Estero Lifestyle Magazine September 2013

ESTEROLIFESTYLEMAG.
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SEPTEMBER 2013 Living the Sweet Life: International Dining, Best Bakeries & Eateries
Sweet
Life
Making
dessert is no piece of cake
A comprehensive approach
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DEPARTMENTS
SCHOOL LIFE
10 Back to School in a Big Way
A look at whats new from
elementary to high school
DINING STYLE
14 Estero Eats: Flavors From
Around the Globe
A culinary adventure around
the world from Europe to the
Orient
28 Gorging in a Garage
The latest Model A eatery adds
class to the typical beer-and-
burger joint
COVER STORY
20 Sweet Life: Making Dessert is No
Piece of Cake
The artistry behind gourmet
treats from your local culinary
artisans
SCENE ON SITE
34 Estero Chamber of Commerce

SEPTEMBER 2013
contents
20
10
14
PUBLISHER Gary Israel
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JP Faber
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danielle Tarrant
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ivette Figueroa
CREATIVE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Melanie Geronemus Smit
ART DIRECTOR Alexander Hernandez
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jason DAuria
MARKETING
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Dawn Rahicki
EVENTS PLANNER Suzanne Holtermann
WRITERS
SENIOR WRITER Laura Cummings Gates, Bruce Turkel
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laura Cummings Gates
Downtown Photo/Fort Lauderdale
Dreamfocus Photography
ADVERTISING SALES
Gary Israel
Jill Horowitz
Rona Levenson
Sally Nicholas
Beth Tache
LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS, LLC
CHAIRMAN Gary Press
PRESIDENT Jim Norton
3511 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
954.377.9470 | fax 954.377.9418
www.lifestylemagazinegroup.com
2013 Lifestyle Magazines are published by Lifestyle
Media Group, all rights reserved. Lifestyle Magazine
is a monthly advertising magazine. All contents are protected
by copyright and may not be reproduced without written
consent from the publisher. The advertiser is solely
responsible for ad content and holds publisher
harmless from any error.
responsible for ad content and holds publisher
harmless from any error.
Estero
Lifestyle
ESTEROLIFESTYLEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2013 7
Assisting Buyers, Sellers,
Investors & International Clients
www.EsteroHomeSales.com
21105 Design Parc Lane, Suite 3, Estero, FL 33928
Its about a desired convention a convention meant to
capture the luxury and bliss of the Southwest Florida lifestyle.
If youre dreaming of beautiful white sand beaches and pristine
golf courses in natural preserve settings, youve come to the
right place.
In our world,
SURF& TURF
isnt about cuisine.
Welcome to the Lifestyle.
Our featured communities include:
Miromar tWest Bay tGrandezza tThe Brooks tWildcat Run
Judi Gietzen
Cell: 239-405-3503
judigietzen@gmail.com
2013 BEAR Executive Secretary
2013 WCR District 5 Vice President
2012 President, WCR Bonita Springs-Estero
2012 Board of Director Bonita Springs-Estero Board of Directors
2012 Estero Chamber of Commerce Membership Chairman
2012, 2011, 2010, 2008-2006 Top Producer Award
2012 WCR Realtor Member of the Year Award recipient
2012 WCR Entrepreneur of Year Award recipient
Assisting Buyers, Sellers,
Investors & International Clients
Alana Consolo
Cell: 239-848-7080
alana.consolo@gmail.com
2013 WCR Bonita-Estero VP of Membership
2012 WCR Bonita Springs - Estero Community Outreach Chair
2012 WCR Rising Star Award recipient
Owner/Broker Realtor
8 SEPTEMBER 2013 | ESTEROLIFESTYLEMAG.COM
Thanks, Estero, for welcoming
Estero Lifestyle Magazine into
your homes and making us part of
your lives. I can still remember the
initial comments from our readers
as we launched in September
2010. The overwhelming response
was Congratulations, Estero
Lifestyle Magazine, for nally
giving Estero something to call its
own. At last someone recognizes
that Estero can stand on its own
merits and no longer needs to be
lumped into Bonita Springs or
South Ft. Myers as so many other
publications continue to do. And
we applaud your advertisers for
recognizing that as well!!
Although at times we reach
out beyond our community to
bring you dining, businesses and
people making a difference that
we hope you will appreciate, our
mission remains today, as it was
three years ago, to bring you the
people, places and events that
contribute to making the Estero
lifestyle all it can be. And look at
many changes to our community
in just three short years!!
We have uncovered so many
interesting people in and around
our community. We have delighted
in bringing you the areas nest
dining as well as community
and philanthropic activities that
make the Estero lifestyle so
meaningful. We have been the
proud voice promoting all that is
good in Estero. We have brought
to life the excitement on ice of the
Florida Everblades, the non-stop
successes of Florida Gulf Coast
University athletics (Go Dunk
City!!), the dozens of programs
and activities at our area shopping
meccas, Germain Arena and our
own Estero Community Park as
well as the many, many people
who are making a difference in
our community. We have strived
to offer you the best of the best.
We hope you have enjoyed the
ride and will continue to do so. We
remain focused on our mission.
