What's Hot Tampa Bay (May Issue 2010)

LIFESTYLE & HEALTH • ART & FASHION SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Volume 1• Issue 05

Reborn Couture

www.reborncouture.com 701 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606

PUBLISHER Ian Beckles EDITORS Dave Norrie, Audrey Woods ART DIRECTOR/LEAD DESIGNER Ruben Joseph Carbonell IADT INTERNS Alex Yparraguirre, Ilka Figueroa STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Burkett PUBLICIST Brandi Kamenar SALES & MARKETING David May, Billy Castro CONTROLLER Dayle Urquhart WEBMASTER Spectra Marketing Solutions CONTRIBUTORS Ten Minute, Jason Johnson PRINTER Done Right Documents COVER ARTIST Ruben Joseph Carbonell rucarbo@hotmail.com

FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING WITH

PLEASE CALL 813.443.5831 OR FIND US ONLINE AT

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Volume 1• Issue 05

CONTENTS

Lifestyle • Health • Art • Fashion • Sports • Entertainment The “A” List Done the B Way 18 Icon B compiles another Hot list of the coolest trends

by Brandi Kamenar

Mother’s Day Mother’s Day memories

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by Dave Norrie

Elite Traveler Weekend Away at St. Pete

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by Tammy Levent

pg.

38

Be Healthy 30 May is Skin Cancer Awareness month

by Dave Norrie

Hot Off the Vine Mettler Family Vineyard

by Dave Madera

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Fashion Forward 38 Vintage clothing is never out of style

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by Ro Martinez

Fashion Focus 40 Assorted accessories from Love That!

by Ilka Figueroa

Z Grille- Downtown St. Pete 44 Come tast the Best Ribs in the Bay Area!

by Dave Norrie

What’s Hot at Z Grille 46 What’s Hot Tampa Bay goes to Z Grille with Reborn Couture for a night of fashion and fun!

Muscle Burn Big Guns

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by Ryan Watson

Millionaire’s Minute 68 Selling Options on Energies: Is Oil Bull Running Out of Gas?

by James Cordier

Burning Questions Shelton Quarles Tino Martinez Gayle Guyardo

pg.

74 76 78

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The Tampa Sports Knucklehead 80 2010 Buccaneers Draft Recap

by Basil Spyridakos

Motion Pictures & Video Games 82 Blurring together the future of entertainment experiences

IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT IMMERSIVE IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT MERGING MERGING INDUSTRIES INDUSTRIES MERGING INDUSTRIES

by Alex Yparraguirre

Adam vs. Eve 84 Adem & Eve seem to agree on one thing: Ed Hardy is not cool Rising Star Galina J. Fouks-Abele

TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

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by Billy Castro

Castro Hidden Star The Floridian

by Ian Beckles

90

pg.

82

THE FUTURE? THE THE FUTURE? FUTURE?

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WHTBmagazine.com Photos by Jim Burkett

shots

With champagne wishes and caviar dreams, the Festivals of Speed rolled into the Bay area April 9th through the 11th showcasing exotic cars and high end aircraft. Vintage automobiles, motorcycles and helicopters were also on the menu. Although Robin Leach was not spotted, Tampa jet setter Jeff Tuttle, MD. (shown below with Ian Beckles and David Norrie) was on hand.

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First we hunt, find and collect the hottest, most fascinating and downright intriguing trends in electrifying Tampa Bay and around this wicked and wild world. Then we serve it up to you each month on an outrageously playful, vastly entertaining and dexterously sinful list of sizzle.

So pull up a chair, grab mucho indulging munchies and enjoy a fun-filled ride with another edition of...

THE “A” LIST DONE THE

WAY

by Brandi Kamenar, Icon B. Marketing & Publicity Group

WE ALL LIVE IN A WHITE HOT SUBMARINE

BATHE. SHAVE. TAN. REPEAT.

Last month we took you to the moon with Virgin’s Galactic SpaceShipTwo planes. This month we are taking you to the depths of the ocean in sweet style with the Nautilus VAS Luxury Submersible.

For those who aspire to be like seductive and sleek 007, the VAS can be launched directly from beneath any vessel for a discreet and silent departure and return. It has military grade construction and is bulletproof for when you’re running from Somalian pirates on the high seas as you moonlight as a double agent. And since you are such a high-rolling secret spy, you will need luxury to carry out your assignments. The VAS full-size model boasts a restroom, full size stairs, seats 12 passengers, has a mini-bar, digital video and music players and a standing room for an underwater party palace. Take note there is only one of these on the market today…so if you don’t act now and snatch up this bad-ass floating blimp-inspired sub for $2.7 million, you may lose your opportunity to be the only billionaire on the block to launch the VAS from your mega-yacht on your next mission to save the world. www.gizmodo.com/tag/nautilusvas www.jameslist.com

There are a lot of things you can accomplish while taking a shower. You can clean yourself from the day’s grit and grime; you can catch up on shaving your legs with a mini lawnmower, because, really, who has time to shave; you can lather yourself in that lime and cucumber shower gel that smells good enough to eat or you can take a cold shower if you are one of the many with a dirty little mind. For all those of you who are like me, wanting the tan gods to bronze our bodies with the glow of George Hamilton and to shower us with the sun…our prayers have been answered with the ProSun® Sunshower which allows you to bronze as you bathe. That’s what I call chic multi-tasking…I definitely want one of these! The Sunshower stimulates the production of vitamin D to give you a natural glow. A control panel on the shower lets you easily adjust the time and intensity of the tanning program to fit your needs. You can even set the tanning lamps on particularly pale areas that usually never see the sun…and if you don’t have any pale areas, we don’t need to know why. For a mere 11 grand, you can have this divine cascading bronzing delight in the comfort of your own bathroom that will give you a color even George would envy. www.prosunsunshower.com/sunshower

JUST ONE QUESTION…WHY?

I am dumbfounded at all the contraptions and concepts that are being created to collaborate with social media and technology goliaths. Jennifer Darmour created Ping, a social networking garment, which keeps you connected to your friends off screen. If you need to wear one of these because you can’t stand the idea of being away from your Facebook profile, updates and news feeds, then its time to consult with a psychiatrist. Using Lilypad and Lilypad Xbee with custom software to interface with Facebook, this social networking garment can send messages and update your status with simple gestures such as putting on and taking off the hood and if you receive a message, Ping will transmit a gentle tap on your shoulder…

OK, that’s rather freaky. What’s next…Tweeting stilettos?

This is exactly why art and fashion are considered “subjective”. A Vietnamese hairdresser, Kim Do, created a tunic-like dress made solely from human hair and no fabric…this is the first in the world and we are hoping the last.

Made from the hair of 54 people across Vietnam, they include popular Vietnamese artists like Le Dung, Thanh Lam and Hong Nhung. No celebrities from the U.S.? Hmmm….wonder why?

One million meters of hair were dyed and then sewn onto the dress using a needle. I’ve got to admit, it is quite a creative concept, but I can’t help to think how icky it would feel to wear human hair as a garment. On the front side of this dress is the shape of what some refer to as a “dragon”…I think it resembles Cousin It or the gentle hairy non-English speaking co-pilot creature, Chewbacca, from Star Wars. To top it all off, Ms. Do’s hair dress comes with a hat, also made entirely from hair and decorated with the design of Vietnam’s Turtle Tower. Really, I don’t think I can say anything more about this.

POKE MEETS PING

KNOCK, KNOCK…WHO’S THERE? IT’S DEATH BEAR! We all know what it feels like to break up. We also know the many different ways to move on… spending time with family and friends, throwing yourself into work, taking a trip to Vegas while adhering to its famous and infamous tagline…you know, the norm.

But if you are having a hard time letting go, let “Death Bear” do it for you! Death Bear is at your service, or rather New York performing artist, Nate Hill. I wonder what sort of motivation Hill has in order to dress as a 7-foot-tall character in a black jumpsuit, black boots and a hard black bear head. Death Bear arrives at your door to take away mementos of a love lost and store

19 them in his cave where they will never have to be seen again…all this for free.

Maybe his great big heart was broken once and a great big bear helped him get over it…at least that’s the story I am sticking to. So delete those steamy “Jesse James / Bombshell McGee” texts; throw away her Victoria’s Secret thong that we know you kept as a memento; toss the collage you made where you put your childhood pictures together to show what your babies would look like (don’t judge me) and move on with your life, already! Unfortunately, Death Bear is only available to Brooklyn residents, but maybe Mr. Bear (“Death” sounds a little morbid) will send his friend, “Death Dolphin”, soon to Tampa to help us get over our break-ups…. one can only hope!

I THINK SOMEONE NEEDS A HUG! If you are really….I mean, really…I mean if you live out in the middle of nowhere with absolutely, positively and undoubtedly NO HUMAN CONTACT and are desperate for a hug, Haptihug Telecuddle Interface from Tachi Labs will “hug you”. This dorky looking device is quite deep in thought of why Tachi Labs created it.

The idea is to find out how to break down the benefits of physical human interaction and see how they can be replicated in a virtual world…told you…very deep.

Although the technology is still in its development stage, hence the goofy heart apparatus that is worn, Tachi Labs is proving that in this world of virtual stimulation 24/7 for the mind, body and soul, personal interaction is one of the necessities of life…gee what a ground-breaking concept! I think the deeper question is: are we spending that much time on and with the internet that we’ve lost sight of real human contact and require a hug from virtual reality technology? Although technology is great, REAL hugs are so much better. www.tachilab.org

MORE THAN JUST THE BLING Want to pop the Question and want it to be a proposal she will never forget? Just presenting her with a diamond is so 18th century, writing “Will You Marry Me” in the sky is very cheesy and I don’t think we need to point out, passé. If you want a definitive, “Yes! I will marry you! For richer and even richer!” then your best bet is the Ivy Carat jewelry case. This show-stopping jewelry box will blow her mind (not to mention, yours, too) with its 2.0-inch full-color LCD screen and speaker that comes equipped with 158MB of memory. You can load carefully selected images and music via a USB port so when she opens that little box you know she has been just dying to get, the waterworks will begin. And guys, in the event your grand proposal hits a sour note, make sure she doesn’t try to take the box as a “parting gift”. www.kjglobal.com

TREEHUGGER This month I’ve found a green way to give back to Mother Nature and look totally fierce while doing it! HippieChic meets Urban-Couture with this brand new line out of New York City, PurpleTree. The line, designed by founder/owner Sarah Nathonson, is mostly all eco-friendly and made using bio-degradable products including non-toxic dyes from 100% organic cotton, rayon and polyester. Eco-friendly living is a benchmark that PurpleTree stands by for a large percentage of its line.

The garments are manufactured and designed with our planet’s future in mind.

That means both the plant AND my fabulous sense of style will benefit from these clothes! The collection has everything from stylish hoodies to sexy graphic tanks,

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which means I get to either dress them down for lounging around the house and hanging out with my peeps, or dress them up with skinnys and a fresh pair of heels for a night out on the town. So join me in welcoming the beautiful summer season by throwing on your PurpleTree apparel, complement it with a pair of hot aviators and meet me for a mouthwatering beachy cocktail and an intense session of power lounging! www.purple-tree.com

READ MY FACE Have you ever wondered what your face would look like and say in font? Although I ponder this question and many similar on a daily basis, Mary Huang has found the answer for me.

Huang’s amazing software project Typeface acts as a ‘typographic photo booth,’ depicting your facial expressions and head movements into a personalized alphabet. By getting your face in front of a webcam-enabled computer, you can use your body language to create the written word. Brilliant!

