Venice, FL October 2020

O C TO B E R 2 02 0

A LLE G RO B I STRO R EO PE N S W ITH ZU PPA D I PE SC E !

LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E VEN I C E YAC H T C LU B SERVES U P FI N E D RI N KS & FARE FOOD + DRINK VEN I C E'S OWN B RE WB U RG ERS B RI N GS H O M E T H E BAC O N

IT’S NEVER TOO L AT E TO H AVE A

beautiful smile

1218 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL. 34285

(941) 488-1075 venicedentist.com We want to reassure our patients & community that we continue to provide a safe treatment environment and will do our best to accommodate Dr. Frank Lewicki | Dr. Brent Beyer | Dr. Charles Davis

Emergencies Welcome

all comprehensive, preventative & emergency dental procedures during the COVID-19 health crisis.

New off ice protocols to promote social distancing and safe practices are in place.

Park & Call upon arrival.

“What

surprised us the most?”

It took us some time getting used to not doing all the chores we used to do! Something as simple as changing a battery—they take care of everything here.

We’re also surprised how quickly we got over living in our big house—within a week! We also didn’t realize how much care they offer.

We never have to move again!

—

Ed & Carolyn Boudreaux Actual Resident Quote

Surprise yourself at Village On The Isle—Venice’s ideal island retirement destination and only community offering a true Life Plan.

Get to know Village On The Isle and our lively, maintenance-free lifestyle. You simply can’t find a services-plus-amenities package like ours anywhere else in Venice. What will surprise you the most about us? We invite you to find out!

Join us at our upcoming events or schedule a personal tour. Call (941) 275-2732 or visit www.villageontheisle.com/surprise OIR #88005

920 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, FL 34285

LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Charmaine Tincher | charmaine.tincher@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Tony D'Souza | tony.dsouza@lifestylepubs.com

Let’s Eat!

Virginia LaPlante | virginia.laplante@lifestylepubs.com

OH, VENICE, ARE YOU IN FOR A TREAT! This month is all about food—the prettiest,

Matthew Endersbe

trendiest, newest and tastiest foods we can find.

ACCO UNT MANAGER

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and find yourself eating the same things each day. We get it; we’re all busy, and we have our go-to meals that we know will feed the family for the whole week. We return to our favorite restaurants and order our favorite dish every time because we know it is always amazing.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony D'Souza CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Stephanie Snow Photography, Prion Photography

But, this month, it is time to branch out and tantalize your taste buds. Try something new; you might find a fresh staple to add to the rotation. And we’re here to point you in the right direction.

Over at the Venice Yacht Club, Executive Chef Josh Arent offers a wide array of exciting and delicious plates from fine dining in the Main Dining Room, to more trendy and casual fare in Pearson’s Cove and the Tiki Bar. Next, Nella Valenti and family at Allegro Bistro crafted a delicious and beautiful Zuppa Di Pesce that graces our front cover in a lovely photograph

by Stephanie Snow. Nella is so happy to again be serving her faithful customers at Allegro Bistro, and it really shows in the hospitality and quality of the restaurant’s service and food.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

We have a little fun with our good friend Michael Bacon at his two Brewburgers

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

locations this month, putting a spotlight on his affection for bacon-themed cloth-

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ing. Venice Lifestyle offers a big Thank You! to MaryBeth Hansen and everyone at

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Paradise Grill for the thousands of free meals they have prepared and given to the

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

community over the past five months.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Lastly, we’ve highlighted a few local destinations where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll in nature after a great meal: Myakka State Park, Sleeping Turtles Preserves and Spanish Point. Consider taking a packed lunch along from any of the restaurants in these pages!

All have employed pandemic safety practices to keep everyone healthy and well-fed.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Happy eating, Venice!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA

ON THE COVER Allegro Bistro’s Zuppa Di Pesce by Chef Frank Rossitto. The popular dish features clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and calamari over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

“People love it, we sell a ton,” says Chef Frank.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE SNOW 4

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

Charmaine Tincher, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Venice Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Venice areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Venice Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2020 FEATURES 14 Welcome Back To Allegro Bistro!

The Beloved Italian Restaurant Reopens Ready To Serve Its Guests

24 Paradise Grill Gives & Gives The Nokomis Eatery Has Donated Thousands Of Free Meals To Our Community Since The Beginning Of The Pandemic

28 Bringing Home The Bacon Brewburgers' Michael Bacon Dresses To Impress At Community Events

32 Venice Yacht Club's Great Vibe The Venice Yacht Club's Renovated Tiki Bar Is Considered One Of The

14 24

Best In The State Explains General Manager Bruce Furman

28

32

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Hot Spot

18

Road Trip

24 Giving Back 28 Local Limelight 32 City Scene

Life is Simple...