Much of this months issue is
dedicated to food. Our cover story
is dedicated to the sweet tooth in
almost all of us!! From cupcakes
to donuts and pastries. And from
macaroons to chocolates and
trufes you will learn a satisfying
solution for sweets.
This area also offers a multitude
of avors from around the world.
Enjoy just a few selections that
we have uncovered.
And, we have a new neighbor
moving in this month at Miromar
Outlets. Fords Garage is bringing
its highly detailed, themed
restaurant to Estero. Burgers will
never be the same!!
As we wind down with the last
ofcial holiday of the summer
(and the heat too!) and head
into the busy fall and winter
seasons, I would like to thank
all of our wonderful advertising
partners over these past three
years. You have enabled us to
have a tremendous impact on our
community. And to our faithful
readers, I want to thank you for
the amazing support. I appreciate
your kind words and compliments
as well as your encouragement
and many suggestions. After all,
Estero Lifestyle is for all of you!!
As always, you can reach me at
gisrael@lmg.com
Until next month, remember to
Enjoy the Lifestyle
Gary
Gary Israel, Publisher
Estero Lifestyle Magazine
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from the publisher
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!
CELEBRATING
OUR 3RD
ANNIVERSARY!
As Estero students return to
the classroom this fall, theyll
nd a few changes, including
some new friends because
all of Esteros K-12 schools
increased student enrollment
this year.
Heres a look at whats new,
from elementary to high
school
PINEWOODS ELEMENTARY
Principal: Leslie Gunderson
2013-14 Enrollment: Approx.
950 (+60 from last year)

Pinewoods will celebrate its 20th
birthday this year. Imagine the
thousands of children who have
walked through those doors.
The entire county will be using
new texts in both reading and math.
Teachers will be engaged in training
at the beginning of August on the
implementation of Reading Street
and Go Math.
Pinewoods teachers reported
back to work early to attend Kagan
Cooperative Learning training. This
training is about engaging students
in their learning and working
cooperatively with one another. Its
a research-based program proven to
increase academic achievement.

New Nickname
Members of the Florida Gulf Coast
University Mens Basketball team
visit each week to read with third
graders. The entire team participated
in an A+ Celebration Day and dubbed
Pinewoods Dunk City Elementary.

What makes Pinewoods
Elementary unique?
While we are a big school with over
900 students and 100 staff members,
we have a small school feel, Principal
Gunderson says. We care about each
other, celebrate each others successes
and help one another when needed.

THREE OAKS ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
Principal: Vicki Parks
2013-14 Enrollment: 804 (+23
from last year)
A new addition to the administration
is Assistant Principal Brian Geise.
Speaking of additions, the school
has added classrooms for 1st 3rd
grades, with eight classes each.

Curriculum Updates
The school is renewing its status as
a National Core Knowledge visitation
site. Grade level teams of teachers
have been working to integrate
The Core Knowledge Foundations
sequence with the state of Floridas
requirements for the Common Core
Standards.
Teachers are writing curriculum
maps through Big Ideas. The plans
will be submitted to the School
District and the Core Knowledge
Foundation for approval in August,
as the school prepares for a site visit
from the Foundation this Fall.

What makes Three Oaks
Elementary unique?
When a child enrolls at Three
Oaks Elementary, the entire family
becomes part of our school family,
Principal Parks says. We will all
do whatever we can to ensure that
our students are happy, challenged
and successful. The friendships and
relationships are everlasting.

THREE OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Principal: Michael Carson
2013-14 enrollment: 947 (+55
from last year)
Two new teachers come on board
(making 55 full-time teachers), and
the media center is being remodeled
to accommodate a computer lab
moved from a classroom. This
provides additional classroom space
to meet the demands of increased
student enrollment.
Also new: Cape Academy will allow
students to test for certication in
Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. And
Back to school
in a big way
Estero adds teachers, classes, and more this year
By Laura J. Cummings Gates
three Oaks Middle tied with Gateway
Elementary for the highest number
of students (30) in the district with a
perfect score on the FCAT.

What makes Three Oaks Middle
School unique?
Three Oaks Middle School is
family oriented, with the focus on
high expectations for student learning
while providing opportunities
in advanced and gifted classes,
technology, orchestra, chorus,
jazz band, guitar, clubs, sports and
events, Principal Carson says.
ESTERO HIGH SCHOOL
Principal: George Clover
2013-14 Enrollment: 1,689
(+100 from last year)
The EHS cafeteria has been
renovated and updated to allow for
additional, modern serving lines
and seating. Meanwhile, with the
help of administration, boosters and
student government, a new, 2 -story
band tower has been constructed
for conducting marching band and
auxiliary practices and perfecting
marching formations. Estero also has
a new band director.
Speaking of towers: JROTCs
repelling tower and leadership
obstacles are now up and running.

New Staf and Courses
Estero is adding four Teacher
Leader positions. Teacher Leaders
will assist teachers in the classroom,
model best practices and assist in
staff-wide professional development.
Estero Football looks forward to
another winning season with new
Football Coach Mark Jackson.
As the Hospitality and Tourism
Academy and AICE (Cambridge)
program grow, new classes are
being added. Sports Marketing will
be offered through the Academy of
Hospitality and Tourism, and AICE
Photography will be offered through
the Cambridge Program.

