Skip to main content

Fort Myers, FL November 2020

Page 1

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

giving thanks

LI F E + C U LTU R E A J O U RN E Y WI T H F R AN CIS C HAN FOOD + DRINK S O U P S T O WARM YO U F R O M T H E I NSI D E O U T TR AV E L ROADT RI P T O C O O L ER WE AT H ER


FACE Facelift | Necklift | Browlift | Blepharoplasty | Rhinoplasty Precision TX | Diamond Lift | Silhouette Instalift

INJECTABLES Botox | Dysport | Juvederm: Voluma, Vollure, Volbella Restylane | Radiesse | Belotero | Kybella

BREAST Breast Augmentation | Mastopexy – Breast Lift Breast Reduction | Mommy Makeover | Implant Options

BODY Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Body Contouring | Liposuction | SmartLipo Fat Transfer | Brazilian Butt Lift | Vaginal Rejuvenation | Non-surgical Procedures Cooltone | Coolsculpting | Sculpsure | Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Cellulaze – Cellulite Treatment | Laser Hair Removal | Hand Rejuvenation Excessive Sweat Treatment | Weight Loss Program

SKIN Vivace Experience – Skin tightening | Silhouette Instalift | Ultherapy Intense Pulse Light | Smartskin CO2 Laser Resurfacing | MicroPen Chemical Peels – VI Peels | Scalp Micropigmentation | Permanent Makeup – Eyeliner Hydrafacial | Dermaplaning | Medical Grade Facials | Blue Light Therapy Body Procedures | Coolsculpting | SculpSure | Laser Hair Removal Laser Hand Rejuvenation | Vivace Experience – Skin tightening | Scalp Micropigmentation

SKIN CARE Skinceuticals | Revision | Obagi | Elta MD | Latisse


LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Rob Hannon | rob.hannon@lifestylepubs.com 239.250.0222 EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Our Appreciation Goes To You

Aubrey Sewell | aubrey.sewell@lifestylepubs.com

WOW, FORT MYERS. How can it be that we are already nearing the end of the

L AYO UT DESIGNER

year? The holidays will be here before we know it, and pretty soon we will be writing

Dana Rudolph

out our 2021 resolutions, hoping for a much smoother and normal new year.

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Taylor Haney, Sue G. Collins

Before everything gets crazy and we start shopping for all of the people on our gift

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

list, we want to take this time to pause and reflect. This year has been a unique and

Sue G. Collins

unexpected, yet wonderful journey with all of you, and we are grateful that we get to create this magazine every month and connect with you and your family. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, as without them, this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for being active in our city-supporting businesses, volunteering your time, and contributing your positive attitudes and energy to keep our community thriving. We are so proud of where we live, and we know it wouldn’t be the same without each and every one of you. In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to reflect with us and spend some time being grateful for the people we have around us. Sure, planning a Thanksgiving dinner and traveling to see family can be stressful, and don’t worry, we’re here to

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

help with some of the details. But don’t forget to look at each person around your

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

table and remember how they have made a difference in your life. We wouldn’t be

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

here without each other.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Happy Thanksgiving, Fort Myers.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Rob Hannon, Publisher ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Take a journey down the winding life path of unassuming spiritual leader Francis Chan on page 27. 4

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Myers areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fort Myers Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 14 Beautiful Inside and Out Visiting the Adirondaks

19 Walking the Walk Spiritual Leader Francis Chan

30 Thanksgiving Dining Design Unique Table Decorations

19 30

32 20 Year Itch Encountering the Maserati MC20

32

14

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Road Trip

22 DIY 26 Culinary Creations 30 Trend Setter 32 Driver’s Notebook


WE MA K E BA N K IN G AB O U T Y O U !

“WE’RE A COMMUNITY BANK...

that serves the community!”

— Robbie Roepstorff, President and Geoff Roepstorff, CEO

Like Thomas Edison, we believe there is

always “a better way.” We believe our Bank’s success depends on our community’s success. So we, as a business, as a team and as individuals, give back to those who need it most. We are proud that our Bank was named the 2019 Small Business of the Year by the Horizon Council and Lee County Economic Development Office.

For a better way of banking, join Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands. Edison National Bank/ Bank of the Islands customers enjoy:

• free online and mobile banking • no-fee access to their account funds • • •

at any Publix® Presto! ATM free bill pay services for personal account holders courier and cash management services for business clients streamlined processing for all loans including commercial and residential mortgage loans

To learn more about our customer services and convenient locations, please visit EdisonNationalBank.com or call 239.466.1800. An Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Bank of the Islands is an office of Edison National Bank.


