Tallahassee Magazine May–June 2022

WHEN THEIR OWNERS ARE AWAY, PETS WILL TEST LIMITS

THE PETS ISSUE

Galen Bodner’s bird house is

flocking awesome

Insects?

Some dog food ingredients are surprising

FAME CATCHES UP

with Surf Dog First the water tower, now he’s Tally Top Pet

WHEN IT COMES TO MY BABY,

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Contents

MAY/JUN 2022

↙

FEATURES

NICOLE WIEDEMANN, DAKINI HOUSE

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(A HOME ALONE PET SERVICE)

TALLY TOP PET

Four rescued dogs that won over their owners’ hearts and settled into forever homes succeeded, too, in winning over voters who participated in Tally Top Pet contest balloting. They make up our “Final Fur” for 2022.

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THE PERILS OF PET SITTING

↓

by HANNAH BURKE and EMMA WITMER

The lives of pet sitters would be a whole lot easier if they could succeed merely by satisfying the cockatoos and cocker spaniels and calico cats placed in their care. But that’s less than half the job. They must additionally deal with the idiosyncrasies and expectations of the pets’ doting owners.

by HANNAH BURKE

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PET GUIDE

In a collection of short stories, experts offer advice on how to go about adopting a pet, traveling with animals you can’t stand to leave behind and meeting your pets’ nutritional needs with complete diets. Plus, we highlight pet-friendly restaurants.

by STEVE BORNHOFT and EMMA WITMER

photography by THE WORKMANS // illustrations by LINDSEY MASTERSON

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Contents

MAY/JUN 2022

37 21

103 21 BIRDMAN Galen Bodner

has a parrot problem.

A teenager who hopes one day to become a physician, Bodner has turned much of the house he shares with his parents into an aviary.

24 SPORTS When a

old stuff as lovingly as it was treated on the day it was made.

42 FASHION Mini, midi,

maxi. Those that float and those that hug the female form. We address the long and short of skirts.

46 TRENDS Turn-of-the-

century fashions are taking another turn in the What’s Hot column.

For anyone who might fear the return of skinny jeans, baggies are good for now.

52 WHAT’S IN STORE

From boho to sentimental to handmade, local retailers offer fashions and accessories that appeal to a variety of tastes.

IN EVERY ISSUE 57 DINING OUT Vegan and

laid-back, The Bark, replete with murals and home to a performance space, appeals to all of the senses in ways that satisfy.

64 DINING IN Blooms

and petals make for unconventional, colorful and tasty pizza toppings, but be sure to wait until after the pizza is baked to add them.

EXPRESSION

103 ART Elementary school

108 MUSIC Three musicians who played together as members of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra form the core of Flat Moon Theory.

112 BOOKS When Robert

Gibbs stopped writing sermons, he turned to poetry.

ABODES

125 FURNISHINGS

art teacher Billy Penn has never escaped his childhood fascination

Pet-friendly home designs include builtin feeding and bathing stations, often located in mudrooms.

PANACHE

37 CITIZEN OF STYLE

The owner of two stores that specialize in vintage furniture and clothing, Jackie Skelding treats

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14 16 154 159 162

with superheroes. As a comic book illustrator, he is bringing largerthan-life figures to life.

GASTRO & GUSTO

66

HOME COOKIN’ Two beginning hot sauce makers are learning by doing and arriving at temperatures that are just right.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER EDITOR’S COLUMN SOCIAL STUDIES DINING GUIDE POSTSCRIPT

WHEN THEIR OWNERS ARE AWAY, PETS WILL TEST LIMITS

Galen Bodner’s bird house is

» XXXXXXXXXXX » XXXXXXXXXXX

the chance to express themselves artistically, prison inmates participating in an art therapy program conducted by FSU tell stories about the trouble they’ve seen and their hopes for the future.

maintenance-free, palm trees benefit by applications of fertilizer and lots of water.

XXXXXXXXXXX

32 CHAMPIONS Given

142 GREEN SCENE Far from

TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE

Tallahassee golf course director spied Kamaiu Johnson mimicking a golf swing with a stick, she saw nothing but potential.

Today, Johnson is a touring professional.

relegated to the attic, newly popular vintage and heirloom china is gracing tables in homes and restaurants.

flocking awesome

THE PETS ISSUE

Insects?

Some dog food ingredients are surprising

FAME

CATCHES UP

with Surf Dog First the water tower, now he’s Tally Top Pet

ON THE COVER:

Surf Dog’s resume grows. Once a free-ranging Wakulla County wanderer, he became so familiar that his name wound up on a water tower and his Facebook page caught fire. Now, he has emerged as the winner of this year’s Tally Top Pet competition, sponsored by North Florida Animal Hospital and benefiting Be The Solution. Surf Dog, by the way, finally submitted to domestication after he was picked up by the operator of an animal rescue operation who mended his rambling ways.

Photo by Dave Barfield

PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS (21, 103), ALICIA OSBORNE (37) AND LINDSEY MASTERSON (66)

323

138 INTERIORS Long

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Contents

MAY/JUN 2022

SPECIAL SECTIONS AND PROMOTIONS

116 132

↑ ATTRACTIVE APPLIANCES

2022

↑ BEST OF TALLAHASSEE Cast your ballot for your favorite local TA

of

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businesses. It’s your opportunity to register appreciation for the highquality services and products that you have come to enjoy.

54

→ GIFT GUIDE

DEAL ESTATE A lake home and an estate home are on the market. Their new owners will enjoy views of Lake Jackson and roam 194 scenic acres.

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↑ PARTNERS FOR PAWS Be The Solution partners with businesses to spay and neuter animals and combat the unwanted pet problem.

CREATIVELY CATERED

Catering Capers enhances any special occasion with food that is always fresh and thoughtfully presented.

NEXT ISSUE

95

VETS & PETS Meet some of our favorite people, the veterinarians who ensure that our pets lead happy and healthy lives.

152

CALENDAR

The summer calendar is crowded with arts festivals and live performances.

Professional Profiles: An introduction to local business owners and leaders.

PROMOTION

10 May-June 2022

Tallahassee Nurseries reminds homeowners that summer is the time to move houseplants outdoors, where they will thrive on sunshine and helpful humidity.

146

Treat yourself and others with an item or pampering treatment from our summertime gift guide.

70

→ PLANTS ON THE MOVE

TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

PHOTO BY LINDSEY MASTERSON (54), FAMVELD / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (92) AND COURTESY OF MAYS-MUNROE (132) AND TALLAHASSEE NURSERIES (144)

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TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE VOL. 45, NO. 3

MAY-JUNE 2022

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BRIAN E. ROWLAND ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MCKENZIE BURLEIGH

EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Steve Bornhoft SENIOR STAFF WRITER Emma Witmer STAFF WRITER Hannah Burke CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marina Brown, David Ekrut, Ph.D., Les Harrison, Rochelle Koff, Rebecca Padgett Frett, Lis King, Jay Revell, Liesel Schmidt

TA L

2021

S E’

SSEE MAGAZ HA IN LA

BEST TA L

of

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CREATIVE

E

VICE PRESIDENT/PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY Daniel Vitter CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Ekrut ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Lindsey Masterson SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNERS Sarah Burger, Shruti Shah GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sierra Thomas CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Black & Hue Photography, Betsy Barfield, Dave Barfield, Michael Booini, Chantel Burdette Photography, John Harrington, Marc Howard Photography, Lindsey Masterson, Nancy O’Brien Sunlight Photos, Alicia Osborne, Saige Roberts, Matt Sauro, Sunset Images, The Workmans

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OPERATIONS CUSTOM PUBLISHING MANAGER Sara Goldfarb CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE/AD SERVICE COORDINATOR Sarah Coven PRODUCTION EDITOR Paige Aigret PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION SPECIALIST Melinda Lanigan STAFF BOOKKEEPER Amber Dennard

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EDITORIAL OFFICE 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. (850) 878-0554 SUBSCRIPTIONS One year (6 issues) is $30. Call (850) 878-0554 or go online to tallahasseemagazine.com.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUBMISSIONS Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Tallahassee Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor.

Copyright May 2022 Tallahassee Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

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May-June 2022

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from the publisher

FOUR-LEGGED STRESS RELIEVERS The benefits of pet ownership are many For this reason, many offices are starting to allow employees to bring dogs to work, and some universities are letting students borrow dogs during stressful times of the year.

» Lower blood pressure: A study of stockbrokers found that having a cat or dog helped lower the spikes in blood pressure that happen when a person is stressed. Another study of hospitalized heart patients found that dogs decreased the patients’ blood pressure by about 10% in the left side of their hearts. » Lower risk of heart attacks: Studies have found that people with cats were 40% less likely to have a fatal heart attack. It’s unclear whether the cat’s calming effects make the difference or whether people who choose cats as pets are less at risk for heart disease to begin with. » Alleviation of depression: The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes animal-assisted therapy as a treatment for depression and other mood disorders. A pet requires its owner to remain active and can help him or her feel less isolated from society. A pet also remains a trusted companion, even when its owner withdraws from friends and family.

» More physical activity: Sixty percent of dog owners who take their dogs for regular walks were considered to get regular moderate or vigorous exercise based on federal standards.

» Allergy prevention: A seven-year study of almost 500 children found that children who were exposed to dogs and cats as babies were half as likely to have allergies and risk factors for asthma as they grew up than those who had no pets. Infants with more than one pet in the home had the lowest risk of allergies.

» Reduced stress levels: Cortisol is a hormone activated by stress, and studies have found that being around animals can decrease cortisol levels.

» Low blood sugar detection: There are specially trained dogs that have been taught to detect drops in blood sugar by smelling. When they

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TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

smell a change, they can alert the person before it becomes dangerous.

» Less risk of stroke: Owning a cat cuts a person’s risk of having a stroke by more than a third. Researchers theorize that petting a cat can lower stress or that the type of people who own cats are more stress-free naturally.

Pets are an investment, yes, but what they return to you in tangible and intangible benefits cannot be expressed in words or measured in dollars. Take it from the owner of a brown lab, Stevie Nicks, and a yellow lab, Cody Bear. I enjoy the ROI they provide every day.

Stay safe,

BRIAN ROWLAND PUBLISHER browland@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY THE WORKMANS

The “Pets Edition” of Tallahassee Magazine is one of my favorite issues of the year. For three years running, we have reserved our May/June cover for the winner of the Tally Top Pet competition, who is determined by readers casting votes in response to photos that we post online.

Like the NCAA Basketball Tournament conducted in March, what we might call Bark Madness begins with 32 contestants. Rounds of balloting narrow the field to 16, then eight, four and two before the overall winner is declared. Voting is brisk. This year, we counted 5,648 votes in total.

We called upon Dave Barfield, who specializes in portraits, to photograph our canine cover boy, Surf Dog, a Wakulla County wanderer until he finally settled down in his forever home with owner Ivanhoe Carroll. Dave is a master at capturing a dog’s best side and character in images and also photographed the other members of the Final Fur at the offices of our generous contest sponsor North Florida Animal Hospital.

Tally Top Pet proceeds go to Be The Solution, a nonprofit whose spay and neuter programs are helping Tallahassee get a handle on the unwanted pet population problem.

If you own a dog or cat, you are at least generally acquainted with the healthful benefits of pet ownership.

Specifically, according to the Animal Health Foundation, they include …

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May-June 2022

15

from the editor

INTERNAL CONFLICT

Evgeniya Stetsenko grew up in the city of Voronezh in Russia near its border with Ukraine.

“As a child, I was exposed to traditions of both countries,” said Stetsenko, whose mother is Russian and whose father is Ukrainian. “I don’t think that one is better than the other.”

She worries about her parents, who remain in Voronezh and are in their late 70s. She has a sister in Moscow. She spoke to her mother after the Russian invasion of Ukraine began and asked what was happening and whether fighting was within earshot.

“She told me she was hearing lots of planes, and outside, it smelled like war,” Stetsenko said. At this writing, telephone conversations remain possible. She otherwise communicates with family using the Viber calling and messaging app.

I spoke to Stetsenko in March. Fighting had begun in Ukraine two weeks earlier and was intensifying. Civilian casualties were mounting.

Eighteen years ago, Stetsenko came to the United States with a student visa and enrolled in classes at Florida State University Panama City, where she earned a degree in communication. I was among her professors there. She has been a U.S. citizen for 10 years. Her daughter, Kelly, is 17.

At present, she is the marketing director for a collection of companies in the flooring and cabinet business.

She commutes 25 miles one way from a place where rents are affordable to her place of work, located in an area where they are not.

“I feel grateful and blessed every day for what I have in life,” Stetsenko said.

She has worked hard for what she has, taking risks, leaving home.

There, fighting among factions — Stetsenko called it “civil war” — has been underway for years, although few people in the West were aware of it. The

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relationship between Ukraine and Russia has been strained since before Joseph Stalin brought about the starvation of millions of Ukrainians in the 1930s.

“This is nothing new, honestly,” Stetsenko said.

She is distrusting of media reports, no matter where they originate. The adage, “Truth is the first casualty of war,” has been attributed to speakers dating to Aeschylus.

“You hear things from media in the U.S., and then I hear from my parents who have heard something else,” Stetsenko said. “There is a large gap in what is said and you go on Twitter or Instagram, and you see pictures and videos, and you don’t know what to believe. You cannot blindly trust everything you see.”

Stetsenko sees parallels between the war in Ukraine and U.S. actions in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.

“The United States, a lot of times it goes to other countries to ‘make peace’ and it is spun to say that we are going there to protect citizens, but nobody asked if they wanted that,” she said. “It’s spun off to everybody as heroism.”

Stetsenko said she does not know what Vladimir Putin’s intentions are or what his end game is. Maybe Putin is calling all the shots, she said, “or maybe it’s someone else who is telling him what the best thing to do is.”

For her, overzealous patriotism, egos and profit taking are all factors in war.

“More than territory, countries for centuries have fought for ports and resources,” Stetsenko said. “The more civilized we’ve become, the more we have tried to find money. Wherever there is war, there is money. There is money for weapons. Retailers raise prices to customers and blame the increases on war.

“But my greatest disappointment is that it feels like the media and governments want to divide people instead of bringing them together,” Stetsenko said.

“Here in the U.S., children grow up with parents of two different ethnicities or cultures or races. It is possible to be united and work things out and not be against each other. The old saying, ‘If you’re not with us, you’re against us’ — come on, we are more civilized than that.

If we weren’t, we would be still living in caves and figuring things out by hitting each other on the head with a bone.”

In communities across the country and certainly in Tallahassee, we are surrounded by triumphs of civilization — schools and universities, parks, cultural venues and events, museums, galleries of art, organizations of like-minded people.

In parallel, sadly, bones have gotten bigger and international stakes much higher, and still we fight.

Peace,

STEVE BORNHOFT, EXECUTIVE EDITOR sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com

PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOINI / ROWLAND PUBLISHING FILE PHOTO

Child of Ukrainian and Russian parents abhors war

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REWIND

It’s time to reconnect with family and friends over a delicious, relaxing brunch.

We invite you to revisit a list of our top brunch spots.

Tuck into this tasty story at TallahasseeMagazine.com/ 10-best-brunch-placesin-tallahassee.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming right up, and we want to hear from you. Post a pic of the mother or father figure in your life. Include #tmag and tag us at @tallahasseemag, and you may be included in an upcoming issue.

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YOUR VOTE MATTERS! Best of Tallahassee 2022 balloting is underway! Vote by using the ballot found on pages 116–118, and be sure it is postmarked by May 25, or vote online at TallahasseeMagazine.com/best-of-tallahassee-2022ballot anytime up to midnight on May 31. Either way, be sure to cast your valuable vote for the Best of Tallahassee!

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PHOTOS BY SUNSET IMAGES (GIVEAWAY), KIANA GOVIND (REWIND)

A SHOUTOUT TO DESERVING MOMS & DADS

HONORING OUR DONORS

“ C L A U D E

I think Sharon would be proud.

W A L K E R

Walker Breast Program Claude, along with family, friends and supporters, has raised more than $750,000 to support the Walker Breast Program at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH). He and his mother, Maye, served as the honorary chairs of Golden Gala XXXVII held in April. Proceeds from the Gala benefitted the Walker Breast Program.

How did the Walker Breast Program become a reality?

Breast cancer has been in our family a long time. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 and had a mastectomy.

And, this past year, she was again diagnosed with cancer and underwent her second mastectomy. She’s now 88 and volunteers as the master gardener in the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center’s Healing Garden. My sister, Claire, was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42 and had a recurrence at age 51. My late wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 33 and died in 2005 at the young age of 42. We wanted to do something to honor her, so we started a fund at the TMH Foundation. We’ve carried it on all these years because we know the need is great.

How have you seen cancer treatment at TMH improve over the years?

When Sharon was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer, TMH did not have a dedicated cancer treatment program. We had two young boys, and it was exhausting driving back and forth to Tampa for treatment. Now, people in our region have a place to receive treatment in Tallahassee. We have a phenomenal radiation/oncology team with the best equipment available right here through a dedicated cancer program.

What has it been like to work with the TMH Foundation?

They’ve really given me a voice in the process. I’ve met a lot of people who are of the same mind as I am and want to raise money to help move the hospital forward.

What advice do you have for others who want to make a difference?

You’ve got to find out what motivates you. What has had an impact in your life? Is it heart disease? Is it diabetes? Is it pediatrics?

Figure out what your passion is and then find a way to help.

Your gift to the TMH Foundation will help other families receive the best cancer treatment right here in Tallahassee.

Give today at TMHFoundation.org or call 850-431-5931.

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May-June 2022

19

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323

MAY/JUN 2022

PROFILING THE PURSUITS, PASSIONS AND PERSONALITIES AMONG US

THE

BIRDMAN

UNLIKELY CONSERVATION

←

Galen Bodner, 18, the president of Rio’s Roost Parrot Rescue, maintains some 40 parakeets, cockatoos and parrots as roommates.

For Bodner, cleaning up his room is an extraordinary task.

Lucky for him, his mother shares his love for birds.

↓

Galen Bodner’s family home is an aviary rescue

by DAVID EKRUT, PH.D.

SPORTS photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

The Head, Not the Tail

|| CHAMPIONS

Color Them Expressive

TALL AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

May-June 2022

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THE

323

→

Galen Bodner holds Jasper, a therapy parrot in training, in the bird room that is central to his parrot rescue operation. Other birds cling to perches in a tree made for them.

P

ulling up to the single-family, two-story home, the oddity that stands out the most to me is its metal roof.

There, in the middle of suburban Tallahassee, few would suspect the ordinary looking home to contain 40 parrots, parakeets and cockatoos. But there they are, living alongside Galen Bodner and his family at what they call Rio’s Roost Parrot Rescue.

As the door opens, chirped songs greet guests. A front room, large enough for an extra-long dining table, instead ensconces several bird cages.

Nestled among the furnishings, more feather-friendly dwellings fill

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the family room, where many of the larger parrots are getting some exercise outside of their cages.

Upstairs, a bedroom is reserved for four cockatiels and 26 smaller budgerigars, which are allowed to roam freely.

But not all of these birds are destined to stay at Rio’s Roost. Some are cared for while their owners are out of town for work, and others are fosters who await a forever home.

However they came to be guests at the Roost, they owe their fortune to a children’s movie and the dream of the rescue’s president, Galen Bodner.

Bodner, 18, is finishing up his senior year at Lincoln High School. He said photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

↑ A parrot named Rio hitches a ride on Galen Bodner’s shoulder as he moves to greet other birds. Bodner says he fell in love with parrots as a boy upon seeing the animated film, Rio.

he fell in love with parrots after watching the animated film, Rio, as a young child.

Soon after experiencing the movie, he received his first bird as a pet.

Bodner’s aspirations to rescue more of the birds would not be realized until much later. It wasn’t until 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, that Bodner was able to form the 501(c)(3) nonprofit and become the rescue center for parrots in the region.

FREE AS A BIRD

Bodner is comfortable with his avian roommates. He knows each by name and is a fount of knowledge about the birds.

Every bird has a story about how it came to live at Rio’s Roost. Some were abandoned by their owners, and others were displaced by Hurricane Michael.

Several came to Bodner in disrepair after the unintended abuses of would-be pet owners. The hollow-boned creatures are fragile and injure easily.

“Unlike with dogs and cats, which we’ve evolved for thousands of years to be in captivity with us, birds are still mostly wild,” Bodner said. “For the most part, they make terrible pets, and they require almost as much attention and upkeep as a toddler.”

Even a well-intentioned pet lover can cause irreparable damage to the tiny animals. That’s where Rio’s Roost comes in to

help provide a sanctuary for these amazing, intelligent creatures.

“They are far more intelligent than dogs and cats,” Bodner said of the birds.

The level of care required to keep them entertained, he said, differs greatly from that of mammalian pets.

Bodner is also a painter and artist who enjoys working in the community and volunteering with his parrots. One of his house guests, Jasper, an orangewinged Amazon parrot, is being trained as a therapy animal. Bodner likes to take his well-mannered friend to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he speaks and performs tricks to cheer up the sick.

Though Bodner wishes to continue conservation efforts for the foreseeable future, his true passion lies in medicine.

After finishing high school, Bodner hopes to go south for college and study pre-med at the University of Florida, where he plans to begin the long journey of becoming a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon.

While he is away, the nonprofit parrot rescue will be left in the care of his mother, Jill Bodner. Galen attributes the success of Rio’s Roost to her financial and emotional support and said she shares with him a great fondness for the creatures.

The change in leadership will be temporary, lasting only as long as it takes Bodner to complete his studies.

The enormity of juggling a medical practice with conservation is not lost on him, and Bodner acknowledges he cannot do so alone. After building out his practice, he plans to hire people to do much of the day-to-day work of caring for the birds.

For Bodner, protecting these animals is a lifelong pursuit.

