Winter Garden, FL November 2023 by City Lifestyle

The Thankful Issue F O O D + B E V E R AG E

A FESTIVE PAI RIN G

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A R E YO U RE A D Y FO R

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November 2023 PUBLISHER

Sabrina Serrano | sabrina.serrano@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Andy Cingolani | andy.cingolani@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Power of Gratitude Gratitude is a powerful force that has the ability to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. When we cultivate a mindset of gratitude, we shift our focus from what is lacking to what we already have. This simple shift in perspective can have profound effects on our overall well-being and happiness. Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase resilience. It allows us to appreciate the small joys and blessings in life, even during challenging times. By acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities that come our way, we cultivate a sense of abundance and contentment. I believe gratitude has a ripple effect. When we express gratitude towards others, we not only uplift their spirits but also strengthen our relationships. It fosters a sense of connection and deepens the bonds we share with our loved ones, colleagues, and community members. In a world that often focuses on what is lacking or what needs improvement, practicing gratitude can be a powerful antidote. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the present moment. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can experience a profound shift in our perspective and unlock the true power of gratitude. So, let us embrace the power of gratitude and make it a daily practice. Whether it's through journaling, expressing appreciation to others, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the blessings in our lives, gratitude has the potential to bring us joy, fulfillment, and a renewed sense of purpose. Grateful for you,

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Media Partners LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Media Partners’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Media Partners’ does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Chocolate and Wine

Lifestyle Letter

The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right

Business Monthly

Combination of Flavors and Characteristics

Chef ’s Selection FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Seasonal Setups HO ME + DESIG N

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Decor Trends HO ME + DES I GN

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Self Care HEA LT H + WELLNES S

Road Trip LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

22 Falling For Neutrals

Seasonal decor tips for keeping it simple.

24 A Festive Pairing

The age-old question, “ What wine goes with turkey?” is answered.

28 Destination Delicious

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Announces New President After a months-long nationwide search, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce welcomes their new President/CEO, Stephen Lewis, CAE. He joined the WOCC team in October. Lewis replaces longtime president and CEO Stina D’Uva, who has retired after 22 years. Stephen previously served as the Director of Governance and Leadership for Associated Builders & Contractors, a national construction industry trade association representing more than 22,000 members. wochamber.com

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Gingers Baking Co. opens in downtown Winter Garden Mandy and John Gay started Gingers Baking Company in 2019 to share their love of the iconic New England treat, Whoopie Pies What began as a hobby and a weekend gig at local farmers markets bloomed! Their made-from-scratch, fresh-baked whoopie pies, cookies, custom cakes, and more are now available in the heart of Downtown Winter Garden, Florida. gingersbaking.com

Goldfish Swim School Opens New Winter Garden Location Goldfish Swim School - Winter Garden offers a nurturing environment where children aged four months to 12 years can learn, grow, and gain confidence through the joy of swimming. Their program focuses on positivity and confidence-building. Their team of professional instructors is dedicated to fostering a love for swimming, ensuring that each class is fun, engaging, and tailored to children's needs. goldfishswimschool.com/ winter-garden

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CHOCOLATE and WINE The Key to a Successful Wine and

Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another. Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste. For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue. While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa. Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with. We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

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TIP 1: M ATCH SUGA R WITH SUGAR When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.

TIP 2: M ATCH INTENSIT Y WITH INTENSITY If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.

T I P 3 : PA I R F L AVO R S W I T H F L AVO R S Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.

C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR DA R K CHOCOLATE Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines. Pairs well with: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character. Pairs well with: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti. Pairs well with: Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

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Gather

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or an autumn dinner party, setting a festive table creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. Improvise and use what you have around the house for adding elements to the table. Candlesticks, vases, little pumpkins and gourds, or fall decor you have on hand can make a great centerpiece. Add fresh flowers or dried foliage for that extra layer of texture and color.

Set t ing th e Fa l l Ta bl e ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

S EASON A L SE T U P S | HOME + DE S I GN

e Tr

ad i t i o n al Table For this classic, traditional look, a plaid throw blanket stands in for a tablecloth to establish a festive base layer. Brass candlesticks with brown taper candles create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Use familiar accents such as amber jars filled with dried grass foliage and brass pheasants to adorn the table. To add a little character to the table, use a recycled wine bottle as a vase. The simple place setting is enhanced with a dried grass accent and brown silk ribbon tied into a bow to add a special touch to your traditional display. CONTINUED >

