Pinot's Palette unleashes your inner Picasso

By Gary Nager

I’m definitely no artist — in fact, I think I definitely have less artistic talent than most of the dozens of people who came out to paint for the Oct. 23 Grand Opening (and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, or WCCC, ribbon-cutting ceremony) at the new Pinot’s Palette, which is located in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza, just south of the intersection of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd.).

So, why do I feel this compulsive need to go back to the tenth Florida location of Pinot’s Palette, a new chain with fewPinotWeber than 150 locations in the U.S. and Canada that was named the 18th best new franchise in the country by Enterpreneur magazine?

Maybe it’s the fact that Pinot’s Palette allows you to both drink and release your “inner Picasso” while taking a two-hour art lesson that allows you to walk away with your own acrylic-paint-covered canvas and a lot of great memories while surrounded by some great people (and good beer and wine on tap).

The owner of the Wesley Chapel location, James Serrano, is a friendly, outgoing guy who says he has no artistic ability himself, but he “knew a great idea when I saw it.”

Serrano and his equally gregarious crew of mostly college students who do have artistic capabilities will make you feel at home — if your home has a way-cool art studio built into it, that is.

Many of my friends and colleagues from the WCCC and Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club were on hand to enjoy our first taste of Pinot’s during Serrano’s VIP Painting Party following the ribbon-cutting — and there were rave reviews all around, even if my finished product looked almost nothing like the art we were supposed to copy.

Pinot’s Palette is located at 1718 BBD. For info, including a list of class times, visit PinotsPalette.com/Wesley Chapel or call 928-8131 and please tell Serrano and crew that the Neighborhood News sent you! — GN

Becca’s Bubbles Brings Pet Grooming Right To Your Doorstep

By Celeste McLaughlin

BeccasBubblesWhen your dog needs to be bathed, clipped or shaved, Becca’s Bubbles Mobile Grooming Salon will bring its collection of grooming tools, shampoos, brushes, combs, colognes, bandanas and bows right to you.

Perfect for older pets, pets who get nervous taking a trip in the car, or for any pet parents who don’t have time to go somewhere to have their pet shampooed or clipped, Becca’s Bubbles drives its grooming truck right to your front door.

Owner and groomer Becca Miltz is an animal lover who has lived in Seven Oaks since 2006. She was working as a nanny when she began to look for a purpose for her life’s work.

“I wanted to find something I felt passionate about, where I could be hands on,” she says. “So many people go to work every day and don’t love what they do. I want to love my work.”

She was researching opportunities in both daycare and working with animals, and she learned about the Tampa Bay Pet Grooming Academy in South Tampa. It felt like the perfect fit, so she enrolled.

She completed an intense, nine-week course at the grooming academy. “I had equipment in my hands from the beginning,” she says. “There were always dogs there, so I learned quickly.”

She graduated in May of 2015 and launched her business in June.

“This is where my heart is,” she says. “I get to spend all day with dogs.”

Becca’s brightly colored mobile grooming truck shows up at your doorstep at your scheduled appointment time. Inside, the truck houses a grooming table and all the equipment she needs to make your dog look his or her very best. She doesn’t need a hose or anything from you, because her truck is fully equipped with power, water, a heater, vacuum and even a bathroom and microwave. She has two dryers, including a soft dryer for older pets who need special care.

In fact, the entire grooming experience is a good fit for those types of pets.

“I can accommodate dogs who are older, who need more assistance and more help feeling comfortable,” says Becca.

Diane Johnson is a Meadow Pointe resident who says Becca does just that for her golden retriever.

“My dog, Seabee, is 10 1/2,” explains Diane. “As she gets older, it’s been harder for me to get her to the place I had been having her groomed. And at her age, she requires special care. Becca has always provided that for us.”

Diane happened to see a Facebook ad for Becca’s Bubbles, so she decided to give it a try.

“I love the fact that Becca’s Bubbles just pulls right into my driveway,” she says. “Becca’s service is phenomenal.”

Diane says her two other dogs, a chocolate Lab and a Chesapeake Bay retriever, don’t require much grooming because they have short hair, but that doesn’t stop them from climbing in the Becca’s Bubbles truck.

“They march right up into the truck and look at everything,” Diane says.