What makes Estero High
unique?
Our talented students, dedicated
athletes, caring staff and supportive
community make Estero a truly
special school, Assistant Principal
Kathleen Jasper says.
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Best Break from Shopping
FRANCE: BON APPETIT FRENCH BISTRO
Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero
Entrees: $13 - $17
Although youll nd Bon Appetit in the middle of the Miromar
Outlets food court near Playland, this French Bistro is a world away
from the bustle of busy shoppers. The sunlit outdoor patio and lace-
curtained cafe invite passersby to linger over some crepes and coffee.
When you enter, youre sure to be greeted with a hearty, Bonjour!
Owners Jean-Jacques Chabert and his wife France Maurice relocated
to Southwest Florida from the Provence region of Southern France
about three years ago.
We know the French kitchen, Jean-Jacques says in his thick
accent. We try to have the same service as we have in France.
The owners love to talk with guests who have traveled the French
countryside. A photo of a lush eld of lavender, taken from their
home in France, adorns the wall inside the bistro and serves as a
conversation starter.
For those who speak their native language, Chabert and Maurice
host an hour of French conversation every third Friday of the month.
They invite guests to sip some Pinot Noir and relax with friends as
they experience a bit of France in the midst of the mall.
One dish to try at Bon Appetit is the Coq au Vin, starring baked
chicken in a homemade wine sauce, served with a baguette and
gratin dauphinois (a creamy potato dish from the Dauphine region
of southeast France). The traditional crepes come in sweet or salty,
serving as entrees when paired with smoked salmon or ham and eggs.
Top off the experience with a sweet proterole dessert, featuring
choux pastry balls lled with ice cream and topped with chocolate
ganache and whipped cream.
Feeling adventurous? Couldnt get
away for the summer? Heres some good
news: You can enjoy the avors and feel
of international travel, all within 10 miles
of home.
While steak and seafood dinners
are nice, sometimes our taste buds
cry out for something new. Take a trip
around the globe with us, as we sample
the international cuisine of Southwest
Florida.
We set out to nd authentic avors.
No Americanized versions. We wanted
the real deal: Restaurants owned
and operated by immigrant families,
bringing their generational recipes from
the motherland straight to our table.
We found our palates pleasured by
new sauces and seasonings made from
spices and herbs rarely used stateside.
On our journey, we visited Europe, the
Mediterranean, the Orient, and the
islands of the Pacic. Join us on this
culinary adventure around the globe in
less than 20 minutes.
ESTERO EATS:
Flavors from
around the
globe
Best Place to
Meet up with
Friends
ITALY: MARSALA ITALIAN
EATERY & PIZZERIA
20321 Grande Oaks Shoppes Dr., Estero
Entrees: $13 - $21
Stephen Marsala grew up in a large Italian
family. His father was a Sicilian immigrant who
landed in New York in January 1963 and liked to
cook big Italian meals.
The food we serve is just like we ate at home,
Marsala says.
Marsalas is a family business, with several of
the brothers operating as partners. Stephen is
the general manager and the face of Marsalas. He
treats his guests like family and loves when his
Northeast customers tell him the pizza or pasta
tastes better than back home.
Marsalas serves authentic New York-style
pizza and has quite a local following. Some of
the favorite entrees at Marsalas include Pasta a
la Vodka, Pasta Bolognese, and the selection of
veal dishes: Veal Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Veal
Picatta, Veal Francese and Veal with Artichoke
Hearts.
Dont leave without trying the garlic knots,
served soft and buttery fresh from the brick oven.
Top off your experience with a sweet classic
Italian treat like tiramisu, cannoli, or spumoni.
Best Place
for Quiet
Conversation
GREECE: ZORBAS GREEK RESTAURANT
9106 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs
Entrees: $13 - $26
The hostess may not be the rst to greet you as
you enter Zorbas. Whatcha doin? calls Georgie,
the friendly green parrot, from his perch outside
the front door. The 8-year-old parrot is a xture
of Zorbas and one of the few things that didnt
change with the restaurants remodel last fall.
The small stone pillars and statuettes, rich
wooden booths, Greek music, and paintings
of the Greek countryside invite guests to
experience Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed
and peaceful place. Owner Polixeni Euse carries
on the tradition started by her parents, Soa and
Panagiotis Vardoulias.
The owners were born and raised in
Greece, and they learned all their recipes from
their parents, passed on from generation to
generation, Euse says.
While the updated menu includes some
modern Greek dishes, like Orzo Me Thalasina,
most of the menu centers on traditional Greek
fare. Octapodi (grilled octopus) is the No. 1 menu
item. This delicacy is marinated in lemon juice
and Mediterranean spices for 24 hours before
grilling.
Other popular menu items include tender
Lamb Chops, Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)
and Souvlaki pork tenderloin medallions
skewered with grilled onions, peppers and
tomatoes, served over a grilled pita.
Zorbas is closed the first two weeks of
September but reopens the third week, bringing
in roving belly dancers during season (late
October through May) on Friday and Saturday
nights.
Best Date-Night
Location
THAILAND: SUSHI-THAI TOO
25301 Tamiami Trail S., Bonita
Springs
Entrees: $12 - $27
Before ever hitting the front door
of Sushi-Thai Too, the stage is set for
a relaxing and elegant evening, with
lush plantings lining the walkway.
