Passionate About Food & People

Entrepreneurs - Patrick and Linda Baldwin

Patrick and Linda Baldwin

Founder and CEO of Intelligent Gourmet, a “clean” lifestyle food company, Linda Baldwin started in the business 15 years ago with Amore Catering. Since then, she has worn many hats as a Manager, Chef, and Managing Partner. In 2010, the company’s focus shifted to preparing prepackaged “clean” meals and “clean” food products under the brand name, Intelligent Gourmet.

She had the good fortune of growing up watching her mother, father, grandmother and aunt prepare weekend and holiday meals. The care and effort they put into their cooking ignited a spark in her. She says, “Sometimes I think this profession is just in your blood.” She began her culinary career managing fine dining restaurants in the North East training and working with some of the top Chefs from around the country.

Intelligent Gourmet’s, Linda’s brain child, uses food that is all-natural, low-sodium, low-fat, gluten-free, and low-glycemic-carbohydrate. Their “clean” food line includes snacks, salad dressings, sauces, and individually prepackaged gourmet quality meals and “clean living” meal plans. Traditionally, consumers wanting to eat healthy had to put up with low quality, small portion, and bland meals. Now everyone can eat healthier and make changes that will improve the quality of their lives. Liz Keiffer, Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, describes it as “Solving a problem created by food with food.”

The biggest difference in Intelligent Gourmet’s food is not a weight loss specific diet; weight loss is merely a byproduct of eating “clean.” Eating “clean” is also not about fueling your body; it’s about satisfying your taste buds, it’s about learning to eat well, and most importantly it’s about an eating/dietary lifestyle change. The company changes the menu every week with a large variety of items that include wild caught and fresh fish, prime beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin, all natural chicken breast, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Nothing gets served or put on one of the menu unless it meets her expectations.

The restaurant is a fun upscale environment where one can always find an expert to talk about meals, allergies, and specific likes and dislikes so customers can build a custom meal plan. Everything is made onsite from scratch so it is easy to adapt a recipe as necessary for sensitivities to allergies with family and kid friendly meals under the Intelligent Gourmet and Amore Catering (Amore ToGo) brands.

Linda plans that within the next five years that the company will expand throughout Florida and regionally to satisfy the growing demand for high-quality healthy food products and prepackaged meals. She is actively seeking strategic investors who share the same vision. Her long term goal is to see Intelligent Gourmet products distributed nationally through retailers. For now, service is offered to Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Tampa and Lutz and they also can ship overnight anywhere in a 400 mile radius of their current store.

A member of the Culitvar Team, a group of chef’s hand selected to help support recipe development within the online community for Kraft Foods, Linda keeps busy. She is the community blogger in the neighborhood for WTSP and writes the dining out series for Panache Vue’, South Tampa. She holds a C.P.C.E designation from the National Catering Association and is a member of the American Association of Nutrition Consultants and is in the process of finalizing her C.N.C. designation. Amore’s Intelligent Gourmet was selected by Fit Kids Playground to provide the nutritional and educational component for the grant they received from WE CAN. Amore is recognized as a leader in the field of healthy cooking through Intelligent Gourmet and have written a curriculum that is used to educate pre-school and elementary children in Hillsborough County about the benefits of eating “clean” healthy.

In her personal life, Linda is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is blessed to be married to her best friend. Their shared love of the water gives them an escape to run around in the bay on their Boston Whaler whenever there is free time. Her children live in Gainesville and when she gets the opportunity to sneak out of town, she loves spending family time her children and grandchildren. She loves cooking in her kitchen for family and friends as well as at work.

She owes her success to God, her family and parents. Her Faith provided the confidence to pursue her passion. Her family never questions Linda’s dedication to them despite long work hours and her parents set the example for hard work. Her mentors, Dr. Joseph Guggino and His Son Joseph Guggino gave her the necessary “hand up.”

Being passionate about food and people, she owns a business that allows her to combine both. “Every day I get the satisfaction of helping customers to achieve their goal of taking a proactive approach to their own health by eating “clean” healthy meals!” says Linda with pride.

Dr. Carl Conforti

Dr. Carl ConfortiPV: Why did you choose your line of work?
Carl: After years of suffering from terrible headaches as a child, my parents were willing to try anything to allow me to be pain free. One of their friends suggested that they take me to see a chiropractor. The doctor explained misalignment and promised my parents that he could provide the relief that they sought for me. Sure enough after countless MRI’s, CT scans and prescriptions from other doctors, the chiropractor was finally able to relieve the pain that seemed to elude all of the other professionals. As I got older I realized that freeing people from pain and providing health and wellness to the Tampa Bay area was my passion. C hiropractic was the perfect fit.

