HOUSE PARTY
F ROM THE EDITOR
KATHY SAUNDERS
WEATHERING LIFE’S STORMS inside
With so much loss in our community this season, even among our own staff members, we have tried to make this issue of Bay about things that make us happy – food, wine and friends.
We are sharing the story of a lovely dinner party hosted by Bay contributor Karen Post in her Tampa home. It was prepared by chef Linus Rickenbach and his wife, Yvonne, from Café Largo, a warm and friendly restaurant on Indian Rocks Road, which, thankfully, did not sustain hurricane damage. Hopefully, the story will serve as a reminder of the joy that community and family gatherings can provide.
Another story that might come in handy for our readers is about a wine storage cellar in St. Petersburg where residents can keep their favorite bottles or valuable selections in a safe, climate-controlled space.
For those of us who like to seek comfort in food, we found a few treats you might want to order this season for a little extra indulgence.
▲ 10 HOUSE PARTY Chef Linus Rickenbach and his wife, Yvonne, owners of Café Largo on Indian Rocks Road, prepared a French-inspired dinner party for eight at the home of designer Karen Post.
▲
18 FOUND IT
Entertaining is the focus of our Found It feature this issue with fall-forward items sourced by home decorator Karen Post.
24 FINE WINE
Looking for a place to store some of your most cherished bottles of wine? St. Pete Cellars offers memberships for its climate-controlled cellars as well as temporary storage during hurricanes.
▲ 32 ON THE RUNWAY
St. Petersburg designer Matipa Mutsemi took the fashions inspired by her Zimbabwean roots to the runways of New York Fashion Week 2024.
36 SEASONAL
SWEETS
Order some special treats for Thanksgiving from local eateries.
While so many events have been canceled this month, we were able to attend a few fundraisers before the storms.
For now, we rest and rebuild.
40 TRAVEL Bay travel columnist Cindy Cockburn shares some nearby vacation options by The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain as well as travel options in Mystic, Connecticut, and Bangkok, Thailand.
NOVEMBER 2024
EDITOR Kathy Saunders ksaunders@tampabay.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nikki Life nlife@tampabay.com
COPY EDITOR Erin Feitsma
PHOTOGRAPHER Brian James, brian@brianjamesgallery.com
Bay is published eight times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.
Copyright 2024. Vol. 17, No. 7
Chairman & CEO Conan Gallaty
President & COO Bala Sundaramoorthy
Vice President of Advertising & Marketing Jay Rey
Marketing Director Kerry O’Reilly
National/Major Senior Advertising Manager Kelly Spamer
Pinellas Advertising Manager Jennifer Bonin
North Suncoast & Hillsborough Advertising Manager Jessica Petroski
Operations Manager, Prepress & Digital Production Gerald Gifford
Imaging & Production Brian Baracani, Danielle Lazaro, Gary Zolg
Regional Home Delivery Managers Diann Bates, Rob Jennings
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MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES
House party THE ART OF ENTERTAINING
BY KATHY SAUNDERS PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES
As a tastemaker and interior decorator, Karen Post knows her way around a dinner party. To kick off this season of entertaining, she invited Bay to a gathering in her South Tampa home complete with a theme, a purpose and dishes prepared by a professional chef. “I adore entertaining,” said Post. “For me, planning the perfect party takes a keen awareness of both style and entertaining trends and knowing the touches that will truly wow your guests.”
Post, who joins the Bay team this month, wanted her recent dinner to promote Jesuit High School’s upcoming February 2025 gala. As the alma mater of her husband, Eric Vogt, his son, Tanner, and many of their mutual friends, Post is passionate in her support of the all-boys Catholic high school.
The school’s upcoming An Evening in Paris gala lent inspiration to her intimate dinner party, which Post called “Faire la Fête.” The guest list included Mary Rouge, special events coordinator
One of eight place settings for the French-inspired dinner party held at the Tampa home of Karen Post and her husband, Eric
A hostess gift from guest Mary Rouge, special events coordinator at Jesuit High School, promoting the school’s upcoming French-themed gala, Gaudiosa 2025: An Evening in Paris.