Once inside, the soft oriental music
and organic decor create a sense of
peacefulness.
The owners, Chef Sathit Todd
Boonyavairoj and his wife, Torong, hail
from Thailand, delivering traditional
recipes like Thai Curry and Pad Thai
Noodles. Adding dimension to the
experience, theyve also brought in
a team of sushi chefs, along with an
array of Japanese menu items.
The diversity of the menu may
prove slightly overwhelming to those
unfamiliar with Asian cuisine, but
the friendly staff is happy to educate
novices on the differences between
Pad See-ew and Pad Lad noodles, or
sushi and sashimi.
Most of the staff, including the
general manager, go by American
nicknames. Pop (much easier to
pronounce than Chinnapron-Thienth
Ongkham) immediately puts guests
at ease with his genuine smile and
willingness to please.
The most popular menu items
include Thai Curry, Pad Kee Mao
Noodles, and the Spicy Tuna Roll.
Many customers order from both the
Thai and Japanese sides of the menu,
experiencing a fusion of flavorful
dishes.
Despite its reputation, many Thai
dishes are not overly spicy although
theyre served with spices and
condiments on the side, for those who
appreciate more heat.
Many travelers of Bonitas main thoroughfare
might never have noticed Tortilleria La
Rancherita, tucked back from the road in the
Hispanic part of town. If youre looking for
ambiance, this isnt the place. But for those in
search of avorful and authentic Mexican food,
its worth stopping in.
Owned by Chef Paul Judice and his wife
Yesenia, this is a tortilla store, Mexican market,
and restaurant wrapped into one. The corn
tortilla machine in the back produces about 5,000
fresh and hot tortillas daily, which are sold by the
kilogram. The tortilleria also sells our tortillas
made at a sister location in Immokalee.
While tortillerias are found on every street
corner in Mexico, theyre rare in the United
States and missed by many Central American
immigrants. When Paul married Yesenia, a
former migrant worker from Hidalgo, Mexico,
he recognized the need for a local tortilla shop.
The couple also wanted to bring authentic
Mexican fare to the table, which they have been
successfully doing for 14 years.
The corn tortillas add avor and texture to
tacos and other dishes. The restaurant offers no
formal dinnerware disposable plates and utensil
help keep prices low but it does offer a genuine
taste of Mexico.
The avors are deliciously loud (the heat
can be toned down upon request). Dont miss
the homemade guacamole, chockfull of chunky
avocado. Also try the autas (crispy utes) lled
with chicken or shredded beef and topped with
Mexican cream.
Best Fusion of Flavors
HAWAII: ROYS HAWAIIAN FUSION CUISINE
26831 South Bay Dr., Bonita Springs
Entrees: $20 - $40
Thankfully, Roy Yamaguchi wasnt good at sports.
He went into home economics instead; now he has an empire,
says Wade Lowe, general manager of Roys, which specializes in ne
seafood with an Asian are.
Award-winning Chef Yamaguchi owns 31 restaurants most in
Hawaii, Florida, and California, with one in Japan and one in Guam.
Having trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America,
the Japanese-born Yamaguchi returned to his roots for inspiration,
creating what he calls Hawaiian Fusion cuisine.
The magical combination of European techniques, Asian avors,
and Hawaiian hospitality results in a dining experience unlike anything
offered elsewhere.
A local favorite is the Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Buttersh, a mild
Alaskan cod, marinated in lemon ginger soy sauce for up to 24 hours
before its baked.
It becomes a very buttery, creamy, rich-avored dish without the
strong seafood avor, Lowe says.
Rivaling the Buttersh in popularity is a Bonita exclusive, created by
Chef Jason Grasty. The Pink Peppercorn & Herb Crusted Halibut stars
another aky whitesh, seasoned and served atop a tantalizing blend
of sauteed vegetables and parmesan gnocchi. The melted cheese and
buttery, yet earthy, sauce Shiitake Scampi Beurre Blanc make this
one delectable dish.
Menu items change seasonally, and other seafood favorites include
the Crispy Whole Snapper, featuring sh caught locally in the Keys.
The Aloha Hour, from 4-6 p.m., brings $6 appetizers and drinks. Dont
miss the Crunchy Golden Lobster Potstickers, served with spicy
Togarashi Miso Butter sauce.
Best Lunch Break
Location
MEXICO: TORTILLERIA LA RANCHERITA
26751 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs
Entrees: $7 - $12
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Devoted to Excellence
in Health Care
Health care that
lets kids be kids in
Southwest Florida.
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The Lee Memorial Health System
Foundation has launched a
capital campaign to build
Americas newest childrens
hospital a 128-bed facility
adjacent to HealthPark Medical
Center. To learn more, call the
Foundation at 239-343-6950.
Caring People, Caring for Kids
ESTEROLIFESTYLEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2013 19 ESTEROLIFESTYLEMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2013 19
Early detection of cancer saves lives. AutoNation has partnered with
IndyCar Champion Driver Ryan Hunter-Reay in the ght against cancer.
Were raising funds and awareness, from coast to coast. Together we can
win this race.