PV: What is your role in your business?
Carl: While I exclusively see patients in my Oldsmar office, I also partner with our other outstanding doctors located in Trinity, Wesley Chapel, and Tampa. As the owner and partner of the other offices, I along with my team of doctors have changed the lives of thousands of people throughout the Tampa Bay area.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
Carl: The doctors and staff at Conforti Chiropractic strive to make each patient their number one priority. With individual consultations and adjustment rooms, each patient is given the attention they need in order to achieve their fullest potential for health and wellness.
In addition to the service, Conforti Chiropractic is a full wellness clinic. Our patients receive adjustments, therapeutic massage, therapeutic exercise, spinal decompression, and hot and cold therapies through their treatment plans. In addition, our Oldsmar office also offers a full medi-spa with facials, microdermabrasions, etc. As a whole health and wellness office, Conforti Chiropractic sets a new standard in health!

PV: What would you be doing now if this weren’t your business, taking money out of the equation?
Carl: I would be volunteering in the community to provide health and wellness services to those who do not have the means to provide for themselves. I would spend time in the schools working with children and teaching them how to make the choices that will make them healthy for their entire life. Educating the public on the importance of wellness is the most important aspect of my job, and it is something that I am passionate about every day.

PV: What do you do for fun?
Carl: On my days away from the office, I enjoy fishing, boating, wave running, golfing, and spending time with my 3 amazing children.

PV: Who or what is most important to you?
Carl: My three beautiful kids and my parents, they have the most amazing passion for love and life. They have supported me my entire life and I would not be who I am without them.

Dr. Carl Conforti

PV: A little secret about you that would shock people who don’t know you.
Carl: I was a competitive body builder for 6 years. I won 5 overall championships and appeared on ESPN.

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
Carl: I treat every single person that I encounter in my office and in my life as I would a member of my family. It is amazing how far truth and fairness will get you in business and in life. There is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with people you love and trust.

PV: When you were 5 what was your dream job?
Carl: I wanted to be an accountant. My family’s business taught me a lot about managing money and keeping track of everything.

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
Carl: I am so happy with what I have achieved in life, but I will never stop dreaming. Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day…and that is something that I will pursue for my entire life.

“Dreams make us strive for excellence each and every day… and that is something I will pursue my entire life.”


Dr. Carl Conforti has been a licensed Chiropractor since March 1998.

Dr. Carl Conforti has been freeing people from pain since May 1999 in his clinic in Oldsmar, FL. As a Chiropractor with experience, he is committed to promoting the health and well being of his patients.

Dr. Conforti uses a “whole person approach” when taking care of his patients. By combining the very best hands-on-technique, state of the art physiotherapy procedures, and providing the newest and best natural vitamins and mineral supplements on the market today, Dr. Conforti is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.

Although Dr. Conforti works exclusively out of our Oldsmar office, he also owns clinics in Trinity, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel. His collegues Dr. Todd Bodanza, DC of the Trinity location, Dr. Damien Rogers, DC of the Tampa location, and Dr. Bill Scheu, DC of the Wesley Chapel location work continuously with Dr. Conforti to provide the best in spinal care and wellness.

Education:
University of Florida
Life University

Memberships & Associations:
Florida Chiropractic Society
Florida Chiropractic Association
Certified in Cox Flexion/Distraction technique

There’s Only One Tammy Levent…!

Tammy Levent

Tammy Levent

PV: Why did you choose this business or line of work?
Tammy:Because of a series of personal tragedies I experienced in 1995, details in my bio.

PV: What is your primary role or duty in your company?
Tammy: Everything, from marketing, to selling, growing the company and keeping peace at the office and at home at the same time.

PV: What sets you apart from your competition?
Tammy: What Competition?

PV: What would you be doing now if it weren’t for your business, taking money out of the equation?
Tammy: I would travel the world!

PV: What do you do for fun?
Tammy: Travel… lol. And spend time with my family!

PV: Who or what is most important to you, personally or professionally?
Tammy: Personally my partner and best friend Rob, my children and parents, professionally – my customers and strategic partners like you!

