innovation teams,” he shares. His PepsiCo career included roles as SVP Marketing at Frito-Lay, CEO of Frito-Lay North America, CEO of Tropicana Products (which is how he got transferred to Sarasota 24 years ago) and Chief Innovation Officer for the corporation globally with a focus on improving the healthfulness of the product portfolio across divisions. After 24 great years, Leach decided it was time to quit and go to seminary to get reoriented to human service work.
As a local philanthropist, Leach has been known to fight for social justice. “I think that our greatest natural resource is human,” he explains. “We have enormous reservoirs of untapped vision, creativity and resourcefulness when we connect individual skills and calling in common purpose. For me, social justice is principally about realizing untapped and unrecognized human potential. We need to address the common existential challenges we face together.” Recently, he was recognized for his service on the boards of Children First and Education Foundation. He chose these organizations based on overwhelming evidence that the greatest opportunity for unleashing human potential is in early childhood, and sustaining it with the involvement of parents who are supported in becoming the parents they aspire to be.
“I got involved in Children First 20 years ago because, by design, they serve the 600 or so kids and their families most in need in Sarasota County, and they do it with wraparound support of families—everything from comprehensive access to services they and their kids need, to parenting education, job training and employment,” he says. “James Heckman, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago won a Nobel Prize for his work demonstrating that high quality early childhood education with wrap-around support of families is the single best social investment we can make as a society.”
He explains that he later got involved with the Education Foundation because they extend that support by helping students with the kind of self-discovery and adult mentorship that enables them to uncover their own sense of purpose and take those important next important steps after high school, and they also prioritize serving the kids and families who otherwise would not have access to those services.
Leach is grateful to be part of the Sarasota philanthropic community, one that he feels is filled with a multitude of people who recognize that they were blessed in unexpected ways—with strong support at pivotal moments in their lives and with prosperity beyond what they expected. “They recognize that we are all better off when each of us can bring our best selves to the service of all of us. Our community is suffused with
people who are investing themselves and their resources in recognition of that truth in many different ways. And I would add that perhaps the greatest philanthropic contributions are made by those incredible volunteers who devote large portions of their lives to working directly with kids, parents, and people with needs from all walks of life. They are changing lives intimately, directly and profoundly.”
Leach has been quoted as saying “The best gift one can give to another is the gift of opportunity.” This a reference to unleashing human potential by ensuring that everyone, especially kids have a chance to bring their best selves to the world. Every time we deny somebody that opportunity because of who they are or where they come from we sell ourselves and our future short.
He shares that he is especially proud to have been part of Children First’s journey from being a good early childhood program to being a nationally recognized Program of Excellence, one of only few in the country to be repeatedly recognized as excellent year after year. “The credit goes mostly to Philip Tavill, CEO, and the long-time leadership team who have never been satisfied with the status quo,” he says. “They have consistently taken well-reasoned risks to do things differently, learn from them, and take them to the next level, in the midst of continuously changing circumstances. For that team, it’s not a job; it’s an expression of knowing who they are and applying their gifts in a way that is soul-satisfying to them and benefits everyone involved.”
Having just completed a doctoral program in transformational leadership at Boston University with research focused on what it means and requires to develop multicultural and multigenerational communities, Leach believes that he will continue with the important human services work he is doing well into the future. “I’m inspired by what I learned and am currently exploring ways to share it with congregations and other types of communities, because until we can acknowledge the value of different cultures and encourage everyone to fully participate in our communities we will deprive ourselves of better possibilities.” SRQ Brock Leach was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2023.
TOP DOCTORS SRQ
METHODOLOGY
TOP DOCTORS
WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL to the medical and nursing professionals who are dedicatedto supporting our community through this challenging time. The individuals who are being honored in this year's prestigious SRQ TOP DOCTORS | PEER REVIEW program have received the overwhelming support of colleagues in the medical professional communities of Greater Sarasota including Palmetto, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Venice and North Port, Florida. The Colorado-based team at DataJoe Research facilitates all aspects of the online peer-voting process and conducting government references. We appreciate the doctors who participated in the program this past summer by sharing their thoughtful nominations—it is their insight that makes it possible for us to provide the readers of SRQ Magazine with this noteworthy guide to the highly-regarded doctors in the region.
ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
Danziger, Roger
Roger Danziger MD
Allergy Sinus Asthma
5404 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210-2815
941-761-1911; License: ME58560
Fergeson, Jennifer
Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus Food Allergy Center Of Florida 3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405
941-927-4888; License: OS12455
Patel, Nilamben
Sunshine Allergy And Asthma 2565 Toledo Blade Blvd North Port, FL 34289 941-413-3143; License: RPT98003
Rucker, Rajivi
Premier Allergists Of Florida 1250 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 302 Sarasota, FL 34239
Bradenton Cardiology Center 316 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-8805
941-748-2277; License: OS14184
DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the “Top Doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and additional information, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.
Calderon, Erick E.
Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants
6310 Health Park Way, Ste 230 Bradenton, FL 34202-5177
941-907-1113; License: ME77684
Culp, John R
HCA Florida Healthcare
1250 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34239-2221
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-342-8892; License: ME130508
Rascon-Aguilar, Ivan Estuardo Gastroenterology
Associates Of Manatee 1886 59th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-4630 941-794-1980; License: ME93817
Sarkar, Souvik
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-342-8892; License: ME155013
Shah, Nihar
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 1852 Hillview St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-3638
941-262-0400; License: ME136945
Southerland, John
Florida Digestive Health Specialists
3325 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34239-5142
941-952-9223; License: ME85007
DEREK CUFF, MD
HONOREE
Orthopaedic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Shoulder Surgery
Elbow Surgery
DR. CUFF specializes in performing minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures as well as complex shoulder and elbow reconstruction. He utilizes state of the art surgical techniques to treat the full spectrum of shoulder and elbow problems. Dr. Cu graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed his orthopaedic residency in Baltimore, MD at the University of Maryland Medical System, and a portion of his training was also at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He went on to complete subspecialty fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Tampa, FL at The Florida Orthopaedic Institute prior to moving to the Sarasota area.
JAVIER GUZMAN, MD
HONOREE
Orthopaedic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Foot and Ankle Surgery
Foot and Ankle Injuries
Complex Foot Deformities
DR. GUZMAN is a fellowship trained Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Reconstructive surgeon. He is a native of Southwest Florida and grew up in Charlotte County. He specializes in state of the art and proven treatments for the full spectrum of foot and ankle problems. He is fluent in English and Spanish. He completed his medical training at Icahn School of Medicine, Mt Sinai, New York City, NY, where he graduated with distinction in Research. Following medical school, he completed his Orthopaedic surgery residency at Mt Sinai, and then completed his fellowship at the prestigious Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS?
In 2012 Dr. Cu was invited to join the prestigious American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society. This organization is comprised of the leading national and international orthopaedic surgeons specializing in surgery of the shoulder and elbow. Admission into ASES society is by nomination only and based on sustained academic and research contributions to the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. He is one of a small group of surgeons in the state of Florida to be given this honor, and he is one of the few select surgeons on the Gulf Coast of Florida to achieve Active Member status in this organization. Dr. Cu has a strong interest in clinical and basic science research of the shoulder and elbow. He has published multiple articles in peer reviewed international journals on these topics.
SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE
3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastshoulder-elbow.com
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS?
Foot and Ankle conditions can be complex and there is no “one size fits all.” My goal is to treat patients with nonoperative treatment whenever possible, whether this entails bracing, customized orthotics, or therapy. When surgery is needed, my patients will be treated to their individual needs with the goal of getting them back to doing the things they love, whether this is taking a walk or going back to playing competitive sports.
SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE
3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | orthofootanklemd.com
TOP DOCTORS
Summerlee, Robert
Intercoastal Medical Group 11715 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-9529
941-538-0092; License: ME118680
GENERAL SURGERY
Browning IV, Robert Intercoastal Medical Group 11505 Rangeland Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34211-4041 941-362-8662; License: ME115061
Cordova, Alfredo C.
First Physicians Group 1700 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3509 941-917-7494; License: ME129309
DR. CHAN is a fellowship trained, Board Certified Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon. He is a native Floridian, Chinese-American whose immigrant parents have given him the opportunity to pursue his interests in helping those in his community live a better quality of life. His interests include minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic carpal tunnel release and wrist arthroscopy, as well as treating other common maladies such as hand and wrist arthritis, trigger fingers, Dupuytren’s contractures, tendon ruptures, and cysts.
Prior to attending medical school at the University of Florida, Dr. Chan practiced as a Senior Physical Therapist at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Medical Center for 5 years. It was there rehabilitating victims of head trauma and spinal cord injured quadriplegics that he learned the importance of hand function for independence and quality of life. He went on to complete a hand surgery fellowship at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand Center / Thomas Je erson University Hospital.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHERS?
We believe the most important aspects to providing quality care are establishing a relationship with our patients, educating them regarding their condition, and then presenting them with the appropriate treatment options. Our practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of athletic and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
SUNCOAST ORTHOPAEDIC INSTITUTE
3030 Executive Dr | Venice, FL 34292 941.485.1505 | suncoastorthopaedic.com
KRISTOPHER HAMWI, MD
HONOREE
Cosmetic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Face and Body
Plastic Surgery
Awake Procedures
DR. KRISTOPHER HAMWI , a board-certified plastic surgeon, is renowned for his refined expertise in aesthetic procedures. He specializes in enhancing natural beauty through body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast surgery. His education spans prestigious institutions including Georgetown University, Indiana University, and Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, capped by a fellowship in aesthetics at Mount Sinai, New York. A Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Hamwi is celebrated for his dedication to safety and personalized patient care, employing the latest surgical techniques to achieve outstanding results. Based in Florida, his meticulous approach draws patients nationally.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we set ourselves apart with Dr. Kristopher Hamwi's expertise in innovative awake surgeries, including highly precise awake liposuction. By utilizing local anesthesia, these procedures are performed with minimal discomfort, allowing for quicker recovery and real-time adjustments tailored to each patient’s needs. Our commitment extends beyond surgery, o ering a full spectrum of top-tier medspa treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. This unique combination of advanced techniques, personalized care, and luxurious setting ensures an exceptional experience and superior outcomes, making our practice a leader in the field.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? At Florida Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we set ourselves apart not only through exceptional patient care but also by embracing innovation and comprehensive treatment options. Led by Dr. Kristopher Hamwi, our practice excels in multiple awake surgical options that permit precise, real-time adjustments and shortened recovery periods. We provide a full spectrum of both surgical and non-surgical procedures in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. Our expert team is dedicated to patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Additionally, we ensure meticulous follow-up care, supporting each Patient throughout their transformation journey.
