STYLE MAGAZINE, Village Edition, January 2016

January

2016

VILLAGES EDITION

CROSS OVER TO COSTA RICA FROM THE VILLAGES TO EXOTIC CENTRAL AMERICA, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A HOME IN THIS NEW LUXURIOUS COMMUNITY. Read more on pg 57

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Because women asked for them. Minimally invasive surgery? Because women needed it.

The result is a center built and designed specifically for today’s woman and her needs.

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Call 800-889-3755 to schedule a personalized tour.

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Technology provides the most precise images, but experience provides the answers.

At the Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging, board certified radiologists and skilled technologists have the training and experience needed to provide you with the answers you need. We offer some of the most advanced imaging services in Lake County with a focus on personalized care and convenience. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about the services provided, call (352) 253-6363.

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JANUARY CHARITY SPOTLIGHT The Educational Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education.

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ANNUITIES 101 RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

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JANUARY 5TH & 20TH All classes start at 10am

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CertiďŹ ed Annuity SpecialistÂŽ CEO & Founder TB Financial Group Inc. is a licensed insurance agency for life, health, and annuities. We are not securities licensed. We are not tax advisors. Our seminars are very general in nature and not meant to replace the advice of your CPA, Tax Preparer, Investment Advisor or Attorney. We will not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal professional for these matters.

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201 6 // VO LU M E 1 2 N UMB E R 3

FROM RISE TO DINE:

28 BREAKING THE FAST

Whether you’re looking for the comfort of biscuits and gravy or the elegance of Stuffed Strawberry French Toast, you’ll find 11 new favorites among the 11 places to enjoy breakfast. Chances are some of them are already favorites!

31 BITE THE BIG ONE

Grab a taste of the Midwest in The Villages or enjoy the freshness of the Mediterranean in a pita in Clermont, but be sure to try all six places to find these delicious sandwiches.

34 MAKE DINNER FINE, FUN, FLAVORFUL

From the elegance of a gourmet meal with a fine wine to the pleasure of a juicy Kobe beef burger, Style knows where to go! Make reservations instead of dinner and try all 14 restaurants!

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42 THE SWEET LIFE

Pat Boone always ate dessert first.

This sampling of Lake and Sumter’s delights will show you why. (Go ahead and Google it — you know you want to!)

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On the covers

48 GRANDMA’S SECRET

Food brings a family together. Recipes are the treasures that keep the generations connected.

LAKE&SUMTER EDITION

DIRECTION: STEVEN J CODRARO PHOTOGRAPHY: FRED LOPEZ PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

VILLAGE EDITION

DIRECTION: JAMIE EZRA MARK PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOSHOP: JOSH CLARK

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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FIRST THINGS FIRST 20 #TRENDING Enjoy a ride with your sweetie in a horse-drawn carriage or delight in the new sidewalks in the new countywide program and check out what famous person’s parents married in the newly official Lake County. There’s also some monkeying around on the Hit List!

24 PERSON OF INTEREST Meet Brian Young, who’s known in some parts as “Mr. Mount Dora,” and learn why he thinks it’s the best little city with the biggest entertainment in the world!

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ON THE SCENE 70 THE TO-DO LIST January means it’s getting close to Mardi Gras, and you can go to the four annual mixers and vote for your favorite king and queen candidates; there’s a soccer competition, a chili cook-off, and lots more to do in the area!

72 IN CONCERT A variety of venues in Lake and Sumter counties to enjoy good music and great entertainers, including Tony Orlando at The Sharon.

74 LOCAL TALENT He’s an artist who loves to paint, whether he’s doing it to canvas on an easel or designing the perfect tattoo for a client. Noah Hollis’ art is unique in many ways.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

100 76 SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT It’s time to party in the street and grab your beads!

Mardi Gras comes to town early this year!

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

78 OUT+ABOUT Enjoy the sites in Montgomery and enjoy a biscuit, the delicious southern treat, or watch a Biscuit play baseball!

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

82 HI, SOCIETY! Meet LSSC’s Distinguished Alumni, networking at the Carriage Museum, American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, and the Cornerstone Hospice luncheon.

99 EATS

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100 QUICK BITES Duping your taste buds to save calories, getting Rachel Ray’s signature on her latest cookbook,

cooking with a local chef, and new places to eat in town!

102 SALUTÉ Some bottles of wine definitely improve over time, but how do you know which ones are worth saving?

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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FINAL THOUGHT Grandma has replaced her apron with her coat and gone out to eat!

STORY: LEIGH NEELY

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From the publisher

Kendra Akers PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Doug Akers

VICE PRESIDENT doug@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN // PHOTOGRAPHY

James Combs Steven J. Codraro

STAFF WRITER CREATIVE DIRECTOR james@akersmediagroup.com steve@akersmediagroup.com

Leigh Neely Joe Deleon

STAFF WRITER/COPY EDITOR SENIOR ART DIRECTOR leigh@akersmediagroup.com joe@akersmediagroup.com

Michelle Clark Josh Clark

STAFF WRITER SENIOR DESIGNER michelle@akersmediagroup.com josh@akersmediagroup.com

Shemir Wiles Michael Gaulin

STAFF WRITER PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Shemir@akersmediagroup.com michael@akersmediagroup.com

Fred Lopez

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER fred@akersmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTORS

Jarrod Clark Fred Hilton Mary Ann DeSantis Kathy Porter Joshua Doss Ron Vandevander SALES // MARKETING

Tim McRae Mike Stegall

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE tim@akersmediagroup.com mike@akersmediagroup.com

Heidi Ressler Lynne Kelley

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE heidi@akersmediagroup.com lynne@akersmediagroup.com

Melanie Melvin Aubrey Akers

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES ACCOUNT COORDINATOR melanie@akerscreative.com aubrey@akersmediagroup.com ADMINISTRATION

Deb Matlock

OFFICE MANAGER deb@akersmediagroup.com DISTRIBUTION

Scott Hegg DISTRIBUTION MANAGER scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com LAKE & SUMTER STYLE IS A PROUD MEMBER OF

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

LEESBURG PARTNERSHIP

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK

It’s the start of a new year, and many of you may have resolved to eat healthier hoping to shed a few pounds. If that is the case, beware. This issue is packed with temptations.

When brainstorming this issue, one of our team members made a statement that this may not be the best idea since January is known for being the month when people become more health conscience and begin diets. But you know me, I like to zig when others zag. I say we continue to look for great places to dine from breakfast to lunch and on to dinner—and even dessert.

Once the decision was made, the editorial team began their mission to get samples from a variety of restaurants, which meant they had to go out and taste for themselves. They traveled near and far for months to identify who they wanted to recommend for our Must Eat issue. Each restaurant was heavily vetted and each writer sampled several different dishes. The dish the writer selected was chosen based on what they felt best represented the restaurant, and the dish that Style thought was a must-try. Also, we didn’t do this alone. We reached out to our Facebook friends for advice on where to start. So even though it was ultimately the writer’s choice to pick what is featured, it was the feedback from our community that directed us.

And we realize that most of the greatest culinary experiences occur at home. So we also reached out to people within the community and asked them to share their greatest family recipes in our Grandma’s Secret feature. Some of these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, and others have been perfected by trial and error. Nevertheless, each one is recommended to try at home.

My final recommendation is, if you have made a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, you may want to stop now and not read any further. Pick up our sister publication, Healthy Living, because this month’s Style is going to tempt you into saying, “Well, maybe that diet can be held off for just one more month.”

Happy New Year and Eat Well,

WINNER OF

LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUMTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

100+ AWARDS

AMERICAN ADVERTISING ASSOCIATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Lake & Sumter Style, January 2016. Published monthly by Akers Media, 108 South Fifth Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748. All editorial contents copyright 2016 by Akers Media. All rights reserved. Lake & Sumter Style is a registered trademark of Akers Media. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or billing information, call 352.787.4112.

Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned.

Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Paid Promotional Feature” and “Special Promotional Feature” denotes a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims or contents of advertisements. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media.

Kendra Akers, Publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

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E YEARS OF S TY

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First Things

f1rst #TRENDING PERSON OF INTEREST

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First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

Happy Landings An old airport gained new life from new owners, Jon and Darlene Osborne.

The former Klinger Airport had grass strips for crop dusters. After the citrus freeze in the 80s, there was no more

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need for them. The Osbornes purchased it to have a home with an airstrip for their plane. They have plans to build hanger space so local pilots can house their planes nearby.

First things first // #trending Spotlighting the best of local people, places, and events

Flora Call and Elias Disney, the parents of Walt Disney, were married in Lake County.

Horsin’ Around

It’s probably safe to say that at one time horse and buggies ran the “streets” of Mount Dora.

While those days have long passed, horse-drawn carriage rides have returned to downtown Mount Dora.

Equine Villas, a horse farm and carriage business located in Howey-in-the-Hills, began providing the rides in October.

It’s a family-owned business

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ran by Lorenzo Morizio, his wife Renee Davenport, and their 16-year-old daughter Serena Morizio.

While they don’t have set days and hours as of yet, Renee says they are usually downtown offering rides at 5 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. However, they plan to be in Mount Dora more often during tourist season.

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Carriage rides start at $35 for 15 minutes for up to four people. Riders can listen to music during the tour, or they enjoy the passing scenery in silence. The experience is customizable.

The staging area for rides is on Fourth Avenue between Donnelly and Alexander streets. For more information, call 407.234.0253.

According to a 2011 Orlando Sentinel article, Lake County had been an official county for only seven months when it issued its first marriage license to Disney and Call. The wedding took place on New Year’s Day 1888 inside a small church in the now ghost town of Kismet, which is near presentday Paisley.

JAMES COMBS’

THE HIT

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks Transplanted urbanites and joy walkers alike rejoice—sidewalks are coming to town! The Lake County Public Works Department is building sidewalks as part of the LakeSumter Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Safe Access to Schools initiative and the Countywide Sidewalk Program. Those completed are along Eudora Road and in the Sylvan Shores neighborhood near Mount Dora. The sidewalks serve not only students, but also LakeXpress bus riders and residents walking to businesses along U.S. Highway 441.

LIST

1 // A WILD MONKEY WAS RECENTLY SPOTTED atop the roof of The Villages

Elementary School of Lady Lake.

Noticing that the animal seemed to have an angry demeanor, students appropriately named it “Furious George.”

2 // LAKE COUNTY’S LONGSTANDING PENNY SALES TAX passed by receiving

71 percent of the vote during an election in November. It’s about time Lake County voters banded together and made some cents; however, opponents won’t get the “change” they desired.

3 // A HILARIOUS TRIBUTE TO THE CHANGE OF LIFE, “Menopause the

SAVING FLORIDA’S OWN

WFTV Channel 9 recently honored Clermont resident, Cathy Brown, for her work in protecting the habitat of the scrub-jays, birds found only in Florida. Brown, who is co-owner of B.B. Brown’s Gardens, was recognized as a volunteer who is intent on making the outdoors livable for all species. As a part of a program in cities all over the country, Cox Conserves honors local unsung heroes.

Musical: The Survivor Tour” was recently presented at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. Audiences praised the show for its comedic brilliance, but some were disappointed that it was over in a flash.

Everything Old is New Again

4 // LEESBURG FIRE RESCUE RECENTLY EXTINGUISHED a fire inside a

restroom at Venetian Gardens.

Apparently, the suspect lit a large roll of paper towels. The fact that the arsonist committed this cowardly act in a public restroom is a clear sign that his life is going down the crapper.

5 // LAKE COUNTY’S MANDATORY SEASONAL WATERING RESTRICTIONS are in effect until Barnes & Noble recently celebrated Vinyl Day in their stores nationwide, commemorating the rebirth of vinyl records and music. Chuck Gorman, vice president of music and DVDs, pointed out that vinyl never really went away.

“What we’re seeing now is customers gravitating back to it because it offers a more authentic and warmer sound, as well as fantastic artwork and a unique collectability factor.”

Those who used to lie on their beds listening to 45s and LPs from The Beatles, Elvis, and The Rolling Stones could have told him that.

March 13. Tread lightly, because if you don’t follow rules and regulations you’ll be in deep water.

6 // A LAKE COUNTY WOMAN IS FACING CHARGES after arriving at a

local elementary school drunk to pick up her children. Much like a bottle of Corona, she appears to be empty from the neck up.

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First things first // person of interest

world-class entertainment and national touring acts to our 600-seat community theatre. In addition to the community theatre building, we’ve expanded into Elizabeth Evans Park with events and live music, which has been tremendously successful. The part that makes me the proudest is we’ve been able to use these national touring acts to leverage advertising for Mount Dora.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ACTIVITY OR PROJECT? The coordination of all the different groups in Mount Dora, to get them on the same page and help with advertising and promoting the community’s activities.

BRIAN YOUNG

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE EVENT? The Mount Dora Craft Fair.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN MOUNT DORA? For breakfast my favorite place is Cody’s on 4th and my favorite overall place to eat for dinner or lunch is the Copacabana Cuban Cafe.

WHAT YOUR PERSONAL HOBBY? Offshore fishing.

“Mr. Mount Dora”

FAVORITE FISH TO CATCH? People know it as mahimahi, but the technical word is dolphin fish, but not Flipper.

And it reminds me of the little town I was born in, Clendenin, W.Va.

WHY DO YOU LOVE THIS TOWN? It has an organic charm you just can’t help but embrace, from the architecture to the people. It’s such a wonderful reprieve from a city or a densely populated area.

OUT OF EVERYTHING YOU’VE PUT YOUR HAND IN, WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD? The evolution of the entertainment in Mount Dora over the past couple of years. We’ve been able to bring in

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HOW MANY THINGS IN MOUNT DORA ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I try to be involved in everything in one way or another.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE? I hope to see Mount Dora develop as a destination without losing the charm it has developed over the last hundred years, and I want to see all the businesses be tremendously successful.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson.

PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING DUBBED “MR. MOUNT DORA”? I’m only one person in a group of really dedicated people who do their best to promote this area. It does make me feel odd to be singled out like that, but I guess I’m the most visible.

THIS NEW YEAR,

Make Healthy Vision a Priority It’s a brand New Year and we don’t want you to miss one exciting moment. Preserve and restore clear, healthy vision with help from the experts at Lake Eye. Our experienced board-certified ophthalmologists provide everything from routine eye exams to advanced services such as laser cataract surgery, eyelid surgery, glaucoma and macular degeneration management, even allergy immunotherapy – everything you need to see better and live better in the new year and throughout those to come.

BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS (pictured below from left to right):

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- i LÞÊ/iÀ«ÃÌÀ>]Ê "ÊUÊ-V ÌÊ > ]Ê

LADY LAKE | LEESBURG | TAVARES | THE VILLAGES

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JANUARY IS GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH! Glaucoma causes blindness & has no symptoms. Protect your vision - schedule an eye exam today!

GET UP AND GRUB

FROM RIS Finding a great place to eat in Lake and Sumter counties is never a difficult task. However, Style tried a few to aid your search for that delicious meal you’re craving, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

WHICH ‘WICH IS BEST?

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E TO DINE In addition, Style sampled some of the most awesome desserts found in the area. Keep this issue nearby so you know where you’re headed next when you’re dining out!

DINNER TIME

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GET UP AND GRUB It’s been said breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Style enjoyed 11 different breakfast spots in Lake and Sumter counties just to be sure.

STORY: SHEMIR WILES PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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1

BLOOM’S BAKING HOUSE & RESTAURANT 610 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG, 352.787.1004

Homemade, down-home cooking is the name of the game at this downtown Leesburg gem. The food is fresh, filling, and flavorful. Plus, it’s always served with a smile. The breakfast menu features all the classics, such as omelets, pancakes, and waffles. However, if you feel like having something a little outside the norm, try the spicy breakfast wrap. Just one is enough to leave you feeling happy and satisfied.

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CHUCK’S ODD “CUP”LES CAFÉ 117 W. BELT AVE., BUSHNELL, 352.568.0408

This quaint and quirky café gets its name from the countless coffee cups that decorate the walls. The space isn’t a large one, but that’s fine because the staff at Chuck’s makes you feel like you’re just extended family. Their menu has everything from fluffy pancakes to real hash browns, but the true star is their three-egg omelets. Order the farmer’s omelet; it is packed full of sausage, peppers and onions, and it’s even better when smothered with cheddar cheese.

CHUCK’S ODD CUPLES CAFÉ’S FARMER’S OMELET

WOLFY’S FAMOUS CRUNCHY FRENCH TOAST

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WOLFY’S

918 N. 14TH ST., LEESBURG 352.787.6777 Ask long-time Leesburg residents where the best breakfast is and many will tell you to head to Wolfy’s. There are tons of great choices on the breakfast menu, but consider having something that’s a twist on an old classic: Wolfy’s famous crunchy French toast. It’s dipped in a special batter, coated with cornflakes, and fried until it is a golden brown. Dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of whipped butter and syrup, this dish is decadent but oh-so-delicious.

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CHEESER’S PALACE CAFÉ

707 W. MONTROSE ST., CLERMONT 352.404.9431

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “My mother and I love to come here during the week. I often get the fried chicken sandwich…sometimes I order it for breakfast. And the people [who work here] are so nice. It’s a nice place to sit and enjoy each other’s company.”

—GARY CONNELLY

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RAE RAE’S RESTAURANT

2468 U.S. HIGHWAY 441/27, FRUITLAND PARK, 352.323.1595

RAE RAE’S FLY ME TO THE MOON

Even though it’s new on the block, Rae’s Rae’s is slowly gaining popularity. Their made-from-scratch blueberry square biscuits are a must try. Served warm and packed full of blueberry goodness, these baked delights are truly a ‘Rae’ of sunshine on the breakfast menu. But if you’re a fan of chicken and waffles, order the Fly Me to the Moon.

It comes with a good-sized waffle topped with powdered sugar and juicy fried chicken wings.

Cheeser’s is more than just a cheese and chocolate shop.

They serve some of the yummiest breakfast in all of Lake County. If you love Eggs Benedict, Cheeser’s offers seven different types with delectable ingredients, such as grilled smoked salmon and citrus-sautéed shrimp and crab. They also have freshly made crepes and hearty Belgian waffles that are too divine to pass up.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I really liked the Belgian waffle, and they have great tea.”

—KENDY MENELAS

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GET UP AND GRUB

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WORLD OF BEER

994 ALVEREZ AVE., THE VILLAGES 352.633.4787

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You may think that beer and breakfast don’t go together, but the World of Beer in Spanish Springs is daring patrons to think outside the box with their “Beerunch” on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t know what to have? May we suggest the bottomless booze brunch, which comes with your choice of endless mimosas, beermosas, or regular Bloody Marys paired with one of the many tasty breakfast items.

MASON JAR RESTAURANT

37534 STATE ROAD 19, UMATILLA, 352.589.2535

There’s a reason why people flock to the Mason Jar for breakfast: it’s comfort food at its finest. Their breakfast menu is broad, so it may prove hard to settle on one thing. However, you can never go wrong with Uncle Bubba’s three-egg omelet. It comes stuffed with cheddar cheese and plenty of corned beef hash. With a copious side of home fries and a biscuit to boot, this meal is simply scrumptious and satisfying.

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HAYSTAX RESTAURANT 15939 U.S. HIGHWAY 441, EUSTIS 352.589.0510

Chances are you’ve passed this restaurant on U.S. 441 when heading to or from Mount Dora. Well, next time be sure to stop in for a breakfast that’s home cooked and reasonably priced. While their steak and eggs are a local favorite, don’t overlook the Dueces Wild breakfast special. It comes with two golden brown pancakes, two eggs cooked how you like them, two slices of bacon, and two sausage links. And don’t forget a glass of orange juice to wash it all down.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “The wait staff is helpful and friendly, and the food is consistently good.”