“I want to eventually use the money I get when I’m older to build aviaries on my future property,” said Bodner. “I want to have a permanent sanctuary space for parrots in need, and inside, I’ll care for those who have special needs.” TM

Birds aren’t built for confinement. Let them fly free for long periods of time every day, spending as much time out of the cage as possible, advises PETA. Convert your balcony or porch into an aviary, or build a good-weather aviary in your backyard if possible.

Or provide a bird-proof room or rooms, with no ceiling fans or other bird hazards. Include a bird “gym” or nonpoisonous tree branches (such as dogwood, apple or elm) for exercise. Large “flight cages” can allow birds to exercise when you can’t be there to supervise them.

Provide numerous bird-safe toys for chewing, playing and intellectual stimulation including clean, nonpoisonous wood.

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Kamaiu Johnson of Tallahassee blasts a shot from the sand during the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm. Sponsor exemptions have enabled Johnson to play a number of PGA tour events.

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SPORTS

THE HEAD, NOT THE TAIL PGA pro Kamaiu Johnson wants to make golf look like America

by EMMA WITMER

PHOTOS BY MARC HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen you’re a boy, a stick is never just a stick. It’s a sword, a lightsaber or in Kamaiu Johnson’s case, a golf club.

Jan Auger remembers clearly the spring afternoon 15 years ago when she first spied Johnson from Tallahassee’s Hilaman Golf Course. Auger and some Hilaman co-workers were working on their short games when Auger noticed Johnson, then 13, practicing his swing outside a row of apartments that adjoin the course.

Two questions occurred to Auger: “Is that swing as good as it looks?” and “Why isn’t that kid at school?”

When Johnson saw Auger walking his way, he assumed that he was about to be warned away from the golf course.

He was accustomed to seeing police run off trespassers. But that’s not what happened, not at all.

By the time Auger, who is Hilaman’s course director, struck up a conversation with Johnson, she realized his club was just a stick. He lied, telling Auger he was homeschooled. In truth, Johnson was an eighth-grade dropout, a poor kid who needed closer attention than his schools provided. While he grew up playing baseball, he closely studied the golfers at Hilaman TALL AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

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and worked on his own swing with whatever he had at hand.

Auger recalls seeing Johnson’s eyes light up when she asked him if he would like to borrow a club and hit a bucket of balls.

Looking back, Johnson, who joined the PGA Tour last year and is a former Advocates Professional Golf Association champion, said that simple act of kindness saved his life.

“He never, ever complained,” Auger said. “You know how people are, they boohoo about their life and how hard it is on them. Not Kamaiu. He never complained about his living conditions or being hungry. All he wanted was to play golf. It didn’t take me long to figure out that golf was going to open doors for him.”

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Johnson began working at Hilaman, completing whatever tasks Auger assigned him. As compensation, he was allowed to golf for a dollar a day, often with others who were two or three times his age. No one person taught Johnson how to play. It took a club.

In January of last year, Johnson, who had been granted a sponsor’s exemption, was looking forward to making his first PGA Tour appearance at the Farmers Insurance Open. Media reports were beginning to use his name and Tiger Woods in the same sentence.

Johnson’s debut, however, would have to wait. He tested positive for COVID-19.

It was a crushing turn of events for Johnson, whose mother required

↑ FROM TEE TO GREEN Kamaiu Johnson hits a driver off the No. 3 tee at Pebble Beach and then lines up a putt after landing his approach shot on the green.

PHOTOS BY MARC HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THE

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hospitalization due to COVID. Still, the media spotlight did not dim. Articles in publications including Golf Digest and People magazine and appearances on CBS, ESPN and podcasts caught the attention of powerful players in the world of golf and business.

Johnson was quickly learning that golf is a game of connections.

Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins caught a clip of the young golfer telling his story and gave him a call. He told Johnson he was inspired and wanted to help in any way he could. A sponsorship agreement resulted.

This year, sponsor exemptions have enabled Johnson to play in the Honda Classic and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Sponsorships have been critical for Johnson, a product not of privilege, but of poverty.

“To do what I do is probably $70,000 a year, and that’s going out, not coming in,” Johnson said. “That covers travel and tournament fees, but you also want to be a member at a country club to get yourself ready for those tournaments.

That’s thousands for the initiation fee and $700 in monthly dues. That’s why you don’t see a lot of people who look like me on the PGA Tour. It stems from many things, systemic racism being one. It’s unbelievably expensive. There are a lot of guys out here pinching pennies.”

Not long ago, that was Johnson. His uncle passed the hat at his Tallahassee Cigar Shop to help pay Johnson’s way into tournaments.

Johnson relied on old baseball coaches, friends and people he played with at Hilaman for financial help or just a ride. He couch surfed for years while chasing his dream.

“Any time somebody would give me money to go to a tournament or just so I could eat, they would remind me to reach down and help someone else when it was my turn,” Johnson said. “That’s what I want to do. It’s what I love.”

It’s been a long and difficult road to the success his grandmother always assured Johnson that he would enjoy.

“One day, you’ll be the head, not the tail,” she would say.

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↗

Fifteen years ago, Jan Auger, the course director at the Hilaman Golf Course in Tallahassee, spotted Kamaiu Johnson mimicking a golf swing with a stick. Auger thought he had great potential.

Johnson has proved her right.

Today, Johnson wants to be at the top of his game, but it’s not just about him anymore.

“I want to get more kids involved in the game of golf,” Johnson said. “They don’t have to go to the PGA Tour, but this game can open so many doors. The CEOs play golf. My goal is to make golf look like America.”

Johnson has established the MY MY Foundation, a program that gives kids the same opportunity he had — to play golf for a dollar a day.

“I don’t know how mothers don’t cry every day,” Auger said. “I don’t have kids of my own, but I watch out for him. When he’s upset, he calls me. I really do think of him as my son, and I am so proud of him.” TM

↓ MY MY FOUNDATION

Kamaiu Johnson’s My My Foundation was established to create and sustain healthy strategic partnerships across the Unites States that cultivate life-changing experiences for youth living in socioeconomically challenged communities through the game of golf, positive peer-topeer engagement networks and interactive leadership development techniques.

“I want to make golf look like America,” Johnson has said.

PHOTOS BY MARC HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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Left to right: Dr. Amanda Stephens, Dr. Jay Allard, Dr. Christine Fitzsimmons TALL AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

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CHAMPIONS

COLOR THEM EXPRESSIVE Art therapy leads inmates to new identities

by EMMA WITMER

D

r. David Gussak has spent much of his life behind bars — neither incarcerated nor slinging whiskey.

Gussak is an art therapist. For more than three decades, he has worked for the most part with prisoners. Today, Gussak is putting his experience, research and passion to work as program coordinator of the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections Art Therapy in Prisons Program.

The program was launched in early 2020 as a first-of-its-kind partnership aimed at providing art therapy to young adult offenders enrolled in a prison General Educational Development (GED) program.

“Over many years, publications and research endeavors, we have demonstrated the value of art making and therapy, particularly in helping to decrease recidivism, increase socialization, problem solving, mood, locus of control — basically all of the components that help people succeed both inside the walls and when they get out,” Gussak said.

Educational programs, like the GED, are offered by 90% of public correctional institutions in the country and have been seen to reduce

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Dr. David Gussak, coordinator of the FSU/ Florida Department of Corrections “Art Therapy in Prisons” program, leans — carefully — on a guitar fashioned by a prison inmate from cardboard, candy wrappers and garbage bags.

photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ART THERAPY IN PRISONS PROGRAM (ART)

↑ Demonstrating artistic skill and an eye for detail, a prison inmate constructed this “model home,” displayed

by Dr. David Gussak, out of pebbles, cardboard and a glue made from ingredients including non-dairy creamer.

recidivism. Even so, only about 25% of Florida inmates participate in such programs. Many are classroom averse.

“For a lot of them, school wasn’t a positive experience,” said program art therapist Casey Barlow.

“They were told they were bad or stupid, so they can be really resistant to that type of structure.”

Funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Art Therapy in Prisons Program targets inmates ages 17 to 22 who face educational challenges as a result of mental illness, injury, trauma, illiteracy or physical or learning disabilities. Despite the program’s connection to the GED program, art therapy is not about grades. It’s not about becoming an artist either.

“This is where people get confused,” Gussak said.

“When they hear that art therapy helps to create a new identity, they automatically think that they are going to become artists instead of inmates. No. They are just going to become non-inmates. We are starting to humanize them and de-objectify them.”

In other words, art therapy utilizes the art-making process to explore a patient’s emotions and confront their sense of self in a poignant, yet indirect way.

“Fear is a vulnerable emotion, but anger is a protective emotion,” Barlow said. “It comes out to block out the vulnerability.”

In the prison community, vulnerability is often equated to weakness, and the perception of weakness can lead to real physical danger for those living in close quarters. Traditional therapy often fails to get to the root cause of bad decision-making.

“In verbal communication, we have the ability to disclose some things and not disclose other things, but with art, it’s pulling from so many different areas of your brain that you don’t have the same filter,” said program art therapist Evie Soape.

Once inmates understand emotion, Soape and Barlow can help them unpack who they are, what they value and how to reconcile identity with actions.

Both FSU graduates, Soape and Barlow were the first to join the program’s ranks and were prepared to lead individual and group sessions in four facilities.

After some 18 months of … art therapy planning, however, Soape utilizes the artand Barlow got the news. making process to They would not be allowed to enter the prisons explore a patient’s as planned. emotions and When the COVID-19 confront their lockdown took effect, sense of self in clinicians took to message a poignant, yet boards trying to figure indirect way. out how to provide care from a safe distance. Most practitioners planned to rely on technology, but that was not an option in the prison community. Gussak and his team had to get creative.

“We worked with what we had, which was paper,” Soape said.

They developed weekly assignments for clients to complete in their cells. Then, instructors would receive the work turned in by inmates and offer feedback.

ART THERAPY

As of the 20th century, art therapy was a recognized field requiring certification and training in both art and therapy. Art therapy moved outside of mental health facilities and into other community settings such as schools, shelters, nursing homes, residential treatment facilities, halfway houses and correctional facilities. In recent years, researchers have explored the benefits of art therapy for treating a variety of physical health difficulties, according to the Michigan State University Extension service. Some of their findings show art therapy: ▪H elped reduce pain, decreased symptoms of stress and improved quality of life in adult cancer patients.

▪ I mproved ability to deal with pain and other frightening symptoms in children with cancer.

▪ Reduced stress and anxiety in children with asthma.

▪ Stimulated mental function in older adults with dementia.

▪ Indicated a reduction in depression in Parkinson’s patients.

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↑ Inmates filled workbooks with drawings after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person art program activities. They made sketches in response to prompts: Depict a card you have been dealt in life; draw yourself as the world sees you; and make a picture of something that you would like to give to an important person in your life.

It wasn’t a perfect system, but the team wasn’t prepared to walk away. People all over the world felt the emotional toll of isolation, but for inmates, an already isolated population, the effects were multiplied. The Art Therapy in Prisons Program was a lifeline.

There were growing pains to overcome. Some program participants struggled to read while others worried about the quality of their work and were uncomfortable sharing their art with strangers. But as time went on, Soape and Barlow continued to provide encouragement, insights and to earn trust.

By the time the COVID lockdown was lifted in February 2021, program participants reported that art therapy had helped them “cope with things better” and that “it was good to put emotions on paper.” They also thanked Barlow and Soape for being patient and understanding.

The participants mostly worked in pencil during lockdown. They were called upon to draw themselves as the world sees them and how they see themselves; to sketch their families; depict a safe place; or a difficult circumstance. Drawings spoke to loneliness, fear, frustration and the desire for a second chance.

In one drawing, a young man drew himself chained to the ground and was hitting himself over the head with a large key labeled “Key to Success.” Some distance away, he depicted a car speeding in the opposite direction to represent his family.

In the fall of 2021, FSU announced that the program would double in size. It now employs four art therapists who work in nine prisons.

Barlow, Soape and their counterparts spend nine hours per day, four days per week “on the inside.” They have begun to move past pencils to paint. As many of the participants’ sentences near their end, Gussak, Barlow and Soape are hopeful that second chances will lead to even more art. TM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ART THERAPY IN PRISONS PROGRAM

Alfredo A. Paredes Jr., M.D.

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panache MAY/JUN 2022

REGARDING MATTERS OF ALL THINGS STYLISH

CITIZEN OF STYLE

VINTAGE CONTEMPORARY Jackie Skelding refreshes last century’s aesthetic

by MARINA BROWN

↖ THE ’60s LIVE ON

Vintage psychedelic mini-dress and off-white platforms by Charlotte Stone Shoes mesh well with a shag area rug and a sage green bird chair and ottoman by Harry Bertoia for Knoll.

FASHION photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

Skirt Styles

|| TRENDS Y2K Fashion || WHAT’S IN STORE Retail Roundup TALL AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

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M

aybe it’s happened to you — that feeling when you walk down a certain street, enter a strange city, maybe even land on foreign soil — that you’ve been there before, that you know the place. Maybe it’s even a feeling of “coming home.”

And so it might be for 29-year-old Jackie Skelding, the owner of two Railroad Square Art District stores that specialize in vintage and mid-1900s furniture and clothing. Here, two side-byside emporiums, Curio and Rare Bird, treat old stuff as lovingly as it was treated on the day it was made. It is where Skelding happily spends her time.

Amid elegant linear sofas, Eames chairs, free-form tables, posh fur coats and jewelry from nearly 60 or 70 years ago, Skelding has chosen pieces she loves for their exceptional design and quality. Ray and Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobson are designers she admires, and picturing their furniture in a house

by Frank Lloyd Wright would thrill her.

But how did a pretty Tallahassee girl grow up to embrace an aesthetic and abandon plans to become a psychiatrist in favor of becoming a full-time seller of items from a time before she was born?

“I grew up in an old house in Los Robles,” Skelding said. “Both of my parents had excellent taste in design, especially my late father, Jack Skelding,” a prominent attorney and lobbyist. Skelding remembers trips to New Orleans when her parents would prowl antique shops to select just the right pieces for their home.

During high school and via the internet, Skelding found a moneymaking complement to a budding business-minded imperative. She began selling used items online.

She switched her major at Florida State University from premed to Retail Merchandising and Product Development and, as a senior, satisfied an internship requirement at her own business — one she founded with her own money.

“That was Curio. I was 21,” Skelding said. “I felt like the Tallahassee market wasn’t as developed for vintage and eclectic

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photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

↙ TAKE ME BACK

Sixties scene-setting furnishings include mid-century modern rosewood credenza by Erling Torvit and Danish jute and teak lamps by Ib Fabiansen for Fog Mørup. Wall art also contributes to the period atmosphere.

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style as it would grow to be. And I wanted to be there leading it.”

Skelding turned Curio into a charming space filled with everything from dresses of the 1960s and ’70s to unusual jewelry pieces, and even luxe fur coats of lamb and fox for those special “statement” nights. And even though the pandemic kept everything shut for six months in 2021, Skelding nevertheless went forward in November to open her second store, Rare Bird. Here, below double lofts, brilliantly colored glass vases sit on low cocktail tables and faux zebra and cheetah rugs grace the floors. Cabinets that look like they were lifted from a Mad Men set hold books to be enjoyed from mid-century chairs.

In recent years, the Railroad Square District has blossomed with eateries, more shops, lots of art and a Hyatt Hotel nestled next door.

“Just behind my stores, what is now called Coal Shoot Pond will be developed as a park-like walking space giving access to the shops from both sides,” Skelding enthused. She doesn’t see herself moving from a location that is becoming a popular Tallahassee weekend venue. Rather, she can see herself developing a larger space for the furniture and design part of her business — in Tallahassee and perhaps Thomasville.

“I love working with designers, decorators and individual owners to create an interior that enhances the structural design of the house,” Skelding said. “There are lots of older homes in Tallahassee, pre-war and just after, where the old interiors have been replaced with contemporary pieces. But to redesign them with pieces from their original era both enhances and honors the character of the home.”

Skelding often goes on “treasure hunts” to Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans and brings back nothing that resembles “used furniture.” Instead, the acquired items look like glamorous museum pieces that smack of both nostalgia and the modernity they brought to their own era.

What about Skelding’s own home?

“It’s pretty much like what you see here in my store,” she laughed. “The house is from the late ’40s, and I recycle furniture in and out, always keeping several truly vintage pieces from my grandparents.”

The strains of songs by the Four Tops, the Ronettes and Billie Holiday play in the background as two poodles, Coconut and Hazelnut, cavort. It seems that whether in this era or another, Jackie Skelding is at home. TM

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photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

← Art Deco themed maxidress designed

by Gene Berk for Paganne.

Vintage Eames “La Chaise” designed by Charles and Ray Eames; hanging saucer pendants

by George Nelson for Herman Miller. → Late 1950s vintage hot-pink wiggle dress and jacket accessorized with ostrich feather trim; white platforms

by Charlotte Stone Shoes.

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Long Short of Skirt Styles

The

and the

Skirts are the perennial staple of every closet

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

F

rom baggy jeans and tube tops to Doc Martens and bucket hats, the fashion fads of my childhood are back in full force.

None, though, have I been happier to greet like an old friend than the miniskirt.

The pinnacle of style worn by all my idols — Jennifer Aniston in Friends, Britney Spears, Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and the cast of Mean Girls — minis are back in tweed, leather, fringe and more.

They are, as fashion should be, flirty, fun, versatile and just a bit daring. And, while renowned for showing some leg, minis aren’t just for the young. You can more conservatively style them by wearing tights or mid-calf boots.

Some of you reading this may scoff at my thinking the ’90s were the height of the miniskirt. They really took off in the ’60s, and I’d be remiss not to acknowledge its original trendsetters, such as Twiggy, Goldie Hawn and Debbie Harry.

But, this just goes to show that fashion is cyclical, and each generation will lay their own claim by styling trends in innovative ways.

Other skirts are no exception. In my lifetime, I have seen the appropriation of full circle, sock hop skirts, groovy peasant skirts and even modern interpretations of the ’80s tutu.

LAYERED HANDKERCHIEF

Alex Midi Skirt in blush tutu from LoveShackFancy features a fixed waistband and falls into two elongated tiers with handkerchief hems.

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PLEATED SKIRT

PHOTO BY ALICIA OSBORNE / RPI FILE PHOTO (PLEATED SKIRT) AND COURTESY OF LOVESHACKFANCY (LAYERED HANDKERCHIEF), HEARTH & SOUL (BELLE RUFFLE) AND BODEN (A-LINE MINI)

Zero Degrees gold pleated skirt with Naked Feet offwhite platform sneakers; available at Narcissus.

Today, the pleated skirts of Jay Gatsby’s era are having a moment.

Get the school-girl style with short pleats, a button-down blouse and heeled Oxfords, or go for a more sophisticated, Daisy Buchanan look with ankle-length pleats, a light sweater and kitten heels.

“I believe skirts are a timeless staple because of their versatility and ability to transform any look into something chic and feminine,” said Jacqueline Skelding, owner of Curio Goods.

Skelding is a fan of augmenting casual skirts with “over-the-top” tops that feature lace, ruffles and other intriguing details, but she is equally fond of dressing them down. Fashionistas and comfort queens alike have praised the introduction of sneakers as high fashion, and by pairing them with a skirt, Skelding said, you can sport a cool, casual style.

The popular slip skirt exemplifies this philosophy. Jazz up the understated skirt with a blazer and chunky heels, or keep it simple with a band tee and sneakers.

“A skirt can blur the line between casual and dressy,” agreed Candice Thompson, apparel stylist at Hearth & Soul. She is a proponent of the pencil skirt and believes they are as timeless

→ A-LINE MINI SKIRT This semi-fitted style in French Navy from Boden has an effortless A-line shape with front darts around a high waist that make for a flattering fit.

← BELLE RUFFLE SKIRT Highly feminine and delicate ruffled skirt coupled with denim jacket and scoop-neck shirt; available at Hearth & Soul.

as the little black dress. “The pencil skirt is a wardrobe powerhouse that flatters all figures,” she said.

Kathryn Stewart, owner of Wonsaponatime Vintage is a supporter of the skirt-set, a matching top and skirt ensemble.

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panache TEXTURED PENCIL SKIRT

←

LORNA TIERED MAXI SKIRT

This floaty and perfect for summer maxi has a fitted waistband and is made from cotton for breathability and comfort.

The Best Skirts for Your Body and Style Source: CoziBearBoutique.com

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For those who have a triangle or pear body type, A-line skirts look a-mazing.

An A-line skirt is fitted at the hips and flares out toward the hem gradually to form a silhouette similar to the capital letter A. TALLAHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

If you have an inverted triangle body type, one of the best skirts to wear is a flared skirt. Like an Aline skirt, a flared skirt widens out toward the hem. However, flared skirts are more fitted toward the top and flare out a lot more than the A-line skirt does.

“A top and skirt in the same print, or perhaps color-blocked solids, are more interesting than a dress,” said Stewart. “Plus, you can wear the pieces as separates and get more wear out of your purchase.”

The maxi skirt is another style Stewart considers a worthy investment. They are flattering to all body types and can be worn yearround in Northwest Florida. In warm weather, she suggests wearing a maxi with a tied-up top and sneakers or sandals. In cooler weather, opt for a chunky-knit cardigan and booties.

Other aspects of skirts that should be taken into consideration are fabrics, patterns and adornments.

Bold fabric selections such as tulle, leather, satin, fringe and sequins make statements, as do patchworks, florals and wallpaper-inspired patterns. Too, pockets, belts and bold buttons add flair.

Personally, I am awaiting the resurgence of the denim skirt. I’m unsure how I’ll contemporarily style it, but know this: It will not be with the monogrammed polo and Keds of my middle school years. TM

Flouncy miniskirts are ideal for those who have a regular or more athletic body type. A miniskirt is a shorter skirt that generally has a hemline above the knees, around the midthigh.