To make a donation, please visit
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If my mother had discovered her cancer sooner, she could be alive
today. - Ryan
Ryan Hunter-Reay
IZOD IndyCar Champion
Sweet Life
making dessert
is no piece of cake
Satisfying a sweet tooth is easy in Southwest Florida. Whether
its cupcakes, donuts, truf es, or pastries, you dont have to
drive far for gourmet treats.
Making tasty desserts takes much longer than eating them.
Local bakers start working long before sunrise to produce fresh
bread and cakes each morning. And thats only half the job.
Here are the stories behind some artisans who decorate their
treats with style, presenting desserts that are as lovely as they
are tasty
F
our years ago Grace Bolen left corporate
life and entered the sweet life. She traded
her briefcase for an apron and opened a
cupcake shop in Naples.
Ive always loved sweets, she says. Im the
kind of person who likes to check out the dessert
menu before the regular menu and plan my meal
around that.
Today, Grace & Shellys Cupcakes has ve
locations in Southwest Florida, including one at
Coconut Point Mall. A sixth is opening this month
in Milwaukee, the hometown of Bolens business
partner, Shelly Stayer.
Bolens background in nance and accounting
helps with running the business, but when it
comes to the creative side, Bolen is self-taught.
Ive always been kind of a foodie, she says. I
love to try different things.
Grace & Shellys makes about 40 different
cupcake avors, each topped with a scrumptious
swirl of icing and delectably decorated. About 15
avors are featured in the store each day on a
rotating schedule.
For a small sampling of sweetness, there are
miniature cupcakes, which Bolen refers to as
shooters. Regular-sized cupcakes are $3.45
apiece, with discounts on larger quantities.
Grace & Shellys also offers double-sized jumbo
cupcakes, as well as giant cupcakes the
equivalent of a small cake. Theyre especially
popular for birthdays and bridal or baby showers,
Bolen says. The store also sells Royal Scoop ice
cream.
Bolen oversees daily operations at all ve
locations, and Stayer concentrates on marketing
the brand. Sharing a passion for sweets, the two
paired up in 2011.
While Bolen has hired bakers and decorators
to help with the growing business, she still takes
the lead for special events.
I like to personally take care of all the
weddings and large party orders, she says.
From
Accounting
to Cupcakes
When Bolen opened Gracies Cupcakes in 2009, she would start
baking at 5 a.m., then decorate until the shop opened at 11. Cupcakes
are still baked fresh daily at the Naples Fifth Avenue and Bell Tower
Shops locations (and delivered to other locations each morning).
Best-selling avors include Red Velvet, Brown Sugar Caramel,
and Coconut Snowball. New avors are developed from customer
suggestions and experimentation of the baking staff. Bolens 11-year
old daughter, Isabelle, created Izzys Chocolate Chip.
It tastes very much like a chocolate chip cookie, Bolen says. It
combines all the things she loves.
One of the most unusual avors is Maple Bacon, served on the
weekends. Its vanilla cake topped with maple cream cheese frosting
and sprinkled with cinnamon and bacon.
Its almost like breakfast, Bolen says. I think the sweet-and-salty
combination is really popular.
Grace & Shellys has been featured on TLCs Cake Boss, and
their cupcakes have been enjoyed by celebrities like Glenn Beck. The
Coconut Point store is located between Ruths Chris Steakhouse and
Bice Grand Cafe and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Grace &
Shellys
Cupcakes
Coconut Point Mall
(23151 Village Shops
Way, #113)
239.949.9797
Happy Hour: 25
percent of dine-
in from 3-6 p.m.
Monday-Friday
W
hats life without fresh baked bread?
Passed down through four generations, baking bread and pastries has been
a way of life for the Olesen family. Kevin Olesen grew up in his familys bakery
in Wisconsin. Now he and his father Michael have brought this family tradition to Bonita
Springs.
They begin baking at midnight and nish up around 7 a.m. each morning. Its not a
schedule most people would like, but its the only lifestyle these men have known.
I spent my life at the bakery, says Michael, whose grandfather emigrated from
Denmark when he was 11 years old, starting a bakery in Racine, Wis., in 1949.
In his 20s, he decided to take a leap and got some backing from an accountant he
made friends with, Michael says. My father started working at the bakery in high school
and took over when he retired.
Michael and his brothers eventually took over for their father, and one brother still runs
the family bakery in Wisconsin. Having often vacationed in Southwest Florida, Michael
and his wife Mary had always dreamed of moving to the Sunshine State and opening a
Danish Bakery here.
The vision has now come to reality, with their son also relocating his family to start
up Sweet Odins. They settled on the name, which gives a nod to the Norse god Odin,
because they wanted something that would reect their heritage.
Odin wasnt necessarily known for being sweet, but the bakery is, Kevin muses.
Indeed, the Danish pastries are sweet and avorful. The best-seller is Kringle, an oval-
shaped, lled pastry with 32 layers of dough and butter. Sweet Odins makes at least a
dozen varieties from pecan to cream cheese and raspberry each day, with about 30
llings from which to choose.
Early to
bread, early
to Rise
SEPTEMBER 2013 25
Sweet
Odins
danish
bakery
24830 Tamiami Trail
S. (in the Comcast
plaza)
239.676.8120
Owners: Michael and
Kevin Olesen
Theyre all family recipes,
developed and honed over 60 years,
Kevin says.