—CHUCK GARLAND

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COTTAGE INN RESTAURANT

340 S. U.S. HIGHWAY 441, LADY LAKE 352.753.3533

Harkening back to a time when poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and ducktail haircuts were all the rage, Cottage Inn embodies the hometown diner spirit of the 1950s. The staff is super friendly and makes the earnest effort to turn strangers into family. The food is simple but done well, which may explain why most of the customers who come through the front door are regulars. If you decide to go, be sure to get the country fried steak. Topped with warm sausage gravy, this dish brings the flavors of the South to your mouth in a good way.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “One of the reasons I like to come here is nothing is greasy. I don’t know what they do back in the kitchen but their eggs aren’t greasy, their bacon isn’t even greasy. I also like it here because it’s like the old diner setting. It’s old fashioned.”

—MARYANNE HORNER “All house-made food and super friendly service.” —SUSAN O’BRIEN

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HIGHLAND STREET CAFÉ

185 S. HIGHLAND ST., MOUNT DORA, 352.383.1446

For those who feel breakfast should be an all-day affair, keep Highland Street Café in mind. They serve it every day, all day. And while the menu is chock full of good breakfast standards, their best dish isn’t listed on the menu—the stuffed strawberry French toast. Why is it so great?

Well first, it’s French toast. And second, it’s French toast that’s been deep fried, stuffed with strawberry cream cheese and topped with glazed strawberries. There’s just enough there to satisfy any sweet tooth without being too heavy.

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MARY’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN 15945 COUNTY ROAD 448, TAVARES, 352.343.6823

Fresh ingredients and good flavors means great breakfast at Mary’s Kountry Kitchen. If you’re really hungry and looking for something that’s guaranteed to fulfill your breakfast needs, try the homemade hash with scrambled eggs, grits, and a biscuit. Or try it in skillet form, which comes loaded with sausage gravy, cheese, egg, and your choice of potato.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “Mary’s homemade corned beef hash is so delicious, and so are her quiches.” —JOANNE GARLAND

WHICH ‘WICH IS BEST? High noon rolls around, your stomach is growling and your taste buds are stimulated. When deciding what to eat for lunch, you can’t go wrong with a sandwich. That begs the question: Where can you find the six great sandwiches in Lake and Sumter counties?

We’ve saved you unnecessary time and trouble. We searched for unique sandwiches beyond the standard fare of burgers and BLTs. The ones on these pages might make you the happiest you’ve been since the invention of sliced bread.

STORY: JAMES COMBS PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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WHICH ‘WICH IS BEST?

1

BURGER STATION (LOCATED INSIDE SHELL GAS)

260 COLONY BLVD., THE VILLAGES 352.444.4945

Those with hearty appetites will appreciate a sandwich that’s larger than life—or at least the bun on which it is served. A staple throughout the Midwest, pork tenderloin sandwiches have found a home in The Villages thanks to Chef Don Hickey, owner of Burger Station. The Hoosier State native’s gigantic Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich is perfectly crispy and tender and served on a Kaiser roll. It comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I am a native of Iowa and have been searching for a Midwestern-style pork tenderloin sandwich for six years. Now that I’ve found this place, I don’t mind making the drive from Clermont.”

—BRIAN LINCOLN

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SARAH’S GREEK CUISINE

16640 CAGAN CROSSINGS BLVD. CLERMONT, 352.404.8031

Mediterranean food is alive and well in Clermont.

And at Sarah’s Greek Cuisine, the ever-popular gyro takes center stage. You cannot go wrong with this sandwich, which is wrapped in delicious pita bread and served with a generous portion of tender, flavorful meat, chopped tomatoes, and lettuce. Tzatziki, a tangy cucumber sauce, adds both a fresh taste and great kick.

SARAH’S GREEK CUISINE’S EVER-POPULAR GYRO

BURGER STATION’S INDIANA PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH

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WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I love Greek food, and this restaurant [Sarah’s Greek Cuisine] is especially appealing because there’s a large variety and everything on the menu is fresh. I typically order the gyro platter.

The gyros here are better than anywhere I’ve ever been.”

—FERNANDO VITALI

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CAFÉ OLA

400 N. 14TH ST., LEESBURG 352.365.0089

4

WALLER’S RESTAURANT

138 BUSHNELL PLAZA, BUSHNELL 352.793.2592

Juicy, succulent, and soft describes both the thinsliced steak and the bread this restaurant uses to make delicious cheesesteak sandwiches. Melted cheese plus grilled onions and peppers. What’s not to love? Not that the sandwich needs any kind of flavor enhancement, but the waitress does bring a delicious au jus sauce to dip it in.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I come here often because the food is great and the staff makes me feel like family. Everything on the menu is incredibly delicious.”

—KAYLIN DEESON

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NICKY D’S PIZZA

439 UMATILLA BLVD., UMATILLA 352.669.2400

You don’t have to drive to The Big Easy to enjoy one of the city’s most popular sandwiches. Nicky D’s Pizza in Umatilla makes a delicious Muffelatta ‘n Awlins, which is served open-face on eight pieces of crunchy Italian bread. It includes turkey, ham, salami, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Provolone and mozzarella cheese are melted on top. If you’re eating this alone, be prepared to need a take-out box.

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MOUNT DORA STREAT CORNER

846 E. 5TH AVE., MOUNT DORA 352.735.3663

CAFÉ OLA’S CUBAN SANDWICH

Move over Miami and Tampa! You may be known for your abundance of restaurants that serve Cuban sandwiches, but Leesburg-based Café Ola makes them every bit as tasty. The bread is nicely toasted but it doesn’t cut the roof of your mouth with every bite. And a sweet selection of seasonings combined with just the right amount of meat makes this sandwich to die for. The sandwich includes the standard fare: roast pork, ham, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard.

A unique grilled chicken sandwiches awaits you at Mount Dora StrEAT Corner. “Dixie’s Chicken,” as the sandwich is named, includes a blend of interesting toppings such as marinated tomatoes, spinach, lemon aioli, and melted provolone. It’s served on baguette bread, which is fluffy on the inside. Of course, the sandwich also includes a tender, juicy grilled chicken breast, which leaves you feeling satisfied and full.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I really enjoy this restaurant because it offers a great atmosphere. I like how you can eat outside on a patio. The gourmet-style food they serve reminds me of the food where I used to live in New Jersey. Everything on the menu is excellent.”

—TRICIA VONBARGEN

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “This is my first time visiting, but I must admit that their Cuban sandwich is delicious. In fact, it’s one of the best I’ve ever eaten. I’m impressed how fresh the bread is.”

—ROXANNE ZENNER

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DINNER TIME If your favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations, this list just for you! Style wants you to get the most from your night out, so we’ve compiled this list of 14 places for wonderful dinners. Each place offers an enticing dining experience. We’ve tried to fit in something for everyone, places with familiar comfort food, and others that might introduce you to new dishes and experiences.

Open your mind, ready your palate, and be filled!

STORY: MICHELLE CLARK PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

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3

LIVING GREEN CAFÉ 9726 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG, 352.314.3234

1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR

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1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR 12 E. MAGNOLIA AVE., EUSTIS, 800.856.1884

Good recipes never get old and 1884 Restaurant and Bar is proving that simple done well is exceptional. All produce and meat come from local farmers. The building, which resembles an old-time gambling hall, has a long-time legacy within the Eustis community. 1884 takes you back to when everything was done locally for those who lived, worked, and played here. This is the place to get a good steak, and no matter what cut, you’ll make the right choice. Style suggests you start with the Pork Wing in a bourbon apricot sauce and finish with a nightcap. Check out the lengthy list of classic and specialty cocktails while you enjoy post-dinner live music.

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TURNERS KITCHEN & BAR

114 S 5TH ST., LEESBURG 352.530.2274

Turners is making a name for American Gourmet in Leesburg. You may see familiar dishes on the menu here but each has some nuance. A welcoming sight when dining becomest routine.

Turner also adds variety with daily specials, which breathe life into their sandwich and soup selections as well as the dinner menu. The Sea Island Shrimp and Grits may surprise you with its Granny Smith apple marmalade. The Pork and Pancakes definitely exceed expectations with the incorporation of butternut squash Johnnycakes.

There are a lot of gourmet touches but at its heart this is good home cooking with pride in being local. You could say it’s a place where dinner is “supper” and guest are “neighbors.”

Raw dining—these words can be scary when habit makes up much of your diet, but certain habits could use some change. Living Green Café is serving up a food revolution. Owner Michelle Kristof wants to soothe people’s fears and “raw” anxiety with exceptional taste. After spending more than two decades preparing organic meals, she knows the difference raw can make. She wants diners to enjoy a wholesome meal, nutritious at the cellular level, with great flavor.

A misperception about raw meals is saying it’s rabbit food and tastes like grass. At Living Green Café, there is no forfeiting flavor!

Staff members at Style raved about the Spaghetti Bolognese.

Michelle tops her zucchini noodles with a homemade sun-dried tomato marinara that sets off fireworks once it hits the palate.

The café is also known for smoothies and organic coffee. The best seat in the house is at the window where you watch your meal prepared fresh and enjoy a little conversation. Look for the building with brightly painted sun, diagonal to Lake-Sumter State College.

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COTILLION SOUTHERN CAFÉ

101 N. MAIN ST., WILDWOOD, 352.748.1223

The Cotillion Southern Café located in Wildwood’s historic bank serves up tradition like no one else.

Whether you like your chicken with a buttery croissant or a fluffy waffle, Miz Kathi’s crew makes dishes that bring you home. No matter where you were raised, when you come to the Cotillion you feel at home with the cozy décor and sweet smiling faces. You may initially be surprised to find cloth napkins and heirloom China, but as a guest, you get the best. Style has a long and enduring love for the Cotillion’s cooking, not to mention

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DINNER TIME

THE CROOKED SPOON

Ordering at The Crooked Spoon might take awhile if you want that one signature dish--they’re all signature dishes! All the options are unique, which is not a bad problem to have! Style’s entrees of choice are the Drunken Pineapple Salad and the Lobster Grilled Cheese. The two also compliment each other well and are great for sharing over a few craft beers. We suggest closing out your night with the Peanut Butter and Jelly Bread Pudding, a childhood favorite reimagined.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “ it’s unique, it’s eclectic, the food is always delicious and it’s right here in Clermont. My favorite is the KGB wings.” —DEBBIE WILSON

their decadent cakes. An absolute favorite dish for dinner is the Lowcountry Shrimp ‘n’ Grits. A fixture in most southern diets, but also appealing to those unaware of such culinary traditions. The creaminess of the grits is otherworldly, so there is no coarse bothersome texture. Nor is there portion control when it comes to the shrimp. Miz Kathi never skimps. The Cotillion leaves you full but always wanting more! It will be your new indulgence.

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THE CROOKED SPOON

200 CITRUS TOWER BLVD., CLERMONT, 352.404.7808

What’s a gastropub anyway? It’s a term coined in Great Britain that means a pub or bar that serves real food, and while they’re at it, they make it gourmet. Therefore, what you get with a place like The Crooked Spoon in Clermont Is the pub atmosphere with its many drink choices and pub fare that rivals five-star dining establishments.

Gastropubs take a creative approach to cuisine, and even has some risky revamps of old classics.

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THE GOBLIN MARKET 330 DORA DRAWDY WAY, MOUNT DORA, 352.735.0059

There’s a magical place tucked away in downtown Mount Dora with a cult following. Wander down a side alley and look beyond the overgrown ivy and you might to see The Goblin Market. This eclectic bistro has been around for nearly two decades!

The patio is covered in greenery and gorgeous blooms. It is a great place to sit on a breezy afternoon for lunch. However, the intimate dining rooms and lounge are nothing short of enchanting.

You dine with book-lined walls and modern art

Duck. The meat was incredibly tender; the natural taste of the cut melded seamlessly with the sweet fig marmalade topping it. Paired with a hearty helping of fresh colorful veggies, whipped mashed potatoes, and the beautiful surroundings, it was a truly cosmopolitan experience.

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SQUARE1 BURGERS & BAR

2542 BURNSED BLVD., THE VILLAGES, 352.689.2191

THE GOBLIN MARKET’S ROASTED BREAST OF DUCK

all about you. The atmosphere is comfortable sophistication. The food is no less refined. One item on the menu stood out, the Roasted Breast of

No dining list is complete without a burger joint, but corporate chains dominated this genre for a long time. Square1, a Florida-based establishment with only six locations, is bucking the boring beef standard. Style visited The Villages location and found attention to detail displayed in both the décor and the food dazzling. The interior is

western glam, with cowhide booths and red crystal chandeliers. The menu is filled with craft burgers; you can choose an Angus or Kobe beef, buffalo, lamb, turkey, chicken, Portobello mushroom or veggie patty made in house. All meat is raised naturally, humanely, and without the hormones or antibiotics that are synonymous with the industry.

No one option is less exciting than the other is; every item presents like a specialty item.

The SOB “South of the Border” is a blackened Angus burger dressed southwestern style with pepper jack cheese, black bean and corn salsa, jalapeños, avocados, Fritos for a slight crunch, and their mouthwatering “Sooner” sauce. This is the best burger we’ve had in a while! The patty itself was juicy and packed with flavor, and the garnishes sent it over the top and the eater, over the moon!

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CUBA PICHY’S CUISINE

10401 U.S. HWY. 441, SUITE 0322, LEESBURG, 352.365.2822

Finding a good Cuban place is increasingly harder the farther you get from the straits and pretty painted pastels. An authentic Cuban meal is about the quality of a proven process to create a pleasurable experience—the same meticulous process that goes into making renowned Cuban cigars. Unfortunately, many establishments fall just short. Pichy’s is not such a place. Open just a little over a year, they have a reputation for doing it right! With everything made fresh to order, the taste is exceptional. Pork isn’t dried out nor do the cooks rely too heavily on spice. Things are prepared properly and the natural flavors of the yucca root and the plantain are featured, not altered or masked. Patrons can expect service to meet the same standard; staff is friendly and lively. Enjoy a $4 mojito and say hello to Ernesto. Also, Friday is Latin night. Style says go rumba yourself to a good time.

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “I don’t mind coming back again [to Cuba PIchy’s], and bringing my husband with me.

It’s very delicious, tastes authentic and is very fresh. Fresh food, very good. —JEANETTE VAUGHN

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GURU RESTAURANT

PHOTO: Courtesy of Guru Restaurant

2400 S. HWY. 27 SUITE 101, CLERMONT, 352.241.9884

Guru Restaurant sits high on a hill. Though it opened a short time ago, people come from everywhere to dine on authentic Indian food. Style first noticed Guru as it rose to the No. 2 restaurant on TripAdvisor. When we visited, we quickly learned why, it’s the real deal! As soon as we entered we were greeted personally by an eager gentleman wanting to help us find just the right dish. He assured us any dish could be as mild or as hot as we like. Settling on the popular Chicken Tandoori and the creamy Lamb Korma, we enjoy a meal served family style with basmati rice and an order of fresh garlic naan. The naan is cooked to order, in house, the traditional way.

Guru invited Style to see how it was made. A man with a serious mustache spreads the dough over a round puff and slaps it onto the wall of

the clay oven, which is encased by metal and runs off gas instead of charcoal for safety. Once stuck to the wall, all you do is watch it bubble, retrieve, and butter it! This brick oven must heat an hour before opening every day to get the temperature just right, a careful process ensures perfect naan. And we’re grateful for it!

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JAMAICAN GEORGE

2502 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG, 352.455.1898

Leesburg has a treasure in a little tin garage. Journey down West Main Street for an authentic taste from the islands. Some might say you aren’t paying for the atmosphere when you come here, but they’re

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DINNER TIME

mistaken. The dining hall is small but attractive. A mural is in progress and the friendly faces at the counter take you to the Caribbean. George, owner and chef, was born and bred on Jamaican soil. He has now transplanted his roadside dive tradition to Lake County. The curry goat is a must try. Style warns that leftovers, if there should be any, must be watched with a close eye. Served with your choice of white rice or rice and peas, cornbread cake or dumpling, and cabbage or collard greens. Portions are plentiful!

You’re not going to find anything quite like Jamaican George for a hundred miles.

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ZAB THAI

1660 E. HWY. 50, CLERMONT, 352.242.1314

Sometimes we need an adventure, and while backpacking through India may no be feasible for most of us, dining at Zab Thai feels like an immersion into a foreign culture. The vibrant reds, cool blues, and gold capture the senses. The weathered wood accents and winding floral patterns mean you’re instantly surrounded by the exotic. But what has the true power to transport you is taste. Thai cooking is known for its spice. Style likes the Pad Kee Mao. The dish is sweet with a low-key spice that builds. You can also choose your level of spice: mild, medium, hot, or Thai hot! And if you want even more ask for the hot tray and add at your own risk. And what’s an adventure without a little risk?

If hot is definitely not your thing, there are still plenty of options. There are several traditional, tamer Pad Thai options; just avoid any item on the ZAB THAI’S SPRING ROLLS

menu with a chili next to it. And don’t be afraid to ask your server for assistance. Fresh veggies are a central element in most dishes. The spring rolls at Zab Thai are no mere side dish, and sushi is made to order all day long.

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ZAB THAI’S PAD KEE MAO

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ANGEL’S SOUL FOOD AND BBQ

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PISCES RISING

390 W BURLEIGH BLVD, TAVARES, 352.508.5475

Good soul food does something magical in the space between the taste buds and the heart. At Angel’s, eating is an emotional experience. It’s called soul food because when it’s made just so, a smile spreads across your face and you think you feel a touch of happiness in your soul. Angel’s makes comfort food—no hype in presentation, no need for reinterpretation, just simple ingredients to make a familiar dish pure satisfaction.

Angel’s fried chicken is award-winning, so naturally, Style had to try it! Served with mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, and your choice of a two sides; it’s a meal your momma would approve. Style highly recommends the mac and cheese. We have no doubt you’ll be planning your next Angel’s fix after the first bite. There’s a trend with Angel’s; those who eat there, go back again, and again...and again.

239 W. 4TH AVE., MOUNT DORA, 352.385.2669

Though we may be some distance from the coast, much of island life is still instinct. A smattering of seafood places throughout the area exemplifies this. Pisces Rising on the edge of Lake Dora is hoping you’ll enjoy a departure from your usual pluck-and-shuck dive. Staff is focused on making it an experience from presentation to completion.

Don’t know what to drink with your dish, the bartender will suggest just the right libation to complement your meal.

Dishes are served to perfection. The mahi mahi fish basket came with polenta cake wedges, a pleasant pairing that was surprising. Fish remained light and airy when fried, when so often a batter smothers the freshness. Style gave kudos in taste, elegance, and creativity. Oh, and that view!

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING: “For my wife and me, it’s an evening, it’s not just going to a restaurant and eating and going home. It’s an experience. We’ve gotten to know people.

When we come in, the bartender already has my drink for me. It’s like chatting with friends, with a meal. It’s like an evening out with friends that we pay for. I don’t have a favorite, I really like the seafood gumbo soup; I have them make me up some to take home. There’s always something different.”

—CHUCK & BARBARA CSIZMAR

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EATON’S BEACH SANDBAR AND GRILL 15790 SE 134TH AVE., WEIRSDALE, 352.259.2444

We have to admit, we’ve all been spoiled by where we live, lakeside dining experiences are what we do best! There are numerous places we can grab a good bite and enjoy the view, but where can we actually feel the sand between our toes or go for a dip between courses? Eaton’s Beach is unmatched for atmosphere; they’ve taken the beach bum’s bungalow and made it classy. You can dine in their colorful open dinning room, on their airy balcony, or outside on the deck with a full bar where they bring in live entertainment. It’s a little Key West—inland.

One of the many things they do right at Eaton’s Beach is bringing classic New Orleans flavors to the Floridian kitchen. You will see Cajun- and Creole-inspired dishes across the menu, but Style’s favorite, 3C’s & Little B’s Mac and Cheese, brings that spice to a southern staple. A rich and creamy cheese sauce over Cavatappi and Andouille sausage makes for a surprisingly hearty and wonderfully decadent meal.