These skirts accentuate and add definition to the waistline while also elongating and showing off one’s legs.

If you have an hourglass or more curvy body type, pencil skirts are one of the most flattering skirt choices. Pencil skirts have a narrow, slim fitting design with a hem that typically falls around the knee or just below it. The slim fit of a pencil skirt accentuates the curves of an hourglass figure and smooths out the thighs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BODEN (PENCIL SKIRT) AND BODEN HOUSE (MAXI SKIRT)

Comfortable, knee-length skirt from Boden with neat, fitted shape features flattering back darts.

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panache

TRENDS

THE AUGHTS ARE HOT, AGAIN Y2K fashions are back, within limits

by EMMA WITMER

A

h, the aughts. The 2000s were a time when lip-syncing divas reigned supreme, everyone knew their Harry Potter house and MTV somehow convinced us that the Jersey Shore bore some relationship to reality.

While the world did not end at the change of millennia, fashion took a few years off. Red carpets were filthy with dresses over jeans, exposed thongs and layered tank tops. I was in middle school, and those trends did not translate well to everyday life.

But for the Gen Z crowd, who narrowly missed out on the trauma of sitting down in low-rise jeans, Y2K is the latest source of fashion inspiration.

Not convinced? Check your feed. Hashtags like “Y2Kfashion” or “Y2Kstyle” have accumulated well over a million posts. Popular fast-fashion retailers like Shein have entire collections dedicated to the look.

Of course, not everything is coming back. Some of the more out-there styles remain safely in the fashion vault, but versatile pieces like plastic hair clips, baby T-shirts and mini-skirts have returned in a big way.

Grace Racadio, manager at Tally + Fin, says the boutique keeps hundreds of claw clips in stock to keep up with demand. These “mom clips” sit beside a row of the same lace-trimmed tank tops that I rocked under my old Hollister polo shirts back in 2008.

When Crystal Stejskal, owner of The Pink Pineapple, went to shop for her boutique’s spring collection, the market channeled Chanel from Clueless with sweater vests and crochet tops galore.

As a baby millennial or older member of Gen Z, depending on where you draw the line, it seemed to me like we were not quite far enough removed

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↑ High-waisted baggy jeans are accessorized with a butterfly chain.

Retro heart-patterned knit top is from Etsy. Bracelet is handmade.

Model: Alaina Bludworth photography by JOHN HARRINGTON

← HEART-CENTERED FASHION

A flock of brightly colored butterfly clips accent Alaina Bludworth’s hair.

Are they as bright as Alaina’s smile? Not quite.

Her sweater has so much heart, it seems to pulsate.

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panache

← Model Nautica McEnteein goes grunge in a de-sleeved denim vest, which she has paired with a black plaid skirt from Ross and accessories from Hot Topic. Underneath, she wears basic black.

from the Justin Timberlake/ Britney Spears dynamic denim duo to call the comeback of 2000s fashion a “resurgence.”

But Stejskal, mom to a 15-year-old aspiring fashionista, reminded me that this is just the way fashion goes.

“It’s really fun for me to pull out old pictures from my college days and show her how years ago we were wearing the styles she thinks are new,” Stejskal said. “Sometimes these kids don’t even know where their fashion influence is coming from.”

When it came to the fashionistas — the Beckhams, Aguileras, the Hiltons — aughts fashions could be a bit extreme. Most of us never hopped on the whaletail train.

My school had a dress code, after all — and gym class. The off-runway trends fell

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photography by JOHN HARRINGTON

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←→

STUDY IN CONTRASTS

Nautica McEnteein tries on a Machine Gun Kelly band tee with her tortured jean vest and a necklace that suggests barbed wire.

Meanwhile, Alaina Bludworth sports a cropped angel tee from Brandy Melville and jeans from Target.

somewhere in the middle — inspired by the red carpet but approved by Mom. “I think it’s really interesting how fashion trends tend to follow a cycle,” Racadio said. “That’s why so many of my friends are worried skinny jeans are going to make a comeback. Right now though, I am seeing a lot of people gravitating toward the more baggy ’90s style jeans with the Y2K tops. Even though things do go through a cycle,

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there’s always a bit of a spin on things to make the look more modern.”

Today’s social media trendsetters are following much the same pattern, taking the best of the aughts and combining it with modern silhouettes.

If you’re looking to get in on the trend without looking like you’re on your way to the premiere of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, try pairing one or two staple Y2K pieces with your favorite

boyfriend jeans or a flowing peasant top. The aughts were all about skintight tops and plastered-on jeans. It didn’t look great then, and it doesn’t look great now. Instead, throw on that baby-doll tee with a pair of today’s highrise, looser fitting jeans and some jelly sandals. If you find yourself reaching for that old tennis skirt at the back of the closet, try tucking in a blousy top and pulling your hair back in a clip. TM photography by JOHN HARRINGTON

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Much like the beautiful magic carpets they resemble, they can go anywhere, from beach sunsets to park picnics. ➸ CV DESIGNS jewelry is

designed and handmade by a two-time cancer survivor and Florida State University alumna and is available at Gypsy Rose’s Market Street and Bannerman Crossings locations. The 14k goldfilled necklaces and earrings can be styled up or down.

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These durable items are manufactured using processes that conform to strict ethical and environmental standards. From classic shapes to fringe fun, this leather line is for statement makers.

Narcissus ➸ Switch up your shades with funky geometric sunglasses from TORY BURCH. Their soft ivory acetate with gold hardware complements every outfit.

A roundup of offerings at local businesses

by REBECCA PADGETT FRETT

For women from school age to middle age, The Pink Pineapple stocks trendy and timeless clothing, accessories, jewelry and gifts.

The boutique has an app and uses social media to alert customers to new arrivals.

THE PINK PINEAPPLE

line makes the once impossible task of finding a cute and flattering swimsuit possible. These beautiful suits feature vibrant colors and intricate hand-sewn beading.

They are sure to be a head-turner at any beach or pool.

➸ Walk into summer with wicker platform mules from JEFFREY CAMPBELL. Platforms are everywhere right now, and the wicker detailing of these shoes will make you want to attend as many picnics and barbecues as possible.

Initial jewelry is in. A personalized piece is sentimental, making it more than just a letter. The Pink Pineapple has a wide array of INITIAL JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES to enhance a new outfit or to include as a staple in an everyday look. // Enhance any space with CAPRI BLUE MARBLE JAR CANDLES and their sugared-citrus and tropical-fruits scents. Whether it’s the popular Volcano scent in gorgeous teal or the brand-new Paris Modern in pink, Capri Blue products are always environmentally friendly.

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE PINK PINEAPPLE, GYPSY ROSE AND NARCISSUS

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Around here, we might say about summer that you just have to undress for it. Our Gift Guide offers ideas for enriching special occasions including graduation, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and making the living easier.

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gastro&gusto DINING IN Flower Pizza || HOME COOKIN’ Hot Sauce

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DINING OUT

THE BARK ↓

Vegan/vegetarian restaurant promotes punk subculture

by ROCHELLE KOFF

photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

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gastro & gusto

M

ore mainstream restaurants are offering plant-based dishes these days, but The Bark is still one of the few true vegan/vegetarian venues in Tallahassee.

Since 2017, the colorful restaurant located in the All Saints neighborhood has been a venerable destination for its core customers while gaining an even broader appeal.

“We like to say you don’t have to be vegan to eat here,” said Susie Petty, coowner of The Bark. “It’s just good food.”

On Facebook, its owners teasingly call The Bark “A vegan/vegetarian restaurant and dive bar that sells goofy cocktails and has DIY shows and events.”

Derek Phillips, who co-owns the Handsome Harvest Farm in Quincy, offers another perspective.

“The Bark is a hidden gem of a gourmet-level restaurant, wrapped in an unassuming punk venue that leaves one delightfully surprised at the elevated level of all their offerings,” Phillips said.

“Not only have I personally seen their commitment to buying local produce, they have also been a building force in the community for years.”

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The commitment shows.

Bark’s sandwiches and salads are brimming with farm-fresh vegetables. Just about everything is made from scratch, including the sauces and dressings.

Oh, and the heavenly bread. One bite, and you can tell it’s homemade.

You can dine inside or out in the “Barking Lot” for brunch, lunch and dinner. Place your order at the bar, and a server will deliver food to your table.

The laid-back venue is especially popular with the younger crowd, who have driven the vegan movement in recent years, but the restaurant welcomes all generations.

The setting took me back to the ’60s. The dining area, brightened by lots of twinkly lights, features colorful murals of fanciful animals going in different directions.

Petty said The Bark is a collaborative effort. She generally runs the culinary show, while her business partner, David Green, handles the entertainment and events.

For Petty and Green, creating a space to spotlight vegan/vegetarian fare and music has been an enduring goal.

Petty, a bassist, and Green, a guitarist, met while in a band called Low Life,

which was short-lived. At one point, Green worked for Petty when she was running a vegan/vegetarian cafe inside the former Bread & Roses Kitchen co-op on All Saints Street.

The friends eventually joined forces and set up shop across the street in the longvacant Perry’s Restaurant and Lounge.

They spent months cleaning, painting and replacing the air conditioning, and they scoured Craigslist and other sources for equipment and furniture.

“This place started on a wing and a prayer with a lot of elbow grease,” said Petty.

There weren’t any windows, so the pair turned to artists Stephen Shrewsbury and Amanda Boekhout to paint the fanciful interior’s murals.

With all the animals decorating the walls, you’d think The Bark was named after a pet. It’s actually an acronym of Bread & Roses Kitchen, though Green and Petty quickly note that they do love dogs, the occasional cat and trees.

“We don’t have the polished stuff, but we put our money where it’s important,” said Petty. “It’s a little funky, but that’s part of the charm.”

It works, said customer Lauren Kasica.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling, and I’ve not been to another vegetarian restaurant that stands up to The Bark,” photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

said Kasica, a vegetarian and assistant marketing manager of the Red Hills Online Market. “It’s welcoming, and the service is very friendly.”

Teacher Rachel Brayman Webber, her husband and 9-year-old son aren’t vegan or vegetarian, but they have become regular customers at The Bark.

↑ The Bark is alive inside and out with murals by Stephen Shrewsbury and Amanda Boekhout. Diners place orders at a counter; food and drink specials are listed on a blackboard and updated daily.

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↑ The bar features locally crafted beers. → Tofu Banh Mi consists of pan-fried tofu, pickled carrots, cilantro, jalapeno, scallions, vegan mayo, sriracha, and peanut and sweet pepper sauces, all placed on a baguette.

“We love it,” said Webber, whose son prefers the vegan mac bowl or grilled cheese. “It’s been consistently good, and the Banh Mi sandwich is fantastic.”

The Bark’s vegan version of the Vietnamese classic is served on a homemade baguette stuffed with pan-fried tofu, pickled carrots and other vegetables and brightened with cilantro, jalapenos, Sriracha, and peanut and sweet pepper sauces.

Other highlights include a beet or black bean burger, oyster mushroom po’boy, a BLT with tempeh “bacon” and entrees such as eggplant moussaka, pecan-crusted tofu and sweet potato tamales.

About three years ago, chef Cody Cook came on board and added his expertise from years spent cooking in local restaurants.

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“It’s been a team effort,” Cook said.

“Since I came here, I’ve been taking everything I’ve learned in the last 10 years and knowledge of French technique to make dishes vegan.”

The restaurant also features a full bar and to-go cocktails.

As for the aforementioned “goofy” drinks, the bar concocts quirky specials that include the Water Moccasin — whiskey, peach schnapps, triple sec, lemon and ginger ale — and the Strange Weather, a mix of gin, melon, lemon, ginger ale and bitters. photography by ALICIA OSBORNE

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Around 9 p.m., The Bark transforms into a night scene. The entertainment lineup brings “all kinds of shows,” said co-owner Green. “It’s a different space at night.”

There have been jazz, acoustic, hip-hop, punk and R&B shows, monthly drag and comedy nights, karaoke Wednesdays and even literary gatherings.

The Bark is also known for its DIY, or “Do It Yourself” shows.

“The DIY culture in Tallahassee has a strong history of punk rock, bike riding, protesting, politics, vegetarian lifestyles and so much more,” said Green.

“A lot of the shows would, and still do, happen in houses around the country. Several people in Tallahassee opened nonprofit venues to give that culture a place to live and grow outside of people’s homes. Unfortunately, they all went under.”

Green said The Bark hopes to help DIY culture and young punks grow as much as they can. But, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a factor impacting both entertainment and food service at The Bark.

“It’s been tough when half of our existence has been during COVID,” said Green.

When the pandemic hit, The Bark closed for everything but takeout for a year. The Paycheck Protection Program helped the venue survive and maintain staff.

An upside has been the “dramatic jump in interest” in plant-based diets, said Petty. “You don’t have to 507 All Saints St. stop eating meat, but you (850) 900-5936 can absolutely eat less meat thebarkfl.com and have fun doing it.” TM

THE BARK

PHOTO BY ALICIA OSBORNE

↑ A large mural helps define the stage area at The Bark.

The restaurant regularly hosts events, poetry readings and artist displays.

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gastro & gusto

DINING IN

FLOUR AND FLOWERS Blooms add color and flavor to pizzas

by LIESEL SCHMIDT

N

ew York. Chicago. Sicily. Napoli.

Whose pizza reigns supreme? And which toppings are the best? Passions run hot, and it seems that the debate will never die down.

And while most people expect that pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms will attend a pizza party, those ingredients have been joined by the more trendy pineapple, bacon, pesto and even calamari, making the long-revered pie more irreverent and artisanal.

Pizza has recently undergone yet another transformation. Edible flowers are landing on crusts, livening things up and adding both color and flavor in a way that is unexpected. And pretty. Don’t forget the pretty.

Way back in ancient Rome and China, people recognized the medicinal properties of flowers and the flavor they added, and they found ways to incorporate them into their food. In the 1970s, edible flowers were briefly topical, but they fell out of vogue until recently. Now, everything from cupcakes to couscous has become floralized.

Flowers, however, should be used thoughtfully. For a pizza — or any dish — you’ll want to consider the flavor profile. Some flowers have little flavor, which makes them more visual than anything, but others mirror their parent plants, just in a slightly milder form.

Cases in point: rosemary, thyme, chives, sage, cilantro, fennel and basil. Their flowers taste like the plants that produce them, with the added bonus of being colorful and pretty. Fortunately, these herbs are easily grown in Florida.

More Florida-friendly pie pretties include borage, which has a cucumber-like flavor; nasturtium, which has a peppery, spicy bite; marigold, which is peppery with citrusy notes;

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and calendula, which is peppery. Others to consider are zinnia, viola and pansies. Flowers can be collected from vegetable plants including squash and okra as well as broccoli, radish, beetroot and arugula.

Of course, for a flower to be “edible,” it must check a few boxes.

Primarily, it must be intrinsically nontoxic, and it should not have been exposed to poisonous sprays like pesticides. They should also be attractive in color. Some of the flowers will be fragrant, but not all of them possess a noticeable scent. Many flowers can be used whole, such as pansies, violas and campanulas.

However, in most cases, it’s best to pluck off the petals and add them to the dish. For those of us without green thumbs, some edible flowers can be found near the fresh herbs at the local grocery store or at the farmer’s market.

How best to use flowers? Does one sprinkle them on the pie before or after it takes a sauna in the oven? If you have ever seen what heat does to a flower, you’ve probably figured that one out yourself. Edible flowers are best used as a finishing garnish. They keep their structure and shape, not to mention their vibrant color, making your pizza almost too pretty to eat.

Beneath the layer of flowers, go with ingredients that are traditional or seasonal. Use lighter toppings like pesto and crumbled goat cheese, then finish your masterpiece with squash blossoms, nasturtium and broccoli flowers.

Helpful tip for harvesting: Pick flowers at the coolest part of the day, and make sure they are clean and free of bugs. If you need to store them, make sure they are dry, and put them in a sealed container in the fridge. Most flowers will keep for a couple of days this way. TM

↙ Pork Belly Pesto Pizza INGREDIENTS

Pesto

➸ 2 cups fresh basil leaves from garden ➸ 1 cup of kale or greens of your choosing ➸ ¼ cup of parmesan cheese ➸ ¼ cup walnuts ➸ 3 cloves of garlic, roasted ➸ Lemon zest ➸½ cup of olive oil (Smashing Olive flavored olive oil)

Pizza

➸ One 16-ounce package of pre-made whole wheat pizza dough ➸ ½ cup of pesto ➸ Fresh basil for garnish ➸ Goat cheese (used lavender goat cheese but can use plain) ➸ Honey drizzle ➸ ¼ jicama diced into small cubes ➸ Pork belly cooked and diced into small cubes ➸ Micro greens and pansy flowers from Legacy Greens INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 470 degrees. Chop up pork belly into small cubes and cook in a pan, then place to the side and get rid of excess oil. Combine pesto ingredients into a food processor or blender. Roll out or throw pizza dough and place on a pizza peel with flour.

Spread pesto, then drizzle lightly with olive oil. Spoon dollops of goat cheese evenly on pizza, then sprinkle pork belly. Cook for 10-15 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Top with jicama, honey drizzle, fresh basil, microgreens and pansies.

Oregano Flower Pizza INGREDIENTS:

➸ One 16-ounce package of pre-made whole wheat pizza dough ➸ 1 cup mascarpone cheese ➸ 1 tablespoon lemon juice ➸ ½ teaspoon lemon zest ➸ 6 ounces pepperoni slices ➸ 2-3 small fresh tomatoes sliced thin ➸ Fresh oregano leaves and flowers to taste ➸ Coarse sea salt to taste INSTRUCTIONS

Heat the grill to medium and brush with olive oil. Roll the dough into 1- or 2-inch balls. Sprinkle a cutting board with corn meal, then roll out the dough as thin as possible. Transfer the dough onto the grill and cook for about two minutes on each side. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir the lemon juice and zest into the mascarpone cheese. Spread a generous portion of the cheese mixture onto the grilled pizza, then top with slices of cold pepperoni and slices of fresh tomato. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, the oregano leaves and the flowers. photography by LINDSEY MASTERSON

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gastro & gusto

HOME COOKIN’

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Sauce makers succeed by trial and error

by STEVE BORNHOFT

F

or a time, in the course of a southerly migration from the frozen tundra to North Florida, I paused in the bedroom community of Chillicothe, Illinois — where most members of the workforce commuted each day to jobs at Caterpillar Tractor Co. plants in and around Peoria — and served as the editor of the town’s newspaper, the Bulletin.

The newspaper office was located next door to Bob’s Meat Market, across Fourth Street (downtown’s Main Drag) from the Ben Franklin store and not far from Andy’s Barber Shop. Andy, a most congenial and generous sort, had emigrated from Mexico. At his shop, a curtain separated the cutting room from a waiting area with a fridge stocked with complimentary beers and a table strewn with what used to be called girlie magazines.

At the front of the store in a plate glass window, were carefully nurtured pepper plants, grown from seeds that had been developed by generations of his family through hybridization to become the hottest of the hot. After a few visits and given my standing as the editor in town, ← Hot sauce makers hone their craft through a process of experimentation, substituting one ingredient for another, adding more of X and backing off on Y, until they arrive at a product that is just right. Ultimately, you like what you like.

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photography by LINDSEY MASTERSON

Green Jalapeno How Hot? Flavor profile: Fresh, grassy and crisp taste.

While it sometimes figures in hot sauces, it more frequently makes appearances in salads.

And, if you’re into pickling peppers, this is your guy.

Habanero How Hot? Flavor profile: Aromatic and herbal, with a powerful punch.

Member of a group of spicy peppers that includes Scotch bonnet, Jamaican hot chocolate and Carolina reaper varieties.

Red Chili Pepper How Hot? Flavor profile: Earthy, sweet, fruity or smoky flavors. Spice levels vary among cultivars.

Pods can be small to large; flesh is aqueous and crisp and surrounds a cavity that is filled with membranes and round, flat, cream-colored seeds.

HEAT INDEX SCOVILLE HEAT UNITS

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100500

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100,000- 100,000350,000 350,000

125,000325,000

855,000- 1,200,000- 1,400,0001,041,427 2,000,000 2,200,200

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: OLEKSANDR HRUTS

Andy offered to give me a few seeds, provided that I promised to make good use of them. I was flattered but declined.

I can hang with a little bit of jalapeno in my cornbread if I double down on my reflux medication, but I desire nothing more than that.

If Andy were around today, however, and made the same offer, I would accept the seeds and turn them over to Lindsey Masterson, Rowland Publishing’s associate art director. Lindsey has taken to growing peppers and making hot sauces. About her tolerance for nuclear varieties, she says, “I like to sweat. I can’t say that I have the highest tolerance, but I sure try.” To that extent, she differs from RPI production director Daniel Vitter, another sauce maker, but one who would prefer not to feel the burn.

Masterson and Vitter joined Pepper Nation in similar fashion. Friends stoked their interest in it.

“Someone gifted me a habanero pepper at the start of COVID when I started dabbling in gardening,” Masterson said. “Before I knew it, I had over a hundred peppers, and I was freezing them in vacuum-seal bags because I was overwhelmed.”

At this point, Masterson has three pepper plants, including a jalapeno plant that is beginning to yield peppers, and she has given a couple of plants away, one to Vitter.

What to do with a gracious plenty of peppers? Masterson decided to begin making hot sauce.

She studied hot sauce recipes, focusing on those that included her favorite ingredients, and proceeded on the basis of trial and error. She purchased sample-sized hot sauce bottles and did taste tests with her brother-in-law, discovering what she did and didn’t like.

She made a peach habanero, and the first time around, she OD’d on paprika and liquid smoke.

