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Celebrating Fall, Food & Flavor!
Welcome, fall! With the kids back in school with a never-ending list of activities and football and other sports filling our weekends, our cravings shift toward comforting flavors that warm both body and soul. October is one of our most delectable issues of the year, and this month we’re celebrating the food and drink that makes our city such a delight for the senses.
We had the privilege of sitting down with the team at Seafire Grill to learn all about their menu, packed with fresh, luxury ingredients and dishes designed to make your taste buds sing. You’re in for a treat, so get ready to savor every bite! We’ve also included some incredible recipes for you to try at home—perfect whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests.
For me, the smells of fall bring back memories of sitting in my mom’s kitchen. I often think back to the meals she prepared for myself and my family and how much I cherish those memories. The aroma of cinnamon, baked apples, pumpkin pies, and hearty soups fills me with nostalgia. My mom had a great way of bringing us all together with her magic of food. She and my grandmother both did such a great job filling a room with people and a table with food made with love. Everyone being together allowed us to slow down, have a conversation and forget about the distractions of the world around us.
There’s an art to creating a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also stirs memories. Food has a unique way of connecting us to our past while bringing us together in the present. Whether you’re enjoying a meal out with friends or hosting a cozy dinner at home, these shared moments are what make life flavorful.
Enjoy savoring every bite this fall.
Cheers to the memories you make with you and yours!
JoAnn Chang, Amy Walters, Michelle Numann, Michele Northrup, Andrew J. Hewitt
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Naomi Wipert, Jess Glass, Rose Purvee, Lux Content Co., Michele Northrup, Jennifer Parker, Jessica Lazaris, Jason Barsanti, Alexandra Avella, J. David, Nadine B. Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Line dancing fun at The Kangaroo in downtown New Port Richey. 2: The Momma Means Business Back to School Event brought many people together to celebrate. 3: The G2 Community Youth Foundation handed out 278 backpacks filled with school supplies to students! 4 – 7: The 1st Annual Women’s Unity Charity Gala at the Galaxy Hotel brought together female business owners for a night of glam, connection, and giving back.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
ALEXANDRA AVELLA
JESSICA LAZARIS
ALEXANDRA AVELLA
ALEXANDRA AVELLA
JENNIFER PARKER
ALEXANDRA AVELLA
JASON BARSANTI
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Brunch
Harps of Trinity harpsoftrinity101.com | 727.264.6852
First Watch firstwatch.com | 727.291.9944
Sasha’s On The Park haciendahotelnpr.com | 727.845.5621
The Collective at Escape thecollectiveatescape.com | 727.569.7804
SteamWorks Pub steamworksnpr.com | 727.261.6748
Back Draughts Pizza backdraughts.com | 727.940.2323
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Starkey Market starkeymarket.com | 727.375.7606
Sasha’s On The Park haciendahotelnpr.com | 727.845.5621
This Place is Fire
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI WIPERT
Perched on the water’s edge, nestled amongst the sailboats and motor yachts of the marina surrounding it, is a restaurant that has become a destination for diners looking for more than the usual night out. While the waterfront views are unparalleled, somehow, they’re overshadowed by the care and concern of the team behind Seafire Grill. Their focus is no less than the freshest food presented in an elevated yet approachable atmosphere. It’s an ambitious goal –but one they are delivering on.
The path of the man in charge of Seafire’s kitchen, Chef Andrew Kabo, wasn’t direct. Cooking had always been part of his life, influenced by his
SEAFIRE GRILL BRINGS FRESH FLAVORS TO THE FOREFRONT.
“WHEN I WALK INTO THE DINING ROOM, I’M NOT JUST LOOKING AT THE PLATES, I’M LOOKING TO SEE IF PEOPLE ARE TALKING, CONVERSING, ENJOYING THEMSELVES.”
mother and his own passion at home. Having started cooking at age 12, Kabo hesitated to turn it into a career. “I was fearful that if I did professionally what I loved, it would ruin it,” he reflected. “But once I got in the kitchen, it just clicked.”