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VAGINAL DRYNESS? PAINFUL INTERCOURSE?

IT’S A NEW YEAR FOR A NEW YOU! CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR PERSONAL EVALUATION.

LAKEOB•GYN ASSOCIATES OF MID FLORIDA LLC LEESBURG 352.787.1535 THE VILLAGES 352.259.5649

leesburgOBGYN.com Dr. Alfred Moffett | Dr. Michelle Wood | Dr. Douglas Moffett | Dr. Lauren Britt | Dr. Kaitlin Lee

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE DESSERT NIRVANA AT CUPCAKE DELIGHTS

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A slice of the

SWEET LIFE

For the crowning touch on your meal, desserts provide sweet satisfaction.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

MIZ KATHI’S SWEETERY

101 N. MAIN ST., WILDWOOD, 352.748.1223

Finding the right dessert to end your meal is as easy as pie, cake, cookies, pastries…okay, maybe it’s not that easy. However, Style has done the research and can point you in the direction of some great places to find fabulous finales. Biting the bullet (or sweet shot), we’ve narrowed the list to some of the best.

You can’t talk about dessert without Miz Kathi’s Sweetery entering the conversation.

Adjacent to Cotillion Southern Café, this is dessert heaven in Wildwood. Owner Kathi Vincent has used her family’s legendary recipes for years, and seeing those luscious pies and towering cakes means you may want a salad for your entrée. The good news is you can get one serving or buy the whole dessert and take it home with you. Just call and place your order to have it ready when you get there.

Cool Key Lime Cake has the tart key lime pie filling and “buttacream” frosting accented with white chocolate curls. It’s tangy and smooth.

Sour cream fudge cake and salted caramel “buttacream” frosting create the decadent Southern Salted Caramel Fudge Cake. It’s decorated with ganache, chocolate curls, caramel

bits, and cookies to make it just a little wicked.

We have to give a nod to old favorites with Old Fashioned Southern Pecan and Chess Pies, but remember Miz Kathi’s recipes are all prepared with that special Southern charm.

1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR 12 E. MAGNOLIA AVE., EUSTIS, 800.856.1884

1884 Restaurant and Bar has some divine desserts like Triple Chocolate Cake and authentic New York Style Cheesecake. You can get amazing Crème Brulee on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It is melt-in-your-mouth creamy and rich, and it’s a scrumptious way to top off your evening meal.

However, if you want more, there’s a sweet shop tucked in a corner at the front—the bakery, and that’s where you can go if you want to take some delicious treats home. Get muffins, cupcakes, and their popular cream puffs, but for a special treats that’s a bit out of the ordinary, try the German Chocolate Cookies. These are sizeable fudge cookies topped with German chocolate pecan-coconut frosting. They will make you happy all over.

CUPCAKE DELIGHTS

122 E. FOURTH AVE., MOUNT DORA, 352.383.2200

If desserts are your passion, you’ll think you’ve found Eden when you step into Cupcake Delights. With flavors from banana split to key lime to snickerdoodle to caramel chocolate chunk, everyone in the family will find a favorite.

These cupcakes are light and moist, and the frostings are rich.

Some cupcake flavors change daily; others are staples available every day. The staff sampled a dozen: Chocolate Buttercream with yellow cake, Coconut Dream with yellow cake, Red Velvet, Banana Split, Cappuccino Delight, Cherry Cheesecake, Key Lime Delight, Peanut Butter Cream, Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Caramel Crunch, Cream Cheese with yellow cake. We found the top favorites were Key Lime Delight and Cappuccino Delight. You may want to buy a dozen and have your own taste test, but go early. They sometimes run out of cupcakes, especially on weekends.

Enjoy your favorite coffee or tea with your cupcake, including café latte, cappuccino, espresso, chai tea latte, and many more, hot or iced.

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SARAH’S GREEK CUISINE & MORE

16640 CAGAN CROSSINGS BLVD., SUITE 305, CLERMONT, 352.404.8031

Sarah’s Greek Cuisine & More has homemade Greek and Lebanese food and is a great place for desserts. A family-run business, the restaurant’s staff includes father and daughter Sarah and Sam Deeb and son-in-law Fady, who is the baker and creates the desserts. The food is delicious, but the array of desserts is a feast for the eyes and the tummy.

In addition to original Baklava, there’s Chocolate Dipped, Open Face, Chocolate Cheesecake, and a shredded wheat Baklava called Kunafa. If you think Baklava is good, you’ll love these variations on a good thing.

But that’s not all. Try the Napoleon, Vanilla Crème Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, or whatever cake Fady decides to bake that day. When Style visited, it was a Honey Cake made with semolina that was very tasty, though not too sweet.

There were also Sesame Molasses and Walnut Cookies. The Almond Wedding Cookies were wonderful, but be prepared to have powdered sugar everywhere.

If you’re looking for an added experience, hookahs are available on the patio. They have a variety of flavors available at a reasonable rate.

BLOOM’S BAKING HOUSE AND RESTAURANT

601 W. MAIN ST., LEESBURG, 352.787.1004

The element of surprise is what makes looking for desserts at Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant such fun. You never know what treat you’re going to find in the wonderful display beside the cash register. Owner Cheryl Bloom is in the kitchen cooking and baking every day.

The Strawberry Cake is a creamy, luscious treat,

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and Cheryl said the Pineapple Upside Down Cake didn’t become popular until she began making the double-decker version. Another tasty crowd pleasure is her Coconut Cake, which may delight you with its raspberry jam filling.

There’s Pecan, Coconut Cream, Butterscotch/ Coconut/Pecan Pies, and a Style favorite, Butter Cookies, along with your favorite Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Brownies, Blondies, and the Famous Bloom’s Cinnamon Roll, which is a treat anytime, not just for breakfast.

If you’re looking to chill with your dessert, there’s always an ice cream cone or sundae with the Hershey’s ice cream in the cooler on the other side of the cash register.

CENTRAL AVENUE TREAT MARKET

15 N. CENTRAL AVE., UMATILLA, 352.388.1512

Along Umatilla’s busiest street is the Central Avenue Treat Market, a nostalgic venue where you’ll not only find a fun place to sit and enjoy listening to oldies, you can enjoy dessert too.

Owner Cathy Hanstein wanted to create the old soda shop atmosphere, and she has done just that. Be careful, though, some of those great looking treats sitting around are plastic.

But if you’re in the mood for sweets, she has Homemade Mini Doughnuts made to order with cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, or your favorite syrup as toppings. These little buggers will melt in your mouth. In the display case, there are a variety of homemade candies like Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Sweet & Salty Caramel Peanut Clusters, Coconut Chocolate Balls, Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle, and Brownie Slices. Those of a certain age will recognize the homemade Irish Potato Candy, a treat from Depression-era cooking.

While you’re enjoying your sweet treat, you can play vintage pinball machines with Dolly Parton or a Space Mission. There’s also Ms. Pac Man and Atari Area 51. If you’d rather sit and play games, you’ll find wooden Tic-Tac-Toe and Checkers on the tables.

ONE FLIGHT UP CAFÉ BRINGS THE SOUTHERN CHARM WITH THEIR AWARD-WINNING PRALINE BREAD PUDDING.

YALAHA BAKERY

8210 COUNTY ROAD 48, YALAHA, 352.324.3366 16770 U.S. HWY. 441, SUMMERFIELD, 352.693.2304

The great news about Yalaha Bakery is they’ve got two locations, so you can arrive quickly. That’s good, because you may want to go for breakfast and just hang around all day sampling goodies.

These are authentic German baked goods and deli meats, and while you’re enjoying the sweets, don’t forget the delicious breads on the shelves behind the display counters. All their goods are made with organic ingredients, wonderful spices, and essentials imported from Europe.

Style visited the Summerfield location for this taste test and was not disappointed. For breakfast, there was the Chocolate Croissant and the Éclair, which were creamy, decadent, and made even better with the freshly made Caffé Americano. Of course, they have a great selection of hot and iced coffees, as well as teas.

The take-home box was stuffed with goodies to be enjoyed all weekend. The delectable array included Apple Strudel, Honey Bee, Cream Puff, and a delightful concoction called Fat Man’s Misery. For those with dietary restrictions, they bake gluten-free and sugar-free breads and pastries. It’s a win/win situation!

CODY’S ON 4TH

111 E. FOURTH AVE., MOUNT DORA, 352.735.8426

This lovely little café in Mount Dora doesn’t have a lot of desserts, but there is definitely one worth telling you about: Cody’s Famous

Carrot Cake. Owner Cody Spitzig prides herself in serving homemade soups, salad dressings, quiches, and desserts.

The carrot cake is wondrous to behold and enchanting to feast on. The cake is spicy and rich with nuts, and the frosting is dreamy.

Definitely big enough to share, this dessert is an event you’ll remember for a long time.

RAMON RAMOS PATISSERIE

10401 U.S. HWY. 441 (VIAPORT MALL FOOD COURT), LEESBURG, 352.314.3619

This may surprise you, but one of the most interesting and delightful places found in this journey through desserts was Ramon Ramos Patisserie in the food court at ViaPort Mall in Leesburg. When you walk up, you may to want to just stand and gaze at the display case because the desserts are so utterly beautiful.

These artisan designs are stunning and taste as good as they look. Chef Ramon’s experience comes from working more than 20 years with the Ritz Carlton and Marriott corporations.

The Chocolate Chip Cookies are crisp, small, and not as sweet as what you usually find.

However, that doesn’t detract from the flavor at all. The Macaroons are crisp on the outside and the coconut is fresh and addictive. The Chocolate Dome with its filling of mousse and Bavarian cream is divine, and the Tiramisu is creamy and rich but the flavors are blended to be light and go down easily. There are a variety of pies along with Flan, Tres Leches, and amazing Bon Bons.

ONE FLIGHT UP CAFÉ

440 N. DONNELLY ST., MOUNT DORA, 407.758.9818

When you’re in Mount Dora, take the stairs to One Flight Up Café, tucked in a cozy corner.

Though you can get lots of good eats beginning with breakfast, they also have great homemade desserts. You’ll find lovely cakes on the counter, but don’t forget to ask about the award-winning Praline Bread Pudding. It is served warm with wonderful praline sauce, not to mention there’s whipped cream and drizzled caramel on top. It will make you feel good down to your toes.

You can have any number of hot and cold coffees and teas to accompany your luscious dessert, and you may even get to enjoy it on their balcony overlooking downtown Mount Dora.

IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR MINI DOUGHNUTS AND OTHER SWEETS, HEAD OVER TO CENTRAL AVENUE TREAT MARKET.

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Grandma’s

SECRET There’s a recipe in the back of that little tin of recipes. The writing is blurred, it’s difficult to tell the exact amount on ingredients, but it doesn’t matter. Someone dear gave it to you, and you’ve made it so often, you know the ingredients. You pull it out every Christmas, for family reunions, or significant birthday celebrations. It takes you back to those special moments in life. Our readers share some of those special recipes here.

Who knows? You may want to keep them in that special tin.

STORY: LEIGH NEELY+MICHELLE CLARK+SHEMIR WILES+JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ+PROVIDED

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BE THOMPSON WITH HIS AUNT VIVIAN

NELL THOMPSON JERNIGAN’S

COCONUT CAKE

From B.E. Thompson, director of development for LifeStream Behavioral Center Nell Thompson Jernigan was B.E.’s great aunt—his grandfather’s sister. “She was a lifelong resident of Central Florida and made this Coconut Cake for every family reunion I attended from toddler to adult. Relatives started with dessert to ensure they got a piece of this cake. Vivian Thompson Bruns is my aunt, my dad’s youngest sister. She makes the cake now for family gatherings and upon special request.

She lives in Umatilla, has been an aerobics instructor for more than 40 years.”

INGREDIENTS: • 4 cups sifted plain flour • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 ½ cups sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 4 teaspoons baking powder • 1 cup butter • 1 ½ cups milk • 6 egg whites

INSTRUCTIONS: Blend butter and sugar, then add flour mixture (flour, baking powder, and salt) and milk alternately. Add vanilla, then fold in beaten egg whites. Bake at 350°—4 layers, approximately 20 minutes or until cake leaves side of pan. Ice with Butter Icing BUTTER ICING • 1 stick of butter • 1 ½ box of confectioner’s sugar • Pinch of salt • Vanilla and butter flavoring • A bit of milk to moisten • 2 grated fresh coconuts, approximately When icing, spoon about 3 tsps. coconut milk over each layer before icing.

CHERYL MOZER’S

CHICKEN DIVAN

Cheryl Mozer, a former guidance counselor at Fruitland Park Elementary School, has never been one to shy away from the kitchen. Her successful career in child psychology had the added bonus of her being an accomplished cook.

Just ask anyone who has had her Chicken Divan! It’s one of her most requested dishes by dinner guests, at family functions, church potlucks and by a certain Leesburg Pastor. It has a reputation for delighting. Her son once requested it for he and his date’s pre prom dinner, foregoing the usual meal out. The recipe came from a colleague some years

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GREAT-GRANDMOTHER THOMPSON’S

THOMPSON RELISH From Joyce Huey, owner of Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe “My great-grandma Thompson made Thompson Relish and served it to her nine children, and to my great-grandfather Lorenzo George Thompson Sr. He immigrated to St. Augustine from England at the age of 9 and migrated to Miami to eventually work on the Railroad (Flagler) until he was 80 years old. He died in 1956. Apparently my great-grandfather enjoyed this mustard-based relish with most every meal.”

“Over the years, many of my family keep up the tradition, serving it to our own families. My mom would make batches and store it in old butter tubs, and my brother and I would eat it on everything. All of us just mixed everything together until it looked and tasted just right.”

INGREDIENTS: • Several heads of finely chopped cabbage • Several chopped sweet red peppers • 1–2 large bottles plain yellow mustard • 1–2 bottles Worcestershire sauce • 1/4 cup or so white vinegar INSTRUCTIONS: Mix, chill, and salt and pepper to taste. It seems to need quite a bit of salt. Serve with everything.

ago, and because it was an instant hit, now her goddaughter and family in Mobile make it as well. Cheryl says because of the hardiness of the chicken and crust and the wholesomeness of the vegetables, it’s almost a complete plate, “I usually pair it with a baked potato and salad, and you have a nice meal.”

INGREDIENTS: • 2 10-ounce packages of broccoli spears • 2 cups cut up chicken or 3 large chicken breasts • 2 cups cream of chicken soup • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• • • •

1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup Italian bread crumbs 4 tablespoons melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS: Steam chicken for 20 minutes and then cut up into small pieces. Cook broccoli spears and strain. Layer the broccoli and chicken in a casserole dish. Combine the soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder. Pour over chicken and sprinkle with cheese. Melt butter and combine it with the breadcrumbs, then spread the mixture over the dish. Bake uncovered at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, or until sides are bubbly. Usually serves 6.

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MADELINE PAPA’S

TRADITIONAL ITALIAN RED SAUCE & MEATBALLS From Barbara Walsh

Growing up in an Italian household meant Eustis resident Barbara Walsh grew up eating lots and lots of Italian food. Her mother, Madeline Papa, was a stay-at-home mom; therefore, she had time to cook hearty, made-from-scratch dishes.

“Every meal was like Sunday dinner,” Walsh says. “My mom would cook all day, and she was always happy cooking.”

It wasn’t unusual for Walsh to bring home friends who couldn’t wait to have some of her mom’s home cooking. And while there were plenty of traditional Italian dishes she enjoyed as a child, spaghetti and meatballs was always a favorite—and a staple. This recipe is one that passed down from her great-grandmother. However, it is possible the recipe is older than that.

Between her family and career, Walsh says it’s sometimes hard for her to make her mom’s recipe. But every once in a while, when her 91-year-old father wants it, she’ll make time to prepare it, for old times’ sake.

RED SAUCE

MEATBALLS

DIRECTIONS: Brown in a large pot (or Dutch oven-style pot) tomato paste and a small diced onion in ¼ cup olive oil. (Only cook for a few minutes until paste is brown and onion is softened.) Next, add all ingredients listed above. Stir thoroughly, and then simmer on low for approximately four hours, adding more water if necessary.

DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Add enough breadcrumbs or bread pieces until consistency is good for holding meat together.

Roll mixture into round balls and place on flat plate or cookie sheet. (Makes approximately 16 meatballs.) Brown meatballs in a skillet with little olive oil (in batches) for 15 minutes total. Turn meatballs to brown all sides. Place in sauce and cook approximately 3–4 hours.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 can (8-ounce) Italian tomato paste • 1 can (28-ounce) Italian crushed tomatoes • 1 can (28-ounce) Italian tomato puree • 2 large (28-ounce) cans and 2 small (8-ounce) cans water (use above cans for measure) • 1/4 cup good quality Italian olive oil • 2 cloves fresh garlic, crushed • 1 small yellow onion, diced • 4 dried bay leaves • A few pinches of dried or fresh parsley and basil

INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound ground beef • ½ pound ground pork • ½ pound ground veal (if desired, or use a total of one pound ground pork) • 2 eggs • Salt, pepper, crushed garlic (to taste) • Italian-style breadcrumbs or Italian-style crusty bread, broken in pieces

TO ADD ADDITIONAL MEATS: Gently boil Italian sausage and/or pork ribs in water for ½ hour.

Add meats to sauce and cook thoroughly along with meatballs.

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(TOP): BARBARA WALSH’S PARENTS; (ABOVE): ON HER WEDDING DAY, BARBARA ENJOYS A MOMENT WITH HER MOTHER.

CAPTAIN JOE BROWN’S

HUSHPUPPIES From Tom Grizzard

“Joe Brown, the captain and fishing guide on the houseboat named Seminole, taught me this recipe. I’d summer with him on the boat and join him on fishing parties on Lake Griffin. He’d tie five or six rowboats behind the Seminole and head up to the northern section, where the lily pads used to cover the lake. He’d put two anglers in each rowboat, give them cane poles and a supply of fresh shiners, and tell them to row to an open spot in the “pads” and fish for bass.”

“Knowing they wouldn’t catch enough, Captain Joe and I fished together on another rowboat to catch supper. We’d return to the Seminole, dress the fish, and light the kerosene stove. His wife had cabbage for coleslaw and had the grits ready to cook. Captain Joe prepared the hushpuppies according to the following instructions.”

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix eggs with milk, then add corn and onions.

In separate container, mix all the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients. Mix well and let set for 5 to 10 minutes (to let the mix rise) while oil heats to 325 degrees. Don’t stir again. With a small spoon, dip mix from the edge of bowl and carefully drop into hot oil. As you repeat this process, the hushpuppies should begin to turn over as the underside gets done. When golden brown, dip out and place in a double paper grocer sack, which helps taste, keeps them warm, and soaks up some of the grease. Serve with butter, or add blackberry jam for dessert.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup yellow corn meal • 1/3 cup sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons Rumford baking powder • 2 eggs • 1 can evaporated milk • 2 cups chopped onions • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained

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III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

Those are just some of the reasons why so many people are buying real estate in Costa Rica. And let’s not forget the fabulous weather, low cost of living, low taxes, and availability of outdoor adventures.

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Designer models of villas are being built from the highest quality materials and feature luxury hot tubs with fountain jets, granite countertops, central air conditioning,

paver driveways, track lighting, and custom kitchen cabinetry, luxury bathrooms with marble floors. And there will be exclusive country club-style amenities at Club Arenal and The Springs Resort & Spa, our luxury partner, through Arenal Hills Gold Membership Club Card.

Arenal Hills will feature walking paths, resort-style swimming pools, a fitness center, gazebos, barbecue areas, pickle ball courts, a welcome center, and a meeting hall. Build

your resort-style villa on large ¼-acre sites enhancing your sense of privacy and escape.

Those activities alone are enough to keep you plenty busy and entertained. But even more fun-filled adventure awaits you only minutes from Arenal Hills in the town of La Fortuna. You can zipline across a canyon, rappel down a canyon, take an ATV tour, and enjoy a day of whitewater rafting.