PEPPER TYPES

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gastro & gusto “Less is more. The last round I did was brighter and cleaner,” Masterson said. In such a way, Booty Fuel Hot Sauce was born. For her bottles, she has designed a label that she fairly describes as cheeky.

At this writing, she is planning a plant-shopping trip to Just Fruits & Exotics in Crawfordville. She has been pleased to find that she has an affinity for gardening and is grateful for the gardening lessons she learned from her grandmother, Stella Masterson, who had an atrium greenhouse at her home.

A tip from Masterson: Reduce your hot sauce with vinegar by letting it simmer on the stove to prevent separation in the bottle.

Next up for her? “Maybe a pineapple jalapeno, but I’m still deciding.”

Vitter, as it happens, lives next door to a “pepper freak.”

“He gave me some peppers and a starter recipe,” he said.

“He told me how he makes hot sauces, and it sounded like something I could do.”

The neighbor encouraged Vitter to experiment with different types of vinegar and vegetables, and he embarked on a “choose your own adventure” approach to sauce making. As he experimented, peaches replaced tomatoes,

say, or champagne vinegar replaced apple cider vinegar.

Vitter, as is his nature, has been carefully documenting his successes. It would be like him to maintain a Pepper Production and Hot Sauce spreadsheet.

Vitter made a batch of sauce that included ghost peppers, scorpion peppers and reaper peppers, a concoction he named simply, GSR. “This was in reference to gunshot residue or hot stuff,” he explained. “But none of my spices have been very spicy, to be honest. I have scaled back the amount of pepper I add because I don’t like super hot sauces. Any of these peppers eaten alone would take me out.”

Vitter takes care to cook his sauces in the garage to prevent vapors from overtaking his house.

“One time, I cooked inside, and the vapors had us coughing from across the room,” he said. (Masterson does her cooking in the kitchen, but uses a portable fan to direct vapors out a window.)

Vitter has successfully made enough hot sauce to enable him to join a neighborhood barter economy. Peppers are currency. One friend is a homebrewer and distiller.

“He is a great trading partner to have,” Vitter said. TM

↘

Ginger, garlic, honey, peaches and habanero peppers all make contributions to a finished product that Lindsey Masterson calls Booty Fuel. Look for the flaming arse on the label!

HOT TIPS LESS IS MORE

In any endeavor that tends toward extremes, it is easy to overdo things.

Among ingredients used by sauce makers, a little goes a long way.

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LET SOME AIR IN THERE

Cook hot sauces indoors and you may find yourself getting vaporized. Take a portable heat source out to the garage or throw open the windows.

TALL AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM

SOME LIKE IT HOTTER

Some folks have an inherited tolerance for the hottest of hot sauces. Others know that when their nose starts to sweat, they have reached their limit.

GET IT TOGETHER

Lindsey Masterson suggests: Reduce your hot sauce with vinegar by letting it simmer on the stove to prevent separation in the bottle.

PAY IT FORWARD

Members of saucemaking communities share recipes, successes and peppers, themselves.

Generosity breeds generosity. You may even barter for beer.

photography by LINDSEY MASTERSON

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Restaurant Catering

Catering Capers An exceptional meal is memorable from the first bite of a unique appetizer down to the last morsel of a delectable dessert. The presentation might be alive with floral arrangements and candles. The service, unmatched.

Or you may remember the meal because of the occasion — a wedding, a celebration, an important meeting.

Catering Capers creates meals that make these moments even more special.

Now in its 26th year of service to the Big Bend and surrounding areas, the company strives to enhance life’s most special events. It does so by taking extra care in curating menus, maintaining constant awareness of clients’ needs and the presentation of meals with careful attention to every detail.

Justin Chiricos, executive chef and owner of Catering Capers, received his formal culinary training at Johnson & Wales and served in executive chef positions in Florida and South Carolina before opening his own

catering company. He manages a talented team of chefs, bartenders and service staff.

“Our food, service and presentation are always enhanced by a staff that is professionally trained and well experienced in hospitality,” Chiricos said.

To ensure freshness, Catering Capers uses locally grown ingredients. Its menu is completely customizable to accommodate dietary needs and organic options. Customers applaud the baconwrapped shrimp, shrimp and grits, fried oysters and seafood, beef tenderloin and chili-rubbed pork. Food may be served plated, served at stations or buffet style.

Catering Capers offers full bar service and rentals. Custom cocktails featuring seasonal and fresh flavors are crafted with the theme of your event in mind.

A wine expert recommends pairings.

Rental options include flatware, glassware, dinnerware, service pieces and linens.

“From weddings to legislative events, we always focus first on our clients’ needs and wishes, and we consistently strive to exceed expectations,” Chiricos said.

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Animals We Adore If you are close to a love-giving pet, you know that it has become an extension of yourself nearly as important to you as that other indispensable extension, your smartphone. The emotional bond that we form with a dog, cat or other significant member of the animal kingdom ensures that even as our pet might well be content with less, we are inclined always to give him or her more.

Animal welfare is an issue that moves all but the most hardhearted humans among us. By domesticating animals, we made them our dependents, and there is responsibility that attaches to their reliance upon us. Ah, but they give us so much in return, contributing to the health of our hearts, minds and souls and supplying us with smileinducing memories that endure. — Steve Bornhoft

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Worth

Barkin’ About

Four rescues capture hearts and garner votes

Again this year, furious balloting winnowed a large field of contestants in the 2022 Tally Top Pet competition, sponsored

by North Florida Animal Hospital and benefiting Be The Solution. Here, we are honored and excited to present overall winner Surf Dog and his three fellow members of the Final Fur. Turns out, they have some good stories to tell.

stories By HANNAH BURKE and EMMA WITMER

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// photography by DAVE BARFIELD

« Surf Dog 2022 Tally Top Pet

Before Surf Dog found a forever home with Ivanhoe Carroll, he was a nomad.

Spooked by storms and fireworks or sparked by a sense of adventure, Surf Dog roamed from Crawfordville to Quincy. He even made it to Tallahassee and back to Wakulla County a few times.

While many tried, no one succeeded in catching Surf Dog over the years.

That is, until former Tallahassee Fire Chief Bill Russell saw the stray wandering down Surf Road not far from his house. Rather than try to lasso him, he simply put out food every day in the same spot. Surf Dog got used to the routine, and the dog and Russell regularly sat beneath the old Ochlockonee Bay water tower to “talk.” When the weather turned stormy and Surf Dog took off, Russell’s wife would have chicken and dumplings waiting for him when the skies cleared.

“I don’t see how a dog could even be that smart,” Russell said. “He always kept to the road, following the white line from one city to the next and back again.”

Russell began posting his “conversations” with Surf Dog on Facebook, and the canine became an international celebrity. Soon, the water

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tower was repainted to read: “Ochlockonee Bay, Home of Surf Dog.” Over time, Surf Dog became less wary of people, but his fear of thunder kept him running. One torrential afternoon, Carroll and her husband spied Surf Dog running through their neighborhood and called out to him. As a former director of Wakulla Animal Services, Carroll was acquainted with Surf Dog’s elusiveness. She was surprised when Surf Dog followed her car all the way home and into her house.

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“He’s a lucky, lucky dog to have Ivanhoe,” Russell said. “He was skinny for a while after he showed up with them, but now he’s just as happy and friendly as can be. It’s the best dog story in the world.”

Veterinarians who have examined Surf Dog figure he’s about 10 years old, but he’s still got the energy of a young pup. He loves palling around with his big brother Murphy and little sister Sweetie and still enjoys exploring.

“He loves to go, but he has to be the first one back in,” Carroll said.

FINAL FUR

Annie

Colleen Fahey and wife, Lauren, have for years volunteered and fostered dogs through the City of Tallahassee Animal Service Center.

So, when a friend found an abandoned pit bull roaming a dump just outside Pensacola, they knew who to call.

“We had accommodations for an extra dog, and were happy to take her in,” Colleen Fahey said. “As soon as she came through our door, we pretty much fell in love with her.”

They weren’t the only ones.

The couple’s other dog, Penelope, was a shy, timid thing. While cohabitating with Fahey’s other fosters, she never came out of her shell.

Then came Annie.

The two began engaging in friendly, rough-and-tumble play and would even curl up next to each other to sleep.

“That’s when we knew we couldn’t separate them, and Annie would be a part of our family,” Fahey said.

Annie, now 4, would prove a colorful addition. The sweet but sassy pup often barks to let you know exactly what she wants, when she wants it. Typically, that’s a scoop of peanut butter (her go-to treat) or playing ball in the backyard.

“To her, a game of fetch consists of humans throwing the ball, and Annie chasing it down and refusing to give it back,” Fahey laughed. “She’s definitely not a retriever.”

Too, Annie has caught the travel bug.

She loves going on trips to the beach, where half of the fun is derived from the car ride itself.

When Annie’s moms take in a new foster, they typically let the arrival get used to his or her new environment apart from other dogs. During those times, Annie attends doggy daycare at Camp Mojo’s, where a day of play often results in new friendships.

“Annie is a fun-loving, very in-themoment dog,” Fahey said. “We like that she’s vocal and that we can usually tell what she’s thinking. She’s always ready for attention and affection.”

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Apollo

Around the time of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon mission, a boxer puppy arrived at an animal shelter on Florida’s Space Coast.

Folks at the shelter named him Apollo, and later, his adoptive mother Nichole Arntz found the name to be just right.

“He’s definitely lived up to it,” Arntz said. “He’s curious and very adventurous.”

Indeed, Apollo goes where few of his breed dare venture: the water.

Arntz discovered Apollo’s atypical penchant for swimming while living in South Florida where she had a

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pool. Apollo would dive right in, and when pursuing a toy, he could nearly clear its entire length.

“When we moved to Tallahassee, I was looking for a pool we could rent,” Arntz said. “I was asking around on Facebook, and someone said, ‘You need to get him into dock diving.’”

The sport involves competitions in which a dog’s toy or disc is tossed out over a pool, and pooches, bolting down an elongated dock, vie for the longest jump.

Apollo took to the sport like a duck to water and, indeed, has performed giant leaps for caninekind. His success last year brought him all the way to nationals in Springfield, Missouri, where he placed first in his category.

Apollo has a Facebook page, and Arntz said he frequents local events and recently performed at the North Florida Fairgrounds.

Apollo abides by a “work hard, play hard” philosophy. Arntz said he’s a “high-energy, play-driven” kind of guy, often demanding vigorous fetch and chase sessions outside. He is a social butterfly with those he’s comfortable with and likes to spend time with his boxer sister and pit bull cousins.

Mostly, he’s a mama’s boy.

“I love how he loves me,” Arntz said. “He’s very attached to me. He cuddles with me, puts his head and paws on my lap when we’re on the couch — he’s very much a source of support for me.”

FINAL FUR

Murphy

Ivanhoe Carroll had spent 14 years running an animal shelter, so when she first met Murphy, she knew his story just didn’t add up.

When Murphy’s former owners surrendered him to Wakulla Animal Services, they said he was aggressive with children. At nearly 100 pounds, Murphy was big but not mean. As it turned out, he had been suffering from a serious, untreated ear infection for some time. Carroll thought that might have made him touchy when children tugged at his ear. She called the family, but they had no interest in taking him back.

So, Carroll brought Murphy home, and the two have been close ever since.

“He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Carroll said. “He’s a super sensitive, sweetheart, smart dog.”

In the years since Carroll added Murphy to her family, he’s always been loving toward pups of all sizes. He loves to play with his canine brother and sister, and he’ll do just about anything for a Nudges dog treat or spoonful of chunky peanut butter. Murphy, by the way, prefers to ride in style. He hops into the golf carts of family, friends and neighbors whenever he gets the chance.

“You might think he’s a little slow just from how he looks,” Carroll said with a chuckle. “He’s a little cross-eyed, and his tail is missing. He’s got this great big front end and tiny hiney, but he is actually really smart.”

Murphy stares at the TV when he and Carroll share a couch at night. Whenever characters in a show are fighting or the music gets tense, Murphy reacts with a concerned bark. He pays extra close attention whenever a dog appears on the screen. A certain Subaru commercial is almost surely among his favorites.

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PERILS OF PET SITTING

Ki nkajo : s i Kn o w tehout at night us com

o n ly

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People often project their own personalities onto their pets, making for neurotic animals with outlandish routines and strange predilections. Too, some of these creatures are naturally bears to look after. They are escape artists, serial property destroyers and agents of chaos, often deemed “too cute to punish.” In Tallahassee, the dedicated caregivers who watch these scoundrels while their owners are away are members of an elite squad known as pet sitters.

These are their stories. All are true, although some breeds and client names may have been changed to protect the innocent.

story By

HANNAH BURKE photography by

THE WORKMANS illustrations by

LINDSEY MASTERSON

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PERILS OF PET SITTING

CARLA McClellan, TALLAHASSEE LASSIE PET CARE

A pet sitter since high school, Carla McClellan had long treated the profession as a side hustle while going to school and embarking on a career in public health and social work. But five years ago, it became a full-time job when she launched Tallahassee Lassie, a licensed and insured pet care service with hundreds of customers.

McClellan and her staff have encountered numerous characters: a parrot, Peaches, who incessantly shouts her own name; Loki, a mischievous feline who delights in nothing more than pouncing from behind doors to give humans the jump scare of a lifetime; and a tiny Maltese who thinks he’s a lab and refuses to leave the backyard pool.

“I’ve also had to wear a cat,” McClellan said.

“The client warned me, ‘He will probably want to be worn.’ So, I had to walk around all day with this huge cat, who also drooled, draped over my shoulder like a shawl. I’d put him down, and he’d want right back up.”

McClellan’s favorite story is 20 years old.

It was her first time pet sitting for someone outside of her immediate family and circle of friends. McClellan, pen and notepad in hand, came prepared to jot down a few notes about the dog’s care routine.

She should’ve brought a binder.

The client, Susan, and her spaniel-mix, Brie, were initially pleasant. Susan began giving McClellan a tour of her home, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary until they reached the living room.

“There was not one, but four beds for this single dog,” McClellan recalled. “I was told that these beds were to remain here in the morning, but needed to be moved around the house at different times of the day. I began scribbling things down, making sure I remembered that, at sunset, one bed needed to go in the home office, while another goes to the bedroom.”

Things got weirder when the tour reached the kitchen. Brie, you see, had a strict morning program. She was to wait in the living room while McClellan prepared for her a breakfast of cheese and dog biscuits and delivered it on a silver platter.

“She had to be fed this cheese platter every morning,” McClellan said. “And, it had to be arranged a certain way — half a piece of provolone on the left side, half a piece of mozzarella on the right. Then, two dog biscuits, divided evenly down the middle, in between. I got the full demonstration.”

While Brie scarfed down her cheese medley, it was imperative that McClellan sit on the floor with her and discuss that day’s itinerary.

Susan insisted Brie didn’t like surprises, and it was best to warn her of any walks, potty breaks and playtime that might be upcoming.

Brie proved not to be particularly persnickety, nor did she suffer any separation anxiety during her owner’s absence. Those close to Susan, though, may have volunteered the dog wasn’t the problem.

I wondered how it was that McClellan, who was exposed to this outrageousness in dealing with her first real client, decided to keep pet sitting.

“It was baptism by fire,” laughed McClellan, “but I love what I do.”

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PERILS OF PET SITTING

MARIA ESTES, ALL ABOUT CATS PET SITTING

Cats have long been stereotyped as low-maintenance, self-sufficient companions. Just make sure they have kibbles and water, and you won’t have any problems, right?

“Wrong,” said Maria Estes, owner of All About Cats Pet Sitting in Tallahassee. “If you’re a cat person or in this business, you know people who say that are incorrect.”

Estes, who started her business 11 years ago after a long stint as an ultrasound technician at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, has long labeled herself a cat person. She is a selfadmitted “helicopter mom” to her own kitties and isn’t surprised when a client leaves behind four pages of care notes for a single feline.

“I’ve had clients who watch their cats through cameras they’ve set up in their home, and they still make me hold up a phone so they can FaceTime directly with their cat,” Estes laughed.

“But, I get it.”

When asked about some eccentricities she’s encountered, Estes rattled off a list. Many cats refuse to drink from water bowls, she said, often preferring to sip from running faucets, special cups and, yes, even toilets. The bowls instead, Estes said, are used to drown toy birds and mice.

While cleaning litter boxes, Estes often has an audience. I told Estes that my cat, Kisa, often hops in his litter box as soon as I’ve added fresh litter, eager to soil it again. “They do that!” Estes said. “Some even get in while I’m cleaning it out.

One time, I had three cats waiting in a line for me to finish scooping so they could jump right in.”

Another cat, Meatball, cannot be trusted in the kitchen alone, as he has a penchant for turning paper towels into confetti. “I tried moving them way back on the counters, and that didn’t work. The next day, I put them

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under the sink, and he somehow found his way in there, too. My client has now installed a baby lock on the door.”

Then, there’s 21-year-old Squirrel.

Squirrel was a notorious climber in her early years but doesn’t get along so well with gravity these days. But despite her geriatric status, Squirrel manages to hobble around.

“She wears a collar with a chip that allows a flap in the door to open, so she could go outdoors if she wanted,” Estes said. “But I have been caring for this cat for years, and she’s always preferred to be inside.”

However, a few weeks ago, Estes went over for her daily visit and Squirrel was nowhere to be found. Panicked, Estes called Squirrel’s mom, who seemed none too concerned. They hung up and, a few hours later, Estes got another call.

“My client was calling to tell me that she had just heard from someone that Squirrel was the talk of the neighborhood,” Estes said.

A Good Samaritan had spotted Squirrel tottering along the street and judging from her awkward gait, decided she must have been injured and lost. Said person then took Squirrel’s mug shot and plastered it all over Nextdoor, a neighborhood-based app that serves as a community marketplace, event organizer and gossip forum.

While a breeding ground for nosey Karens, the app sometimes serves to reunite owners with missing pets. The person who found Squirrel was so smitten, she refused to hand her back over to Estes. The client, who found this hilarious, agreed to let Squirrel stay at her neighbor’s house, provided that Estes could continue caring for her there.

“I was allowed to take Squirrel home on the last day of the client’s vacation,” Estes said.

“Needless to say, she’s no longer allowed outside without supervision.”

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PERILS OF PET SITTING

NICOLE WIEDEMANN, DAKINI HOUSE

Nicole Wiedemann doesn’t play favorites.

The owner of a menagerie of dogs, cats, crested geckos, dart frogs and turtles, she is a friend to animals of all kinds. Wiedemann (A HOME ALONE relies on that experience in leading PET SERVICE) Dakini House (A Home Alone Pet Service), a business she inherited from a friend in 2012. It provides care for conventional pets, farm animals and exotics.

“Getting to love on other people’s pets is the best job I could imagine,” Wiedemann said. “We’re their second-best friends.”

Some friendships, though, don’t always get off on the right foot. Certainly not with Bella the kinkajou.

Kinkajous are tropical rainforest mammals also called honey bears. They closely resemble monkeys and are equipped with long, prehensile tails and the cutest little ears you ever did see. (Trust me, Google them.)

They are also nocturnal, bear deceptively sharp chompers as well as adorable, razor-clawed hands.

At the request of Bella’s owners, a married couple living just outside of Havana, Wiedemann arrived at night for a meet-and-greet. Bella was a sweet, vivacious creature content to swing around the house and munch on fruit. Bella’s mom, who received her as Mother’s Day gift from her husband, told Wiedemann to come at night.

The next day, Wiedemann arrived at sunset.

Nestled in a pile of fuzzy blankets, Bella was sleeping soundly in her cage.

“I approached slowly, whispered, ‘Hi, Bella!’ and she flew out of her blankets and began attacking her cage!” Wiedemann said. “She was screaming bloody murder, and it was terrifying! The client said to let her out when I arrived but from the way she was acting, I thought she might rip my face off.”

The docile creature from last night was no more, and like a vampire disturbed from his coffin, Bella was out for blood. Slowly, Wiedemann backed

away and retreated to the kitchen. She prepared Bella’s fruit and waited for nightfall.

“I go back in and there she is, calmly sitting in her cage and chattering like nothing had ever happened,” Wiedemann laughed. “I opened the cage, she crawled on my shoulder and decided she wasn’t going to eat me alive. Apparently, it’s normal behavior for nocturnal monkeys. I made a note on the client’s account for future sitters that said, ‘When they say to come at night, they mean it.’”

Wiedemann also shared with me that Bella, like Squirrel, escaped her owners one day and went missing for nearly three months. A homeowner found Bella relaxing in an empty birdcage on his porch and rightly speculated that she must be someone’s pet. Bella was promptly reunited with her parents, but who knows what havoc she wreaked upon the Tallahassee wilds.

Wiedemann isn’t going to add a kinkajou to her family anytime soon, but thanks to another client, she will be inheriting Alfred the African grey parrot.

Alfred, who is 25, still has decades of life ahead of him. His owners, an elderly couple, know he will outlive them.

“Alfred’s parents vacation a lot, and we’ve been watching him for a few years,” Wiedemann said.

“Every time I’d come in, I’d start humming the ‘Mahna Mahna’ song by the Muppets so he’d know it was me. He’d never sing it with me, but I figured he recognized me because he would immediately begin squawking, ‘Wanna grape!’”

One day, the client called Wiedemann wanting to know if she’d taught Alfred a song. It had been a while since their last vacation, and Alfred busted out the tune to let them know it was time to see his pet sitter.

“They thought it was so sweet, they put me in their will so I would take care of Alfred when they pass on,” Wiedemann said. “They gave me a cage, so I’m all prepared for him. In the meantime, I get to continue building a relationship with him.”

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TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

Dogs

Gotta Eat

V

ictoria Maliborski has resisted the temptation to scale up her operations in the 15 years she has been making dog foods.

Maliborski is the president, CEO, chef and quality control officer at Miss Autumn’s Barquery, a two-person, Bay County business that ships its products across the country and internationally. She manufactures dog foods and treats in small batches in the kitchen of her home. Her husband Jim, retired from a military career, is chief operating officer.