The Danish bakery has been
enthusiastically welcomed by Bonita
and Estero residents, he adds. It
seems a fresh bakery was missing
from the local landscape before Sweet
Odins opened in late March.
I like seeing the smiles on
customers faces and knowing weve
done a good job as they take a bite
out of their doughnut or bakery item,
Michael says. All of our products are
fresh. Theyre baked each morning.
Sweet Odins uses high-quality
ingredients and no preservatives.
The consistent quality and avor is
what keeps customers coming back,
Kevin says.
My favorite thing about this
business is when I show up, people
say, Wheres the Kringle? They get
so excited, he adds. It makes all
the long hours worthwhile to know
people enjoy what youre doing.
Le Macaron
Miromar Outlets,
10801 Corkscrew Rd.,
Ste. 183
239.949.7001
D
ont think of coconut when you hear
macaron. While coconut is one of
the 17 avors Le Macaron offers,
French macarons differ greatly from
American macaroons.
These tasty dessert bites are colorful, avorful,
and unique in texture. The round outer shell is
made from ground almonds and soft meringue,
giving a crunch to the initial bite, followed by a
soft melt-in-your-mouth sugar rush.
Each palm-sized pastry is lled with ganache,
cream, or homemade fruit jam, bringing a burst
of avor to this small dessert. The festive colors
are all natural, along with the rest of the quality
ingredients. The 80-calorie macarons also are
gluten-free.
Macarons are prepared daily at the Le
Macaron French bakery in Sarasota, says local
franchise owner Jugnu Kotak. She and her
husband Henry purchased the Miromar location
in March.
We loved it so much and said, This is
something great, Henry recalls of their rst
tasting of macarons.
The sweetness is best balanced out with one
of Le Macarons coffee drinks. The dessert shop
also offers Orangina, a French carbonated citrus
beverage.
Other sweets include gourmet chocolates,
classic French pastries like croissants, and
gelato imported from France. Flavors of the rich
and creamy gelato include Coconut Chocolate,
Creme Brulee and Bulgarian Yogurt and Apricot.
Le Macaron offers eight gelato avors daily.
Macarons are sold as singles ($2.10 apiece) or
in boxes of six to 36. Le Macaron also prepares
festive macaron party towers for special events.
Popular avors include Madagascar Black
Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Basil White
Chocolate, Sicilian Pistachio, and Caramel Fleur
de Sel. The pink Rose macaron is as fragrant
as it is tasty.
Having relocated from New Jersey to run the
French pastry shop, the Kotaks say they are
enjoying meeting their new neighbors, as well
as the many vacationers who stop by.
I love this business, says Jugnu, clearly
enjoying the sweet life.
Crazy about
macarons
Chocolate is
hard work
B
efore he was out of high school, Justin
Schaffer was in business. And a tasty
one, at that.
The self-taught chocolatier
developed a passion for confectionary cooking
as a youngster. His mother often made chocolate
treats to give as gifts or to bring to church
functions.
By the time he was seven, Justin was helping
out alongside his sister, Lauren. The siblings
became known as the Konfectionary Kids,
eventually taking over chocolate operations
from their mom. They began selling their tasty
creations at trade shows and markets throughout
the Southwest Florida community.
While Lauren decided to pursue other
endeavors, Justin knew he had found his lifelong
passion in chocolate making. He took courses
and studied under the tutelage of an out-of-state
chef. His dad, a local chiropractor, helped him
plot a business plan.
For the most part, everythings been trial and
error, Schaffer says. I had a passion for it, and
that kept me going and learning new stuff.
He started with made to order custom
chocolates featuring logos or other wording for
weddings, corporate gifting and charitable events.
His product line grew as demand increased, with
his biggest sellers today including chocolate
seashells and stunning high-heeled shoes.
Everybody has gone crazy over those, Justin
says, noting the stilettos come in an array of
patterns including leopard print, lace, and even
styles by luxury French shoe designer Christian
Louboutin.
Schaffer opened his rst retail location in
February 2010 off Daniels Road, with a second
location in the Downtown River District last
December. Irresistible Confections now offers
more than 60 avors of artisan trufes and about
150 other chocolate items, including the popular
bear claws, turtles, barks, and caramels.
Schaffer even created some special Dunk
City chocolates to commemorate Florida Gulf
Coast Universitys record-setting mens basketball
season. He not only loves to experiment in the
kitchen, he also enjoys teaching others.
Chocolate Camp will be taking place
throughout the summer months for kids ages
7 to 15. Schaffer leads hands-on chocolate
making, encouraging children to get creative as
they mold, ll, and decorate trufes and other
assorted chocolates. He even brings out the
airbrush to let the kids try their hand at creating
gourmet, artisan trufes.
We dont really restrict them too much, Schaffer
says. Its fun to see the personalities of the kids
come out in the way they decorate.
He likely sees a bit of his former self in the aspiring
chocolatiers who join him for camp. Its the only
summer camp where the kids come home with a
pound and a half of chocolate every day!
They pretty much get to make chocolates and
trufes like we have in our case, Schaffer says.
Its fun and hands-on. And who doesnt like
eating chocolate?