Letters are drawn from mathematically generated curves controlled by distinct variables that determine such characteristics as height and slant. Although this sounds technologically stellar, I’m thinking simple…if my face could write it would have some intriguing stories to tell. www.rhymeandreasoncreative.com

SOCIAL WEIGH-IN You know that private moment during your morning bathroom routine that you fear. You know the one where you slink over to the dreaded scale to see what horrifying number will appear…the number that will either make or break your day…the number that will make an apple your breakfast, lunch and dinner? Now how about taking that number and blasting it all over Facebook to your friends, family, co-workers and fellow social networkering stalkers! I am from the school of thought that my weight has doctor-patient confidentiality, but it seems as if some people can’t keep their stats to themselves. The new Withings Wi-Fi Scale and iPhone App (is there an app that iPhone doesn’t have?) is a scale that records your weight, fat mass and BMI and then uploads these sizable results to the internet via Wi-Fi charting your variations through your web browser or a free downloadable iPhone application. The best part or worst part, depending on who you ask and how much you weigh, is that your weight results can be uploaded to online social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter…oh, goody! As if Facebook didn’t have enough TMI already to share with the world. http://www.withings.com/en/index/?taranim=5

NAUTICAL PARTY I am a very faithful South Howard restaurant and club supporting gal. Yet, I’m feeling an itch for a little more excitement…a bit more OOMPH in my nightly routine. Are you feeling it, too?

In that case, I think we should throw on a naughty party dress, grab our girlfriends (or the boys) and meet on the docks of either Sarasota, Clearwater or Fort Myers for the hippest and most explosive way to take a party to the ocean…a “Booze Cruise!” Sure, the name might sound a bit tacky, immature and “Spring-BreakersGone-Wild”, but you’ll be surprised how classy this majestically fun cruise is. I will definitely be getting this party started on this bodacious booze boat with good friends, lots of yummy food and a premium bar for a night to remember! www.lebargetropicalcruises.com

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A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

Mother’s Day ~Washington Irving

by Dave Norrie

There’s a saying that goes “home is where your mom is.”

Isn’t it true? No matter how old you get, there’s an indescribable comfort that comes with being in the presence of your mother. Whether it’s a hug, her smell, her smile or her chocolate chip cookies.

More than any other experience or event on earth, the moment when one life is living and functioning inside another is truly a miracle to marvel at. As special as some father/son or father/daughter relationships can be, dad will never be able to duplicate that bond.

And at the moment of birth, the pain and the elation culminates with that first breath of air and a new member of the family.

As tough as giving birth is, in reality, it’s at that point when a mother’s work is just beginning. Her life is never again what it was, with an entirely new meaning of unselfishness and sacrifice.

Ahead are countless days of pulling up diapers, wiping away tears, preparing lunches, bandaging cuts

and leaving the door cracked open with the nightlight on. And any mom will tell you the worrying doesn’t stop once their child leaves the home.

Moms worry. It’s what they do. They worry because they are full of love. It’s their job.

And when we get old enough to realize how much they worry and love, we can’t help but be engrossed with a huge sense of gratitude and love in return.

It’s easy to think of our moms as these perfectly programmed machines of love and baking, kissing cuts and doing laundry. But there’s so much more, despite that fact that not every mother is perfect.

While Hallmark has cornered the market when it comes to Mother’s Day with their mushy cards, I think maybe Moms around the world would like to cut the sentimentalities for just one year and get some cards with a large dose of reality.

For example: For the college kid Mom, remember when I complained about having the same old thing for dinner and you said ‘wait till you’re on your own’…well you were right, cooking for yourself sucks.

For the newlywed Mom, she makes me fold my own laundry, you warned me this would happen some day.

For the new parents

Dave Norrie (Editor)

Mom, remember when you said ‘I can’t wait till you have kids of your own someday’, Was I really this bad?

For the divorcee Mom, you called it. No woman is going to put up with my shit.

But that’s what makes mothers so great is that they are so forgiving, even when they may be thinking I told you so.

I love my mother in a way only God could understand.

Even as a writer, there aren’t words to describe my feelings for her. An angel on earth, she is the purest, most innocent and kindest human being I’ve ever met.

That being said, it’s ironic that one of the first stories which comes to mind about my mother and I growing up, may not reflect that.

When I was about 9 years old, I had a raspberry on my hip from falling off my bike after jumping a ramp in the street. Not wanting to get in trouble, I cleaned it and bandaged a piece of gauze over it.

Being a quick healer, and 9 (duh) I left it on a couple days and the gauze bonded with the wound and my skin began to heal over it. Finally I had to confess to Mom and she lovingly cut most of the material away.

I said most of it.

As you might imagine, this was the beginning of a stressful situation for a 9-year old. At that age, you typically don’t like cuts and bandages to begin with.

I had to resort to soaking in hot water in the tub to try and get the rest off.

After 10 or 15 minutes, here comes Mom into the bathroom and says “let me take a look at it.”

“OK, but don’t touch it,” I pleaded.

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“No, I’m just going to look at it,” mom replied.

“OK, you won’t touch it right?” I confirmed.

“No, let’s just see how it’s coming along,” she assured me.

And as I turned my head a bit to look away, Mom ripped that damn gauze bandage off so quick I didn’t even have time to flinch. However, the pain wasn’t as bad as I thought and my dilemma was solved.

Hopefully she doesn’t kill me for telling that, of all stories to choose from. I just thought, “yep, that’s a mom thing.”

Jason Johnson (Done Right Documents):

Here are some more stories about moms from members of our What’s Hot staff:

Billy Castro (Sales):

I want to thank my mother, Luiza F. Palmer, for everything. I remember, I was about 25 years old, my mom and I were leaving the Regency movie theatre and we talked outside in the parking lot for 15 minutes. I thanked her for doing her best to raise a young man and that I am a proud son. We hugged and shed a tear.

She told me that she was proud of me and that she will always be there for me. And she is.

I love my AS*I*BE momma, Luiza.

A great memory/moment of my mom and myself was when we were in Tallahassee visiting my younger brother in college. We hit up “The Set” and even Guthries @ 2am for some late night drive through shenanigans. I realized for the first time how cool and funny of an adult my mom is! I also realized how much she sacrificed for years by making her kids (me and my 6 siblings) the focus of her life. You’re the greatest mom!

David May (Sales):

My memory of my mom is that she made it possible for my wife and I to get married in the South of France with my whole family there to look on. I will always be grateful to her for making that experience possible.

Ian Beckles (Publisher):

My mother is the reason I am what I am. Without her, I may have quit school and quit football. I never wanted to disappoint her. I hope my kids have half the respect for me that I had for my mother. Happy Mother’s Day, moms !

Alex Yparraguirre (Design Intern, IADT):

Even when she frustrates you to no end, you’ll still love her more than anyone in the world. This is the unexplainable depth behind a Mother-Son relationship bond.

Drew Satmary (webmaster):

Thank you mom for always being there for me no matter what. I am thankful to have you as my mother!

To this day I still laugh when I think about you telling the bunny story on the way to Indiana!

Ilka Figueroa (Fashion Intern, IADT):

The best gift of all is to love and give. It’s no wonder till this very day as adults, my mother celebrates our birth every year with honor. Te quiero mucho Mami!

Ruben Joseph Carbonell (Art Director):

From the age of 12, my mother was helping to raise her 7 siblings. At 23, my father died of cancer leaving her to raise my sister and I alone. I am still in awe of her strength and courage. She’s always been there for us when we needed her. Thanks for everything, Mom!

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By: Tammy Levent

Now that the warm weather has officially arrived, nothing sounds better than a day at the beach. Fortunately in Florida, we don’t have far to go. But sometimes we need more than a day of curling our toes in the sand to relax – we need a little luxury to go with it. When you’re ready to get out of the house and let someone else do the laundry, cooking and cleaning for a change – consider going to one of these three St. Pete Beach resorts. You don’t have to go far to get away from it all.

TradeWinds Island Grand (Pictured Above) This hotel can be a party palace during Spring Break, but after the college kids head back to their dorms, relative peace returns. With so many activities, like paddle boats, mini golf, volleyball, tennis and swimming in five immaculately kept pools, TradeWinds Island Grand is best suited for couples, families with adolescents, and dog-lovers.

Not only are there dog-friendly rooms, there are also dog walking paths and a leash-free area for pets and their owners to enjoy. Up to two dogs or cats under 80 pounds are welcome for a daily fee, but must stay in the designated pet-friendly areas and are not allowed on St. Pete Beach. There is, however, a beach ten minutes away at Ft. DeSoto Park that does allow dogs. The pet-friendly suites fill up quickly, so book in advance and check what paperwork is required.

For young couples without kids or pets, live music and late parties become the attractions. The TradeWinds even has its own drinking game of sorts: When you order different drinks, from French wine to LandShark lagers, you get a stamp for each in your “TradeWinds Bar Crawl Passport.” When all the pages in your book are stamped, you’ll get a free t-shirt that proclaims your survival of the crawl.

If your goal is to work off the calories in last night’s margaritas, you might want to stay in the Breckinridge building which houses the resort’s well equipped and spotless fitness center, and is right next to the adults-

only pool. That pool is one of five on the property, one of which is reserved for toddlers, and there are also two whirlpool Jacuzzis. Don’t miss out on the hammocks – swinging in a seaside hammock on a warm afternoon may be a simple pleasure, but it’s a memorable one.

The $25 resort fee here is actually a deal, since it includes use of the tennis courts, beach cabanas, paddle boats for the nearby waterways, mini golf, parking, and WiFi. Prices start around $170 per night, plus the $25 mandatory resort fee.

Sirata Beach Resort The Sirata Beach Resort may not be a sparkling

new hotel, but it is located directly on the soft sand of St. Pete Beach. The best part about this resort is that it’s priced at a point where you can afford to bring your family for the weekend - or the week - when you need a break.

The Sirata Beach Resort is perfect for an affordable few days of relaxing. Get in some sun on the beach, exercise at the fitness center, and have a few drinks at the two tropical beach bars. For the kids, the Sirata has “kid suites” with fun bunk beds; and for the adults, some specialty suites come with hot tubs. The resort isn’t fancy, but the very helpful staff makes this a cozy and enjoyable retreat. In fact, the staff is mentioned frequently in user reviews as a reason why vacationers keep coming back.

Some rooms come with kitchenettes which are especially handy if you plan to stay a week and don’t want to eat out every night. On Saturdays in St. Petersburg (20 minutes away) there is a large farmer’s market (located at 290 First St SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701) where you can find artisanal cheeses, fresh baked bread and local produce to stock your mini-fridge.

You might even find a few unique souvenirs made by local artists.

The resort provides all the basics: lounge chairs on the beach, towels, sea-side restaurants, shops, as well as three pools and two hot tubs. There is also a watersports kiosk that can arrange snorkeling, parasailing and fishing trips.

While the Sirata is ideal for families, many couples choose to honeymoon at the resort as well, and some even have their weddings there. This isn’t a kid-hotel; it is one of the rare resorts that really does cater to everyone. That said, you might want to avoid rooms near the kiddie pools if you want peaceful afternoons.

Prices begin around $144 per night, but before you book, check out their extensive Specials and Packages on the Sirata website for discounts.

Don CeSar Beach Resort

Few resorts have histories as rich and romantic as the Don CeSar, also known as the Pink Lady. In 1924, Thomas Rowe bought 80-acres of beachfront land on which to build his “pink castle.” The resort opened in 1928 and hosted the A-list of the Roaring Twenties: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Al Capone, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clarence Darrow and Lou Gehrig. After Rowe’s death, the Pink Lady served in the war effort as an army hospital during World War II, and then slowly fell apart. Residents fought to save it from being demolished, and from 1985 to 2001 it was heavily renovated and returned to being an elegant resort, this time with a 4,000 square-foot spa, a second swimming pool, and a signature restaurant, the Maritana Grille.

The Don CeSar resort’s location isn’t only special for its proximity to the beach, it’s also close to the Yankees spring training field and Busch Gardens. And, just on the inland side of the hotel is the historic Pass-A-Grille neighborhood with streets of quaint turn-of-the-century cottages. The nearby Sea Horse restaurant, built in the 1930s, is the local favorite breakfast place on the corner of 8th Ave and Pass-a-Grille Way. For dinner, of course, there is the Maritana Grille restaurant on the Don CeSar property. The four-diamond restaurant that serves “New American cuisine” is wrapped around with salt water aquariums filled with Florida fish. The restaurant has been among the Gayot Guide’s Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in the United States for the past 14 years, so you can bet that the fish on your plate is just as fresh as the ones staring at you from the tanks…well, almost.