GOOD TIMES

Every Sunset Brings the Promise of a New Dawn This giving campaign’s goal is to raise $100,000 for the children of Valerie’s House. Photos of children and families in the Valerie’s House program with the backdrop of a sunset will be shown throughout the next few months over social media and other outlets reminding the community of the promise of a new beginning, even in times of darkness.

PACE Center's Record Breaking Dress Campaign Lee County’s virtual dress collection, #MakeSpaceForPace, has raised a record number of fashion-forward apparel, nearly 6,000 brandnew and gently loved items, for its Love That Dress! shopping event to be held in 2021. This campaign encouraged the community to clean out their closets for a cause, helping build an expansive inventory for Pace’s highly anticipated shopping event.

8

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


GOOD TIMES

‘Smart marina’ on Fort Myers Beach Gulf Star Marina is the first fully-automated “smart marina” in the world to feature Austrian-based LTW’s stacker crane technology delivering vessels from storage racks to the water within minutes. Boat owners can schedule their arrival time, and a computer-operated system will safely transport boats to the water using lifts and a rail system, similar to a high-tech vending machine.

Disinfect Group USA introduces ‘sanitizing tunnels’ A new safety innovation, sanitizing tunnels, which resemble X-ray machines at airports, emit a safe disinfecting mist on individuals and their belongings prior to entering a building to destroy germs, viruses and bacteria. Approved by the EPA and FDA, it uses electrolyzed water technology mist that is all-natural, non-toxic, gentle on the body and does not damage clothing or belongings.

Community Cooperative as Total Wine & More’s local beneficiary Total Wine & More launched “Points with a Purpose,” a customer appreciation event that rewards customers for certain purchases while turning those purchases into monetary donations for local charitable organizations. Customers collected loyalty points and Total Wine & More donates an amount equal to the value of all points that customers have accrued to Community Cooperative.

10

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


Contact 239.303.5829 for a Professional Design Consultation!

C u s t o m c l o s e t s , wa l l u n i t s , l au n d r y a re a s , pa n t r y, g a r ag e s , h o m e o f f i c e s a n d m o re .

All About Closets is all about innovative design, impeccable craftsmanship and flawless service. Our installations reflect your dreams and your personality, while enhancing your home. Our team works from Port Charlotte to Marco Island. 13180 Livingston Road Unit 105 | Naples, Fl 34109

www.allaboutclosets.com


AROUND TOWN art, flower pots, gift items and more. The festival will also feature food trucks and live music.

SW FLORIDA COMIC CON The SW-Florida’s Comic Book Convention is a collector’s mecca convention located in beautiful Southwest, Florida at the Crowne Plaza at Bell Tower Shops. SW FloridaCon strives to be Florida’s best and truest comic con featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As long-time fans of comic books, toys, pop-culture, wrestling, gaming, cosplay, animation, sci-fi and fantasy, the promoter wanted to bring that style event to Southwest Florida. Come enjoy this event on November 21st from 10 am to 6 pm.

ANNUAL SANIBEL ISLAND WRITERS CONFERENCE Annual Sanibel Island Writers Conference will welcome any aspiring writer who wants to create new work or refine a project already in progress. Participants at all stages of development—from notebook scribblers to published novelists—are invited to attend a variety of workshops in fiction, poetry, songwriting, children’s literature, journalism, screenwriting, and creative nonfiction; panels on publishing and editing; and readings, keynote addresses, and concerts. This event is at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa from 9am-6pm, November 5-8.

2ND ANNUAL CAPE CORAL VEG FEST 2020 On November 22, Come see how easy it is to find healthy plant-based foods in Cape Coral, Florida, at Sun Splash Family Water Park. Find local sources of eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. Learn about the science behind the benefits of a plant-based diet. Featuring expert speakers, cooking demos, vendors, and animal rescues, there will be entertainment and activities for the whole family! For more details, visit www.CapeCoralVegFest.org

SANIBEL MASTERS ART FESTIVAL For 27 years, Sanibel Island has hosted this art

FALL GARDEN FESTIVAL

12

event the weekend after Thanksgiving. The premier art event will be held on the main street in Sanibel-

For anyone who enjoys gardening, this is

Periwinkle Way on November 27th & 28th. The festival

a free must-see event, November 21st and

features the finest artists, gourmet food booths, and

22nd, from 9am-5pm at 2350 McGregor Blvd!

live entertainment. The size of the event is limited to no

The festival is the largest of its kind in Southwest

more than 70 outdoor participants so attendees must

Florida with more than 40 garden vendors from

be registered. Spacing between booths will be 10

around the state. Encounter unusual tropical

feet. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Sanibel

plants and trees, native Florida plants, garden-

Community House, the island’s first non-profit organi-

ing supplies, vegetable and flower seeds, garden

zation and hub of all island activity, and BIG Arts.

