Category: News

Little Italy’s — Great Italian Food Just Minutes From Wesley Chapel!

By Gary Nager

Where do you go in Wesley Chapel for great Italian food? It’s not a trick question. I know we have a lot of good pizza places in Wesley Chapel proper, but since D’Alessio, Ciao! Italian Bistro and even Primadonna have opened and closed in either New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, there really is no place for authentic Italian cuisine in either of our distribution areas.

However, there is a great little place that we’ve helped create something of a stir about (admittedly, with a lot of help from the Wesley Chapel Community on Facebook.com) that’s located just a couple of miles west of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall, in the same space that used to be occupied by Bosco’s Pizza.

We may have helped stirred things up for them, but Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering owners Carl and Chef Jessica Meyers have kept the sauce pot simmering nicely ever since with Jessica’s amazing recipes and the happy couple’s no-B.S. northeastern attitude and homemade Italian food “like mama used to make.”

Jessica is originally from Canarsie, a tough part of Brooklyn, New York, where she learned real Italian cooking, especially from her grandmother. This reporter is particularly happy that Jessica learned everything she needs to know about making the perfect red sauce, which most Italian food lovers (like yours truly) can’t live without.

First, let me say that although Little Italy is in no way fancy, it’s really a misnomer to call it a “pizza place — even though Jessica does offer amazing true Sicilian-style thick-crust pizza with a variety of great toppings, or try the “I Did It My Way” where the first three toppings are “on us.”

I’m not holding it against her that there’s no round New York thin-crust pizza at Little Italy’s, but I hope that when they expand into a larger location — which the Meyers are already trying to do — maybe they’ll add the thin-crust ‘za, too.

In the meantime, Jessica says, “I use the best ingredients and make everything here, except for the actual dough for the pizza crust and the real Italian bread we make our ‘grindas’ with. That, we import from New York.”

“New Jersey,” Carl, who met Jessica in his native Rhode Island, chimes back.

“Somewhere up there anyway,” she laughs. “The best Italian bread I‘ve found.”

My favorite dish so far has to be the meatball parmigiana grinda ($9). Jessica’s big, homemade meatballs are literally too much to contain, even for the crispiest, most perfect Italian hoagie roll I’ve had in the Tampa Bay area, swaddled in a thick, red marinara.

That bread also is no slouch when wrapped around Little Italy’s tender, but thick cut of chicken breast parmigiana ($9 grinda, $14 with spaghetti). And those to-die-for meatballs are also available in some of the best spaghetti and meatballs around ($13). All of these dishes make a great meal for two hungry people who both crave this kind of “comfort food.”

Other traditional Italian pasta favorites (all $12-$15 for a huge portion) on the menu are baked lasagna, eggplant rollatini or parmigiana, fettuccini Alfredo or bolognese (meat sauce) and some properly pillowy ravioli. I bet if enough of you ask nicely, Carl will even give the OK to adding his linguine with a loaded with clams zesty white clam butter sauce I’ve never tasted before sampled (but wasn’t allowed to photograph; just kidding) on my most recent visit. I’m so thankful that I’ve yet to get my shellfish reaction from clams, ‘cause I love ‘em and this was a dish worth risking it on, ya know?

For starters, if your family loves any kind of cheese sticks, you have to try the mozzarella “half-moons,” which literally are so big more than two people can share them (for just $6!). Other of our office’s favorites to date are a great bruschetta appetizer ($6), an even better caprese salad with a beautiful balsamic finish and an excellent house salad. Other big-portion starters (all $5-$8) on the menu are Jessica’s own “smashed potatoes,” French fry and onion ring baskets and garlic and cheesy garlic bread.

‘Give Me That Calzone…”

Even when I lived in New York, I was never a big calzone guy. But, if you even like a traditional (with a unique tomato sauce, Bacio mozzarella and creamy ricotta, $10) or chicken parm, Buffalo chicken or “I Did It My Way” options (all $13). Just try to eat one of these bad boys without at least four other people…six in some cases.

Even if youse guys feel like a burger, Little Italy’s has you covered, with the already-legendary-in-our-office Godfather burger. It costs $10, but is an 8-oz. slab of made-to-order ground beef, salami and cappicola ham, encased with melted provolone, then topped with prosciutto ham and a balsamic glaze reduction, all on a garlic toasted bun. Add $3 for a huge portion of great fries or the thick onion rings pictured above.

Lil’ Goombas catch a break with smaller portions of those delicious “pa-sketti” and meatballs or cheese ravioli (both $5) or “chicky” fingers and fries for $6.

At least try to save some room for dessert because Jessica promises that no matter how busy she gets, she will always come to your table and hand-fill you one or two (or seven) of her crispy cannoli shells (as she is in the photo above) with the best cannoli filling I’ve had since a certain bakery in Elmont, NY, I mentioned in a previous article.