From left, Yvonne and chef Linus Rickenbach, owners of Café Largo, with party host Karen Post.
Vogt.
Foie gras with port wine, fig confit and brioche toast served as the first course of the evening.
in Jesuit’s development office. Rouge treated guests to Paris-themed swag bags filled with French-inspired gifts, including soaps, cologne and candy.
Post wore a black Chanel cardigan and black Chanel flats in homage to the couture designer whose name is synonymous with France. Along with Post and her husband, guests included Jesuit graduate and Realtor Allan Mezrah; his fiancée, Diane Pozin; his uncle, Leon Mezrah; and Leon’s wife, Diane.
Post collaborated with chef Linus
Rickenbach and his wife, Yvonne, owners of Café Largo near the Belleair Bluffs region of Pinellas County. The couple took over the restaurant in 2021 and began providing in-home meals and cooking classes shortly thereafter. The base fee is $90 per person for a full-service meal. Food costs are extra depending on the menu choices.
Post selected a six-course meal that included foie gras with port wine, fig confit and brioche toast; escargots with the chef’s homemade butter, made from more than 30 ingredients; a cup of
The Menu
Terrine of foie gras with port wine, fig confit, brioche toast
Vineyard escargots “Café Largo,” homemade herb butter
Cappuccino with riesling vegetable broth soup
Fillet of sole on spinach, Champagne sauce, pilaf rice
French cheese garnished with fruits
Crème brûlée
Dinner guests enjoyed a classic French crème brûlée for dessert.
Chef Linus Rickenbach's fillet of sole with spinach and Champagne sauce over rice pilaf, garnished with fresh herbs.
cappuccino with riesling vegetable broth soup; fillet of sole in a Champagne-based fish sauce with rice pilaf and spinach; a plate of French cheeses and fruit garnish; and a homemade crème brûlée. The food cost about $500.
The Rickenbachs wore black and white at Post’s request and brought all the food and necessary cookware. They prepared all the food on-site and served each course.
Post provided the wine with input from the Rickenbachs, selecting bottles of pinot blanc; Alsace, a white Burgundy for the foie gras; Château de Cruzeau, a white Bordeaux; sauvignon blanc for the escargots; chardonnay for the main course; and rosé from the Loire Valley to pair with the dessert.
Incidental background music by French singer-songwriter Joyce Jonathan made for a cozy atmosphere throughout the evening. The decor was befitting of the Chanel black-and-white motif. Post
used black-and-white glassware by Mario Luca Giusti and stoneware plates from West Elm.
“What we enjoy when we are dining out and traveling, we love to emulate in our personal entertainment spaces,” said Post. “Whether you engage an expert to make your festivity happen, or you take charge, the right details are the difference between an average event or something spectacular.”
For information about Jesuit High School’s Gaudiosa: An Evening in Paris gala, to be held Feb. 22, 2025, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, visit jesuittampa.org. To hire chef Linus Rickenbach, visit cafelargorestaurant.com.
From left, guests at the chef-prepared dinner party included Eric Vogt (in foreground), Diane and Leon Mezrah, Allan Mezrah, Diane Pozin and Karen Post.
Chef Linus Rickenbach plates a serving of foie gras.
BAY MAGAZINE WELCOMES KAREN
POST TO THE TEAM
THIS ISSUE. An interior designer who heads Home Frosting, a luxury residential design studio in Tampa (homefrosting. com), Post is a published author and has been featured in local and national publications and broadcasts. Bay readers will enjoy her tips on entertaining, decorating, gift-giving and, hopefully, through her contributions, a sense of what she most hopes to inspire through her work - happiness.
ABOUT FACE: This unique piece has a face from every angle. Inspired by French photographer Dora Maar, this porcelain vase has an unglazed finish. $425. jonathanadler.com. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler.
