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LOCAL STORIES • DINING • REAL ESTATE • ENTERTAINMENT • BUSINESS FREENOVEMBER 2010

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 9

SOUTH TAMPA EDITION

november 2010 myfocustv.com2

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Don’t look now, but November is at the door. I can hardly

believe we have lived through 80% of 2010 already! I know I do this every year, but I have to ask…where did the year go? We just sent our tax return in! I remember filing that extension and thinking we had plenty of time to finalize it before October rolled around. Our boys just finished the first 9 weeks report period in the NEW school year which means halfway thru that first semester.

The good thing about the calendar turning to November and December is that it is the holiday season. I really like this time of year. I’m sure part of my joy comes from seeing the holidays through our boys’ eyes. It allows me to act like a kid again. Last night, our youngest decided he should start working on his Christmas list. So, in true 21st century fashion, he headed to the internet and started surfing! Holiday traditions may have changed over the past few decades since I was a kid, but the excitement remains the same.

This time of year also brings back great memories from my childhood. Our holiday celebrations were simple, but it seems that everything was directed for the enjoyment of the children and we formed many traditions that our family still enjoys today.

There are also a bunch of birthdays in our family to be celebrated during the next two months. Birthdays were always a big deal in the house I grew up in (still are). While it may not have seemed so at the time, the children in our house had it very good. We grew up with a strong family unit where we were taught to make good decisions. Needless to say, not all kids are so lucky.

One organization that certainly understands the importance of kids making good choices and is focused on helping them do that, is the Mendez Foundation. Their “Too Good for Drugs” and “Too Good for Violence” programs take a creative, inter-active approach to the act of prevention. Their curriculum keeps the kids engaged and gives them strategies that don’t simply apply to decisions about drugs or violence . They learn how to Stand Tall and Speak Up when facing peer pressure. They learn about consequences. They basically learn to make good choices and making good choices is a skill they can use for the rest of their life. Our community is very fortunate to be able to reap the rewards of the efforts and actions of this premier foundation born through the passion of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mendez. Lead today by Charles Mendez III, the Mendez Foundation is reaching far and wide to educate our children and since our children are our future, they are truly making an impact on our future. I know you will enjoy our feature story on The Mendez Foundation.

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6 LOCaLCharity just might be South Tampa’s middle name. Michelle Fonseca-Burrell of Soho Cycling Studio will lead a group of 20 Bay Area women in the St. Petersburg Half Marathon to benefi t John Hannon, owner of Body Bash Boot Camp, as he battles lung cancer. Th e annual South Tampa Chamber of Commerce fall golf tournament raised funds to benefi t the Michael J. Cruz fund and the “Friends of Military Families, Inc.”

14 FeatUReLearn about the family behind the foundation that teaches Hillsborough County school students they are “Too Good for Drugs and Violence.”

21 Dining pROFiLe

Be sure to read this concise and helpful information about the Health Care Reform and how it might aff ect you and your business. Gary Johnson of the Benefi t Resources Group breaks it down by year from 2010 to 2014.

TAbLE OF CONTENTS

ONTHECOVER charles mendez iiiphoto by ben drummond

november 2010volume 1 issue 9

PUBLISHER Jim Duke

OFFICE MANAGER Dede Floyd

COPY EDITOR Lynne Warren

ADVERTISING DIRECTORBrent Simmons

SALES Sophia HydeHolly FarmerHarrison Tropp

PRODUCTION Anthony SassanoTony Cartagena

PHOTOGRAPHERSSuzanne GallagherBen Drummond

STAFF WRITERSCheryl JohnstonChristina DrummondCj Tropp

CONTRIBUTORSAl Ruechel

EDITORIAL INTERNSRaven Leverett

PO Box 10599Tampa, 33679813.986.2490

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19 BUSineSS

Known for its cozy setting and friendly staff , popular local diner, Pinky’s, boasts loyal customers who eat at the restaurant daily. Th e reason: With the exception of the bread, everything on the menu is made from scratch every day. Breakfast and lunch, Tuesday thru Saturday - fresh and healthy for fair prices.