And, Jessica promises that she can handle your holiday catering order like nobody else. She and Carl started in Florida with a popular mobile food truck called “Little Italy’s Meatballs, where they served hundreds of people a day. In other words, she means it when she says, “No order too large or too small,” she says.

For more info about Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering (24436 S.R. 54, Lutz, next to Walesby Vision), call 909-2122, visit LittleItalyFamilyRestaurant.com. It is open Tues.-Sat. at noon for lunch and dinner.

Indoor sports facility could be next for Wiregrass Ranch

Round-Rock-Sports-Center — If a new facility gets built, it could look like the Round Rock Sports Center in Round Rock, Texas, built in Jan. 2014. Photo: sportsplanningguide.com

Will the fourth time be the charm for a Pasco County sports complex?

After three failed attempts since 2001 to build tennis, baseball and outdoor facilities, Pasco County commissioners are poised to make another run at a sports facility in Wiregrass Ranch, this time an indoor complex on 8-10 of the 80 availa
ble acres just east of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) donated by the Porter family.

The county also is discussing the possibility of the Porter family building and operating outdoor fields and green space adjacent to the indoor facility, which could be used to help with events like Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions lacrosse tournament and rugby, soccer and other outdoor sports events

The commissioners are in the process of preparing a request seeking partners in a private/public partnership to build the indoor facility. Pasco County will contribute $8.5 million to the project in monies raised through its tourist development tax.

The cost to build similar facilities in Tennessee, Texas, Alabama and South Carolina ranged from $12-million to $25 million, according to an 88-page feasibility study put together by Johnson Consulting of Chicago at the request of the Pasco County commissioners.

“Initially, the feasibility study came back and I was a little surprised by the focus on an indoor facility,’’ said District 2 county commissioner Mike Moore. When the Porter family offered to build an adjoining outdoor facility that would be more available to the public at no costs, he was sold.

“That got me really excited,’’ Moore said. “With what the Porter family has proposed, it really gives us the best of both worlds.”

According to Johnson Consulting, the outdoor facility market is saturated but there is a need for indoor facilities. In Florida, there are 25 tournament-quality outdoor facilities. The Wiregrass location would be just the eighth indoor facility.

The complex would go beyond just serving Pasco County residents, said county tourism manager Ed Caum, who sees it as a future hub for surrounding areas looking for a place for youth tournaments.

“This is a very specific complex that will meet the needs of Central Florida, not just Pasco County, and that’s what makes it unique,’’ Caum said, adding he hopes to see the facility eventually host major regional and national tournaments.

The commission held a workshop on Oct. 27 at the Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey, where Johnson Consulting presented its study and made its recommendations.

Johnson Consulting suggests a three-phase project, beginning with a multi-purpose indoor complex between 85,000 and 100,000 square feet on 5-7 acres.

The facility would have 6-8 basketball courts, which could be converted to 12-16 volleyball courts, elevated seating for 500-750, concession stands, 4-6 multipurpose rooms and a sports orthopaedic and healthcare partnership.

The county is negotiating with the Porter family to control the final two phases.

Phase 2 of the project (5-15 acres) would include 3-4 outdoor rectangular multi-purpose fields (two with lights), a Championship area, an interactive playground and splash pads.

Phase 3 (10-15 acres) would incorporate an alternative entertainment zone, indoor skydiving, zip lines, ropes course and driving range.

The remaining 25-35 acres would be for hotel development, themed retail, a community center, active and passive green space for the community, and trails for walking, running and biking.

“Pasco has many key characteristics and requirements to support a multi-use sports complex – namely solid population growth, access to regional, national and international transportation and county household incomes projected to increase at an above-average rate,” the report concluded.

Johnson Consulting, based on the average of other similar facilities in the United States, conservatively estimates more than 100,000 participants using the facility annually. Deficits are projected the first four years, but starting in year six the facility is projected to bring in over $200,000 a year in net profit.

One concern for commissioners is the small number of hotels rooms in the area, which will likely result in tournament participants spending their money in Hillsborough County. According to Johnson Consulting, there are 3,474 hotel rooms within at least 11 miles of the proposed location, though 800 of those are in Saddlebrook and only 322 are in Wesley Chapel.

Caum, however, said a Holiday Inn Express is scheduled to open in January, adding 75 rooms and 12 suites, and two other hotels slated for the 54/56 corridor are in the permitting process. And according to the Urban Land Institute, over the next five years the county will add 75-100 hotel rooms annually.

Moore thinks despite past failures, the latest proposal has an excellent chance to succeed.

“This is the perfect scenario,’’ he said. “We are going to make sure when we are accepting these bids that the funding is available. I’m confident it will work, and everyone seems pretty excited.”