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Arenal Hills is a developing vacation community. January will be our opening for pre-sales and the building of our new vacation villas.

Choose your lot and build within 18 months. Financing available, trips arranged by Costa Rica Land Capital Partners. Take part in our 6-month pre-sale values ranging from $229,000 to $350,000.

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Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa:

CREATE A NEW YOU

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inally, the holiday haze of stress and overindulgence are in the rearview mirror, while the dawn of a New Year is firmly in our sights. It’s time to re-evaluate our lifestyles and carefully determine how we can improve our health and overall appearance.

Here’s the good news. When it comes to redefining ourselves in 2016, the possibilities are endless.

Who knows? Change might just come in the form of bright and radiant skin, a slimmer, sexier figure, or freedom from unwanted hair on certain body parts.

Fortunately, Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa can make all these New Year dreams come true.

The practice, which has offices serving The Villages and Ocala is operated by Dr. Michael Holloway and wife, Shannon and offers medically directed, result-based weight-loss services, as well as medical spa services such

“We’ve assembled a highly certified and credentialed staff to perform these procedures. Those are the reasons we have such an incredible success rate in everything we do here.”

— MICHAEL M. HOLLOWAY, M.D.

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

as Coolsculpting®, Botox®, Restylane®, Laser Hair Removal and Skin Resurfacing as well as a variety of treatment based facials including the HydraFacial MD® to name a few.

Think of Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa as a medical practice with a day-spa mentality.

None of the procedures are gimmicky or unproven. Dr. Holloway and Shannon pride themselves on offering only evidence- and outcome-based models of care.

“We’ve done our due diligence by carefully researching the technology and procedures we use,” Dr. Holloway said. “More importantly, we’ve assembled a highly certified and credentialed staff to perform these procedures.

Those are the reasons we have such an incredible success rate in everything we do here.”

Here’s a detailed look at some of those treatments.

Coolsculpting®

Weight Management There are many reasons to lose weight. Perhaps you want to get your body fine-tuned so you can walk the beach in a bathing suit without being embarrassed.

Or, you may wish to minimize health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other conditions that can stem from obesity.

Whatever the reason, the physician-directed weight-loss program at Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa helps patients achieve desired results—all in a structured, healthy manner without undergoing surgery or a crash diet.

“We tailor the program to the individual needs of our patients,” Dr. Holloway said. “Our program does not focus on a diet; instead, we teach patients how to live a healthier lifestyle in a realistic and sustainable way.”

Starting with the free initial consultation, Dr. Holloway provides medically based guidance each step of the

way. The program includes individualized nutritional counseling, exercise and behavior modification techniques, prescription appetite suppressants when indicated, comprehensive lab workup and EKG. Patients are also offered Lipotropic and HCG injections as part of the program—both of which help increase fat burning and metabolism.

To say patients enjoy stellar results would be an understatement.

“We have one patient who was overweight and using a wheelchair,” said manager, Rosanna Whitehead. “Now, she’s walking with the assistance of a walker, and every time she walks into the office she’s smiling and singing. It has been amazing to see her transformation.”

Of course, Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa also offers other services to complement your weight loss and help you look and feel your best.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression “melt the fat away.” Lifestyle Solutions offers a much “cooler” way to eliminate unwanted fat.

That’s because the practice offers Coolsculpting®, a revolutionary technology that targets fat cells to get rid of those annoying bumps and bulges of unwanted fat. During each hour-long session, the device, which is FDA approved, freezes fat cells without hurting the skin. The noninvasive, no downtime procedure does not involve any incisions, tubes or drains, and is very well tolerated with little to no bruising following the procedure.

“It can be used to treat all areas of the body, including the abdomen, the inner and outer thighs

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

as well as the latest FDA approved applicator that eliminates that undesirable double-chin,” Shannon said.

“Patients see a significant reduction of fat in areas that are diet and exercise resistant. And because we have two Coolsculpting® machines, patients can have two areas treated at once rather than come in for separate appointments.”

Patients can enjoy peace of mind knowing the procedure is performed by highly trained and certified technicians. In addition, the treatment is administered in one of Lifestyle Solution’s spa rooms, where patients can maximize relaxation by gazing skyward at the glimmering fiber optic star dome ceiling and watch a movie or TV series of their choosing if desired.

Palomar Icon® Laser Another way to improve your appearance without surgery is with the Palomar Icon® Laser. This FDA-approved laser technology is the latest example of how Dr. Holloway and Shannon provide the most advanced, effective and safest aesthetic treatments available.

It’s used for a wide range of aesthetic concerns, including sun spots and pigmented lesions, melasma, rosacea and facial veins, and hair removal from head to toe.

Equally effective is the Palomar Icon® Fractional Laser hand piece, which delivers heat to the deeper layers of the skin, thus promoting new collagen and elastin production. This technology is ideal for eliminating scars (surgical and otherwise), stretch marks, acne scars, and smoothing out wrinkled skin via skin resurfacing.

Come See Us

Hydrafacial MD® Sometimes, patients need more than a basic facial to treat skin that is wrinkled and dry.

Lifestyle Solutions offers a procedure known as the HydraFacial MD®, an advanced medical-grade skin care treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin. The treatment, which

is performed by a licensed esthetician, also extracts and cleans out pores making the skin much smoother in its appearance. This noninvasive, age-defying procedure is soothing, moisturizing, nonirritating, and immediately effective.

Lifestyle Solutions offers a slew of other treatments, including Botox®, Restylane®, facials, body wraps, massage, body scrubs, peels, and microdermabrasion.

There are two spa treatment rooms with a butterfly garden outback which makes for a perfect “spa party” for two that includes lunch or an afternoon snack and beverage.

The practice also offers some of the latest skincare product lines, including iS Clinical®, a global leader in cosmeceutical skincare products that repair and rejuvenate aging and acne-prone skin.

But despite the vast array of state-of-the-art technologies, patients are equally satisfied by the high level of care and attentiveness provided by the warm, caring staff.

“We’re like a big family here,”

III PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE III

said Dairelys Lugo, medical assistant and lifestyle coach. “After finishing an appointment, patients often sit in the lobby and enjoy a cup of coffee because they like engaging in conversation with us.”

Manager Gina Chancellor echoed those sentiments.

“We’re happy to be here in The Villages, and in only two months our patient base has doubled. If you haven’t met us, we encourage you to stop by so we can give you a free tour of the office and explain everything we do.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA 8550 NE 138th Lane Lady Lake 1-844-LIFESTYLE LSMedSpa.com

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THE ROOTS OF THE FAMILY TREE Digging down to learn the history of your lineage.

PAGE 8

Plus

MEET A VILLAGER Hone’ing’ his craft.

PAGE 2

IN THE VILLAGES Food, fun & Friendship.

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meet a villager STORY: SHEMIR WILES

‘HONE’ING HIS CRAFT Jerry Hone can’t think of a time he wasn’t building something. Since he was a small boy, he has always had an interest in creating extraordinary items people have never seen before. His latest undertaking—the Flying Man Backpack—is no exception.

With a wingspan of 11 feet 6 inches, the winged backpack is most certainly a show-stopping conversation piece. He built it after seeing a similar backpack at Renninger’s Flea Market in Mount Dora.

The special event for the day was Renninger’s Steampunk Industrial Show. Hone and his wife Joyce didn’t know what Steampunk was, and Hone admits he was apprehensive about delving into it. But soon he found himself intrigued by the whimsical, Victorian-industrial facets of Steampunk.

According to the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences’ website: “Steampunk is modern technology—iPads,

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computers, robotics, air travel—powered by steam and set in the 1800’s.”

“It’s taking technology from the 1850s to the 1890s and predicting what it would be like in 100 years,” Hone explains. “Think H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. We’re acting out the Victorian era.”

For most Steampunk enthusiasts, the clothing is the highlight of the genre, which features Victorian-inspired fashions such as corsets, petticoats, and top hats,. Although he’s a member of the Central Florida Steampunk Association, Hone only dabbles in it.

Nevertheless, the amount of time—300 hours—and detail that went into the backpack shows Hone is a part-time aficionado of the genre and clever with his hands.

For his design, Hone drew inspiration from the photos he took at Renninger’s show. He threw in many

of his own elements while sketching, and then decided what would work and what wouldn’t.

He says, “For example, I added fake steam that comes out as the wings open up and blue flashing lights on the wingtips. I upgraded it some.”

The backpack debuted Halloween during a costume contest. Out of 150 contestants, Hone took first place.

“People were surprised,” he says.

“Then when I walked around and opened the wings, people were really surprised. They wanted to know if it could fly and I would say, ‘In a tornado.’”

It wasn’t the first time Hone was recognized for his ingenuity. For 20 years, he’s built mechanical musical attractions that are on display in amusement parks, stores, and museums around the world. He’s made animated music-playing monkeys, a life-size ape that releases bubbles, and a homemade train whistle that sounds like the real thing.

His love for creating something out of nothing came from working as a tool and die maker for General Motors for 14 years and then becoming a video producer before retiring and completing 30 years with the company.

Outside of making unique gadgets, Hone belongs to various clubs in The Villages—the Castaway High Speed RC Boat Club, the Mini Cooper Club, and Hanger Flyers. He was in the U.S. Air Force, and is a licensed pilot.

However, his most satisfying work is as a Stephen minister through Community United Methodist Church in Fruitland Park.

“To me that is really important and a rewarding part of my life,” he says before adding, “but, for pure fun, designing and creating mechanical devices like the Flying Man Backpack is hard to beat.”

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this ‘n’ that STORY: FRED HILTON

THE

VILL

AGE S

LIONS AND TIGERS AND SNAKES AND COYOTES, OH MY! It was another beautiful day in The Villages and things were going well until we glanced out the window. We saw a vicious, 18-foot-long boa constrictor lurking on our front sidewalk. He was as big around as a volley ball, had 8-inch fangs, and was foaming at the mouth.

Okay, I do have a tendency to exaggerate. He wasn’t really a boa; he was a blacksnake. And he wasn’t really 18 feet long; it was more like three feet. But it was a really, really big three feet. It was clear he had been working out, and I’m pretty sure he was growling.

We then did what any sane couple would do. We barred all the doors and windows and hid in the closet. Paris the Wonder Dog was a little confused but we gave her a Beggin’ Strip and she went to sleep. We got a little hungry, too, so we ate all the Hershey bars we had in our survival kit for the Huge Hurricane That We All Know Is Lurking Out There.

After waiting long enough for the snake to die of old age or get run over by a tipsy golf cart driver, we ventured out. The killer snake had gone but it reinforced the fact we’d moved into an area like the town on “Zoo,” the creepy TV show about animals ganging up to obliterate human beings.

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Our first inkling of animals taking over came when we first arrived in Florida and pulled into a rest stop on I-75 near Ocala. A sign there said something to this effect: “Warning!

Huge snakes and monster alligators hang out here and can leap down out of the trees to devour you, your young, and your SUV!” We survived the dangerous rest stop but, soon afterward, we had our first experience with the angry critters of The Villages when approximately eight gazillion lovebugs assaulted us, our car, and our golf cart.

Most people think lovebugs are totally harmless, but a guy at a bar in Lake Sumter Landing told me the whole story. Lovebugs, he said, are trying to fly into your ears. When there, the big mama lovebug dislodges the scrawny male lovebug. He makes his way up your ear canal and begins eating your brain. When he’s full, the wimpy little male lovebug flies out and is promptly devoured by the female who goes out looking for a younger, and better looking, male.

Since I heard that story in a bar, it has to be true. Anything said in a bar must be true. It’s a rule. The same rule of truthiness applies to everything that appears on the internet and anything Brian Williams says on TV. If monster snakes, huge alligators, and lovebugs aren’t enough, they

now tell us that coyotes are prowling around The Villages, looking for squirrels, small pets, or really short people to eat. It actually makes no sense that coyotes are in The Villages.

Coyotes are supposed to be home on the range, howling at the moon, and eating prairie dogs and little dogies before the dogies get along home.

We obviously have to rid The Villages of all these terrifying wild animals. One method would be to bring Otto the Orkin man back out of retirement. But since there’s no increase in Social Security benefits this year, we need to find a cheaper way.

First, we feed all the snakes and coyotes to the alligators. Then we turn the lovebugs loose on the alligators. Assuming the lovebugs can find the alligators’ ears, they can dispatch the little scrawny male lovebugs to gobble up the gators’ teeny-weeny brains.

Not sure how we then get rid of the lovebugs. I’m going to ask the guy in the bar.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Fred Hilton spent 36 years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and 10 years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia.

He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

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in the villages STORY: SHEMIR WILES

FOOD, FUN & FRIENDSHIP ENJOYING GOOD FOOD, GOOD WINE, AND GOOD TIMES.

Some of my best times involved eating out with friends or preparing a feast in the kitchen with family.

The Villages Gourmet In or Out Club fosters that warm feeling. The club isn’t just about eating; it’s about fellowship, which became apparent as I sat with a few of the members on a recent Tuesday morning.

The Villages Gourmet Club, as it’s more widely known, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month, a proud moment for Rich Courmettes and Ellen Harcourt, who are its leaders.

“It started in 2006 as a place people could come to share a common interest: food and wine,” said Rich.

Now, the club has more than 300 members and at least 8,500 views per month on its website, which hosts hundreds of member-written restaurant reviews.

Jan Trefny, a member for six years, said she initially joined to meet new people.

“We knew our neighbors but no one else,” Jan said. “When you first move here, it’s good to…try new

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things and meet people.”

Bob and Colene Makela agree.

They’ve been a part of the group from the onset.

“It’s a great club for newcomers,” Colene added.

However, as time went by, Jan, Bob, and Colene found pleasure in just spending time with old members who became lifelong friends and new members who are just getting to know them.

“It’s fun to find places to eat,” said Bob. “You have your group and you bond over a table.”

While a good majority of club members enjoy dining out, a good number relish dining in. Rich said dine-in teams usually plan a themed meal and a couple hosts the dinner at their home. Remaining team members bring various courses or wine to make the experience unforgettable.

“I enjoy sharing food and entertaining people,” Ellen said. “When we have company, I try to make a new dish. I have over 5,000 recipes, plus a ton of cookbooks.”

Though Colene, Bob, and Jan aren’t the biggest fans of dining in for

various reasons, they both agree it’s an important element of the club.

“There’s something about cooking and sharing what you’ve prepared with others,” Bob explained.

“You don’t invite people over you don’t like. It’s that honoring—it’s a basic human trait, a way to show you care.”

Club meetings are quarterly, and members discuss restaurants and food, as well as Rich’s personal favorite: wine. They also have cooking demonstrations by local chefs such as Linda Dickison from Vom Fass, Scott Vasatka of City Fire American Oven & Bar, and Louis Santiago of Cane Garden Country Club.

Generally speaking, The Villages Gourmet Club is a great place to unleash your inner foodie, but the bigger picture is the friendship and fun that feeds the soul.

WANT TO JOIN?

Open to all Villages residents.

Dues are $2 per person every quarter.

General meeting: Jan. 3, 7 p.m.

Allamanda Recreation Center For information, visit thevillagesgourmetclub.com or email webmaster@thevillagesgourmetclub.com

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Finding

THE ROOTS OF THE FAMILY TREE STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTOS: PROVIDED + SHUTTERSTOCK

“Some family trees have beautiful leaves, and some have just a bunch of nuts. Remember, it is the nuts that make the tree worth shaking.”

—AUTHOR UNKNOWN

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esearching family history is like a solving a giant puzzle.

You have to look at every piece and see where it fits in the context of the picture. It’s highly likely you’ll uncover information you never considered when thinking of your family. It’s also likely you’ll enjoy every minute of putting leaves on the branches of your family tree.

One thing rings true in talking with most genealogy experts is

the researcher must have a goal in mind. Why are you looking into your family’s history? Is it to know more about yourself and your family? Is it to find your lineage, where your family originated, what journey they made to get you where you are? Are you looking for health-related information?

Do you want to know what health issues could pass to your children through your genetics?

ly in the top five, and probably a lot of that has to do with the Internet.”

Interest in genealogy is very popular in The Villages. There are almost a thousand members in The Villages Genealogical Society (TVGS), a group that started with only 15 members.

Jim Lannin, current president of TVGS said, “We all think we know where our ancestors come from.

Sometimes we’re right, and sometimes we’re totally off base. It’s

OLD PHOTOS AND HISTORIC DOCUMENTS PLAY A BIG PART IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR ROOTS.

Answering the question of why you want to pursue your genealogy will give you a starting place for your journey. From there, you’ll probably move on to using websites, dating and identifying people in family photos, getting oral history from older family members, or having your DNA tested for a genetic history.

“Doing genealogy research is more popular now than it has ever been,” Jim said. “It surpassed stamp collecting as a hobby and is certain-

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like that TV commercial where the guy is wearing lederhosen until he discovers his ancestors are Scottish and he switches to a kilt.”

After determining why you’re learning your family history, you may wonder where to start. Jim and Terry Willard, who formerly hosted the PBS show “Ancestors”, teach a variety of genealogy classes at The Villages Lifelong Learning College, from “Absolute Beginners Genealogy” to “Scanning and Organizing Family Photos.”

Another good local resource is the Leesburg Public Library, now certified as an official FamilySearch Center. Patrons can go to the information desk on the second floor and request microfilms from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City via InterLibrary Loan.

There is a small rental charge for a 30-day loan.

The Willards suggest three filing systems for organizing your research: by surname, by couple or family, and by family line. And this is just the very beginning. They also suggest you sort by record type and location, using colored file folders, different colors of folder labels, and various pens and highlighters.

More evidence of the popularity of a genealogy search is televisions shows that feature celebrities looking into their family history.

However, the Willards say those stories are somewhat deceiving.

“They make it look so easy,” Terry said, “but it’s not like that. I suspect they spent a year in advance doing research before the show is done.”

A variety of websites provide help and information for genealogy research; many are free but some charge fees to belong or use services.

“FamilySearch.org is a Mormon website, and it’s a little bit harder to do the search, but it’s great,” Terry said. “The Mormons have gone around the world and any community that would let them, they document their records. They give the community one copy and they take a copy. They have millions of rolls of microfilm from these places.”

For years, the only way to access these records was to travel to the library in Salt Lake City. Now they’re digitizing these records and making them available free.

“They needed volunteers to do the indexing, and they used volunteers worldwide to get these

records online,” Jim said. “Terry and I volunteered, and we did about 10,000 names. They want you to do stuff you’re familiar with.

We got a gold star because we had a 94 percent accuracy rate.”

The problem with transferring these records comes from reading handwriting, which is often very difficult. Jim and Terry said not being able to locate a family member’s records could just mean their handwriting was illegible.

Often it’s a death in the family that stirs the desire to search. Old photo albums and boxes of memorabilia may light the spark. Jim and Terry say researching family photos can be tedious but rewarding.

“My mom died in 2003, and we cleaned out her stuff. She was one of 16 in the family but only 12 made it to adulthood,” Terry said. “When we couldn’t identify who was in a photo, we sent out a request to my cousins to ask if they had family pictures. We found where Mom had not identified people, others in the family had the same photos, and their mother wrote on the back of them.”

Knowing the time period of the photo you’re researching can help with identifying family members’ historic family photos, like daguerreotypes or salt and albumen prints or ambrotypes. For example, daguerreotypes were popular from 1839-1860 and around 80 percent of albumen paper photos came from the 19th century.

Jim feels modern photos will have a big impact on future research. The concept of tagging family members in Facebook photos keeps connections going that might otherwise have been lost. The Willards have also found that using photos attracts younger members of the family too.

“Facial recognition will also impact geological research,” Jim said.

CHECK OUT THESE CLASSES TO HELP WITH YOUR GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH. THE VILLAGES LIFELONG LEARNING COLLEGE Classes presented by Jim and Terry Willard.

Information is available at TheVillagesLifelongCollege.com.