JustAdd Water!

THE VENICE YACHT CLUB

Social Events • Casual & Formal Dining Options Poolside Tiki Bar • Marina Youth Sailing • Fitness Classes • Social Clubs Kids Activities • Curbside & Dockside Carry Out

Reciprocal Privileges with 35 Yacht Clubs in the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs

The Venice Yacht Club is Currently Accepting New Members to our Club Call 941-488-7708 x 113 or email vycmembership@veniceyachtclub.com for information or to set up a tour.

Visit www.veniceyachtclub.com for our history, newsletter, calendar and more!

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Businesses Of The Year The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce held its 41st annual Business of the Year Awards Luncheon on Friday, August 7th with a luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club. Five businesses and one employee were honored this year at the event, including Classic Creations In Diamonds & Gold's Camelle Liakakos, a great friend of Venice Lifestyle. Congrats everyone! Venicechamber.com

5.

4.

6.

7.

8.

10.

11.

9.

12.

1. Camelle Liakakos -Employee of the Year Winner | 2. Angela Snyder and Nick Choat | 3. David Fouche - J2 Solutions Service & Retail Winner | 4. Kathy Lehner and Tony Moore | 5. Home Instead Senior Care | 6. Laurel Civic Association - Non-Profit Winner | 7. J2 Solutions - Service & Retail Winner | 8. Lori Stephens LLC - Professional & Financial Winner | 9. Michael Fluker - Laurel Civic Association Non-Profit Winner | 10. Mike Levine and his wife Lisa | 11. Justin & Cheri Pachota - Venice Pier Group, Sharky’s, Fins, Snook Haven- Hospitality & Tourism Winner | 12. The Venice Pier Group, Fins, Sharky’s, Snook Haven 8

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

Celebrating One Year in Business

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Irma's Tacos, Craft Beer and Tequila Bar Grand Opening Owner Tommy Villani celebrated the grand opening of Irma's Tacos, Craft Beer & Tequila Bar with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Located in the West Villages Marketplace next to the Publix, this new neighborhood hangout features amazing street and ethnic tacos inspired by Tommy's travels, as well as tequila and a full bar. 12221 Mercado Drive, Venice. 941.681.2348.

Facebook.com/irmastacosÂ

1. The Chamber's Kathy Lehner and Onwer Tommy Villani 10

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

Offering Botox for $9.75/unit or Dysport for $3.25/unit; Hyaluronic Acid Fillers only $499/syringe! (does not include Juvederm Voluma)

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11

AROUND TOWN honored with the 2020 Housing Innovation Award! This is the 5th year the nonprofit's construction team has received this award. The U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home program introduced the Housing Innovation Awards in 2013 to provide national recognition to industry leaders in the Zero Energy Ready Home program. Habitat For Humanity Of South Sarasota County has built nearly 150 houses to date in our area.

280 Alligator Drive, Venice.

Habitatsouthsarasota.org. 941.493.6606

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN TO MEET AT RUMORS OCTOBER 16TH The Business And Professional Women of Englewood and Venice meet at Rumors Wine Shop's tasting room (1807 Englewood Road) on October 16 from 5-8 p.m. The organization’s mission is to ‘achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.’ The Englewood and Venice chapter pursues its mission through a monthly meeting, various fundraising and social events such as its annual golf tournament, and awarding continuing education scholarships to women in need. Pictured are President Syd Gibson and Morina Chmielak.

PO Box 611, Englewood, 34295. Info@bpwev.org.

Bpwev.org

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK RECEIVES DONATION FROM ACHIEVA CREDIT UNION All Faiths Food Bank recently received a $51,747 donation from the Achieva Credit Union in support of COVID-19 response efforts. To help support food banks in the communities it serves throughout west-central Florida during the pandemic, Achieva engaged its members and non-members and the Achieva Foundation in a 30-day donation drive. All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. It provides millions of meals annually through robust programs and partnerships with charitable organizations.

Rated 4-stars by Charity Navigator and a member of Feeding America, in addition to food distribution, All Faiths Food Bank operates a roster of innovative direct service programs that not only

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY WINS HOUSING AWARD Habitat For Humanity Of South Sarasota County is thrilled to announce that it has been 12

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

solve the immediate problem of hunger but strive to end hunger by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, better health outcomes and self-sufficiency. For more information visit Allfaithsfoodbank.org.