local » focus

LOCAL CYCLISTS SPIN FOR A CUREFor Michelle Fonseca-Burrell, owner of

Soho Cycling Studio in South Tampa, exercise has suddenly taken on new

meaning. On November 7th, she, along with many other Tampa residents, will be cycling to help raise money for John Hannon, owner of the popular Body Bash Boot Camp, who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. Though Ms. Fonseca-Burrell and Mr. Hannon have only met once, she is committed in helping “a wonderful person in the Tampa Bay community who has helped so many to feel good about themselves.” She’s right. Known around the Bay area as a promoter of healthy living, Mr. Hannon has never smoked a cigarette in his life. Yet he must now undergo chemotherapy and at $4500 a treatment, he is also dealing with the financial strain of having to pay out of pocket. That is where Ms. Fonseca-Burrell’s event comes into play—4 hours, 120 bikes,

and $30/hour donations. It’s an opportunity to raise over $14000 for Mr. Hannon.

On November 21st, Ms. Fonseca-Burell and 20 other Bay Area women will be taking part in the St. Petersburg Half Marathon, also in support of Mr. Hannon. They are hoping to raise at least a few hundred dollars a person while sporting tank tops and wristbands that feature Mr. Hannon’s inspirational slogan, “Hit it Hard.”

Donations to Mr. Hannon are greatly appreciated and can be made either at the event of by contacting Soho cycling at 813.944.3044

SOHO Cycling Studio 2019 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33606

www.sohocyclingstudio.com

Written by: CJ Tropp


local » focus

SOUTh TAmPA ChAmbER OF COmmERCE mAkES A hOLE-IN-ONEFriday October 16th shaped up to be the

perfect golf day with warm weather and a small breeze that definitely worked to

the advantage of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce as they hosted their annual fall classic benefitting charity at MacDill Air Force Base. This year, the Chamber of Commerce was raising funds to benefit the Chamber of Commerce’s Michael J. Cruz fund and the “Friends of Military Families, Inc.”

The purpose of “Friends of Military Families, Inc.” is to provide aid to the “Family Readiness Center” which assists in support of families of military personnel by helping to meet financial, education, job training/placement, and counseling needs. It is fully funded by donations,” says 2010 Event Chair Jim Grant.

The Chamber of Commerce chose to help this particular charity because of the close

ties with the base and close proximity. “We feel very strongly about the Chamber’s role in military charities, ” said Grant. In true South Tampa fashion, the classic was held at MacDill Air Force Base’s South Course.

The financial contribution to this year’s classic was estimated around $6,000.00 but Grant says they hope to exceed it (which they did last year). The proceeds of the classic will be split equally between Friends

of Military Families, Inc. and the Michael J. Cruz Fund. In the 2009 classic, 85 golfers were registered, and this year a record 100 turned out for the event.

submitted by: ChrisTina DrummonD

area golfers rally behind the south tampa chamber of commerce to aid charity


local » focus

www.winewomenandshoes.com/tampabay727-896-6390


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OCTOBER 15RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

OCTOBER 16LOLA & THE SAINTSDoo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it wasyesterday – “Forever in Love,” Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.”PLUS P.J. LEARY & THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS with special guestKEN BRADY (Lead Singer of The Casinos), featuring the 1967hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” before and after theshow in the Red Rose Dining Room.

OCTOBER 22RICHIE MERRITTRichie Merritt of the Marcels will be performing in theRed Rose Dining Room with P.J. Leary and theLas Vegas Sounds.

OCTOBER 23SOUL MUSIC NIGHTWITH THE LEGENDARY DELFONICS TRIBUTE REVUEAND ARTHUR “SUGAR BEAR” AIKENfeaturing the Grammy Award Winning “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind,” “La La Means I Love You,” plus much more, and lead singer of The Blue Notes, Arthur “Sugar Bear” Aiken.Hear songs like “If You Don't Know Me By Now,” “The Love I Lost” & many more. Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock & Roll Revue will perform before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

OCTOBER 29 COVER TO COVERThe band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show

OCTOBER 30RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 5JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Soundsperform before and after the show.

