Viola’s – Gnocchi For The Soul

A Story About Overcoming Tragedy Through The Strength Of The Community And Each Other. 

When my husband and I were newly engaged, we attended a premarital counseling class through our church. I remember the pastor encouraging us to find an older couple in our lives that have a strong, loving relationship that we would like to emulate.  We were asked to spend time with that couple, and even solicit relationship advice based on their years of being happily married.  At the time, we both looked at one another, lost, searching each other for an answer.

A few years later, I met Helen Viola. She worked with my husband, and immediately I adored her. She brought a sense of honest joyfulness to my life. When she told me her husband, Andy, had been in the restaurant business for years, being a foodie myself, I had to meet him and pick his brain. We became fast friends. All four of us connected through our love of food, and respect for the hard-work ethic we all brought to the table. As the years went on, I followed Andy and Helen through their culinary journey by doing small marketing jobs for them here and there, really just enough so they would feed me (and not just my appetite). Being around the Viola’s was like drinking a cup of warm soup on a cold night.

Finally, it was time for Andy and Helen’s dream to become a reality, and open up a restaurant with their name adorning the sign out front.  Viola’s Pizza, Pasta and Seafood opened for business in September 2014 in St. Augustine Beach.  Although Viola’s was over an hour journey from our home, my husband and I would drive down as often as we could.  From the minute one walks through the restaurant’s glass door, everything reminds you of Andy and Helen. It was like finally seeing, smelling, and tasting their love of food, and their love for each other.

I once asked Helen if she had any regulars that come in every week, and she responded with, “Actually, we have guests that come in four to five times a week that are like family.” Then I thought, they probably feel the same way we feel when we visit Viola’s. Like we’re home. We feel like family too.

For the first time, Viola’s Restaurant closed for four days to complete a major renovation.  Every chair rail had been wiped down and the restaurant had never looked so polished. Andy and Helen locked the restaurant doors that night, and for the first time in years, flew north to New England to spend some much needed relaxation time together.

Then, just two days later, on October 7, 2016, Hurricane Matthew blew through St. Augustine Beach like a steamroller. As my family hunkered down in Jacksonville, hoping the worst was not true, we anxiously awaited word from Helen and Andy. Nothing. For days we waited, until finally we saw the Facebook posting –

It is with heavy hearts that we bring you this update: In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, Viola's Pizza, Pasta & Seafood has suffered significant water damage caused by the storm surge. Our building is still standing but we will be closed for business until further notice…

I immediately burst into tears and couldn’t get the words out to read this news to my family. Later, Helen and Andy told us that they desperately tried to get home to help secure their restaurant, but all flights were cancelled. They were trapped. They watched the news helplessly as Hurricane Matthew inched closer and closer to the Florida coast.

Almost a month later, the Viola’s are still picking up the pieces. The restaurant still stands, but had to be completely gutted on the ground floor due to significant water damage, not only to the building, but all of the equipment. And yet, they journey on, even after being denied by the insurance company, who will only cover the flood damage to the actual structure.  They journey on, because that is what they do. Their journey is strong in faith and in each other.

Some days are filled with good news, small lights at the end of the tunnel, and some days are filled with major setbacks. On those days, Helen and Andy lean on each other for support, and the outpouring of support from their small beach community. This gives them the strength to say things like, “We are so lucky to have three full-time employees stick with us to help us through this. Instead of making pizzas they are hammering nails.” The Viola’s are paying these staff members full-salary with no income to them currently available.

In the few short hours that I visited with Andy and Helen at the restaurant, no less than a dozen eager patrons said the same thing over and over, “When will Viola’s reopen? We really need our Viola’s fix!” Andy and Helen would sweetly say with a smile, “We hope to be open in a few weeks.”

Our hope is that all hurricane restorations will be complete soon enough, and Viola’s will be open again for business within the next month. Until then, I will be dreaming about the gnocchi in vodka sauce Andy always prepares especially for us when we come down to eat at Viola’s Pizza, Pasta and Seafood. Homemade gnocchi, paired with the warm smiles and hugs from our family friends, who may as well be a cup of warm soup, or gnocchi, for the soul. ~

Written By:

Lisa Skowfoe

If you would like to donate to Viola's Pizza, Pasta & Seafood Restaurant to aid in the Hurricane Matthew restoration project, please click the icon below:

Andy & Helen Viola

Pizza Love!

Helen & Andy Viola Wedding Photo

Viola's Children: Tony, Sarah, & AJ Viola

Viola's Holiday Party

Chef Michele & Andy Viola

Preparing Homemade Gnocchi

Family Gatherings at Viola's

Viola's Pizza, Pasta & Seafood Crew

The Dish of my Dreams!