Using only natural, human-grade ingredients, Maliborski uses low-temperature, moisture-retaining processes in making small batches of her standard-diet foods and medical formulas tailored to dogs with diabetes, pancreatitis, cardiac issues or other health concerns.

Maliborski holds a doctorate in animal science nutrition from the University of Sheffield in England and is prepared to consult with a dog’s veterinarian to ensure its food meets any special requirements the animal may have. Each jar contains 7½ grams of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and all of her products meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations.

“Some dog food makers use rendered fats, animal byproducts and powders,” Maliborski said with alarm in her voice. “Now, instead of the peas and carrots we use in our foods, they are trying to introduce insect powder as a protein. Really? What are they feeding the insects?”

Maliborski recognizes that her dog foods are pricey at $7.25 a jar. (A jar might last a Pomeranian a week. A Labrador retriever? That’s a different story.) Some people choose to add small quantities of Miss Barquery’s to bowls of dry dog food.

“If you are feeding dry dog food, it’s always a good idea to add our product or some beef broth or chicken broth to ease digestion,” Maliborski said.

Not all dry dog foods are created equal, she advises.

“Check the ingredients label and look for a balance between carbohydrates and proteins,” Maliborski said.

“When balanced, they will work together to ensure that a dog is neither hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic. You’re in the Goldilocks zone, and that is highly important.”

Protein and carb levels are close to equal in Maliborski’s standard-diet sweet potato and turkey/brown rice products.

Maliborski was motivated to develop superior dog foods after losing Cheyenne, her prized English Staffordshire terrier, to cancer. An autopsy revealed the presence of a carcinogen traceable to the food that Cheyenne had been eating.

“Diet matters,” Maliborski said. “Feed your dog the best ingredients you can afford.”

To order Miss Barquery’s dog foods and treats, or just to talk dogs, contact Victoria Maliborski at (954) 673-2900 or MissAutumnsBarquery@hotmail.com.

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PHOTO BY SAIGE ROBERTS (MISS BARQUERY’S DOG FOOD) AND ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: DMITRY KOPYLETS (DOG)

When shopping for dog food, check the label

stories By

STEVE BORNHOFT and EMMA WITMER illustrations by

LINDSEY MASTERSON

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TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

Pet-Friendly Restaurants Tallahassee loves its dogs. Even our restaurants have a soft spot for Spot. The city may have more dog-friendly restaurants than chew toys you have lost.

Uptown Café is known for its brunch menu, but this locally owned and operated restaurant is also a go-to joint for your pooch to see and be seen. General manager and co-owner Nic Tedio said that customers are welcome to bring any pet they like, large or small, as long as they remain on a leash and stay outdoors. It’s always a good idea to make sure your pet is comfortable with other animals before taking it out to eat.

It helps that tables at the café are widely spaced apart.

“Pretty much everybody here is a dog owner or previous dog owner,” Tedio said.

“For people who want to bring their pets, we love being the place where they get to do that. It’s something we take pride in and enjoy.”

Looking for a night cap but don’t want to leave your pooch at home? Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack, a laid-back locals’ hangout, welcomes dogs of all kinds. From itty-bitty

purse pups to colossal canines, Bird’s has a “we take ’em all” attitude. The picnic table porch is the perfect spot to post up with a pint and a dozen oysters while live music pours out the front door.

Want to give your pet a taste of the good life? Tallahassee is home to multiple petfriendly, fine dining establishments. Food Glorious Food serves award-winning dishes inspired by cultures and cuisines the world over. And, according to hostess Dee Mair, people aren’t the only customers Food Glorious Food aims to please.

Its outdoor patio is the perfect place to bring your dog. Mair said the staff keeps doggy treats and water bowls at the ready to make sure any visiting pups have a fine dining experience right alongside their owners.

Standing a little over 5 feet tall, Mair is often greeted by large canines who plant their paws on her shoulders, but she doesn’t mind.

“We have this guy from Chicago who brings his older dog in almost every week,” Mair said. “He’s huge and fluffy and super friendly. It’s always a highlight of my shift.”

Traveling can be stressful, especially for pet owners.

How do you keep your pet safe and comfortable on long car rides? Do you bring your pet at all? If not, who can you trust to take care of your cherished companion while you’re away? According to North Florida Animal Hospital veterinarian Dr. Lyndsey Steele, there is no one answer to these questions. Factors including age, training, species and breed all come into play.

Tallahassee has more than a dozen pet boarding facilities. This can be a solution for those who don’t have friends or family to look after their pet, but it can also pose problems for certain pets like older dogs, cats and unsocialized animals. It’s best, Steele said, if your pet has gotten used to

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PHOTO BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: KOSZIV (DOG)

Hitting the Road

the facility from a young age and associates it with fun and play.

“If you have a cat or an older pet who isn’t used to boarding, it’s best to get a good in-home pet sitter,” Steele said. “That way, they can be in their own home with their regular routine and someone they know.

That is pretty ideal.”

Steele recommends taking a tour of the facility before dropping your pet off to satisfy yourself that it will be safe and comfortable.

“Check out where your pet will be staying, where they will be sleeping, what other pets will be beside them and if they have a group play area,” Steele said. “You want to find out if there is someone there with them all the time and how often they are going to be taken out.”

If your pet has any medical conditions or requires medication, boarding at an animal hospital is your safest bet. North Florida Animal Hospital is available around the clock to administer medications and provide emergency treatment.

When hitting the road with your pet, take steps to keep it safe, even if that makes for some barking or meowing. Secure your animal in a crate. This decreases the likelihood that the driver will get distracted, and in the case of an accident, provides protection for your pet.

“Ideally, you should have them in a carrier,” Steele said. “Part of that comes down to training. Are they used to being in the crate? If you feel like they are going to be anxious, we can prescribe a minor sedative and give tips specific to your pet.”

Steele encourages owners to think about what is best for their pets before committing them to a long trip.

Said Steele, “I think sometimes we need to ask ourselves, ‘Am I doing this for me? Is this what is best for my pet?’ It may be convenient for you, but long car rides can throw off your pet’s normal routine.

They can get an upset stomach, they may not eat or go out at regular times.”

Welcoming an Adopted Pet Before adopting a pet, take stock of your expectations, advises Erika Leckington of Tallahassee Animal Services.

“You need to ask yourself what you want from a pet,” Leckington explained.

“Whether it’s a cat or a dog or a guinea pig, you need to decide what you are prepared to do in terms of cost, time and energy.”

Consider how much time you have to help the new pet get acclimated to your home, and how they will interact with children or other animals in the home. A good place to start is by asking about the animal’s history.

Young animals or those who have participated in foster care are more likely to behave well around children and animals, Leckington said, while older animals’ personalities are less likely to change with time.

“It often takes three months or longer for an animal to adjust to a new environment and for you to really understand what that animal will be like,” Leckington said.

At Tallahassee Animal Services, all animals are fully vaccinated, dewormed and free of fleas.

They are tested for heartworms and chipped.

When adopting a pet elsewhere, ask what vaccinations or treatments the animal has received and find out about any existing medical conditions.

“It’s really a problem in our community,” Leckington said. “We have people bring in dogs with heartworm disease, and that is completely preventable. Getting your

pet checked in with your veterinarian early on can save you a lot of time, money and heartache down the road.”

It is important to understand what your new pet has been through in order to provide the best home possible. Much of the fear and anxiety experienced by animals in the foster system stems from abandonment and a lack of routine.

“The biggest thing you need to do when you take home an animal is set boundaries,” Leckington said. “It’s not unlike raising children. You need to set the rules, and everyone in the household needs to stick with the rules. Be clear and concise with that animal, and provide a sense of routine.”

Consistency is key, especially when it comes to meals, exercise and potty breaks.

Pets already in your home need to make adjustments, too. Animals can be territorial, so a bit of tension at the onset is to be expected.

“Make sure that both your old pets and your new pet have their own space separate from each other,” Leckington said.

“For dogs, having their own crate gives them the space to decompress. With cats, you can close them off in a room by themselves for a time, or simply put up a baby gate.” TM

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Managing the Pet Population

Partnerships provide funds for spay/neuter procedures

T

hrifting gives items new life.

The Fix Thrift Shop extends this practice to its concern for the lives of dogs and cats.

It donates all of its profits to Be The Solution Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to ending animal overpopulation in the Big Bend region.

The Fix Thrift Shop features gently used items including clothing, jewelry, appliances, furniture and more in a boutique setting

Jewelry donated to The Fix Thrift Shop

at gentle prices. In 14 years, the shop’s proceeds have covered the cost of 50,000 spay and neuter procedures, 7,000 of them in 2021, alone. As a result, the number of animals in local shelters is at its lowest number in 10 years.

“The fact that the numbers keep decreasing reflects fewer unwanted animals being born, which further reflects the strength of the promotion and partnerships between animal organizations, volunteers and local business partnerships,” said Gerry Phipps, founder of Be The Solution and The Fix Thrift Shop.

An example of partnerships that have been beneficial to the cause is one among the thrift shop’s employees, volunteers and local business Robert’s Jewelry.

Maria Morales, a parttime employee of The Fix Thrift Shop, sorts and handles all donated jewelry.

Gerry Phipps, David Hurlbut and Maria Morales

David Hurlbut, a Fix Thrift volunteer since 2015, fixes, cleans and prices all gold, silver and semiprecious stones. When Hurlbut finds a rare piece like an antique gold locket, a precious stone or diamond, he takes it to Robert’s Jewelry.

Robert’s has each piece appraised and offers it for sale. When a piece sells, Robert’s keeps only a small

fee for repair costs and the remainder is donated to Be The Solution. The partnership has resulted in $5,400 in sales, which equates to over 100 spay and neuter procedures.

“The chain of good starts with Maria then to David and ends with Robert; all are amazing people who love animals and are making a huge difference within our community,” Phipps said.

THE FIX THRIF T SHOP AND BE THE SOLUTION 1208 CAPITAL CIRCLE SE | (850) 545-2043 | BETHESOLUTION.US

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SPEC IA L A DVERTISIN G SECTION

Vet Pet & Profiles The Persians and parrots, the terriers and maybe even the terrapins that we name and nurture are vessels that we pour love into. So it is that we seek the best in veterinary care for them, delivered by practitioners who are experienced, highly skilled and take the time to listen to us. Because, after all, who knows Purrfect, Polly, Trouble or Yurtle better than we do?

Here we present vets who will lend you an ear and earn your trust.

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Vet

Pet & Profiles

Dr. Harley Fogler, DVM and Maci Merwin, CVT/Surgery Tech

Dr. Christy Valentine, DVM with Zaria Hunter, Vet Tech Assistant

North Florida Animal Hospital

Fostering relationships with clients and their pets since 1955

F

ocusing on household pets, exotic pets and reptiles, the 10 veterinarians at North Florida Animal Hospital offer services including wellness and preventive care, dentistry and boarding. Diagnostic services include a full range of laboratory testing as well as ultrasound, soft tissue surgeries, orthopedic surgeries and much more. As an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) certified hospital, NFAH adheres to the highest standards in customer care, animal safety and patient care. They are also recognized as a Gold Standard Cat Friendly Hospital.

The hospital, established in 1955, has for many decades maintained its reputation as providers of high-quality care. The doctors and support staff are familiar faces, many having worked at the hospital for 10 years or more. Comfort and connection keep clients coming back with their furry, feathered or scaled friends.

“All of our vets are highly skilled and intelligent, but what I believe keeps clients coming back for years and traveling far to see us is the client and patient care communication,” said Christy Valentine, DVM, CCRP. “Knowing our clients is just as important as knowing their pet because in a sense, we are treating both. The pet and human bond is that strong.”

The triad of pet, vet and client is a vital relationship in the life of a pet. NFAH veterinarians value each pet, whether it’s a child’s first kitten or a widow’s companion.

They approach each visit with the compassion and communication needed to bring about optimal outcomes.

NFAH’s caring approach extends to the community at large. NFAH works with the nonprofit organization Be The Solution to spay and neuter more than 1,000 animals each year. By donating time and services, NFAH veterinarians help control animal populations and ease pressure on shelters.

Dr. Christy Valentine, DVM

“As a staff, we invite our clients and their pets into our family because pets are family, too,” said Dr. Valentine. “We see patients as puppies and kittens and get to care for them and ensure their health for their entire lives.

That’s the best part of what we do.”

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S PECIAL ADVERT IS ING S ECT IO N

Some of the staff from our wonderful team, Katie Simon and Laura Claire

PHOTOS BY DAVE BARFIELD (NORTH FLORIDA ANIMAL HOSPITAL) AND BLACK & HUE PHOTOGRAPHY (BEVIS PET HOSPITAL)

Bevis Vet Hospital

Practice forges close connections with pet owners

D

r. Luke Bevis was born into the veterinary industry. His father opened Bevis Vet Hospital in 1979.

As a child, Bevis saw his father helping animals, but as he grew older, he realized the people were also being helped. This merging of caring for pet and person is what ultimately led him to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and purchase his father’s business in 2020.

With new ownership came a new Midtown location offering wellness exams, vaccines, dentistry, radiology, ultrasound, general surgeries, microchipping, lab services, preventive medicine, chiropractic services and more.

“We instill the traditional philosophies that my father started — compassion,

quality time and customer service,” Bevis said. “We are family owned, making it all the more important to have a business that makes everyone who walks through the door feel like family.”

Bevis works alongside associate veterinarians Dr. Shaughnessy Tuten and Dr. Mary Carson Gwynn. They make it a point to allow ample time not only for medical assessments, but also to listen to the client.

“As vets, we are solving the health mysteries of patients who can’t speak, and the best way to gain clues is by listening to the client,” Bevis said. “We learn the most by hearing those who know their animal best.”

Bevis equates the client/vet relationship to that of the client and his primary care physician — you want to feel known,

Dr. Bevis, Dr. Tuten and Dr. Gwynn

understood and comfortable that the right decision will be made. During a visit to Bevis Vet Hospital, you and your pet will have the vet’s undivided attention.

As an owner of a yellow lab named George and an English cocker spaniel named Howler, Bevis knows that it was his love for animals that led him to veterinary medicine.

His connection to helping humans came later and continues to deepen.

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Vet

Pet & Profiles

Dr. Drygas and one of his patients in the new 64-slice CT scanner

Capital Veterinary Specialists

C

apital Veterinary Specialists has long been trusted with the specialized care of pets that are sick or may require surgery. As the only premier referral hospital of its kind within 300 miles of Tallahassee, Capital Veterinary Specialists partners with local vets throughout North Florida and South Georgia to provide the best possible outcomes.

The facility offers care in the areas of surgery, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, radiology and critical care. The practice recently has added a 7,000-square-foot, two-story addition with an oncology ward, CT imaging, radiology department, a seven-day-a-week urgent care facility, in-house laboratory suite, a continuing education conference room, a third operatory suite, second ICU recovery suite and additional exam rooms.

Dr. Jehn performing laparoscopic surgery

“Tallahassee now has the John Hopkins equivalent specialty hospital but for their pets,” said Dr. Kevin Drygas, DVM, DACVS. “We are constantly growing to fit the needs of the region.”

That hospital totals 20,000 square feet and is located on a two-acre campus.

Capital Veterinary Specialists also has an office in Santa Rosa Beach.

Drygas and his team of over 15 doctors and 90 veterinary staff members have more than 50 years of combined experience. Capital Veterinary Specialists personnel are engaged in training interns, veterinary students and area veterinarians.

Hydrotherapy and rehabilitation available

“What’s most important to us is that pets and their owners know they are receiving the highest quality of care,” Drygas said. “Our goal is that clients get answers and solutions.”

Whether short-term or long-term care, or minimally invasive surgery, the team creates a health plan that is in the best interest of the pet and the owner.

“Clients receive compassion from everyone, from the front desk to the exam room,” Drygas said. “We provide the highest level of care in conjunction with a family-forward environment where all pets and people feel comfortable.”

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PHOTOS BY DAVE BARFIELD (CAPITAL VETERINARY SPECIALISTS AND OAKWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL)

Expert care with compassion

SPEC IA L A DVERTISIN G SECTION

Oakwood Animal Hospital Practice prioritizes customer education

O

akwood Animal Hospital affectionately and accurately refers to itself as “your other family doctor.” As a full-service small animal clinic, the hospital offers routine wellness, surgery, medicine, boarding, dental and diagnostic services and much more. The hospital is AAHA accredited and is committed to keeping pace with the most modern medical treatments.

The Oakwood staff encourages pet owners to express their concerns. Lines of communication are kept open in the office and via the Oakwood Animal Hospital app, which provides direct access to your pet’s medical records and allows you to schedule appointments and prescription refills.

Dr. Josh Goodson believes that people in the veterinary industry should care about humans as much as they do animals.

Throughout the year, Oakwood holds trainings not only for medical purposes, but also related to customer care. It recently added a new staff veterinarian, Dr. Patrick Vickers.

Goodson makes it a priority to maximize quality of life for pets throughout their lifetimes. It’s important to him and his staff to educate each client on the methods, procedures and lifestyle changes they can make to positively impact a pet. Through a variety of means, the Oakwood staff equips clients to be the best pet owners possible.

Josh Goodson, DVM, Patrick Vickers, DVM

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Ox Bottom Animal Hospital We put the treat in treatment

I

magine a vet visit from your pet’s perspective: You are not fed, you are put into a small crate, carried to a hot car and then driven to a strange hospital where nurses hold you still while they stick you with needles … terrifying.

Unfortunately, this is the veterinary experience many pets face. These veterinary visits are full of fear, anxiety and stress (FAS), but they do not have to be. Dr. Lauren Combs and Dr. Brewster and their team at Ox Bottom Animal Hospital have taken many steps to provide fear-free veterinary care.

The first step as a pet parent is learning to recognize FAS. Check out FearFreePets.com for great resources. What can you do to help

alleviate your pet’s fear? Call and request anxiety medicine, introduce the carrier a week before, heat or cool your car the day of and bring their favorite treats or toys with you. As a Fear-Free certified veterinarian, Dr. Combs and Dr. Brewster have trained their staff in proper handling techniques, creating quiet, calming environments and working with owners to reduce FAS. We are a Gold Standard Feline Friendly certified hospital and have had advanced training in reducing feline FAS. Reducing FAS in our patients and our pets is a huge passion of ours. Together we can “take the pet out of petrified” and “put the treat into treatment!”

Lauren DiMartino-Combs, DVM Melanie Brewster, DVM

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Vet

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NORTH FLORIDA ANIMAL HOSPITAL

OAKWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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We love what we do at North Florida Animal Hospital, and we look forward to serving you as the “Best of Tallahassee” winner over 10 years in a row!

Founded in 1973, Oakwood holds the reputation of having loyal relationships with clients founded on their knowledge, compassion and service. Your furry family is part of our family when you step into Oakwood Animal Hospital.

2701 N. Monroe St. | ( 850) 385-5141 | NFLAH.com

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2528 W. Tharpe St. | ( 850) 386-1138 OakwoodAnimal.com

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We are a locally owned, full-service companion animal hospital that provides fear free and feline friendly veterinary service to Tallahassee and surrounding areas. It is our goal to provide the highest quality and most up-to-date care.

We are your local, woman-owned pet service that provides exceptional care for daily dog walking, pet sitting and tallahassee more. Our staff of certified professional Lassie Pet Care pet sitters receives ongoing animal care education. Pet Parents receive updates with every visit and have back-up sitter assignments if needed! Proceeds from our business benefit local nonprofit agencies and rescues.

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MAY/JUN 2022

KEEPING TABS ON ALL THAT MUSES INSPIRE

ART

THE COMIC BOOK CAME CALLING

↖

Billy Penn, an art teacher at Killearn Lakes Elementary School, a lifelong fan of superheroes and a comic book illustrator, inks a panel while working at a table in his classroom.

↓

Billy Penn’s inner child has a coming-out party

by MARINA BROWN

MUSIC photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

Musical Sculptors

|| BOOKS

A Preacher Turned Poet

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photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

“K

←

Billy Penn is enjoying success as a comic book illustrator.

Even while he was in elementary school, his teachers recognized his talent for drawing.

aboom! Bam! Pow!” The silent sound effects loved by comic book fans worldwide may be what first draws little boys into that often exploding and enemy-filled world.

But for Billy Penn, it was very likely the muscled heroes and devious villains drawn in brilliant colors. Even as a child, he could make characters come to life with his crayons.

Today, the Tallahassee-born Penn, 43, is the father of two sons who are not as fascinated by superheroes and mega-thugs as he was while young. But as an art teacher at Killearn Lakes Elementary School, Penn has used his lifelong love affair with art to inspire hundreds of students to express themselves on paper.

Did Billy Penn finally get over his affection for comics? Well, no. In fact, Penn recently was tapped to illustrate a national publication, G.I. Joe, An American Hero, a 20-page comic that can be found in stores and online. That experience has him craving more.

Still, Penn knows where his heart lies.

“I think my then girlfriend, now wife, saw it first,” Penn said. “She knew I was good with kids and good at art, and though I fancied myself succeeding as a dropout cartoonist, she saw something different, and she was right. I ended up majoring in art education at Florida State.”

Today, surrounded by a mother who was a teacher at Kate Sullivan Elementary and wife, Betsy, who is a two-time winner of the Teacher of the Year award at Deerlake Middle School, Penn says his life is just where he wants it to be.

Penn said his creativity was sparked by experiences in Tallahassee’s public schools.

“Even in first grade, I was being selected to do drawings for the class,” he recalled. “And then when I was in fifth grade, there was a contest put on by the Tallahassee Democrat. My drawing got chosen and was in the paper.”

Two years later, the Democrat offered Penn a contract to create its “Back to School” section cover.