“We are extremely satisfied with Becca’s Bubbles,” she adds. “For the quality, and the peace of mind, it’s worth every penny.”

Becca says, “I’m very pro-animal. I’ll do anything I can to help your pet have a great grooming experience.”

BeccaBubble2Services

Customers can choose between three packages. First, the bath package includes trimming nails, cleaning pads, cleaning and trimming ears, shampoo, conditioner, cologne, bandana, and a de-shed treatment. The next option is a full groom, which includes the bath package, plus clipping the entire dog. Becca also offers a face, feet, and tail clip, so the dog is bathed and trimmed neatly in the areas where it most needs it.

Additional services, such as a flea bath and even teeth brushing, are also available.

She says most clients schedule their grooming on a regular basis, usually every four weeks, but there is no commitment required.

“I generally go to people’s homes, although I could also visit their office or another spot,” says Becca. “All I need is a parking spot or a driveway.”

For pricing information, visit the company’s website at BeccasBubbles.org. Becca is offering all first time clients $5 off, and a multiple pet discount of $5 off each additional pet. She’s offering a Black Friday special, too. If you call by Nov. 27 to book your appointment, your pet will get a free blueberry facial and a toothbrush included in its grooming package.

Becca explains that the blueberry facial is a deep conditioning treatment and massage that actually can brighten the color of your dog’s coat.

Why Try Becca’s Bubbles?

Becca says the biggest benefit to your pet is the personal service she provides. Your pet is never in a crate, and never with other animals, which could inadvertently expose him or her to disease and parasites. Becca’s clean, sanitary, professional environment doesn’t require a car trip for your dog, which is just the start of the stress-free experience she provides.

And it’s not just your pet’s well being that she cares about. Becca looks forward to using her skills and tools to care for animals who aren’t lucky enough to have a pet parent yet.

“I could maybe even save a life,” says Becca. “Dogs look so scruffy at the pound, but they’re so fluffy in the pet store. If I can donate my time, maybe I can do good for an animal who needs it.”

She explains she is currently talking with shelters where she just might be able to save lives. She hopes to clean up the dogs and give them cute bandanas or bows so they are more attractive to potential owners.

Becca’s Bubbles serves Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding areas. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with evening appointments available for an additional charge. To schedule your appointment with Becca’s Bubbles, call 997-2796 or email Becca@beccasbubbles.org. You also can get more information online at BeccasBubbles.org or find her on Facebook by searching “Becca’s Bubbles Mobile Grooming Salon.”

Premier Heart & Vascular Center — Choose A Cardiologist With Heart To Care For Yours

KetulChauhan SunilGupta VikasSoma By Anu Varma Panchal

Fifteen years ago, a cardiologist who wanted to approach patients with compassion, dignity and integrity decided that the only way to do things right was to set up his own practice. So, cardiologist Sunil Gupta, M.D., FACC, of Premier Heart & Vascular Center, did just that.

Today, that practice has grown from one physician and one supporting staff member in an office in Zephyrhills to four offices — as Lakeland, Dade City and Wesley Chapel (in the Summergate Professional Park behind Sam’s Club, off S.R. 56) already have been added, with a fifth office set to open in Carrollwood later this month. Dr. Gupta has been joined by three other cardiologists, and the four physicians are supported by a team of 30 physician assistants, nurses and other support staff members.

“What makes our offices different is that we make the patients the focus,” says Michele Gordon, a physician assistant who has worked for Premier Heart & Vascular Center for seven years. “On a daily basis, everything we do is what we can to take care of the patients and do the best for them. Dr. Gupta has always done the right thing and patients notice (that). Our office is the fastest-growing cardiology practice around.”

Dr. Gupta is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Intervention. In addition to serving as a cardiology Fellow at the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ, and an interventional cardiology Fellow at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, Dr. Gupta also has worked at a group cardiology practice in Saginaw, MI. His special interests are in the areas of coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, as well as pacemakers and defibrillators. In addition, Dr. Gupta was included in a listing of “Super Doctors for Florida,” a designation awarded by MSP Communications that takes into consideration a physician’s education, achievements, involvement and leadership.