Seafire launched its original concept in November 2023. But as hurricanes Helene and Milton greatly affected the surrounding residents, Seafire Grill took stock of what the locals truly needed in that moment, restructuring the menu and the dress code, and emerged stronger after the hurricanes. Kabo credits owner Jeff Roberts with trusting him to bring the menu to life. “I wasn’t part of the original concept, but after the storms we wanted to create something for everybody—and to keep it fresh,” he said. “Jeff just lets me go and do whatever I need to do. That freedom is everything.”
That freedom comes with responsibilities. “It’s very expensive nowadays to do what we’re doing,” Kabo admitted. “We’ve been offered big discounts to buy sauces pre-made, but no. Our Pomodoro, our Alfredo—they’re made from scratch every day. That’s who we are.” Delivering a product and experience that allows diners to enjoy amazing food while being captivated in an upscale yet friendly atmosphere. Not every restaurant in the area can make those claims. “Everything around here is the same when it comes to who provides food service to restaurants,” shared Kabo, “It’s the same product, that comes out of a bag or a can. We really pay attention to flavor.” This means the food is prepared fresh and sauces made daily, bringing local ingredients to life by design.
While the menu has evolved, one dish has emerged as Seafire Grill’s signature: the Chilean sea bass. “It’s gone through a few versions,” Kabo explained. “At first, it was more Asian-inspired. Then another chef gave it an Italian chili sauce, but that didn’t quite fit with our clientele. Now it’s a lemon-lemongrass preparation, and it’s the one dish where people say, ‘Wow.’”
Much of Seafire’s success lies in its sourcing. Seafood comes from St. Petersburg, keeping it as local as possible. “Of course, things like Chilean sea bass or cold-water salmon aren’t local,” Kabo explained. “And our lobster comes from Maine because that’s what people want. But where we can, we keep it local.”
Meat sourcing is an ongoing process. “We don’t stick to one supplier,” he said. “We’re always looking for the best quality and best prices. You have to pay attention. Sirloins were more expensive than filet mignon for a while, and no one’s going to tell you that—you have to catch it yourself.”
Even the bread program has been elevated. “We just partnered with a local bakery to bring in fresh dough,” Kabo said. “We proof it here, bake it here. We’ll rotate them out every couple of weeks.”
For Kabo, food is only part of the dining experience. “When I walk into the dining room, I’m not just looking at the plates,” he said. “I’m looking to see if people are talking, conversing, enjoying themselves. Are they on their phones, or are they interacting? That’s what matters to me.”
It’s why he emphasizes the experience over fine dining formality. While Seafire has hosted wine dinners in the past, Kabo is cautious about going too upscale. “We’re trying to move
away from just fine dining,” he explained. Allowing there to be a dish and an experience awaiting every patron.
But behind the food lies an equally important value: teamwork. The chef credits his prep team, many of whom have been with the restaurant since day one. “They’re my backbone,” he said. “They are loyal, they care, and they’ve been here through it all.”
For diners, the polished plates and relaxing atmosphere might suggest a serene process. But inside the kitchen, the reality is far more hectic. “The amount of times my name is called in a day is insane,” Kabo admitted. “I’ve had four people talking to me at once.” Beyond the cooking, there’s constant ordering, managing personalities, and fielding sales calls from vendors. “A lot of people think it’s glorious—but it can be very stressful” This type of care for the staff and the patrons shows the reason Seafire Grill has built a loyal following.
The team at Seafire doesn’t take that trust and loyalty for granted. They are looking to build on it to be the number one waterfront dining destination in New Port Richey and a fixture with the locals for years to come. To learn more about Seafire’s menu, large gathering spaces and all the team has to offer, visit seafire-grill.com .
EMBRACE the Horror
RICHEY SUNCOAST THEATER BRINGS A CLASSIC TO LIFE EACH YEAR.
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESS GLASS & MARK KRANCER
When fall arrives in Florida, we don’t get a break from the heat, but we certainly enjoy all the season offers. This is especially true when Halloween inspires us to embrace the fun of the season – including the annual Rocky Horror Picture Show events held at Richey Suncoast Theater in downtown New Port Richey.
Not every town boasts a local jewel like Richey Suncoast Theater. The theater first opened its doors as the Thomas Meighan Theater on July 1, 1926. “Thomas Meighan was the George Clooney of silent films. He had a house here in New Port Richey, and he at the time was trying to get all of his buddies to come down, and it was a draw,” shared Richey Suncoast Theater Creative Director, Jess Glass.