THE GUESTS
This season, we’re excited about the “orchards of orange” colors showing up in design forums.
BARBELL BARWARE: The perfect drink takes training. Inspired by workout gear –classic barbells – these brass bar tools latch onto a solid brass dumbbell elevated on a marble base. $198. jonathanadler.com. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler.
Photo by Amy Lamb, NativeHouse Photography.
PLACE MATS WITH PERSONALITY: Freda’s swirling abaca braid place mats will glam up any table. Available in apricot, gray and natural. $104 for a set of four. shopbluepheasant.com. Photo courtesy of Blue Pheasant.
ICE COLD: Cool wine in a chic resin bucket with knotted leather handles. Available in swirled colors of amber, green, brown, blue, pink, black and white. $160. shopbluepheasant.com. Photo courtesy of Blue Pheasant.
DRINK AND BE HAPPY: Italian designer Mario Luca Giusti created synthetic contemporary drinkware in the likeness of crystal and glass. This tangy orange pitcher with a moss-colored handle is $94. devinecorp.net. Photo courtesy of DeVine Corporation.
PEARLS OF RICH FLAVOR: Are you hosting a gathering or attending someone else’s? How about bringing the party with you in this soft-sided cooler with choice caviar? Join the club and get a personal caviar concierge as well. From $95. thecaviarco.com. Photo by Carly Hackbarth for The Caviar Co.
CRYSTAL AND CAVIAR, THE PERFECT MATCH: Consume fine roe and your favorite chilled vodka with this opulent crystal set by Baccarat. The Harcourt Abysse collection is designed by Thomas Bastide. Included in the package is a round crystal caviar bowl, 10 Harcourt Abysse vodka shot glasses and a larger crystal bowl for other accouterments. $9,000. baccarat.com. Photo courtesy of Baccarat.
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St. Pete Cellars owners, from left, Roy and Rhonda Whitehead and Rebecca and Daniel Myers. Photo by Brian James.
FINE WINE
BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN
When Roy and Rhonda Whitehead returned to the Tampa Bay area after a 30-year absence, they were amazed at how much St. Petersburg had changed.
There were so many new restaurants, shops, museums and high-rises. But where did wine collectors like themselves store their prized bottles?
“Can you have a big wine cellar in a condo?” Rhonda Whitehead wondered.
That query set the couple on a quest to provide secure wine storage not only for themselves but for other aficionados. After a months-long search, they found a decrepit building near Interstate 275 that once housed a scissors- and scalpel-making factory. One year and a complete renovation later, they opened St. Pete Cellars.
The business, now nearing its second anniversary, is one of only a handful of wine storage facilities in the bay area. The Whiteheads and their co-owners, Daniel and Rebecca Myers, say the aim is to create a “concierge’’-style members-only club that services collectors and helps educate others on the pleasures of fine wine through tastings and events.
“We want to take the perceived snobbery out of wine,’’ said Daniel Myers, who also serves as cellar master. “It’s not a snooty
thing; it’s do you like the stuff or not?”
Members enjoy access to a lounge with a large-screen TV, overstuffed armchairs and a table big enough for a dinner party of 24. A pristine kitchen suitable for catered events has a refrigerator stocked with cheese and cabinets filled with wine glasses – globe-shaped ones for Burgundy reds, smaller and narrower glasses for whites and featherlight Josephine stems for Champagnes and other premium wines.
Wines are stored in a locked, on-site warehouse with the temperature set at 55 degrees and humidity levels between 70% and 75%. A large generator kicks on within five seconds of a power failure.
Security is extremely tight. Each bottle is photographed to show the label, the fill level and the condition of the cork. Bottles are then assigned QR codes that provide the number of the bottle as well as those of the bin and the box where the bottle will be stored. Members can keep tabs on every bottle they store – an average of
about 150 – via an online portal, but the only people with access to the warehouse are Daniel Myers and the Whiteheads. A bank of 24 cameras monitors every part of the facility.