PV: A little secret about you that would shock those who don’t know you!
Tammy: Okay Nina tons of secrets!! I never went to college, I graduated high school at 16, and I was the first born here in the USA, with immigrant family from Greece!

PV: What are your personal and professional mottos?
Tammy: Integrity with both!

PV: When you were five, what was your dream to be when you grew up?
Tammy: When I was five I was in kindergarten and telling my mom I wanted to get skipped to first grade and was. I wasn’t thinking that way ahead! Okay, maybe a princess! Now I’m a princess with WHIPS!

PV: Have you achieved all or most of your dreams thus far?
Tammy: Every time I think I do I keep having more freakin dreams!! Thank God they are not nightmares!

Tammy Levent - Panache People To Know

Photo: Joel Cocker (left) | Photo: Mark Wemple (right)

Tammy Levent

Entrepreneur, Travel Expert, Author and Renowned Speaker

Imagine that within six months you lost your business and your savings to a violent robbery, then lost your grandmother in a fatal car accident that left your two children, ages nine and two, in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Picture quitting the telemarketing job you took to keep your home so you could sit by your children’s bedsides and wonder if your daughter would ever be able to speak again and if your son would lose his sight. What you would say if a nurse came up to you in the ICU and asked “If it had nothing to do with money, what would you do?”

Tammy Levent didn’t have the energy to think of an intricate answer, so she said the first thing that came to her mind: “I would travel the world.” From that moment, she realized that was her passion and her goal. In 1995, with no assets, she leveraged strategic partnerships to build Elite Travel, which has since skyrocketed into one of the fastest growing, most trusted travel groups in the nation for corporate incentive, leisure, destination wedding and honeymoon travel. Elite Travel has the distinction of being named an American Express agency.

I WHIP IT with Tammy Levent
Levent devotes herself to helping other women discover the power they have to change their lives, no matter what their circumstances. She sums up her mantra of success in the acronym “I WHIP IT” – meaning Incredible Women Have Infinite Power In Themselves. I WHIP IT was born when Tammy held her first whip while sitting at her desk training employees in sales at her telemarketing job. For the first time in years, she felt like she had control. She took that feeling and ran with it.

With her new web show I WHIP IT Out at whipitoutshow.com and her day-long WHIPshops™ that “take the work out of it,” Tammy guides other women – whip in hand – to find their courage, declare their goals, and use strategic partnerships to make those goals happen. Unlike many speakers, Tammy doesn’t stop at motivation; she gives immediately usable step-by-step instruction on how to create a business and lifestyle around your passion. And, with Levent’s travel expertise, you won’t find yourself in a stuffy conference room at one of her retreats unless you get lost on the way to the resort penthouse.

Tammy Levent is the CEO of Elite Travel and single mother of Katie, 25 and Jordan, 20. She is the author of the bestselling book Women Who Mean Business, and lives in Tampa, Florida with her better half, Rob. She owns an impressive collection of whips. For more information on the I Whip it out show and WHIPshops visit
www.whipitoutshow.com and www.TammyLevent.com

Tammy Levent
Tammy@EliteTravelGroup.net
www.EliteTravelGroup.net
www.TammyLevent.com
1-866-726-9090

Dreams Do Come True

Jim and Elaine Trotter

Jim and Elaine Trotter

Jim and Elaine Trotter own and operate Budget Blinds of Greater Tampa, a custom window covering company that offers a convenient shop-at-home experience for window coverings and home décor accessories. The Trotter’s became involved with custom window treatments for a number of reasons. Jim worked as an executive in the apparel industry for almost 20 years and the Trotters moved to Tampa about ten years ago when the company where Jim worked relocated them yet again. But after giving the new location and management approx. 6 years, he decided to leave the company and the corporate world behind. On the flip side, Elaine had been out of the work force for over 20 years raising a family, managing the household and finances, and serving on charity boards. “We took almost 9 months off and decided that after 27 years of marriage we still liked being around each other, wanted to stay in Tampa, and eliminate Jim’s extensive travel schedule. We decided to pursue a life-long dream of owning a business together. Through a local career transition company, called Right Management, Jim met Rick Bisio with FranChoice. We both went through extensive personality profiling and interviews with Rick at FranChoice and based on our skill sets, goals, management backgrounds etc.; Rick recommended three franchises for consideration. We did extensive due diligence, and found that a gentleman and his wife, who were Budget Blinds pioneers in the state of Florida, wanted to sell their three Budget Blinds territories. Their storefront was conveniently located 10 minutes from our house.”