Although Dr. Gupta says he went into the field of medicine because of the influence of several family members in the same line of work, it was his own passion for cardiac medicine that led him to his specialty.
“In cardiology, we genuinely get to help patients,” Dr. Gupta says. “People can die if we don’t do what we do. We see the results right away, (which is) a gratifying feeling. On a daily basis, we deal with life and death. We actually make a positive impact on (our patients’ lives) and on society.”

Dr. Gupta is joined in his practice by cardiologists Dr. Ketul Chauhan, Dr. Chetan Khamare and Dr. Vikas Soma. Dr. Chauhan is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and nuclear medicine, and is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography & Intervention. He completed his cardiology fellowships at the University of South Florida in Tampa. His specialties include coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, pacemakers and defibrillators and valvuplasty.

Dr. Khamare is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases, interventional medicine and nuclear medicine and did his fellowships at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Dr. Khamare is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Intervention, and is especially interested in coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Soma is interested in radial artery interventions, coronary and peripheral vascular interventions and pacemakers. He has numerous Board certifications, including cardiology diseases, interventional cardiology, endovascular medicine, echocardiography, nuclear medicine and registered physician vascular interpretation (RPVI). He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography and completed his cardiology fellowships at the New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and at St. Luke’s Hospital at Columbia University in New York City.

Character & Cardiology
When he searched for the perfect physicians and other staff members to join his practice, Dr. Gupta says that the philosophy of prospective colleagues was the first criterion.

“All of our physicians are well-trained and well-certified,” he says. “They care for patients with a high degree of integrity, but even before the quality of their work, we look for character.”

The physicians not only give frequent lectures and talks at area hospitals, they keep up to date with the latest news in the field, says Dr. Gupta.

“People are living longer, [and] more people are having heart disease,” he says. “There’s more awareness of signs and symptoms [and more people] seeking treatment. New technologies and new medications continue to come out. We’re interested in those new technologies, procedures, medicines and devices.”

The doctors at Premier Heart & Vascular also are involved in a Harvard Medical School study on a new heart medication, the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction Trial.

“We stay up to date and are familiar with the latest and newest,” Dr. Gupta says. “Some of the treatments offered here include therapy for congenital heart failure, heart catheterization through the forearm and the presence of an ECP (External Counter Pulsation) Machine, that can treat angina episodes in a non-invasive manner.

“Patients who come to us will feel well-respected and well-attended-to,” says Dr. Gupta. “They go home with a very positive experience.”

Katherine Strode says she has been a patient of Dr. Gupta’s for about 10 years (and also has seen Dr. Khamare more recently), and in the years since she has started seeing Dr. Gupta, the 72-year-old Zephyrhills resident has managed to get off her diuretic and blood pressure medications completely, thanks to a combination of treatment, diet and lifestyle changes that the doctors have helped her with from the beginning.

“They really take an interest,” Strode says. “It’s not a take-a-number thing. They make you feel like you’re somebody. Their staff is wonderful. I think they’re top notch (doctors) and it’s a tribute to (the) practice. (Dr. Gupta) runs a very well organized office there. If there’s ever been a problem, we get a call back in an appropriate length of time, and with it being your heart, that’s important!”

Dr. Gupta adds that Premier Heart & Vascular Center patients are pleased about the practice’s short wait times, quick appointments, prompt evaluations and same-day testing results.
“Our biggest strength is the positive, family-oriented culture in the office,” he says. “Patients who walk in can feel it.”

Strode and her husband William concur with that statement.

“It doesn’t feel like we’re going to the doctor,” William. “It feels like we’re visiting friends.”

In fact, the only real “problem” the Strodes say they have now is that they have recommended Premier Heart & Vascular to so many friends that Katherine says they have to beat their friends to an appointment these days.

“You really feel like you’re a part of the family,” says Mignone. “Everyone feels important. Everyone feels that their position is important and makes a difference in terms of patient care.”

There are four Premier Heart & Vascular Centers in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Dade City and at 27424 Cashford Cir. in Wesley Chapel. The Carrollwood location is expected to open later this month at 3333 W. Bearss Ave. The group also owns the Vein Center of Wesley Chapel (26827 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 103). For more information or to make an appointment, call 788-1400.

 

Tampa Premium Outlets launches (w/ photo gallery)

Ribboncut2For those who have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) for many years now, Wesley Chapel resident Lisa Bastone may have summed it up best.

“It’s about time,” she said.