Investing in wines can be profitable and returns on certain wines – especially those from the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions of France – can far exceed gains in the stock market. But wines generally must be held for years before they can be resold for profit, and there are no guarantees.
The Whiteheads are collectors only. “We never bought a bottle we didn’t intend to drink,’’ said Roy Whitehead, whose banking career took him and his wife from Tampa to Seattle before they retired to St. Petersburg a few years ago. Most members are also collectors, though a few have “overindulged,’’ as Roy Whitehead put it, and sold some of their bottles.
While investors tend to favor French wines, members seem to lean towards the domestic. “California cabernets are king,’’ Roy Whitehead said. During the White-
St. Pete Cellars is one of only a handful of wine storage facilities in Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of St. Pete Cellars.
heads’ years in the Pacific Northwest, they watched Oregon and Washington blossom into impressive wine-producing regions as land in California’s Napa Valley became more and more expensive.
Membership in St. Pete Cellars starts at about $750 annually and is based on the number of bottles stored. For a few hundred dollars, the facility also offers a “hurricane special’’ – temporary storage to collectors in places that flood heavily.
“It’s dangerous to keep expensive wines in low-lying areas,’’ Roy Whitehead said.
After Hurricane Helene swamped many coastal areas of Tampa Bay in September, Daniel Myers made more than 15 wine “rescues” – varying from four to 60 cases each – from Shore Acres, Snell Isle, Old Northeast, Madeira Beach and Clearwater.
Among the wines moved to the warehouse and restored at proper tempera-
tures were a few cases of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, a prized red Burgundy worth up to $50,000 for a case of 12.
St. Pete Cellars also picked up at least one new long-term customer thanks to the storm. The man had balked at putting his wines in storage until Hurricane Helene flooded his Clearwater home and ruined his wine fridge. He was pleasantly surprised when Daniel Myers quoted him a price of $1,450 for 360 bottles.
“'You could’ve said $14,000 and I would’ve done it,’” he said the customer told him.
St. Pete Cellars has room to expand its storage facilities as membership grows. It recently added a bottle club open to the public in a 4,000-square-foot space that also serves as an events hall. The space includes an outdoor patio where the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a large function. On
the second Tuesday of every month, Daniel Myers hosts a wine tasting. He previously served as a sommelier in a Boston jazz club and has run two restaurants with his wife, a native of Bordeaux.
St. Pete Cellars also sells fine wines from its website with free delivery within the greater Tampa Bay area on purchases of $100 or more.
Daniel Myers is on-site every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with retrievals available at other hours by appointment. Members who come by to pick up a few bottles might stay to relax in the lounge with some cheese and wine.
Said Roy Whitehead: “We are building a community of like-minded people.’’
St. Pete Cellars, 1501 22nd St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-827-2977. stpetecellars.com.
Wine tastings are offered on the second Tuesday of every month at St. Pete Cellars. Photo by Brian James.
In ti me s of ne ed , we ri se to ge th er.
Prem ier Sotheby’s Internat iona l Realty is comm it ted to supp or ti ng those in need , offer in g mean in gf ul assist ance and resources to help navigate the path to recovery.
TH ER E IS ST RE NG TH IN NEI GH BO RS .
Scan QR code to view relief resources
From left, Mercy Nyamangwanda, Madai Mutsemi and Matipa Mutsemi at New York Fashion Week. Photo by Cindy Cockburn.
ON THE RUNWAY
New York Fashion Week is not only an annual tradition, but a personal bucket list item for many fashionistas worldwide. During this year’s show, St. Petersburg-based designer Matipa Mutsemi was invited to participate in the annual event by Runway 7, a fashion production company that champions cultural diversity by incorporating international designers and other creatives into New York Fashion Week each season.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the audience cheered Mutsemi’s creativity as models took to the runway at Sony Hall in Times Square. Several of the models were St. Petersburg locals sporting Mutsemi’s designs.