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The F

all

yT able

Are you planning to dine al fresco this fall? Create an earthy, fall garden party on the porch by using natural, organic elements, greenery and flowers. To make a statement, create a floral chandelier by hanging flowers upside down above the table using fishing wire (if your space allows). The centerpiece that runs down the length of this table consists of fresh eucalyptus with gold candlesticks and a ceramic pumpkin vase filled with flowers placed on top a tree trunk charger. Adding small pumpkins and fresh flowers along the center gives a little extra character. Instead of going with the classic white plate, enjoy a pop of color at your outdoor fall garden party with a blue place setting as a nod to the sky. Adding a cloth napkin and cloth placemat is a great way to add texture and more autumn color to your table. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on your day, bring the outdoors in with a lovely indoor garden party dressed up in fall foliage. CONTINUED >

S EASON A L SE T U P S | HOME + DE S I GN

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re nc h Co u n t r y Table

S EASON A L SE T U P S | HOME + DE S I GN

Rustic yet elegant, this tablescape combines the love of traditional, vintage and natural elements with an updated twist. Inspired by wooded acreage, the Spode Woodland Collection transferware designs are rooted in proper hunting tradition and perfect for marrying nature with traditional elegance. Dating back to 1831, the collection features various animals centered by the British Flowers border. This French antique dining room set was chosen for an intimate gathering for four. The fawn table runner mimicking deer spots brings an earthy, yet elevated foundation as the base for this table setting. Coordinating fawn napkins wrapped with twine and topped with natural feathers creates a whimsical touch. The stunning centerpiece starts with a vintage silver water pitcher that is then filled with fresh, sweet arrowwood Viburnums leaves. To complete the look, pair crystal glasses with vintage crystal stemware, and mix gold flatware with antique silver water pitchers, delicate salt and pepper shakers and your favorite trays.

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BUILD A CAMPFIRE READY S'MORES DESSERT BOARD WITH THIS HOW-TO GUIDE

S’MORES DESSERT BOA RD ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

It’s campfire season! You know what that means? S’MORES! These sweet treats are staples during the fall and winter! I have many childhood memories of sitting by the campfire with my family telling stories, gazing at the stars, and roasting marshmallows. This year, take your s’mores to a whole new level with this S’mores Dessert Board! They are so easy and fun to make! Similar to a Charcuterie Board, a S’mores Dessert Board is beautifully decorated and full of everything you need to make the perfect s’mores! Some of my favorite things to include in a s’mores are either peanut butter or a mint chocolate candy!

W H AT YOU W ILL NEED: Board: A beautiful wood board or metal tray will look great! Marshmallows: Choose between regular, jumbo, or flavored marshmallows. Chocolate: There are so many options for chocolate when it comes to s’mores! There’s milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolates, white chocolate, caramel chocolates, and much more! Graham Crackers: Use graham crackers or a variety of cookies for your s’mores. Fresh Fruit: Include fresh fruits as toppings for your s’mores. Skewers: Don’t forget to bring skewers to roast your marshmallows on! NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

Falling For Neutrals SEASONAL DECOR TIPS FOR KEEPING IT SIMPLE I love decorating for the holiday season, but it gets tough if trying to keep a home decor airy, light and neutral. My home is full of neutrals, such as linen, khaki, white and gray, so decorating for the holidays can be tricky with the bright and bold themes on display at the stores. Here are tips regarding how to achieve a festive look without going overboard.

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

LESS IS MORE First, whenever decorating for the holiday season, I clear what's possible to make room for what's coming. I eliminate decor pieces that are displayed year-round to avoid adding clutter to rooms. Giving decor pieces or floral arrangements their own space to shine can pull the room together and make it feel very designed.

or evergreen branches with pine cones to fill vases. Add a battery-operated strand of lights and you’re looking just like a designer home magazine spread.

GO COZY Swapping out usual throw pillows and throw blankets for plushy, cuddly materials and seasonal prints are another simple way to add holiday spirit without being so literal. Opting for neutral plaids, cable knits, or sherpa materials add that feeling of fall and winter.

CATER TO ALL THE SENSES Don’t forget about the smell! Stocking up on candles that smell like the season is the last missing piece for a holiday vibe. The total sensory feeling of the holidays is what really brings a home to life, whether it's pumpkin spice burning for Thanksgiving or a fresh pine and cedar for Christmas.

STICK TO THE PALETTE As best as possible, I try to stick to each of the color palettes in my room. When it’s time to bring out pumpkins or holiday Santas, I stick to white and neutral or add in color pops of gold and silver to keep everything flowing. If I start to add too many primary colors, it ends up looking like a mash-up gone astray.

CELEBRATE MEMORIES The holidays are often bursting with family traditions and memories, and decor can reflect that, too. I have many items handed down over the years that I like admiring, but if they aren’t quite right for my room, there are options to bring the spirit of them to life. Framed holiday family photos in a black and white filter are an excellent way to tie in your history of celebrating in a subtle way.