The Trotter’s chose Budget Blinds because of their strong business model, quality products and outstanding corporate support. Even in a downward economy Budget Blinds, Inc. has been ranked in the top 20 for financial strength 3 years in a row- #2 in 2011. Budget Blinds has also been ranked #1 in the window covering industry since 1996. “We pride ourselves on customer service- from the time you make an appointment to the professionalism of our design consultants, who are extremely knowledgeable and educated, all the way to our experienced installers. Really for us it’s all about customer service and our staff really makes it happen.”

What sets them apart from the competition? They are locally owned and operated but are proud to be affiliated with the #1 window covering franchise in North America. Having over 860 franchises in the US and Canada gives Budget Blinds great buying power. They have partnered with leading manufacturers to bring their clients quality window coverings at great prices. “We can then pass along those savings and exclusive warranties to our customers. We offer a very personalized shopping experience by bringing all of our samples to our clients’ home”. There’s no better place to shop for window coverings than in the rooms where the treatments will reside. They offer free in-home consultations and provide expert measuring and installation. They also offer peace of mind by eliminating all of the guesswork and answer all of your questions. In addition to manufacturers warranties, Budget Blinds stands by their products by offering an industry anomaly, a 5- year “no questions asked” warranty up to a lifetime warranty that is exclusive to Budget Blinds’ customers from their select manufacturers such as Hunter Douglas, private label Enlightened Style and Signature Series window treatments. Budget Blinds, through these select manufacturers, will replace your window treatments for any reason as well as any crazy scenario that happens to damage your product.

One of their most memorable experiences is their latest partnership with Ravinia Luxury Courtyard Villas as their preferred window covering provider, working with their wonderful sales and construction team and designing the window coverings for their models and new residents has been both fun and rewarding. They recently completed a project where they provided window treatments for 350 apartments at The Preserve at Alafia in Riverview and provided window coverings for the new Florida Medical Clinic building on State Road 54 in Land O’Lakes.

Their favorite part of owning a business is working together. Jim and Elaine are active members of Van Dyke Church. Jim loves to relax on the golf course, Elaine is an avid lover of all things organic, and enjoys writing for various publications. Both can be found working out together at LA Fitness. Panache asked Jim and Elaine who they feel they owe their success to. “First and foremost we owe our success to God. Secondly to an incredible team of experienced, caring individuals – true professionals who give the personalized design, service and quality our customers deserve. We have owned our Budget Blinds franchise for over 3 years now and in looking back, all the reasons we bought the franchise have come true. It has been a good fit for us and we could not be happier”.

The Midas Touch

Matthew and Jori Zarra

Matthew and Jori Zarra

When it comes to water, how does someone go about choosing the right water treatment company for their family, home and business? Our options are plentiful but can also be very confusing for the consumer. Florida Water Treatment is the answer!

Florida Water Treatment and its President, Matthew Zarra is a family owned and operated business serving the Tampa Bay area since 1951. Florida Water Treatment was originally established by Matt’s father-in-law, Herb Bloom. Matt took over the company in 2004 when Herb was nearing retirement and contemplating selling the well established water treatment business, located in Dunedin on Main Street.

Although Matt had no previous experience in the water treatment industry, he did have great success in sales as a top producer with a very large pharmaceutical company; he holds an MBA and has the Midas touch when it comes to building longterm relationships with his customers.

Matt is the driving force behind Florida Water Treatment. He is the sales force, runs the day-to-day operations, and a Certifi ed Water Specialist after having learned everything about the business from his father-in-law. Herb taught Matt everything from the ground up, Matt had to learn every aspect of the business from delivering salt, servicing equipment and installing equipment.

Matt and Florida Water Treatment continue to offer the best customer service in the water treatment industry. The equipment is designed to handle the harsh water of the West Coast of Florida. The water here is consistently some of the hardest and most heavily chlorinated in the United States.

Florida Water Treatment employees no sales personal which means no pushy, high pressure scare tactics, or long in-home demonstrations. You will get one of the owners of the company or a factory trained service technician to help you size the right water treatment equipment for your home. Their equipment is custom built for your homes water. This means the equipment will have a long life and give your family the quality water you expect. At Florida Water Treatment their goal remains that following every sale service is provided second-to-none. Their pricing is half the price of the majority of water treatment companies out there. Florida Water Treatment is an OEM. They build all of their own equipment; this gives them the ability to use only the highest quality products to treat the water at the home it is being installed at, and the flexibility to build a variety of different water treatment units. No two homes water is a like.

