In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

Forte – European Tapas Bar & Bistro

By Aly Wagonseller

It’s strangely exciting finding a neighborhood restaurant like Forte European Tapas Bar, located at 4180 So. Rainbow Blvd.; a place where the food is as eclectic as the décor. It’s funky…charming…reminiscent of  bistros you stumble upon in dark European alleyways, yet this one’s propped in a nondescript strip mall you’ve no doubt droned past countless times during commute. Clandestine comes to mind. The dinner conversations, mostly in Eastern European dialects, halted eerily upon our entrance into the establishment. The polite, albeit noticeable stares acknowledged a stranger was in their midst. Dramatic, I know, but seriously, I felt like a camera toting, sandal wearing tourist, fully exposed to the scrutiny that Americans bring upon themselves when travelling abroad. Will I be able to pronounce the food names while ordering? Just exactly what was that I ordered? Do they really prepare Albondigas meatballs that rare in their country of origin, and if I send them back, will I offend the chef? It’s these delightful idiosyncrasies that make Forte a “go to” destination for those that crave a dining experience that’s slightly off-kilter from the norm.  

The cuisine is hardly your average small plate fare. No dumbed-down, Americanized tapas here. In fact, many of the dishes aren’t even of Spanish descent, instead calling upon the heartier styles of cooking found in Russia, Hungary and Bulgaria.  Granted, they do have safer bets for the less adventuresome eater–chicken wings sautéed in garlic and Spanish olive oil, mac & cheese and stroganoff all come to mind. And yes, you’ll find the requisite jamon, Manchego cheese, chorizo, and bacon wrapped dates with almonds (ours unfortunately torched to an inedible, blackened crisp) you’d expect from any self respecting restaurant with tapas in their title. But it’s selections like Stuffed Squid in its own ink, eggs baked in clay pots with a variety of meats and cheeses, and an array of dumplings and other homey specialties that make Forte truly memorable.

Pelmeni, Russian style meat dumplings, were a clear stand-out and reminiscent of homemade pyrohy my mom and Ukrainian grandmother used to make.  Just enough spice in the filling, tender dough of perfect consistency (too thick and they’re gluey, too thin and they don’t hold up) and a nice slathering of thickened sour cream…aaah memories. The addition of green onion and chopped dill added nice texture and freshness to the dish.  Aforementioned meatballs, served with a spicy aioli, were aggressively seasoned, of generous portion size, and although a bit rare in temperature and just a tad rubbery for my taste, respectable.   Still, the dish that will have me coming back time and again is the Adjarski Khachapurri.  No need to wait for a dreaded hangover to enjoy this dish, although it would be the perfect counterpart for too many swigs of infused vodka, something Forte brews countertop in their bar. Piping hot, impossibly crusty bread that’s shaped like a hollowed out canoe is filled with mildly salty pickled cheese and a raw egg.  Twirl your fork (or ask your server to do it) through the egg and the heat of the bread cooks it while melting the cheese underneath.  The bread somehow stays crisp, making the perfect vehicle for sopping up the amalgamation of delicious protein.  Who’d have thought simple ingredients of cheese, bread and egg could be so heavenly?    

Much like many European eateries, the service was not overly friendly or helpful, something that could be attributed to one server trying to man the entire restaurant on our Monday night visit.  No matter.  With vodkas to try, egg and cheese to devour and so many other international items on the menu left to experience, a trip back to Forte is happily in order.  For info, call them at 220-3876.

School Is Back In – And Physical Fitness Is Too

By Dr. Michael Crovetti

With summer vacation already behind us, our children are preparing to hit the books for the new school year. We all know what that means; more work, less play. But just because leisure time is shortened, that doesn’t mean keeping our children active and fit should take a back burner to studies. To the contrary, staying active throughout the year helps children maintain a healthy lifestyle and positive mental attitude while warding off the dangerous epidemic of childhood obesity.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and adolescents should stay physically activefor at least 60 minutes per day, but not necessarily all at the same time. While adults have the capacity to grind out an hour of structured, programmed exercise like aerobics or circuit training, children and some teenagers need more flexibility to keep their interest. For that reason, it’s advisable to break the 60 minutes of activity up throughout the day. Adding variety and, most of all, fun will help out as well.