Cassidy & Guerin MD PA 842 Sunset Lake Blvd, Ste 302 Venice, FL 34292-7552
941-484-3404; License: ME57567
JOHN LOURIÉ, MD
Having lived in Charleston, SC as a child and then moving to the Midwest for high school, college and medical school, Dr. Lourié was always drawn back to the ocean. He graduated from DePaul University in Indiana in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in biology with a minor in physics. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Emory University in Atlanta in 1992. He specialized in interventional cardiology and nuclear cardiology, graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1995 where he met his wife. They then moved to Bradenton in 1995. At age 32, Dr. Lourié was one of the youngest to be accepted as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology in 1996. He has been board certified in internal medicine, cardiology, interventional cardiology and nuclear cardiology. He has served on the local board of the American Heart Association and the Manatee Medical Society as well as numerous medical committees at both Manatee Memorial and Blake hospitals. He was the director of the cardiac cath lab at Blake hospital for 12 years and was listed in Strathmore's Who's Who in America in 2000, named Doctor of the Year in 2004 and Consumers’ Research Council of America's Top Cardiologists in 2010.
HONOREE
Internal Medicine
SPECIALTIES
Cardiology:
General and Interventional
Internal Medicine
Nuclear cardiology
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Having witnessed the erosion of quality care in medicine and a push by corporate and insurance industries toward a one-size-fits-all care model known as "protocol-based care", I knew I could deliver better personal care. So in 2010, I developed our current concierge practice which places the focus on the personal needs of the patient: not the insurance company. Our contract is between the patient and the doctor so we have been able to develop relationships with radiology centers, labs, pharmacies and specialists, etc. which allow much quicker access to service when needed. This is frequently achieved at a much lower price than it would cost through an insurance company without all the typical built-in delays and denials that people have become forced to accept through the traditional medical practice We turn the standard medical practice of waiting until something is broken upside down by preventing our biggest health threats before they can strike. We actively look for and manage early stages of conditions to prevent diseases that can land you in the hospital which require invasive medical procedures and cost thousands of dollars to treat in an emergency. Our practice has been so successful that it has been full for over 7 years now.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? We deliver what is now missing from most medical practices and certainly in hospital based care: excellent personal service, prompt appointments, and direct evaluation by your physician: not a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. We routinely refer to the top medical centers in the US when someone's health depends on it. One of our primary goals is to keep people out of the hospital: and it works. We are focused on teaching people how to achieve and maintain health through lifestyle changes that have been proven to prevent strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, cancer and dementia.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Marrs Ear, Nose, and Throat prides itself on being one of the most recognized, advanced, and accessible medical practices in the region. We are on the cutting edge of medical technology with the latest being Inspire, a mask-free treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. This innovative device truly gives patients the freedom to pursue their dreams. I am driven by a “patients first” philosophy and desire to listen. I have an exceptional team that provides personal and professional care from the very first phone call through their entire experience. We have a thriving audiology and hearing aid practice sta ed by the best audiologist I have ever worked with, Jennifer Duncan, AuD.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Having grown up in a medical family and then being an advocate for many family members seeking medical care, I truly understand both sides of medicine. In medical school we are taught that the history a patient gives provides us with the best guide to their diagnosis, which is why I reiterate the importance of listening to my patients. I also cannot overstate how important my sta are to my practice because they truly are the backbone of Marrs ENT and many times what my patients rave about the most.
MARRS
MARRS
EAR, NOSE & THROAT Adult
Sinusitis/Sinus Surgery | Salivary Gland & Thyroid Surgery | Ear Infections & Hearing Loss | Inspire
CHAD MARRS, MD is a board-certified otolaryngologist who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric ear, nose, and throat problems. He graduated with distinction with his Bachelor of Arts and medical degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine in 1997. He then completed a general surgery internship at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center and an otolaryngology residency at the University of Tennessee–Memphis Health Science Center in 2003. After residency, he practiced as an otolaryngologist in Kansas City before he and his family moved to sunny Sarasota in 2013. Dr. Marrs always aspired to open his own private practice. Family, friends, and patients were thrilled as dreams became reality with the opening of Marrs Ear, Nose and Throat in the summer of 2023. In just a matter of months Dr. Marrs realized his practice had outgrown his new space due to his patient base covering the entire Gulf Coast. He is excited to announce that Marrs Ear, Nose and Throat will be relocating in late 2024 to a beautifully designed o ce at 5310 Clark Rd, Suite 102, conveniently located just west of I-75 at the crosssection of Clark and Honore. In his spare time, Dr. Marrs enjoys spending time with his family exploring the sun and sands of Forida after spending his life landlocked. He enjoys smoking meats harkening back to his Kansas City days, watching his favorite sports teams, collecting animation art, and enjoying some fine dark chocolate.
EAR, NOSE & THROAT MARRS EAR, NOSE & THROAT
TOP DOCTORS
ONCOLOGY
Berry, Brian T.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
3630 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209-5500
941-792-1881; License: ME73368
Dattoli, Michael J.
Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute
2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344
941-957-1221; License: ME58562
Eakle, Janice F.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
600 N Cattleman Rd, Ste 200 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422
Dr. Khazanchi is an exceptional physician who embodies compassion, understanding, brilliance, and a strong work ethic. Throughout his 25-year career, he has made a significant impact by saving and improving the lives of numerous individuals. His commitment to helping others is unwavering, and he consistently goes above and beyond to provide the best care possible. One of Dr. Khazanchi's remarkable qualities is his availability and dedication to his patients. He understands the importance of being there for them in their times of need and ensures that he is always accessible. His patients find solace in his caring nature and appreciate his tireless e orts to address their medical concerns. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Khazanchi is a devoted family man. He shares a beautiful and fulfilling life with his wonderful and supportive wife. Furthermore, he takes great pride in his daughter, who is currently pursuing her education at Duke University. Despite the demands of his profession, Dr. Khazanchi prioritizes his family and nurtures their well-being.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Dr. Khazanchi's contributions to the medical field have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Since 2015, he has consistently been nominated as a top doctor in Sarasota and Bradenton, a testament to his out-standing skills and dedication. Despite his impressive achievements, Dr. Khazanchi remains humble and grounded, never losing sight of his primary goal: providing exceptional care to his patients. Dr. Khazanchi's practice is supported by a team of dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals who share his commitment to excellence. From the front desk sta to the nurses, medical assistants and management, the entire team works together to ensure a seamless and e cient patient experience. Their professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail contribute to the overall success of the practice and further distinguish it from others.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Dr. Khazanchi's practice has significantly improved the lives of his patients through exceptional medical care and a patient-centered approach. With his deep expertise in gastroenterology, he accurately diagnoses and treats various gastrointestinal conditions, providing relief and healing. His compassionate and understanding demeanor creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. Through personalized treatment plans and open communication, he empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Khazanchi's practice not only focuses on physical well-being but also addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of patients' lives. By improving their health and overall quality of life, he has made a profound impact on the well-being of his patients.
Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center 6050 Cattleridge Blvd Sarasota, FL 34232-6014
941-365-0655; License: ME104779
ALBERICO J. SESSA, MD
HONOREE
Cosmetic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Cosmetic Surgery
, where he learned that a tenth of a millimeter can make all the di erence. He then went to medical school and onto oral and maxillofacial surgery at Charity Hospital in New Orleans for six years. This is were he learned to take apart the bony structures of the head and face and put them back together better than before. The training culminated in a year long post-graduate fellowship in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. This is where it all came together. It was at this fellowship, that every day, he along side his mentor performed cosmetic surgery in a private facility. Under this tutelage, he was able to hone his skills performing complex breast, tummy, face, and nasal surgery. This expertise allowed him to come to Sarasota in 2007 and begin practicing at the highest level immediately. Thousands of surgeries completed, five patient choice awards, hundreds of 5-star reviews across multiple platforms, and thousands of thrilled patients. He is a diplomate of both the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery as well as the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fellowship director, and American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Board examiner for the past four years.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Sarasota Surgical Arts, the name says it all! This is where surgical excellence, safety, and art collide. Alberico Sessa, MD is an artist. An expert in Cosmetic Surgery. An expert is defi ned as 10,000 hours performing a task. 16 years and 10,000 procedures completed at his surgical facility—Dr. Sessa considers himself to be an expert. It's all in the training. Alberico Sessa, MD, is a perfectionist. The surgery is never completed until it is perfect. The fi rst questions asked at a consultation are to fi nd out exactly what is the patient’s idea of beauty and what they are concerned about. Then the journey begins. Sarasota Surgical Arts provides an array of Cosmetic surgery to help the breast, body, or the face. Some of the procedures performed: facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, Laser skin resurfacing. Non-surgical options are also found at Sarasota Surgical Arts: Venus freeze—a skin-tightening procedure that works. Vanquish is an all-in-one treatment to dissolve fat and tighten skin, both painless and inexpensive. A medi-spa, along with a knowledgeable aesthetician, is also onsite. Skin peels, facials, derma planing, “PRP” facials (Vampire), micro-needling, as well as micro-blading for eyebrows are performed. We also have our very own skin care line-DR AL’s RX. All Cosmetic Surgery is performed at his private surgical facility. This facility is certified by the Florida Board of Medicine yearly. The anesthesia is provided by a board certified practitioner with 32 years of experience.
TOP DOCTORS
PATHOLOGY
Butcher, Monica
Sarapath Diagnostics
2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239 941-362-8900; License: ME162558
Zacks, Je rey F.
Sarapath Diagnostics 2001 Webber St Sarasota, FL 34239-5237
941-362-8900; License: ME82395
PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
Ly, Jean
Windom Allergy Asthma & Sinus
3570 S Tuttle Ave Sarasota, FL 34239-6405 941-927-4888; License: ME116920
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
Miller, Michelle
Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care 5881 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238-5118
2255 S Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34239-3806 941-203-1300; License: ME66996
Schultz, Jerette J.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 1921 Waldemere St, Ste 301 Sarasota, FL 34239-2913
941-262-4001; License: ME160313
Spellman, Andrea
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177
941-355-3223; License: OS13346
Van Vliet, Michael M.
HCA Florida Blake Hospital Burn and Plastic Surgery Center 2020 59th St West Bradenton, FL 34209-4604
941-567-2876; License: ME123837
BRANDON LAMBIRIS, MD
HONOREE
Cosmetic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? West Coast Plastic Surgery is the practice of Dr. Brandon Lambiris, an innovative board certified plastic surgeon who believes everyone deserves to live a life of real beauty. Legendary Sarasota plastic surgeon Dr. James Marsh chose Dr. Lambiris to take over his practice of providing dependable, accessible plastic surgery in Sarasota, Florida. At West Coast Plastic Surgery, our #1 goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, so you can radiate the unique individual you are —from the moment we meet to discuss your aesthetic goals, all the way through to when you proudly reveal your gorgeous results to the world.