NOVEMBER 6RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

NOVEMBER 12 COVER TO COVERThe band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Ralph Allocco & Second Wind perform before and after the show

NOVEMBER 13JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! Destiny perform before and after the show.

NOVEMBER 13 “LET’S HANG ON” – A TRIBUTE TOFRANKIE VALLIE AND THE FOUR SEASONSHear the hits from one of the 60’s top bands - The Four Seasons!“Sherry,” “Ronnie,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,”“ Ragdoll,”“Let’s Hang On,” and many, many more. P.J. Leary & The LasVegas Sounds open and close the show. This event benefits theSt. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

NOVEMBER 19 BOBBY PALERMOBobby Palermo plays several instruments and has composed many songs that he sings in his show. Plenty of laughs, impersonations, and music. PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds also perform.

NOVEMBER 20 “A NIGHT OF LEGENDS”SHIRLEY ALSTON REEVESAND BOBBY HENDRICKSShirley Alston Reeves, former lead of the Shirelles and BobbyHendricks, formerly of Bill Pickney’s Original Drifters perform,plus PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds with Ken Brady of theoriginal Casinos before and after the show in a Supper Club Atmosphere in the Ballroom.

NOVEMBER 25 THANKSGIVING BUFFETA big hit and a Red Rose tradition!!! Fresh fruits, warm breads, roasted turkey, traditional dressing, seasoned prime rib, glazed ham, fresh fish, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, pasta, omelet/waffle station, and an assortment of desserts, including chocolate fountains, are only a few of the many delighful dishes that will make your mouth water! Three seating times available.Call to reserve your table soon.

NOVEMBER 26 DESTINYPut on your dancing shoes as this band features adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffet to Ricky Martin.

NOVEMBER 27 – DECEMBER 3 & 17RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WINDPerforming in the Red Rose Dining Room

DECEMBER 4“SNOOPY’S CHRISTMAS” WITH THE ROYAL GUARDSMENThe Royal Guardsmen are best remembered for their many epic hit songs from the late 1960s, including oneabout the “Peanuts” cartoon dog, Snoopy - the World War Iflying ace “The Red Baron.”

DECEMBER 10 & 18JOHNNY ALSTON’SMOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUEA dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Soundsperform before and after the show.

DECEMBER – EVERY SUNDAY

BRUNCH WITH SANTABegin your holiday by joining us in the Red Rose Dining Roomfor a wonderful buffet with special delights to bring in theChristmas Spirit, including an opportunity to get your photomade with Santa Claus!

DECEMBER 25CHRISTMAS BUFFET 3 seatings available!

SHOW RESERVATIONSPlease call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper

club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!)

NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room withthe purchase of dinner. Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates

when staying overnight after a show!

RRCalendar_Focus_Oct2010:Layout 1 9/28/10 10:45 AM Page 1


interview by cheryl Johnston

mendez Foundation teaches children to be “Too good for drugs and Violence”

not “Too good” for the Community

story by christina drummondphotos by ben drummond

as in any 6th grade classroom on a half-day, pencils are dropping, silly bands

are snapping and students are fi dgeting in their chairs. Th e only diff erence? Th ese students are excited about drug prevention. Th ey are retaining the information provided by Ginny Coff ey, a Prevention Specialist with the Mendez Foundation. She is teaching them the benefi ts of strong communication in avoiding Peer Pressure as part of the “Too Good for Drugs” campaign.


Th e “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” program is administered in every Hillsborough County Public school for ages K-12. Elementary schools are provided material developed and produced by the Mendez Foundation and administered by classroom teachers who incorporate it into their lesson plans. Middle and High School students are provided a Prevention Specialist (“drug lady” or “Mendez people” to the students), trained and employed by the Mendez Foundation. Many of the Prevention Specialists, like Coff ey, are employed full-time and work at multiple schools. According to Charles E. Mendez, III, VP Managing Director of the Mendez Foundation, their Prevention Specialists believe in the concepts taught to the students and this is refl ected in the incredibly low turnover of Specialists.