For those who want to relax in luxury, the new Spa Oceana is wonderful, but for active vacationers, there are free exercise classes in the gym. Some interesting offerings for families are Etiquette Classes for children and teens ($100/class), and the Camp CeSar kid’s program which will occupy children 4-12 years old with beach exploration, crafts and seashell hunting, and ice-cream socials ($80/ full day).

The Don CeSar offers free parking, internet access and a daily paper – although “free” is debatable when there is a $22 per day resort fee.

Room rates start around $230 per night, plus the mandatory $22 resort fee. The Don CeSar is a pet-friendly hotel.

Check with Elite Travel before booking since, as an American Express Travel agency, we frequently get special promotions and deals on these resorts and many others.

TAMMY LEVENT

CEO, ELITE TRAVEL TAMMY@ELITETRAVELGROUP.NET WWW.ELITETRAVELGROUP.NET

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“Por trait of a King” TonyLudovico.com 3405 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Say NO to rays and YES to sprays

by Dave Norrie

L

ike many teenagers, Rashae Doyle spent her summers basking in the sun, working on the perfect tan. And when the rays weren’t shining, from time to time she’d take it indoors and go to a tanning salon.

The sunless tanning craze seems to be catching on here in Tampa. Bishop was so successful with his first spray lounge in Arizona that he opened a second and eventually came to the Channelside area to open his third location inside Powerhouse Gym, downtown Tampa.

The menu ranges in price anywhere from $20 to $45 dollars, depending on how much of the body you want sprayed. Monthly memberships are available and gym members get discounts. He also offers a mobile unit which is available for weddings, parties and fitness shows.

That was then.

These days Doyle is a crusader in the fight against skin cancer. As a Physician’s Assistant at South Tampa Dermatology, she’s witness to the harmful effects of the sun on a daily basis, sometimes diagnosing melanoma in individuals as young as 17.

“I have to be tan,” said Professional Bodybuilder Ryan Watson. “I’ve used Xotik spray a couple times now and, to me, it seems as if they’ve finally come out with something that doesn’t give you that odd color. I think it looks the most natural, plus I know I’m not damaging my skin.”

With May being National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, she warns people to beware of the mindset “it can’t happen to me.”

“I’m of a darker complexion, part Italian and part Cherokee Indian, so during my youth, I thought I was invincible,” Doyle said. “But I began to get serious about sun protection in my early 20s. I think the younger generation still needs to be convinced about the real dangers of the sun and tanning beds.”

The facts are clear, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, with more than one million cases (nonmelanoma) diagnosed last year. The good news is that, when caught early enough, it is a very curable type of cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer, was diagnosed in nearly 70,000 Americans last year, a staggering number considering most of those cases could’ve been prevented.

That’s why awareness is so critical to fighting this disease. Information is out there, but is it being ignored?

An article published in Archives of Dermatology states the number of skin cancer cases rose by 76% over a 14-year period from 1992 to 2006. If there is a silver lining in that statistic, Doyle says, it may mean the increase in cases is due to an increase in awareness.

“More people are coming in to our office due to the efforts of the National Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology,” she said.

“We recommend a simple annual

checkup, especially here in Florida, where it could save your life.”

The biggest obstacle, especially with the younger generation, seems to be the play now, pay later theory. It’s similar to the fight against cancer and cigarette smoking, nobody is dying overnight, so warning young people about the dangers is tough.

But everybody looks better with a tan, right? To some, looking good now is worth the risk. But isn’t there a way to look good and be healthy?

Enter Ryan Bishop.

At 29, the former professional football player and professional wrestler takes pride in his appearance, lifting weights and exercising on a daily basis. He understands what it means to want to look your best and how most often, that means looking tan.

He too is of ethnic heritage, being half Italian and half Hawaiian. However, after a handful of his relatives were diagnosed with skin cancer, he decided he wasn’t immune and that he had to find a healthier alternative.

In 2005, upon retiring from the National Football League, Bishop moved to Arizona and began a new venture.

“I’ve always been into alternative health,” Bishop said. “So I began doing research on different companies and with different chemists who could provide an alternative to tanning beds.”

What he came up with was Xotik Spray Lounge, a spray-on tan that gives the appearance of a natural suntan and lasts 7 to 10 days. The key component is called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colorless chemical (derived from glycerin) that interacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change.

Listed with the Food and Drug Administration since 1973, DHA has been used in cosmetic preparations for almost 30 years. It’s not absorbed through the skin into the body and it has no known toxicity. In fact, it’s endorsed by the American Academy of Dermatology as the most effective sunless tanning product.

“I agree,” said Doyle about spray tanning. “It’s really the only thing that I offer my patients as an alternative.”

The orange tint is a thing of the past Bishop says. And apparently that is where most of the apprehension stemmed from when it came to spray tanning. Nobody wanted to show up at the office Monday looking like an Oompa Loompa.

“Spray tanning is what we do. It’s all we do,” Bishop said. “So we’re not like other tanning salons who offer it as an aside. We’re gonna make sure you’re satisfied with the right shade for your skin type. Plus our ingredients are like going to a spa, they contain vitamins, aloe and caffeine which are all good for your skin.”

Is there a downside?

Not really, according to Bishop. Only about 1% of people have any type of negative skin reaction or allergy, but he does advise customers to wait about 4 to 8 hours before showering to achieve the best results. And he does encourage clients to wear dark clothes during that initial period.

“This is the future of tanning and doing it the healthy way,” Bishop said. “I don’t think people are prepared to just say ‘OK, I’ll be pale,’ so this is a great alternative that won’t harm you.”

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Can your family say they have been doing something for 240 years?

Well if you are the Mettler family, then yes, you sure can say that. I personally can say that for at least in my family, we have 32 years of traditionally doing something, and that’s getting drunk during the holidays and letting the “truth” come out at the worst moments. I am sure there is a lot of us with this scenario but imagine that your family has been in the wine business since the 1770s. With 8 generations of winemakers starting in France and ending up in an area of California called Lodi, this family has proven to themselves and to the rest of the wine community that they are a force to be reckoned with.

When you have that much history in your family, you tend to take pride in what you do and that shows in the bottle of Mettler wine that I tried. With personal touch in their vineyards, they are able to control what comes out of the vineyards and what goes into each bottle.

It is hard to say things like that often happen these days. With a growing percentage of wineries going the easy way of production and bottling, it’s difficult to find hard work, dedication and pride in some of the bottles of wine today. Now that doesn’t go for all wineries, there are still a lot of wineries out there that still care; you just have to look a little harder.

So when I go out looking for a new wine, I tend to pick up a wine that I haven’t heard much about, one that I have to ask the wine steward questions about or even look the wine up in my iPhone. At my last trip to a wine store, I picked up a bottle of Mettler Family Cabernet. In the rough life that I live drinking wines at night with my girlfriend, we sat on the couch and popped a bottle of this Cabernet that I knew very little about. As we sat there watching the movie ‘The Fourth Kind’, we kept thinking to ourselves how much we were enjoying this wine, in between screaming like a girl because I was getting the crap scared out of me by the movie. This wine was shocking me with every sip I was taking.

That’s what I love about trying new wines; you never know when you are going to find that hidden gem. Everything that I love about California Cabernets was sitting there in that glass. And for someone like me who is picky about what wines I drink, I was amazed of the value of this wine. I paid $24 at a wine store for their cabernet and you know what, I would have felt justified paying double that. Tasting hints of chocolate, vanilla and dark fruits such as plum and blackberry made this wine very well balanced. This cabernet is also aged in French oak, which gives it some spicy quality but also having a silky texture as well. I now have yet another winery from Lodi that I love now. Mettler also makes Petite Sirahs and zinfandels as well, and though I can’t wait to try those, it will have to wait till the future because I only have one liver and even it needs a break from time to time.

With a lot of the companies in our world going more and more to the way of ‘Big Corporate’, it’s nice to see a company that can maintain the family business mentality. A company that has family values, which gives you great pride in the quality of the product you put on the shelves. A company that is part of an organization that gives back to their community and overall, a company that just cares for the people and the land that makes Lodi so special. I for one, feel very fortunate to say that I am employed by an independent company and I also know the feeling of trying to compete with the corporate giants. Having been to Napa recently and seeing how some of the corporate wineries just monster over some of the little guys, you almost feel compelled to call Michael Moore and have him do one of his documentary movies to help out. I think we’ll call that movie ‘Grape Rape’ “The fight of a small California Winery”. Call me Michael; I’m on to something here.

So my hat is off to Mettler family winery. Thank you for being such an inspiration not only to me but to the rest of the wine community and thank you for making great wines at a value that everybody can appreciate. It truly does feel good when you do something well and you do it the right way. Who knows, maybe one day I can say that my family has been doing something for 240 years, and it’s not our annual Christmas game, “Hide the rum from Uncle Bob”…

Cheers!!

Dave Madera General Manager/Wine Director Mise en Place Restaurant 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 110 Tampa, FL 33606 813-254-5373

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shots Photos by Ian Beckles

Nearly 300 national and international award-winning artists gathered to showcase their wares on March 6-7 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa.

One of the most anticipated events of the year, it drew upwards of 250,000 visitors.

They were treated to a wide array of mediums including ceramic, photography, sculpture, glass, wood and mixed media, not to mention the food.

Sponsored by Raymond James, it ranks among the leading juried arts festivals nationwide.

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Vintage Clothing Is Never Out of Style! rtinez By: Ro Ma

Definition Generally speaking, clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as antique clothing and clothing from 1920 through 1980 is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, usually refers to clothing that imitates the style of a previous era. Clothing produced more recently is usually called modern or contemporary fashion. Opinions vary on these definitions.

Purpose Although there has always been some demand for old and secondhand clothing, the awareness, demand and acceptance of it has increased dramatically since the early 1990s.

This increase in interest is due in part to greater visibility, as vintage clothing has been increasingly worn by celebrities including Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Moss, and Dita von Teese.

“If you purchase at yard sales, thrift shops, consignment stores, or borrow from friends and family, the cost is considerably reduced. Fashion repeats itself. Even stars who can certainly afford to purchase new, buy used for the “vintage look.” You can, too. The key is to think of creative ways to cut costs.”

Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, defines vintage as: Vintage clothing is a generic term for new or secondhand garments originating from a previous era. The phrase is also used in connection with a retail outlet, e.g. “vintage clothing store.” It can also be used as an adjective: “This dress is vintage.”

There has also been a rising awareness of environmental sustainability. People are looking for ways to reuse, recycle and repair rather than throwing things away.

Buying vintage is a way of recycling. You reduce the trash that ends up filling our landfills and give new life to an otherwise discarded item. I love to see something new from vintage clothing. For example, my son used old corduroys and made a backpack out of them reusing the pockets and zippers. This was timeconsuming, but he has a custom-made piece that he will enjoy for a long time.

Vintage clothing allows you to cut spending without sacrificing style.

It is sought after by young people, college students and people of all walks of life because of the low cost.

They are wearing vintage pieces to school, parties and dates. Purchasing vintage at garage sales, estate sales and consignment stores is a way to have great style while reducing your wardrobe expense.

Vintage can also come from your mother or grandmother’s closet, entirely eliminating the need to make a purchase. My mother’s old tops are my favorites, not just because of the great style, but because they belonged to her before me. She taught me to take pride in the way I look and to this day she continues to have great style. She has been able to achieve this without spending a fortune. Like many seniors, she continues to wear some vintage pieces and holds on to them for as long as she can.

If you have older pieces, reach in the back of your closet and enjoy some favorites again. Styles have a way of resurfacing. Some of the current styles, such as swing jackets, a-line dresses and peasant tops, have a vintage flair. Without even knowing it, young people are purchasing styles that may have been worn by their grandmothers.