DR. BRANDON LAMBIRIS BELIEVES EVERYONE DESERVES the opportunity to look their best. If you’ve dreamed of having plastic surgery to unlock your true potential, we encourage you to join us for a consultation. Experience the real di erence plastic surgery can have on your life at West Coast Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, FL. Only the second medical student ever awarded an Integrated Plastic Surgery residency at Florida State School of Medicine, Dr. Brandon Lambiris devoted his life to delivering the transformative results of plastic surgery. Dr. Lambiris was "pretty seriously banged up" as a kid and ended up in the emergency room. If not for treatment by a plastic surgeon the aesthetic e ects of his injuries would have been severe. Dr. Lambiris was inspired to help others fully recover in much the same manner. He returned to Florida to make his skills available to patients at West Coast Plastic Surgery. His advanced training and surgical skills have earned Dr. Lambiris a high level of respect from both colleagues and patients. Dr. Brandon Lambiris specializes in giving every patient the ultimate in personalized attention— so he can get to know the “real you” through warm, open, and unhurried dialog. Only through an intimate and honest understanding of “you,” is he able to apply his expert surgical training, technical skills, and keen aesthetic eye to achieve the beautiful, natural results that you want.
TOP DOCTORS
Widmyer, Anna
Anna Widmyer MD 6274 Lake Osprey Dr Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240-8425
941-500-3350; License: ME134153
Wright, Harry V.
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery 6310 Health Park Way, Ste 110 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202-5177 941-355-3223; License: ME115144
Matrix Pulmonary 2401 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205-4933
941-744-1336; License: OS7555
Tanyous, Walid
Ama Health Providers 435 Commercial Ct, Flr 1-2 Venice, FL 34292
941-559-0262; License: ME126550
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Biagioli, Matthew C
Sarasota Memorial Radiation Oncology Center 5370 University Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34243-5813
941-917-7575; License: ME95142
Fitch, Dwight L.
Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534
941-220-6263; License: ME95935
Koshy, Mary
Advocate Radiation Oncology 5325 E State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34208-5534
941-220-6263; License: ME92795
Saigal, Kunal
Brian D Jellison Cancer Institute 5370 University Parkway Sarasota FL 34243
947-917-7575; License: ME113123
Soni, Arvind B.
Dattoli Cancer Center & Brachytherapy Research Institute 2803 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237-5344
941-957-1221; License: ME107248
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Pabon, J. E.
Fertility Center & Applied Genetics of Florida 5100 Station Way Sarasota, FL 34233-3221
941-342-1568; License: ME68597
RHEUMATOLOGY
Crager, Kenneth H. HCA Florida Blake Medical Specialists 315 75th St W Bradenton, FL 34209-3201
941-792-8329; License: ME64188
EMILY JILES , DO
HONOREE Cosmetic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Body and Facial
Cosmetic Surgery
DR. EMILY JILES is a cosmetic surgeon with extensive fellowship training with leading experts in the field. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. Jiles knew she wanted to be a surgeon from a very young age. She received her undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Florida State University. From there she attended medical school in West Virginia. After her board certification in general surgery, Dr. Jiles completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship in New York City. She now specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Today, she is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. Additionally, she is medical director at Florida Robotic Hair Transplant Center where she performs robotic hair transplantation surgeries.
JORDANA HOLLEN, MD
HONOREE Psychiatry
SPECIALTIES
Women’s Health
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Psychopharmacology
Psychotherapy
Precision Transcranial
Magnetic Stimulation
DR. JORDANA HOLLEN is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with extensive training in psychopharmacology, mood and anxiety disorders, women’s health, ADHD, psychotherapy and TMS. Dr. Hollen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honors Program, and she completed her Psychiatry residency training at the University of Florida. She has experience as a medical director and psychiatry instructor for trainees, as well as thirteen years of outpatient psychiatric practice.
DR JILES COSMETIC SURGERY
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? Dr. Jiles seeks to revolutionize the approach to cosmetic surgery. Because feeling beautiful and confident starts on the inside, she works closely with like-minded, progressive physician colleagues who are leaders in the fields of functional medicine and weight loss medicine. Do you have those last few pounds to lose before you get a tummy tuck? The Fit For Surgery program might be perfect for you prior to having surgery with Dr. Jiles! The best part of all is the emphasis on improving habits which will continue to improve your results even after surgery without trying.
1958 Prospect Street | Suite 103 | Sarasota, Florida 34239 941.867.7682 | drjilescosmeticsurgery.com
ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. At Bluestone Psychiatry, a physician-founded and led practice, we feel grateful to provide our patients and their families with a dignified, compassionate behavioral health experience. We partner with our patients to build solid connections and trust. Building upon this trust, we incorporate evidence-based treatments including psychotherapy and medication management, as appropriate. Bluestone Psychiatry encourages our patients to set goals, and more importantly, achieve these goals. We appreciate that everyone is unique, and we strive to tailor our treatment plans to each individual. It is an absolute privilege to build these relationships, and we will always strive to create an environment that facilitates the best treatment outcomes.
MICHELE PRIVETTE, Clinical Director at the Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry, has over 25 years of experience in treating Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar disorders. Her experience ranges from inpatient/outpatient settings, as well as providing psychiatric consultation to Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. Michele has strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills and strives to provide the best possible care to patients in order to improve their quality of life through improvement of their mental health.