• Absolute Beginners Genealogy • Getting the Most from FamilySearch.org • Ancestry.com: Searching • Ancestry.com: Build Your Tree • Family Tree Maker Parts I-II • Scanning and Organizing Family Photos • Google and Genealogy Research

LEESBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY Presented by Tom Wilcox Information is available at MyLakeLibrary.org

• Beginning Genealogy

THE FLORIDA STATE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY Presented by Jim Lannin, FSGS Speakers Bureau.

Information is available at JimLannin.com

• Genetic Genealogy 101 • German Migration to Tsarist Russia • Paparazzi in the Cemetery • Prussia to Russia and Beyond Other presentations under development

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“The problem is the old photos are so grainy sometimes it thinks your aunt is your uncle, but you know [the technology] is going to get better and better. That’s going to revolutionize how people identify their family photos.”

“Researching old photographs helps you understand how hard their lives were,” Terry added, “how much they endured to get here.”

Retired librarian Carol Anderson said the love of history motivated her to find out more about her family.

“I have been interested in genealogy for as long as I can remember. I was the child who stayed inside to hear the grown-ups talk about the ‘olden days’ when the other children went outside to play at family gatherings,” Carol said. “As soon as I married, I sat down with my new mother-in-law to chart my husband’s side of the family. She was able to recall how she moved with her family from Virginia to Perry County, Kentucky, in 1908 in a covered wagon!”

Carol taught classes on genealogy research for the Leesburg Public Library. Like many others who find the hobby becomes a passion, Carol traveled to Utah to visit the Family History Library.

“I love history, and I find history really comes alive when you can place your own family members in historical times. I was thrilled to discover a letter at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, which described what happened to my third great-grandmother’s children and their property during the War Between the States.”

Lannin said going back through the journeys of migrating relatives is often difficult. “Learn as much as you can about history and human migration if you truly want to understand genealogy,” Jim said. “The problem is, of course, that human migration is a moving target. Every day we’re discover-

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ing more information about how people went from one place to another, and that’s something you have to be educated on.”

Another route to take for learning family history is through your DNA, which is Lannin’s focus in lectures and speaking engagements. However, he stresses that it is not the best way to gauge family history.

“DNA testing may help you find who you’re related to, but without doing the work to verify the way

* “Doing genealogy research is more popular now than it has ever been. It surpassed stamp collecting as a hobby and is certainly in the top five, and probably a lot of that has to do with the Internet.”

— JIM WILLARD, TEACHER AT THE VILLAGES LIFELONG LEARNING COLLEGE AND MEMBER OF THE VILLAGES GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

you’re connected to someone else, it won’t help,” he said.

The problem with DNA is the endogamous groups that pop up in your genetic line. Endogamy is the practice of marrying only within your local community, clan, or tribe. Lannin pointed out that the crew of the Mutiny, from the book Mutiny on the Bounty, settled on the island and married the locals and their choices for marriage were limited by being separate from gen-

eral populations. He indicated this also happens with Amish groups and even Serbian Jews.

“These people have a very small gene pool, and there are certain characteristics that descendants have that are brought on by that closeness,” Lannin said.

There are four types of DNA testing used for genetic genealogy. This has actually muddied the waters and made it less straightforward than it used to be. They are Y-line, Mitochondrial, Autosomal, and Xchromosome DNA tests.

The Y-chromosome passes from father to son, therefore, this test is performed for males in the family.

The results are checked to see if they match in a genealogical timeframe. This will also give you the haplogroup, meaning you can find if you’re a descendent of European, African, Asian, or Native American lineage.

Mitochondrial or mtDNA passes from the mother to both sexes, but it goes through females only. Though males do carry their mother’s mtDNA, they don’t pass it to their offspring. Again, this test will give you the haplogroup.

Women inherit the X chromosome from both parents, though males only inherit it from their mothers.

The Y from the father is what makes them male. Researchers say the best use of this test is to make a diagram of those in your family that contributed to your X chromosome data.

The final test is autosomal DNA, which comes from both parents on the 23 chromosomes. This test will give you a list of cousins from all your lines. However, you’ll have to do the research to learn how they’re related to you.

“The best way for finding cousins is usually the autosomal,” Lannin said. “I first tested in 2004, and the only thing available was the Y. I actually found cousins in Ireland,

England, and Australia. It was very helpful and kept me going. Now I manage my own surname DNA project, the Lannin DNA Project, which this year started growing big time.”

Lannin went on to say three of these DNA are in the nucleus of every cell in your body. The mtDNA are outside the nucleus. This is the energy storehouse of the cell.

“That’s basically how you get warm,” Lannin said. “The mitochondrial produce energy and help regulate the body’s temperature.”

When Lannin is teaching a class, he likes to do “DNA Show and

Tell,” where they analyze the results of DNA testing from three individuals in the class. On many occasions, he has found genetic cousins sitting in the room. “People that live here in The Villages that are related to other people in The Villages and never knew it,” Lannin said. “It’s a DNA connection, and it’s up to them to trace the genealogy to find out how they’re related, but it’s pretty amazing.”

DNA testing can also be a useful tool for individuals who are adopted. If files are protected, it’s possible to find familial connec-

FIRST FAMILY HISTORY FAIR • Family-tree crafts and activities for children.

• Genealogy and Preservation Sessions, DIY photo scanning, organizing, and editing digital photos.

• Exploring websites such as DeadFred.com and Historypin.org.

• Chat with local history and lineage societies.

• Learn how the library can aid your family research.

LEESBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 East Main Street, Leesburg Sat., Jan. 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES tions through DNA strains.

Whatever your reason for looking for new branches and leaves for your family, it can be an interesting and rewarding experience.

These experts say the one essential element in the process is providing accuracy for your findings.

“The sad thing is Ancestry wants people to put their family trees online, but Ancestry doesn’t document this,” Jim said. “The largest databases are these family trees, and they can be as much as 60 percent wrong. People don’t do

www.FamilySearch.org www.Ancestry.com www.23andme.com www.FamilyTreeMagazine.com

good research, and they just keep replicating the wrong things.”

There’s no easy path for getting to the family tree, but there is a right one.

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book club STORY: KATHY PORTER

MAN IN THE BLUE MOON A REAL SOUTHERN TREAT! World War I is raging in Europe. Ella’s gambling, opium-addicted husband Harlan has disappeared once again from their rural home near Apalachicola. The youngest of her three sons is gravely ill and the mortgage payment is due on her father’s land. Ella is on the verge of emotional and financial collapse.

A mysterious stranger arrives under bizarre circumstances claiming to be Harlan’s cousin, Lanier. He “lays hands” on Ella’s son and cures him. Word of the cure spreads through the town and Lanier is branded either a savior or a devil.

Despite condemnation by the town folks, Ella and Lanier form a tenuous trust and work together to keep the land from foreclosure. Enter Brother Mabry, a bigger-than-life travelling evangelist, and his ailing wife, who want Ella’s land for their grand plans and conspire with the town’s deceitful mortgage banker.

Suspicion, hypocrisy, and murder pervade the town, but Ella holds steadfast in her fight to keep her land despite setback after setback.

When Lanier’s past catches up to him, the town is rocked by the consequences. As the story builds to its conclusion, the reader is held captive by this marvelously written novel replete with Southern individualism, eccentric characters, and the will to succeed in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

Bookworm is always delighted to host an author, and especially one who exudes as much Southern charm as Michael Morris. Employing a one-on-one interview style, time literally took flight as we chatted on a wide range of subjects.

The group was enchanted by Morris’ tales about his grandfather Curtis “Papa” Whitfield, who he calls a storyteller’s storyteller. The group was also impressed by the book’s accuracy of the 1918 time period and the descriptions of the Apalachicola locales. Morris graciously described how he did his extensive research to achieve that authenticity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK CLUB

Club chairwoman Kathy Porter can be contacted at 352.259.8196 or kathyporter@comcast.net.

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The book is filled with remarkable characters, historical facts, mystery, and inspiration. You’ll love it!

—Sally Melton Belle Aire

When asked about writing in the female voice, Morris explained he had rather naively done so in his first novel but the result was quite successful. He drew upon that experience and his wife for inspiration. When asked about his favorite authors, the names of Lee Smith, Pat Conroy, and Eudora Welty were given without a moment’s hesitation.

Morris gave us some insight into his next novel and his writing style and habits.

His advice for aspiring writers, “Just get it down on paper. Don’t revise, just write.

Put it up on a shelf for a few weeks, then take a fresh look and start revising.”

The group wholeheartedly recommends Man in the Blue Moon and all of Michael Morris’ novels.

About the Author Michael Morris is a fifth-generation Floridian. Raised in Perry, Morris learned the art of storytelling at the feet of his grandparents. Morris is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a Master of Fine Arts from Spalding University. His first novel, A Place Called Wiregrass, won the Christy Award for Best First Novel. His second novel, Slow Way Home, was named one of the best novels of the year, and Live Like You Were Dying was a finalist for the Southern Book Critics Circle Award. The book was inspired by Tim McGraw’s country music song and brings to life the song’s inspirational story. Critics compare his novels to the works of Flannery O’Connor and Harper Lee. Morris now lives in Alabama with his artist wife, Melanie.

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WHAT CLUB MEMBERS THOUGHT Reading Man in the Blue Moon and hearing Michael Morris share his experience writing this novel was a great treat! The book is filled with remarkable characters, historical facts, mystery, and inspiration. You’ll love it!

Sally Melton, Belle Aire

I loved the book because it was a page-turner and kept me wanting to know what would happen next! Loved that it was Florida-based.

Judy O’Hara, Belvedere This book was an insight into the history and daily life of a small town in the Florida panhandle. Morris pulls you into these individual’s lives.

Faith Andrus, Bonita

Michael Morris candidly shared insights behind some of his storylines and characters in Man in the Blue Moon—his fourth and latest novel—with our book club. A fifth-generation Floridian, he credits his grandfather, a great storyteller who died at 101, for some of the rich anecdotes that led to this book’s fruition.

He patiently answered our questions in his charming Southern accent and promised to return when his next book is published.

Jo Fenstermaker, Winifred

A great peek at 1918 Florida in a small town: crazy, suspicious, narrow-minded, greedy, and poor families. Mix them up and enjoy the ride!

This book has something for everyone. The more I read, the faster the pages turned. What a bonus listening and talking with the author!

Mary Day, Duval

Michael Morris weaves stories and characters within Man in the Blue Moon. The stories are rich in oral and written Floridian history. His writing is in the true tradition of great Southern literature. I will definitely read his earlier novel.

Michael Morris knows his craft.

Kathleen Caron, Winifred

Michael Morris told us interesting stories about his family, which he wove into the book. As a native-born Floridian, he describes small-town life and the many personalities with their many good and bad traits. It was an excellent book that was very hard to put down.

Pat Crigler, Glenbrook

5. THE BAZAAR OF BAD DREAMS

by Stephen King

6. THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO

by Mitch Albom

7. ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

by Anthony Doerr

8. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

by Paula Hawkins

9. TRICKY TWENTY-TWO

by Janet Evanovich

10. TOM CLANCY COMMANDER IN CHIEF

by Mark Greaney

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Central Florida Pet Crematory offers a way for pet owners to provide the respect and loyalty after death that their pet freely gave them in life.

– Janet Erwin

For the love of

ANIMALS Lisa Elliott Crematory Director

CENTRAL FLORIDA PET CREMATORY HAS BEEN SERVING LAKE AND MARION COUNTIES SINCE 2002. IT IS OUR GOAL TO HELP YOU SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR SPECIAL FRIEND IN THE MOST CARING AND UNDERSTANDING WAY.

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On the

scene THE TO-DO LIST LOCAL TALENT SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT OUT + ABOUT HI, SOCIETY!

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On the scene // the to-do list

january To have an event considered for the calendar, send a short text description along with a color photo (if available) 45 days in advance of event to:

calendar@akersmediagroup.com or Lake & Sumter Style Calendar, P.O. Box 490088, Leesburg, FL 34749

JANUARY 30

with fun and education promoting healthy bodies, happy hearts, and strong bonds. Take advantage of all this event offers, which includes live music, weight loss education, fitness demos, raffle prizes, fresh-food vendors, and community health care providers.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Donnelly Park, 530 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SINE WALLACE AT 352.537.9988 OR EMAIL JANET.GAMACHE@ GMAIL.COM. JANUARY 16

JANUARY 14

EVENTS JANUARY 7

LEESBURG MARDI GRAS MIXER: KICK OFF PARTY Come kick off the 19th annual Leesburg Mardi Gras season, and meet your King Rex and Queen Divine candidates as they show up and show out. The candidates have a moment to shine, where they reveal their campaign and make their first pitch for votes.

Entry is $5. A DJ, dancing, food, and a full bar are happening.

Don’t miss it! This year it is hosted at Sip Restaurant Jazz and Wine Bar in downtown Leesburg. 7 p.m. 707 W. Main St. For more information, call 352.365.0053.

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LEESBURG MARI GRAS MIXER: SUICIDE KARAOKE & BOWLING NIGHT The bid for your vote continues! ViaPort’s ViaEntertianment makes for a nice change of scenery but the candidates for King Rex and Queen Divine are still up to their shenanigans. Enjoy a night of bowling while they and their krewes compete in suicide karaoke. A song chosen at random must be performed and dazzle the crowd. Cousin Vinny’s will be there making sure everyone is well fed; all you have to do is choose a contender.

This event is only $5. 6 p.m., 10401 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg.

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SPICE IT UP FOR HOSPICE CHILI COOK-OFF Gentlemen, ready your ladles. It’s about to get heated in Bushnell Park! Teams compete for the top “pot” and major bragging rights.

Enter your recipe or come as a taster and cast your vote for best booth display, best chili, judges’ choice award, and best hospice supporter. Enjoy live music by Todd Brown and the River Junction Band. To sweeten the deal, raffle prizes include four Disney tickets and more.

Tickets are $5 and all proceeds benefit Cornerstone Hospice and the Lane Purcell Hospice House

in Sumterville. To register for the event, email Susan Bennett at sbennett@cshospice.org. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 219 N. Market St., Bushnell. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.742.6807.

JANUARY 30

SWEET TREATS FOR THE ARTS: FASHION SHOW Lake County’s next top artist may benefit from this event. Sweet Treats for the Arts is presenting a fashion show to help Lake County’s art students by contributing to scholarship funds. This is a great opportunity for vendors

A FETCHING AFFAIR GALA The South Lake Animal League’s second annual gala honors ‘Heroes with Heart.’ Showing no discretion to number of legs, this event aims to honor local pets and people making a difference in the community while raising money to support the efforts of the league. Come out to the Magnolia House at Trilogy Orlando and support this wonderful cause.

Attire is business casual, so a Scottie in a sport coat isn’t out of the question! Tickets are $75. 6 to 9 p.m., 100 Falling Acorn Ave., Groveland. FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION, CALL JESSICA WHITEHOUSE AT 407.342.8876, OR EMAIL JESSICA@SLAL.ORG. YOU CAN ALSO VISIT THEIR SITE: SLAL.ORG/AFETCHINGAFFAIR

JANUARY 30

MOUNT DORA HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO The family who gets fit together, stays together! This event is filled

JANUARY 23

Florida Rush Cup

Look, ma, no hands! This soccer competition pits teams from all over the world against each other for the cup. Competitors are matched by age group in eight brackets. The National Training Center in Clermont proudly hosts this two-day competition.

7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 1935 Don Wickham Drive, Clermont. For more information, call Florida Rush at 407.654.5552.

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big and small. Sponsor a model, be a model yourself, or just come and shop! Enjoy a silent auction, and scope out the items on the runway. The event is at LakeSumter State College. Shopping and silent auction from 12:30 to 2 p.m., fashion show is from 2 to 4 p.m. 9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg. FOR MORE INFORMA-

Rodeo Rhythm Kings, bringing their show to Mount Dora. Tickets are $23, $27, and & $35. 7 to 9 p.m., Mount Dora Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. FOR MORE INFORMATION,

TION, CALL 352.552.5467 OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: SWEETTREATFASHIONSHOW.ORG

JANUARY 14

MUSIC+THEATRE JANUARY 9

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL DANCE NIGHT Lace up your blue suede shoes and bop on over to Paquette’s for a swinging good time, with the promise of good music and plenty of dancing. “Annie” & the Orphans will play hits from the 50s and 60s. Admission is $15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Buffalo Nickel Ranch Show Barn, 615 S. Whitney Road, Leesburg. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.267.2674.

JANUARY 9

SALLY ANDERSON’S TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON Been working hard 9 to 5?

Spend your deserved time off with the nationally-known Dolly Tribute—Sally Anderson and The

CALL 352.217.8390.

PHOENIX RISING The Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra presents Guy SaintClair’s symphonic poem “Phoenix Rising,” with pieces performed

by Estonian pianist, Sten Heinoja.

Held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, this will be a night of music you won’t forget. 7:30 p.m., 6303 Old Highway 441 South (Highland Street), Mount Dora. FOR MORE INFORMATION,

JANUARY 22

FUNNY MONEY You may remember the 2006 Chevy Chase film, but this farce was originally a British stage comedy written by Ray Cooney.

It’s a classic case of the switcheroo. After Henry Perkins finds the briefcase with his cheese and chutney sandwich replaced with one stuffed with money, mayhem and hilarity ensue. The IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora invites you to opening night, 8 to 10:30 p.m.

1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL JEAN ROBINSON AT 352.383.4616 OR EMAIL INFO@ICEHOUSETHEATRE.COM.

CALL 352.589.1500.

“NORMAN, IS THAT YOU?” Wanting to find entertainment that’s comical and relevant?

Join the Melon Patch Theatre’s rendition of “Norman, Is That You?” This is the rewrite of the original play by Sam Bobrick.

Opening night is the 15th and the play runs through January. 311 N. 13th St., Leesburg. FOR TICKETS,

TIME, AND MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE BOX OFFICE AT 352.787.3013, OR EMAIL MELONPATCHPLAYERS@GMAIL.COM.

JANUARY 15

RENNINGER’S ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA With more than 800 booths, Renninger’s has Florida’s biggest antique show. If you’re looking for a treasure, the odds are in your favor. Vendors from all over the U.S. offer a variety that ensures you’ll see unique pieces.

This event lasts three days, running from Friday, Jan. 15 to Sunday, Jan. 17. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Renningers Antique Center, 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 352.383.8393.

JANUARY 23 JANUARY 30

JANUARY 15

ART+EXHIBITS

ASSISTED LIVING: THE MUSICAL Sex and drugs isn’t just rock star stuff; this musical looks at the issues of getting older with kneeslapping humor. The reviews say it’s a riot. Come see for yourself at the Mount Dora Community Building. Tickets are $17 to $32, 7 to 9 p.m., 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL JANET GAMACHE AT 352.217.8390 OR EMAIL JANET. GAMACHE@GMAIL.COM.

FIRST FAMILY HISTORY FAIR Gather the leaves of your family tree and join the Leesburg Public Library for their brand new event.

There is something to learn for everyone, from where to research to how to catalog. Attendees can participate in genealogy and preservation sessions, touching on DIY photo scanning, organizing and editing digital photos, and learning how the library can aid your family research. You can chat with local history and lineage societies and explore websites such as DeadFred.com and Historypin.org. A can’t-miss event for lovers of history and all those interested in legacy, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 100 E. Main St., Leesburg.

JANUARY 23

Steampunk and Industrial Show

You can’t fight the steampunk phenomenon with Renninger’s two-day event, which is now the biggest in the Southeast. Browse the wonderful steampunk creations and accessories, enjoy turn-ofthe-century entertainment. Three notable steampunk bands play the event: Cog is Dead, Clockwork Knotwork, and Jig to a Milestone.

Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Renninger’s Antique Center, 20651 U.S. Highway 441, Mount Dora.

For more info, call 352.383.8393 or visit renningers.net.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 352.728.9790.