She and her sister, Mercy Nyamangwanda, founded the EnnYe Collection in 2016. The collection, named after their mother, Enny, was designed as wearable art, saluting their Zimbabwean roots. In their store, located at 300 Beach Drive NE, Suite 111, St. Petersburg, the designers showcase contemporary clothing, accessories and home accents using vibrant African-print fabrics. Next September, the designers plan to travel to London Fashion Week. — Cindy Cockburn
Models at New York Fashion Week donned designs by St. Petersburg-based designer Matipa Mutsemi. Photos by Tafadzwa Madamombe.
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The 2024 Holiday Season is almost here!
Think outside the box for inspired holiday giving splurges, stocking stuffers and all points in between and find perfect gifts for everyone you care about.
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Seasonal sweets
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
Looking for something extra special to wow your Thanksgiving guests? Chef Olivia Giesler, executive chef at The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa, is preparing two of her favorite pies this season – including her decadent buckeye pie – and they are available to go starting Nov. 22. The Pearl’s decadent, flourless chocolate pie is a rich and smooth dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
Diners can also preorder freshly baked holiday pies. The buckeye pie, $55, as well as the brown sugar pie, $45, and pumpkin and Dutch apple pies, both $40, will be available for pickup at The Pearl, 823 Water St., C100,
Tampa. Preorders are due by Nov. 20. For more information, call 813-709-7776.
We are also excited about the fall ice cream flavors that the Chill Bros. Scoop Shop is offering at their five Tampa locations. This year’s featured seasonal flavor is Deconstructed Apple Pie. The custard-based, homemade dessert incorporates a cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla ice cream with flaky cinnamon sugar-dusted pie crust bits and a signature Granny Smith apple butter. The apples are cooked with brown sugar and blended into a sweet and mildly tangy purée that is ribboned through every scoop. Seasonal pints start at $12. For more information, visit chillbros.com.
Buckeye pie. Photo courtesy of The Pearl.
Deconstructed Apple Pie ice cream.
Photo courtesy of Chill Bros. Scoop Shop.
The Pearl’s Buckeye Flourless
Chocolate Pie
Makes about 10 slices.
Ingredients:
For the chocolate cake:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs
½ cup boiling water
For the chocolate mousse:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
For the peanut butter mousse:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
For the ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
Make the chocolate cake:
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave. Let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gently fold this into the chocolate mixture.
Finally, fold in the boiling water until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the chocolate mousse:
In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and sugar until just scalded (do not boil).
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
Pour the egg yolk mixture over the chopped chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks form, then fold one-third into the chocolate mixture. Continue adding the whipped cream in two more batches, folding gently until fully combined.
Spread the chocolate mousse over the cooled chocolate cake layer in the springform pan. Refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
Make the peanut butter mousse:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks form. Gently fold this into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
Spread the peanut butter mousse over the chocolate mousse layer. Refrigerate for another hour to set.
Prepare the ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.
Once the peanut butter mousse has set, pour the ganache over the top and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
Serve:
Once the ganache has set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
Slice the buckeye pie and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings.
Enjoy your homemade buckeye pie!
TONI EVERETT Co.
TRAVELS WITH CC CINDY COCKBURN
TRAVEL IDEAS FOR 2025
Get your 2025 calendars out! Now is the time to secure those travel adventures for next year and make sure you don’t miss out on the annual events you have always wanted to check off your bucket list.
Naples Winter Wine Festival
Wine aficionados love the Naples Winter Wine Festival taking place Jan. 24-26, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. The annual event dates back to 2001 and offers guests the opportunity to bid on a variety of auction items, from truffle hunting in Italy to a South African safari. According to Wine Spectator magazine, this benefit is the highest-earning charity wine auction in the country.
As the president and owner of The Ronto Group, Anthony Solomon is proud to participate as a corporate partner again next year and help give back to the community.
“I have been attending (the) annual Naples Winter Wine Festival for several years,” he said. “Not only do I have a personal passion for fine wine, but I always look forward to meeting some of the top vineyard owners in the world and enjoy their celebrity chef-hosted dinners, brunch and auction. It’s all for a good cause.”