VENICE MAINSTREET WELCOMES THREE NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS Venice MainStreet, our community’s nonprofit organization that has promoted Historic Downtown Venice since 1988, is pleased to announce recent partnerships with three area businesses.

Troll Music: A Venice institution, this full-service music store is a great place to find a beautiful instrument or a great music instructor. 520 E. Venice Ave. 941.484.8765. Trollmusic.com Your Paradise Team at Paradise Realty of Venice: ‘Your Hometown Relators In Paradise.’

Let The Paradise Team help you search for your dream home. 101 San Marco Drive, Venice.

941.544.4754. Yourparadiseteam.com.

Business

and

Professional

Women

of

Englewood & Venice: This nonprofit’s mission is to ‘achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.’

Bpwev.org/index.php Venice MainStreet is an accredited Main Street organization through the Florida Main Street Program and Main Street America. It is united with thousands of other Main Street organizations throughout the country, all of which work in a similarly defined “district” of a historic downtown.

Main Streets follow a structured approach called “The Four Point Approach.”

Welcome back Snow Birds Checkout what you've been missing - Awesome designer resort wear In Store or Online at VeniceTwist.com

101 W. Venice Ave., Suite 23, Venice. 941.484.6722.

VisitVeniceFL.org

YOUR SOUR CE FOR ME N’ S & W OMEN ’ S FASHIONS ON THE AVE NUE

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Venice using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

941.786.1025 VeniceTwist.com

137

West Venice Avenue Venice | Florida

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

13

HOT SPOT

THE BELOVED ITALIAN RESTAURANT REOPENS READY TO SERVE ITS GUESTS

The lounge at Allegro Bistro 14

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Welcome Back To Allegro Bistro!

VENICE’S ALLEGRO BISTRO IS BACK TO DOING WHAT IT DOES BEST—SERVING GREAT ITALIAN FOOD IN A FRIENDLY, FAMILY-STYLE ATMOSPHERE—AND OWNER NELLA VALENTI COULD NOT BE HAPPIER. “We are back, Venice!” says the always-welcoming Nella, matron of the extended Valenti family. “It was so difficult to be closed during the pandemic. Cooking for people and serving them is what we do. It is our life’s passion. And suddenly we could not do that. But we put our time to good use, the restaurant and patio are prepared for health and safety, and we are ready to welcome everyone back in a safe manner.”

Allegro Bistro’s food is so very good that one of its specialty dishes, the Zuppa Di Pesche featuring fine clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops and calamari over a bed of perfectly made spaghetti, graces this month’s cover of Venice Lifestyle. Nella and her family have been cooking traditional Italian fare and pizzas for Venice diners for more than three decades, based on techniques and recipes handed down to Nella from her family in Sicily. With a focus on always fresh, always premium ingredients, her entrees are served hot and made-fromscratch by her friendly, excellent staff.

Executive Chef Frank Rossitto—Nella’s brother-in-law—leads in the kitchen and while Nella’s son Gianni Valenti helps manage operations and makes sure guests are perfectly cared for. A true family business, Allegro Bistro is not just known for its food and great drinks, but also for the wonderful neighborhood feel the Valentis have created. Featuring whimsical, warm European décor inside and a spacious, well-appointed patio for open air dining outside, Allegro Bistro is a place anyone lucky enough to dine there will think of as ‘home.’

“For thirty years we have been serving our customers in Venice,” Nella says. “This was the first time that we had to close. We missed our customers so much, and now that they are back, they are telling us the same. We really do think of our customers as family.”

To help everyone stay safe, the restaurant observes social distancing. Come in for favorites like Chicken Allegro, Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan, and handmade gnocchi. Enjoy karaoke on Wednesday evenings, and dancing to the music of The Allegros on weekends.

Welcome back to your favorite Italian cuisine, Venice!

