Whether it’s dinner with a spouse, a relaxing lunch with co-workers or even an exclusive private party in the restaurant’s renowned wine cellar, Hannibal’s on the Square in downtown Winter Park, FL doesn’t disappoint. This month, I was lucky enough to be invited by a fellow Kennedy’s member and local restaurateur, Matthew Anderson, to experience what is quickly becoming a staple of Winter Park’s dining and social scene. Having never visited Hannibal’s before, I quickly accepted the invitation and was very happy I did. From the engaging staff that greeted my wife and I as we walked through the door, to the impeccable service and attention to detail, Hannibal’s didn’t just offer a meal, it offered a complete dining experience that masterfully coordinated food and drink service with live entertainment and just the right amount of privacy.

As it was my first time at Hannibal’s, I wanted to experience as much of the menu as I could and asked our host to walk us through each course as it was presented. The chef prepared a phenomenal menu for us that began with a diver scallop and shrimp gnocchi served in a vodka cream sauce with shallots. As a perfect compliment to this dish, our host added a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, even further accentuating the flavorful sauce and succulent seafood.

The appetizer had certainly done its job… wetting our appetite and getting us even more excited about the courses to come. Our second dish was a well-portioned fresh Romaine Caesar Salad en croute served with a nectarous pouilly fuisse. While staying with the traditional Caesar ingredients, the chef was able to soften the typically defining flavor of anchovies and emphasized a refreshing citrus taste that was expertly matched with the chilled pouilly fuisse.

It was time for the entrée to be served, and just like the two dishes before it, each element of the meal continued to build on one another, stimulating a new area of the palate with each item served. A delectable mixed grill comprised of seared duck l’orange and center cut filet mignon in a cracked peppercorn cream sauce was presented without flaw. The accompanying full-bodied cabernet syrah blend intensified the rich flavor of the meat and left us satisfied beyond belief. And while I am usually too stuffed to eat anymore at this point, the chef’s skilled portioning combined with the shear flavor packed into everything we’d had thus far, resulted in us being more than ready for the crescendo, everybody’s favorite, dessert! Our host eloquently presented us with a raspberry and chocolate mousse in a mango coulis along with a champagne kir with fresh honeycomb. The soft chocolate mixed with the sweet flavors of the mango, raspberry and honey offered a magnificent culmination to a divine meal and overall enchanting experience.

In addition to Hannibal’s fantastic food, extensive wine list and unparalleled service that we enjoyed during our visit, the restaurant offers even more to it guests. With live music five days a week, a private wine cellar furnished with flat screen televisions for special events and a proprietary brand of vodka exclusively served at Hannibal’s (Enlightened Grain Spirits), the restaurant gives is customers a variety of ways to enjoy themselves.

“The idea is for our guests to be welcomed as if into their own home. Our staff maintains an exceedingly professional yet warm rapport with each person who passes through our doors, with the sincere desire that they will enjoy the restaurant as much as we do,” said general manager Matt Anderson.

Hannibal’s on the Square was founded by Executive Chef, Vincent Gagliano and his wife Teri in 2008 as a compliment to their already existing restaurant, Chez Vincent, which has remained one of Winter Park’s premier dining venues since its inception in 1997. Gagliano is a highly decorated chef, winning many local, national and international awards for his flavorful cuisine. He was the top graduating apprentice from culinary school in Clermont Ferrand, France, and continues to impress his customers with his commitment to providing only the most pleasurable dining experience.

You can visit Hannibal’s on the Square online for reservations or to view the menu and wine list at www.hannibalslounge.com.

Tony Zara is Executive Vice President of Mercantile Commercial Capital where he manages the financial underwriting and business development functions of the company. His expertise in sales and finance has enabled he, and his team, to grow Mercantile Commercial Capital’s loan production to over $100 million a year in a very short period of time. As Executive Vice President of Mercantile, Tony has also played an intricate role in developing and implementing the company’s ACE Correspondent Program that was rolled out during 2006. The Program has offered a partnership opportunity to mortgage brokers throughout the United States who wanted to not only share in the enormous income opportunities MCC has identified, but also realize the marketing power that the team at MCC has deployed so effectively in the past. Tony has been a key player in this MCC area development strategy with its correspondents and has been involved with the sale of over 35 territories in just 18 months.

Prior to joining Mercantile, Tony worked as a Business Analyst for American Express in London, England. While in London, he worked within Global Network Services and was responsible for the successful implementation of American Express Blue™ smart chip technology throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His day to day responsibilities included international government relations, business development, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

Tony is an active member in several national organizations such as the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG), Wharton Alumnae Association, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Orlando Class 66, National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
Tony earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. While there, he also played quarterback for the Quaker’s football team, which recorded 33 wins, only 7 losses, and 2 Ivy League Championships during his tenure. Tony is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf in his spare time. He and his wife Catherine live in Longwood, FL with their five year old son, Zachary.