Bastone was one of hundreds who showed up at the TPO (located at 2398 Grand Cypress Dr., at the interchange of I-75 and S.R. 56) hours before it officially opened at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, just to look around and bask in the shiny newness of the upscale outlet mall before the big weekend crowds arrive.

“It’s an event, you can’t miss things like this,” Bastone said. “This is going to make this area explode.”

The 441,000-square-foot mall, already home to more than 100 retailers, kicked off its opening with the Distinguished Men of Brass band,  local dignitaries and fireworks as Stephen Yalof, chief executive officer of Simon Premium Outlets, Danielle DeVita, senior vice president of development for Simon and Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader all simultaneously cut the ribbon to officially open the mall to shoppers.

The mall is rolling out with grand opening festivities all weekend.

Here is the schedule:

Main Stage Entertainment
Lagoon Court
Friday, October 30, 1 – 9 p.m.
1 & 4:45 p.m.    Caribbean Crew
2:15 p.m., 6 & 8:30 p.m.    DJ Rekka
3:30 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.    Nalisio & The Fellas

Saturday, October 31, Noon – 6:30 p.m.
Noon & 3:30 p.m.    City Sound Quartet
1:15 & 4:45 p.m.    Marlon Boone
2:15 & 5:45 p.m.    C’Nergy

Grand Opening Fireworks
Lagoon Court near Main Entrance
Friday, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Tampa Premium Outlets with a spectacular Fireworks Show!

Strolling Entertainment
Thursday – Saturday, Noon – 6 p.m.
Enjoy entertainment while you shop including stilt walkers, face painters, a magician and more.

Visit The VIP Shopper Club
Coral Court by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.
VIP Shopper Club Members have exclusive access to the VIP Shopper Club lounge during the Grand Opening Weekend. Enjoy photos with your friends, chair massages, beauty touch-ups, and more. Not a member? Join for free outside the lounge or by visiting premiumoutlets.com/vip.

Meet Bethenny Frankel
VIP Shopper Club Lounge
Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m.
1 p.m.    Fashion Essentials for the Perfect Wardrobe
1:30 & 4 p.m.    Autograph Session with Bethenny*
3:30 p.m.    Essential Accessories to Elevate Your Outfit

*Bethenny will mingle with fans as time and space permits in the VIP Shopper Club Lounge. Autographs only please.

Halloween Happenings
Haunted Pirate Ship
Minnow Court near Forever 21
Friday & Saturday, Noon – 8 p.m.
Fit for a pirate, dead or alive! This Haunted Ship will transport guests to a haunted world of hidden treasures and shipwrecked sails.

Halloween Crafts
Friday & Saturday, Noon – 6 p.m.
Fun for the kids with interactive craft stations.

 Headless Ghosts
Friday & Saturday, Throughout the Day
These spooky ghosts will make you lose your mind when they lose their heads! Watch as these interactive ghosts entertain the audience and drop their heads before your eyes.

Grand Opening Prize-An-Hour Giveaways
Near Main Stage
Register every hour at the registration table near the Main Stage from 11 a.m. – 4:55 p.m. Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30th for a chance to win a fabulous prize package. Must be present to win. Drawings will take place at the Main Stage at the top of each hour. Winner will have 30 minutes to claim their prize. See entry form for complete rules and regulations.

Shoppers are encouraged to visit the Tampa Premium Outlets website by visiting www.premiumoutlets.com/tampa
and social media platforms including Facebook at @tampapremiumoutlets and Twitter at @TampaPO.  Share your favorite moments using hashtag #TampaPremiumOutlets.

 

 

Pollo Tropical on the way?

PolloTropicalPasco County’s planning staff is scheduled to meet next week with project engineers looking into building a Pollo Tropical restaurant at the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI, across from the new Tampa Premium Outlets mall) at the Northeast corner of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The permit pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2. “Right now, it is just conceptual,” said project engineer Zach Thornton.

The permit proposal is looking at a 3,600-square-foot restaurant and a drive-through lane”. A pre-application conference was already held Feb. 18 regarding the site plan but, according to the meeting request form, changes have been made since that meeting.

The Pollo Tropical chain was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Kendall in Miami-Dade County, and is best known for its flame-grilled chicken.  It has more than 180 locations and more than 3,000 employees mostly across the southern United States.