Irresistible Confections also runs chocolate
parties for adults, whether its Girls Night Out
or a Trufes & Wine party for clients.
Schaffer gives back to the community through
participation in more than 20 charitable events
each year, benetting organizations such as
March of Dimes, PACE Center for Girls, and
CCMI (Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.).
He and wife, Shannon, have a 1-year-old daughter,
Lilly Mae, who is sure to inspire some chocolate
creations of her own. She recently tasted her rst
chocolate and loved it!
Irresistible
Confections:
Broadway Factory
Chocolatier Justin Schafer
1514 Broadway St., #101
Downtown Fort Myers
239.425.2606
dining style
BY LAURA J. CUMMINGS GATES
Gorging in a Garage
F
ords Garage is downtown Fort Myers most-packed eatery
on weekend nights, and a new location recently opened in
Cape Coral. That will be followed by an Estero location this
month in a 6,000-square-foot space on the east side of the Miramar
Outlets mall near Ben Hill Grifn Parkway, which formerly housed
the Tipsy Tarpon.
Like the Cape Coral location, the Estero Fords Garage will
feature two bars with vintage Ford vehicles as centerpieces. When
you step inside, the impression of entering a 1920s service station
is tangible. From the old gas pumps to the Model As on lifts above
the bar, this place is themed out Disney-style.
Every detail has been thought of, right down to the metal hose
clamps that act as napkin rings. Nods to the legendary Henry Ford
are everywhere, from old photographs to automobile motors,
vehicles, and thin tires from the early 20th century.
Even the restrooms carry the theme, with sink basins made out of
Firestone tires and a fuel nozzle for a faucet. The windows resemble
service bay garage doors, and you never know when one of the
Model As will backre with a puff of smoke and a sound of the horn.
Servers dress the part as auto mechanics.
The service station is really a cover for a prohibition-era tavern.
Fords Garage features not one, but two bars, both with a hand-
hammered copper top and a frost rail to keep drinks icy cold.
Its a fun atmosphere with high-quality food to match. Fords
Garage adds class to the typical beer-and-burger joint. It features
made-to-order Black Angus specialty burgers and carries more than
250 beers 24 on draft. You can also order shakes with shots of
vodka or rum.
Of course the star is the burger. The Assembly Line Burger allows
guests to build their own choosing buns, cheese, toppings, greens,
sauces and burger bling, like onion rings or fried eggs. The Burgers
of Fame include specialty burgers named after local celebrities such
as county commissioners, the sheriff and re chief.
For food-challenge acionados, theres the Big Red, a 10-pound
monster loaded with xings for $75. If one person nishes off the
Big Red in under two hours, its free.
OUR
FAVORITES
01. Piston Rings
These jumbo-sized onion rings are served
up in style, towering on an overturned metal
funnel. Thick slices of onion are dusted in
cornmeal, fried golden brown and served with
a zippy chipotle ketchup and smoky ranch
sauce. A must try!
02. Cobb Salad
Tidy rows of hard-boiled egg, crumbled
bacon, grilled chicken, bleu cheese, tomato,
and cucumber sit atop a bed of iceberg lettuce.
Mix it all together for a fresh and avorful
entree salad.
03. Model A
This mouthwatering black Angus burger
is cooked to order and topped with aged
Vermont cheddar, Applewood smoked bacon,
pico de gallo, and a fried egg. The tall burger
is pressed, leaving a toasty bun imprinted with
the Fords Garage logo. All specialty burgers
include lettuce, tomato, and red onion and are
served with fresh-cut fries in a basket. Also
try the juicy Fords Signature, topped with
Vermont cheddar, smoked bacon, and sweet
bourbon barbecue sauce.
01. 02. 03.
04. 05.
04. Spark Plug Beertini
Developed by Beverage Director Tom
McGregor, this Fords Garage exclusive fuses
beer with a martini. The cocktail features a
blend of Guinness and espresso vodka, giving
it a sweet, chocolatey are. A candy swizzle
stick adds to the sweet indulgence. Mini Spark
Plugs are sold as specials for $2.
05. Moms Rum Cake
Made in-house daily, this moist yellow
cake is glazed with Bacardi dark rum, then
sprinkled with chopped walnuts for a super-
sweet ending. Try it with an Irish Coffee after-
dinner drink.
Fords Garage
Miromar Outlets
10801 Corkscrew Road
www.fordsgarage.com
VITAMINS TT t HERBS tt ORGANIC FOODSS t NATURAL BEAUTY CARE AA t GLUTEN FREE FOODS
ORGANIC BULK FOODS ORGANNNIC BULK FOODS NI tt HEA HE HEA EALLTHY PET FOODS & MUCH MORE! THY PET FOODS & MUCCCH MORE! CH LLLL
Come Visit & Talk TT To Our Knowledgeable Staff TT g
See Our Large Selection of Products S O L S l ti f P d t g
Experience Our i O Down-to-Ea D t E DD rth th hhPrices! P i PP hh
Your Neighborhood YY g
Health Food Store! H l h F d S
FOLLOW US
Now Open
in Estero
239-676-1342
21740 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 109, Estero Fl 33928
(US 41 between Jimmy Johns & ABC Liquor)
www. mo t h e r e ar t h n at f ds . c o m
19501 Vintage Trace Circle | Fort Myers, Florida 33967 | www.esterocc.com
A trial membership is a smart
and affordable way to sample
the outstanding recreational,
dining and leisure amenities at
Estero Country Club at The Vines.