Buckle your seatbelt, grab a hold of the wheel and get ready to experience Orlando’s premiere event venue. In a city known for mouse ears and roller coasters lies a little-known jewel embedded with $30 million of some of the rarest driving machines the world has ever seen. From the Bugatti Veyron to the Ferrari Enzo, Luxautica The Ultimate Car Club has not only been recognized as the premiere collection of exotic “supercars” in the United States, but is also known for its state-of-the-art, luxurious facilities that house events ranging from formal social gatherings to professional business meetings and special birthday celebrations.

This month, I was lucky enough to visit the Luxautica gallery and experience what car enthusiasts around the world have called, “a collector’s dream.” Upon my arrival, it certainly wasn’t difficult to see what that enthusiasm was all about after only a few short steps into the main gallery. Yes, I’m sure I looked like my 5-year-old son on Christmas, but who could blame me? I was among some of the rarest automobiles in the world and was given the opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted soaking up the unparalleled craftsmanship, design and engineering that each possesses. Combine that with the countless plasma screen displays, state-of-the-art virtual racing simulators and luxurious clubhouse accommodations, I found myself in the ultimate VIP setting couched in uniqueness and unprecedented service. I thought I would stay a while.

Originally, Luxautica operated as a driving club for only the wealthiest individuals, but it recently shifted gears to avail gentlemen of all walks of life the opportunity to experience and enjoy one of the most exclusive automobile collections in the world, either by patronizing the car gallery or by holding events at the facility. “Luxautica was designed for those who enjoy the best of everything,” said Rebecca Annillo, director of events.

And the best is what you get… seven days a week, the Exotic Car Gallery is open to the general public, with the collection regularly rotating to spotlight ten of the world’s finest cars at any given time. Features include such names as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Maserati, Porsche, and many more. Patrons are also offered a first-class shopping experience with access to licensed merchandise from their favorite manufacturers. But the high-priced cars and swanky merchandise aren’t the only reasons to visit this automotive oasis… the facility also boasts some of the most chic event space in the city. With a large outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful Orlando skyline, an indoor rotunda furnished with luxurious designer pieces, and a posh, full-service bar featuring a 16-plasma screen display, Luxautica offers an ideal setting for any social or business event.

And yet with seemingly every detail attended to, there was even more I hadn’t yet noticed. As I continued up the stairs into the second-story lounge overlooking the spectacular group of vehicles, my eyes were quickly drawn to the original artwork adorning the walls. With many of the pieces commissioned specifically for the club, the unique artistic interpretations of the collection magnificently captured the essence of each car. This was just another personal touch adding to the overall experience and makes Luxautica the distinctive venue it has become.

By the time I finished marveling at the artwork, drooling over the cars, and planning my next party in the sumptuous lounge, I may have outstayed my welcome. But the first-class staff would never have let me know it. From eager children to cigar-smoking business men, every patron of the gallery seemed to be treated with the utmost professionalism and respect. Though my short visit to Luxautica had come to an end, I knew I’d be back soon. With a little something for everybody, it is an experience I knew I could soon share with my car buddies, my family, and even my business associates alike. Luxautica offers a glimpse of luxury and extravagance rarely ever seen under one roof, and it can be enjoyed by all. The newest, hottest attraction has clearly sped its way into Orlando, and its here to stay!

Tony Zara is Executive Vice President of Mercantile Commercial Capital where he manages the financial underwriting and business development functions of the company. His expertise in sales and finance has enabled he, and his team, to grow Mercantile Commercial Capital’s loan production to over $100 million a year in a very short period of time. As Executive Vice President of Mercantile, Tony has also played an intricate role in developing and implementing the company’s ACE Correspondent Program that was rolled out during 2006. The Program has offered a partnership opportunity to mortgage brokers throughout the United States who wanted to not only share in the enormous income opportunities MCC has identified, but also realize the marketing power that the team at MCC has deployed so effectively in the past. Tony has been a key player in this MCC area development strategy with its correspondents and has been involved with the sale of over 35 territories in just 18 months.

Prior to joining Mercantile, Tony worked as a Business Analyst for American Express in London, England. While in London, he worked within Global Network Services and was responsible for the successful implementation of American Express Blue™ smart chip technology throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His day to day responsibilities included international government relations, business development, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

Tony is an active member in several national organizations such as the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG), Wharton Alumnae Association, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Orlando Class 66, National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
Tony earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. While there, he also played quarterback for the Quaker’s football team, which recorded 33 wins, only 7 losses, and 2 Ivy League Championships during his tenure. Tony is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf in his spare time. He and his wife Catherine live in Longwood, FL with their five year old son, Zachary.