JANUARY 23

Doo Wop Sock Hop Dance Party

Music on Montrose goes vintage. Music of the 50s, 60s, and 70s will fill downtown Clermont. DJ Charley Brown is your time machine operator, playing hits from The Temptations to Bob Marley & the Wailers. Food available from Orlando Caribbean Catering. Tickets are $20 a person, 4 to 8 p.m. Clermont Community Center, 620 W. Montrose St. For more information, call Dorothe Riley-Green at 352.536.1833 or email drg25151@aol.com.

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INCONCERT DATE

TIME

ARTIST

VENUE

1/6 1/7 1/8 1/8 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/9 1/10 1/12 1/13 1/13 1/14 1/14 1/14 1/15 1/15 1/15 1/16 1/17 1/19 1/19 1/20 1/21 1/21 1/22 1/22 1/23 1/23 1/24 1/26 1/26 1/23 1/24 1/27 1/28 1/29 1/29 1/30 1/30

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7p.m.

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7p.m.

9 p.m.

9 p.m.

8 p.m.

5 and 8 p.m.

7p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

9 p.m.

Jeff Whitfield Tyler Haney Blue Stone Circle Power Play Annie and The Orphans Sally Anderson Tribute to Dolly Parton Da Boys Power Play Defenders of Daisies Kelly Jarrard Jeff Whitfield Englebert Humperdinck Tyler Haney Florida Lakes Symphony Johnny Mathis 60th Anniversary Tour Andre-Philippe Gagnon Florida Lakes Symphony Tony Paul Neal Conflict of Interest Defenders of Daisies Kelly Jarrard America Jeff Whitfield Tyler Haney Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra Jerry Lewis Tommy and The Guns Tommy and The Guns Da Boys Next Generation Leahy Johnny Rivers Kelly Jarrard Doo Wop Sock Hop Defenders of Daisies Jeff Whitfield Tyler Haney Boggy Creek Blue Stone Circle Mark Z Boggy Creek

Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Buffalo Nickel Ranch Show Barn, Leesburg Mount Dora Community Building, Mount Dora Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Sharon, The Villages 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mount Dora The Sharon, The Villages The Sharon, The Villages Family Christian Center, Clermont 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis The Sharon, The Villages Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis The Sharon, The Villages The Sharon, The Villages Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares The Sharon, The Villages The Sharon, The Villages 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Clermont Community Center, Clermont Ruby Street Grille, Tavares Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg Ruby Street Grille, Tavares 1884 Restaurant and Bar, Eustis Shamrock Lounge & Package, Leesburg

Bands subject to change.

Email inconcert@ akersmediagroup.com to submit an event for In Concert.

Submissions must be received by the ninth of the month prior to month of the event (example: January 9 for February issue).

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Johnny Mathis

Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra

Johnny Rivers

.com

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MOST MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED

LOCAL TALENT

NOAH HOLLIS

CREATING ART FOR THE SOUL STORY: LEIGH NEELY PHOTO: FRED LOPEZ

Noah’s Art Studio is a bright place, filled with light and color. Paintings line the walls and there’s an easel set up so Noah Hollis can work on canvas when he’s not doing his signature art—tattoos.

The shop is on West Main Street in Leesburg. Prior to that, he worked for years in Wildwood and owned his first studio in Lake Panasoffkee. What makes him and his wife, Janet, most proud, however, is that it’s a Christianowned-and-operated studio without the darker elements often associated with the art of tattooing.

He had his first art lesson when he was 8 years old, and some of his first paintings hang in the shop. They share space with a collection of pieces from various artists who were featured in the show, “Ink Masters.”

“I got my first tattoo when I was 27, and my mom hated it,” Noah said. “I reminded her she was the one who introduced me to art.”

Becoming a tattoo artist takes a big commitment, and Noah takes his commitment to the vocation very seriously.

“I live and breathe art,” Noah said.

“Even at home, Janet and I are always doing something artistic.”

“We collaborate, and I really like that,” Janet said. “It’s fun to be with somebody you can do that with.”

Noah is also retired from the Lake County Fire Department, where he worked for 22 years as a volunteer and

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paid firefighter. After being diagnosed with PTSD in January, he found it was time to move away from that work and concentrate on his art.

“My artwork was therapy for me through this whole thing,” Noah said.

Getting treatment helped him realize he wasn’t just tired or depressed.

He needed to make a change, which included moving his shop to a larger space in Leesburg. Shane Boram, Janet’s son, also works at the studio.

Noah and Shane want to be sure their clients know everything they need to know before getting body art.

“One of the things we do is be very conscious about telling people to be aware of what kind of tattoo they’re getting and where they’re getting it. We sometimes talk people out of tattoos,” Noah said. “The biggest things they have to understand, especially the younger ones, if you get something on your forearm, you’ve just cut 50 percent of your jobs out.”

He went on to say the placement of the art is vital. The body is not like a piece of paper so the design won’t be flat. All the movement and shape of the body part must be considered.

There’s much more to a tattoo than just the memory of a special time.

Janet added. “I have seen him turn young men away, saying I know you have a newborn baby at that house, and that baby needs diapers and formula. You do that, and if you have enough left, you come back.”

Noah smiles at his wife’s comment.

“I’m real big about that,” Noah said. “I don’t like to and typically don’t ever tattoo anyone under 18, even though Florida law says they can do it at 16 with parental consent.”

The couple attends Oxford Assembly and also belongs to the Alliance of Christian Tattooers. They like to think the studio is a special place.

“It’s a mission field, but it’s what we love to do,” Noah said.

24 YEARS SERVING ALL OF LAKE COUNTY

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VISIT OUR STORE 4580 NORTH HIGHWAY 19A MT. DORA, FL 32757 PHONE: 352.357.0080

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ASHLEY

On the scene // social spotlight Where you want to be

LAISSEZ LES

BON TEMPS ROULEZ LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL STORY: LEIGH NEELY

Partying in the street is not limited to New Orleans.

Leesburg’s Mardi Gras celebration has become a premier event that most residents anticipate with delight. As always, there’s family fun with activities and parades for kids and pets along with the ultimate event that has everyone dancing in the street.

Like Christmas, Mardi Gras is a whole season, not just one day. The dates of these events are calculated based on the first Sunday after the full moon following a spring equinox. Fat Tuesday marks the day before Ash Wednesday and gets its name from the overindulgence practiced the day before Lent begins, which ends Easter Sunday.

The colors of Mardi Gras have significance, too. Purple stands for justice; gold symbolizes power; and green is for faith. These colors are prevalent in costumes, floats, beads, and other elements of the season.

When the Leesburg Partnership planned its first Mardi Gras, they started from scratch. “I actually had to go to New Orleans to learn about it,” said Joseph Shipes, executive director of the Partnership. “We even had our own Mardi Gras store in the old days.”

Carman Cullen-Batt was the director of development at the Partnership in those days, and she said it was a group effort that has proven a boon for Leesburg. “I knew we needed a mid-winter event, and Mardi Gras was perfect.

We developed something that is a family-friendly event during the day and at night is very entertaining.” Carman is now executive director of the Educational Foundation of Lake County and plans the yearly Renaissance Faire.

The four parties prior to the big parade down Main Street provide an opportunity for candidates running for King Rex and Queen Divine to earn votes and raise funds. The

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PHOTOS: Shutterstock.com

candidates for Queen Divine are Moneca Monroe, Kelly Owensby, and Mandy Wettstein Talmage. Those vying for the title of King Rex are J. Matt Maddox, John Malik Jr., and Matt Tatton. The king and queen who raise the most money are crowned in a special ceremony. Money raised by the candidates is used to fund various events in Leesburg throughout the year.

“It’s important to come out and support the candidates at these parties,” said Joanie Smalley, chairperson of the promotions committee. “You can vote for any and all of them at every event.”

The final big party is The Crowning Ball, which will be at the Leesburg National Guard Armory, featuring the well-known band from Jacksonville, Kai Alece & Company.

All of this leads up to the big day and 12 nonstop hours of fun, food, and festivities. The 19th annual Mardi Gras Party in the Street, which is from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., will feature jugglers, stilt walkers, face painting, balloons, beads, and general madness.

Events during the day include the Kid’s Parade (11 a.m.) and the Pet Parade (2 p.m.). When darkness falls, the vivid colors of the Main Street Parade (7 p.m.) light the night with floats, beads, and the royal couple— King Rex and Queen Divine.

“We’re always learning, always adding new things, and making it better,” Joe said. “It’s a year-round process that ends in fun.”

SUICIDE KARAOKE & BOWLING

LEESBURG’S GOT TALENT

Thur., Jan. 7, 6 p.m. $5 ViaPort Entertainment 10401 Hwy. 441

Thur., Jan. 28, 6 p.m., $5 Starlight Ballroom Dance & Center 414 W. Main St.

PAST ROYALTY QUEEN DIVINE

KING REX

1998 Amelia Carlton Barbara Mittermaier Betty Richardson Desiree Coleman Hope Lamb Sherry Stewart Carman Cullen Rosemary Purdum

Joe Best

1999 Linda Grizzard

Gus Grizzard

2000 Joyce Hughes

Howard Welchel

2001 Cindy Clark

Steve Knowles

2002 Monica Leedom

Marc Matthews

2003 Shawn Gray

Nick Anagnostou

2004 Chastity Hooks

Skellie Morris

2005 Lee Ann Gilson

Jim Miller

2006 Luciana Beck

Bob Bone

2007 Jeannea Strickland Brandon English 2008 Alice Coleman

Jerry Galbreath

2009 Sandra Turner

Bill Wonus

2010 Erin Diaz

J. Scott Berry

2011 Joyce Huey

Al Cardiello

2012 Beatrix Isaacs

Patrick O’Donnell

2013 Jamie Fredericks

Doug Akers

2014 Lena Williams

Paul Richards

2015 Jayme Johnson

Rick Yokuty

REVERSE DRAW Wed., Feb. 3, 6 p.m., $5 Leesburg Opera House 108 S. 5th St.

19TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL: A CROWNING EVENT Fri., Feb. 5, 6 p.m., $50 Leesburg National Guard Armory 440 W. Meadow St.

19TH ANNUAL PARTY IN THE STREET Sat., Feb. 6, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

MAIN STREET PARADE Sat., Feb. 6, 7 p.m.

Main St.

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On the scene // out+about A travel companion for points near and far

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA:

BISCUIT CAPITAL OF THE SOUTH What’s more Southern than a buttered biscuit? How about baseball?

Alabama’s capital city is home to the Montgomery Biscuits, the Class AA affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, and this Southern city is a rising destination for baseball fans, history buffs and, of course, biscuit aficionados.

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS PHOTOS: TONY+MARY ANN DESANTIS+ PROVIDED BY MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU

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W

hen I was a child in the 1960s, Montgomery, Ala., was in the news often. It seemed to be the epicenter for civil rights protests and ugly confrontations. Fast forward 50 years, though, and you’ll find a revitalized city that has embraced its historical roots—both the good and the

PREVIOUS PAGE: The “Welcome To Riverfront” sign shines brightly in

the Montgomery night. THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Get your visit started at the visitors’ center in the old Union Station; travel as in the old days aboard the “Harriott II” riverboat; learn more about the civil rights movement at the Rosa Parks Museum and Library; Montgomery’s “Capital Cool” can be found at the hot entertainment district known as “The Alley”; interior of Union Station.

bad—and has become a model for tolerance. Montgomery folks describe their city as “Capital Cool” with its thriving arts community, family-oriented attractions, and a growing epicurean scene, which includes biscuits of all shapes and flavors.

Frankly, Montgomery had not been

on my list for weekend getaways but that changed after a brief visit in the spring. I was so impressed with the city’s entertainment district and museum offerings that I quickly arranged to return. Later, but not surprisingly, I learned that USA Today Travel voted Montgomery as America’s Most Historic City.

Running through the heart of downtown is the Alabama River, which made Montgomery into one of the South’s most prosperous cities prior to the War Between the States. The 19th century ambiance flows right to the riverbank where the Harriott II Riverboat is docked, awaiting visitors who want to experience a paddlewheeler like many Montgomery cotton merchants probably did. Towering above

the river is Union Station, the former train depot that now houses a visitors’ center where you can rent bikes to explore the city and get maps for all of the sites that have enriched Montgomery for over two centuries.

MODERN-DAY HISTORY

Montgomery has several museums dedicated to civil rights events that were significant not only to Alabama but to the nation. One of the best is the Rosa Parks Museum and Library, located on the site where Parks was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus. The full-size bus replica and a restored 1955 Chevy Station Wagon were highlights in the museum that fully explained how “these were ordinary people cast into extraordinary circumstances.”

Just down from the state capitol building is the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor for six years.

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THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): The Dexter Avenue King Memo-

rial Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor for six years; Civil Rights Memorial Center and the memorial designed by Maya Lin, who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.; Blount Cultural Park, home to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre; Hank William’s baby blue Cadillac; an exhibit of records at the Hank Williams Museum; downtown Montgomery.

The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church remains an active church, but you can still see Dr. King’s office if you reserve a tour. Continue around the corner to the Civil Rights Memorial Center on Washington Avenue to see the black granite memorial designed by Maya Lin, who also designed the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. If you are looking for some Florida connections to Alabama, head to the nearby Museum of Alabama, where you will find several in the Alabama Voices exhibit – most notably Chief Osceola.

Born in Alabama, Osceola fled to Florida where he led the Seminole resistance.

Montgomery also has strong musical and literary roots as well. Nat King Cole was born there in 1919 and his childhood home is currently being renovated.

Country music fans will get a kick out of the Hank Williams Museum, where you

can see the Montgomery native’s baby blue Cadillac – unfortunately, the one he died in – as well as his elaborate costumes and other memorabilia. I particularly liked the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in the Old Cloverdale neighborhood near downtown. Most people are surprised to learn the Gatsby author lived in Montgomery, where his wife grew up. The house is filled with books and memorabilia showing the couple’s extravagant lifestyle as well as Zelda’s quite colorful paintings.

If time allows, spend a day at the tranquil Blount Cultural Park to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, where you can see more of Zelda’s artwork as well as iconic pieces by Edward Hopper and Mary Cassatt. In the same park is the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre, which produces 14 world-class shows annually with repertoires that include not only Shakespearean works but also Disney productions and Broadway plays.

BASEBALL AND BISCUITS

The people of Montgomery love their Biscuits. Win or lose, the fireworks at the Riverfront Stadium are a nightly event when the Montgomery Biscuits finish a home game. Even if you aren’t in town to attend a game, be sure to stop by the “Biscuit Basket” in the team’s historic building, which was formerly a railroad depot, a Confederate prison, and an early 20th century hotel. The shop

BISCUIT FEST

TRAVEL

TIP

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is scheduled for May 11 when the Montgomery Biscuits play the Tennessee Smokies. You’ll find all kinds of creative twists on biscuits, including dessert biscuits and the current fan favorite, Chicken & Biscuits. For information about the team, visit biscuitsbaseball.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

12 former Montgomery Biscuits players are now on Tampa Rays roster, including Evan Longoria, Jake Faria, and Desmond Jennings.

More than 60 former Biscuits now play for Major League teams.

reportedly had sales of over $1 million in 2004 – its first year – due to the team’s unique name and mascot – a biscuit lovin’ beast named “Mo.” In case you are wondering, biscuits are definitely hot sellers at home games.

Montgomery is a walkable city so you won’t feel guilty about sampling all those biscuits as well as very upscale dining options. “The Alley,” a multi-venue stretch along the Riverwalk area, serves as a cornerstone for the downtown redevelopment that began in 2010. The former brick warehouses are home to an eclectic assortment of impressive restaurants, including Dreamland Bar-B-Que and Central, where you’ll find savory Southern cuisine and an exquisite wine list. If you are in the Old Cloverdale area, you’ll want to check out A&P Social, an upscale restaurant built on the site of an old A&P Grocery Store. Chef Miguel Figueroa puts a new spin on Southern classics like pimento cheese and collard greens.

If you are looking for biscuits to eat, start the day at Liger’s Bakery. “Everyone

THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Riverwalk Stadium, home to the

Montgomery Biscuits; Debra Morrison, the “Biscuit Lady” and her take-home biscuits from “Debra’s Lunch to Go”; “Mo” the biscuitloving mascot to the hometown baseball team; The historic building at Riverwalk stadium was once a railroad depot; You’ll always find “biscuits in the oven” at the Biscuit Basket souvenir shop.

who grew up around here, knows about Liger’s delicious cheese biscuits,” says Montgomery native Meg Lewis.

“The Curb Market,” is Montgomery’s version of a Saturday morning farmers’ market near the capitol building on Madison Avenue. Tucked in the back corner is Debra’s Lunch to Go, where Debra Morrison makes fresh biscuits you can take home to warm up. The only problem is that the biscuits are so delicious you’ll never get out of the parking lot with them.

ABOUT THE WRITER Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with a first place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Travel Writing in 2012 and a second place Travel Writing Award in 2015.

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On the scene // Hi, society!

TASHA ROBINSON

A TRIPLE CROWN EVENT

It was a night for “Hats, Horses, and Hope” as the 2015 Cattle Baron’s Ball celebrated with a “Derby Day Schedule.” DJ Fred and The Dan Story Band provided music for the evening, and guests of the VIP Reception enjoyed Tasha Robinson, harpist for The Ocala Symphony Orchestra. With chance drawings, a silent auction, and the live auction, those who attended had many opportunities to take home the many items donated by caring sponsors. At the end of the evening, everyone went “Back to the Paddock” knowing significant funds were raised for the American Cancer Society.

JUSTIN AND PENNY CUMBO

DR. KAY DESAI, DR. PETE DESAI, AND PAULA LIU, RN OF SOUTH LAKE HOSPITAL

MATT AND BECKY BEACH ANGELA AND QUENTIN BOONE SUE AND BOB WOODARD

MICHELLE AND BRIAN CURRIE WITH KRISTEN REEVES

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STEVE MAGNUSON, WALT BAUM, AND KATHY MAGNUSON

ANGIE TAYLOR AND KIRK MALONE

.com

BILL BARRON AND KRISTY GREENWOOD

BAILEY INDUSTRIES

VLB BOARD MEMBERS MADELINE ROUSSEAU, AMY ROBERTS, AND EMILY & SCOTT HARTLEIN OF RBOI

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

TB FINANCIAL LAUREN GSTALDER, TAMI DION, AND LISA HONIG

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On the scene // Hi, society!

SUPERLATIVE GRADUATES

The Lake-Sumter State College Alumni Association announced the winners of the fourth annual Distinguished Alumni/LSSC Hall of Fame awards banquet at Mission Inn. This event honored a select group of outstanding alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Presented by the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation, Inc., and sponsored by Insight Credit Union, the dinner was also a fundraiser for the CHRISTOPHER DESMARAIS, ALLISON PALMER, foundation. The financial goal of the evening was met, and surpassed. JAZZY MONTGOMERY, AND NATHAN JAMESON CARMAN CULLEN-BATT, LISA JOHNSON, CHUCK JOHNSON, AND RICH BILLINGS

SCOTT AND BETH LARSON

ISAAC DEAS AND EMILY LEE PENNY JENNESS, CASSI MILLER, AND SEAN JENNESS

THEO AND LINDA BOBB

KEN AND CINDY LAROE

STEVEN AND ASHLEY NEWMAN, "NEWMAN”, AND ROSANNE BRANDEBURG

PHOTOS: JOSHUA DOSS

ROXZEL SOTO AND ERIN O’STEEN-LEWIN

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On the scene // Hi, society!

NOELLE AND BILL VANDERBRINK

NETWORKING UNDER THE OAKS

This socializing and networking event for business professionals was hosted by The Grand Oaks and held in the American Gallery of the Carriage Museum, in Lady Lake. It was sponsored by The American Cancer Society and Florida Wedding DJ’s.