Matt along with his wife Jori continues the family legacy that Jori’s dad started in the water treatment business. Their goal is to continue to build Florida Water Treatment as the dominant water treatment brand in the Bay area, and making it a household name, building upon their reputation as the most trusted name in the water treatment industry. Florida Water Treatment services Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Citrus and Hernando counties. They have won the Angie’s List Super Service award for the last two years; they are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating for WQA (Water Quality Association); a Pentair residential fi ltration platinum dealer and a GE platinum dealer. They also contribute to many local organizations; Jori is also a member of the Clearwater/Dunedin Junior League.

Having both grown up in Dunedin, Matt and Jori, along with their two kids, furry kids, Bailey and Zane who are also the offi cial greeters at the offi ces of Florida Water Treatment, love the outdoors and the water. They enjoy all types of water sports, boating, fi shing, wakeboarding, skiing and anything else having to do with water! They also spend a lot of time with family and friends and love going in search of new restaurants.

Matt’s success comes from two of the most infl uential people in his life. He learned a very strong work ethic at a young age from his dad who has successfully run a small business for over 30 years. His dad instilled the values and morals that Matt uses every day to run his own business now. His huge success in the water treatment industry he owes to his father-in-law, Herb for teaching him the right way is the only way. This is a company people love to do business with.

Panache People to Know – Changing Perceptions at Forty

It is a known fact that beauty and age have a complicated relationship. More and more in our youth-driven entertainment world, certain age markers signify the locking shut of the door to society’s access to acceptable beauty. Every now and then, though, someone busts the door down. Standing in the open doorway with sledgehammer in hand is Karyn Anjali. Though her primary career lies in real estate, it is in the area of fitness that Karyn Anjali Mathura Glubis is making her presence known these days.

Karyn Anjali - Photo: Smooth Photography

Karyn Anjali - Photo: Smooth Photography

Coming from a background and story that sent a slew of conflicting messages regarding female fitness, Karyn Anjali fought through a number of trials to come to a place of self-actualization that let her release her inner beauty. A divorce and a period of caring for her illness-stricken mother left Karyn Anjali little focused on personal improvement.

She has moved beyond her difficulties to build a successful real estate career in the Tampa Bay area. She has also authored two books: “The Treasure Hunt, Trinidad’s Magnificent Seven”, a children’s book about a scavenger-type hunt through Trinidad’s historic landmarks, and “Trinidad Transcending Time 150 Years After Cazabon’s 1857 Album of Trinidad”, a book combining 1857 Trinidadian paintings with modern photography to celebrate the Caribbean island’s historic beauty. Topping it off, she runs several other companies, including Karysma Custom Jewelry and Smart Way 2 Date.

This all is already a larger resume than most people can list. But it was in the realization that life just might begin at 40 that turned Karyn Anjali towards competing in the NPC Bikini Competition at the 2011 Southeastern USA Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships. Losing more than 30 pounds, she struck a shimmering, confident pose in her golden-earth tone 2 piece. Although she still did not place, this first step was only the beginning. The experience has emboldened Karyn Anjali, and she plans to compete next in the Sheru Classic in September of 2012.

Karyn Anjali - Photo: Jonathan R. Photography

Photos: Jonathan R. Photography

Karyn Anjali’s experience both with her East Indian culture and mother’s loss to cancer led her to altering her diet, specifically with the focus on foods containing turmeric, known to hinder the growth of cancer cells. She recently alluded to this in a comment made on her Facebook, stating that “Hinduism is less … a religion and more of a culture. It is a cast, deep, ancient, inexhaustible, timeless and yet everadapting reservoir of wisdom…” She has been returning to that culture as a partial source of her new focus on personal wellness.

Her coach, Bradley McNeff of Relentless Nutrition states “I’ve never seen a woman so determined to be selfless in her quest to get fit with a purpose and direction.” Other than an altered East Indian diet low in sodium, developed by Saravana Pat Bhava, owner of TUN-DU-REE Restaurant in Tampa, and Lean Rescue fat burners from Nutec Performance Labs, Karyn Anjali’s journey has been all natural.