Where can you purchase vintage clothing?

Internet – Useful for those who collect vintage clothing for display or those who plan on getting much

use out of it, sites like Etsy, Ebay and Craigslist are good sites to use for help in your search. The photos will help you decide and the detailed descriptions make shopping painless.

Antique shops – If you have never been to an antique shop you are in for a treat. Sections are organized as living spaces, giving you an idea of furniture placement. The clothing is displayed to mimic old dressing rooms or dressing areas. You may pay a premium price for higher quality vintage clothing and the additional service you receive.

Estate sales – Often an older person’s entire wardrobe is for sale along with shoes and handbags.

Someone else has done the work of finding coordinating pieces and you get to enjoy purchasing them at low prices because the person holding the sale has so much to sell in a short period of time.

Yard sales – Clothing sold at yard sales often no longer fits or was inherited. The prices often run between $.25-1.00. Although you don’t get to try them on, if they don’t fit you have not invested much money and can donate them for someone else to benefit from your find.

Thrift shops – Searching for bargains in a thrift shop can be overwhelming, so give yourself enough time to go through several racks.

Everything is mixed in; vintage with modern, summer with fall, etc. Make a list of what you want to purchase and give yourself a time limit; say, two hours. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t find what you are looking for the first time Vintage clothing is an easy to wear classic style that can be elegant and very affordable. It can be combined with new fashions and mixed in to look just as fresh as when it was new. Years ago, wearing this style meant your clothes were dated or you could not afford new and had to shop in secondhand stores. Not so today. We wear vintage by choice and enjoy hunting for that perfect piece. Searching for that one-of-akind piece may take time but it is well worth it when you create your own look. I have mentioned many rewards

to wearing vintage clothing and the best part is that you won’t bump into anyone else wearing the same thing at an important event.

Modern Appeal Imagining who may have worn it before me keeps me a fan of vintage clothing. Was it made for a special occasion? Was it was handed down from mother to daughter or from sister to sister? Its appeal is more than just saving money. It’s the unique style that is timeless. Vintage is reminiscent of an era whose women, such as Ingrid Bergman and Jackie O, who were famous for their talent but also their classic style. Look over to the right to see how others feel about Vintage clothing.

Modeling At Any Age, Ro Martinez (Seaside Publishing, Copyright 2008)

Photos by: Ross Krison www.itsross.com

“I love the ’50s and ’60s era. The style was so versatile. High waist pants with lace tops and Mary Jane shoes. Or you can go dressy with a laced dress and a laced bucket hat.

Today’s fashion accessories bring that style back with a current flair. Long necklaces, fashion pearls, decorative headbands and shoes!”

39 WHTBmagazine.com “To be original, not everyone will wear it. I think there is a story behind it and it’s fun to search for it. Vintage is classier and I feel good wearing it. It’s also a twist on recycling when most people think of plastic, paper, and cans.”

Amanda Duffy – Student

Kayla Gepp – Model pictured

“This style has become unusual to our modern days so it generates conversation when you wear vintage pieces. An added plus is that we know styles will come back around, it’s all on a cycle. What goes around comes around.”

Jullianne Olds – Model

“The classiness of it and the ability to mix other simple and accessories styles with it. As a little girl I watched Audrey Hepburn on the big screen, she was strikingly beautiful and it had an impact on me. Although she inspired me, I wear vintage clothing inevitably to create my own style.”

Marilou Matthews – Massage Therapist

“Being a single mother of two boys, the price is a huge plus of buying vintage. My children go through clothes so quickly that it only makes sense.

One of my favorite places has always been thrift stores. I love the ’60s and ’70s era and I can always find things I love, such as faded denim and vintage tees, for myself and my children.”

Cassie Haun – Mother

“I like the formal dresses because of the muted colors and style. Also, the fashion is unique to a certain time period that can’t be found on the rack.”

Erica Keelan – young model

“The history that surrounds vintage things. I can use unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to create a unique style of my own. The thrill of hunting for something different and finding a good deal in a thrift shop is fun.”

Karen Benton – Collector and Business Owner

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Final Touches 3 accessories that will spice up this seasons clean & simple outfits

1

Square Resin Rings in various colors

by Andrew Hamilton Crawford $70.00 each

Large Bold Rings

Safari Inspired Bangles

by Lalo $46.00 – $63.00 each set

Buddha Rings in Silver & Gold

by Andrew Hamilton Crawford $75.00 each

Flower Rings in Mother-of-Pearl, Raspberry and Turquoise

by Andrew Hamilton Crawford $86.00 each

3

Safari Inspired Bangles

Accessories provided by Photos by Chris Leventis

4109-B South MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33611 813.902.0500 www.lovethatonline.com

2

Trendy Pocket Books

Coral & Gold Chained Hand Bag

by JJ Winters $85.00

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Black & White Houndstooth Clutch

by Oh Deer! $150.00

Orange & Gold Clutch

by Oh Deer! $150.00

Designer Spotlight

“Every moment in life is unique so every style should be unique” Originally from Russia, Ekaterina Peskisheva, also known as Katya , moved to the US to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. For the past 4 years she has been establishing her own brand named “Russian Roulette”.

Russian Roulette incorporates swimwear and sportswear along with a special attention to accessories.

The newest trend for Spring/Summer of 2010 are accessories made with feathers. Russian Roulette has focused on bringing this trend to the next level by creating one-of-a-kind earrings that are bright and bold. The exotic feather collection features over 20 different styles to choose from and is not limited by that. Katya is open to ideas from her clients and encourages custom orders, as she understands every client’s need is different.

The collection of earrings continues to grow and is updated weekly with new styles. Her designs have been featured in various fashion shows and videos like that of Michael Clayton’s foundation Indulge Fashion show at the IMAX, USF Modeling Troupe’s Primal Instincts Fashion Show, and more recently in the “All the Way Live” music video by recording artist Military.

Russian Roulette can be purchased online at www.kat-ya.com, Lace Lingerie Boutique in Safety Harbor, Singing Stone Casa de Art in Ybor City, Diamond Beauty Supply and Wipe Out Beauty Supply, both located in Tampa.

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by Dave Norrie In a recent survey, 9 out of 10 death row inmates said that for their last meal they would choose the Dr. Pepper Ribs from Z Grille in St. Pete.

Well, not really, but that’s how good they are. They’re the kind of ribs that would make even the most devout vegetarian lick their fingertips and ask for more.

Similar to a Chinese fried rib, but with the zing of 23 flavors from the Dr. Pepper beverage, Z Grille chef and owner Zack Gross’ recipe has created quite a stir around St. Pete. And now, by word of mouth, has people in Tampa crossing the bridge just to get a taste.

Braised for 6 hours in a combination of Dr. Pepper, ginger and garlic, the famous ribs are then deep fried and topped off with a dash of Thai sauce. The result is a crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, fall-off-the-bone rib that has even the pickiest rib lovers giving their praise.

“I know ribs, believe me. And these may be the best ribs I’ve ever tasted,” said What’s Hot Tampa Bay publisher Ian Beckles, after Gross made a recent stop by the Ron and Ian Show on 620 WDAE for a sampling.

With long hair, tattoos and a mouth like a trucker, Rachael Ray or Bobby Flay he is not, but when it comes to cooking, Gross is all business. And what he may lack in couth, he more than makes up with in culinary ingenuity, as evidenced by a recent 2009 nomination for the James Beard Award. Deemed the “Oscars of the food world” by Time magazine, the award signifies the country’s most coveted honor for chefs.

“I don’t come off that polished, be it appearance-wise or with my choice of language,” Gross said. “But I’m not here to impress people with what I look like, I’m here to cook them a great meal.”

His wife Jennifer admits her hubby is a bit rough around the edges, but says that’s what makes the food so good.

Photo by Scott Purks Photos by Jim Burkett

“Zack is passionate about his food and extremely confident. Therefore he runs his kitchen like he’s driving a bus,” she said. “He’s in charge. So either you get your butt on board or you get off.”

45 behind the grill to rub elbows with his regulars while drinking his favorite beverage, Evander Beer. Once you get to know Gross, eating at Z Grille is like enjoying an outdoor barbecue with your best friend from next door, only you’re in a classier joint.

“I’m a guy who loves food and drink,” he said. “But when it comes to being fancy or pompous, I’m not that guy, nor would I want to be that guy who thinks he’s above it. And if that means people won’t come in the restaurant, I can deal with that. “ It’s that kind of attitude that has made Gross and Z Grille a favorite stop among the locals. That and Todd the bartender who has been with Zack since the early days.

Photo by Scott Purks

Like the food and its creator, the atmosphere in Z Grille is equally peculiar.

How many other restaurants do you know of that boast a half pipe in the dining area and a bar made out of old orange skateboard resin?

Born in Upland, California, Gross, 35, grew up in the skate parks of New Port Beach, a very laid-back surfing community, in the late 1970s. He got his feet wet in the restaurant business as a teenager washing dishes. Outside of work, he was all about skateboarding.

At age 18, when Red Lobster wouldn’t hire him, he kicked and pushed his board down to culinary school and set out to prove to the restaurant world he was worthy.

After graduation he moved to the East Coast, where he opened Z Grille’s first location on Central Avenue with a loan from his dad. Experiencing moderate success, he decided he was going all out and moved to a more visible piece of real estate on 2nd Street South to construct his “dream restaurant”. He opened in November of 2008, not far from the original spot but worlds away in terms of atmosphere.

“It was sink or swim at that point,” Gross said. “I was going to do things my way and the key word was ‘fun’. I didn’t want a place that was stuffy.”

To achieve “the vibe”, he wanted people to see the kitchen but not be in the kitchen. He wanted a full liquor bar where you couldn’t see the liquor.

Adding a 24-foot long, 18- foot high half-pipe with glass etched by local

tattoo artist Evil Don completed his quest to achieve a sleek, laid-back vibe representative of California’s coast.

“The Todd”, as he’s affectionately known among the bar flies, is one of those people who understands the vibe Gross wants to put out to his customers.

One helluva greeter, he’s always quick to offer a suggestion on food and drink, such as the 24-ounce Tecate, served in a brown bag. During Saturday brunch, it’s

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served with a side of bacon. You can 86 the Tecate for a Mickey’s Big Mouth if that’s more your style.

For the classier, upscale folk, the Todd suggests the St. Pete Cocktail, which is basically any mixed drink served in a red Solo cup. His latest concoction is the Jalapeno Mojito. It’s sweet yet spicy brunch favorite.

A high-definition flat screen TV behind the bar makes Z Grille an ideal location to eat great food and drink during baseball and football season.

Whatever you reason or attire, Z Grille is going to make you come back for more.

Z Grille Restaurant and Bar 104 2nd Street South 33701 727-822-9600 www.zgrille.net

Open Monday through Thursday 11:30am ’til 10 pm Friday and Saturday 11:30am ’til Midnight Saturday Brunch 11 to 3

“When you walk in, you might feel like you’re in Miami or L.A. or New York, but you’re in St. Petersburg,” he said. “I wanted this to be the place that locals would take their guests to every time they were in town. A place which nobody could match. A place where we weren’t doing the same thing as everybody else.”

And that it is. In addition to the ribs, the unusual house specialties also include deviled eggs. But not just any kind, these are gourmet style. Some are topped with blue cheese, bacon and spinach while others bring red pepper and goat cheese.

The chef’s favorite is the lobster, chive and lemon combination.

They’re a great snack by themselves or a perfect precursor to the Hog Snapper, also a house specialty.

Besides ribs, fish and eggs, Gross says he perfected vegetarian dishes that carnivores would delight in as well, even though it wasn’t necessarily for all the right reasons.

“I’m a meat eater,” he said. “It became my goal to make something I’d like that was vegetarian. And damn if it didn’t turn out very good.”

That may be one thing you need to know about this restaurant owner. He’s not into being politically correct and often says exactly what’s on his mind.