Music By The Sea Festival

Pizza Art

Family Fun at Viola's

Fun Times at Viola's

Andy, Helen & Sarah Viola

Sarah in her #ST Strong Halloween Costume

Helen & Andy Viola

A Valentine’s Love Affair With The Theater

My Review of The Phantom of the Opera.

I recall the first time I saw Phantom of the Opera. It was the show’s second U.S. Tour, which happened to be the first time I ever went to the theater. I was twelve, and it was at the 5^th Avenue Theater in downtown Seattle.  It was magical.  Everything from the sets, to the lights, costumes, and beautifully haunting music - The entire experience was nothing less than enchanting.  At that point, I knew I was hooked!  Thus began my love affair with the theater. I dreamed of the day I could journey to New York City and get lost in the sights and sounds of Broadway in Times Square. 

Many years later, and nearly 100 shows later, I am a self-admitted “Theater Junkie.” I suppose my passion for the performing arts is also partly due to my mother introducing me to her entire collection of Rodgers and Hammerstein on VHS at a very young age.  While other kids were watching cartoons, playing video games or outside riding bikes, we would put in musicals like Oklahoma!, The King and I, and The Music Man. We would then act out our favorite scenes and dance around the room on those typical rainy days in Seattle.

In viewing a very intimate online interview with the Phantom of the Opera’s cast in New York, the young actress who plays Christine Daae’ lights up as she explains how touched she is when fans still wait for her at the stage door to greet her after a performance. Many tell her this is their first theater experience, much like Phantom was mine. I still truly believe that The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most perfect shows to get your feet wet with the theater, due to the plethora of reasons I have illustrated below.

Remembering the original production, I went into this new tour with my eyes wide open, expecting some differences, as that was the word on the press trail. I sat in my plush, red velvet seat, intensely waiting for the show to begin. Then, as the first note of that hunting organ played the theme, a sudden flood of nostalgia washed over me.  Wrapped in memories from my youth, I loved the surprises around every corner that marked this production as an unmistakable reproduction of the original, with a fresh new perspective and personality of it’s own.  Without going into too much detail, as I don’t want to spoil this experience for future theater goers, Christine’s character has been given more strength and free-will. She makes the conscience decision to follow her “Angel of Music” to further her singing career, as opposed to being hypnotized by his trance, and blindly following him into his lair. Any woman can appreciate the new strength given to our heroine, which modernizes this new production.

This new adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is an invigorating thrill for the senses!  First, all the sights including the new set design, costumes, choreography, and lighting illuminates the mind. Next, the titillating lasting aroma of the larger-than-life theatrical props, all-the-while feeling the emotions through the thespians portrayal of these deep characters, including love, lust, fear, betrayal and pain.  Last, and most captivating, the sounds of the intense and chilling music seeps into the inner-most depths of your soul.

The entire cast was absolutely amazing, from Katie Travis’ portrayal of Christine Daae’, to Storm Lineberger’s as Raoul, to Jacquelynne Fontaine’s as “Prima Donna” Carlotta Giudicelli, and Phumzile Sojola’s as Ubaldo Piangi!

That said, the “Angel of Music,” The Phantom, Chris Mann, stole the show!  As some remember, Mann’s rise to stardom originated on NBC’s hit reality show The Voice four years ago.  Unbelievably, this is Mann’s first ever casting in a Broadway production. His portrayal of the Phantom is astounding, and nothing short of a stellar performance that mirrors a well-seasoned professional. Not only is Mann’s singing phenomenal, but his acting in this newly adapted show is beyond compare! Cheers to Mann and the rest of the cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera!

Brava! Brava! Bravissima!

This new, incredible production of the Phantom of the Opera has a 10-day run in Jacksonville at the Times-Union Center, Moran Theater from February 10–21, 2016.

Do not delay in seeing this show – Purchase tickets here.

Hundreds of Dancing Feet On 42nd Street!

My Review of 42nd Street the Broadway Musical.

Transport yourself to 1933, four years into the great depression, New York City.  To say times were tough would be an understatement.  I recall my grandmother telling me that she would work long hours as a seamstress in downtown Seattle, just to pay rent for her tiny studio flat, which she shared with four other girls.  Unfortunately, when times are tough, industries like the performance arts and theater suffer greatly.

42^nd Street is a fictional, yet historical reference to the times in 1933. Famed director, Julian Marsh, needs a smash hit and is holding auditions for his latest show “Pretty Lady.” Now that the tone has been set for the importance of the acclaim of the show, with each passing scene you feel Marsh’s desperation increase for a sensational cast. Finally, his passion for success is superseded by desperately falling in love with the one woman who could save the show and steal his heart.

42^nd Street is a quirky musical comedy, where you definitely “come and meet those dancing feet.” Every act is chock-full of dance numbers, which will have you tapping your feet along with the music, and laughing at the comedic overacting of the showgirls, who drip with sarcasm and bosomy charm. 