Prevention Specialists usually come to the Mendez Foundation by word-of-mouth and often have a background in education where they saw young people impacted by material. Senior Director of Prevention for the Mendez Foundation , Regina Birrenkott, says the main qualities the Mendez Board looks at when choosing Prevention Specialists include, believing in prevention, willing to be a role model, an energetic teaching style and good articulation. Th ey also have to be willing to relate to students. Students are turned off by little issues such as “not knowing the right term, or not being

able to walk in their shoes. It’s important to relate and bond. Maybe even watch a little MTV,” says Birrenkott.

Until just recently, the program was funded under the Title IV of the “No Child Left Behind Act”, however, that funding has been cut, resulting in a loss of $700,000 from the budget. Th e foundation has tried to recoup that money through their status as an “innovative private partnership” resulting in contracts with the Florida Department of Children and Families as well as the City of Tampa. “We have a fairly large budget, but the funds cut by the Department of Education changes the picture,” says Mendez, III. Th e only way to make up for a loss in federal funding is by dedicating resources and enhancing material to make it marketable within other states. Th is weighs heavily on the board of the Mendez Foundation.

At the core of the “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” campaign is the Mendez family. Th e concept of a community charity focused on building successful children with the confi dence to make healthy decisions started with Charles E. Mendez, Sr. Having grown up poor and with few opportunities, Mendez, Sr. was compelled to start a charity and give back to the community. He wanted “underprivileged kids to have access to education. He died in 1967 and was never able to see what we’ve done and what we’ve

become,” says Mendez, III, Mendez Sr.’s grandson.

Even after Mendez Sr.’s death, his family has maintained constant involvement in the Foundation and much of its success can be attributed to the passionate resolve of the family. “I am here every day and oversee it. I defi nitely fi ll my staff with my opinions and thoughts. Vision and direction [of the foundation] is charted by me and our staff ,” says Mendez, III.

Th e hobbies of the Mendez Family have defi nitely found their way into the “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” material provided to schools. Charles E. Mendez, Jr. was an avid race car driver and used that hobby and passion to develop material to relate to children. “It was more than a hobby, but not quite a profession,” says Mendez, III. Using the personal connection, they took this analogy and molded it into an eff ective tool in the program. It has become a lasting theme throughout the material. “Th e analogy of a sixth grader’s body to a race car has stayed the same over the years. We took it into the summer parks program and even had the race car there,” says Birrenkott.

According to Community Development Coordinator and Part-Time Prevention Specialist Leslie Jennewein, kids relate to this concept and it’s easy to explain and

make connections. “You wouldn’t just give your friend the keys to your car and let them drive it,” Jennewein said.

One of the greatest feats of the program issued by the Mendez Foundation is that it has successfully bridged the gap of socioeconomic status. Any child can relate to the concept regardless of the basic diff erences with their peers. “Basically, all kids have the same needs and same skills. When you develop a program, you develop it to build skills. We believe in Universal Prevention – not targeted to a specifi c group,” Birrenkott says.

ConTinueD on page 16

“one of the greatest feats of the program issued by the

mendez foundation is that it has successfully bridged the gap of

socioeconomic status.”

feature » mendez foundation


The Mendez Foundation is based on more than just the material provided to schools. It was developed and continues to thrive on a set of principles lived daily by the Mendez family and is what propels them to instill the principles within their community. “When you believe very much in a set of principles, you want them to go to work. You can’t have a community without yourself. So, you make your stake and go with it. There’s a lot of need out there,” says Mendez, III.

At the beginning, the program was centered mainly on preventing drug use in young people. But in the early 90s, the Mendez Foundation intertwined an emphasis on violence prevention with their program entitled “A Peaceable Place”. According to Mendez, III, drugs and violence “all stem from the same risk factors.”

With national focus on bullying, this program may prove to be more important than anyone at the Mendez Foundation originally thought. As with every program sponsored by the organization, substantial research backs the product. “Research shows that behavior traits which lead to drug abuse are often coupled with violence and young

people do act out violently,” says Mendez, III.