CHAD DRIGGERS AND TC COUGILL

KEITH ADEE AND HEIDI RESSLER MALINA JEWELL

SHANNON HENRY AND JAMES HENRY WITH BETTY SALAS

MORGAN AND POLLY WATSON

VERONICA BARNES WITH ELLA AND TRAVIS BOWERSOX

VALERIE HAZELDEN AND DENI BUETOW

NIKKI RYAN AND ROBYN DONNELLY

PHOTOS: JOSHUA DOSS

CHRISTINE GLEESON AND BOB GERSH

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SINUS PROBLEMS?

Get relief from chronic sinus conditions, allergies, headaches, pain and pressure.

• Lake Ear, Nose & Throat is the area’s leader in the minimally invasive Balloon Sinuplasty® procedure • In-office procedure for qualified patients, local/topical anesthesia, limited downtime • Most insurances accepted

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On the scene // Hi, society!

PAYING TRIBUTE

Residents of assisted living and memory care facilities in Lake County and The Villages gathered at Mission Inn Resort and Club for the “King and Queen Luncheon,” presented by Cornerstone Hospice. Staff from each facility and their representative king and queen enjoyed lunch and entertainment. The event was held in conjunction with National Assisted Living Week.

BARRY, WILLIAM, AND DEBBIE WALLACE LYNN FOOTE

BETTY HERMAN, ZULAIKA OLIVERAS, AND MICKEY HARRELL

JOHN MATOWIK, TONYA BOLLING, AND DOROTHY MATOWIK BUDDY AND CATHY BUIE

SUSAN AND "POP" SAUNDERS

PHOTOS: RON VANDEVANDER

TERRY CRISLIP, JOHN LAPHAM, MILDRED WILSON, AND EDI CRISLIP

DON GILLOTTI, SHAU CHANG, JEWELL BENNETT, AMANDA WEED, AND HENNIE CHANDLER

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JOIN US FOR THIS

SPECIAL EVENT LAKE BUSINESS MAGAZINE & LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENT

DAVID VAN DE VELDE FOUNDER OF “KETEL ONE VODKA” AND “VAN GOGH VODKA”

Dave is an entrepreneur who has excelled in creating multiple businesses from the ground up.

He will be sharing his story and offering marketing advice that helped him get to where he is today.

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JANUARY 28, 2016 CALL NOW TO RSVP

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Free ImageLift seminars are being held at the following locations in November and December. Meet the doctor and enjoy free food, books, *drawings and door prizes. *RAFFLE DRAWINGS AWARD FREE FILLER TREATMENTS, A $1200 VALUE!

FREE IMAGELIFT BOOK for first 20 callers!

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January 5th January 12th January 21st February 2nd February 9th February 18th February 23rd

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PROMO CODE “STYLE” Filler Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift office Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages Seminar at the Holiday Inn, Ocala Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages Filler Luncheon at The Villages ImageLift office Seminar at the Citrus Hills Country Club, Hernando Seminar at the Waterfront Inn, The Villages

*Patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hrs of responding to ad for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

Dr. Castellano

THE VILLAGES // 8630 East County Road 466 877.346.2435 // www.IMAGELIFT.com

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a down-toearth urologist with 33 years of experience in treating men with prostate problems in Lake County. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.” “When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him.

Lastly, I teach him his treatment options.

If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly

evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive, office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radio frequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 2,400 patients with this procedure.

“Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than 20 years)

you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D. Board Certified Urologist Practicing in Lake County for over 33 years with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

For more information, contact

PHYSICIANS FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE 920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201 Lady Lake, FL 32159

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1585 Santa Barbara Blvd., Suite B, The Villages tricountypodiatry.net // 352.259.1919 MEDICAL & SURGICAL TREATMENT OF: • Bunions and Hammertoes • Corns • Morton’s Neuromas • Ingrown Nails and Warts • Heel and Arch Pain • Thick, Painful Toenails • Foot Injuries • Diabetic & Geriatric Foot Care • Sports Medicine • Orthotics • Diabetic Shoes • Numbness/Tingling of Feet

FOOTC A R E F OR PE OPL E OF A L L AG E S W I T H AC T I V E LIFEST Y LES.

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HWY 441 / EUSTIS FL 32726 WWW.VGCHEVY.COM 352.343.2400

SEE OUR LATEST VIDEO

THANK YOU, DONNA! YOUR KIND WORDS CONTINUALLY INSPIRE US TO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THANKS LAKE COUNTY FOR 35 YEARS OF SUPPORT!

d a water pump replaced that was under warranty and the service was very fast and we were kept well informed. • Our service rep, Brad Bai s very efficient and courteous. • Quick service on Volt. Had a water pump replaced that was under warranty and the service was very fast an were kept well informed.

• Our serviceYOU’LL rep, BradLIKE BaileyBETTER was veryTHAN efficientOUR and courteous.

• Quick serviceEXPERIENCE on Volt. Excellent job…staff is WHERE THE ONLY THING PRICE IS THE BUYING ITSELF entive. • Lenny was great to work with and was on top of my service. • We have experienced all facets of your dealership. We had our old viced there and Brad Bailey was great and the reason we came to VG when we decided to buy a new vehicle. Our salesman Mike Bradner wa nding and explored every option to get us the price we wanted. Tony, in Finance was also great. All in all the best car buying experience we h d in a long while. We would highly recommend VG to anybody. • Service dept got the truck in and out in record time. Everyone is always v fessonal and friendly. • Doug Tutin always delivers, my father deals with him and so do I. Our family will always use him for our vehicle ne Wayne was amazing and I will go back to him and Vann Gannaway Chevy for future vehicles. Have already began recommending to friends. alership ever. • Doug Tutin is by far the most courteous and helpful salesman I have met. His kindness, no pressure tactics and great deme de for the most pleasant car buying/leasing experience. Great asset to your company. Will refer “At andVann will come back! •I know Rick and Gannaway, so Tony made l very comfortable andIconfi dent about buying my new truck. They both went out of their way to many make itofatheir greatnames, experience!

WHAT HAVE TO SAY like Thank Joe you Rick a y! • Roc did an excellentGANNAWAY job on my car. • The time was finally right for a me and I am VERYand happy with my purchase the experience.

Bonnie.

They’re not and pushy ABOUT VANN ch so that I brought my mother in today and we got her a new Chevy as well. Thank you to Dougand andalways Tony (fiexplain nance) complicated for making this a stream DONNA CAREY SANFORD, d pleasurable experience. • Rick was greatFLwith being patient on the amount of time needed tothings make aso purchase.

• Wow! What a differenc I understand.” visiting other dealers in the area. Everyone was very friendly and helpful without being pushy to sell something. Thank you very much! • G ndly service. They’ll get the job done when they tell you. • My husband and I traded in our 2011 Silverado for a new 2015 Silverado. This i purchase with Delores Herman at Vann Gannaway Chevrolet and as always was a great experience. I recommend this dealership for any car needs. • Awesome experience. Delores did an excellent job showing us vehicles and helping us make a good decision. • Once again th Vann Gannaway went out of their way to repair the shifter in my Corvette. They got the parts overnighted and had me back in the car the next s very pleased with the the sevice manager as well as the techs. • I needed a new key FOB and didn’t have an appointment but Dwayne and k care of me right away. Can’t say enough about the quality of service and the friendliness of sales at this dealership. I would highly recomm • Service was great! Brad in service took care of me and Melvin made sure I was taken care of. Yolanda in Accessories took care of getting dshield tinted since my sunvisor was not long enough. I love the great service I always receive at Vann Gannaway! I am so very glad I boug from them! God bless them all! • This is the best place to buy a car and have a car serviced. My sales rep (Joe Kauk) and my mechanic (S

237 West 4th Ave. Suite 2 * Mount Dora, FL 32757 * 352-383-3600 We are located in the Arbors & Eyebrows complex at the corner of Alexander and 4th Ave. in Historic Downtown Mount Dora.

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25 Years Serving Lake and Sumter Counties 352.530.2875

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WE TREAT THE PERSON, NOT THE SYMPTOMS w w w. c e n t r a l f l o r i d a p m r. c o m

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eats QUICK BITES SALUTE DINING GUIDE

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EATS // QUICK BITES Bits and Bites of Food in the News

Cooking with Giacomo World-renowned Chef Giacomo offers the finest in cooking class experience at Ricciardi’s Italian Table.

Held at Ricciardi’s Italian Table, Chef Giacomo Guagliardo has all the ingredients: demonstrations focused on technique with dashes of personal tips blended with enchanting charisma for a fun, engaging, and informative class.

The class is for the avid home cook and food enthusiast from beginner to advanced. Giacomo understands the majority of students wish to learn technique and tidbits to entertain during their own dinner parties.

Born in Palermo, Sicily, Giacomo is a graduate chef from the Instituto Alberghiero School of Culinary Arts / Hotel & Restaurant Administration from the Universita degli Studi di Palermo.

His culinary experience is worldwide. He was executive chef for Embassy Suite hotels in Miami/ Fort Lauderdale and opened Saluté and Roselli’s. He then debuted his own restaurants: Nick’s Tomato Pie and Giacomo’s Tomato & Basil, both in Jupiter. He served as director of the Italian fast-food chain Sbarro, where he opened restaurants around the world, including places such as Egypt, the Middle East, Central and South America, India, and Russia.

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Afterward, he was in Orlando to develop, design, and open Sbarro’s full-service Italian concept: Carmelas of Brooklyn. He moved to Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Winter Park to revamp the operation of the Mitchell’s Fish Market brand, where he met the owners of Ricciardi’s Italian Table, Joe Liguori, and his father, Michael “Pops” Liguori.

Giacomo became executive chef, general manager, and director of operations at Ricciardi’s.

.com

Regarding the cooking class, “When Chef Giacomo came onboard, it came into fruition,” said Joe. “He has tons of experience in cooking, doing classes, presentations, and TV. It made it much easier to make it happen.”

“I knew Giacomo was fully capable; it is his element,” said Joe of Giacomo’s class. “He does very well, and it has been a huge success for us.”

Rare Athens NY Restaurant in Spanish Springs Town Square closed last month. The owners said the lease ended and, though they hoped for renewal, it did not happen.

They opened Flapjack Johnny’s in Groveland and Apopka. Anyone holding a gift card from the restaurant can contact them by emailing them at athensnyrestaurant@ yahoo.com for a refund. This is the second closing in Spanish Springs in the last month. Luigino’s closed in October.

Rachel Ray

Rachel Ray has a new cookbook out titled “Everyone Is Italian On Sundays.” While most of us are more than willing to get on board with this policy, her usual habit of refraining from signing her books is a little harder to swallow. Lucky for customers of Mount Dora’s Barrel of Books and Games, the store recently got special permission to have her sign some copies at a Central Florida event. If you aren’t on their mailing list, you might still be able to snag a copy. Pay a visit to Barrel of Books and Games, 128 W. 4th Ave. in Mount Dora.

Cheese,

they’re

featuring

fondue

The familiar restaurant at the corner of U.S. 441 and Hwy. 19 has reopened. A new sign says Lakeside Stone Grill, features seafood, steaks, and “fondue!” The restaurant is serving every day from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

YEE-HAW! RUSTLE UP SOME STEAK! A new Texas Roadhouse restaurant on U.S. Hwy. 27/441 near Sam’s Club is on track to open in March.

Serving dinner only, the restaurant will have 20 fulland part-time employees and will open seven days a week from 3–11 p.m.

SPROUTING NEW IDEAS FOR GOOD EATING

Coleslaw, that roast beef sandwich, and your favorite cornbread recipe, none of them are the same without mayonnaise. Cutting this key ingredient in our favorite foods is one New Year’s adjustment a lot of Southerners just aren’t willing to make. However, a company out of San Francisco may have our taste buds duped. Hampton Creek Foods has introduced Just Mayo, a product made entirely from plants. How does it stand against big dogs like Hellmann’s and Duke’s? Well, I bet your Grannie would never know the difference. You can also find Just Cookie Dough in supermarkets, and a yummy egg substitute is in the works to make your omelet guilt-free, too!

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EATS // salutĂŠ A worldly look at wine

Some bottles of wine definitely improve over time, but how do you know which ones are worth saving?

STORY: MARY ANN DESANTIS

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SOURCE: www.mowinecellar.com/the-best-types-of-wine-to-cellar

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f you received several bottles of wine as Christmas gifts, or if you bought too many for your holiday parties, you may consider storing a few for the future. Wines change as they age: some become extraordinary over time while others become dull and flat. How do you determine which ones to hold and which ones to drink now?

The wine-aging secret is to understand tannins — the backbone of good wines. Tannins are a natural preservative that comes from a grape’s skins, pits, and stems, as well as the wood the wines are aged in, such as oak. The best description I have for highly tannic wines is “astringent.”

Some folks love the astringent or tangy taste of young wines; others, like myself, do not. I prefer the smoother tannins that are a result of aging. Wines that begin with low tannins, however, will lose their complexity as they age, and the result is not what the winemakers had hoped to deliver to the consumer.

If you are lucky enough to own a wine that has been aged properly, you may be in for a special treat when you finally decide to drink it. Just ask Jill Frederick who recently opened a 1984 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet from Napa Valley for friends. Dunn Vineyards produces wines that are intended to be held for years, so it was no surprise that the taste was exquisite.

When Jill and her late husband, Charles, closed their California restaurant in the late 1980s, they had

a lot of leftover wine. They shipped many of their favorites — along with a 700-bottle wine vault that had been in the restaurant — to their new home in The Villages. She never intended to be a collector, but she certainly has some bottles that commercial collectors would love to get their hands on — like a 1975 Lynch Bages Bordeaux from Medoc.

Jill still has the wine vault although the numbers of bottles have dwindled over the years, and not because she’s a big drinker. Instead, she donates bottles to charity events for wine auctions.

“I don’t drink by myself. If I have a really great steak, I might open a bottle,” she says. “I definitely prefer aged wines when I do have a glass.”

She learned about wines by asking questions and, of course, by drinking them at wine tastings.

“My husband and I wanted to concentrate on wines in our restaurant, so we asked a lot of questions and made a lot of trips to wineries,” she says. “Our distributors arranged little trips to wineries where we could taste different wines.”

Jill advises wine lovers to get a wine refrigerator to store wines, even if it’s only for a few weeks because Florida’s climate can be devastating to improperly stored wines. As far as knowing what to buy, she says, “Find a good wine retailer, and they will recommend wines that can be held for years.”

ABOUT THE WRITER Living in Italy was the catalyst for Mary Ann DeSantis to understand more about wine, and she now enjoys sharing what she’s learned. Since 2010, Saluté has covered topics for oenophiles of all levels — from novice wine drinkers to experienced connoisseurs. The column received a 2014 Florida Magazine Association Silver Award for Best Department and a 2012 Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award for Commentary.

HOW LONG IS TOO LONG? Check the vintage (year grapes were harvested) on the bottle labels. ModernWineCellar.com offers the following suggestions for how long to keep common types of wines past the vintage year:

• Beaujolais – 0 to 3 years • Beaujolais Nouveau – drink as soon as possible • Bordeaux, Red – 5 to 20 years • Bordeaux, White – 4 to 10 years • Cabernet Sauvignon – 5 to 15 years • Champagne, non-Vintage – 0 to 2 years • Champagne, Vintage – 5 to 10 years • Chianti – 0 to 7 years • Chardonnay – 0 to 5 years • Merlot – 2 to 8 years • Gewurztraminer – 0 to 4 years • Pinot Noir – 0 to 5 years • Port, non-vintage, tawny, etc. – 0 to 5 years • Port, Vintage – 10-20+ years • Rioja – 4 to 10 years • Riesling – 3 to 20 years • Sangiovese and Barolo – 5 to 10 years • Sauternes and other sweet whites – 5 to 15 years • Sauvignon Blanc – 0 to 2 years • Shiraz – 5 to 12 years • Vouvray – 0 to 5 years • Zinfandel, Red – 5 to 10 years • Zinfandel, White – 0 to 1 years

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Charley’s Grilled Subs 421 N West St. 352.568.1186 $

Calabria Ristorante 13900 County Road 455 407.656.5144 $$

Chuck’s Odd Cuples Café 117 W Belt Ave 352.568.0408 $

Cheeser’s Palace 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431 $

Coyote Rojo 2082 W. CR 48 352.569.0302 $$ Critic’s Choice 8032 CR 476B, 352.568.0008 $ Hong Kong Restaurants 2229 W CR 48 (352) 568-888 $$ Howie’s Family Restaurant 840 N. Main St. 352.793.8582 $ Market Street Gardens 311 N. Market St. 352.568.0100 $$ Mia Plaza Pizzeria 6092 CR 609 352.793.4418 $

Astatula Race Car Diner 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940 $

Astor Sparky’s Place 24646 State Road 40 352.759.3551 $$ Sterling Restaurant & Lounge 23525 State Road 40 352.759.3833 $$

Bushnell Angelotti’s Pizza 920 N Main St. 352.569.0446 $ Beef O’Bradys 2586 W. CR 48 352.568.7000 $

IN YOUR CITY

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 2684 W. CR 48 352.569.0200 $ TJ’s Family Restaurant 412 W. Belt Ave 352.793.8877 $$ Waffle House 2571 W CR 48 352.793.5656 $ Waller’s Restaurant 138 Bushnell Plaza 352.793.2592 $ Whistle Stop Café 311 N. Market St. 352.568.7667 $$

Clermont Akina Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion Bistro 4300 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.8988 $$$

Flippers Pizzeria 2523 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.242.2214 $$ G’s NY Pizza 12346 Roper Blvd.

352.243.8900 $$$ Green Garden 1790 E. Hwy. 50 352.243.2077 $$ Legends Grille & Tavern 1700 Legendary Blvd.

352.242.1910 $$$ Lyn’s Ice Cream & Sandwich Shoppe 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935 $ Napolis Pizzeria 556 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.243.7500 $$ Robata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar 1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688 $$ Rusty Fox 649 12th St. 352.394.3333 $$ Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club Restaurant 2601 Diamond Club Dr. 352.243.0411 $$ Spiro’s Pizza 1203 W. Hwy. 50 352.394.5538 $$ Sugar Mama’s Bake Shoppe 648 Eighth St. 352.241.9738 $$ Troy’s Cuban & Deli 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 $$

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

Eustis 1884 Restaurant & Bar 12 East Magnolia Ave. 1.800.856.1884 $$ Barnwood BBQ 50 W. Orange Ave. 352.630.4903 $$ Cafe Gianni 119 N. Bay St. 352.589.1402 $$ Dam Smoker Barbeque 36721 County Road 19A 352.357.6555 $$ Double Take Pizza 403 N. Grove St. 352.343.0990 $$ El Korita Mexican Restaurant 256 W. Ardice Ave. 352.483.0355 $ Jeannie’s Place 209 E. Gottsche Ave. 352.357.0027 $ Kiku Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 15211 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.483.8288 $$$ King’s Taste Bar-B-Que 503 Palmetto St. 352.589.0404 $$ La Mandarina Mexican Restaurant 1401 Orange Ave. 352.357.2487 $$

Taki’s Pizza House 2824 S. Bay St. 352.357.0022 $$ Thai Sushi America 925 N. Bay St. 352.357.1949 $$ The Crazy Gator 402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885 $$ The Great Pizza Company 23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377 $$ The Oyster Troff 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939 $$$ Tony’s Pizza & Subs 2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001 $$

Kid’s Menu

Lady Lake Harbor Hills Country Club 6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000 $$$ Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 504 S. U.S. Hwy. 441/27 352.753.2722 $$ Texas Stockyard BBQ 360 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.750.5229 $$

Leesburg Bloom’s Baking House and Restaurant 610 W. Main St. 352.787.1004 $$

Fruitland Park

Cousin Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant 10700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.2442 $

Fruitland Park Café 3180 US Hwy. 441/27 352.435.4575 $

Cedar River Seafood 8609 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.728.3377 $$

Legends Cafe 2468 U.S. Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park 352.728.0006 $$

Gator Bay Bar & Grill 10320 County Road 44 352.365.2177 $$

Groveland Red Wing Restaurant 12500 S. State Road 33 352.429.2997 $$$

Howey-inthe-Hills

Olivia’s Coffee House & Bistro 113 N. Bay St. 352.357.1887 $

JB Boondocks Bar & Grill 704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600 $$

Rhythms Bar & Restaurant 12 S. Bay St. 720.318.5492 $

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s El Conquistador 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Stavro’s & Sons of Eustis 2100 W. County Road 44 352.589.9100 $$

Mission Inn Resort & Club’s Nickers 10400 County Rd. 48 352.324.3101 $$$$

Habaneros 3 Mexican Restaurant 10601 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.315.1777 $$ HP Grill 1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006 $ Kountry Kitchen 1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852 $ Lilly’s Super Subs 2339 County Road 473 352.343.4663 $ Magnolia’s Oyster Bar 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093 $$ Naples Italian Restaurant 1107 W. North Blvd.