If you love tap dancing numbers, this is the show for you! I absolutely love this style of dance, which I will go as far to say that 42^nd street has more of than any other show on Broadway!  Caitlin Ehlinger, who plays Peggy Sawyer, is quite possibly one of the most talented tap-artists I have ever come across! That girl can really move!

Although, I must admit, Julian Marsh, portrayed by Matthew J. Taylor, was the highlight of the performance for me.  His deep voice and rugged no-nonsense commanding personality, left me a little light-headed.  Taylor definitely had throw-down, and a lovely deep singing voice to back it up.  What do you expect from a man who has portrayed some of the most heart-throbbing, charismatic characters in theater from Professor Harold Hill in the Music Man, to Curly in Oklahoma!

42^nd Street is tons of fun! Whether your pleasure be showgirls, men with throw-down, or simply amazing dancers, go check out this show!

Shows run through Sunday, January 17.

Buy your tickets here.

42nd Street 

Ehlinger and Taylor

42nd Street

42nd Street

42nd Street

Don't Be A Grinch! Kick-Off Your Holiday Right, It's A Cinch!

My Review of Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical:

I have seen or read Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas every year since I was a very young child, but as the curtain opened last night, I quickly began to realize that the older I get, the more understanding I have for the Grinch. When I was a bright-eyed child, like Cindy-Lou Who, I couldn’t understand why the Grinch was so mean. When you’re young, everything about Christmas is magical – the music, the lights, the presents and of course, Santa Claus. Now, as a responsible, grown-woman, I find the whole Holiday Season to be exhausting. The buying of the gifts, decorating, meal planning, sending out cards, parties, planning “magical” activities for the children...

Trimming the tree, Elf on the shelf, Zoo lights trains,
Mall photos with Santa and Candy canes,
All the shiny gifts with the bows and wrap,
Makes me want to lie down and take a nap!

...But who could resist kicking-off the season with this beloved show!

I also look forward to the annual Chase Family Night On Broadway! This fun-filled night only occurs once a year, usually on opening night of the most family-friendly FSCJ Artist Series show of the season. In years past, my daughter and I have enjoyed all the sponsored activities prior to shows like The Blue Man Group and Annie The Musical. This year, the kids enjoyed “green-themed” activities like taking selfies with the Grinch, making a Sweet Pete’s candy craft, exploring the mad science experience with MOSH, and the My Gym obstacle course, just to name a few. With the different stations open an hour prior to curtain call, the kids are then able to “shake the sillies out” and sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

I loved this unique rendition of The Grinch, which featured narration from Max, the Grinch’s dog. This fun take on the show gave the audience a different perspective and further attachment to the beloved canine. Not to mention, Bob Lauder, who portrayed the main narrator, Older Max, had a wonderfully soothing Kelsey Grammer-like depiction of the character. While his younger self, played by Matt Weinstein, was adorably lovable and upbeat.

Last, the show-stopper, the one, the only, who could forget the Grinch! Stefan Karl was deliciously despicable and hilarious from his beginning scene to the end of the show! Everything from engaging the crowd with his mocking rants to his bathroom humor was a real crowd and kid-pleaser! I could hear my daughter squealing with delight when he entered the stage. 

Overall, this musical was a must-see for the whole family!

The next morning, as I drove my 5-year-old daughter to school, she told me she loved the show, but asked why the Grinch was so mean. So I asked her, “why do you think the Grinch was so mean?” She then said something so intuitive, yet so simple…she said probably because he was sad. “Yes,” I said, “I suppose that’s true.” Then she said his heart grew and he was nice at the end of the show, because Cindy-Lou showed him love even though he was mean. So there it is - the philosophy and meaning of life from a 5-year-old. Sounds like another common theme we are all familiar with.

Young children can be very wise,
Seeing the true meaning of Christmas through their eyes.
I, myself, should look more often,
Which would allow our grown-up hearts to soften.

Kick-off your Holiday Season right - Go see Dr. Suess’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical. Shows run through Sunday, December 6 – Get your tickets here.

Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical

Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical

Dr. Suess' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical

Disney On Ice presents Let's Celebrate (Giveaway)!!

Enter to win four tickets to Disney’s On Ice Let’s Celebrate!

Shows run from April 9 – 12 for (8) performances at the Veteran’s Memorial Arena.

Ok, I’ll admit it…I’m a Disney fanatic.  For the past ten years my husband has had a sneaking suspicion that this was the case, and after much denial, now, a decade later I finally admit it.  I love Disney.  I loved going to the parks as a kid with my family, and I love even more that I can now share that experience with my four-year-old daughter.  We buy the movies, music,clothes, stuffed animals, toys, watch Disney Junior, and, when we are unable to physically go to the “happiest place on earth,” taking our daughter to the shows that travel through Jacksonville is the next best thing!  It doesn’t matter how crazy our lives are at the time, we always know an afternoon together with Mickey will be nothing short of magical!