In her own bio she states “My life hasn’t been difficult nor has it been easy but my story is written in my blood and sweat with SOUL behind it.” That soul is an inspiration to other women, especially in the small business world and East Indian communities. With daughter Justine always close by, this single mother, author, entrepreneur, and now fitness competitor, is aiming to set new standards, as opposed to being set by them.

Georgette’s 23rd Annual Celebrity Fashion Show

 

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Dec. 7 for an entertaining look at 2011’s most trendy fashions during the 23rd Annual Georgette’s Holiday Fashion Show, presented by Georgette and Tashia Diaz and emceed by Gayle Sierens. Join us as the runway transforms into mid-town Manhattan and experience the holidays in New York. From the Rockefeller Christmas tree and snow in Central Park to a night at the Opera and high-kicking Rockettes, this is a winter wonderland experience you will not want to miss.

With festive musical entertainment, professional dancers, celebrity models, 50/50 raffle drawings and live and silent auctions, this Broadway-style show is the perfect start to get you in the mood for the holiday season – the Big Apple way.

This annual fashion festivity started as a labor of love for a few ladies in the Avila Women’s Club, and more than two decades later, it has grown into one of Tampa Bay’s signature events, attracting nearly 600 stylish attendees each year.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Tampa
211 North Tampa St., Tampa
WHEN Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
Doors open at 10 a.m.
Fashion show begins at noon, followed by lunch

Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorships are also available. Proceeds from the event to benefit St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

For more information or to register, please contact the St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation at (813) 872-0979 or visit www.SJHFoundation.org.

César Lara – Creative, Passionate and Purposeful

Dr. César Lara

Dr. César Lara

“Creative, Passionate and Purposeful” – These three words describe Dr. César Lara best! For more than 20 years now, it has been his passion to become one of the most powerful forces in America’s ever growing obesity crisis…one patient at a time.

Dr. César Lara is a Board Certified Family Physician and a leading expert in the treatment of obesity and weight loss management. Dr. Lara’s dream of helping men and women overcome diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and other chronic conditions related to obesity was realized with the emergence of the César A. Lara, MD Center for Weight Management as a premier weight loss center in Tampa Bay.

Although Dr. Lara has been treating obesity for over 20 years now, dating back to the day he first hung his shingle, it was about seven years ago that he changed the focus of his medical practice to tackle obesity head on! His main focus and his philosophy that drives him and his practice are to help people change their lifestyle, not to just lose weight. The only true way to do that is to make real adjustments, to change behavior. Diet by itself is not the answer to the true problem. We asked Dr. Lara what sets him apart from the competition, his reply was very humble. “I try not to compare myself to other people; a lot can be learned from many in our community and world. My main focus is to treat each and every patient individually; I don’t use a cookie – cutter program. I address their problem that will be a lifelong change for them, not temporary. At all of my clinics, we first recognize that it is a spiritual journey, how you think, how you react. We utilize hypnosis, nutritional supplements and the newest technology available, that’s how we do it”.

Dr. Lara treats patients from all over, not just the Tampa Bay area. Some come from as far as California and Latin America. Currently, there are 3 locations to serve you, Clearwater, Palm Harbor and St. Pete. Soon Dr. Lara will be expanding to Hillsborough County as well.

Dr. Lara is also a member of many, many organizations, is known for his strong personal faith and his many generous contributions to the Tampa Bay community. He also regularly appears on television as a medical contributor to Bay News 9 en Español.

Each and every patient is memorable to him, he feels they are a gift to him, they are allowing him to take care of them. Dr. Lara feels blessed by all his patients, but one in particular stands out just a little bit more that the others, his mom. Dr. Lara began treating her about five or six years ago. She was a diabetic, over weight and insulin dependent. He first told her to stop taking the insulin. She said to him “are you trying kill me?” Of course he wasn’t, he loved his mother, but he knew there were other ways to treat her diabetes. She questioned her own son, who was a doctor and a good one at that! He was right. Today, Mrs. Lara is 50 lbs. lighter and not on insulin.

When not treating patients, Dr. Lara is a family man, first and foremost. With his beautiful wife Penelope by his side and their three beautiful kids; Julian, Marcus and Zoe, his home is where his heart is. Zoe, who is fourteen, is the only child still at home, and she is daddy’s girl. Dr. Lara tries to spend as much time with her as possible and makes it a point to have a family dinner, each and every night, with his two favorite girls, Penelope and Zoe.