And he’s not afraid to come out from

Photo by Jim Burkett

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Dress: Multi-Colored Strapless Denim Dress

by Maria Moreno $59.00 Bracelet: Studded Cuff

by Matt Bernson $67.00

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Top: Basic White V-Neck T-shirt

by Tramps & Thieves $39.00 Black Blazer by Mondo $425.00 Bottoms: Faded Flap Pocket Jeans

by Monarchy $147.00

Photos by Phillip Lloyd

From left to right Top: Peach/Orange Buddha Print T-shirt

by Boozendolls $55.00 Top: White Freedom Cry T-shirt with black cross embellishment by Reborn Couture $95.00 Top: White Hot Rod V-Neck T-shirt

by Boozendolls $55.00

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Top: White Long Sleeve Button Down

by Debonair $167.00 Bottoms: White Stitch Jeans

by Mondo $189.00

From left to right Dress: Black and White Belted Bubble Dress

by Monaco $52.00 Top: Leopard Jungle Corset

by Kimikal $175.00

Photos by Phillip Lloyd

Bottoms: Black Mettalic Pants

by Robins Jeans $147.00

WHTBmagazine.com 51 White Dress: Goddess Dress

by Scarabello $196.00

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Top: The Art White T-shirt with custom Swarovski Crystals

by Dom Rebel $295.00

Photos by Phillip Lloyd

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Tops on both models: Signature Red Tank with Swarovski Crystals

by Reborn Couture $42.00

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Photos by Phillip Lloyd

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Top: White Wing Tank by Kimikal $57.00 Bottom: Julie Super T Jeans by True Religion $297.00

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Top: Denim Corset Top with Swarovski Crystals by Reborn Couture $82.00 Bottom: Black Skinny Legs Jeans by VO Jeans $87.00

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Photos by Phillip Lloyd

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Top: Red Short Sleeve Button Down

by Atelier $88.00 Bottom: Destroyed Wash Denim

by Vitruvian $267.00

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WHTBmagazine.com SOUL/HOP TV, BARRETT PRODUCTIONS,

AND ULUZ ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

Mikel Soul/Hop

CD Release Party AND 71-88-13’s Meet & Greet Powered by Reborn Couture

When: Friday, May 21st 8pm-1am

Top: White Button Down with Patchwork

by Bulzeye Blacklabel $120.00 Bottoms: Black Pants with Zippers

by Mondo $198.00

Photos by Phillip Lloyd

Location: Reborn Couture 701 S. Howard Ave., Hyde Park Tampa Fl. 33606

Top: White Freedom Cry T-shirt with black cross embellishment

by Reborn Couture $95.00

PHOTOS

CLOTHES

MODELS

HAIR & MAKEUP

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shots Photos by Jim Burkett

On Thursday, April 15th What’s Hot Tampa Bay celebrated an evening of fashion and fun at the Z Grille in Downtown St. Petersburg. Reborn Couture provided the clothes, Seven Model & Talent provided the models and the Children’s Cancer Center was on hand collecting donations.

Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the great food and fashion. Remember to check out WHTBmagazine.com for details on our next fashion event.

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02

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03 FASHION SHOOT CREDITS PRODUCTION & CREATIVE DIRECTION: Coordinator: Ilka Figueroa Photographer: Phillip Lloyd Phillip Lloyd Photography www.imagesbyphilliplloyd.com Models provided by: SEVEN Model & Talent Inc. www.sevenmodel.com (813) 374-8925

04

SEVEN Models: Nathalie Baez Deon Huffman Julie Anna Cole Brendan Mathews Additional Models: Mikel Soulhop CJ Thomas Hair & Makeup: Christine Wheaton Femme Akoi www.femmeakoi.com Boutiques:

Reborn Couture

www.reborncouture.com 701 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606

01 The volunteers from the Children’s Cancer Center 02 Dress: White Racerback Tank Dress

by Tail Bail $35.00 Belt: Diamond Stone Belt by Style Exchange $92.00, Buckle by Dara Lauria $275.00 03 Coordinator Ilka Figueroa & photographer Phillip Lloyd 04 Owner Zach Gross pours a cool one

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BIG GUNS By: Ryan Watson

As the weather warms up and the sleeves come off, it’s time take inventory on the shape our arms are in. As far as looks are concerned, I don’t know any male that wouldn’t want to add a few more inches to their guns.

And females, on the other hand, always tend to strive for the tighter, leaner look without any loose skin on the back of the arm.

Standing Barbell Curls Grip the bar shoulder width. Once gripped you must draw and keep your belly button in, ensuring your core stays tight. Keep your shoulder blades together to ensure good posture. Bring the bar from the front of the thighs all the way up to its natural stopping point, which should be just under the chin area. I recommend three sets of 12 reps if you are trying to make them grow, with a 60 second rest between sets. Four sets of 20 reps with a 30 second break will be great for tightening them without adding any bulk.

The bicep is comprised of two small medial and lateral heads which are responsible for arm flexion (bending the arm) while the triceps are comprised of three muscles (medial, lateral and long head) and are responsible for arm extension (straightening of the arm).

Even though most consider the arm as an aesthetic, or beach muscle, try to live without your arms and soon you would realize their importance.

I have found success in training the arms by providing a lot of variety as far as exercises, reps, sets, rest periods and training tools such as cables, dumbbells, machines or even bodyweight.

When it comes to training this area of the body, I always like to emphasize the stretching phase of each movement. It’s a pet peeve of mine. I don’t understand why people consistently do so many half reps when they perform a curls or a push downs. In training my clients I always stress that a full range of motion is critical! By really stretching each movement you will ensure the muscles are getting fully utilized, really developing a full bellied, symmetrical and functional arm. Here’s my prescription for killer guns.

One-Armed Dumbbell Preacher Curls A great way to isolate the bicep and really work on the peak of this muscle. Grab a dumbbell and support your elbow on the top part of incline bench that is leaning back at a 45 degree angle. Emphasize the full stretch and then a massive squeeze at the top. A few sets will put some blood into the biceps.

Three sets of 12 to 15 reps will have those arms so pumped you won’t be able to straighten them.

Rope Hammer Curls These are a great way to tie the forearms in with the rest of the arm giving it not only a complete appearance, but a strong forearm and grip as well. Grip the rope just under the knots at the end; keep the elbows locked in position right next to the sides of the body and curl the rope up holding it at the top for a one second pause before returning it to the bottom. Perform three sets of 15 reps.

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Selling Options on Energies: Is Oil Bull Running out of Gas? By: James Cordier, OptionSellers.com

For those busy watching equities, health care debates or the latest unemployment data, you may not have noticed that crude oil has been in an aggressive bull market since February.

While the debate rages on as to if there will be a “double dip” in the economy or a second crash in the stock market, the energy markets have been quietly pricing in a global recovery. And perhaps it should be. Bulls have some solid data to back up their case.

The Market is Always Right While many doubted estimates that the US economy would grow by 3% in 2010, recent data is making this appear more believable. US Employers added 162,000 jobs in March. The Activity index for the nation’s service industries rose to 55.4% in March from 53% in February. The National Association of Realtors says pending home sales rose 8.2% in February from January.

China, the world’s second largest consumer of crude behind the US, has an economy that is expected to grow by 9.5% in 2010, according to World Bank.

Summer “driving season” often brings a surge in retail gasoline demand. But what happens on the wholesale level?

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on 18 months. It’s the “fuel of the future” and “rapidly developing” technology will soon mean new avenues of demand. “Buy it now” they say, “quickly, before it goes back up.”

The world’s first and second largest consumer of crude oil growing by 3% and 9.5% respectively should not be a bearish development for crude prices. The EIA pegs global oil demand bouncing back to about 83 million barrels per day in 2010, close to 2008 levels.

In addition to a favorable macro-economic climate for oil, we also find ourselves on the eve of “driving season” in the US when millions of consumers take to the highways as warm summer weather arrives and schools across the US recess for summer break. (See “Prelude to Driving Season Opportunity for Put Sellers - 3/1/10” at www.OptionSellers. com). The springtime months leading up to summer have often been associated with higher oil and gas prices as distributors stock up on inventories in order to meet the expected demand.

(Past performance not indicative of future results.)

A strong bull case, perhaps. One must remember, however, that these are not new developments. Oil prices have rallied $16 per barrel since February – nearly a 23% gain. How big of a recovery exactly, are we expecting?

The Irony of Seasonal Demand There is a certain irony of seasonal tendencies in energies. It is likely that a good portion of the price gains over the last two months can be attributed to seasonal inventory demand by gasoline distributors.

While distributors spend the springtime months accumulating supply, they will stop accumulating once they hit maximum storage capacity. This often happens in May or early June. Therefore, demand at the wholesale level begins to wane.

As the NYMEX futures contracts measure wholesale prices, it is not uncommon to see futures prices begin to recede, right at the exact time that demand at the retail level begins to rise.

In addition to seasonal tendencies, oil has a series of other bearish weights that combined, could begin to slow or even reverse, the current bullish course.

A. The “Recovery Story” is becoming old news.

Oil was pricing in 2010 US growth before the general investment community began buying into the story. Now, estimates for Chinese and US growth are old news. The job of economic reports over the next several months will be to confirm that these views are on track. The oil markets seem to have already done a good job of factoring this expected growth into price.

Thus, the potential for surprises would seem to be on the downside.

B. Supplies Remain Burdensome: At 356 million barrels as of the latest EIA estimate, US crude stocks are near historical highs for this time of year and are now 7.1% higher than the five year average. Heating Oil Stocks have eclipsed their 15 year average high – at a time of year when demand plunges and supply tends to build.

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If you had followed that advice, chances are you’re either eating your losses now or have simply dug in to wait out your “longer term” investment.

Natural gas may very well be the fuel of the future and its prospects down the road as an alternative fuel are looking brighter.

2010 Heating Oil Stocks have eclipsed 15 year averages.

Stocks tend to begin building in mid- April as demand begins to wane.

C. OPEC Non-Compliance: OPEC is running at 54% compliance to its own self-set production quotas. This is a paltry figure even by OPEC standards. OPEC provides 40% of the world’s oil. Key members such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait are said to be operating at maximum capacity. As the world’s largest oil conglomerate, if you thought prices were going up later, would you be pumping oil as fast as you could right now?

Conclusion and Strategy While impressive in its velocity, it is our opinion that the rally in crude oil and products could reach a crescendo sometime within the next 30 days. While macro factors such as economic reports, a weaker dollar, or the standard geopolitical tensions could act as bullish counterweights, the cyclical pullback in wholesale demand will force the market to refocus on oversupply issues.

While petroleum markets tend to move in the same general direction, we believe heating oil will offer the better opportunity for call sellers as slack demand issues should make it the “weak sister” of the complex.

We would view any additional rallies over the next 30-45 days as opportunities for selling call premium at strikes 40-50% above the current price of heating oil. The objective is to take a neutral to bearish position while still giving the market plenty of room to fluctuate. (Option Selling is one of the few, if only strategies where you can be wrong on market direction and still potentially have a winning position.) Ultraconservative income seekers or investors concerned about geopolitical issues can look to sell covered positions (credit spreads) in the same market.

Natural Gas: Burdensome Supply Continues to Weigh on Prices If you liked it at $6.00, you should have loved it at $5.00. You could have “backed the truck up” at $4.00.

So now what do you do with prices sporting a “3” handle?

Natural Gas and Natural Gas stocks have been the darling of several high profile media pundits for going

However, in the near to intermediate term, the fundamentals are a mess. And future increases in demand may be offset or exceeded by future streams of supply.

To put it simply, we are in the midst of a natural gas supply glut – one that will not be rectified anytime soon.

The Perfect Storm The unnamed gentlemen mentioned above are well respected by the investment community (and by these authors) and cannot be blamed entirely for miscalling the natural gas market. Gas prices were sacked by two simultaneous occurrences that drastically altered their price path – neither of which whose impact could have clearly been foreseen. These two forces combined, quite coincidentally, at the same time: 1.

2.