In the 1970s, a group of local citizens bought the iconic building and turned it into a community theater, and Richey Suncoast Theater as we know it today was born. They expanded the theater to allow for more stage space and dressing rooms for performers. “We’re really lucky that it’s still here. We feel very lucky to be the stewards of Richey Suncoast Theater,” added Glass.
Many throughout the theater’s history have helped make it what it is today. “Willard Clark has a plaque outside. They used to call him Mr. Theater.
“We’re really lucky that it’s still here. We feel very lucky to be the stewards of Richey Suncoast Theater”
— JESS GLASS, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
He was way before my time, but he was just a huge part of the beginnings of Richey Suncoast Theater back in the 70s and 80s,” explained Glass. As time went by, others picked up where Clark and his team left off, continuing to carry the promise of local theater to the next generation. Charlie Skelton and his wife Marie had a hand in the theater’s more recent history, “Charlie and Marie ran the theater in the early 2000s, and he was a huge part in the renovations of the theater and keeping RST alive for several years.” The city of New Port Richey is lucky to have a long history of residents committed to the growth and vitality of the theater.
Today, Richey Suncoast Theater offers many entertainment opportunities, from live music, movies, comedy shows and more. The highlight of their offerings is the theatrical season, showcasing local actors. “Our full season starts in September with Wizard of Oz. It was one of my first community theater shows, so it has a little nostalgia for me. Then we’re doing The Play That Goes Wrong, Something Rotten, Peter and the Starcatchers and we’re finishing the season with Sweeney Todd,” said Glass.
Many locals wait with bated breath each fall for the announcement of the theater’s Rocky Horror Picture Show events. This cult classic film turns 50-yearsold this year, adding to the excitement. “It’s just that wonderful mix of weird and very funny, especially when you have the shadow cast,” shared Glass.
This isn’t merely a movie showing. Those familiar with the annual tradition know these events offer so much more. The excitement starts each fall with auditions in September. “Anybody that wants to be involved can come and audition to be in the ensemble. We select one person per character on the screen, and we have a whole slew of Transylvanians.
We portray the character that’s on the screen as close as possible, which is just really fun. So, it is really more than just a movie. It’s a fully interactive experience,” shared Glass.
“We interact directly with the audience. We come out before the show, sing songs and get them hyped up for the show. Everybody gets to laugh and yell out and learn the ropes of Rocky. We encourage callbacks, which is a huge tradition for Rocky Horror,” explained Glass. The pre-show fun also includes a costume contest at every event, with the winners joining the cast on stage that night. Nearly every ticket sold also includes a bag of props for use during the show to add to the excitement.
As a non-profit, the 100-year-old theater needs community support. “We don’t survive without donations. Ticket sales just simply aren’t enough to keep a place like this running successfully. We do rely on our donors, and we’re always looking for people who want to support the arts in our community,” explained Glass. While funds are essential, there are other ways to support the theater in more tangible ways. Local volunteers do everything from helping in the concession stand and the box office to building sets and making costumes and props. “We’re always looking for volunteers. We would love for people from the community to be part of Richey Suncoast,” offered Glass.
This year’s Rocky Horror Show events will run October 17th-18th and 23rd-25th at 8pm with an additional 6pm show on October 19th. Tickets range from $13.25 for a ticket only to $153.75 for a VIP Box that includes tickets, drinks, popcorn and props for 4 people. Each show is expected to sell out. To learn more about the Rocky Horror events, other show offerings or how you can donate or volunteer, visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com
UNFORGETTABLE nights
Step through the doors of Havana Nights, and it’s as if the clock rewinds. The air is warm with the scent of cigars, the lighting is low and golden, and the quiet strains of jazz drift through the room. It’s a setting that could easily belong to a classic blackand-white film—a place where conversation lingers and the pace of life feels unhurried.
For Rob Khalil, owner of Havana Nights Cigar Lounge, the vision has been a dream in the making for over 15 years. Throughout many years of interest in cigars, he dedicated himself to finding the perfect lounge for his business model. Small unique locations have always held special appeal for him. “I always liked the little boutique places,” he recalls. “Somewhere cozy, classy, and welcoming. I wanted to bring that here.”