WILLIAM L. MEHSERLE, MD
HONOREE
Orthopaedic Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Orthopaedic Surgery
Sports Medicine
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Adult Reconstruction
Robotic Certi ed
Arthroscopy
WILLIAM L. MEHSERLE, M.D., an award winning board certified Orthopaedic surgeon, pioneered and also developed techniques and instrumentation for minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. His medical schooling and residency was completed at Emory University. Before joining Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, he was engaged in academic medicine training physicians to become Orthopaedic surgeons at Brooke Army Medical Center. He specializes in treating disorders and injuries of the knees, hips, shoulders, and hands.
ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry is a Local Family Owned and Operated business since 2003 and we are committed to continuing support and hard work within the mental health community. We are a state licensed and industry accredited outpatient mental health clinic, where we o er Medication Management, individual and group Psychotherapy, as well as Intensive Outpatient Programs. We see patients of all ages and accept most insurances. We understand that strong mental health is essential in achieving success in personal and professional lives, and we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve it, so they can enjoy prosperous and joyous lives.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS?
As a family we value hard work, honesty and dedication, and we understand that strong mental health is essential in having success in personal and professional lives. We understand that it can be di cult to seek professional help for mental health concerns, and we work hard to provide confidential mental health services that put our clients’ needs first. We are honored to be trusted with our clients' mental health and always strive to provide only the highest standards of care.
CENTER OF REVITALIZING PSYCHIATRY
2033 Wood Street | Suite 220 | Sarasota FL 941.677.3366 | RevitalizingPsychiatry.com
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM THE OTHERS? Why choose us? Beginning with speaking to a staff member when you call to promptly book an appointment or surgery, we strive to provide the best medical experience for you. Secondly, we prioritize the patient-physician relationship with personalized treatment plans and continuity of care. Every visit involves a board-certified Orthopaedic surgeon who will follow up with you after any surgery. One of our physicians is available to handle your Orthopaedic emergencies 24/7/365. These pillars of our practice, timely personal interaction along with physician-led care and involvement, exemplify our commitment to deliver exceptional Orthopaedic care to you.
1525 S. Tamiami Trail | Suite 602 | Venice, FL 34285 941.497.2663 | veniceorthopaedics.com
TOP DOCTORS
VASCULAR SURGERY
Edwards, Je rey
Sarasota Vascular Specialists
600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422
941-371-6565; License: ME132518
Hershberger, Richard
Sarasota Vascular Specialists
600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422
Tampa Bay Surgical Group 1215 S East Ave, Ste 307 Sarasota, FL 34239-2354 941-312-6196; License: ME50587
Suplee, Ryan S.
Intercoastal Medical Group 3333 Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232-6056 941-341-0042; License: ME124998
Torres, Vivian
Tampa Bay Surgical Group
5860 Ranch Lake Blvd, Ste 200 Bradenton, FL 34202-3719
941-504-8248; License: ME118443
Wagner, Jason K.
Sarasota Vascular Specialists
600 N Cattlemen Rd, Ste 220 Sarasota, FL 34232-6422
941-371-6565; License: ME139385
Yeaney, Woodrow W.
The Vascular Group Of Bradenton 3204 Cortez Road W Bradenton, FL 34207
941-243-3991; License: ME97295
BETZAIDA (BETSY) RODRIGUEZ
HONOREE Nephrology and Internal Medicine
SPECIALTIES
Internal Medicine
Nephrology
DR. RODRIGUEZ is Board Certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. She completed her Nephrology fellowship from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She did her internal medicine residency at Louisiana State University in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Rodriguez is on staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Hospital. Dr. Rodriguez is fluent in English and Spanish.
ASHOK SASTRY
HONOREE Nephrology
SPECIALTIES
Internal Medicine
Nephrology
DR. SASTRY has been practicing nephrology in the community for 18 years. His work mainly centers around slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease and avoiding hemodialysis. A graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, he combines Midwestern sensibility with the wealth of knowledge gained from residency training in internal medicine and subsequent fellowship in nephrology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. His passion for the field has extended into his work with the Florida Society of Nephrology, having served on the executive board since 2009 and President of the FSN from 2022-2024, advocating for practice of nephrology in the state of Florida.
FLORIDA KIDNEY PHYSICIANS
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? The Nephrology treatment provided to our patients aims to delay progression of renal disease working as a team with our patients. Our practice also provides care and support for patients that require renal replacement therapy, including dialysis.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. Our practice originally began as Nephrology Associates of Sarasota in the 1970s and ultimately joined Florida Kidney Physicians, a statewide group in 2022. We have 8 physicians locally in Sarasota and are very active in the community with some of our physicians volunteering in the community specialty clinic to serve indigent patients. We have a long tradition of serving the community and commitment to the treatment of chronic kidney disease in Sarasota.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? We strive to avoid dialysis. Our physicians and sta are committed to using the latest studies and innovations to help our patients get healthier.
ENVISION PLASTIC SURGERY o ers advanced and minimally invasive plastic, reconstructive, aesthetic, and hand surgery in the Greater Sarasota area. Dr. James Kotick, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, has advanced training in complex breast reconstruction, nerve, and skin cancer reconstruction gained through his extensive surgical training. Throughout his career he has served as an educator at Harvard, Tufts, UM, and UCF. Dr. Kotick continues to expand the field through teaching, research, and journal review.