1740 E. Venice Ave., Venice. 941.484.1889. Allegro-Bistro.com CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

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HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

Allegro Bistro's main dining room

“ We a r e b a c k , Ve n i c e ! I t w a s s o d i f f i c u l t t o b e closed during the pandemic. Cooking for people a n d s e r v i n g t h e m i s w h a t w e d o .�

Executive Chef Frank Rossitto, Nella Valenti and Gianni Valenti 16

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

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ROAD TRIP

L o c a l Tr i p s , L o c a l Tr e a s u r e s OUR REGION ABOUNDS WITH NATURAL SPLENDOR AND INTERESTING HISTORY. HERE ARE THREE LOCAL DESTINATIONS FOR INTREPID TRAVELERS. ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

18

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

Children riding bicycles at Myakka State Park

AT 37,000 ACRES, MYAKKA STATE PARK IS NOT ONLY ONE OF FLORIDA’S LARGEST STATE PARKS, IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE OLDEST. After a Great Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps work project there establishing buildings and trails in conjunction with the National Parks Service and the Florida Parks Service from 1934-941, Myakka State Park opened to the public in 1942.

Today, a visit to the park costs just $6 per vehicle, and the park is open to the public 365 days per year, closing everyday at sunset. Inland Florida is so different from the beaches and theme parks that Florida is known for. At Myakka State Park, the visitor sees first hand the sort of topography that confronted Native Americans and early explorers and settlers once they left the friendly beaches on the coasts.

With a six-and-a half mile road through the eastern side of the park (shown here in the main photo), visitors to the park will not have to contend with the acres of impenetrable sawgrass and palmetto that make up the majority of the preserved land. All along the roadway, animal sightings are frequent, from dark and grunting wild hogs, to dainty deer, to flocks of wild turkeys, Myakka State Park is home to most of the wildlife native to Florida.

Every visit to the park is different, dependent on Florida’s ever changing temperature and weather. A rainy, humid summer visit might lead to sightings of flocks of whistling ducks or roseate spoonbills, while a cooler autumn visit can reveal beautiful blooming orchids and snail kites coasting over fields of swamp.

Myakka offers canoe and bicycle rentals, and multiple daily trips on its airboats to visit the preserve’s many extremely large alligators.

The park also features an excellent bird watching boardwalk, as well as a canopy walk that takes visitors high above the park’s tallest trees.

Last year, birders were enthralled by the sudden appearance in the park of a snow goose far out of its normal range. The most intrepid outdoors people can camp in the true wilds at one of the park’s primitive backcountry campsites, while those lucky enough to make reservations far in advance can spend the night in of Myakka’s six rustic sabal palm cabins, built by the CCC. A true gem of our region, Myakka State Park offers quiet and solitude like few other places left in our ever growing paradise.

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota. 941.361.6511. Floridastateparks.org/ parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

19

ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

A Gulf fritillary butterfly

Out on the far end of Venice’s Border Road are a number of preserves, including Sleeping Turtles Preserves North and South, hundreds of acres of pristine land protected in the early 2000s by the county under the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program. These undeveloped preserves on the Myakka River feature miles of walking trails and little else in the way of development.

Great places to fish from the banks for bass while sharing the river with huge alligators, the Sleeping Turtles Preserves are also the home to many birds and butterflies.

Florida, after all, is a butterfly aficionado’s paradise. There are dozens of species to spot, and many of them are large, colorful and dramatic. Typical butterflies to see at the Sleeping Turtles Preserves include the monarch, of course, but also the equally gorgeous Gulf fritillary—which feeds on the native passion vine—and the Great Southern White butterfly—which feeds on wild mustards and cabbage. Also abundant at the preserves are the beautiful cloudless sulphur butterflies—big, fluttery and yellow.

At the Sleeping Turtles Preserves, there are no amenities, as well as no admission fee. The preserves are open from 6 a.m. to sunset, and while the trails can become confusing to follow, the preserves are bordered by fences and private land and it is impossible to become lost. Cell phones do not always maintain reception at the preserves and bug repellant will go a long way in helping the little ones enjoy the hike. Make sure to bring plenty of water and enjoy spotting our gorgeous butterflies! (Butterfly photos by Tony D’Souza) 3462 Border Road, Venice.

A Great Southern White butterfly 20

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

The White Cottage at Spanish Point.

The interior of Mary's Chapel.

Now part of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey is a museum to literally centuries of Florida history. The Spanish Point campus—visited almost daily during season by groups of school children—offers a Native American midden as its signature exhibit, as well as buildings that date to the pioneer days of the late 1800s. The gardens are dedicated to native flora and butterflies, and the beauty of the site makes it a top wedding destination. Open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Spanish Point is a quite, relaxing stop on any southwest Florida itinerary. Not to be missed is the gorgeously reconstructed Mary’s Chapel, now a coveted wedding venue. Pay close attention to the workmanship than went into these finely crafted old buildings. Made of wood, they were built to stand the demanding climate of Florida and offer many insights into the people who lived in them.