A recession led dip in demand which hurt many commodities. However, natural gas was hit particularly hard as it derives a large part of its demand from the commercial sector as opposed to the individual retail sector.

A rapid expansion in the current and future supply of Natural Gas

Supply Expansion It is a revolutionary shift in the way natural gas is extracted from the Earth that has reshaped the fundamentals of the market for good. The process is known as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling and it allows drillers to access natural gas trapped in shale rock formations. This new process has resulted in massive discoveries of new natural gas wells in the continental US. Notable examples are the Barnett Shale in Texas and the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and New York. These once inaccessible supplies have come online just within the last few years and it is estimated that these along with other new shale rock discoveries possess enough new supply to power the United States for the next 100 years or more.

Now that’s a big time fundamental shift.

The Barnett Shale alone now accounts for 7% of American gas supplies. This new output resulted in over 600 billion cubic meters of US production in 2009, most likely vaulting the United States ahead of Russia as the worlds #1 producer of natural gas.

Demand Plunges Almost in tandem with the surge in American output, the recession resulted in a 3% drop in US demand for Natural gas in 2009. European demand dropped by over 7%.

(continued)

This has allowed near term supplies of natural gas to accumulate, putting them near historical highs for this time of year (See Chart Below).

Natural gas supplies remain near historic highs for this time of year. Inventories tend to accumulate after April in the US as the peak demand winter season has passed.

Current Price Analysis and Recommendation The longer term ramifications of hydraulic fracturing and the new reserves of natural gas have yet to be seen. However, for the shorter term, call sellers may yet have opportunities to collect deep out of the money premium.

Natural Gas supplies have just reached the point of the year where on hand supplies are typically at their lowest. Consequently, this often results in a time of year where prices will be at their highest.

That has not happened this year.

Perhaps this is due to the relative glut of supply on hand. Perhaps it is institutional traders unwillingness to buy a market where a whole new avenue of supply has just opened up. (In case you haven’t guessed, this doesn’t happen very often.)

Regardless, April is the time of year where on hand inventories start to build as the peak winter demand season has passed. This has often been associated with price weakness (past performance not indicative of future resultes).

The question is, if natural gas cannot put together some kind of rally when prices are near what is generally the lowest point of the year, how are they going to respond when supply starts to build again? Even if one assumes a moderate recovery of gas demand in 2010, it will take a long time to eat down inventories to levels anyone would consider “bullish.” This is especially true given what is expected to be record US natural gas output in 2010.

There will, of course, be rallies in natural gas as there will be in any commodity.

However, we expect these to be of a limited nature given the supply issues now facing this market.

Would would advise using any such rallies as opportunities to sell deep out of the money calls in natural gas over the next 4-8 weeks.

To learn more about the alternative investment of commodity options, we recommend picking up your free copy of “The Seven Best Kept Secrets of Building a Winning Option Selling Portfolio” available at www.OptionSellers.com . Liberty Trading Group offers managed option selling portfolios to investors globally as well as local investors right here in Tampa. *Futures options trading involves risk of loss. Only risk capital should be used. ** Fundamental data charts courtesy of Hightower Research ***Price Charts courtesy of CQG, Inc.

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shots 01 Chris Warren & Mary Murphy 02 David Norrie and Ricky Gervais 03 Grey Goose Girls at the What’s Hot Tampa Bay Super Bowl Party 04 Baby Rudy 05 Raymond dressed for success 06 Keyshawn Johnson and Myfitnesschannel.com girls 07 Ian and DJ Kid Capri 08 Vinny LEcavalier and Amy Do 09 Scott Gerhardt and Wayne Newton 10 Marty St. Louis and Nancy Hess

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with

Shelton Quarles

Member of the 2002 World Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1. What group or clique were you most affiliated with in high school?

The Nerds, I carried a briefcase to school every day 2. Other than a politician, who (person) do you think would make the best President?

Yours truly, aka ME! 3. Favorite TV show as a kid?

The Dukes of Hazzard 4. If you could bring back one trend or object from the 1970s or 80s, what would it be?

Parachute pants 5. Give us a quote from your favorite movie: “Heeeere’s Johnny“ – THE SHINING with Jack Nicholson

Photo by Paul Pelak

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with

Tino Martinez 4-Time World Series Champion with the New York Yankees 1. Best invention/product of the last decade? iPhone 2. Other than a politician, who (person) do you think would make the best President?

George Steinbrenner 3. What’s the best comedy movie you’ve ever seen?

WEDDING CRASHERS I laughed the entire movie 4. If Tampa had its own coin, whose face would you put on it?

I would have my grandfather Tino Gonzalez’ face on it.

5. You’re headed into a dark alley in a bad neighborhood and can bring one Yankee with you. Who is it?

Daryl Strawberry and we would come out just fine.

Photo by Paul Pelak

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with

Gayle Guyardo Local Television Personality

1. What’s the best kept secret in Tampa?

“Access” Gayle, my new show!

2. What’s the one piece of clothing you own that your husband would love to throw away?

Granny panties – in fact, they’ve been chucked!

3. Most embarrassing moment?

When a news director informed me I said orgasm instead of organism when reading an Aquarium story on live TV 4. You got your new show and you have to pick one of the following to co-host with you. Would it be: (A) Tom Green (B) Paula Abdul (C) Triumph the Comic Insult Dog or (D) Don Imus “Triumph the Comic Insult Dog” I’m used to not getting a word in edgewise.

5. What’s one part about being on television each day that’s not glamorous?

Waking up at 3 a.m.

Special Thanks to Paul Pelak and his crew at IADT

www.academy.edu

5104 Eisenhower Boulevard Tampa, FL 33634 (813) 699-5206

Photo by Paul Pelak

Photos shot on location at

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the tampa sports knucklehead’s

2010 Buccaneers Draft Recap

by Basil Spyridakos

I

n my last article I explained why it would be impossible for the Bucs to land a stud defensive tackle. I was absolutely certain Tampa was going to have to consider another outlet. And I’m ecstatic the St Louis Rams fell in love with Sam Bradford, drafting him with the #1 overall selection. It made life much easier on Buccaneer’s General Manager Mark Dominik and staff. I was a fan of Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy when the draft rumors and combine gossip started months ago, and taking him with the number 3 pick was a complete no-brainer. Most Tampa fans wanted Ndamukong Suh and, I’m not going to lie, I would’ve been more than fine with that pick if he happened to have been there, but the choice was made for Tampa and the fans really ought to embrace this young talent.

I hate making comparisons because it isn’t fair to McCoy who’s trying to make his own name, so I’m not even going to bother with that. McCoy has a large frame (6’4”, 300 pounds) that’ll easily get bigger and fill out once he hits an NFL weight room as well as when he starts to put on “man-weight.”

His quickness is his biggest asset because he explodes off of the snap and shoots gaps with violence and ferocity.

You’d never guess this kid was such an intense football player because he has a calm demeanor, but flips the switch once the pads go on. His agility and athleticism to quickly change direction during pursuit while keeping a steady

balance will benefit the Bucs defense that struggled against the run in 2009.

It spells trouble for opposing offensive lines when you combine these aforementioned attributes with proper coaching and experience.

Most fans’ concerns with McCoy are his strength (he posted 23 reps on the bench press portion of the NFL Combine), his lack of hand speed, which is vital to the defensive tackle position, and his inability to beat and shed a double team. Some fans are bothered with his 34 tackles as a Junior and 30 tackles as a Sophomore, but he was receiving a ton of attention playing off of double teams throughout most of his collegiate career. His fifteen and a half tackles for a loss tells me the kid spends a ton of time disrupting plays in the backfield. Lower body strength may be more important to the defensive line position than upper body strength, so his bench numbers don’t bother me a bit. And don’t forget, McCoy played in a passing conference. It’s pretty hard to pad your stats when the opposition’s throwing the ball all of the time. I’m baffled by the hand speed criticism because I witnessed him breaking the wrists on whoever attempted to put a hand on him, while tossing offensive guards around like toys. I think it’s a moot argument.

tackles for a loss as a Junior shows he has an incredible motor and work-ethic, something this Bucs defensive line has been lacking the past 20 games. He gets the dirty work done and isn’t afraid to mix it up.

plays much faster than his padless, and worthless, straight-lined 40-yard dash states. His route running is what caught the Bucs attention and his toughness and balance is what will get him on the field early in his NFL career.

Benn needs to develop an immediate relationship with Buccaneer starting quarterback Josh Freeman.

Freeman needs targets in the worst way and Benn could be his best friend by the season’s midway point.

Benn’s numbers are impressive as a sophomore (1,055 receiving yards, 15.8 yards per catch, 3 touchdowns), but the productivity drops the following year. I promise you it’s not his fault.

The Fighting Illini had inconsistent quarterback play, constantly rotating and switching starters, as well as executing more of a spread option look.

This was a great value pick, in my opinion.

Regardless, all of these are easily fixable, but may hinder McCoy in his first year as a Buccaneer. You can’t teach speed and quickness though and that’s why I expect big things out of this young defensive lineman. Besides, he’ll be getting much help from Tampa’s second round pick.

I’ve been waiting for a hard-nosed, greasy defensive lineman for years and Tampa picked up a solid one with their first of two second round choices. Rotating lineman is what all of the teams in the NFL do anyway.

You’ve got to keep the big-uglies in the trenches fresh. My only concern is his conditioning. Training and playing in this Florida heat in July and August can either work for you or severely against you. I fully expect Tampa’s Strength and Conditioning coaches to get on this young man immediately and develop a program for him before the beginning of camp.

Brian Price is a stout (6’1”, 310 pounds), powerful defensive lineman out of UCLA. He plays low and busts helmets. The experts scratched their head at this selection because Tampa just drafted a big defensive lineman in McCoy. Clearly, these “experts” are dolts. Price is the quintessential nose guard and will be initiating and welcoming double team after double team. His twenty-three and a half

The Buccaneers moved up a few spots to secure their second, second-round draft choice, selecting University of Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn.

Benn was considered a lock to get drafted in the first round, but fell do to his 40-time at the NFL Combine.

“Regus,” what his friends call him, is a physical specimen (6’2”, 220 pounds) and has solid hands. Although his 40-time dropped him a little, he

In the third round, Tampa grabbed the perfect corner for their Tampa-2 defense. Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis played against top-notch competition in the South Eastern Conference and held his own well. His height and weight (6’2”, 205 pounds), excellent ball instincts, and aggressive tackling are exactly the reason why the Bucs went after this kid. Give him a season to learn under the greatest cover-2 corner ever; Mr. Ronde Barber, and Lewis will be in serious business. He plays a bit tall in coverage and I’ve noticed his hips aren’t as fluid as some of the “elite” corners in this draft, but he’s an incredible athlete and I have no doubt he’ll transition well to the big leagues.

This next selection is a bit controversial, but is a steal in the 4th round.

Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams (6’2, 225 pounds) is a monster, “Go across the middle, catch the ball, get blown up by a linebacker, get up and do it again” type of wide out. He is big, physical, and fearless with exceptional hands and instincts. He’ll go up and get the ball at its peak and bring it down with blatant disregard. He was well on his way to a 1,100-1,200 receiving

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yard, 12-touchdown season when he quit. The young man just gave up football for the Orange seemingly out of nowhere. I’m not sure of the details, but Williams has answered them all to the Tampa media. Apparently, he missed curfew due to a car accident he and some others were in and the Syracuse coaching staff didn’t like the situation. Why? I’m not entirely sure.

Rumors surfaced that he cheated in some class and that he’s known as a

quitter. If you think Mike Williams is a controversial selection, this next one had Tampa fans up in arms.

and he’ll have to break into Special Teams if he wants a shot, but you never know.

Virginia Tech punter…yes, I wrote “punter,” Brent Bowden is arguably the best punter in the draft and all the Bucs had to do was give up a measly sixth round draft choice for him. What’s so wrong with that? Tampa didn’t have a punter before this pick. That’s right; Bidwell was released, meaning the Buccaneers needed a guy to get the ball inside the opposition’s 20-yard line.