It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to play golf with a TV star, a legendary golfer, and an international sports superstar. But just a few short weeks ago, Adam Wonus, one of our newest Kennedy’s franchisees, and I got that opportunity when we won our way into the Audi Quattro Cup U.S. Final at Pelican Hill in beautiful Newport Beach, California.

With the Pacific Ocean in the background and a cigar in hand, Adam and I swung the clubs with Dennis Haysbert (former president David Palmer on the Fox television series “24”), renowned golfer/commentator Ken Venturi and LPGA phenom, Lorena Ochoa. While I would love to say our nerves were steady and it was just another day on the golf course, I would be lying if I did.

Yes, believe it or not, attempting to precisely hit a tiny, white ball in front of two golfing legends and a TV star was unnerving to say the least. But despite our nearly debilitating excitement, we were able to put together a solid round of golf that included Adam missing a hole-in-one by mere centimeters and me knocking it closer to the pin on a daunting par 3 than the number-one ranked female golfer in the world.

As a lifelong golf fanatic who loves and respects the game, the experience was exhilarating and unforgettable. And, as Adam and I mused after the round, there isn’t another sport in this world that can bring together such diversely talented (or not so talented) individuals to compete on the same stage… however small that stage may be. We both agreed that it is that simple fact that brings us back to the course week in and week out. It’s that chance at glory that comes with every golf shot no matter how tall, how strong, or how fast you are. It is a game that rewards precise thinking as much as precise physical execution. It’s not me against Tiger Woods (if I could ever be so lucky), it’s me against the course; it’s me against the elements; it’s me against me. I was fortunate enough to learn that lesson from my father at a young age, and it is one that transcends the game of golf. Whether it is learning how to combat negative thoughts, traverse unpredictable circumstances, or simply take a drop when we really just want to try and pull off the miracle shot, we can apply many of these lessons to our lives as businessmen, husbands, fathers and sons.

To all who truly value the sport, golf is a “gentleman’s game.” Not because it is a game limited to the privileged or elite, but because it is a game that commands no less than the utmost integrity and honor among its competitors. Whether young or old, four hours on any golf course will surely evoke the spectrum of human emotions from all of us. But because we chase those spectacular, pure shots that seem so few and far between, we learn to channel that emotion and give the game the respect it ultimately deserves, one swing at a time.

No, I don’t think 2009 will be the year I win my first major or that I’ll get to stare down Tiger on the 18th green at Augusta. But just like the many years I’ve had the opportunity to play this great game, it will assuredly be another year that the game of golf affords me invaluable lessons I can draw upon throughout my personal and business life. It will be a year that we’ll all feel the nerves over that three-foot putt, even if Ken Venturi isn’t watching intently in the background. It will be a year that we’ll mistakenly hit two balls out of bounds off the first tee. And it will be a year that so many rejoice when that last putt falls to break 90. It will be a year no different than any before it – no matter the disappointment or the elation; we’ll keep coming back for more because, after all, that last putt did fall.

Tony Zara is Executive Vice President of Mercantile Commercial Capital where he manages the financial underwriting and business development functions of the company. His expertise in sales and finance has enabled he, and his team, to grow Mercantile Commercial Capital’s loan production to over $100 million a year in a very short period of time. As Executive Vice President of Mercantile, Tony has also played an intricate role in developing and implementing the company’s ACE Correspondent Program that was rolled out during 2006. The Program has offered a partnership opportunity to mortgage brokers throughout the United States who wanted to not only share in the enormous income opportunities MCC has identified, but also realize the marketing power that the team at MCC has deployed so effectively in the past. Tony has been a key player in this MCC area development strategy with its correspondents and has been involved with the sale of over 35 territories in just 18 months.

Prior to joining Mercantile, Tony worked as a Business Analyst for American Express in London, England. While in London, he worked within Global Network Services and was responsible for the successful implementation of American Express Blue™ smart chip technology throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His day to day responsibilities included international government relations, business development, strategic planning, and financial analysis.

Tony is an active member in several national organizations such as the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG), Wharton Alumnae Association, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Orlando Class 66, National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP).
Tony earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. While there, he also played quarterback for the Quaker’s football team, which recorded 33 wins, only 7 losses, and 2 Ivy League Championships during his tenure. Tony is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf in his spare time. He and his wife Catherine live in Longwood, FL with their five year old son, Zachary.