MICHELLE PENNIE, MD
HONOREE Dermatology
SPECIALTIES
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dr. Pennie earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, completed medical school and residency at Emory University, and received Mohs fellowship training with Dr. George Hruza at The Laser & Dermatologic Surgery Center in Chesterfield, Missouri. She is one of only a handful of dermatologists on the west coast of Florida who is fellowship trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, the most e ective and precise treatment for most types of skin cancer. Dr. Pennie is a board-certified dermatologist, a noted Top Doctor in the region.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS? At Envision Plastic Surgery, our highest patient experience response is feeling “heard” during the consultation. An individual and personalized treatment plan is created with you. We strive to provide patients with safe, results-driven plastic surgery in the most professional and comfortable environment possible. Our highly trained and empathetic sta provide open and honest communication. We utilize our collective expertise to ensure you achieve your aesthetic goals with an exceptional experience. We are dedicated to helping you achieve results that look natural and beautiful, empower you, and uplift your self-image to the you that you Envision. Welcome to your transformation.
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS? I founded Bliss Dermatology as a private, physicianowned, full-service dermatology practice where the patient is the focus of our daily work. Unlike many larger groups with corporate structures, Bliss Dermatology prides ourselves on being nimble and flexible to meet the evolving needs of our patients and referring physicians. The culture I created at Bliss Dermatology focuses on being the best in class for medical and surgical dermatology, laser, and aesthetic services.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE THE LIVES OF PATIENTS? As a double board-certified physician and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who has completed nearly 10,000 cancer surgeries, I have expertise that is hard to find. With the shortage of dermatologic surgeons in our area, I provide expertise in skin cancer surgery, reconstructive procedures, and cosmetics services. Patients can schedule skin exams, surgeries, cosmetic and aesthetic services under one roof, improving lives through consistent care and relationships.
MARK D'AGOSTINO
HONOREE Psychiatry
SPECIALTIES
Psychiatry
Addiction Medicine
, MD, MS, MSc
DR. D'AGOSTINO is Board Certified in Psychiatry, with a subspecialty in Addiction Medicine. He specializes in medication management and therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Licensed in multiple states, he sees patients in person and remotely in CT, NY, and FL. Dr. D'Agostino attended Brown Medical School, trained and remains faculty at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, and holds advanced degrees from the London School of Economics, University of Nottingham, and Harvard Business School.
SAMPATH MANICKAM, MD
HONOREE Rheumatology
SPECIALTIES
Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Osteoporosis
Lupus
DR. MANICKAM studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami. He obtained his MD degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his Internal medicine residency at JFK Medical Center. He completed his rheumatology fellowship at Augusta University. He has provided medical care in Sarasota County for the past 6 years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His wife is a Family Medicine Doctor.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Behavioral health and substance use disorders impact every facet of a patient’s life. With this in mind, we collaborate with families and support networks to create a 360-degree treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. This often includes both medication management and psychotherapy and may incorporate recovery coaching or other modalities to meet patients where they are. Our practice is rooted in a balanced understanding of biological and psychological factors, and we are dedicated to improving lives with compassionate, evidence based care. Recovery is an active and iterative process. Its impacts can be transformative, and we are here to help.
1343 Main Street | Suite 706 | Sarasota, FL 34236 203.414.7374 | mdagostino@mdbehavioral.health mdbehavioral.health
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Our practice improves the lives of patients in several ways. Our practice is patient-focused. We spend time extensively counseling patients on their conditions. Our priority is to provide quality, safe medical care. Patients are taken care of by our friendly sta . We provide care in an updated facility. We have a full-feature infusion suite. We also have access to an ultrasound machine, and x-ray center. We look at the whole patient. We tailor treatment to the individual patient. Millennium Rheumatology is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care.
MILLENNIUM PHYSICIAN GROUP SAMPATH MANICKAM , MD 8383 South Tamiami Trail | Suite 115 | Sarasota, FL 34238 941.497.4069 | millenniumphysician.com
REBECCA S. COHEN, MD
HONOREE Psychiatry
SPECIALTIES
Adult Psychiatry
Psychopharmacology
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
DR. COHEN is an Interventional Psychiatrist who specializes in Adult Psychopharmacology and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. In January, 2024, she LAUNCHED and now directs the most Precision-based, state of the art TMS Center in this region with several outstanding colleagues. Dr. Cohen is recognized as an expert clinician in the area of TMS Therapy and serves on the Board of Directors and other leadership roles for the International Clinical TMS Society.
FABIAN A. RAMOS , MD
HONOREE
Interventional Pain Medicine
SPECIALTIES
Pain Medicine
Interventional Pain Medicine
DR. FABIAN A. RAMOS, FIPP, DABA, DABIPP, DABPM , is a highly accomplished pain management specialist with an impressive background. He completed his pre-Anesthesia and Pain Management internship at Emory University’s Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Atlanta, GA, and went on to complete his Anesthesiology Residency at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, FL, where he was recognized as the “Best Graduate.” Dr. Ramos holds triple board certifications from the American Board of
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? I have always approached patient care with the idea of recognizing the complex biological, psychological and situational impact of each person’s presentation. Psychiatric symptoms are the most complicated of any medical specialty, because they potentially impact who you are and how you feel about yourself. My goal with patients is to help them understand their psychiatric symptoms and conflicts, and to work collaboratively with them to improve overall health and well-being. In over a decade of private clinical practice, I have worked with patients in both acute crisis situations as well as with more chronic, debilitating symptoms or di culties. For some patients, seeking out care can be upsetting or di cult. My goal is to establish a safe and nurturing environment so we can do the work together, establish clear goals for a treatment plan and take proper care of the patient’s needs.