Bowden can get that job done with a 44 yard punting average and punting the ball inside the 20-yard line 20 times during his senior season. Secret weapon? No, but it’s a good pick up and Bowden’s an instant starter.

Tampa takes Florida State outside linebacker Dekoda Watson (6’2”, 240 pounds) with their next seventh round pick. Watson possesses great sidelineto-sideline speed and is a sure tackler.

Florida State has a proven reputation of putting solid football players into the NFL and the Bucs got themselves a good one. I expect Dekoda to crosstrain between middle and outside linebacker.

The next three picks all come in the seventh round. Cody Grimm (5’11”, 205 pounds) played outside linebacker at Virginia Tech, but projects as a safety for the Bucs. VaTech’s defensive coordinator Bud Foster teaches aggressive, but smart football and that’s what Grimm will bring to this squad. I don’t expect him to be an impact guy

And with their final seventh round selection, Tampa takes Stanford defensive end Erik Lorig (6’3”, 280 pounds). This young man is a virtual unknown and is most likely a long shot to crack the 53-man roster, but there’s nothing wrong with adding bodies and heightening competition.

That is the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s 2010 NFL Draft. No, I’m not going to give some lame grade and I’m not going to judge and dog any of these kids. This is my take and analysis:

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Some guys have the talent, but don’t get it together mentally or waste their gifts by not giving 100%. Other guys bust their behinds, but just don’t have the knack to be a professional football player. The draft really is a crapshoot, and, in my opinion, is more about luck than it is a direct science. How else do you explain guys like Tom Brady (6th rounder), Terrell Davis (6th rounder), Marques Colston (7th rounder), and Buccaneer legend Dexter Jackson (4th rounder)? Other than Colston, these guys were all Super Bowl MVPs and every one of them has a Super Bowl ring. That many teams purposely passed up on all of this talent?

Bucs fans, give these players a chance and let us see what they can do on the field. I feel completely confident in all of their abilities and I guarantee these kids will shock you. Welcome to Tampa, boys! Now, rock that Pewter and Red proudly and show us what you can do.

Go Bucs!

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Motion Pictures BT Blurring Together the Future Recently there have been major milestone achievements for

used it for his dancing skeleton in the video Ghost and in his “This

both the movie industry and the gaming industry. James Cameron’s

Is It” tour. Movies have been doing motion capture long before

Avatar, the biggest box office hit of all time, and Sony’s criti-

games, but it was the making of some of the first big PlayStation

cally acclaimed PlayStation 3 title Heavy Rain have both been

titles that blew it up into a common practice being used in any big

inspired by their opposite industry. Both products have constructed

production game or movie, as well as making the technology aware

their experiences using techniques by their opposite industry to

to many people.

further evolve their own, bending and blurring the experience

If you’re a gamer, then you felt many similarities between

into something unbelievable in comparison to their respective

Avatar and video games. A fantasy world in which the audience

competitors. Many film buffs that don’t play games are experi-

feels immersed into is something that has been done countless

encing sensations through Avatar that they are new to. Vice versa

times in games without the use of stereoscopic 3D, thanks to the

some passionate gamers who may not appreciate quality films are

players investing themselves into the game world through their

confused by Heavy Rain’s unconventional approach (in either a

player interactions (& the 3D nature of most games’ graphics).

good or bad way) to interactive drama, with some even neglecting

The sheer concept of the overall script (in which Jake Sully experi-

it as a game altogether.

ences everything on Pandora through an Avatar) is hugely similar

The one element about Avatar that garnered its critical acclaim

to gamers who have been experiencing all of their gaming through

and major success was the element of exploration. The movie

an avatar from the game’s world. Movie goers got a strong taste

experience transports you into an alien world with breathtaking

of what it’s like to be a gamer without even realizing it. This

landscapes expressing the mother nature of Pandora through

movie making so much money is a true testament to the

unprecedented advancements in visual effects and a clever use of

potential of video games and the inspirational power

3D as a form of subtle perception/immersion. The in-house 3D

of them in creating something for the masses.

tech developed by James Cameron allowed the whole film to be

It only goes to show how much many

processed into 3D while filming instead of it being done during

people are missing out on by being

an agonizing post production process. The visual effects not only

unable to get into games. Like

went up & beyond expectations in representing the fantasy of

their superhero movies and novel

Avatar as reality, but also accurately captured the performance of

adaptations, Hollywood knows how to take

the actors in order to incorporate their real performances into their

ideas/concepts from niche markets/industries (people still

computer generated characters. This created truly breathtaking

debate over whether gaming is a niche or not) and blow it up for

emotional believability in the acting. Though video games have

massive audiences to enjoy and experience.

not been visually as stunning as Avatar, they have been using the

However, vice versa if you take all of that observation and flip

same motion capture & performance capture techniques for years

it over on its head you will see how the exchange of inspiration,

to create their worlds and characters. Performance capture being

ideas, and techniques works both ways. Some of the best gaming

the newer of the two, in which dots are placed on the actors’ faces

experiences out there are largely influenced by films and use all

while recording their voice and capturing their facial movements.

sorts of film making techniques such as sound design (like foley),

Motion capture has been used in video game development since the

script writing, pacing, original soundtracks, dynamic camera

early days of the first PlayStation and since then has been used by

angles, and cinematic cut scenes in between stretches of gameplay.

just about everyone for all sorts of purposes. Even Michael Jackson

A great story told well can make a gamer overlook any mistakes in

+

+

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Writte n& Alex Y Designed B parra guirr y: e

of Entertainment Experiences

the gameplay. The Metal Gear Solid series has been heralded by its

depression, moral angst, heart wrenching pain, shock, true panic,

fans that have followed through the series, calling it the game series

regrets, and many others are all not just present in the characters, but

that overtakes anything Hollywood has ever put out. The genius

flow within you as well as they happen. The game is called Heavy

story-telling alone rivals any movie, with the addition of immersive

Rain for a reason, the weight of the game onto the player playing

stealth action gameplay woven into the story-telling is what steps

it and even partially to those watching it as a passive experience

the games up above any movie for the fans who’ve played them.

(like a movie) is extremely heavy. The ultra realism of the game’s

Films gets you attached to characters through great story

graphics (the characters look identical to their real world actor

and character development. Games do it through

counterparts) and the accessibility of watching it as someone else

the time you spend with the characters and

plays “their” story also unexpectedly made it a great social game.

controlling their fates. When a game like

The film-noir qualities of this suspenseful psychological thriller

Metal Gear Solid does both then you have the perfect

were hugely inspired by films like Se7en, Fight Club, and Zodiac.

recipe for true character attachment. But the series has always had

The emotional roller coaster aspects of the game were inspired by

the gameplay and the cut scenes separate from each other.

both great movies and the creator’s life experience. No movie could

In comes Heavy Rain, a game that is a huge evolution of

convey the feeling of panic as you search for your lost son around a

the old school adventure genre while branching towards the

mall; that can only come from life experience, and Heavy Rain. The

unstoppable future mergence of movies and games into one

pacing is great if you love quality films and the moody atmosphere

unified form of entertainment. The ambitions and goals for

is nothing short of gaming’s greatest achievement in real time

this game were so crazy and so over the top, the creator

realistic visuals as well as motion capture animation. However, it

himself couldn’t call it a video game (even though it is),

is definitely not a game for gamers who can’t keep an open mind

instead dubbing it as “Interactive Drama”. It is a game

away from shooting and killing 24/7. An experience that represents

that puts you the player into the Director’s shoes, and no

the power of a father’s love more than anything else is not meant

matter which way you choose to have the story go, there

for an immature audience.

is always strong emotional feelings in each branching

In summary, Avatar makes strides for future movies to aspire

storyline. Context sensitive actions and superbly placed

to by taking cues from video games (& other movies of course),

quick time events mimic what the in game characters are

while Heavy Rain does the exact opposite by creating an authentic

doing to what you are doing with the PlayStation controller.

film-like experience with interactivity, currently only possible

Avatar makes the window barrier (the screen) disappear turning

through a video game. Both show signs of inspiration for other

what is by nature a passive experience into feeling like a thrill

artists and both have enough success for new markets (just look

ride. Heavy Rain breaks the barrier of having a controller in your

at all the 3D movies in 2010). People have been speculating about

hands by making that said controller feel more like a story propeller

a hybrid-like form of entertainment between games and movies,

disappearing in your hands as the story plays out like a feature film,

and with these 2 products it seems slightly plausible in the near

even though you are the one making the decisions and affecting the

future, without jeopardizing any of today’s standards in games and

outcome. While most games only play with a few human emotions,

movies. It’s just a great time to be fans of both forms of enter-

mainly adrenaline and frustration (with the exception of sadness

tainment (art), who knows what the future may bring, judging by

and happiness in a few games), Heavy Rain has the widest range

what’s HOT right now we could see games and movies merging

of “film-like” human emotions you’ll ever feel in a game. Love,

together someday. It sure feels that way already.

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We as women don’t care how much you’ve spent on your shirt because quite frankly, whether you bought it at Nordy’s or Marshall’s it’s still a tattooed inspired shirt stamped with roses, skulls, tigers, hearts, or eagles. And to make matters worse the designer has to splash his name on top. Or better yet, the words “Love Kills Slowly”. What the heck does that even mean? Throw in some bling and you’ve got a national epidemic.

Eve Ok Adam, picture this: you’re getting ready to head out on a Saturday night.

You’ve showered, shaved, and doused your hair with gel. You go to your closet and grab every piece of clothing you can find that says “Ed Hardy”…. from jeans to t-shirt to hat, maybe even throw in the shoes or a necklace.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Everything. Not to mention if John Gosslin is sporting his new BFF everywhere he goes then you know this trend has worn out its welcome.

Let me interrupt myself by saying that I too have succumbed and actually owned one dress stamped with a heart, wings and the word “Kimikal” slithered across my chest. I plead the fifth.

Actually, I plead temporary insanity.

But these, dare I say “ensembles” are getting out of control and some guys need to know this, especially if everyone else in their group is wearing these absurd shirts. Do they not own any other articles of clothing? When I look around and see 90% of the people in a club wearing anything that is blatantly similar, it’s like me walking into an event where 100 other women are wearing the same dress as me….

What?!

The other night I was at a local establishment attending a going away party for a friend and everywhere I turned I saw guys wearing Ed, Christian Audigier, Affliction or some other bedazzled up shirt that would make the Jersey Shore boys look more like the Jersey Boys.

Maybe these labels give superhuman powers to regular guys who dream about being UFC fighters because they got into a parking lot brawl back in junior high. Maybe they want to convey a message to the girls at the club that they work out; when in reality they are secretly shadowboxing at home, pretending like they are knocking out Chuck Liddell in the mirror. Or maybe they really like the look (I think I just threw up a little).

Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand the need to feel sexy and attractive, but what happened to the idea of dressing to impress? And by dressing to impress I don’t mean having the designer’s name splattered on your chest, down the sleeve, or across your back.

So Adam, you’re a guy with impeccable fashion sense, right? But be honest. How many Silver Star or Affliction shirts do you own? I kid, I kid. Seriously though, I just don’t get it. I’m begging you… please help me understand why America has been inundated with the likes of guidos to

prep-school boys to older men who simply can’t tear themselves away from this stuff no matter what their age.

Adam Eve, I think it’s perfectly fine for a man to wear sequined and/or diamond studded clothing…if that man’s name is Evil Knievel or Randy Savage.

Come on people, parachute pants didn’t enjoy this long of a run.

Really though, you can’t point fingers at New Jersey. The day Broadway Joe walked the sideline in his $5000 mink coat they couldn’t scrape up enough road kill off the Garden State Parkway to satisfy the thirst for imitation copycats.

Plus, this seems to be a nationwide epidemic. I’m sure there is a Chess King or Merry Go Round somewhere in the Dakotas just laying out a rack of Ed Hardy and Affliction gear.

Here in Tampa, we’ve got a real problem.