This concept of behavioral skills affecting future drug use or using violence as a means of resolution is what prompts the Mendez Foundation to take a different approach than other programs. Mendez, III, says their role in violence and drug prevention is that of “re-normalizing what otherwise might just be perceptions. Often there’s an overemphasis on drugs. It becomes about the drugs and not about the model of behavior.” Mendez, III, also asserts that it is not drugs that establish behaviors; instead, it is behavior that pushes someone toward drugs.

ConTinueD From page 16“Drugs are incidentals almost,” says Mendez, III.

These concepts initiated by the principles of the Mendez Family and coordinated into programs by someone such as Birrenkott with a background in education, filter directly into the classroom. While Prevention Specialists like Coffey do tell students the negative effects of drug use and violence, it’s not her main focus. Mendez, III, points out that “Fear is not your only motivator, but it helps. If you use only scare tactics, [students] will find a million reasons to prove you wrong.”



Instead, Coffey, teaches them the importance of avoiding peer pressure and standing up for yourself. She focuses on what adults may feel are basic concepts, but only become common if enforced and used often. Coffey role plays with students and has them act out instances of peer pressure She encourages them to take a stand and be confident. “If you’re going to just use the word “NO”, do it in a firm way,” says Coffey.

Within the material provided, there are several ways of encouraging young people to stand up to peer pressure. One the group focuses on with intensity is “Reversing the Pressure”. Here, Coffey says “when someone pressures you, they try to make you feel bad. Put the pressure back on them.

Coffey also puts an emphasis on the effect friends and family can have on a child’s ability to avoid or deter peer pressure. “Life

is easier when you surround yourselves with people who encourage you to do the right thing,” Coffey says.

As the world evolves and generations grow farther apart, it is important that an organization such as the Mendez Foundation takes the time to impact their community and teach young people important skills and life roles for success. The involvement and dedication of the

Mendez Foundation has powerfully impacted the Tampa Bay Community. With new partnerships and fundraising opportunities, the Mendez Foundation is hoping to continue on in their passion. “Our goal is to build happy healthy kids and create a beginning for young people to build skills needed for making healthy choices,” says Mendez, III.



How will Healthcare reform Impact you, your business & your employees?

FREE to business owners and H.R. Staff

Health care reform SeminarWednesday November 10, 2010

RSVP to: info@benefi tresources.us

2802 N. Howard ave. Tampa, Fl. 33607

813-259-0110


trash or treasure?hEALTh CARE REFORm

my first 16 years out of college were spent working with Big John Adcock in his insurance agency. Big John

always said “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. What does that have to do with healthcare reform? It’s the best analogy I could think of to describe the Patient Protection Act signed into law by president Obama on March 23,2010.

Depending on who you are, you will think Health Care Reform is truly a treasure or you will think it is a heap of trash.

• If you’re a child under age 19 and have no health insurance, you are no longer subject to pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies must cover you and any conditions you have. (Treasure!)• If you are a tanning salon owner you now have to pay an additional 10% tax on services (Trash!)• If you are a small employer you may be eligible for tax cuts thru 2015 (maybe Treasure!)

The changes are phased in over time. I have listed some of the highlights of the upcoming changes, by year, so you can see how it may affect you:

2010• Plans may no longer apply pre-existing limitations for children under age 19• 10 % tax on tanning beds and services• Small business tax cuts for employers with fewer than 25 employees.• Preventative services- covered in full ( as recommended by the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force)

2011• Employers will be required to disclose value of healthcare benefits on an employee’s W-2• Insurance companies must spend at least 85% (large group) and 80% (Small group) of premiums on claims or provide rebates.• Spending Accounts ( HSA, FSA) may no longer be used to purchase over-the-counter drugs without a Doctor’s prescription (15,000 items)

• Increases tax for non-qualified HSA withdrawals from 10%-20% and for Archer MSAs from 15%-20%• Pharmaceutical industry will begin paying fees. Fees will be phased in and hold steady at 2.8 billion a year after 2019

2012• Employers must file form 1099 on all persons or business that receive more than• $ 600 in compensation from said corporation