REBECCA S. COHEN, MD
1217 South East Avenue | Suite 209 | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.559.8500 | drrebeccacohen.com
Interventional Pain Physicians, American Board of Pain Medicine, and American Board of Anesthesiology, ranking in the 99th percentile nationwide. He founded the Ramos Center for Interventional and Functional Pain Medicine in Bradenton, FL, in 2000, where he and his team provide state-of-the-art interventional treatment options for chronic pain su erers.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. The Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine is the most comprehensive pain management facility on the west coast of Florida. For over twenty-five years we have been harnessing the latest technologies and interventions to alleviate chronic pain for patients in our community.
JAMES COTTOM, DPM, FACFAS , is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with expertise in trauma, sports medicine, reconstructive surgery, diabetic conditions, and regenerative medicine. He completed advanced training through multiple prestigious surgical fellowships and is known for his innovative techniques, including the "All-Inside" Arthroscopic Brostrom Procedure. Dr. Cottom has also made significant contributions to podiatry with his award winning research, sharing his groundbreaking methods with peers around the world.
MODERN FOOT & ANKLE
WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART FROM OTHERS? Modern Foot & Ankle o ers unmatched expertise through a network of over 25 podiatrists across nearly 30 o ces in Florida and Texas. Our nationally recognized physicians and surgeons cover the full spectrum of foot and ankle care, including complex lower extremity conditions. With cutting-edge technology and personalized, patient-focused treatment plans, we build trusted relationships centered on delivering sustainable results.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? At Modern Foot & Ankle, we prioritize comprehensive, patient-centered care, using surgery only as a last resort. Our physicians are deeply involved in each patient's care, ensuring a thorough understanding of their foot and ankle conditions. This approach fosters informed decision making, empowering patients to take control of their health and improve their quality of life.
I WAS BORN IN LONDON and grew up in NJ. I went to Rutgers for college and then LECOM - Erie for medical school. I trained in Internal Medince at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and specialized in Allergy and Immunoogy at Boston Medical Center. I moved to Florida in 2020 and have loved it ever since! My husband, 2 daughters and dog are my greatest supporters.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE. I am an adult and pediatric trained Allergist. I see patients from Bradenton all the way down to Bonita Springs. I am located in North Port o of Toledo Blade and have been seeing patients for 3 years at this office. I offer a wide range of allergy and asthma treatments including shots, drops, food challenges and breathing tests.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? We have noticed a significant rise in allergies and asthma in the area especially after Hurricane Ian. We give patients access to allergy and asthma treatments that are life changing. Our goal is always to improve the quality of our patients' lives and allow them to enjoy the outdoors again!
SUNSHINE ALLERGY AND ASTHMA
2565 Toledo Blade Blvd | Suite 2 | North Port FL 34289 941.257.3119 | sunshineallergist.com
HARRY V. WRIGHT , MD
HONOREE
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Rhinoplasty
Revision Rhinoplasty
Facelift and Neck Lift
Blepharoplasty
Buccal Fat Removal
Otoplasty
Laser Surgery
DR. HARRY WRIGHT is a double Board-certified, Fellowship-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon who has dedicated his career to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck. He earned his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Virginia where he was awarded a four-year full-tuition scholarship. His advanced training includes residency at the prestigious Vanderbilt University Medical Center (ranked a top 6 Head & Neck Surgery program by U.S. News and World Report) where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Wright was then selected for a competitive Fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery with the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Dr. Wright distinguishes himself with the highest pedigree a surgeon can attain to practice aesthetic
ANDREA SPELLMAN , DO
HONOREE
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
SPECIALTIES
Facelift and Necklift
Rhinoplasty
Blepharoplasty
Injectables, Filler and Botox
Skincare Assessments
Laser Surgery
DR. ANDREA SPELLMAN graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia with Magna Cum Laude honors. She then went on to complete a Master of Medical Science program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA where she also earned her medical degree. She graduated top 10% of her class and was part of Sigma Sigma Phi, which is an honorary osteopathic service fraternity. She completed her 5-year residency in Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan Statewide Campus System at Beaumont Hospital, where she also served as Chief Resident for one year. Dr. Spellman was then selected to complete a highly-competitive Fellowship
surgery of the face, head and neck. His expertise includes rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, laser skin rejuvenation, and facial aesthetics. He has been published in several textbooks including Papel's Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the bible for facial plastic surgeons), Cumming's Otolaryngology/ Head & Neck Surgery, and invited chapters on Neck Rejuvenation in Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics.
HOW DOES YOUR PRACTICE HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF YOUR PATIENTS? Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery transforms lives by delivering personalized, high-quality care that enhances both appearance and self-esteem. Dr. Wright and Dr. Spellman combine advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to address each patient’s unique needs, whether for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes. Their expertise not only improves physical appearance but also boosts confidence and overall well-being. By tailoring treatments to individual goals and providing comprehensive support throughout the process, we ensure that every patient experiences a meaningful, positive change in their quality of life.
in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the utmost respected training body for cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons of the face, head and neck. Dr. Spellman is Board-Certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and is a Fellow trained through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. With nearly a decade of experience, Dr. Spellman is a specialist that focuses on Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as an owner at Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery along with her partner, Dr Harry Wright. Their expertise includes but is not limited to; facial reconstructive surgery, facial rejuvenation (Facelift, Blepharoplasty, Laser Surgery, Browlift, etc), and other Comprehensive treatments of the aging face, and Rhinoplasty.