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


You Deserve Better Vision Free From Cataracts! Choose A Surgeon Who Has Been Voted The *BEST In Southwest Florida Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

Enhance your cataract procedure with a Lifestyle Lens: PanOptix

For clearer vision at near, far, and intermediate distances.

Light Adjustable Lens

Customize your vision with non-invasive adjustments after cataract surgery.

Call Frantz EyeCare Today to Schedule Your Consultation! Jonathan M. Frantz, MD, FACS

Dial **2020 on Mobile Visit BetterVision.net Call 239-418-0999

Fort Myers | Naples | Cape Coral | Lehigh Acres | Punta Gorda *As Voted By News-Press Readers


ROAD TRIP

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT THE POINT, ADIRONDACKS GREAT LODGE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUE G. COLLINS

JUST AS THE BATH WATER IN MY SOAKING TUB WAS LOSING

Hacker-Craft named “The Point of it All.” The hand-constructed

ITS STEAM, THE FIRE WAS CALLING FOR ANOTHER LOG.

mahogany speed boat was driven by Bradley, who grew up not far

Climbing out of the deep tub and into a thirsty robe, I threw a few

from The Point and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else in the

more logs into the big stone fireplaces in the bathroom and sitting

world. He proudly pointed out other Adirondack Great Camps, built

room. Every window in the Lookout Suite offered an expansive view

by captains of industry in the 1930s - sprawling compounds of dark

over moody Upper Saranac Lake where a thick fog was hanging over

native timber and stone lodges with bright trim scattered across

the still water and green peaks of the Adirondacks beyond. It was the

deep green lawns dotted with pots of geraniums as big as a VW

perfect afternoon for a fire. And a long hot bath with a book. An ideal

Bugs and proud boat houses full of vintage boats.

day at The Point, a charming 11-room Relais & Chateaux property

Returning to the boat house at The Point, where one of five open

and former Great Camp of William Avery Rockefeller II located in the

bars sat stocked with snacks and local and international labels, I

Adirondacks in upstate New York.

hopped in my own little craft, a Budsin Electric Boat to putter through

Earlier in the day, I’d been out on the lake before the clouds rolled

the winding coves, watching for loons (they dive as deep as 250 feet

in, gliding across the glassy water in a gorgeous 33’ 1933 replica

and can stay underwater noshing for up to five minutes). Alone with CONTINUED >

14

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

15


ROAD TRIP (CONTINUED)

my thoughts, eyes lifted to the darkening horizon, I felt the boat slow then remembered to switch to the second battery in time to slink back to shore through a veil of soft June rain. Everything about The Point is soft and faintly familiar, like a favorite pair of well-made leather gloves. Thoughtful and elevated touches welcome even the most discerning guests at every turn. The game room bar is stocked with home made chips and cookies as well as gin and whisky from Lake Placid and beyond. The library offers old friends like Franny and Zooey and Anne Boleyn. Handmade wooden jigsaw puzzles from Stave taunt from a neat cabinet and a grand old billiard table stands sentinel, adorned with birch bark, antlers and a hand-painted landscape of some dreamy Adirondack lake (nearby, likely). If you must, you can watch television here (your room won’t have one) while you pretend the news or football score is more interesting than the view or the company. The Point attracts travelers who have honed the art of vacationing, taking pride in turning off phones and turning to the person next to them to carry on a conversation. Dinners are an affair, with black tie dress suggested two nights a week in keeping with the historic perspective of the Gilded Age as no fewer than seven courses are served across tables set for a large party of your newest “Friends in Residence” (their names will be printed on the nightly menu laid at your place). One evening, china by Versace and crushed velvet navy tablecloths paired seamlessly, framing a meal created by Chef Loïc Leperlier and his team. Among the more memorable dishes (though each and every one left an impression) were a delicate yellowtail snapper served with fava beans, avocados, wild rice, sea beans and preserved lemon and nilgai (antelope) with ramps foraged the day before during a woods walk, Swiss chard from the kitchen garden, morels and rhubarb. Meals can also be taken inside the kitchen at the chef’s table (my favorite), on the patio overlooking the lake, in your suite, on a boat, in the cozy lean-to up on the hill in front of a roaring fire (there’s bar there too) or most anywhere you like on the 75 private acres. Change after dinner and take a walk down to the lake, look up at the stars and listen. You may hear a loon calling, the crackle of a nearby bonfire, a champagne cork popping or nothing at all. That’s the point of it all.