As much as he is out and about in our community, attending many events, César Lara is a very private man with only a very few close friends. He cherishes his friendships just the way he cherishes his family and all of his patients. He loves to relax with them in his home, enjoy a good glass of wine and philosophize about life. Panache Vue’ also asked Dr. Lara if there was something special he wanted to share with our readers, something that only those very close to him knew. His answer, he loves to dance and let his feet do the talking!

César Lara is someone you will never forget, if and when you are fortunate to meet him. Extremely handsome and very humble. Soft spoken, smart and exudes kindness and sincerity. He is also the founder of St. Michael’s Free Clinic and Weight Away Tampa Bay, his charitable organizations that provide free medical treatment to those who cannot afford it. His heart is bigger and heavier than its weight in gold!

DATZ DUET

Suzanne and Roger Perry

Suzanne and Roger Perry

Everybody’s had those dreams. You know the ones – giving up the corporate life and opening a bed-and-breakfast in an old mansion. Launching a restaurant and spending your days surrounded by great food and drink.

Everybody dreams it. But what’s it like to actually do it? “Absolutely insane,” says Suzanne Perry with a tired, but genuine laugh. And as the co-owner of Datz, she should know. “It’s completely different than what we had imagined,” she adds. The reality of running a restaurant is a lot grubbier than expected, especially one as wildly successful and community-embraced as Datz.

“There’s a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes that has absolutely nothing to do with food,” adds Roger Perry, the other half of the dynamic Datz duo. Of course, that reality has been especially hard for Roger, the foodie of the entrepreneurial couple, who dreamed of a kitchen where all of his ideas could come to life. Unfortunately, sometimes those ideas just don’t translate, whether its food cost, manageability or simply that the customers don’t like it.

Indeed, Suzanne likes to joke that the restaurant is actually all Roger’s fault, but that’s just the good-natured ribbing that goes in the Perry household. In truth, her business and marketing acumen is as integral to the genesis of Datz as Roger’s passion for food and entrepreneurial spirit. And after three years, the couple can honestly say that starting Datz has been a spicy blend of an enterprise that feeds their spirit and a blur of unexpected 20-hour days.

Not that either is afraid of hard work. In his first go ‘round, Roger purchased a small pet food and supply company in Columbus in 1984 and, over the next decade, turned it into the largest chain of pet food superstores in the Midwest. When Roger sold the company in 1994 to Petsmart (you know the one), he had a total of 31 superstores, more than 1,000 employees. In his second career, his long days were spent at the barn and the track breeding, racing and selling quarter horses. Similarly, Suzanne spent more than a decade as a high-level retail executive before transitioning into her second career as a magazine contributor, philanthropist and community activist.

That said they both credit their success to their combined ability to roll up their sleeves and attack the issues head on – even if means giving up some of their rose(mary)-colored expectations about how the business ought to run.

“Our success has definitely been in our ability to adapt,” says Suzanne. “We really listen to our customers and respond to their needs, and that has totally guided the changes in the restaurant.”

In fact, part of Datz’s charm has been its constant evolution. What started as a deli has now morphed into a charmingly vivacious, if eclectic, restaurant where overstuffed sandwiches are served comfortably beside bone-in ribeyes, beer-butt chicken and $1,500 bottles of scotch.
Which, if you know the Perrys, is exactly like they are – the kind of couple who likes to kick off their shoes, nosh on good ol’ comfort food while sipping extraordinary wines and hard-to-find bourbon.

Indeed, that might just be the favorite part of this whole experience, that they’ve created the very kind of casually upscale restaurant they were always searching for. “We joke that we never leave the restaurant, but even if we weren’t the owners, this would be exactly the kind of place where we would want to come,” says Suzanne.

Datz doesn’t really have a five or ten year goal other than to continue to grow and to innovate. And, well, it is a business, so being profitable is ideal. “Datz is so busy all the time that people think we’re landing our helicopter on the roof, but that’s far from the truth,” Suzanne says. “As a restaurant in this economic environment we are grateful to be doing as well as we are, but we are a new business, paying off start-up costs and investments like anyone else. I’d like to think that the helipad might come some day, but it’s not today’s reality,” she says with a laugh.