“This year is the 20th anniversary of signing my first art contract,” Penn said, sounding as excited by the memory as he must have been in seventh grade.

Seemingly always in touch with his inner child and given his desire to positively influence and connect with children, Penn has followed the advice of his wife and mentor, Betsy: “Make yourself indispensable to those around you.”

At Killearn Lakes, he is known for involving his fifth-grade students in outdoor mural projects.

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“There’s no weaving or yarn involved in the projects we do,” Penn laughed.

Instead, kindergarten through fifth-grade students experiment with sculpture, drawing and painting using tempera and watercolor paints, colored pencils and tin foil.

“Last semester, the kindergartners made sculpted Olympic medals,” Penn said in February. “This year, they’ll be doing a whole section on American painter Georgia O’Keefe. We’ll make huge flowers on poster board with

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markers and then add water to let it bleed like watercolor. It will be great!”

But in the background, the lure of comics always lurks for Penn.

“There had always been only one writer of the G.I. Joe comics — Larry Hama,” Penn said. “And when he would come to comic book conventions, I would try to court him, showing him my work.” He likewise pursued the comic book’s editor. And then, after three years of solicitations, there arrived an email asking if Penn were interested in doing the next edition. He didn’t have to think about it.

“First, you’re sent the script,” Penn said.

“From that, I do stick-figure sketches that are kind of a storyboard version of the plot and the action. Approval has to come from the author, the editor and from

←↑ Killearn Lakes Elementary School has something a lot of schools are not fortunate to have: an in-house muralist. What are the children, above, chasing? Maybe their dreams.

Art teacher Billy Penn is realizing his.

Hasbro, who holds the rights. Only then do I begin the finished drawings. The word bubbles are like Step 5.”

Penn says he most likes doing faces, which he patterns after snarls and grimaces he makes in the mirror.

With one G.I. Joe under his belt, will there be others for Penn? He isn’t sure.

They have hinted at that possibility and have also asked him for drawings of Ninja Turtles.

“Between teaching and comics, I’m like the circus performer who’s spinning the overhead plates,” Penn said. “And I love it all.” TM

When Barbie dolls were introduced in 1960, inventor Stanley Weston, then the owner of a merchandising firm, resolved to come up with an action figure for boys. In 1963, he sold the G.I. Joe concept to Hasbro, and it soon became one of the most successful toys in history. Weston was a U.S. Army veteran, himself. His firm represented properties and personalities including Dr. Kildaire, Soupy Sales, Twiggy and How the West Was Won.

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expression ↘ FLAT MOON THEORY From left:

Sean Norton on bass; regulars Christian Manuel (guitar); Mira Gaitanis (violin, viola, vocals); Davis Johnstone (banjo); and Will Taylor on cello.

MUSIC

MUSICAL SCULPTORS Flat Moon Theory shoots for the stars

I

had heard enough about Flat Moon Theory to cause me to check the band out on YouTube.

The music — silky strings, soothing harmonies — so grabbed me that I paid little attention to the video at first. But when I got there, I found the players to be remarkably young.

The oldest member of the band is just 21, but Flat Moon Theory is skilled and confident enough to make recordings live, without mixing.

The band reminds music lovers why they loved music in the first place. Each of their soulful, folky tunes takes you to a happy place and triggers a pleasant memory.

Flat Moon Theory’s core trio is made up of lifelong friends and Tallahassee natives Mira Gaitanis on violin and viola, Christian Manuel on guitar and Davis Johnstone on banjo. Classically trained, they combine musical techniques that blend folk and bluegrass and showcase technical precision interspersed with wild bouts of improvisation reflective of the band’s play-by-ear style.

While Gaitanis, Manuel and Johnstone have been jamming together since childhood, they often add other local musicians to the band on an ad hoc basis.

Will Taylor, Noah Wise, Kendrick Jacobs and Nygel Anderson all

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have contributed to recordings.

Classmates from Killearn Lakes Elementary to Chiles High School, the band’s regulars bonded musically as members of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra.

As 14-year-olds, they stayed after rehearsals writing music, scheduling shows and eventually dubbing themselves Flat Moon Theory in 2014.

Flat Moon Theory released its debut album, Dreamers in the Dark, in 2019. An EP, Universe, Wonder and Time, followed in 2020, and their sophomore album, Growing From Here, arrived last year.

Flat Moon Theory’s often experimental approach has garnered the band a growing amount of attention and community support in recent years.

It has far exceeded its fundraising goals and is getting recognition from national institutions.

When I Walk into the Room from the band’s 2019 debut album, made the finals of the annual Songwriting University competition and the semifinals in the Music City SongStar competition. NPR gave the band a nod after it submitted an entry to the broadcaster’s 2021 Tiny Desk Contest.

“During the pandemic, we had nothing else to do so we got together to get our butts into

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAT MOON THEORY

by EMMA WITMER

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gear,” Manuel said. “We were screwing around for years, but once we made a plan and put it into action, we really started seeing results.

“The most rewarding thing to me is when strangers say that they listened to our music and it brought them to tears or that they want to come to our next show because they discovered us and our music spoke to them,” Manuel said. “We pour hours and hours into these songs, sculpting each detail, so when someone takes the time to listen and get immersed in the story, that means everything to me.”

Next up for Flat Moon Theory is a concept album titled Viceroy. Slated for release in the

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↑

Flat Moon Theory GROWING FROM HERE FMT’s second album arrived last year and reflects the group’s often improvisational approach to music making.

latter half of 2022, it will center on the life of band member Mira Gaitanis, a musician, singer, poet and advocate for the disabled. Her vision is impaired by a condition that cannot be fully corrected by surgery or medication. Her special “bubble glasses” provide some help, but only in recent years has she been comfortable being photographed wearing them.

“The viceroy is a type of butterfly that mimics that monarch butterfly,” Gaitanis explained. “This project is really about the experiences of being seen as an outcast and the concept of othering. I want to talk about my experiences with a disability and feeling like a viceroy in a world of butterflies.” TM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLAT MOON THEORY

↗ The core members of Flat Moon Theory — from left, Davis Johnstone, Mira Gaitanis and Christian Manuel — once played together as members of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra.

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POETRY

A PREACHER TURNED POET

Seasoned by years of sermonizing, Bob Gibbs turns to verse

by STEVE BORNHOFT

T

oward the end of his 42-year career as a United Methodist minister, Bob Gibbs pastored a church that was about to turn 50. Staff there convinced him to write the words for a hymn that would figure in a celebration of the milestone.

That experience led Gibbs to start reading poetry more intently than he ever had before. He encountered writings by Kilian McDonnell, a monk and theologian who resides at St. John’s Abbey in Minnesota and who began writing poetry in his 70s. Influenced by McDonnell, Gibbs would do likewise upon his retirement from the ministry in 2016.

He hadn’t written poems since high school.

It was time he got started.

“Most of Kilian McDonnell’s poems relate to Biblical passages and religious topics, but he has a beautiful way with images and words,” Gibbs said. Too, McDonnell discourages anyone from thinking that there is uniformity among monks. In The Monks of St. John’s File in for Prayer, he writes …

“In we shuffle, hooded amplitudes / scapulared brooms, a stray earring, skin-heads / and flowing locks, blind in one eye / hooked-nosed, handsome as a prince / (and knows it), a five-thumbed organist / an acolyte who sings in quarter tones /

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one slightly swollen keeper of the bees / the carpenter minus a finger here and there / our pre-senile writing deathless verse.”

Among those monks, Gibbs might most resemble a writer who hopes that his poetry lives a long life. That is, he has lost much of his hair, he has all of his fingers and his ears are not accessorized.

His verse ranges from the secular to the religious, but all of it is spiritual.

Gibbs’ Tallahassee home is located on a pond, and in seeking inspiration, he often looks out his window onto the natural world. There is poetry in nature, and there is God in nature.

“He created it, as a matter of fact,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs is an avid kayaker and an Audubon Society member, but he isn’t the kind of birdwatcher who maintains a life list of species seen. Rather, he has a couple of field guides that he consults so that he can know what he is looking at.

“I like all the birds, the big ones and the small ones,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs writes about life and death and their interconnectedness. He writes about uncertainty and the foolhardiness of men who believe they can tame the untamable. He is the president of the Tallahassee Writers Association, an photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

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organization he joined after he got the poetry bug. There, members critique one another’s work, an exercise that he has found valuable.

The association annually conducts two writing contests, one for prose writing categories and the other for poetry and haiku. Gibbs won first

←↑ When seeking inspiration, poet Bob Gibbs looks beyond his porch to a pond that adjoins his property.

He serves as president of the Tallahassee Writers Association, which annually publishes a collection of contest-winning writings in its Seven Hills Review.

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and third prizes last year in the poetry competition, qualifying him for a free book. (All of the prizewinning entries are compiled each year in a volume, The Seven Hills Review.)

Gibbs was born in Gainesville, graduated high school in Jacksonville and did his undergraduate work in Lakeland at Florida Southern College.

His father, too, was a United Methodist minister whose career, like that of his son, would carry him about the state. Gibbs pastored churches in locations including Miami and the Tampa area and did two stints in Tallahassee, from 1984–92 and from 2012 until he called it quits.

For three years after graduating from Florida Southern, Gibbs made his living as a long-haired musician in a folk trio, Rainbeaux, that scored gigs mostly in Atlanta and covered songs by James Taylor, John Denver, the Beatles, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Gibbs and his wife met when both were working in an Atlanta bar.

“The band was fun, but God was calling me to do something else,” Gibbs said. He enrolled in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and upon graduation, he returned to Florida.

“My poems are usually based on something I’ve observed or on a Biblical character or scene that triggers a poetic insight,” Gibbs said.

Some poems come together quickly, but most require a series of edits.

“I used to carry into the pulpit sermons that were so marked up with lines crossed

↑ Once a member of a folk trio, Bob Gibbs went on to pastor Methodist churches throughout much of Florida. At the side of a Tallahassee pond, he has found his retirement and reflection place.

out and notes in the margins that no one could have read them but me,” Gibbs said. “My wife says you never finish a sermon, and that is pretty much right.

Poems are hard to finish.”

Gibbs’s first-place poem from the 2021 contest is Paradise, California 11/08/2018 and deifies the fire that destroyed that community. Funnel shaped, the poem reads from the bottom like flames rising. It intensifies on the way up, culminating in …

I am God, the devastating judgment, the unholy provoker of death and destruction.

Call me Wildfire!

New Life, his third-place winner printed below, celebrates a gravid goose, but death hovers nearby.

In Tallahassee, for Gibbs, life is good.

He has many friends in town, and he enjoys the change in seasons.

“There is a little bit of cold weather here, and we get to see the beautiful azaleas in the spring.” TM

NEW LIFE Mama goose, as they say, is showing, waddling across the yard by the pond, an over-ripe melon with webbed feet.

When it’s time, all will be instinct, millions of years of programmed biology set into motion, the newness of beginnings, as old as life itself.

But instinct isn’t always successful.

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Turtle mom laid her eggs last year trusting her offering of new life to the receptive womb of the earth.

Yet, no offspring emerged from that otherwise hopeful ground.

Her almost nest, now a grave.

Death clings close to life, beginning, ending, never one without the other.

Some believe when something dies, somewhere else a new thing is born.

A soul leaves, a soul takes its place in the centrifugal force of beginning and ending that holds the universe together, maintains its balance.

Mama goose knows none of this, though, she moves in it, and it moves in her. photography by SAIGE ROBERTS

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Tallahassee is growing and thriving while striving to only offer the best. Our quality of life is further enhanced by superior products, catered customer service and inviting atmospheres provided by our favorite businesses. These are the reasons we crave Friday night at our favorite restaurant, anticipate Saturday at local bars, plan Sundays at a scenic park, count on our barista to know our order Monday morning and entrust service providers to perform efficient work during our weekly appointments. As a way to express your gratitude to the businesses that make your life the best it can be, cast your online or paper ballot for the 2022 Best of Tallahassee readers’ choice awards.

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Voting Deadlines Paper Ballots: May 25, 2022 Online Ballots: May 31, 2022

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• Ballots must have votes marked in at least 10 different categories in order to be counted.

• Each vote must list the name of a business/company. Individual names alone will not be counted.

• All votes must be cast for locally owned businesses in and around Tallahassee. Votes for any business located outside of a 30-mile radius from the city limits will not be counted.

• Locally owned and operated companies are defined by the owner or a managing partner living in Tallahassee or within a 30 mile radius of the Tallahassee city limits.

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Once ballots are counted, all tabulations are final.

Tallahassee Magazine will recognize the results of the winners and honorable mentions for every category in the November/December 2022 issue. Rules apply for winners and honorable mentions.

The business must offer the product or service the category states as “best,” otherwise that business will be disqualified from winning that category. A business can win the “Best of” award in no more than two categories. If a business is the leading vote-getter in more than two categories, that business will win only the “Best of” award for the two categories in which it received the most votes.

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Electrical Company__________________________ Event/Wedding Planner _______________________ Family Physician Practice ______________________ Fitness Center _____________________________ Flooring (Carpet/Tile/Etc.) _____________________ Florist___________________________________ Hair Salon/Studio ___________________________ Hair Wax/Laser Services _______________________ Insurance Agency ___________________________ Interior Design Firm__________________________ Landscaping/Lawn Services ____________________ Law Firm/Attorney Practice _____________________ Medical Spa _______________________________ Moving Company____________________________ Nail Salon_________________________________ Nonprofit Organization________________________ Optometry/Ophthalmology Practice_______________ Oral Health Care Specialty Practice________________ Pediatric Practice____________________________ Pest Control Service__________________________ Photographer______________________________ Plumbing Service____________________________ Printing/Copying Services______________________ Residential Builder/Contractor___________________ Residential Painter___________________________ Residential Real Estate Agency___________________ Roofing Repair/Services_______________________ Sign Company _____________________________ Specialty Fitness Studio (Yoga/Pilates/Group Fitness) ___ _______________________________________ Surgical Practice____________________________ Tree Service_______________________________ Wedding Venue_____________________________

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NORTH FLORIDA SPINE AND WELLNESS BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL FACILITY

RUSSELL B. RAINEY, DMD BEST DENTAL PRACTICE

SHAMROCK CLEANERS BEST DRY CLEANERS

North Florida Spine and Wellness is dedicated to bringing the latest research and chiropractic treatment available. It is our goal to relieve pain and help to restore the body to its normal health.

Thank you for your vote for Best of Tallahassee.

We thank you for voting us “Best Dentist” for the 2021 Best of Tallahassee Awards! We are humbled and honored by your trust in our practice as we continue to serve our community through innovative dentistry and personalized care.

More than just dry cleaning, we SHAMROCK are your full-serviceCLEANERS cleaners offering free pick up and & FABRIC CARE SOLUTIONS delivery. We pride ourselves to go above and beyond for you, and that is what makes us Best of Tallahassee.

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Thank you all for voting Superior Painting as Tallahassee’s Best Residential Painting Company. We take pride in being the area’s preferred painting company, and we couldn’t do it without all of your support. Please remember to vote for us in 2022, and thanks again.

As Tallahassee’s oldest and largest garden center, we offer a vast selection of quality plants, gardening tools and products. Come experience our greenhouse and gift shop, and see why we are voted Best of Tallahassee year after year.

Target Print & Mail is a premier printing, signs, mailing and graphic design solutions company. Our team helps you get the word out and is with you every step of the way. We appreciate your vote for Best of Tallahassee 2022.

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TASTY PASTRY BAKERY BEST BAKERY

TURNER’S FINE FURNITURE BEST FURNITURE STORE

WALK ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX BEST SPORTS BAR

For Tallahassee’s best furniture and mattress selection, come to Turner’s Fine Furniture.

Shop the area’s best brands with many unique looks you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, enjoy free interior design assistance and immediate delivery on in-stock items. Thanks for choosing Turner’s as your furniture destination!

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There are 102 opportunities to win Best of Tallahassee in 2022. Whether you vote online or choose to mail in an official paper ballot (postmarked by May 25, 2022), please be sure to complete a ballot filled with your favorite food and beverage, services, shopping and entertainment offerings. Online voting is open now and closes on May 31, 2022. Happy voting!

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FURNISHINGS

DIGS FOR DOGS

Redesign your home with Fido in mind

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← Mudrooms and laundry rooms are ideal locations for built-in feeding, sleeping and bathing stations for dogs. Spaniel, your bath is ready!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE GOOD_DOGGIE LAUNDRY ROOM FROM CLIVE CHRISTIAN FURNITURE

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f course, you love your dog to distraction. But, when guests are expected, you probably scurry to remove messy feeding bowls, pick up chew toys and Febreze the sofa.

You’ll be glad to learn that designers are hard at work coming up with concepts that pamper our pooch, as well as simplify the job of caring for them.

Kitchen and bath designers are often at the forefront of innovative pet designs, including feeding centers that can roll out of sight, cozy indoor snooze centers and doggy wash stations.

They claim that such design features can be beautiful, and, of course, a happy and healthy pet also means a happy pet owner.

The National Association of Kitchens and Baths (NKBA) says that pet-friendly design is on the rise, and the American Institute of Architects reports a sharp spike in client interest in built-in pet rooms and kennels.

For dogs, mudrooms and laundry rooms are considered the best locations for built-in feeding, sleeping and bathing centers.

When designing these spaces, you should consider your pet’s size, age, health and temperament.

For example, while a pull-out, lower cabinet drawer outfitted with water and kibble bowls is fine for smaller dogs, a long-legged Great Dane needs a taller unit.

For most large dogs, dining seat height is about right.

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Too, keep your dog’s size in mind for a sleep center. While decompressing, most dogs like to feel snug. The space can be minimal, just large enough for them to comfortably turn.

Sleeping quarters might be a cabinet with an opening, a rollaway bed or a bench with a cushy pad. The space beneath a staircase, often used as a closet, is many designers’ pick for a canine bedroom.

“If you’re outfitting a mudroom as a safe space for your dog to curl up or play

in while you’re out, add a compartment for his toys,” said Sarah Barnard, one of NKBA’s pet-friendly designers.

“Outfit dog cushions with washable duvet covers, and avoid toxic materials.

Puppies, especially, are prone to tastetesting items within reach, including rugs and pillows.”

A dog tub/shower is an item at the top of many pet owners’ lists, and pet pros approve. They say this feature saves owners time, money and stress, and most

pets seem more comfortable at home than at the groomer.

Indoor kennels and crates have also gone luxe. These days, they’re often designed to do double duty as a coffee or end table and sometimes stand in for cabinets and sideboards.

Then, there are dog doors.

In Tallahassee, Kessler Construction is known as the go-to firm for innovative ideas. That goes for doors with cut-outs, through which the family dog can go

DOGSCAPING

As an animal lover, you may be inclined to plant milkweed, a plant relied upon by monarch butterflies in their life cycles. But be mindful that milkweed is among plants that are toxic to dogs. Others, in addition to those pictured here are: sago palms, tomato plants, aloe vera, amaryllis, gladiolas, daffodils, baby’s breath, chrysanthemums, begonias and oleanders.

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←→ Available at Chewy.com: Frisco Broadway dog crate credenza and mat kit, left, and Frisco loveseat pet bed with removable cover, right.

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in and out at will, as well as for special in-house doors that, when necessary, may keep him at bay.

Doors like these are a far cry from typical, rickety baby gates. Boasting fine wood, they may even be pocket doors.

Interest in outdoor pet living is also on the rise.

While no dog lover will ever advocate letting a dog live outside, a dog house can sometimes be a necessity.

“The dog is a family member, so don’t leave him outside all day,” said Jean Hewitt, dog trainer and owner of The Puppy Ladies in Tallahassee. “However, most dogs do love the outdoors, and if you have a dog door that allows your pup to come and go while you aren’t home, then a dog house is a good idea. He needs a place in which to feel safe, lie down and get out of the sun.”

Popular styles range from tiny, Snoopy-esque homes to classic log cabins with roof decks, but you should prioritize its size and comfortability over aesthetics.

The house needs to be big enough for the dog to lie out flat with his legs and head fully extended. It should be well-insulated, and the floor ought to be slightly slanted towards the rear to drain rainwater.

Your dog will also need a place to go potty. It could be a patch of artificial grass capable of being hosed off or a mulched area.

When landscaping around your dog’s area, be careful with graveled paths, as small stones can get caught in tender paws. Most importantly, keep toxic plants out of his yard. Common plants such as azalea, grassy palm, aloe and English ivy are no-nos.

Checking out the ASPCA website’s list of toxic plants for pets is a must.

Finally, consider carving out a small hole in the backyard fence so your pup can watch the world beyond.

He’s sure to love it. TM

PHOTO BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: KICHIGIN

↑ When arriving at a house for your dog, prioritize size over cutesiness. The house should be large enough to allow its occupant to stretch out and lie down, and the floor should be slanted to provide for drainage.

Ella

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or the past two years, we have all been spending extraordinary amounts of time confined to our homes. For Mays-Munroe Inc. and other home furnishings and appliance businesses, this has resulted in a surprising uptick in sales.

“People have become more focused on their homes, which has resulted in them spending more money on their homes,” said Mike Munroe, sales manager of Mays-Munroe.

Mays-Munroe is the only independent appliance dealer in Tallahassee. They encourage customers to visit their showroom where they can see, touch and experience the products including refrigerators, stoves, cooktops, ranges, washers, dryers and many more home appliances and furnishings.

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Neutral & Natural: To the left, a wood paneled Thermador fridge and freezer on either side of the wine fridge merge seamlessly with the design of the kitchen. On the right, with Bosch it’s all about stacks; a three-column microwave, oven and warming drawer and a columned fridge, freezer and wine drawer.

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Prints & Color Pops: Have fun with your kitchen design while investing in quality appliances. Above, a sleek and modern kitchen emphasizing ease with stacked appliances, a smooth cooktop and the option of handles or handless with Thermador products. Below, the centerpiece here is the new Bosch pro-range stove surrounded by a beautiful backdrop.