LOOK TO NATURE Some of my favorite items to use for holiday decor come from a simple nature walk. Using actual items you find, or just getting inspiration from the outdoors is a great way to bring sights of the season indoors. For fall, elements such as branches, leaves and neutral gourds match with everything. For winter, I love using sticks with berries

If items aren’t working together, don’t be afraid to get crafty. Painting pumpkins with spray paint or tying some neutral ribbons around existing vases are an easy and affordable way to make them fit a specific aesthetic.

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a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

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Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY The art of gratitude can be healing well beyond the month of November, but this is a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

14. 15. 16. 17.

18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

Five things that make you happy instantly: Did you get any pleasant surprises today? Did you do any acts of kindness today? What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself? Five personality traits you're grateful for: Favorite song and how does it make you feel? One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face: List something good that caught your attention today. What nice thing did another person do for you this week? What's something you did for another person this week? Three things you own that make your life easier: How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant? Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them. What are you most thankful for in your life? Name three of your significant accomplishments. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited: Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too? What's your favorite holiday and why? What friends are you most grateful for having in your life? What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today? What are you grateful for in your career? Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for: Three things you love about your town: List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them? What meals do you enjoy most? Something you saw this week that melted your heart: A time when someone went out of their way to support you: A happy memory from childhood: Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLNE S S

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SIP, SWIRL, AND SAVOR YOUR WAY THROUGH YOUNTVILLE, THE CULINARY HEART OF NAPA

DESTINATION DELICIOUS Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experience? Yountville, which is nestled into Napa County with vineyards in every direction, is a treasure trove of foodie greatness at every turn. Here is how to take a bite out of it all.

ARTICLE BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ

R OA D T R IP | L IFE + CU LTURE

RH YOUNTVILLE RESTAURANT The flashy, splashy RH Yountville is hard to miss as it takes up nearly a full block along Yountville’s ultra-walkable downtown. The Restoration Hardwareowned property is a wine, food, and shopping mecca comprised of five separate experiences—an indoor/ outdoor restaurant with a glass roof surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees and adorned with dramatic crystal chandeliers; a two-story wine-tasting space with its own share of crystal chandeliers and a sleek limestone bar; a limited-production wine center; an espresso bar; and a boutique design gallery grander in scale than even its ever-so-lavish sister property at the Scottsdale Quarter in Scottsdale. Award-winning chef Brendan Sodikoff leads the kitchen, sourcing seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and using them as inspiration for both whimsical, shareable, and New American fare, as well as twists on comfort-food classics. His team allows vegetables to shine right along with proteins, making it the perfect place for all diets. There are at least 40 wines by the glass on the menu at any given time, many from neighboring wineries. The expertly trained staff has pairing suggestions—be they wine, craft beer, or craft cocktails—for each dish, offering recommendations based on guests’ palates and preferences over trends and their personal tastes. RH.com/yountville/restaurant

TASTING ROOM TREATS Yountville’s many wineries and vineyards toss out tradition—bellying up to a bar for a flight of wine with crackers to cleanse the palate or a basic meat and cheese board—in favor of interactive foodie fun when it comes to its tastings. RH Yountville. Photo courtesy RH Yountville

Handwritten Wines, for example, offers a Breadand-Butter Experience. During the 90-minute seated event, guests can enjoy white truffle potato chips and Bouchon Bakery baguettes, along with multiple mouthwatering artisan butters. The butters are handmade to complement five of the winery’s most awarded varietals that are made on the Napa Valley hillside and most coveted vineyard blocks. HandWrittenWines.com

Priest Ranch, which is next door to Handwritten, boasts a Bacon and Wine Tasting. A must if you love meat and wine, the 90-minute experience marries four wines with its own bacon, each of which has been flavored with everything from honey to harissa to Italian herbs to bring out distinct notes in the wine. PriestRanchWines.com

Silver Trident Winery, across the two-lane street from Priest Ranch and Handwritten—so a one-minute walk— is home to what it calls the Potato Chip Extravaganza. True to its name, those who book this crunch-tastic tasting are treated to five types of potato chips, each sourced from a small producer. Each chip comes with a glass of wine to accompany it. The combination will take your taste buds on a magical mystery tour of flavor. SilverTridentWinery.com

JCB Tasting Salon, approximately 300 feet from Silver Trident, is home to a Caviar and Sparkling Wine Pairing. This dive into the ultimate in decadence pairs four high-end sparkling wines with four distinct artisanal caviars. Prepare for bubbly effervescence and over-the-top indulgence. JCBcollection.com