337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey. 941.966.5214.

Selby.org.

Mary's Chapel at Historic Spanish Point CityLifestyle.com/Venice

21

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Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

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GIVING BACK

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA

Paradise Grill Gives & Gives

PHOTOGRAPHY PRION PHOTOGRAPHY

THE NOKOMIS EATERY HAS DONATED THOUSANDS OF FREE MEALS TO OUR COMMUNITY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC

WHEN TROUBLE CAME TO OUR COMMUNITY IN THE FORM OF COVID-19, MARYBETH HANSEN, OWNER OF NOKOMIS’S PARADISE GRILL, KNEW JUST WHAT TO DO. Gathering together her faithful Paradise Grill crew and tapping into her vast list of friends, MaryBeth began mustering the manpower and materials to start a major community feeding operation.

Every Friday since the pandemic hit, even those many Fridays when her restaurant was closed because of the shutdown, MaryBeth and her staff prepared hundreds of free chicken dinners for those in our community needing a good meal. They set up in the Paradise Grill parking lot through the spring and summer, and on those ‘free-meal’ Fridays the line sometimes felt like it was endless. Paradise Grill fed hundreds of area residents, no questions asked.

“During the worst of the crisis, we were giving away up to 1200 meals on a single Friday,” MaryBeth says.

“It went down to just a few hundred meals toward the end of summer, but recently the number of families coming in for meals has started ticking up again.”

MaryBeth has been a great friend to Venice Lifestyle, and all of our community. Paradise Grill, a wonderful neighborhood hangout and bar & grill, has given so much back over the years, from toys for tots, to fundraiser car shows, music events, bakeoffs and fishing tournaments, all aimed at supporting local people in need and nonprofit organizations.

“In times like these, our instinct is to give,” MaryBeth says. “So many have donated to the effort, there are so many deserving our thanks for making this possible.”

The meals are available for curbside pick-up between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and include a chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables and desert. On behalf of everyone in our area, Thank You MaryBeth and the whole team at Paradise Grill for all that you do!

Please call Paradise Grill to check the status of Paradise Grill received an award from the Osprey Nokomis Chamber for its charitable giving 24

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

the Friday free meals.

1097 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, 941.786.1524, ParadiseGrillFL.com

Venice Lifestyle thanks MaryBeth Hansen and Paradise Grill for everything she has done for our community!

Paradise Grill's MaryBeth Hansen CityLifestyle.com/Venice

25

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Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

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27

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

BRINGING HOME T H E B AC O N

Brewburgers' Michael Bacon

BREWBURGERS' MICHAEL BACON DRESSES TO IMPRESS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA

28

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

Mr. Bacon in a bacon suit

Liz Bacon in a bacon dress. Mr. Bacon might be wearing bacon shoes, and his shirt says, Bacon.

The delicious offerings at Brewburgers.

MICHAEL BACON’S SUCCESS WITH

in whenever someone in our community

Venice Lifestyle offers you this month a

BREWBURGERS—REPEATEDLY

VOTED

needs support. He’s helped everyone

few examples of our friends Michael and Liz

‘BEST BURGERS IN TOWN’—IS DUE OF

from our high school football players to

Bacon in bacon-themed clothing. And don’t

COURSE TO THE DELICIOUS FOOD HE

our first responders.

forget to visit a Brewburgers location soon

OFFERS. At Brewburgers, you can order

Along with his wife Liz, Michael is a sta-

a mouth-watering burger like the Split

ple at community events, where he often

Decision, a classic one-third-pound bacon

stands out because of what he is wearing—

and American cheeseburger topped with a

bacon themed clothing.

blackened chicken breast and melted pepper jack cheese on a brioche roll.

“When your name is ‘Bacon,’ the clothes

for the great food, fine craft beer, and the chance to meet Mr. Bacon himself!

370 Commercial Court 941.484.2337

find you more often than not,” Michael

But part of his success is because of

says. “People find the bacon-themed

525 Tamiami Trail

how funny and fun-loving he is. Michael

clothes when they are traveling. They know

941.786.3341

cares deeply about our community—

that I can’t live without it, so my wardrobe

that’s why Brewburgers is always pitching

grows by itself!”