Guests enjoy world-class food and wine during intimate dinners in elegant, private homes and other landmark settings throughout Naples and are invited to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel and wine experiences during an electrifying live auction. To celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary, the 2025 lineup includes master sommeliers and other top wine professionals who have participated in the event for years, as well as several new participants.
Ticket packages for the 2025 Naples Winter Wine Festival start at $17,500 per couple. For additional information, visit napleswinefestival.com/about-the-festival.
Proceeds from the event go to the Naples Children & Education Foundation, founded in 2000 to support charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of at-risk children in Collier County.
Beach lovers rejoice at the Ritz-Carlton
On Florida’s west coast, check out the five-star and newly renovated The Ritz-Carlton, Naples resort. Sunset at their casual beachside Gumbo Limbo restaurant is a cool hot spot for a lobster quesadilla and a tropical craft cocktail overlooking the Gulf. The brand’s largest Club Level Lounge in the Vanderbilt Tower is a new and wow-worthy asset to match the 51,000-square-foot destination spa.
The hotel chain recently opened an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant and bar, Sofra, named No. 6 in USA Today's 2024 10Best Hotel Restaurants in the U.S. list. With an emphasis on local produce and catch, the menu focuses on seasonal dishes, with light, shareable favorites including braised artichokes, roasted meats and house-made olive oils served with fresh, regionally authentic breads.
Named for the Turkish word for a shared dinner table, Sofra
New York City’s classic Monkey Bar is a favorite restaurant on the Upper East Side.
Photo by Cindy Cockburn.
celebrates the authentic, coastal food culture of Greece, Turkey, Lebanon and Israel with fresh, vibrant and nutritionally focused foods.
New York Fashion Week
Book your hotel well in advance if you long to overlook the runway, enjoy new collections and trends and network with the international fashion world during New York Fashion Week in September 2025.
But where to sleep? If your travel bucket list includes staying in some of the best hotels in the world, The Carlyle is a must. This Rosewood Hotel is a classic, ranked as the 30th-best hotel in the world. Located in the Upper East Side, it opened in 1930, is designed in the art deco style and is named after Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle.
For half the price (about $500 a night) my personal favorite place in Manhattan is the Hotel Elysée, also located on the Upper East Side on East 54th Street. It’s the kind of boutique hotel (only 100 rooms) where “everybody knows your name.” Breakfast is complimentary in the second-floor lounge, and you’ll enjoy all the accents as guests are mostly European. It’s convenient to have the popular Monkey Bar restaurant located outside the lobby door. Walk a few blocks to Ralph Lauren’s place, The Polo Bar, for the ultimate in celeb watching, or have a drink at The St. Regis across the street.
Your family might enjoy staying in The Lion King’s Royal Suite, brought to you by Hilton New York Times Square. Inspired by the Broadway musical, the suite includes a variety of fun items for the kids. Rates start at $500 per night.
New England’s new luxury boutique
The new waterfront luxury boutique Delamar Hotel is perfect for New England leaf peeping. This Connecticut getaway is a welcome retreat in a part of the state known more for its Colonial-era inns than luxury hotels. Guests enjoy complimentary admission to the Mystic Seaport Museum and can enjoy the La Plage Restaurant & Oyster Bar. History buffs will love it.
On the other side of the world in Bangkok
Some call the Capella Bangkok a sanctuary. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, it was just named No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2024. It opened in 2020 and features 101 rooms that are spacious and filled with light. The riverside villas have private gardens and plunge pools, and they are a unique highlight of this five-star offering on Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok’s oldest paved road. Enjoy a little moment of Zen with the sanctuary, the garden and beautiful trees full of birds.
Yo-Yo Ma
Fri, Feb 28, 8 pm
Ruth Eckerd Hall
VIP & Sponsorships
Limited Availability
Include premium concert seating, reception, dinner
Contact: TFO Development sweymouth@ ������������������� 727.362.5430
The 19-time Grammy Award winner joins The ������� ��������� ��� �������� ���������� ���� stirring Cello Concerto in this one-night-only special event. Michael Francis conducts.