2013• FSA contributions are limited to $2,500 a year• Employer notifications to employees regarding eligibility of health subsidies• Medical device manufacturers will pay a 2.3% excise tax on sales of medical devices• Medicare payroll tax rate will increase by 0.9% for individuals who make more than $200,000 and couples that make more than $250,000• A new 3.8% tax will be added on income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rent for those at the same income threshold as above

2014* Individuals without insurance must pay whichever is greater: $95.00 or 1% of income. (In 2016 and beyond, that penalty rises to $695.00 or 2.5% of income,

whichever is greater).* Pre-existing conditions: Individual and group plans can no longer impose pre-existing condition exclusions for any person of any age.• Annual limits: Annual limits on “essential health benefits” are prohibited• Health insurers must accept every individual and employer who applies for coverage• Insurance companies cannot base premiums on health status, claims experience, or gender• Subsidies to buy insurance in new state exchanges, will be available in the form of tax credits and cost sharing assistance for people above Medicaid eligibility, but below 400% of the federal poverty level.• A non-deductible premium tax will be imposed on insurers and third party administrators, ($8 billion in 2014, $11.3 billion in 2015 & 2016, $13.9 billion in 2017 and $14.3 billion in 2018. After that, it will increase in an amount proportionate to overall premium growth.

Twenty states have filed suit against the US Government over certain aspects of healthcare reform. As recently as October 9, 2010, a federal judge in Pensacola ruled that the lawsuit could move forward. There are literally thousands of pages of rules and regulations still forthcoming from the Department of Health and Human Services. This topic is still an unfinished chapter in our history and is and there is much to learn in the months and years ahead. If you are a business owner or Benefits Manager and need some help finding your “treasure” or navigating around the “trash”, give us a call at Benefit Resources Group. We can be reached at (813) 259-0110 or visit us at www.benefitresources.us.

ABOUT GARY JOHNSON & BENEFIT RESOURCES GROUP:

Gary Johnson, L.U.T.C.F., has over 24 years experience in the Insurance industry. Mr. Johnson has a vast amount of experience assisting employers with the design, implementation and ongoing administration of their Employee Benefits program. Clients of Mr. Johnson’s include large multi-site employers as well as small family-owned businesses. He has worked with both publicly traded and privately held corporations as well as municipalities. For the past eight years, Mr. Johnson has been President of Benefit Resources Group, a leading Insurance agency based in Tampa on South Howard Avenue.

business » business profile

submitted by: gary Johnson, presiDenT - BeneFiT resourCes group


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Just west of Park Road along the north side of I-4 (exit 22) www.warrentreesales.com

YOU WON’T FIND THIS LEVEL OF SERVICE AND

QUALITY AT THESE PRICES

ANYWHERE ELSE.


PINkY’S POPS WITh PERSONALITYsouth tampa diner serves up some of the best food in toWn

Tampa could really benefit from more places like Pinky’s, the cozy, friendly, and eminently likeable diner located in the heart of South Tampa. Covered in warm, pumpkin-colored walls and decorated with an eclectic mix of old (vintage maps, retro Coca-Cola signs) and new (jet black-framed prints), Pinky’s uniquely blends New York coffee shop sophistication with the earthy, homemade appeal of your favorite neighborhood hangout. “I eat here at least three or four times a week,” says Milani Michelini, who has been coming to the restaurant since it opened in January of 2008. If this all sounds a bit like Central Perk, the fictional gathering place of the popular sitcom Friends, it’s because, well, it is. “There are some people who eat here everyday,” explains Cary Shirai, who along with her husband, Jacob and their friends, Steve and Danette Capitano, own the popular breakfast joint (The Capitanos are also the owners of Cappy’s down the street). “It has come to a point where I will actually pick up the phone and call people if I haven’t seen them here in a while,” Shirai jokingly admits.