Roger, perhaps, sums it best: “When Suz and I look back over the last few years, the menu might have changed 1,000 times, but our mission is still the same: to be an everyday oasis from the bland and mundane. Which we are. We deliver amazing hand-crafted food and specialty products in a warm-hearted, fun-loving atmosphere and we still strive to serve every guest with a nice-to-see-you and thanks-for-coming attitude. And, of course, to invigorate the neighborhood and give back to those in need. Datz has definitely supported the community, giving generously to charities and school and families. And I believe that has come back to us tenfold. Even when we make mistakes – which we definitely have – we can still look back at this and see that we’re still living up to our mission. Somehow that makes all the blood, sweat and sleepless nights worthwhile.”

Is He Real?

Super Dog Max

The answer is YES! “Super Dog Max” came into my life a few months ago. His dad/trainer, Carl entered Max into our Panache Pooch contest. After viewing all the photos Carl sent in, I couldn’t believe my own eyes! I had already chosen him as the winner for the contest, but did not let Carl know immediately.

As a dog lover, I was absolutely smitten by this beautiful and smart animal. Max came across as more human than canine! Once I finally let Carl know that Max was the winner for our Sept. / Oct. 2011 issue, I asked if I could please meet Max in person after the magazine had been printed. My intention was to hand deliver the magazine to our Panache Pooch contest winner- something I had never done before – still having reservations whether he was a real dog. He is!

From our very first meeting at their home, and many thereafter, I really got to know Max. I also fell in love with my buddy Max, more and more, after each visit. I was invited by Carl to see Max in his best element, outside in the malls interacting with everyone. We spent over three hours one evening just walking and talking about Max! The response from everyone was overwhelming, I felt as though we were celebrities. I am not, nor is Carl, but Max is!

I hope all of my readers enjoy the photos of Max and learn more about him. I am smitten by him, and cannot get enough of Max. He is truly the most remarkable dog I have ever met and I love him dearly, as I know you all will. Here I go, please enjoy!

Max is a 100% red, male standard poodle, 2 years old and weighs 60 lbs. He is actually a bit larger than most standard poodles. Max is a tall boy! The standard poodle is regarded as the first or second most intelligent breed of dog; Max falls into the category of first, of course!

Max has been through several hundred hours of training by Carl, who continues to train him daily! Max is a licensed service animal, as well as a certified therapy dog.

Super Dog Max - Swing

Super Dog Max

Carl has taught Max more tricks than I have ever seen, sorry Lassie and Rin Tin Tin! With over 25 years of training animals; from dogs to cats and even exotic birds, Carl has what it takes to teach Max and all other animals, like no other trainer out there! His love and patience is very obvious in the way Max acts and reacts to everyone and every situation. Max is available and more than happy to attend events; he is also available for photo shoots, movies, modeling and just about anything. Max is a quick learner. He can learn a new trick taught by Carl within one – two weeks, something that might take humans a lifetime! Max also has a website, www.SuperDogMax.com and a Facebook page. Follow by little buddy, see his tricks and adorable antics- like, stealing the keys from his daddy to the boat or the convertible! Last but not least, my interview with “Super Dog Max”, learn more about him and fall in love.

PV: Are you a real dog?
Max: I am! I’m a 100% standard poodle, thank you.

PV: Max, what do you love doing the most?
Max: First and foremost, I love lying around and relaxing with my dad. Secondly, I love all the attention I receive from others when I’m out and about with dad.

PV: Do you like all the attention you receive and do you ever get tired of it?
Max: Sometimes I get tired. When dad and I are enjoying a meal, some people don’t respect our privacy.

PV: What’s your favorite food Max?
Max: I love medium rare steak, chicken and my favorite treat to share with dad is Welch’s grape popsicles, yummy! In his bed, of course!

PV: What is a typical day for you like?
Max: I get a half-hour walk in the morning and evening with training in-between. I run all errands with dad like dry cleaning; banking and wrestling. I enjoy a spa bath fit for the prince that I am. We even cut the lawn together. I get to sit on the front of the mower, yeah!

PV: Max, who do you love more than anyone in this world?
Max: My daddy Carl!

PV: Is there anything you would like to do or learn that you haven’t already?
Max: Sit in the cockpit of a plane, but not fly it!

PV: Max, you’ve traveled all over the country and met so many wonderful people. Is there anyone you have not met that you would like to?
Max: President Obama’s dog, Bo!

For more information regarding Max or his trainer, please visit www.SuperDogMax.com

All photography of Max was shot by Carl: 800-324-1311

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