August 24, 2024 – January 19, 2025
César Martínez, Huizache Jaguar–detail, 2011 • This exhibition is organized and curated by Diana Molina.
August 24, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Pendr y Residences Tampa unveils an unprecedented expression of contemporar y living in Tampa Bay. Fully-ser viced Residences, enhanced with the polished comforts of a
Pendry Tampa Hotel Lobby
SOCIAL Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year Gala
Felicidades and congratulations to Andrea Gonzmart Williams, the fifth-generation owner of the Columbia Restaurant Group, and Rafael Gonzalez, Esq., partner at Cattie & Gonzalez, who were honored as the 2024 Hispanic Woman and Hispanic Man of the Year at the annual Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc. gala. For the 36th year, the organization honored two outstanding community members for advancing, promoting and preserving Tampa Bay’s rich Hispanic heritage. The festive evening at the Hilton Tampa Downtown was filled with vibrant cultural performances, featuring the Tampa Bay Flamenco Dance Company, dancers from Frank Rey Dance Studio and the Cuarteto Infinidad band. While presenting the awards, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor officially proclaimed September, October and November as Hispanic Heritage Season. Proceeds from the Sept. 21 benefit will fund scholarships for local Hispanic college students. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by DJ Felix Event Productions.
From left, Paola Suro, Maribel Garrett, Andrea Torres, Val Simpson and Carla Ibañez. Photo by Marco Villarreal.
Rafael Gonzalez and Andrea Gonzmart Williams.
From left, Grace Maseda-Sainz, Dr. Ray Ortiz, Dr. Hernan Leon, Anthony Perez and Catalina Botero.
Tampa Bay Flamenco Dance Company performer.
For over 26 years, Dr Zimmer has provided unparalleled care in internal medicine to thousands of patients. The Zimmer Concierge Medical Membership takes the patient experience to the next level, infusing the highest-quality care with first-rate amenities to make your visits comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free.
We’re bringing back the idea of the family doctor, and creating physician-patient relationships that are authentic and personal. As a member, you’ll benefit from our premium services while receiving care uniquely tailored to your medical needs.
Michael A. Zimmer MD, MACP
Deta il from a pr int depicting Ca rolina pa ra keets (Plate 26 ) from Bird s of Amer ica, by John Ja mes Audubon © National Museums Scotla nd
SOCIAL Lions World Vision Institute Foundation
Eye
Ball: Optical Rewind
Acrobatic aerialists and “America’s Got Talent” finalists Tyce Nielsen and Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen, performing as the Duo Transcend, captivated the crowd at Optical Rewind, the 2024 Eye Ball benefit for the Lions World Vision Institute. The organization is the world’s largest eye bank dedicated to ocular research, surgical training and pediatric care. Guests came to party ’80s-style at Armature Works on Sept. 14, many dressed as icons like Madonna, Prince and Molly Ringwald, enjoying playful touches like Rubik’s Cube centerpieces and Pac-Man macarons for dessert. Off stage and off roller skates, Tyce Nielsen spoke about being born with keratoconus, which caused blindness in his right eye, inspiring supporters to raise $300,000 before the Lucky Penny band lit up the neon dance floor. CEO Jason Woody and Lions World Vision Institute Foundation executive director Sharon Boyes announced an exciting partnership with the University of South Florida Eye Institute to build a new Vision Health Center in Ybor City, “with the ultimate goal of eradicating blindness.” Text by Amy Scherzer.
Photos by PamElla Lee Photography.
From left, Kathy Valdes, Laurie Bociek, Rene Valdes and Ted Bociek.
Tyce Nielsen and Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen.
From left, Rebekah Nault, Jason Woody and Cindy Stuart.
From left, Linda Hurtado, Jorge Figueredo and Ivan and Betty Viamontes.