352.323.1616 $$

Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Osaka 1401 Citrus Blvd.

352.728.0788 $$ San Juan Mexican Restaurant 1341 S. 14th St. 352.787.7575 $$ Stavros Pizza 755 N. 14th St. 352.326.4202 $$ Takis Pizza Restaurant 1324 W. North Blvd.

352.787.2344 $$ The Florida Porch Café 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717 $$ The Latin Cafe 400 N. 14th St. 352.365.0089 $$ Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe 410 W Main St 352.435.9107 $$ Vic’s Catering 352.728.8989 $$$$

Mascotte Rainbow Restaurant 704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093 $$

Minneola Jack’s Barbecue 100 S. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.2673 $ Lil Anthony’s Pizza 205 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 352.394.1516 $$ Tiki Bar & Grill 508 S. Main Ave. 352.394.2232 $$

Mount Dora Anthony’s Pizza 17195 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.357.6668 $

CONTINUED

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

1884 RESTAURANT AND BAR

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–12A.M. // LUNCH, DINNER, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 12 EAST MAGNOLIA AVENUE, EUSTIS // 1.800.856.1884 // WWW.1884RESTAURANTANDBAR.COM Located in the historic Ferran’s building in downtown Eustis, 1884 Restaurant and Bar is a must for all to discover. The restaurant, which is open from 11am to Midnight 7 days a week, has everything from Boar’s Head wraps and pressed sandwiches at lunch to hand-cut filets and the signature double-bone, two-inch thick pork chop at dinner. Sushi Bar on Friday and Saturday nights and all day Sunday!

With more than 10,000 square feet, 1884 can accommodate an intimate dinner for two to a private event in one of the 3 semi private rooms.

Diners can also enjoy the full-service bar while ordering custom craft cocktails and eight rotating beers on tap. “Wine Down Wednesday” features $4 house wines. By using the most local and fresh ingredients, the chefs and bartenders will amaze you with their talent.

Dinner and daily specials begining at 5 pm with happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30. No doubt, there’s something for everyone at 1884. This restaurant has won in 4 categories for the 2015 Lake and Sumter Style’s Hot list: Best server - Shelly Jaggers, Best bartender - Chelsea Harkness, Best Cocktail, and Best Girls Night Out. They were also named as Open Table’s Restaurant of the Month.

Call 1.800.856.1884 to reserve your table or book your party now. Join the email list at www.1884restaurantandbar.com to be the first to know of all specials, entertainers and events.

BARNWOOD BBQ AND COUNTRY KITCHEN 50 W. ORANGE AVE., EUSTIS. // 352.630.4903 // WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM

Mouth-watering barbecue. A family-like atmosphere. Old-fashioned service. Those are three qualities that patrons of Barnwood BBQ and Country Kitchen in Eustis experience upon each visit. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus have discovered that the recipe behind delicious barbecue is cooking meats low and slow over smoldering wood. That method has served them well, both for their restaurant and food truck business. Diners can also purchase Barnwood’s delicious, award-winning barbecue sauces and special seasonings. Popular breakfast items include a ham-and-cheese omelet, smoked sausage omelet, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and a variety of breakfast combinations. The restaurant’s equally delicious lunch items include a three-rib sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, beef brisket platter, smoked country sausage platter, mushroom Swiss burger, and grilled Reuben sandwich. Burgers, soups, and salads are also available. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Barnwood’s popular desserts, which include fruit cobbler and dark-chocolate brownies.

Judges Choice Best Entree for our pulled pork 2014 and 2015 at the Taste of Triangle Food Event.

HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 7A.M. TO 3P.M. LOCATION: 50 W. ORANGE AVE. IN EUSTIS. CONTACT: 352.630.4903 OR VISIT WWW.BARNWOODBBQ.COM.

COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: 11A.M.–9P.M. // FOOD, SPIRITS, MUSIC, SPORTS 10700 U.S. HWY. 441, LEESBURG // 352.253.2442 // WWW.CVINNIES.COM

Cousin Vinnie’s is located on U.S. Hwy. 441 across from Lake Square Mall. Owner “Cousin” Vinnie Vittoria and his family have created a unique atmosphere by combining a sports bar with a family restaurant. As soon as you walk into Vinnie’s you will immediately notice why they are famous for outstanding comfort food and service! They also have been voted BEST WINGS in Lake County 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Additional menu items offered are killer ½ lb. burgers, personal pan pizzas, amazing ribeye cheese steaks, healthy wheat wraps, fresh homemade salads, chicken strips that totally melt in your mouth, 16 awesome appetizers and their signature deep fried Ice Cream and Snickers Bars! Every Monday is “Texas Hold’em” from 6–10p.m. Tuesday night is “Family Night” from 4–8p.m. when kids 12-and-under eat free.

Wednesday night is “Trivia Night” when the fun starts at 6:30p.m. with prizes given to the top 3 teams.

Thursday night is “Karaoke Night” where everyone is a star! There is no better place on the weekends to see who hoists the trophy or takes home the checkered flag. Cousin Vinnie’s also offers, free Wi-Fi, great music and an enthusiastic staff, ready to exceed your expectations. Vinnie’s has been open almost seven years, if you have never been there… it is absolutely time for you to check it out!

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

dining Beauclaire Restaurant at Lakeside Inn 100 N. Alexander St. 352.383.4101 $$$

Operation Deep Freeze Custard 140A West 5 Avenue 352.735.8269 $

Blackbear Smokehouse 18750 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.2327 $$

Palm Tree Grille 351 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1936 $$

Bocce Pizzeria 925 E. First Ave. 352.385.0067 $

Pisces Rising 239 W. Fourth Ave. 352.385.2669 $$$

Cecile’s French Corner 237 W. Fourth Ave. 352.383.7100 $$

PizzAmore’ 722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092 $

Cody’s on 4th Cafe 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 $

Saucy Spoon Catering & Bistro 427 S. Highland St. 352.383.1050 $$$

Copacabana Cuban Cafe 320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000 $$

Sidelines Sport Eatery 315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433 $

Cupcake Delights 122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200 $

Sugarboo’s Bar-B-Que 1305 N. Grandview St. 352.735.7675 $

Highland Street Café 185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446 $

The Frog and Monkey Pub 411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936 $$

Incredible Edible Cakes 4295 W. Old Hwy. 441, Suite 2 352.223.3581 $ Ivory’s Take Out 1325 N. Grandview St. 352.735.6797 $ Jeremiah’s 500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444 $ Lisa’s Kitchen 3201 N. Hwy. 19A 352.383.9338 $$ Mount Dora Pizza & Subs 2718 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.5303 $ One Flight Up - Coffee, Dessert & Wine Bar 440 N. Donnelly St., Suite 100 352.758.9818 $

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IN YOUR CITY

Whales Tale Fish House 2720 W. Old. U.S. Hwy. 441 352.385.1500 $$ Zellie’s Pub 4025 N. U.S. Hwy. 19A 352.483.3855 $$

Sorrento Del Franco Pizza Place 31436 County Rd. 437 352.383.8882 $ Gi Gi’s 25444 State Road 46 352.735.4000 $$ Lisa’s Country Cafe 23911 State Road 46 352.735.3380 $

Summerfield Francesco’s Italian Ristorante and Stone Fire Pizza 16770 South U.S. Hwy. 441 352.693.2008 $$

Tavares

The Garden Gate Tea Room 142 E. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2158 $$

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant 2270 Vindale Rd. 352.343.2757 $$

The Goblin Market 331-B Donnely St. 352.735.0059 $$$

Buzzard Beach Grill 12423 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.253.5267 $$

The Health Basket of Mount Dora 18834 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.735.1166 $$

Casa Mia Cafe 505 W Main St 352.742.9940 $

$: $5 – $14 $$: $15 – $24 $$$: $25 – $40 $$$$: $40+

O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 115 S Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157 $$

Chengs Chinese and Sushi Restaurant 4050 Wedgewood Ln. 352.391.9678 $$

Ruby Street Grille 221 E. Ruby St. 352.742.7829 $$

Buddy’s BBQ 1210 N. Main St. 352.330.0338 $$

China Gourmet III 343 Colony Blvd 352.750.4965 $

Palmer Legends Country Club 1635 Palmer Way 352.391.9939 $$

China Jade 420 W. CR 44 352.330.5913 $

Sinbad’s of Lake County 1050 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.6669 $$

City Fire Brownwood Paddock Square 352.561.2078 $$

RedSauce 1000 Canal St. 352.750.2930 $$

Sunrise Grill 462 E. Burleigh Blvd.

352.343.7744 $

Olive Garden 3680 Wedgewood Ln. 352.259.0304 $$

Ricciardi’s Italian Table 3660 Kiessel Rd. 352.391.9938 $$

The Hideaway 11912 Lane Park Rd. 352.343.3585 $$

Evans Prairie Country Club 1825 Evans Prairie Trail 352.750.2225 $$

Sakura 265 Colony Blvd 352.205.7393 $$

Zac’s Pressed for Time Cafe 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. 352.253.4663 $

Umatilla Old Crow Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41100 State Road 19 352.669.3922 $ The Mason Jar 37534 State Rd. 19 352.589.2535 $$

The Villages Bob Evans 2199 Parr Dr. 352.259.1224 $ Bonefish Grill 3580 Wedgewood Ln. 352.674.9292 $$

Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill 297 Colony Blvd 352.751.0400 $$ Glenview Champions Country Club 3194 Glenview Rd 352.753.0077 $$ Hemingway’s at Havana 2484 Odell Circle 352.753.1475 $$$ Las Tapas Brownwood Paddock Square 352.399.5516 $$ The Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez Country Club 17135 Buena Vista Blvd.

352.753.1475 $$$

Bonifay Country Club 1033 Pinellas Place 352.205.7455 $$

The Lighthouse Point Bar and Grille 925 Lakeshore Dr. 352.753.7800 $$

Village Coffee Pot 425 Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 $

Lake Dora Sushi & Sake 227 E. Main St. 352.343.6313 $$

Cane Garden Country Club 1726 Bailey Trail 352.750.0627 $$

Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant and Bar 320 Colony Blvd.

352.753.3824 $$

Wasabi Buffet 16700 U.S. Hwy. 441 352.383.7016 $$

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen 15945 County Road 448 352.343.6823 $

Carrabba’s 650 U.S. Hwy. 441 N 352.430.1304 $$

NYPD Pizzeria 4046 Wedgwood Ln 352.750.1994 $$

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Beer, Wine or Cocktails

Outback Steakhouse 710 N. Hwy 441 352.430.2590 $$

Hurricane Dockside Grill 3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137 $$

The Windsor Rose English Tea Room 142 W. Fourth Ave. 352.735.2551 $$

Kid’s Menu

Scooples 2718 Brownwood Blvd 352.750.6263 $ Square One Burgers & Bar 2542 Burnsed Blvd.

352.689.2191 $$ Takis Greek and Italian Restaurant 13761 U.S. Hwy. 441 N. 352.430.3630 $$ TooJay’s 1129 Canal St. 352.430.0410 $ Toscani’s Deli and Pizzeria 8760 SE Mulberry Ln. 352.693.2237 $$ VKI Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 1004 Old Mill Run 352.259.9887 $$

Wildwood Aztec’s Mexican Restaurant 348 Shopping Center Dr. 352.748.2250 $ Beef O’ Bradys 840 S. Main St. 352.689.0048 $

Cotillion Southern Café 101 N. Main St. 352.748.1223 $$ Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.4288 $$ Mel’s Island Café 901 Industrial Dr. 352.748.4105 $$ O’Shucks!

Oyster Bar and Grill 1016 S Main St. 352.399.2200 $$ Polly’s Pantry 819 S. Main St. 352.330.4002 $$ Rita’s Oyster Bar 346 Shopping Center Dr. 352.399.2987 $$ T Weston’s Smokehouse 1210 N. Main St. 352.748.9378 $$ Traditions Café 3107 Hwy. 44 352.748.1077 $$ Woody’s Bar-B-Q 1220 S. Main St. 352.748.1109 $$

Yalaha Yalaha Bakery 8210 County Road 48 352.324.3366 $$

EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

THE GOBLIN MARKET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 331-B DONNELLY STREET (REAR ALLEY), MOUNT DORA 352.735.0059 // WWW.GOBLINMARKETRESTAURANT.COM

Nestled on a back alley in downtown Mount Dora, the Goblin Market Restaurant has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996. The restaurant, housed in a renovated warehouse, features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a full-service lounge furnished in soothing, muted tones with tasteful modern art. The private, tree-shaded courtyard and garden patio are open year-round for al fresco dining. Low lighting and “new age” music add the finishing touches to the restaurant’s casual elegance. Owners Vince and Janis Guzinski embrace a simple philosophy of offering the highest-quality products, served in a unique and romantic atmosphere by a personable and attentive staff.

The Goblin Market’s wine list and menu represent a refreshing mix of ideas from its culinary team. The diversified origins and background of each member ensure exciting menu offerings and nightly selections.

HOURS OF OPERATION: LUNCH: TUESDAY–SATURDAY 11A.M.–3:00P.M. DINNER: TUESDAY–THURSDAY 5–9P.M., FRIDAY–SATURDAY 5–10P.M., SUNDAY 11A.M.–3:30P.M.

JOIN US FOR OUR NEW “LIGHTER FARE” DINNER MENU, GOURMET SOUPS, SALADS, AND SANDWICHES. TUESDAY– THURSDAY FROM 3–9P.M. (REGULAR DINNER MENU ALSO AVAILABLE).

SUBWAY

WWW.SUBWAY.COM Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads made right before your eyes. The “healthy” alternative to fast food.

LADY LAKE // 208 W. Guava St. // 352.750.4929 EUSTIS // 469 Plaza Dr. // 352.357.7827 MOUNT DORA // 18870 U.S. Hwy. 441 // 352.735.4376 LEESBURG // 2013 Citrus Blvd. // 352.787.6442 10135 U.S. Hwy. 441, Suite 4 // 352.326.3234 27405 U.S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4 // 352.314.8847 THE VILLAGES // 1580 Bella Cruz Drive // 352.750.9600 8796 S.E. 165th Mulberry Lane // 352.750.9991 1070 Lake Sumter Landing Drive // 352.205.8535 349 Colony Blvd. // 352.391.1657 WILDWOOD // 480 W. Gulf to Alantic Hwy. // 352.748.8800 HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY–SATURDAY SUNDAY

10A.M.–10P.M. 10A.M.–9P.M.

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL 118 WEST RUBY ST. TAVARES // 352.508.5783

A fun-filled dining experience and delicious food await patrons at Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill. Owner Chris Clark serves up tasty Key West-inspired food such as homemade crab cake sandwiches, mahi tacos, fresh oysters, and try our chargrilled oysters. Daily specials are also offered, including $0.50 wings, $3.99 a dozen middle neck clams and $4.99 a dozen top neck clams on Monday, $2 tacos on Tuesday, peel-and-eat shrimp for $9.99 on Wednesday, $18.99 angus choice prime rib dinner on Thursday, and discounted buckets of oysters on Sunday. Happy hour is all day, everyday. Diners can also sit at the horseshoe-shaped oyster bar and see how shucking oysters is an art form.

HOURS OF OPERATION 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. OR LATER FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

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EATS // dining guide Destinations of good taste

ZAC’S PRESSED FOR TIME CAFE 505 W. MAIN ST., TAVARES 352.253.4663 // WWW.ZACSPRESSEDFORTIME.COM

Situated in beautiful downtown Tavares across Main Street from the Lake County Courthouse, Zac’s Pressed for Time Café is a popular casual dining restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. Zac’s offers indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate every season and the widely diverse menu is flavored to suit all tastes. Homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, breakfast skillets, burgers, Cuban sandwiches, quesadillas, turkey melts and fresh salads are a few of the customer favorites. Daily specials are available including the crowd-pleasing pot roast sandwich with mashed potatoes, black beans & rice and steak tacos! Have a group to feed? Zac’s has a private dining room, which can hold up to 20 of your closest friends or business associates.

HOURS OF OPERATION: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR RESTAURANT IN OUR DINING SECTION?

CALL US AT 352.787.4112

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No Duck Left Behind $10,000 in prizes

Rubber Ducky Race Grand Prize: $5000 College Scholarship and Carnival Proceeds benefit Lake County Schools Saturday, March 5, 2016 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Wooton Park, Tavares

Duck Adoptions on sale at participating schools January 18th.

1 for $5 or 3 for $10 Or order on-line at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016educational-foundation-no-duck-left-behind-rubberduck-race-tickets-19930394346 Learn the Duck Dance and win prizes! More information at www.facebook.com/noduckleftbehindrace

www.edfoundationlake.com

// 352-326-1265 //

follow us on facebook

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y and treated more quickly than at any other center.

t

Final thought // leigh neely

NO-BAKE GRANDMA Eating out is one of my favorite activities. I always wanted one of those stoves from the old joke. You remember, right?

When the wife turns the dial on her stove, instead of the oven coming on, it goes to Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Red Lobster, and so on. That stove would have been my idea of heaven.

Don’t get me wrong. I did cook, and my family tends to like whatever I prepare. My wonderful husband seldom says he doesn’t like what I serve, but he has, on more than one occasion, said, “I’m not sure I’d want that again.” The kitchen was never the place I called home. Cooking was something I did to feed my husband and three children, and like everything else I do, I made sure it came out right…almost all the time.

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My first attempt at baking a cake was such a disaster that I threw the crumbly mess out the backdoor. Because we only had one car, I then walked to the grocery store, bought a box of cake mix, and made my husband the cake I promised him would be there for dinner.

My mother-in-law never used a cake mix during her 87 years of living, and I loved that about her, but I didn’t aspire to follow her example.

Unlike me, my mother thought home cooking was the ideal. When we traveled with our sons for baseball tournaments, she would take her trusty electric skillet and prepare food in the motel room for herself and my dad. My family joined other team families at local restaurants. True story.

I did ensure that my daughter and

both my sons knew how to cook. I always encouraged them to be independent and self-sufficient. They all succeeded and I’ve enjoyed meals prepared by all of them. My daughter is a masterful baker, and her cakes, pies, and cupcakes are always big hits at family gatherings. My favorite cookies to bake are the peanut butter cookie dough from the grocery store with a miniature Reese’s Pieces stuck in the middle. Hey, my grandkids love them.

These days it’s just my husband and me, and we know all the good restaurants in town. I usually cook on Saturday afternoon, but after being married more than 40 years, I’ve become a master at shortcuts in the kitchen. I have lots of good cookbooks because, after all, I’m an avid reader.

Old Florida Charm,

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GATED, FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY • CUSTOMIZABLE FLOOR PLANS • FUN AMENITIES

LIFE IS JUST RIGHT IN BEAUTIFUL GREEN KEY VILLAGE. JOIN US.

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www.greenkeyvillage.com January 20 16

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ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST AND MOST LUXURIOUS TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS.

OVER 94,500 TOYOTAS SOLD SINCE 1978! WITH A STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICE DEPARTMENT, A FULL-SERVICE SALON AND A CAFÉ.

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