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The staff has extensive product knowledge enabling them to expertly educate and guide customers in the purchasing process. For example, the team ensures that the customer gets the product of the right voltage and style. After an appliance is selected, Mays-Munroe personnel schedule deliveries and installations. In addition, the business manages remodeling and building projects and has an on-site service department.

“We ensure that each customer feels confident in making an informed decision by selecting appliances that best suit their lifestyle,” Munroe said.

All factors are considered from personal style to budget. The vast selection is inclusive, allowing customers to choose from economically priced packages to top luxury brands and all that come in between.

The company holds a long-standing reputation within the community of being reliable, communicative and customer-service oriented. Much of the latter comes from being a family owned and operated business.

Upon the passing of the original owner, Hugh Mays in 1973, Ray and Peggy Munroe bought the business. Now Peggy, along with the second generation of the Munroe family, operates the store including Mike, his wife Ellen, Mike’s brother Mark and his sister Megan Lisson. The third generation can be found on the salesroom floor, including Mike’s nephew Ben, niece Laura, and son-inlaw Ian Murphy.

“Through it all, we have never been more grateful than now for the continued community support in trusting us with their home purchases,” said Munroe.

M A Y S - M U N R O E 2791 CAPITAL CIRCLE NE | (850) 385-9495 | MAYS-MUNROE.COM

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INTERIORS

A RETURN TO REFINEMENT Heirloom china is a hot commodity

by LIS KING

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↑→ Styles tend to be cyclical, and vintage china’s time has come again. Restaurants and homeowners are setting tables with dishes that had been relegated to boxes and buried in storage closets.

vintage mixed tableware with spectacular results. Too, millennials are drawn to vintage tableware to create personal table settings.

“They mix patterns, color and styles,” said Winkler. “There is even a group called ‘Grand Millennials’ who create and share beautiful tablescapes on social media.”

Marcia Strazulla, owner of Canopy Oaks Antiques in Tallahassee, said that the trend is just getting started in Northwest Florida.

“Young marrieds find it romantic to set a formal table,” said Strazulla. “But, the way they do it would probably make their grandmothers squirm. They don’t set a matched table of just one pattern. Instead, they might choose different patterns for salad, dinner and dessert plates. Or, they might opt not to have single matching plate on the table.”

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ot so long ago, most of us dreaded the moment when a downsizing granny would offer us her wedding china, so prized that she’d only bust it out for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Millennials, especially, didn’t want those floral, gold-rimmed plates, let alone archaic serving pieces such as soup tureens, gravy boats and lidded bowls.

Finding granny’s china too fussy and a bit comical, they swore by minimalistic plates that could clatter from table to sink to dishwasher without shattering.

But, things are changing.

Instagram, Etsy and Pinterest followers interested in food, restaurants and decorating are exposed to a steady diet of pretty, vintage plates. Professional and home chefs compete to show off their culinary masterpieces, and that often involves something other than the practical-but-clunky white restaurant china.

Meanwhile, people are creating imaginative tablescapes by using vintage patterns in contemporary ways.

With more than 11 million pieces in their inventory, Replacements in North Carolina is the world’s largest retailer of vintage and modern tableware. They report brisk business at their online “vintage shop.”

Keith Winkler, the firm’s marketing specialist, said many restaurants now use

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abodes projects. Others recycle whole plates and cups for artsy lamp bases, bird feeders and wind chimes.

But, gallery walls of curated plates are the most popular way of decorating with vintage china. You can make one out of patterned pieces in various sizes or uniform white plates that look stunning on a boldly colored wall. Plate hangers will make this an easier process.

With all this newfound interest in old china, Winkler said you shouldn’t be too hasty about dumping an heirloom

←→ Vintage china may be used for purely practical purposes or it can serve as art, taking places on fireplace mantels and in wall galleries.

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set of china. He is glad that people are beginning to appreciate family heirlooms.

“The challenge is that most of us simply don’t have room for a whole set of china,” Winkler said. “So, we suggest that you just keep the pieces you know you will use, and donate or sell the rest of the set. That way, you can still enjoy the memories the china evokes.

“If you’re lucky enough to be in possession of granny’s china, please use it all the time, and don’t let it languish on a shelf.” TM

PHOTOS BY ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS: THOMAS NORTHCUT (PINK) AND COURTESY OF GERALD POMEROY INTERIORS

Strazulla said mismatched china works if it’s all kept in the same color family.

Pink, for example, can be a recurring color in different sets.

“Classic blue-and-white patterns are the leaders in vintage china,” added Winkler. “But there is also an enormous interest in botanical patterns, and people continue to collect classic favorites from Spode, Wedgewood and Haviland.”

Bruce Moes, who works at the Florida Estate Sales auction house in Tallahassee, said that fine old china is very much a part of their inventory but is rarely sold in sets.

Buyers tend to treat them as art pieces, he said, and buy one or a few pieces at a time. When they do buy several pieces, they’re usually not of the same pattern.

But complete sets of granny’s china are popular with wedding venues, said Winkler. The reason is simple: Vintage china is sweet and romantic, just right for wedding receptions and dinners.

Tony eateries, too, are discovering old china. It’s amazing how delicious collard greens can look on a rose-patterned plate, and a cookie becomes all the sweeter when served on a gold-rimmed grandma-plate.

Of course, china can be purely decorative. They can accent fireplaces or serve as picture frames.

Crafters are snapping up old china, only to break them up for mosaics

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NOURISHING PALM TREES Slow-release fertilizers are best

by LES HARRISON

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biquitous palms appear to be the ideal, no-maintenance landscape plant. However, they are just as likely to experience nutrient deficiencies as other native plants.

Research has indicated palms may take two to three years to fully establish themselves after fertilizer is applied. Their slow growth rate and sandy soils common to the area are causes of this time delay.

As such, slow-release fertilizer blends should be used. These products minimize the chance of nutrient leaching caused by excessive water and reduce the need for more frequent fertilizer applications.

When applying fertilizer, it should be scattered evenly under the palm tree’s canopy. Concentrating the nutrients in a hole or pile will minimize absorption by the roots and may chemically burn roots in the area of concentration.

Commercial palm fertilizers will likely have very little phosphorus (the middle number in the analysis) because area soils are naturally rich in this nutrient. These nutrient blends should contain magnesium, the most limiting micronutrient for palms in Florida.

The fertilizer label or tag on the container will provide information on the contents and its application.

Home gardeners strive to have a constant source of attractive color in their residential landscapes. Daylilies can help accomplish that goal.

The well-adapted and commonly available perennial shrubs begin to bloom in March and continue into June if the correct varieties are selected.

A rainbow of color choices is offered in early, mid- and late-season cultivars. There are blooms that exhibit a single color and others with a combination of tones.

Proper preparation is the key to a successful planting and colorful blooms.

In Florida, daylilies can be planted any month, but the spring and autumn months are best.

Plant either potted or bare-root specimens in loose, well-drained soil.

Saturated soils will encourage root rot and plant death.

As their name implies, these plants perform best in full sun exposure or filtered light. The lighter colors require the most sunlight.

Too much shade will reduce the flowering potential. The soil should be rich in organic matter and mildly acidic.

Peat moss is an excellent soil amendment, but compost will work. The organic matter adds slow-releasing nutrients and regulates the moisture content. Leave 18 to 24 inches between plants. The distance will assure the plants have the necessary space for at least three years before dividing is necessary. Mulch with pine needles or leaves to a depth of three inches.

Daylilies are drought tolerant, but to get best performance they may require watering. Make sure they get between 1 to 2 inches weekly.

Les Harrison is a retired University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Wakulla County extension director.

Sometimes it is obvious an unknown caller has visited the landscape. While there are many suspects, raccoons are one possibility. The masked marauders of wildlands and suburbia are spending the dark hours aggressively searching sources of food to sustain themselves. These omnivorous mammals are not picky about their meals, so human habitation, with all its waste, is especially enticing. Garbage cans, with all manner of leftover delicacies appealing to raccoons, are usually the main attraction for their rambunctious activity. Their extraordinarily dexterous front paws, with no webbing between the fingers, make opening these culinary prizes quite easy.

Those nimble paws are tipped with non-retractable claws and give the raccoon both an offensive and defensive capability. Its carnivore-type teeth can inflict severe bites, too. Vegetable gardens, fruit trees and flowerbeds can attract foraging raccoons. Ripe and spoiled produce may be sampled along with grubs, slugs and worms. There is no effective repellent for these night stalkers, so the best defense is cleanliness. Keep trash secure and beyond the raccoon’s reach. Remove rotting fruits and vegetables, and suppress attractive pests that encourage midnight pillaging. In many cases, the only way to confirm the identity of nighttime intruders is by their tracks. Raccoon tracks, especially given the front paws with their long fingers, are very distinctive.

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CUSTOM CONTENT

Houseplants for your outdoor spaces

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BY S AVA N N A H AT W E L L

ummertime is here, which means it is safe to bring your tropical plants out of the dry, dimly lit corners of your home and into warm, brightly lit outdoor spaces. Houseplants will most likely flourish when kept outside in the heat and humidity, so why not liven up your porch with their presence?

The biggest key to success: light! Correct lighting is always key when placing a plant, whether it be inside or out. If you have a mostly shaded porch that gets morning sun or all-day dappled/filtered light, then you are in luck. The majority of houseplants grow in these light conditions. Whether it be climbing in trees or growing along the forest floor, these plants don’t need full sun, which is why we can grow them in our homes.

Examples of houseplants that would do well on a shaded porch include Monstera, Philodendron, Aglaonema, Sansevieria and Dracaena. Sunnier porches and patios with afternoon or all-day sun require different plants that are more accustomed to that amount of light. Palms are a great choice and can quickly create a tropical ambiance around a pool or sitting area. Areca Palm, Ponytail Palm, Fishtail Palm, and Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy Date Palm) all do well in full sun to part shade.

One important thing to keep in mind when moving indoor plants outside into full sun is that you need to slowly acclimate them. A Ponytail Palm that has been growing in a desert all of its life can take full sun all day, but not your Ponytail Palm. Yours has been sheltered and protected from harsh light, so suddenly placing it in the bright afternoon sun will most likely cause it to burn.

This acclimation process may take a few weeks, during which you should place your plant in a couple of hours of morning sun, and then return it to shade for the rest of the day. Slowly increase the amount of sun exposure until your plant is flourishing and happy in its new spot.

Have questions about houseplants and the perfect placement for yours? Stop by the Greenhouse at Tallahassee Nurseries — we’d love to chat with you and set you up for houseplant success!

Monstera

Ponytail Palm

Aglaonema

Sansevieria

TA L L A H A S S E E N U R S E R I E S 2 9 1 1 T H O M A S V I L L E R O A D | ( 8 5 0 ) 3 8 5 - 2 1 6 2 | TA L L A H A S S E E N U R S E R I E S .C O M

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McNeillPlumbing.com | (850) 562-5504 | 3505 N. Monroe St. Lic. #CFC043067 Chase McNeill, Green Certified Plumber, #CFC1427457

energy Efficient Upgrades offer long term savings CEILING INSULATION GRANTS

Find ways to save energy, water & Money

SMART THERMOSTAT REBATES

ENERGY RETROFIT GRANTS

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PROMOTION

DEAL ESTATE

JUST LISTED

Grand Estate Home Surrounded by 194 Beautiful Acres Familia Farm offers a grand estate home that is surrounded by approximately 194 beautiful acres of both woodlands and rolling pastures. The property’s entrance is gated for privacy. As you enter the estate, you travel down a long winding driveway that passes through large mature live oaks and beautiful Southern magnolias. As you approach the residence, a stately brick staircase leads up to the entrance. The interior of the home features exquisite mahogany walls with soaring ceilings. Massive windows admit abundant natural light and provide beautiful views of the estate. The expansive grand room showcases a magnificent wood-burning fireplace perfect for family gatherings. The home features three large bedrooms, each having an adjoining bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen is open with a walk-in pantry. In addition, this home offers a private bar perfect for entertaining. Step out onto a screened-in veranda that overlooks a sparkling saltwater pool surrounded by a large patio area that is ideal for hosting friends and family.

LISTED PRICE: $2,399,999 ADDRESS: 10050 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee SQUARE FOOTAGE: 5,304 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 3 full baths, 1 half bath FEATURES: This brick home features custom mahogany walls and soaring 15-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, massive windows, gas stainless steel appliances, threecar garage, whole house generator and a new roof (2019). The property includes a 12-stall horse barn, large equipment workshop and private pond. Black Creek flows through the back of the property.

APPEAL: Experience timeless Southern elegance amid live oaks, Southern magnolias and sprawling pastures. Come home to a peaceful country lifestyle on this beautiful estate suited for equestrians and outdoorsmen.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Amy Billingley AmyKnowsTally@gmail.com AmyKnowsTally.com (850) 345-7985 Coldwell Banker Hartung

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PHOTOS BY NANCY O’BRIEN, NANCY O’BRIEN SUNLIGHT PHOTOS, LLC

YEAR BUILT: 1999

3303 Thomasville Road · 850.386.6160 · cbhartung.com

Coldwell Banker Hartung

Congratulates LEAVE

YOUR MARK! sPRINGTIME tALLAHASSEE 1970

Priscilla Tharpe MARSHA MORRISON JIM BROCKETT CINDY COOPER Mariela Bartens

PHOTO cOURTESY OF fLORIDA mEMORY

Fay Armstrong Brian Armstrong Jesse Armstrong

The Armstrong Team

Bruce Foster Jason Boone Ranie Thompson Ian Willis James Chu Morris Suber Myriah Mcalpine Kaylyn Williams Morgan wood Lauren Darden

3303 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308 ColdwellBankerTallahassee.com (850) 386-6160 3303 Thomasville Road · 850.386.6160 · www.cbhartung.com The Big Bend Group

TALL TALL AHASSEEMAGA AHASSEEMAGA ZINE.COM ZINE.COM March–April May-June 2022 2021

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DEAL ESTATE JUST SOLD

Amazing Gulf-front Beauty This stunning St. George Island Treasure Beach Village Gulf-front home was recently sold for $1,965,000. Completely renovated in a coastal-modern style, the spacious open-concept living area is custom designed with a step-down veranda to capture the glorious Gulf of Mexico vistas. Sold completely furnished, the sophisticated, upscale furnishings and fixtures and 10-foot coffered and beamed wooden ceilings create a visual extravaganza for the homeowners and visitors alike. A gorgeous chef’s kitchen with center island beckons shared meal preparation with a stunning Gulf backdrop. From the built-in Viking and SubZero appliances to the entertainment friendly beverage and wine cooler and high-end granite countertops and beautiful custom cabinetry, this beach home has it all! A perfect marriage of comfort and style is offered by the three bedrooms with en suite baths in the split bedroom arrangement. The spacious Gulf-front master suite has custom closets and a luxurious tile and glass bathroom.

LISTED PRICE: $1,950,000 ADDRESS: 1944 Nautilus Drive, St. George Island, Florida SQUARE FOOTAGE: Under air: 1,916; Total: 3,216 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 3 YEAR BUILT: 1986

APPEAL: With over 100 feet on the Gulf of Mexico, owners enjoy sunrises and sunsets with amazing vistas from the wraparound decks complete with dog-friendly gates.

The private outdoor shower makes it easy to rinse off the sand after a day on the beach!

CONTACT INFORMATION: Pandora Schlitt pandora@pandoraschlitt.com NaumannCoastal.com Mobile: (850) 653-6690 Office: (850) 799-1230 The Naumann Group, Inc.

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PHOTOS BY CHANTEL BURDETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURES: Many wonderful features abound including a tankless hot water heater, oversized storm rated windows and boardand-batten siding. There is generous ground level storage and parking for more than six vehicles and golf cart charging access.

Meticulously landscaped grounds with irrigation well.

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DEAL ESTATE

JUST LISTED

Own a Place on Lake Jackson Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own frontage on Lake Jackson and enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This three-story home is surrounded by 1.8 acres and features a 2-year-old metal roof, 3-yearold septic system and upgraded drainfield; structural support fortified by iron H-beams; a private in-ground pool; and an owner’s suite that affords a picturesque view of the lake from its elevated location.

LISTED PRICE: $675,000 ADDRESS: 4533 Andrew Jackson Way, Tallahassee SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,856 BEDROOMS: 3 BATHROOMS: 4 YEAR BUILT: 1989

APPEAL: Uniquely designed to offer ultimate privacy throughout the home.

The front door opens onto the main living level with a kitchen, large, screened back porch and two guest bathrooms, each with a full bath. The bonus room/fourth bedroom on lower level has extra-large full bathroom.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Brittany Bevis Brittany@TLHforsale.com (850) 321-6311 The Naumann Group, Inc.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NAUMANN GROUP, INC.

FEATURES: Oversized three-car covered carport on lower level with access to bonus room or potential fourth bedroom, with full bathroom and stairway to main floor. Top level is the owners’ private space with porch.

TO FIND THE RIGHT REALTOR, JUST LOOK FOR A SIGN TA L

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calendar PROMOTION

MAY/JUN 2022 For more events in Tallahassee, visit TallahasseeMagazine.com. compiled by JAVIS OGDEN,

REBECCA PADGETT FRETT ZANDRA WOLFGRAM

and

SAVE THE DATE: OCT. 26

↓

Visit our online ballot at TallahasseeMagazine.com/Best-of-Tallahassee-2022Ballot now through May 31, or complete the ballot on pages 116–118 and postmark it by May 25. For details on Best of Tallahassee 2022, visit TallahasseeMagazine.com/best-of-tallahassee.

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Get ready for the Best time ever this fall! Your ballot will help determine the winners of the coveted Best of Tallahassee awards. Thanks to presenting sponsor Ox Bottom Animal Hospital, we honored winners and runners-up in scores of categories last year from food and beverage to shopping and entertainment.

The Best part of this year’s 24th annual celebration will be gathering together once again at the Dunlap Champions Club. But first, we have to Tally your votes.

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BEST OF TALLAHASSEE

LL A H A S SEE

PROMOTION

REGIONAL

MAY 7–8

ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

→ Now in its 34th year, the ArtsQuest Fine

Arts Festival will be held in conjunction with Art Month. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 150 artists from around the country.

Painting by Anne Hempel

To learn more, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/arts-quest.

MAY 12

Big Bend Hospice Spring Fling

REGIONAL

Xanadu: The Musical

→ Emerald Coast Theatre Company stages this musical, roller-skating adventure about following your dreams, performed to the original pop rock hit score. Based on the cult classic movie of the same name, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for anyone who has ever dared to think big.

→ Spring Fling is “Back in the Garden” on May 12 at Tallahassee Nurseries.

Community support has made the event, which benefits Big Bend Hospice, a premier social gathering and fundraiser in Tallahassee. Big Bend Hospice extends its gratitude to Visiting Angels, which is again serving as presenting sponsor. Additional sponsorships are available, and a limited number of tickets are on sale now!

Tickets are $30-$36. Purchase online at EmeraldCoastTheatre.org.

Learn more at BigBendHospice.org/ spring_fling or call (850) 878-5310.

PHOTOS BY SAIGE ROBERTS AND COURTESY OF EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY, CULTURAL ARTS ALLIANCE OF WALTON COUNTY AND EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC

REGIONAL

JUNE 22–26

EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC → Located at the South’s

No. 1-ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin sends an impressive fleet of sportfishing yachts into the Gulf in search of big billfish. Last year, team High Cotton boated the winning 681-pound marlin, good for more than $394,000 in prize money.

Visit FishECBC.com for registration and tournament details.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

MAY 13–22

Check websites to see if the listed events will occur as scheduled.

TALLAHASSEE YOUTH ORCHESTRA CONCERT MAY 1 The Tallahassee Youth Orchestra will perform its season finale spring concert at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. tallahasseeyouthorchestras.com

SOUTHERN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL MAY 5–8 Southern Shakespeare Company brings its annual free Shakespeare in the Park Festival to Cascades Park. This year’s plays include Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. southernshakespearefestival.org

HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE US TO CONSIDER?

Send an email to sbornhoft@rowlandpublishing.com.

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SOCIAL STUDIES Fast Cars & Mason Jars FEB. 19 The 16th Annual Fast Cars & Mason Jars event benefiting Tree House of Tallahassee took place at Phipps Farm. Guests were effectively transported back in time to Old Florida with themed signature cocktails, tropical greenery and fresh coastal fare.

PHOTOS BY MATT SAURO

1 Ashley Chaney, Mark Yealdhall, Meredith Strange, Louis Poskey, Melody Arnold, Christina Riccardi, Bethany Swonson McAlister, Melanie Black and Tracey Phillips Grant

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2 Luke Grabowski, BillieAnn Gay and Jessie Grabowski 3 Julian Smith, Melanie Black and Laura Wittenberg 4 Courtney P. Munroe, Katie Cowart, Jordan Cowart, Amy Wells, Nicole Hagerty and Richard Reeves 5 Sen. Aaron Bean (auctioneer) and Justin Thames (emcee) 6 Stephanie Dick Clary with Kay and Scott Dick

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AN INVITATION TO THE PARTY MAY 7–8 The Tallahassee Ballet presents “An Invitation to the Party,” based on Donna Walker-Kuhne’s book, Invitation to the Party — Building Bridges to the Arts, Culture and Community. This performance moves past conventional images of ballet by building bridges among diverse audiences through the works of nationally renowned African American choreographers Christopher Huggins and Millicent Johnnie. Live music features Leon Anderson, the Tallahassee Symphony Jazz Orchestra and the Bethel AME Baptist Choir. tallahasseeballet.org/performance/ invitation-to-the-party

DALA MAY 12 Best friends Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine met in high school and have been making music together ever since, resulting in five albums. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala brings a fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world and the Opperman Music Hall. openingnights.fsu.edu/events/dala

TALLAHASSEE BIKE FEST MAY 13–15 The Capital City’s first motorcycle rally will include motorcycle and nonmotorcycle vendors, food trucks, live music, games, a kids concert and more.