Chandon is nearly a mile from the others, but well worth the three-minute drive. During its ambitious Epicurean Experience, chef Juan Cabrera highlights the beauty of bubbles by pairing his favorites with five precisely plated works of culinary art. Chandon.com

Baldacci Family Vineyards sits at the intersection of Yountville and Stag’s Leap, and its Perfect Pairings program is just that. The nibble-heavy experience explores the science of how wine and food amplify each other, and even offers suggestions of what to pair with your personal favorite bites and sips. BaldacciVineyards.com

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

ROMANTIC RESORT RESTAURANTS As one might imagine, all the accommodations in the region drip luxury, but Hotel Yountville, Bardessono Hotel and Spa, and North Block Hotel stand out, thanks in great part to their dining options.

Hotel Yountville, just steps from more than a dozen tasting rooms and boutiques and built using river rocks from the nearby Napa River, has elegance to spare—and that extends to Heritage Oak, its signature eatery. Guests in the know always arrive prior to their reservations for killer craft cocktails (and adult popsicles!) at the Y Bar before being seated for elevated comfort food infused with wine country sophistication. HotelYountville.com

Bardessono Hotel and Spa is approximately two blocks from Hotel Yountville. The striking, sprawling LEED Platinum Certified property, situated within its own vineyard, is committed to providing a lavish experience for guests and diners within a sustainable environment. Its world-renowned Lucy Restaurant & Bar—named for the Bardessono family’s matriarch—serves up craveable farm-to-fork dishes with global flair, using ingredients from the hotel’s orchards, on-site certified organic farming garden, and similarly minded farms and purveyors across the region. Bonus: The dog-friendly restaurant also has a menu for pups. Bardessono.com

North Block Hotel, which is nearly next door to RH Yountville, features all things wood-fired and wonderful at its primarily al fresco Restaurant at North Block. Beyond the gorgeous grilled main dishes, North Block is a happy hour hot spot thanks to its daily Oyster Hour, where fresh oysters are just $1, as well as a local craft beer selection and seasonally changing menu of scrumptious sourdough pizzas. NorthBlockHotel.com

A selection of options at Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono Hotel and Spa

R OA D T R IP | L IFE + CU LTURE

CELEB CHEF SUPPER CLUB No gourmet guide to Yountville would be complete without some stargazing. Many of the world’s most celebrated celebrity chefs sharpen their knives and showcase their skills in Yountville.

Bistro Jeanty

Bottega Napa Valley

French Laundry helped put the region on the map. The prix fixe spot—named by Anthony Bourdain as the best restaurant in the world—is one of the only restaurants to hold three Michelin stars. Every dish tells a story, and every visit is unique. Founder Thomas Keller is a veteran of several Food Network shows, a staple of talk shows, and a guest judge on Top Chef. FrenchLaundry.com

Mustards Grill, a casual, yet elegant spot, is known for American fare and is named to honor Napa’s yellow mustard flowers that provide vital nutrients to the vines. The restaurant is covered in them, save for the space carved out for its organic garden. Its founder is bestselling cookbook author and Top Chef: Masters contender Cynthia Pawlcyn. MustardsGrill.com

Bottega Napa Valley excels at bold Italian flavors in a dizzyingly delicious setting complete with dreamy stone fireplaces and glass chandeliers. Emmy® award-winning chef Michael Chiarello helms Bottega, always seeking to authentically connect guests with the flavors from his family’s roots in Southern Italy. BottegaNapaValley.com

Bistro Jeanty brings the French countryside to Yountville. The brainchild of Michelin star and James Beard Award-winner Philippe Jeanty, the bistro has been a Napa staple since 1998. Today, Philippe’s daughter Camille continues his legacy, creating each menu as an homage to her father’s favorite childhood food memories from his native France, and diners taste the love in every bite. BistroJeanty.com NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WI N T E R GA R D E N

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. E V E RY SAT U RDAY

NOVE M BE R 4 T H

Winter Garden Farmers Market

WIN TER GAR DEN DOWN TOWN PAV I L I O N A ND FA R ME R S MA R KE T, 1 0 4 S L A KE V I E W AV E, WIN TER GAR DEN | 8 :00 AM The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm in beautiful Historic Winter Garden. wintergardenfarmersmarket.com

Music Among the Lakes

WIN DERMER E TOWN HALL, 52 0 MA I N ST, WI NDE R ME R E , F L | 4 :0 0 P M Presented by Windermere Wine & Dine, the evening will feature the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra with an opening by the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Jazz Ensemble. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets, and low chairs to sit back with friends and neighbors. Free admission. windermerewineanddine.com

