This month we were excited to get the chance to chat with the lovely Andrea Santiano about family, food, and fun.

The Santiano Family includes Andrea, her husband Marcos, and their cute little kiddos, Madison (6) and Maddox (4). They had been living between Sarasota and Miami for eight years or so before joining the neighborhood just a little over a year ago. Their gorgeous home sits in the acclaimed Poinsettia Park, on Morris Street. When they are not away at Disney World, the zoo, the local park or the pool for the weekend, find them in their backyard making memories together. On weeknights, they are likely bonding over family meals they share at home.

Rewind to over a decade ago when their story began. Andrea and her husband Marcos (both physicians) first met intern year of their residency programs in Detroit, Michigan. This initial training was part of the Statewide Michigan Campus consortium. She was studying to become an Otolaryngologist at that time, while he was studying Emergency Medicine. A mutual friend played matchmaker one day, and BOOM! A match it was indeed. Andrea later completed a fellowship program in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, shortly thereafter. Today, they are both proud to serve our local Sarasota community through their rewarding professions. Andrea is a partner at Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery, while Marcos puts his professional talents to use at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

Andrea originally grew up in Ripley, New York, right outside of Buffalo. She earned her undergraduate degree at State University of New York at Fredonia, and her medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Marcos, on the other hand, is a Florida native. He was raised in Kendall, Florida, outside of Miami. He earned his undergraduate degree at Florida State University, and his medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Georgia (Georgia PCOM).  

While the kids were born elsewhere in the state of Florida (Miami and Melbourne, to be exact), Sarasota has begun to truly feel like home. New friends are being made, and the community has been very welcoming to the Santianos. Volunteering at school activities and participating in local community events have brought them into the loop here. Madison attends Southside Elementary and enjoys gymnastics and swimming. Maddox goes to Community Day School’s Preschool program and loves to play soccer now. Both children love family excursions more than anything they do.

As far as pets are concerned, we smiled at Andrea’s explanation: “We have a beta fish named ‘Mermaid Sister’. He mostly hangs around his castle all day. We were trying to get neon fish instead, but PetCo said no that day”.

Family travels to New York and Miami to spend time with family, as well as smaller car trips to theme parks, pools, zoos, etc. are some of their favorite family traditions. Occasionally, Mom and dad get to enjoy date nights at Kojo, Libby’s and Owen’s Fish Camp, as well as new restaurant discoveries. Andrea and Marcos look forward to another chance for a couples’ trip to beautiful Greece again sometime soon. They spent their honeymoon there years ago in awe.

With a blend of household cultures, the Santianos are sure to spend their holidays incorporating each side of the family’s different family customs. “We participate, first, in ‘Nochebuena’. Marcos's family is from Argentina, and this is a large part of Christmas for them”. As a side note, for those who are unfamiliar, Nochebuena translates from Spanish to English as “good night”. The holiday developed back in the late 15th through 17th centuries, when Spanish colonization and the spread of Catholicism was happening throughout Latin America and the Philippines. While it can vary from country to country, household to household, it is commonly celebrated on Christmas Eve. It typically involves gathering as a family from early afternoon, upwards of early the next morning. Late evening masses, feasts that include Spanish-style foods like roasted pig or stuffed tomatoes, and activities like festive games and gift exchanges are par for the course. Marcos’ family incorporates activities like enjoying pollo al disco, asados, and prosecco toasts. Andrea’s side often does their part on Christmas Day for their big, traditional holiday. Two different family gatherings usually occur when they visit New York for the holidays. Often 75 or more people gather to catch up, as they do not see each other for long periods. Spending time with cousins and playing in the snow are highlights of their trips. Lately, however, traditions have become a bit different with young children. Last year, the Santianos stayed local and instead spent time with close family friends. They hope to continue to create their unique practices in years to come.

The small community feel and friendliness of the people who live here are favorite reasons to live in Southside, according to Andrea. “I love how active people are in the neighborhood. People seen out walking, jogging, etc. is very commonplace”.

Our interview concluded with a very nice compliment. “We love Stroll Southside Village for learning about our neighbors, meetups, and events. It is also a great way to find new restaurants and hear about the new festivals and other local activities happening locally.” Andrea suggests that any newcomers here check out Stroll events and take part in the community. “There are some great people here.”

Be sure to give a warm welcome to the Santiano family when you see them around!