16

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


+ GETTING THERE

From

RSW,

fly

to

Boston’s

Logan

International Airport, then transfer to Cape Air, the only commercial airline that flies directly to and from Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake (SLK) three times a day, year-round. Guests can also fly privately into SLK. Don’t rush! Stay overnight at the Ritz-Carlton Boson Common, a gorgeous hotel where you can walk through nearby Boston Common then enjoy a soak in the spa-like tub and enjoy your luxe room. ThePointResort.com RitzCarlton.com CapeAir.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

17


A LEVEL ABOVE

(941) 258-1599

13300-56 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida 33919

INFO@AMPSHOTSMEDIA.COM AMPSHOTSMEDIA.COM

READ

DINE

SHOP

During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you. Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news! + INTRODUCING +

CityLifestyle.com YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING 18

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020

L O C AT E D AT

C O N TA C T U S

PHOTOGRAPHY · VIDEOGRAPHY

PLAY


WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

19


WALKING THE WALK (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 20

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

to

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.


“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

21


DIY

22

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


THE LOST ART OF T H A N K YO U NOTES ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

IN A DIGITAL WORLD OF EMAILS AND TEXTS,

“old-fashioned” with pen and paper, demonstrates

THE SIMPLISTIC, AND ONCE STANDARD

the value you place on what has been done for

“THANK YOU” CARD HAS FADED. Does

you. Plus, handwriting is an extension of who

that mean we are no longer appreciative and

you are as a person. It breathes your life onto the

grateful for the nice gestures that are extended

page. It exudes your voice, your spirit and your

to us? Absolutely not!

message in a way that is uniquely yours.

We are just caught

up in those casual platforms of communication,

With the holidays just around the corner, there

that we don’t take the time to sit down and give the

is quite a fine line between the gratefulness of

time and attention to craft our heartfelt thanks in a

Thanksgiving and the endless spending of money

way that shows purposeful thought.

on the endless lists for Christmas for people

The written word is proof on a page and this

who anxiously have the “gimmes.” It’s important

is valuable for so many reasons. Gratitude spurns

to navigate those waters, to cultivate a giving

happiness, but thankfulness is tricky; the only

spirit as well as an appreciative heart. A “thank

way it is known is if it is verbally acknowledged.

you” presents that attitude of thankfulness as well

Writing it down is evidence of that feeling. Putting

as provides an opportunity to do unto others. In

words on a page is also more intentional than

addition, receiving such a novelty through the mail

shooting off a text or email. Communicating your

is both meaningful and memorable and sending a

thanks in the common, oversimplified fashion

special gift like this is a blessing to both the recip-

isn’t necessarily bad, but setting aside time to be

ient and the sender.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

23


DIY (CONTINUED)

24

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


HELPFUL “THANK YOU” TIPS + Send a thank you within a week of receiving someone’s gesture + Use “snail mail” + Be specific: mention the particular item or action you are grateful for + Be genuine + Personalize it: colored writing utensils, hand-lettering, or cards made from family photos + Think outside the box. If writing REALLY isn't your forte, send a video of you verbally thanking them.

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

25


CULINARY CREATIONS

soups a nd stews to fa l l for COZY INSTAPOT RECIPES ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL

26

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


crea my mush room w i ld r ic e soup i n g re d ient s + 5 medium carrots, chopped + 5 stalks celery, chopped + half of an onion, chopped + 3 cloves garlic, minced + 1 cup uncooked wild rice (do not substitute other types of rice) + 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced + 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth + 1 teaspoon salt + 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (mix of thyme, sage, rosemary, garlic, onion, etc.) + 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme + optional: chicken

i n st r uc t ion s Put all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and cook for 45 minutes (manual, high pressure). Release steam using the valve on top Pinchofyum.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

27


CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

crea my wh it e ch icken ch i l i i n g re d ient s

i n st r uc t ion s

+ 1 teaspoon olive oil

1. Place the Instant Pot on the saute setting. Add garlic and onions.

+ 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped

Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.