In fact, the majority of people who come to Pinky’s are incredibly loyal customers. And it’s easy to see why. Both the ambiance and the food are comforting and familiar, but with a twist. Taking a look at their extensive menu, which includes both breakfast and lunch items, I found myself wanting to order more than a few of their

updated classics. Ten minutes and a slew of recommendations later, I finally settled on the Eggs Benedict ($8), Greek Frittata ($8), and Strawberry Oatmeal Pancakes ($7, and divine!).

Let me first urge you to forget what you know about hollandaise. The heavy, gloppy mess commonly associated with Eggs Benedict was nowhere to be found. Instead, I was treated to a smooth, lemony sauce that covered my eggs, grilled ham, and toasted English muffin (It also acted as a delicious dipping sauce for the generous portion of rosemary home fries that were served alongside it). The dish was, quite simply, the best of its kind that I had ever tasted. Just as delectable was the Greek Frittata, filled with fresh spinach, kalamata olives, onions, tomatoes, crumbled feta, and served with home fries, wheat toast, and fresh fruit.

But, I have to say, the crème de la crème of this decadent meal was the short stack. After all, who could resist a heaping pile of warm, fluffy pancakes? And if you could, then you obviously haven’t been to Pinky’s. These gorgeous pillows of perfection, dotted with fresh ruby-colored strawberries, had so much flavor and texture. And if you prefer sweet over savory, the Stuffed French Toast sounds irresistible—sliced Cuban bread layered with berry cream cheese and topped with fresh fruit and powdered sugar.

After breakfast, I began browsing their equally satisfying lunch menu, which includes a healthy selection of salads and sandwiches. I quickly noticed, of all things, the Roast Beef Sandwich. Here’s how they make it—homemade roast beef, topped with tomato, provolone, caramelized onions, dressed with tomato garlic aioli, and served on a toasted onion roll. Needless to say, I was five minutes away from ordering one to go.

I ate my meal on a Thursday morning, which meant that Pinky’s was busy, but not packed. The space itself consists of about ten tables, plus a bar, so weekends can get pretty crowded. But don’t let that dissuade you. The folks at Pinky’s aren’t about to let you skip out on a great meal. “I have been known to run after a few people after they

entertainment » dining profile

Written by: CJ Tropp

Photo by Harrison Tropp

Photo by Harrison Tropp

pinky’s Diner

3203 WesT Bay To Bay BlvD, Tampa, Fl, 33629813-831-9339TuesDay To FriDay 7 a.m. To 2 p.m. saTurDay anD sunDay 8 a.m. To 2 p.m.visa anD masTerCarDCosT range: $2-$9

see the line out the door,” Shirai says. Those people usually end up staying, and with good reason—Pinky’s has an incredibly fast turnover rate. “Seating parties of four or less is rarely ever a problem.”

Despite its popularity, Pinky’s still manages to retain a relaxing charm. Even if you are just stopping in for some granola and a quick cup of coffee, the experience is far from average. One big, beautiful farmhouse pantry (a Mount Dora flee market find by Mrs. Capitano) houses a variety of mugs, from which customers get to choose. “People will literally come in here and inspect each mug to decide which one suits their personality,” Shirai explains with a laugh. And at Pinky’s, personality isn’t in short supply. Both Mrs. Shirai and Mrs. Capitano are what give this restaurant such a hip, homey vibe. Fun and funky, with energy to spare, you are unlikely to mistake either of these women for the archetypal greasy spoon waitress. Their quirky sense of humor is even reflected in a sign, which reads, “PINKY’S DINER. SERVICE WITH A SMILE. MONDAYS ONLY. Even if that statement were true (which, of course, it isn’t) Pinky’s would still be unlike any other place in town. They even have a few tables outside—a perfect sunny sanctuary after a Saturday morning run.

It is ultimately the food; however, that proves to be Pinky’s greatest asset. “Other than the bread, which we get from a mom-and-pop store in Largo, everything you order is not only made here, it’s also made from scratch.” Shirai says. Michelini quickly confirms, “And it tastes like it too.”


entertainment » crossWord

Isn’t it beautiful?

Let’s keep it that way!


TREATINg ThEm WITh dIgNITY!

extra » al reuchel

all too often we hear stories in the news about people with disabilities and handicaps taking on the establishment.