True story; A couple months ago I walk into a hip hop clothing store in the USF area owned by Koreans. As soon as I enter the door, the 107-year-old lady who owns the place points to an overflowing rack of Ed Hardy shirts (most likely knocks offs) and says, “O, dis Ed Hardy. Dis vewy hot right now.”

I thought, “is this really happening right now? Did an Asian grandmother just try to pull a Tim Gunn on me and tell me Ed Hardy was hip as if I’d been in a fashion coma for the last four years? Or am I being punked?”

C’mon, is Ashton Kutcher hiding in the dressing room?

Truth be told though, I do have a shirt with a skull on it and a couple with the fleur-de-lis on them. Thankfully, they are in a bag currently marked

Goodwill where in short time they will replace the Pac Man shirt or the Edwin jacket some kid in a rural village in South America is wearing right now.

Let’s not take this personally Tampa, but we’re not the fashion mecca New York City is, despite the fact we seem to have more models (according to Facebook photos) than anywhere on the planet.

Our beloved publisher is from Montreal. And every time he goes back home he returns with the flyest gear.

Stuff nobody here has seen. Now that’s what I’m talking aboot, eh?

The real question is, is it sad we’re looking to Chuck Liddell for fashion advice? The kid in your high school yearbook with the Vanilla Ice haircut doesn’t think so. He’s got a bureau full of bedazzled smediums and as soon as he gets done taking a camera phone photo of himself in the bathroom flexing, he’s going right to the drawer to squeeze into it.

Cause it’s Friday night baby. And somewhere out there in Clubland, there is a college co-ed with her sister’s I.D. just looking for a smooth criminal like him to buy her a Jagerbomb and grind on the dance floor like Danny Bonaduce on a steroid-laden conjugal visit.

But look on the bright side. Save those blinged out lions, bulldogs and eagles because you know how when you get invited to an ’80s party everyone is always looking for the MJ Thriller Jacket as the ultimate relic of the era? Well, your kids will think you’re cool when you open up a dust covered box of Christian Audigier shirts twenty years from now.

P.S. Don’t be surprised at Christmas time if this phenomenon is still going strong. I can just see an Ed Hardy Ken doll in the works (Faux-hawk and eyebrow tweezers sold separately of course.)

88

Galina J. Fouks-Abele

By Billy Castro

Maurice’s Daughter Author/Illustrator My friend, Sally Dee, walked into the What’s Hot office and introduced me to Galina. Galina is a beautiful, warm-hearted blessing of a human being. She gave me her book Maurice’s Daughter to read. I read it and felt chills running through my body.

It was 1996 when my sister Luisa died.

She was 19. I escaped from reality for a little over a year. I had these dreams. Maurice’s Daughter took me into that dream world called LOVE.

new editors. We all laughed and cried together. It was a great moment to hold my beautiful book and actually smell the new pages. I just sat and stared at it. I will never forget that day. It is right up there with the best days of my life.

Shortly after I was told they wanted my book, my publisher said they were going to try their best to rush the print, so I could be a part of the Books-A-Million

with every book I sell. I believe everything happens for a reason. There are no coincidences in life. I truly believe that God gave me that day, October 16, for my first book signing to guarantee my belief that we will all see our loved ones again someday. In fact, I think my dad sat right next to me that day.

This is something that is rarely talked about. The moment when you see your

BC: How did it feel when you heard the news that your book, Maurice’s Daughter was to be printed?

GF: Fabulous. Jaw dropping. Amazing.

Shell-shocked. I was in a complete state of joy and utter happiness. It was my Super Bowl – a moment I wished had been captured on film or bottled up. One minute you are laughing…the next you are crying with pride and joy. At first, I did not believe it. After 10 years of being rejected from other publishing houses around the country, I was a little skeptical. I even had my hopes denied by a few publishers that had initially seemed interested, but it did not work out for one reason or another.

Publishing a book that has the same illustrator and author is very hard, if not impossible. Most publishers want to hire their own illustrators, as they do not want to pay the double royalty fees.

Finding a publisher that deals with grief/ bereavement is also taxing. It is not a moneymaker, and most publishers know they will likely not come out ahead with this topic. It is a small niche in the publishing world. Therefore, it was hard to believe my dream might actually come true until I received the book contract from Lily Herndon-Weaks with the Fig & the Vine Publishing. Three months later, they sent me my first hardback copy. My husband opened up a bottle of champagne, and we sat and read them silently sitting side-by-side on the couch.

At the same time, we called one of my best friends who is also one of my

one is the store! Once we were outside and down the block, we actually did a few cartwheels and fist-bumped each other. That was a great day, as well.

BC: When did you have the burning desire to write this book?

GF: My father was killed in a car accident on October 16, 1995. His death and the grief that followed brought me to my knees and for many months, I placed my life on hold. It was a very sad time. You become very numb to all the things that you love in life. Food.

Happiness. Sunlight. I was not raised with a religion, so my family was my faith. I had so many questions and concerns with the age-old questions of life and death. The burning desire to create a book did not come right away. It was very gradual over a couple of years.

I soon began to dream of heaven and my dad. I painted the dreams God gave me, and it transformed into a book. For some time, I did not know how to end the story until this beautiful angel came to me in my dreams and gently woke me up and whispered to me “wake up my dear… please do not sleep your life away.” I think symbolically God knew that the veil of depression was done, and it gave me strength to move on and look forward to another day.

BC: Who and/or what has been your strongest support and motivation?

Fall Book Festival in South Carolina.

Sure enough, the book was printed in time, and I had my first book signing on the anniversary of my father’s death.

I sold my first book to a man who had been told by his doctors that he only had six months to live. Three years later, he was standing before me with his new and first granddaughter and asked me to sign the book, “Life is a gift Sarah Bell.” I have been signing it that way

book on the shelves in a bookstore is one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences an author can have. When I turned the corner to see my book Maurice’s Daughter on the shelf with my husband, I knew I had to act very calm and cool. However, it was really hard to contain myself and the inner joy I felt, because all I wanted to do was swing from the rafters like a gymnast, jump up and down in glory, and high-five every

GF: It was my father and the family he created with my mom that supported and motivated me to publish his story along with the dreams God gave me to help others. I know that I would have never had this chance to see the other side, if it was not for my dad’s death. In many ways, God gave me the paintings to paint. I simply held the brush, and the dreams took over. Some people have one rock in their life – I have many. I am very lucky to have a husband whose greatest goal is to make sure I follow my dreams like he has; my mother Kathie who has stood next to me through out every hurdle and accomplishment; my amazing and very loving siblings:

Meegan, Noel, and Lana; and a sea of friends, both old and new, who have supported me with this dream. As an educator for 15 years, I was extrememely motivated to publish a story for children to use, as well. While I created the book, I kept in mind that I wanted to create a gentle and soft approach about death, heaven, and the grief that follows after you lose a loved one. I wanted the message to be about healing and feeling okay and content for that moment. I wanted my illustrations to convey the beauty of where their loved ones are now. Looking back from a timing perspective, I truly feel I missed the chance to help many people after 9/11. I used to live in NYC, and you could feel the world’s sadness every time you left the front door for a while. The city grew very quiet in its sadness.

BC: Most people have a hard time listening to their heart and following their passion, what did it take to believe that this book was the right thing for you to do at that moment in your life?

GF: I started expressing myself through various mediums shortly after he died.

I began to journal what I was feeling with cards, poems, and messages people gave me – words I heard during the week of the wake and funeral. I remember the closing line of the poem that I read for his eulogy: “Please paint us a path to follow now in life, for our eyes are blinded with sadness.”

Shortly after I started to receive the dreams, I began to paint them. I think as an artist you instinctively follow your heart and listen to that sixth sense and most importantly, to what your soul is motivating you to do. As soon as the narration and the story took shape, I could not put down the paintbrush for months, which then transformed into years. It eventually evolved over time. When you have the right compass, everything falls into place, as it should. Peacefully, the pictures on the pages took over my imagination on many a day.

BC: Do you have other projects that you are working on that you’d like to share with us?

GF: Yes… many! My publisher is keeping me busy with endorsing the book with book signings, workshops, and lectures across Florida. I have recently collaborated with Tidewell Hospice organization through a couple of book signings, and they are now using my book within their facilities. Some upcoming events include a book signing on June 4 at the Barnes and Noble in Tampa. Then I will be having signings on July 2 and 3 in Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin. My father built my cabin nearby in Spider Lake, and I am very excited to bring his story back home.

Besides working on the marketing aspects of the book, I am also researching my next book and illustrating book jackets for another author at the moment.

Additionally, I have some hand-painted baby clothes and children’s furniture in South Tampa at Babes N’ Bellies and the Giggle Box, respectively. Currently, I am painting a surf-themed mural for a little girl’s room in Trinity. To see samples of my artwork, please visit www.galinafouks.com BC: Where is the coolest place you have ever visited on the great Earth?

GF: Some of my favorite places would be: Bath, England; Paisley, Scotland; St. Maarten, West Indies; Savannah, Georgia; La Jolla, California; the Red Rocks & Pikes Peak, Colorado; the Arron Islands, Ireland; Paris, France; and Sitges, Spain – BUT my favorite place on earth will always be my cabin on Spider Lake in Northern Wisconsin.

BC: There is no place like home. Thank you Galinda for sharing your passion for life. If you’re not living the life you deserve, do not be afraid of making changes.

Changes are where we find our self, move forward, learn that you are the one.

The one in control of what you want your life to be.

AS*I*BE Peace

Book Signing: June 4th at the Barnes & Noble in Carrollwood @6PM

90

kles’ Ian Bec

HIDDEN STAR

www.floridiancubansandwiches.com

4424 W. Kennedy Boulevard | Tampa, FL 33609 | Tel: (813) 287-6662 Fax: (813) 287-6663 Hidden Stars in What’s Hot Tampa Bay magazine tries to find hidden culinary gems in the Bay area. The Floridian on Kennedy Blvd. is the epitome of what I’ve been looking for. The Floridian is right around the corner from my house, but I never noticed it even though I’ve driven by the restaurant hundreds of times.

Dave Norrie of What’s Hot Tampa Bay and my good friend Jeannie both recommended the Floridian on the same day. I make a habit of giving any restaurant a chance whenever that happens.

I made the short trek to the Floridian without any expectations. All I knew was that Dave said that they made the best Cubans in Town. Cubans are not my favorite sandwich, but I’m willing to give the best Cuban a try.

When I arrived at the Floridian, I was greeted by the owner Harold Seltzer (formerly of Sam Seltzer fame) and fellow Montrealer. Before I got a chance to order anything he let me know that they serve the best fries in town, with authentic Montreal brown gravy.

Now if you are from Montreal, you know what I’m talking about. For you Southerners, the brown gravy that Harold serves with his fries bring me back to my childhood and also bring me back to the Floridian once a week. When times are tough, that brown peppery

SALAD

gravy on some crisp fries brings me back to my days in Montreal when I barely had responsibilities.

The fries aren’t the only treat. The Floridian doesn’t have a huge menu but they are good at what they do.

The Cubans are “off the hook,” the salami sandwich piled high with Genoa salami and served with imported Swiss cheese calls my name frequently, and their spiced pork sandwich is second to none. I haven’t tried all the sandwiches yet, but I will. My next visit, I may go for either the tuna melt, the roast beef sandwich… or maybe the ham and cheese sandwich.

The fries and gravy are a must. But the Floridian also offers their famous black beans and yellow rice, homemade black bean soup, deviled crab, stuffed potato and classic Cuban toast.

BLACK BEANS & RICE

The Floridian is open for breakfast. Stop by for a quick breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, smoked ham, mojo spiced pork, imported Swiss cheese and mayo, with a perfect cup of café con leche.

The Floridian has a loyal following. I think if you get exposed to Harold Seltzers food you will also be part of his fan club. And I’m not just saying that because he’s Canadian. Give the Floridian a try and thank me later.

COOKIES

FRIES

CUBAN SANDWICH