Enjoy privileges throughout the
club and meet new friends while
youre deciding if membership is
right for you.
For a limited time, enjoy a
complimentary round of golf
for two and two complimentary
cocktails in Mulligans Bar
when you tour the club.
Contact Colleen Sowerby
at 239-267-7000 or
memberships@esterocc.com.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.
Thinking about country club membership?
20 MI NUTES A WEEK - ALL FITNESS LEVELS
To find out more info visit us at esteroconcept1010. com
Call Today to schedule
your free starter session
239.390.3331
For the best results
Concept 10 10 always
trains One on One.
No loud packed gym atmosphere,
just you and your trainer.
the future of exercise
S
u
m
m
e
r
S
p
e
c
ia
l
2
0
%

O
f
f
Homemade specialities including eggs, omelets, pancakes, waffles, homemade
soups, salads, chili,Taylor Pork Roll, scrapple, sausage gravy, corned beef hash,
creamed chip beef, roast beef and turkey and Real Philly Cheesesteaks.
'er|a Krea|la:| aai |cat| jea 9a|| lam |e Jjm
ZJ7I Keraweei 9r|e |i +I & Keraweei |ar|wa ZJ7-7+&-+IZJ
The best homemade breakfast and lunch in Bonita Springs!
Winner!
Best of Bonita
5 Years Running!
12300 North Tamiami Trail
Naples, Florida 34110
A NAPLES TRADITION SINCE 1970
"Happy Hour" from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Monday thru Sunday
12300 North Tamiami Trail
Monday thru Sunday
(239) 596-6844
Expires 9/30/2013
Back to School
Back to Health!
S20 spcrts phys|co| lcr oth|etes
ond o Ccmp||mentory 3p|no|
ond 3cc||cs|s screen|n lcr
the ent|re lom||y!
||ds ond oth|etes need
ch|rcproct|c tcc!
"Everyone needs a
chiropractor on their
healthcare team!"
21140 3 1om|om| 1r| #103, |sterc, || 239-616-9116
www. esterofami l ychi ropracti c. com
239.948.7825
www.floridaeverblades.com
Get Your 2013-2014 Ticket Packages Today!
Save up to 50% oII box oIIce pricing!
Fackages as low as $10 a game!
Buy a plan today and receive a $20 Outback Steakhouse gift card
(per plan) mention Estero Life.
Dont Miss Opening Night!
Friday, October 18th vs. Orlando
Rel Rel Relll el el e ay ay ay ayy ayy ay aa for for for for fo fo fo fo fo li li l fe fe fe eee fe e fe fe Est Est EEEs EEE ero erooooo SSSSSur Sur SS viv viv v or or Lap Lap
i Rib RRib Rib Rib Rib Rib Rib R bb RRibbbon bon bon bo bbbo bon bon ooonn Cu Cu Cu Cu Cu CCu CCu CCCu Cu Cuu Cutti tti tti tt tt tt tti tt tttttt ng ng ng ng gg
Rise &&&& Sh Sh Sh hine ine iiinee
Estero Chamber is hosting its 1st Annual
Membership Drive, a 7-week event thru
Sept. 24 titled Rope in New Members.
Their goal is 50 new members. Anyone
joining during the drive will receive 1 free
entry into each of the monthly chamber
events as well as a VIP invitation to the
Hoe Down celebration on Sept.24 at the
new Chambers business & visitors center
located at 9351 Corkscrew Rd., Estero in the
Galleria building.
Celebrate EEEs Es EEEsssster ter ter er te tt ooo
Est Est Est Estero ero ero ero Ch Ch Ch C amb amb amb amb am er er er r er er er r Ann Ann An Ann Ann Ann Ann Ann Annual ual ual ual ual ual ual ual ua LLLu Lu Lu Lu Lu Lu Lu Lunch nch nch nch nc eon eon eon eon eon eon Lun Lun Lun Lun un Lu Lun u ch ch ch chh ch ch ch cch cc & L & L & & & LLLLea ea ear ear ear a eaaaa nn
Estero Chamber
of Commerce
SCENE ON SITE
When you need a Doctor, do you call a 1-800-NUMBER?
Taking insurance advice from a faceless agent in a far off land is never a good idea. East and Greenwell is more than
just our Agency Name. Were here, every day, to talk with our clients about the best ways to protect whats most
important to them.
Why use us?
Local We know the area & offer expertise in
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We all need insurance, who you buy it from is up
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Located Across from Miromar Outlets next to Publix
www.eastandgreenwell.com
jeffeast@allstate.com
kevingreenwell@allstate.com
239-672-4315
* Stated square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the homes precise or actual size. Copyright 2013 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Everythings Included Home and the ei logo
are registered service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC 1507191. 9/13
Open Mon. Sat. 9am 6pm, Sun. 10am 6pm
Located 2 miles east of I-75 on Corkscrew Rd.
Living at The Preserve at Corkscrew is one way to preserve what many
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