+ 1 cup onion

2. Add the chicken broth, chicken breasts, beans, diced tomatoes,

+ 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Better than Bouillon and all the seasonings (Reserve salt and pep-

+ 1 lb skinless chicken breasts

per until the end).

+ 1 15.5 oz canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)

3. Close the pot and seal. Cook on Manual High-Pressure for 20 minutes.

+ 1 15.5 oz canned Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)

4. When the pot indicates it has finished, allow the steam to release

+ 15.5 oz canned diced tomatoes and chilis drained

naturally for 10 minutes instead of quick release.

+ 1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn

5. Open the pot, remove the chicken breasts, and shred the chicken.

+ 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterrey Jack cheese

Return the chicken to the pot.

+ 3 oz cream cheese

6. Choose the saute function again. Add cream cheese, shredded

+ 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor

cheese, frozen corn, salt, and pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until corn

+ McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste

is soft and cheese has melted. For creamier chili, add more cream

+ 1 teaspoon chili powder

cheese and/or shredded cheese.

+ 1 teaspoon cumin

7. Load with your favorite toppings: additional cheese, sour cream

+ 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (if spicy is preferred)

avocado, etc. and serve.

+ salt and pepper to taste (add to prepared dish to make sure the dish isn’t too salty). 28

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


veget a r ia n morac c a n st ew i n g re d ient s

i n st r uc t ion s

+ 2 Tbsp olive oil

1. Select the Saute function and pre-heat the Instant Pot.

+ 1 cup chopped onion

2. Add oil to the pre-heated inner pot and allow it to heat up.

+ 1 Tbsp garlic

3. Stir in onions; saute until soft, about 1 minute.

+ 1 Tbsp ginger

4. Stir in garlic and ginger. Press Cancel. The spices in the next step

+ 1 tsp salt

will cook in residual heat.

+ 1 tsp black pepper

5. Add salt, black pepper, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne

+ 1 tsp coriander powder

pepper, stirring until fragrant (15 to 30 seconds).

+ 1 tsp cumin powder

6. Deglaze with a couple of tablespoons of broth. Stir to remove any

+ 1 tsp turmeric powder

brown bits. There should be nothing stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.

+ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

7. Once deglazed, stir in remaining broth.

+ 2 cups vegetable stock

8. Stir in butternut squash, carrots, and preserved lemons.

+ 4 cups butternut squash, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes

9. Add tomatoes, but don’t stir; push down with a spatula to immerse

+ 1 cup carrots, cut into 1-inch thick rounds

in the broth.

+ 1 preserved lemon, chopped

10. Close the lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.

+ 14.5 oz.can diced tomatoes

11. Do a Quick Release (QR) of pressure. Press Cancel and open the

+ 2 cups chickpeas (garbanzo beans) cooked,

Instant Pot lid.

or 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans

12. Stir in chickpeas, saffron, and cream (if using); heat through on

+ pinch saffron

‘Saute’ mode.

+ 1/4 cup heavy cream, optional

13. Garnish with cilantro.

+ 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

14. Serve with couscous or crunchy bread. paintthekitchenred.com

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

29


TREND SETTER

DELICIOUS FOOD. Enjoyable company. Genuine thankfulness. All of this is sure to be present at your Thanksgiving table and honestly, that’s all you need to celebrate the holiday. However, if you are looking for some new ideas to create a memorable atmosphere, here are some unique ideas to make your table as special as the day!

style one FEATHERY PLUMMAGE Create a dramatic centerpiece using an assortment of feathers in neutral or bold tones. Add a faux-fur table runner, white pumpkins, and gold pine-cones as finishing touches.

style two GO FOR GLAM Use rich color palettes to set a sophisticated and glamourous table. Jewel tones such as purple with gold accents creates an expensive, luxurious look, while setting an all white table with copper, gold, or brass elements speaks of nothing but class.

style three INTERACTIVE PLACEMATS Give guests the chance to reflect on what they’re thankful for before digging into dinner with placemats where they can list their blessings.

one

Thanksgiving 30

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020

TRADITIONAL TABLES WITH A TWIST

ARTICLE AUBREY SEWELL


TWO

THREE

Dining Design CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

31


DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

20 Year Itch

MASERATI MC20: THE ENGINEER’S DREAM

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FULL LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE INSPIRED BY THE FORMULA ONE GODS, LOOK NO FURTHER ARTICLE TAYLOR HANEY

THAN THE LATEST SUPERCAR FROM MASERATI: THE MC20. Though a limited production car, Maserati pulled out all the stops to create art on wheels that’ll leave any pilot behind the wheel satisfied. The stark attention to detail flows from roof to rim, with a sporty yet classy interior that could make its owner feel like a racecar driver and a luxe business owner all in one experience. The key word is experience, which Maserati captures the adrenaline-seeking influence of the racing circuit of Modena, Italy in the MC20. In fact, the MC20 is the first Maserati of its kind to be produced completely at the Maserati Modena facility.