The establishment combines classic sophistication with contemporary refinement. According to Khalil, the atmosphere requires a combination of modern elements with traditional ones. “That’s how I planned it—perfectly blended, a mix between a classy, old Los Angeles style and a modern look, seamlessly combined.”
CONTINUED >
Where memorable nights begin.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSE PURVEE/NADINE B. PHOTOGRAPHY
According to Khalil, hospitality is the foundation for developing sophistication. His primary concern is providing white-glove service to all guests, and he ensures that customer service is the biggest priority. The ambiance of the lounge is designed to spark conversation and foster genuine connections between guests. The lighting system provides gentle illumination and sufficient visibility to maintain eye contact between people. Music transitions between jazz and country and occasional retro hits, but maintains a volume that enables easy conversation between guests. According to Khalil, today’s people sit together but spend their time using their phones instead of interacting with each other. “Here, people talk to each other. Friendships form. That’s what I wanted to create.”
The bar space maintains the distinctive elements introduced by Khalil. The bartenders develop two original cocktails each while receiving recognition for their creations through menu name listings. For example, a traditional Old Fashioned with a warm cinnamon twist delivers both familiar and surprising elements to the drink.
Guests who visit Havana Nights for the first time truly respond to the comfortable ambiance Khalil has crafted. “A lot of people tell me it feels like home—so comfortable and relaxing. One time, I was joking with the bartender that we should get a blanket and a pillow for a guest who was so relaxed, he was almost falling asleep on the couch.”
Looking ahead, Khalil focused on preserving the atmosphere that has defined Havana Nights since its opening. “If I can keep it at this level,” he said, “I’m happy.”
Inside Havana Nights, the outside world softens. Conversations stretch, glasses clink gently, and the timeless pleasure of being present takes center stage—like a perfect scene that lingers long after the credits roll.
Havana Nights Cigar Lounge
Havana Nights Cigar Lounge combines classic sophistication with contemporary relaxation. The lounge offers premium cigars and fine spirits with conversation that turns into friendship.
Location: 1346 Epiphany Way, Unit P104, Trinity, Florida 34655
Visit HavanaNightsCigar.com to learn more.
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ANDREW J. HEWITT
PMHNP-BC
the spirits among us
Learn when the time is right to take a pause.
ARTICLE
BY ANDREW J. HEWITT, PMHNP-BC PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Managing a healthy relationship with alcohol doesn’t have to feel like an exorcism. In fact, it starts with something quite grounded, really: self-awareness. While a glass of wine at dinner or a celebratory cocktail may feel harmless, it’s important to notice when alcohol shifts from occasional indulgence to a daily coping tool.
Many of us use alcohol to unwind, connect socially, or distract from stress. But when those reasons become the norm rather than the exception, it’s time to ask— is alcohol still serving me? Research shows that even short breaks, like Dry January or a mindful “reset month,” can improve sleep, mood, energy, and focus. You don’t have to quit forever to experience these benefits.
Simple tools like journaling, setting drinking boundaries, or speaking with a mental health provider can provide clarity, exploring how habits like drinking intersect with anxiety, depression, and personal goals—without judgment.
Your relationship with alcohol should empower you, not haunt you. Whether it’s moderation, a pause, or something more long-term, making conscious choices can help you reconnect with your best self—and that’s a spirit worth celebrating.
To learn more, or schedule a visit with a mental health provider, visit www.caliperwellness.com
Take
Personalized
Estate
Building
Expertise
celebrating strength
A celebration of resilience, compassion, and the power of community.
Every community has moments that bring people together in ways that matter far beyond a single night. For Pasco County, Paint the Night Blue Gala is one of those moments. It’s not just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of resilience, compassion, and the power of a community determined to protect its most vulnerable members, at-risk children.
The gala benefits Pasco Kids First, a local nonprofit with a simple but powerful mission: to keep kids safe, strengthen families, and help families heal from trauma. For families navigating the pain of abuse, addiction, neglect, or other overwhelming challenges, Pasco Kids First is often the first call for help. Their team provides therapy, advocacy, prevention, and education services to make sure no child is left without the care they need.