Whether you’re a rider or not, this family-friendly and female rider-friendly event is fun for all. tallybikefest.com

THE LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL MAY 13–29 Imagine that it’s 1959, and an audience in a seedy Philadelphia bar is set to watch one of Billie Holiday’s last shows. These musical numbers include humor

not actual patients

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along with a riveting portrait of the woman and her music. theatretallahassee.org/2021-2022season/lady-day-at-emersons-barand-grill-2022

LITTLE RIVER BAND MAY 27 Chart-topping, multiplatinum album artist Little River Band continues to deliver high-quality, memorable shows led by lead vocalist and bass player Wayne Nelson. This live concert showcases the band’s pristine harmonies known worldwide and delivers nostalgic memories of their greatest hits from the ’70s and ’80s. openingnights.fsu.edu/events/littleriver-band

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM

ACHIEVE

beautiful

BODY CONTOURING RESULTS

JUNE 1 Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institution of great global acclaim. The company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 17-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forwardthinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture.

Achieve beautiful results with personalized body contouring procedures. Sometimes even with exercise and weight control, we aren’t able to achieve our goal. This is especially the case with excessive weight loss or after pregnancy. Discover the beauty of a strong, positive selfimage with the help of our board-certified plastic surgeons with services to help you reach your goal including:

openingnights.fsu.edu/events/dancetheatre-of-harlem

LEARN MORE AND WATCH PATIENT TESTIMONIALS ON OUR VIDEO GALLERY AT www.se-plasticsurgery.com

~ Tummy Tuck ~ Arm Lift

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DEATHTRAP JUNE 9–26 In this dark comedy, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell, which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. Bruhl’s fortunes change when he receives a script from a student who has written a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. theatretallahassee.org/2021-2022season/deathtrap-2022

where expertise matters for over 20 years Ben J. Kirbo, M.D. ~ Laurence Z. Rosenberg, M.D. Chris DeRosier, M.D. CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

850.219.2000

2030 Fleischmann Rd. ~ Tallahassee, FL

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SOCIAL STUDIES Cleaver and Cork Signature Dinner MARCH 4 Cleaver and Cork is a four-part culinary experience expertly produced by the Tallahassee Community College Foundation. The event, in its seventh year, welcomed award-winning chef, television personality, author and philanthropist Aaron Sanchez with special guest Chef Marc Murphy. TCC is passionate about creating opportunities for students to define and reach their scholastic and career goals. Cleaver and Cork serves to further enhance educational opportunities, scholarships, and teaching and learning facilities.

In 2022, event proceeds will go directly to scholarships and equipment for Tallahassee Community College’s health care programs.

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PHOTOS BY BETSY BARFIELD

1 Front: Mayda Williams, Cheri Rainey, Jing Jing Li and Jamie Li; Back: Kim Williams, Chef Aaron Sanchez, Russell Rainey, Chef Marc Murphy and Tom O’Steen 2 Martha Fletcher and Pamella Butler 3 Jeff and Emily Barbacci with Cameron and Kyle Ulrich

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4 Sean Pittman, Cristal Cole, Audra Pittman, R. Jai Gillum, Chef Marc Murphy, Darryl Jones, Anita Favors and Opal Williams 5 Crystle and Bradford May with Martha and Mark Fletcher

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Your treatment.

Our Journey.

You don’t plan for a cancer diagnosis. You want to find the best doctor. One you can trust to treat your unique cancer. Within 72 hours*, Gynecologic Oncology of Tallahassee will be by your side to provide treatments for a range of gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and endometrial, among others.

Our specialist in gynecologic oncology, Dr. Margarett Ellison, provides patients with compassionate, personalized services backed by the most advanced cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, minimally invasive surgery, advanced laparoscopy, and pelvic reconstruction.

By your side – every step of the way.

Caring for patients at Gynecologic Oncology of Tallahassee, A Division of Florida Cancer Specialists.

Services • • • • •

Medical Oncology • Oral Oncolytic • Chemotherapy for Hematology Pharmacy (Rx To Go) GYN Malignancies Care Management • Gynecologic Oncology • Telemedicine Laboratory • Minimally Invasive and • Pet/CT Scan Clinical Trials Robotic Surgery

Margarett Ellison, MD Call: 1-888-GYNONC1

Tallahassee Cancer Center, 2351 Phillips Rd. A U.S. Mentor Case Observation site *All required paperwork must be provided at time of referral.

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1900 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee (850) 656-2722 (850) 656-2888

2226 N Monroe Street Tallahassee (850) 385-9888

1241 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee (850) 671-2722

2499 Hwy. 77 Unit A Panama City (850) 215-3330

CraftyCrabRestaurant.com/location/tallahassee

DR. GUY HARVEY AND JESSICA HARVEY INVITE YOU TO

SNORKEL WITH THE WHALE SHARKS OF ISLA MUJERES

COST $3,250 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY JUL. 31–AUG. 2, 2022 For information or reservations, contact browland@GuyHarvey.com

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Jessica Harvey filming in Isla Mujeres

dining guide ANDREW’S DOWNTOWN

After 49 years, Andrew’s is still an energetic, casual, see-and-be-seen spot.

House favorites include a popular lunch buffet, hamburgers, salads and pasta dishes. Downtown delivery.

(850) 222-3444. $$ B L D

BACKWOODS CROSSING ★

(850) 765-3753. $$ L D

DISTRICT 850

Mix an on-site restaurant and a full bar with a wide range of activities, like laser tag, a ropes course, bowling and much more, and you get Tallahassee’s premier entertainment location. 2662 Fleischmann Rd. (850) 513-2114. $$ L D

Hummingbird brings together great wine with house-made plates and paninis for the perfect after-work or evening get-together — or start your Sunday off right with an early brunch.

1216-4 N. Monroe St. (850) 296-2766. $$ D

ISLAND WING COMPANY ★

Get baked! This 2021 Best of winner for Best Wings won’t serve you up greasy, fried wings; instead Island Wing bakes them fresh. 1370 Market St. (850) 692-3116. $ L D Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown, this cool lobby restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Unique dishes include tapas with a twist, such as the Georgia peaches with caramel. 316 W. Tennessee St. (850) 422-0071. $ B L D

LIBERTY BAR AND RESTAURANT ★

Carefully crafted unique cocktails mixed with a gourmet menu that features fresh, local produce. 1307 N. Monroe, Unit No. 2.

Foot-long and veggie entrees alike grace this award-winning menu. Also ask about their incredibly valued family packs. 1456 S. Monroe St.

LOFTY PURSUITS ★

THE EDISON

A11. (850) 521-0091. $ B

(850) 684-2117. $$/$$$ B L D

Whether it’s for a social cocktail, a quick lunch or a place to gather before home football games, Madison Social offers something for everyone.

(850) 222-4099. $ L D

This relaxed, fine dining establishment is equipped with a beer garden, wine cellar, casual cafe, open-air alternatives and a gorgeous view that has become a Tallahassee favorite. 470 Suwannee St.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD ★

The name says it all! This restaurant boasts a palate-pleasing combination of personalized service, eclectic ambiance and award-winning cuisine and is the Best Desserts winner for 2017–21. 1950 Thomasville Road.

(850) 224-9974. $$ L D

HOPKINS’ EATERY ★

A Best of 2021 winner, Hopkins’ provides favorites such as the Ultimate Turkey, the Linda Special and a variety of salads to keep customers coming back. Multiple locations. Hours vary. $ L D

HORIZONS BAR & GRILLE

Classic, homemade American cuisine along with a full bar serving premium liquors, local craft beers and wine.

3427 Bannerman Rd., Ste. 104.

(850) 329-2371. $$ B D

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INDOOR DINING NOW OPEN CARRY OUT AVAILABLE Killearn Shopping Center (850) 222-5458

Ocala Corners (850) 575-5458

KIKUBOGO.COM

KIKUTOGO.COM

CLOSED SUNDAYS

CLOSED MONDAYS

This old-fashioned soda fountain serves ice cream, milkshakes and candy — plus brunch dishes and a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 1355 Market St.,

MADISON SOCIAL

705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 894‑6276. $$ B L D

OVERUNDER BAR + LOUNGE ★

Two experiences under one roof, OverUnder features specialty cocktails plus curated food and drink pairings and is a 2021 Best Bar winner. 1240

Thomasville Rd. (850) 597-7552. $$

PROOF BREWPUB

Tallahassee’s first brewery, Proof’s brewpub in downtown offers shareables, such as sliders and fried oysters, plus burgers, sandwiches and tacos to pair with their tasty craft brews. 1320 S. Monroe St. (850) 577-0517. $$ D

R&R EATERY

Located in Hotel Indigo, R&R Eatery is a modern American restaurant with fresh takes on classic dishes and a mix of signature craft cocktails. 826 W. Gaines St.

(850) 210-0008. $$ B D

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Tallahassee Magazine editorial department, except where noted. $$ Moderately B Breakfast/ Outdoor Dining L D

2021

BEST

JUICY BLUE

(850) 354-8277. $$ D

DOG ET AL ★

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Sit down at this 2021 Best of winner for fresh gourmet food at Tallahassee’s farm-to-table, destination concept restaurant featuring locally caught and produced soft-shell crabs, sausage, duck and blueberries. 6725 Mahan Dr.

HUMMINGBIRD WINE BAR ★

TA L

AMERICAN

Live Music Bar/Lounge $ Inexpensive

Expensive

$$$ Expensive

Great Food Great Friends

3740 Austin Davis Ave. Tues-Sun | 7am-2pm (850) 765-0703

300 S. Duval St. in Kleman Plaza Tues-Sun | 8am-2pm (850) 907-EGGS (3447)

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(850) 518-0201. $$$ D

SAGE RESTAURANT ★

Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French. The setting is gorgeous but cozy, and the outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone for a relaxing evening.

3534 Maclay Blvd. (850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

VERTIGO BURGERS AND FRIES ★

Vertigo is home to some of the juiciest, funkiest burgers in town. The modern building provides a no-frills setting to enjoy such favorites as the Vertigo Burger — a beef patty served with a fried egg, applewood bacon, grilled jalapenos, sharp cheddar and Vertigo sauce. 1395 E. Lafayette St. (850) 878-2020. $$ L D

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX ★ Not your usual sports bar, this import from Louisiana offers seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands — plus 40 beers on tap and wall-to-wall TVs for the big games. 3390 Capital Circle NE. (850) 597-7736. $$ L D

SAVOUR

Downtown fine dining with a vision for seasonally inspired, regionally sourced and creatively prepared cuisine, such as bourbon-brined pork chops, Gulf Coast bouillabaisse or miso marinated grouper.

115 E. Park Ave. (850) 765-6966. $$$ D

TABLE 23 ★

This “Southern porch, table and bar” is cozied up among oak trees on one of Tallahassee’s favorite street corners.

Lucky Goat coffee-rubbed ribeye and Schermer pecan-crusted chicken are among the regional offerings.

1215 Thomasville Rd. (850) 329-2261. $$$ L D

UPTOWN CAFÉ

AZU LUCY HO’S

Enjoy an extensive array of classic dishes with a modern flare, including gyoza dumplings, crab rangoon, General Tso’s chicken and Szechuan beef, all in a relaxed setting. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy., Ste. 13. (850) 893-4112. $$ L D

BORU BORU

A fast-casual eatery inspired by Japanese cuisine, featuring sushi bowls, poke bowls and sushiburritos. 1861 W. Tennessee St., #290. (850) 270-9253. $$ L D

KIKU JAPANESE FUSION ★

Specialties at the bustling, family-run cafe include apricot-glazed smoked salmon, oneof-a-kind omelets, banana bread French toast and flavorful sandwiches. 1325 Miccosukee Rd.

(850) 219-9800. $ B L

ASIAN

From tempura to teriyaki and sushi to sashimi, Kiku Japanese Fusion, voted Best Sushi in 2021, fuses vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients. 800 Ocala Rd.

(850) 575-5458, 3491 Thomasville Rd. (850) 222-5458. $$ L D

Louisiana cuisine prepared fresh in a from-scratch kitchen. Seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands.

Voted Best Sports Bar Over 85 TVs

(850) 597-7736 | walk-ons.com 3390 Capital Circle NE, Tallahassee

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A 2021 Best Asian winner, Masa’s menu offers a creative blend of Eastern and Western cuisines. 1650 N. Monroe St. (850) 727-4183. $/$$

NAGOYA STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI

Dine in or takeout, Nagoya offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, including hibachi, salads, sushi and sashimi.

1925 N. Monroe St. (850) 553-1867. $/$$ L D

OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR ★

Rated Best Hibachi for 2021, Osaka provides dinner and a show, with the chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. 1489 Maclay Commerce Dr. (850) 900-5149.

$$$ D

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI

This American-style sushi chain born in Mobile offers fresh rolls, salads and hibachi — all with a rock-and-roll theme.

1415 Timberlane Rd., #305. (850) 999-1748. $$ L D

BARBECUE WILLIE JEWELL’S OLD SCHOOL BBQ ★

Platters, sandwiches or by the pound, Willie Jewell’s, the 2021 Best Barbecue winner, offers smoked brisket, pork, turkey, sausage, chicken and ribs with a bevy of Southern sides. 5442 Thomasville Rd.

(850) 629-4299. $ L D

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ROOTSTOCK

With an ever-changing menu of unique flavors, Rootstock offers shareable plates, artisan cocktails and a selection of 25 wines by the glass. 228 South Adams.

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BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/BAKERY CANOPY ROAD CAFÉ ★

Traditional breakfasts, fluffy omelets, skillets, French toast and sweet potato pancakes keep customers coming back to this 2021 Best Breakfast winner. Canopy also goes all out on lunch favorites. Multiple locations. (850) 668-6600. $ B L

THE EGG CAFÉ & EATERY

When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be. Second location now open in Kleman Plaza. Multiple locations. (850) 907-3447. $$ B L

TASTY PASTRY BAKERY ★

Tallahassee’s original cakery and 2021 Best Bakery winner features fresh breads, bagels, pies, cakes and catering. Mon–Sat 6:45 am–6 pm. 1355 Market St., No. A-5.

(850) 893-3752. $ B L D

TREVA’S PASTRIES & FINE FOODS Specializing in sweet treats, cakes, pastries and croissants, this bistro-style pastry shop and fine foods store also uses 100% natural ingredients to make savory sandwiches, salads and soups. 2766 Capital Circle NE.

(850) 765-0811. $$ L

CAJUN COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE ★

This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2021 brings a menu jam-packed with Louisiana-style

dishes, including favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Multiple locations. (850) 894‑4110.

$$ B L D

frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2021 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection. Multiple

locations. $ L D

CATERING BLACK FIG ★

Voted Best Catering in 2021, whether you’re planning an event for five or 500, Black Fig offers a bevy of dining options, including catering-to-go. 1400 Village Square Blvd, #7. (850) 727-0016.

CATERING CAPERS

Offering meals, bar services and more, Catering Capers makes entertaining and planning corporate events, weddings or private parties in Tallahassee easy. 2915 E.

EL PATRON MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

Find all your authentic Mexican classics such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos, or take a sip of a yardstick margarita. 1170 Apalachee

Pkwy. (850) 656-7264. $$ L D

THE IRON DAISY

Made-to-order Mexican food with a Florida flair, The Iron Daisy blends traditional cast-iron cooking with the funky vibe of the Arts District.

507 W. Gaines St. (850) 597-9997. $$ L D

Park Ave., Unit 4. (850) 385-5953.

SEAFOOD/STEAK ITALIAN/PIZZA BELLA BELLA ★

Voted Best Italian in 2021, this locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and serves all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings.

123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D

GAINES STREET PIES

Locally owned and open since 2012, Gaines Street offers fresh ingredients and inventive pies, such as the Metal Mike with Sriracha. 603 W. Gaines St.,

No. 3, (850) 765-9275; 1184 Capital Circle NE, Ste. E, (850) 329-2141; 1122 Thomasville Rd., No. 4. (850) 765-4120. $$ L D

IL LUSSO ★

Homemade pasta, local seafood and a choice of prime steaks define this downtown fine dining experience.

201 E. Park Ave., Ste. 100. (850) 765-8620. $$$ D

MOMO’S ★

After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2021 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. Multiple locations. (850) 224‑9808. $ L D

RICCARDO’S RESTAURANT

A Tallahassee tradition since 1999, Riccardo’s features savory Italian classics, from pasta and pizza to homemade subs and calzones — plus a wide-ranging selection of wines and craft brews. 1950

Thomasville Rd. (850) 386-3988. $$ L D

MEDITERRANEAN SAHARA CAFE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

This 2020 Best Ethnic Restaurant winner is a family owned and operated restaurant. Sahara Cafe has been serving homemade Greek and Lebanese food to Tallahassee for 15 years. 1135 Apalachee Pkwy.(850) 656-1800. $$ L D

THE BLU HALO ★

Blu Halo is a high-end culinary experience featuring dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood along with fine wines and a martini bar. A private dining room for up to 20 guests is available. 3431 Bannerman

Rd., #2 (850) 999-1696. $$$ L D

CRAFTY CRAB

Offering the freshest seafood and most authentic recipes in the area, including crab, crawfish, calamari, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and more. 1241

Apalachee Pkwy. & 2226 N. Monroe St. (850) 671-2722. $$ L D

GEORGIO’S FINE FOOD & SPIRITS

Family Owned Since 1999 Serving Over 25 Craft Beers & 30 Wines Secret Bread Made Fresh Daily on the Premises Dine In or Carry Out LUNCH TUES - FRI 11AM - 2PM | DINNER TUES - SAT 5 - 9PM 1950 Thomasville Road | RiccardosTally.com | (850) 386-3988

George Koikos has over 50 years of experience in Tallahassee restaurants, and his hands-on commitment has made this upscale restaurant a local favorite featuring local seafood, prime steaks and banquet rooms for private parties. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.

(850) 877-3211. $$$ D

HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL

Serving Southern, Cajun and Creole flavors in classic and modern dishes since 1987. Full bar is available at each location. 301 S. Bronough St., in Kleman

Plaza. (850) 222-3976. $$ L D

JOIN OUR TEAM!

SHULA’S 347

Located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with a premium Black Angus beef burger or a gourmet salad, or opt for one of their signature entrees — a “Shula Cut” steak.

Reservations suggested.

415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD ★

Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, the 2021 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 668‑2203.

MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR PUBLICATION DESIGNER

THE SEINEYARD ★

MEXICAN EL JALISCO ★

In the mood for sizzling enchiladas and

Fried, grilled or blackened, the area’s best and freshest seafood is found at Seineyard. Grab your basket or mix it up with a plate of grouper, catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops and more. Multiple locations. (850) 421-9191. $$ L D

Visit RowlandPublishing.com/careers to submit your application and upload your resume.

Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at TallahasseeMagazine.com/restaurants.

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postscript

AN INFRASTRUCTURE FAIRYTALE Cascades Park offers proof of our great potential

by JAY REVELL

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few times each week, I take my dog Leon for a walk through Cascades Park. Those outings are a great way for me to get some exercise while taking in views of the city.

Each time we head out from our house in Myers Park and stroll down to the world’s best looking stormwater facility, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of pride in the place we call home.

In my opinion, Cascades Park is the single greatest achievement by our community in the 16 years I’ve lived in Tallahassee. There are some close seconds — FAMU Way, Franklin Boulevard, the expansion of our greenways and Gaines Street all come to mind. However, it’s Cascades Park that best exemplifies our intentions as a nearly 200-year-old city.

The story of the park is a modern-day infrastructure fairytale. The land that inspired the founding of our city, once a beautiful waterfall laden oasis, was slowly turned into a blighted urban superfund site that separated Downtown and the south side. Today, the property has been reclaimed, and what was once barren is now a flourishing 26-acre park. Cascades is much more than just green space though. The park hosts festivals, concerts and everyday community enjoyment while also preventing flooding that once plagued the area. It’s the sort of story most cities can only dream of.

When Leon and I go for our walks there, we see everything that makes Tallahassee special displayed in a beautiful fashion. No trip to Cascades passes without observing some moving testament to the ambitions of our community. On a recent morning jaunt, we saw a yoga class on a grassy lawn, a hip-hop exercise group working up a

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sweat in the amphitheater and city crews setting up for a free concert scheduled for that evening. We walked by a father and daughter having a picnic by the pond, saw travelers arriving at a new hotel and heard the sound of laughter rising from the Imagination Fountain.

That is just a normal Saturday at Cascades Park.

The park appeals to diverse people. I challenge any resident to find a place in Tallahassee that offers a greater sampling of who we are as a people. The sight of citizens enjoying life in Tallahassee is a beautiful thing to behold.

When I walk with Leon through Cascades, I am continuously amazed by the feelings I get for our hometown.

Tallahassee is far from a perfect place, but spend just one hour in our showcase park, and you’ll remember all the reasons you love where we live. Now feels like a good time for more of us to take that walk.

There’s a lot of debate raging in Tallahassee these days about the future of our community. Some of it is healthy, some of it is not. Regardless of your political opinions, it shouldn’t be hard to agree that we need more spaces like Cascades Park. As we approach our community bicentennial in 2024, we should undertake similarly ambitious projects that inspire collaboration and evoke our better angels.

We should not lose sight of the important role places like Cascades have in our community. We need places to gather, converse, exercise and explore. Places that brighten us and celebrate who we are. We need more projects that pull us together and launch us boldly into the future. A walk around Cascades Park is proof that we can do it. TM Jay Revell is a brand and marketing consultant and the president of Revell Media in Tallahassee.

photography by LINDSEY MASTERSON

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