32

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


For performance, what makes the MC20 supercar

Local Maserati dealer Maurizio Randazzo told us

special? We’re glad you asked. It features a roaring

the demand for the MC20 is higher than the availabil-

mid-engine 3.0L V6 621HP twin-turbo with patented

ity can keep up. The effects of the COVID virus has

racing derived technology. What makes this technology

greatly affected the ability to get these cars in, with

unique beyond the typical V6, is the usage of Maserati’s

the first MC20 set to arrive Spring 2021. Randazzo

patented “Nettuno” engine technology with passive

had this to say about model releases, “The 2021 Ghibli,

pre-chamber combustion to accommodate today’s

Quatroportte and Lavante….by the end of this year.

emissions standards without sacrificing horsepower.

Also, we are getting limited production run of the Ghibli,

This engineer’s dream, twin-combustion system mated

Quatroportte and Lavante “Trofeo” that will be powered

with an 8-speed automatic transmission makes this

by a 3.8-liter, Twin-Turbo Ferrari built v-8 producing 580

Maserati supercar have no trouble stretching its legs.

hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. Capable of exceeding 200

The MC20 comes in two options: the coupe or cab-

mph!”Initially, he will be carrying the coupe only with the

riolet, with an all-electric model not far behind. The four

spyder and electric models to come soon. When asked

driving modes (Wet, GT, Sport and Corsa) ensure cus-

what impresses him most about the MC20 he said,

tomizable enjoyment and comfort anywhere from on

“Impressed by 621 hp @ 7500 RPM and 538 ft lbs of

the road to the racetrack. The Sport mode, for example,

torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm! First pre-chamber com-

allows for stiffer suspension for those who prefer spirited

bustion with twin spark plugs incorporated in a road

driving on those winding mountain roads with all of the

going engine…coming from F1 technology that allows

safety features such as ABS, traction and stability control.

the engine to deliver the massive power and torque rela-

If wide open is more your style, try the Corsa mode.

tive to its size and 8000 redline!” That power and torque

Though this vehicle comes at a price tag (starting

he mentions takes flight with the ultra-light Carbon

$210,000), you can be confident the MC20 will have you

Fiber “Monocoque” or internal structure, commonly

feeling like you’re cruising in wine country with the class

used in Formula One and Le Mans prototype racing.

and performance you’d expect from Maserati.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/FortMyers

33


DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK (CONTINUED)

With COVID in mind, Randazzo and his team at Maserati are taking extra precautions to take care of their customers. Their team will provide test drives, delivery and sales of vehicles at the customer’s home with limited contact at customer request. “We can Facetime or Google-Meet to make the transaction easy and transparent,” said Randazzo, “We will provide special hours, early or late if it makes customer[s] more comfortable to avoid a group of people. We have dedicated staff for constant sanitization of all

GALEANA AUTO GROUP

touch points for the safety of all.” If needed, their team will pick up

Maserati of Fort Myers

your MC20 and deliver it for any needed service.

14401 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239.789.1011GaleanaCars.com

34

Fort Myers Lifestyle | November 2020


CABINET REFINISHING • REFACING MODIFICATIONS & CUSTOM BUILDS SERVING SW FLORIDA SINCE 1994

THIS IS WHY WE ARE CALLED FINISH MASTERS

CO N TACT U S

for a no-obligation, on-site consultation & estimate

239.561.1119 • abernathyfinishmaster.com 1 2 0 1 1 A M E D I C U S L A N E • F O RT MY E RS, F LO R I D A


MASERATI OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-789-1011 MASERATIOFFORTMYERS.COM

ALFA ROMEO OF FORT MYERS 14401 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL 239-230-3563 ALFAROMEOUSAFORTMYERS.COM


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Fort Myers, FL November 2020 by City Lifestyle - Issuu