Brewburgers.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

29

Full service jewelry repair

140West WestVenice Venice Avenue 140 Avenue 140 WestFlorida Venice 34285 Avenue Venice, 140 West Venice Avenue Venice, Florida 34285 Venice, Florida Florida 34285 Venice, 34285 941.244.9054 941.244.9054 941.244.9054 eyesonyoueyewear.com 941.244.9054 eyesonyoueyewear.com eyesonyoueyewear.com eyesonyoueyewear.com

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REFLECTIONS

In Gold

EST. 1982

1975 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL VENICE, FL 34293

941-493-1911 I ReflectionsInGold.com

@rigjewelry 30

@reflections_in_gold

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

@reflecionsingold941

Karla Blake

MEDICARE SPECIALIST “I love what I do, it is my passion, my job and my ministry.”

+ Licensed Insurance Agent in 12 States + Exceptional Customer Service

Focused on results, true customer service, and superior local knowledge.

• List & sell your home • Resale and new construction home sales • Local resident since 1984 • 25 years of construction and interior design experience My background experience as a Certified Interior Decorator and Home Remodeler is an advantage that helps buyers and sellers alike.

Annual Election Period is from October 15th thru December 7th

She has also spoken for several Kiwanis chapters, retirement homes and businesses to explain the A,B,C & D of Medicare to her audience. She is available to speak with your group too.

Karla is an active member of Venice Mainstreet and the Venice Chamber and was a Finalist for the Chamber’s Business of the Year in 2019 and 2020. Awarded Venice Gondoliers Business Matters Top 40 for 2019.

Scanned by CamScanner

For more information about the local housing market call Liz today.

Liz Van Osdol • 941-445-0089 realtorlizvan@gmail.com

954-612-1754 karlablakemedicarespecialist.com CityLifestyle.com/Venice

31

VENICE YACHT CLUB'S GREAT VIBE

CITY SCENE

32

ARTICLE TONY D'SOUZA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE SNOW PHOTOGRAPHY

THE VENICE YACHT CLUB'S RENOVATED TIKI BAR IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE AT THE VENICE YACHT CLUB. With recent renovations and three dining options at the club’s stunning waterfront location on Robert’s Bay, this Venice institution has tapped into a modern vibe that is drawing in a lively, friendly crowd. Offering three dining experiences for its members—fine dining in the Main Dining Room, sporty-casual Pearson’s Cove, and ultra-relaxed at the rooftop Tiki Bar—the VYC offers a dining and social experience for everyone, always featuring the finest ingredients. Executive Chef Josh Arent rotates his menus regularly, taking advantage of seasonally available delicacies.

“I love the fresh fish he sources,” says VYC General Manager Bruce Furman, CCM (pictured in our Table of Contents). “Chef Josh puts so much care into what he does, he can tell you where and when your fish was caught.

He cooked a delicious wahoo for me that was caught right off Jupiter.” During the pandemic, the club has been paying extraordinary attention to health safety and social distancing at its dining rooms and Tiki Bar, and offering curbside and dockside takeout takeout, including ‘Family Fill-Up’ meals that are both delicious and reasonably priced. It has also added Covid regulations to its handbook, so all 50 employees know just what to do to make guests feel safe.

The VYC has what many consider to be one of the best Tiki Bars in the state, with an incredible view.

“Everyone in the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs loves our Tiki Bar,” says Bruce. “It has been fully updated and is one of the social hubs of the club.”

CONTINUED >

Tiki Bartender Danny Longley finishes making a rum runner

Bristol bay scallops, smoked pecan bacon, roasted corn hash, and charred leek creole remoulade.

The Venice Yacht Club's dining experiences include only the finest ingredients

“Ever yone in the Florida Council o f Ya c h t C l u b s l o v e s o u r T i k i B a r.

Prime ribeye, roasted red bliss potatoes, 10-year balsamic reduction, onion hay and grilled asparagus.

It has been fully updated and is one of the social h u b s o f t h e c l u b .�

Executive Chef Joshua Arent

CityLifestyle.com/Venice

33

CITY SCENE (CONTINUED)

The pool at the Venice Yacht Club

The Tiki Bar

An active, community-oriented club, the VYC offers

“We have an excellent membership at our club,” Bruce

a variety of memberships. While connecting to the

says. “People love coming together here for fine food

water is always the club’s goal, through wine clubs,

and a great time.”

chef’s tables, public service opportunities and more,

34

the true success of the club are the good memories

1330 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice. 941.488.7708.

members make there.

VeniceYachtClub.com

Venice Lifestyle | October 2020

DO YO U NEED TO F E E L

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Prices, terms, and availability are subject to change. Floor plans, photographs, renderings, elevations and sizes are approximate for presentationpurposes only and may vary. Photos by Victoria Dietz.