The gala began with the vision of shining a spotlight on child abuse prevention while also giving the community an opportunity to come together in hope. The color blue, a national symbol of child abuse awareness, became the foundation of the evening. Over time, Paint the Night Blue has grown into the organization’s signature annual event, dubbed the most elegant evening of the year.
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY J. DAVID
While the evening itself is full of sophistication, the real impact happens long after the lights go down. Every dollar raised at the gala translates directly into services that change lives: counseling sessions for children working through trauma, in-home education for parents striving to build safe and nurturing homes, and community-wide prevention programs that stop abuse before it starts.
One example of the impact Pasco Kids First has made was in the life of a young girl who endured years of unimaginable neglect and abuse. For much of her childhood, she lived a nightmare—until the day she arrived at Pasco Kids First. Thanks to access to trauma therapy, funded in part by proceeds from past galas, she slowly began to heal. Session by session, she rebuilt her confidence and found her voice again. Her mother, determined to change their future, enrolled in the organization’s parenting program. There, she learned the tools to create a safe and nurturing home. Today, both mother and daughter are thriving.Their journey is a testament
to the healing power of community support—and the difference each of us can make.
This year’s Paint the Night Blue Gala will once again offer guests an evening to remember. From a refined dinner and live entertainment to baskets filled to the brim with unique finds, the night promises a perfect blend of fun and philanthropy. A stylish reception hour will set the tone, inviting attendees to mingle, celebrate, and reflect on why they’ve gathered—to ensure children across Pasco County have access to the support they deserve.
The gala is just one way to get involved. Businesses can step up as sponsors and become champions for children. You can purchase a ticket, volunteer, or make recurring gifts that sustain Pasco Kids First’s
services year-round. Every contribution creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and safeguards children.
The urgency behind this mission cannot be overstated. With more than 60% of Pasco Kids First’s trauma therapy patients affected by the opioid crisis, prevention and intervention have never been more critical.
The Paint the Night Blue Gala reminds us that while pain exists, so does hope, and hope grows when a community chooses to act together. This is more than an elegant evening out. It’s a commitment to children, families, and a future where every child can feel safe, supported, and free to dream.
To learn more about Paint the Night Blue, visit: pascokidsfirst.org.
SAUCY CEASAR SALAD
ARTICLE BY SAUCYQUEEN AKA MICHELE NORTHRUP
Nothing beats a flavorful Caesar salad— and this takes the classic to the next level.
Bursting with bold flavors from Garlic Goodness and a tangy hit of tarragon vinegar, this dressing blends creamy decadence with a hint of peppery perfection.
ingredients:
• 1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbs *Garlic Goodness Sauce or 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbs good quality ground Dijon mustard
• 1 oz anchovy paste (1/2 tube)
• 1/2 cup parmesan
• 1 tbs fresh ground pepper
• 1/3 cup safflower oil
• 1 cup olive oil
• Add additional pepper & parmesan after tossing
directions:
Step 1. Add ingredients in order into the blender. Blend on low. Add oils slowly to emulsify, creating a creamy dressing that is sure to be a hit!
Step 2. Chill 2 hrs. Makes enough for your next gathering or family weeknight dinner. 10 servings.
Step 3. Serve with good quality or fresh croutons and crisp romaine hearts. Add your favorite protein to complete the meal!
* Garlic Goodness Sauce is available at MADE Artisanal Market on Main Street in downtown New Port Richey.
FAMILY EDUCATION
Circle of Security Parent Workshops
The START Initiative is a family support program designed for families in Pasco and Hernando Counties who want to strengthen their parenting skills and better navigate today’s challenges. We understand how families care about their children’s success and well-being, and we know that parenting during these uncertain times can be stressful.
Introduction to the Circle of Security Workshop where families gain access to helpf ul tools and strategies. Build healthy connections with your children. Receive support to cope with the unique challenges of today’s world now and in the future. Make community connections with other START parents. Can participate by zoom and technology is provided if needed!
Participants receive a free copy of Raising a Secure Child. This book is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.
MONDAYS AT 6:30 pm Oct 6, 13, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17, 20
Convenient right from your Home on Zoom!
To register or for more information, please contact Brenda Mayo at b.mayo@elcph.org.