SOCIAL
Humane Society of Tampa Bay Tuxes & Tails: Hello Tokyo
From taiko drummers and sumo wrestlers to sushi and sake tastings, Tuxes & Tails guests said “Hello Tokyo” to a mix of modern and traditional Japanese cultural elements at the annual Humane Society of Tampa Bay gala. WTVT-Ch. 13 news anchors Russell Rhodes, Walter Allen and Jen Epstein emceed the event at the Tampa Convention Center on Sept. 21, introducing 1,200 animal lovers to 40 cats and dogs as event sponsors walked the runway with the adorable adoptable animals. As the after-party crowd barked into The Sail Plaza for drinks and cigars, event co-chairs Michael Mallah and Dr. Jessica Stilley Mallah announced that the evening had raised nearly $800,000 and that 33 pets were going home with new families. Text by Amy Scherzer.
Photos by Robyn Walk.
Sierra-Shae Brandt and Billy Fea.
Jason Skeldon.
Karen and Pete Franke. Laurie Greco.
From left, Haley, Bobby and Mercedes Harris.
Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council
Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation president Darcie Glazer Kassewitz recalled her late father’s guidance — from the importance of a handshake to cherishing family — as she accepted the Distinguished Citizen Award from Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council president Benson Porter. Scout executive Mike Butler added his thanks to the Glazer family for their numerous community initiatives and $20,000 donor match that helped the event raise $200,000 for boys and girls scouting programs. Guest speaker and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Capt. Tom Chaby shared his insights on leadership, loyalty, bravery and other points of Scout Law at the Sept. 4 dinner at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Katie Sheffield.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders, flag runners and drumline members kicked off the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner.
From left, Mike Butler, Mayor Jane Castor, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and Benson Porter.
Benson Porter and retired Capt. Tom Chaby.
Nov. 8: Ships & Saddles, which benefits the Tampa Bay History Center. $300. 7-11 p.m. Tampa Bay History Center. tampabayhistory center.org/event/gala-2024.
Nov. 9: 26th Annual Celebrate Sinatra, which benefits the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women. $150. 8 p.m. Historic Fariss Ballroom. celebratesinatra.com.
Nov. 9: 55th Annual Evening of Purpose: Emerald-Tie Gala, which benefits the Parc Center for Disabilities. $225. 6:30-10:30 p.m. St. Petersburg Coliseum. 727-3416920.
Nov. 9: Arts Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser. VIP: $250. 5 p.m. General admission: $100. 6 p.m. The Gallery at Creative Pinellas. creativepinellas.org/event/ arts-annual-2024-fundraiser.
SOCIAL CALENDAR
Nov. 9: ¡Viva! Speakeasy Soiree, which benefits the Ybor City Historical Society. $75 or $65 for members. 7 p.m. J.C. Newman Cigar Company.
Nov. 15: Champion of the Year: Tampa Bay, which benefits Best Buddies. $300. 7 p.m. Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. bestbuddieschampion.org/tampabay.
Nov. 16: Bowtie Ball, which benefits the Poynter Institute. VIP: $400. 5:30 p.m. General admission: $300. 6 p.m. Hilton Tampa Downtown. poynter.org/event/ bowtie-ball.
Nov. 22: St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation Holiday Fashion Show, which benefits St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, featuring fashions by Dillard’s. $5,000 for a table of 10. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. sjhfoundation.org.
Nov. 22: Tampa Gala: Beyond the Ballot Banquet, which benefits Equality Florida Tampa. $250. VIP: 6 p.m. General admission: 7 p.m. Armature Works. equalityflorida.org.
Dec. 6: LAMPLighters’ 35th Annual Christmas Silver Coffee, which benefits Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House. $75. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Carrollwood Village private residence. lamplighterstampa.org.
Dec. 6: FARA Energy Ball, which benefits the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance and the USF Health Ataxia Research Center. $500 and up. 6 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 484-879-6160 or curefa.org/ energyball.
Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@ gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar.