All those noises last night explained

Sorry, but every time I hear booms or see the word “boom” I can’t help but think of “Boom goes the dynamite”. This video clip is just a little snippet. The full video is below, it’s a viral classic.

As for all booms and bangs last night, Pasco County Government spokesman Doug Tobin says from what he understands, and has been reported elsewhere, the noises were the result of air force exercises in the Gulf of Mexico. But they were certainly loud enough to rattle some windows and give my dogs a scare on our walk around 8:40 p.m. last night.

Here’s the top 5 Boom Explanations we pulled off the Wesley Chapel Community Facebook page:

From banging my head against the wall trying to help my child finish this science project.
Rainbow Dash’s Rainboom (parents who have been forced by their children to watch My Little Pony should get a kick out of that one. Admit it, you’re all singing the show’s theme song right now, aren’t you?)
Aliens.
Impending Apocalypse.
Construction detonations.

Two-car collision on S.R. 54 leaves two dead

WESLEY CHAPEL — Two women are dead after an accident on S.R. 54 and Ernest Drive near the New River Library backed up traffic for hours Sunday night.

Lutz resident Barbara Janet Charlebois, 38, was traveling west on S.R. 54 when, for unknown reasons, she drove off the roadway and onto the right shoulder of the road. She overcorrected her vehicle, a 2004 Toyota Camry, to the left which caused her to swerve into the eastbound lane and into the direct path of a 2014 Buick Verano driven by 76-year-old Bridget Mary Kent of Ontario, Canada.

The collision between the two cars occurred around 8:50 p.m.. Charlebois suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Kent had serious injuries and was taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital.

There were two passengers in Kent’s vehicle. and both were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. Lillian Cruickshank, 70, suffered serious injuries. William Edward Kent, 78 of Ontario, Canada, passed away overnight.

S.R. 54 Wesley Chapel

Spa Moritz takes it to another level with added pampering

Spa Mortiz, located off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms (across from Freedom High), has been a part of New Tampa for more than a decade, but if you haven’t visited lately, you may not know just how this community favorite has recently been getting even better.

Owners Patricia and Martin Anello have brought world-class European luxury to the spa since purchasing it about a year ago, when they moved to Tampa Palms from Madrid, Spain. The Anellos have enjoyed Europe’s finest spas and have replicated many of the details and luxury of their European experiences at Spa Moritz.

“As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important for us to thank the community,” says Patricia. “We have gotten such a warm reception since we arrived here. People have accepted and welcomed us, and made us feel so comfortable.”

She says former clients are coming back to the spa and recommending it again to their friends. Patricia attributes the spa’s recent growth the way the staff treats every guest and pays attention to the little touches that really matter.

“We treat our guests as we would visitors in our homes,” Patricia says. “The details are important to us, so that people who come to the salon don’t feel like a number or even just a client, but like a pampered guest.”

She says the “new” Spa Mortiz will still make you feel beautiful, with a complete array of salon and spa services, but Patricia says there also is a new emphasis on health and wellness, including programs that address healthy and better-for-you products.

For a complete menu of services, visit SpaMoritz.com, but this article will focus on many of the new services that have been added over the last year.

Skin Care

Spa Moritz continues to carry and use the world-famous Pevonia line of skin care products. For those wanting 100-percent organic treatments, Patricia recently added a line of products from Hungary called Éminence. Both lines of skin care products are used in treatments at the spa and can be purchased for home skin care regimens.

“We also offer advanced treatment for skin care,” says Patricia. “Instead of using chemicals, we provide treatments that give results with alternatives.”

For example, she says the new oxygen facial provides a deeply purifying and healing effect to reduce signs of redness and hyperpigmentation. The new dermal rejuvenation system is a two-step process. The first is a facial that creates collagen and elastin naturally, without first injuring the skin like during a chemical peel. After a couple of weeks, once the collagen and elastin have been produced in the skin, the second part of the process is a peel to remove the surface skin.

Spa Moritz also offers acne treatments for teenagers, including a class that teaches teens how to take care of their skin and even the foods you can eat that are best for your skin.

Pedicures

Spa Moritz offers a wide range of pedicures for every taste and desire. For feet, Spa Moritz is now offering a line called Footlogix, which is made with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and offers “transformational foot care” to heal skin from the inside out. Specialty Footlogix formulas treat everything from very dry skin, to cracked heels, to cold feet and even sweaty feet.

Footlogix products can be used in any of the spa’s pedicures, such as its signature spa pedicure or luxury spa pedicure, or guests can receive a specialized Footlogix pedicure that is customized with only Footlogix products.

Another new option for guests is the Pure Fiji pedicure. Reminiscent of the tropical South Pacific island, Patricia says a Pure Fiji pedicure is as much about the experience as it is the individual products. It includes rituals such as a warm foot soak in a fragrant coconut milk bath and a coconut sugar rub and foot massage.