NOVE M BE R 4 T H

Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk

NEWTON PAR K, 1 S UR PRIS E DR , WI NT E R GA R DE N, F L | 8 :0 0 A M Hosted by the Winter Garden Police Athletic League. Run or walk through historic Winter Garden neighborhoods as you start and finish at Lake Apopka. Live music, sponsor tents, Krispy Kreme donuts, kids fun run, giveaways, prizes, and more! downtownwg.com

NOVE M BE R 1 5T H

An Evening with Bruce Hornsby

STEIN METZ HALL AT DR. PHIL L I P S C E NT E R , 4 4 5 S MAG NO L I A AV E , O R L A NDO, F L | 7 :3 0 P M Bruce Hornsby first rose to national prominence with The Way It Is, his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range. The title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987. Each ticket will include a copy of the Spirit Trail: 25th Anniversary Edition 3-CD box set to be picked up at the show. drphillipscenter.org CONTINUED >

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EVENTS CONTINUED

NOVEMBER 24THDECEMBER 23RD

Moonshine & Mistletoe: An Appalachian Christmas Tale

NOV EM BE R 2 6T H

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale

GAR DEN THEATR E | 7:30 PM The Ballards, Lessy Boy and Curleen, welcome family and friends into their Appalachian mountain home to celebrate Christmas Day. In the midst of the Great Depression, they have no gifts to exchange, but instead, they share their love of Appalachian hymns and carols. gardentheatre.org

DOW N TOWN W IN TER GAR DEN | 9 :0 0 P M Kick off the holiday shopping season at the annual Downtown Winter Garden Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale. The mom-and-pop shops in historic downtown make this a must stop to observe the national holiday. Stroll and shop the outdoor sale racks in the festive-decorated historic district. Be sure to pop inside for additional promotions and special savings. downtownwg.com

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EVE N TS

REAL ESTATE REPORT A detailed look into the area's most recent sales for September year over year.

WINTER GARDEN homes sold

average sales price

average $ / SQFT

$100,000 - $500,000

$403K

homes

dollars

$500,000 - $1M

homes

$1M+

19.6%

89 10.1%

14 homes

7.7%

WINDERMERE $100,000 - $500,000 $500,000 - $1M $1M+

99%

Dollars

0.7%

percent

11.4%

percent

$1.5M

$361

dollars

Dollars

10.9%

$434K

homes

dollars

92.3%

dollars

Dollars

percent

14.5%

percent

The Zero Flex 100% Financing Program by UMortgage is an innovative 1st and 2nd mortgage structure for individuals seeking to purchase a home without the traditional down payment. It essentially allows you to finance your entire down payment over 10 years. Recognizing the challenges faced by many in accumulating savings for a down payment, especially in this economic climate, UMortgage has adopted this program to alleviate that burden. Low Mortgage Insurance

No Income Limitations

Lower FICO Score Accepted

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Questions? I would love to provide personalized advice based on your financial goals and circumstances. Scan the QR code to connect.

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days

66.7%

29 61.1%

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155%

average days on market

15 2%

days

37.5%

22 1%

days

94%

Zero Flex 100% Financing Program: Summary

ZERO Down Payment

days

98% percent

REPORT

NMLS 1457759

sales to list %

7.7%

$426

2.2%

40 days

99%

Dollars

$266

$2.03M

25 homes

$251

2.9%

dollars

average days on market

97%

average $ / SQFT

$711K 23.3%

percent

$265

8.7%

98% 2.1%

dollars

average sales price

57.1%

Dollars

$687K

homes sold

homes

$245

1.3%

sales to list %

18.5%

TIFFANY PANTOZZI tiffany@alignagents.com (407) 707-8311 ALIGNagents.com @TiffanyPantozzi

90 291.3%

*Statistics from StellarMLS as of 9/20/23 and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

ASK THE LENDER Q: What's the main advantage of the Zero Flex 100% Financing over other loan programs? A: The primary benefit of the Zero Flex 100% Financing Program is that it eliminates the need for a down payment. This is particularly beneficial for borrowers who have a stable income but haven't been able to save a significant amount for a down payment.

Q: Are there any specific qualifications or criteria to be eligible for this financing? A: While the Zero Flex program is designed to be more inclusive, borrowers will still need to meet certain credit and income requirements to ensure they can handle the loan repayments.

Q: Since I'm not making a down payment, will my monthly payments be significantly higher? A: While the absence of a down payment means you're financing a larger amount, the exact monthly payment will depend on your loan terms, interest rate, and loan duration. However, it's essential to be aware that with 100% financing, your monthly payments might be higher than if you had opted for a traditional mortgage with a down payment.

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