Last month, we were thrilled to take our daughter to Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show, which left even my husband astonished, asking, “Wow, how did they do that?” This month, our city is lucky enough to be on the tour circuit for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!  This show will feature more than 50 characters from 16 Disney stories live on ice, including Alice in Wonderland, Lilo and Stitch, Disney Princesses, Disney Villians, and of course the stars of the show, Mickey and Minnie!

Shows run Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12, at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, and with tickets starting at $15, this Disney party on ice extravaganza is sure to fit any budget.  Also, because I know Ms. Behave readers LOVE Disney as much as I do, you can use promotion code “LZPR” to save $5 off admission price!

Another wonderful addition to this Disney On Ice performance is a very special post-show clinic that gives the audience a behind-the-scenes-look at how the show comes together, only at the 10:30 a.m. show on Friday, April 10.  Your family won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!

Now for the really special news! I am giving away four tickets to (2) special families for Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! 

To enter the contest, write one sentence below in the comments section about your family’s best Disney memory, by Friday, April 3, that’s it! For an additional entry, post the follow link to your Facebook page: http://jaxevents.com/event/disney-ice-presents-lets-celebrate/

The two lucky winners will be chosen at random on Friday, April 3 at midnight.

Enter comments below for your chance to win!

(Ding-Dong) Hello! Go See The Book Of Mormon

My Review of The Book of Mormon the Musical

In anticipation of the Broadway production, The Book of Mormon, I recalled specific jaw-dropping, laughing-so-hard-I-almost-peed-my-pants moments from my college years watching South Park.  As most everyone is aware, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, also created the Book of Mormon musical.  Rewind to the late 90’s, where some of the particularly shocking, yet hilarious episodes specifically were when the four boys befriend an Ethiopian child who only speaks in clicks, Chef singing about his latest culinary creation “brown salty balls,” and discovering that Cartman’s mother is really his father who had a sex-change operation. Generation X’ers, Y’ers and Millennials who grew up with this type of shock-value humor will appreciate where I am going with this. 

The Book of Mormon is a comedic musical satire that pushes the envelope for taboo humor, for which South Park is famous.  Since it’s premier in 2011, The Book of Mormon (the musical) has won a slew of prestigious awards, including the Tony Award for the Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, and, Outstanding New Broadway Musical. After seeing the show, it was evident why.  The audience roared with laughter from start to finish, with the occasional head-shake paired with “They didn’t just do/say that, did they?” shock statement. 

That being said, this show is not for everyone.  There is explicit language and scenes that some may find in poor taste.  Is it the moral decline of our society or a way for the human race to connect on a deeper level through humor? This has been an ongoing debate dating back to even 1968 between the conservative Willaim F. Buckley Jr., and the liberal, Gore Vidal.  I don’t have the answer, but I do appreciate the thoughtful art behind a social satire such as The Book of Mormon and South Park, but that’s just me.

The cast.  The cast! What a group of incredible performers. Everyone from the main elders to the ensemble were spot on!  My favorite, of course, was Cody Jamison Strand, who played Elder Cunningham.  His comedic timing and showmanship MADE the show!  I don’t think anyone could have portrayed it better, (…and he sort of reminded me of a grown up Cartman, which was awesome)!

Another surprisingly great aspect of this show is the music.  I found myself singing along joyfully with all of the songs, then feeling a little guilty afterwards when you really think about the lyrics.  …But then I just shrugged my shoulders and happily sang along with the next song.

This production is Legen…(wait for it)….dary! It will be one of the most engaging, hilarious shows you will ever see.

Shows run Tuesday, February 3 – Sunday, February 8 at the Times-Union Center, Moran Theater. Purchase your tickets here.

This is the part of the review that I would like to add a disclaimer: My glowing review of this show by no means is a reflection of my opinion of the Mormon religion or it’s followers.  Having grown up in Washington State, I have many, many Mormon friends who are wonderful people, from kind, loving families.  It is also my opinion that this show isn’t necessarily bad publicity for the Mormon faith. In actuality, it seems the faith has capitalized on it’s popularity and placed multiple ads in The Book of Mormon playbills themselves, along with having physical “greeters” at the shows who are happy to speak with you, should you have any questions regarding their faith.  Hats off to them for being marketing savvy.

...And as a special treat, I have included the "Book of Mormon Comes to South Park" video below for your viewing pleasure.  It's the first song of the musical created in usual South Park cartoon fashion...enjoy!

My Video Review of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon the Musical

The Book of Mormon the Musical

The Book of Mormon Comes to South Park