It’s usually about things folks without handicaps take for granted like bathrooms too small and the absence of entrance ramps. We’ve even seen occasions when disabled use the Americans with Disabilities act like a battering ram which can end up costing business thousands of dollars to modified buildings or even force some of them out of business altogether.

I know some folks think ADA is crazy law gone bad because it makes what seem to us to be unreasonable demands of businesses. For example, on Clearwater beach the city was being asked to add an elevator to the second story of the life guard station to accommodate those with disabilities. It was going to cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars for the accommodation. So, would the city hire a handicapped person to be a

lifeguard in the first place? How is a person in a wheel chair who can’t make it up a flight of stairs going to rescue a troubled swimmer? Does that make a lot of sense?

Now let me change the focus. I think the greatest benefit from the ADA is not providing job access or ease of maneuvering, but demanding, yes, demanded that persons with handicaps or disabilities be provided with respect. It requires these individuals be treated as equal citizens and not berated or made to feel less than human for a condition over which they have no control.

Let me relate a personal story without betraying a confidence. My daughter and her husband took a disabled person in a wheel chair to a little shop not far from Gainesville. This is a wonderful woman who is not only handicapped as a result of a horrible traffic accident but must now deal with a fatal disease. They entered this little store because my daughter enjoys the items they sell and

has loved shopping there since her days as a student at UF. They brought their wheel chaired friend with them and were enjoying themselves when by accident the woman hit reverse on her wheel chair and it rolled into a very small Christmas tree display. Three small ornaments fell off the tree and broke.

My daughter’s friend was heart sick and embarrassed to say the least.One of the girls behind the counter came over to help clean up the broken ornaments and said not to worry. She said the ornaments were not that expensive and not to worry though my daughter did offer to pay for them.Enter the shops owner. If looks good kill this person was sending darts into my daughters heart by sneering with great disgust at her wheel chair friend. She wrapped the broken pieces in a bag all the while muttering and talking under her breath. It was obvious to my daughter she was looking directly at her friend in the

wheel chair who, by now, was so humiliated not only by her accident but by the cancerous scares that are unfortunately taking their toll on her. There was not an ounce of compassion or understanding from this shop owner to this person with an obvious affliction.Sneering down at the woman said told me daughter that would be $45-dollars. Never mind the sales person said not to worry about it.Sure, I could argue my daughter is a student who doesn’t have much money. It’s obvious the disabled woman isn’t wealthy. And yes, the shop owner probably does have a policy if you touch it and it breaks you are responsible for the item. So why didn’t she just say that instead of snapping and snitting away in such a cruel fashion?

My daughter didn’t break into tears because of the way she was treated but rather the way the owner treated the woman in the wheel chair. It was demeaning. It was directed disgust. It was saying with her eyes and her voice....”you idiot, you clumsy oaf, you come into my story in that oversized go-cart and run over my Christmas ornaments and I have to put up with you!!!”Maybe I am exaggerating. I wasn’t there. But if my daughter says it was the most horrible moment she can ever remember for a dear dying friend with a disability it must have been just that and more.

She paid the bill and left as quickly as possible and says she will never return to that store in that quaint town that she and our family have become so found of. I could have mentioned the store and the owner in this article but I won’t. It’s not fair to punish people for the actions of one very ill-informed, grouch who can’t see beyond her own profit margin into the heart of a disabled person who came only to enjoy the company of friends in an environment made all the more challenging by a disability she neither created nor is responsible for.

Now, I know the ADA doesn’t have provisions to protect against accidents like this one. But can you see why it was passed in the first place? It’s not about the inconvenience or pain making isles a bit wider, protecting delicate displays, putting in ramps and restrooms and railings, and on and on. It’s a necessity made all the move obvious when we see shop owners treating these folks like dogs or bulls let lose in a china shop rather than human beings disparately seeking to be treated with dignity, respect and understanding. Is that asking too much?

Written by: al reuChel

2000 East Baker St. Plant City, Florida, 33563

800-545-2018www.jarrettscottford.com

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FOCUS South Tampa 01-09

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