The Daily Dose

Fortunately, most Clark County schools still hold recess and P.E. class during the day for a quick boost of energy. Keep in mind, however, if P.E. class is 50 minutes, and your child spends 20 minutes of that time dressing in and out for the class, they still have another 30 minutes of activity left before they meet the requirement. Try the following tips to keep your children fit as fiddles during the school year.  

Give them a choice and offer encouragement. One of the biggest obstacles to staying fit is staying motivated, and children are more likely to engage in activities they enjoy, rather than the ones they feel pushed into participating in by a parental figure. Discuss activities, games and sports your children have an interest in and actively encourage their participation.

Encourage free play. An hour at the nearby park, a bike ride around the neighborhood, a dip in the swimming pool or just simple outdoor free play are all ideal, unstructured forms of exercise that will keep your children entertained while they stay fit.

Get into the youth sports action. Along with the obvious physical benefits, organized team or individual sports are a great way to teach your child teamwork, discipline, self-confidence and social skills.

Take family walks. Why not make fitness a group thing? Taking walks before or after dinner is an easy and enjoyable way to promote activity among the entire family. It’s also a great way to spend some time together catching up on the day’s events.

Play active video games. Video games like Wii Fit and Just Dance can give your child the best of both worlds–a couple hours in front of the TV and a heart-pumping workout. They’ll be having so much fun playing, swinging and moving they won’t even realize they’re getting exercise.

Make chores part of the routine. Chores are a bore, but they’re physical. Even if your child doesn’t always have the opportunity to play, they can still burn calories doing good old-fashioned housework. Chores like vacuuming, taking out the trash, raking leaves in the backyard, cleaning their room, etc. all count toward the 60-minute-per-day requirement.

Don’t take shortcuts. Elevator and car rides? Who needs ‘em? Just as it’s recommended to adults, encourage your children to take the stairs instead of the elevator and walk or ride their bikes short distances to the store or to a friend’s house. (This has the added bonus of saving you gas money!)

In the race to get through homework, dinner and family time to bedtime, sometimes it’s easy to overlook one of the most important ingredients to healthy living. Take time to encourage activity and have fun while you’re at it! Just 60 minutes a day can lead to a lifetime of good habits and excellent well-being.

Dr. Michael Crovetti is a board certified Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and joint replacement surgery.  He is the Founder and Medical Director of Crovetti Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Coronado Surgery Center and the Coronado Surgical Recovery Suites. To learn more, go to www.crovettiortho.com.

Trent Philip Gneiting

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2012

Palo Verde High School Student Body President Trent Gneiting is, like most high-achieving young adults, a student of life, learning each day to keep pushing forward through both thick and thin. What sets him apart is that he is also a teacher, of sorts, with a heart-felt intention to prove that life is not merely a series of action and reward; that true success comes from treating others fairly and giving selflessly for nothing more than the joy that it brings. Charging ahead of the game academically, athletically and in a role of leadership, Trent Gneiting can always be found in a place where hard work meets kindness and enthusiasm, and for that, he is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.350

Sports/Activities:      

• Freshman Basketball, 2008/09; JV, 2009/10; Varsity, 2010-12
• Freshman Football, 2008-09; JV, 2009-10
• JV Men’s Volleyball, 2008/09; Varsity, 2009-12
• Freshman Class President, 2008/09
• Sophomore Class Representative, 2009/10
• Student Body Second Vice President, 2010/11
• Student Body President, 2011/12
• Pep Club, 2010-12
• ICC Founder and President, 2010-12

Awards/Community Service:                       

• Rotary Youth Leadership Award, 2011
• Nevada Boys State Delegate, 2011
• Boys Nation Nominee/Alternate, 2011
• American Legion Gold Medal of Leadership, 2011
• Scholar Athlete, 2010-12
• Sunset Region 2^nd Team–Volleyball, 2011
• Eagle Scout
• Organized and Assembled 250 Health Kits for Salvation Army, 2010
• Lupus Foundation Volunteer, 2010/11

Goals & Aspirations: “I plan to attend Brigham Young University in Provo Utah then serve a two year mission for the LDS church.  I will then major in business and minor in political science.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being Student Body President for one of the most successful high schools in the state. Go Palo!”