“I really like the results,” says Patricia. “You will feel very pampered.”

Some guests opt for the Voesh line of products, which is another new line, out of New York, that Patricia says offers the most hygienic experience possible. With six aromatherapy scents, each guest can choose a customized treatment. All the products needed for a pedicure come individually packaged in one disposable box, so products aren’t used for more than one guest.

Of course, many clients still opt for either the ever-popular chocolate martini or piña colada pedicure, both of which include one of that treatment’s namesake drinks.

Manicures

Patricia is happy to announce that the spa has recently added a product called Bio Sculpture Gel to the extensive menu of services available at Spa Moritz. She describes it as a healthier alternative to gel, acrylic or shellac nails, because it is free from chemicals that leave can leave nails damaged or dehydrated.

She says this product is in line with Spa Mortiz’s mission to increase the health and wellness of each guest who visits. And, she notes that Spa Moritz is the only spa in the area that this product can be obtained.

“We’re bringing products to the community that are not otherwise available,” says Patricia.

Salon

What’s new in the salon is a product called Olaplex, which Patricia says can be added to any chemical treatment, such as color or highlights, so that the chemicals do not damage your hair. “We also can do a separate Olaplex treatment to repair hair,” she explains.

And now, Spa Moritz employs only Master Stylists, meaning each stylist has been working at least 10-20 years.

“We want only the best for our guests,” says Patricia. “Although we’d like to have more stylists on our staff, we are not going to hire anyone who doesn’t meet our standards. We want every guest to be thrilled, so we insist on the best.”

She says other services at the salon include hair extensions and “up-dos,” especially for brides, bridesmaids and other formal occasions. The salon also offers aromatherapy, hydration and smoothing treatments, and scalp massage. “We want our guests to have a relaxing spa experience, not just get their hair done,” says Patricia.

One customer who appreciates the new Spa Moritz is local Realtor Luz Maria Von Greiff, who has lived in Tampa Palms for 14 years.

“I had tried Spa Moritz in the past (before the Anellos took over), but I wasn’t thrilled,” says Von Greiff. “Then, I met Patricia and thought she was so nice and professional, so I decided to try it again. That was (my) best decision!”

Luz Maria says, “The variety of services is so interesting, and Patricia and her staff are great. For example, I have delicate skin that reacts to (some) products, so they are extremely dedicated to making sure each product they use will work for my skin.” She says she also appreciates how warm and friendly everyone at the spa is, to her and to other guests. “It’s such a welcoming environment. Being in the service industry myself, I really appreciate what Martin and Patricia are doing,” she says. “They’re bringing their own style, their flair and their products to Spa Moritz.”

Massage

The newest massage at Spa Moritz is a bamboo massage, which Patricia says is healing and relaxing. She notes that it is comparable to a hot stone massage, but uses heated bamboo sticks instead of rocks.

The spa also offers a “fusion massage,” where clients choose a length of time, generally 50 or 80 minutes, and receive a combination of massages, such as Lomi Lomi, aromatherapy, therapeutic to treat a particular area, hot stone, or bamboo.

Other Spa Services

Patricia says the Spa Moritz staff loves to create custom packages to help their guests meet their wellness goals. For someone who is looking to lose weight, they can create a package that includes a wellness coach, lymphatic drainage massage and body wraps (such as seaweed or green coffee treatments) for detoxification.

“We consult with each person individually,” says Patricia. “We talk about their goals, time and budget, and come up with something that perfectly fits their needs.”

For brides, birthdays, bachelorette parties or other celebrations, Spa Mortiz offers packages to pamper and enjoy your special day in luxury and relaxation. Call the spa at the number below to find out more about how best to celebrate your special occasion. Discounts are offered, and many special touches are included, such as cake and champagne with lunch, which is served beautifully in a private room.

Customer Appreciation

If you want to give Spa Moritz a try, Patricia offers what she calls “Customer Appreciation Nights,” which include a cocktail offered in the front reception area, and then a short treatment in each of the spa’s areas, such as massage, nail and skin care treatments. So, anyone who wants to experience the luxury of Spa Moritz can do so in one evening, enjoying many of the treatments described in this article.

To be invited to the next Customer Appreciation Night, call Spa Mortiz at the phone number below. The cost is usually $25 per person, which includes a $25 credit towards any service for a future visit.

You also can schedule your own Customer Appreciation Night for your own group (or your business) by calling the spa. Patricia says these groups especially enjoy the evening because they already know each other and feel comfortable with each other.

Spa Moritz is located in Tampa Palms at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., Suite 103. Spa Moritz is open Mon.–Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m., & on Sun. or special events. For more info — including your chance to win a free massage or facial, visit SpaMortiz.com or see the ad on page 10 of this issue. To make an appointment, call 971-4772.