Trent is Stronger and Wiser Because: “I lost my election for class president sophomore year. When this happened, I was inspired to work that much harder to accomplish my goal of becoming student body president.”

Part of the Solution: “Many young people expect much, but only want to give a little.  There is much to be said about giving service without a reward.  We can find true joy in life by serving our fellow man.”

Dominique Stewart

Palo Verde High School                   

Class of 2012

Never give up, never give in. This is the philosophy that drives great movers and shakers; those that stop at nothing to obtain their goals. Palo Verde High School senior Dominique Stewart is one of them, and it is through no shortage of dedication and fortitude that everything seems to be going to plan for this young go-getter. Well-rounded and spirited, she sets out each day to make the most of her talents and abilities with a positive attitude and powerful work ethic that gets the job done. For all that and more, Dominique Stewart is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.:  4.25

Sports/Activities/Community Service:  

• Cheer Squad, 2008-Present; Freshman Team Co-Captain, 2008/09
• Encore Dance Team, 2008-10; Team Captain, 2008-10
• Concert Choir, 2008-Present
• Palo Verde Fashion Show Core Model, 2009
• All Shook Up, 2009; Ain’t Misbehavin’, 2010; Little Shop of Horrors, 2011
• Trinity Church Band, 2010-Present     
• Black History Club, 2008-10; Pep Club, 2009-Present
• Batteries Included, 2011
• Veterans Memorial & Mirabelli Leisure Center Volunteer, 2009-10
• Three Square Volunteer, 2011-Present
• Magical Forest & Breast Cancer Awareness Performer, 2007-10

Scholarships/Awards:

• UCA All-American Cheerleader & NDA All-American Dance, 2008-Present
• NDA All-American Dancer and Most Innovative Choreography, 2009
• Outstanding Concert Choir Soloist, 2010/11; 1^st Place Soloist–PVHS Talent Show, 2010
• African American Scholar Award, 2011
• Anaheim Heritage Festival Choral Sweepstakes Award, 2011; Outstanding Choral Group, 2011; 1^st Place Gold Concert Choir, 2010/11; Maestro Award, 2010/11
• UCA Camp Champion and Superior Performance Awards, 2009

Goals & Aspirations: “My everyday goal is to positively inspire and affect as many people as I possibly can. As for the future, I plan on completing college then going on to law school while still expanding my career in the music and entertainment field.”

Dominique is Stronger and Wiser Because: “In middle school, after working towards tryouts for both show choir and cheer squad, I didn’t make either group. I never gave up though, and turned out to be an award winning musician and a top athlete. The lesson learned was that no matter what, you should keep pushing towards what you want.”

Part of the Solution: “A lot of young adults today feel that they can’t individually make a difference in the world. But what they fail to realize is that if 500 people make that same small step, that is a huge difference made in our community. I could help by reaching out to those people by example and letting them know that they can help.”

Quinton Akeem Alexander

Cimarron-Memorial High School

Class of 2012

Charisma, resilience and courage. These are the qualities that boost the underdogs of the world to legendary status. They are also qualities that Cimarron-Memorial High School Student Body President Quinton Alexander admires and strives to apply to all that he endeavors. If his accomplishments thus far are any indication, he’s doing a fine job of it, adding a few of his own winning traits to the equation for success. With a positive outlook, humility and faith on his side, he’s putting everything he’s got toward attaining his high-reaching aspirations, and for that, Quinton Alexander is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.83

 Sports/Activities:

• Freshman Football, 2009
• JV Football, 2010
• Varsity Football, 2011
• Varsity Track, 2009-Present
• Multi-Cultural Show/Talent Show, 2010    
• Student Council, 2011/12
• Student Body President, 2011/12

Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:

• MVP Offense–Freshman Football, 2009
• MVP Offense–JV Football, 2010
• Most Improved–Varsity Track, 2009
• Academic Achievements Wall–1^st Quarter Social Studies, 2010
• Zappos Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon Volunteer, 2011
• Summerlin Independence Day Parade Volunteer, 2010/11

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of staying out of trouble and on the right track toward success. I’m proud to have been one of the few freshmen to make it to the NIAA Track and Field State Championship and place 2^nd in the 4×400 meter relay.”

Quinton is Successful Because: “My optimism, motivation and faith in God help me to be successful. I like to see things from a brighter perspective no matter how bad a situation may look. In track, if someone is faster or more in shape than I am, it motivates me to get better. My faith in God guides me throughout life to make the right decisions.”

Quinton Looks Up To: “I look up to the people who are courageous enough to stand up for what they believe in; people who have suffered from addiction but found the strength to quit. I look up to the people who are deemed losers, ugly or incapable of success, but who become winners, beautiful in every aspect of living and successful in the end.”

Quinton is Stronger and Wiser Because: “So far, I haven’t had to overcome any major obstacles. Minor experiences such as losing and getting injured have taught me things. I overcame these simple problems by learning from my mistakes, re-evaluating my habits, and changing to better myself in the long run.”

Taylor Pori

Faith Lutheran High School

Class of 2012

Life is what you make it, and Faith Lutheran High School Student Body President Taylor Pori is making it great. A force to be reckoned with on the field and in the classroom, she consistently keeps up a rigorous schedule that others might find intimidating. But she handles it with ease, taking responsibility for every action, capitalizing on her strengths and bounding forward from adversity. With a fiery zest for achieving her greatest potential while staying humble and kind, she’s climbing ever steadily toward a life she can be proud of, and for that, Taylor Pori is – A Step Above.

G.P.A.: 3.8 

 Sports/Activities:

• Club Soccer, 2005-09
• Varsity Soccer, 2008-Present
• Club Lacrosse, 2009-Present
• Varsity Lacrosse, 2008-Present
• Under Armour Underclassmen All American–Western Region, 2011  
• Verbatim Leadership Council, 2011
• Class President, 2008-11
• Student Body President, 2011/12

 Awards/Community Service:

• National Society of High School Scholars, 2009-Present
• Most Improved Player–Lacrosse, 2009; Best Offensive Player, 2011
• Homecoming Princess, 2008
• Congressional Youth Leader, 2008
• People to People Ambassador, 2009
• Opportunity Village Volunteer, 2007-Present
• Vacation Bible School Counselor at Faith Lutheran Community Church, 2011
• Peer Helper, 2009-Present
• Key Club, 2008-Present
• Investing Club, 2010-Present
• Teens Against Tobacco Use, 2008-Present
• National Junior Honor Society, 2008-09    

Taylor is Successful Because: “I am successful because of my hard work, time management, the support I receive everyday from my family and loving what I do. If I put my mind to something I can almost always do it. The support I receive from my family, however, allows me to aim high and reminds me to never give up on something I truly want.” 

Taylor is Stronger and Wiser Because: “An obstacle that has made me a stronger person was my parents’ divorce. It taught me patience, understanding, and gave me a way of looking at things more positively. It was my first real struggle, and I believe it has made me stronger, helped me to grow in my faith, and showed me that great things can come from the worst situations.” 

Part of the Solution: “I believe a key issue facing young adults today is self-image. This breeds low self-esteem and can quickly turn into eating disorders, depression, use of steroids and the like. I hope to be a part of the solution by setting an example that correct diet and exercise go a long way. Also, it’s never terrible to splurge on dessert every once in a while.”