Boca magazine March 2022 by JES Media

Spring Style & Design

BOCAMAG.COM

THE ONLY BOCA RATON MAGAZINE

CARL HIAASEN

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B O CA R ATO N ’ S M O ST D ES I R A B L E A D D R ES S H AS O P E N E D I TS N E X T C H A P T E R Inspired by accolades for the award-winning ALINA 200, the new residential offerings at ALINA 210 and ALINA 220 are designed to delight. Bespoke details, unique features, and spacious private balconies set ALINA’s residences, penthouses, and private villas in a category above and beyond all expectations. Select homes feature panoramic views of the iconic Boca Raton Resort & Club, downtown Boca Raton, and the Atlantic Ocean. With the dramatic expansion of ALINA’s extensive array of indoor and outdoor amenities, there are even more thoughtfully conceived spaces for wellness, relaxation, and socializing.

ALINA 200

ALINA 210

ALINA 2 20

The award-winning original 10 move-in ready residences remain From $1M to over $6M

30 exquisite corner residences From just under $4M

152 residences with a wide variety of floor plans From $1M to over $8M

CALL TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE PRESENTATION 561.990.2979 200 SE MIZNER BLVD., BOCA RATON, FL 33432 | ALINABOCARATON.COM These materials are not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy a unit in any of the condominiums described herein. Such an offering shall only be made pursuant to the prospectus (offering circular) for the applicable condominium and no statements should be relied upon unless made in the applicable prospectus or in the applicable purchase agreement. In no event shall any solicitation, offer, or sale of a unit in the applicable condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. With respect to Alina Boca Raton, a Condominium (the “Original Alina Condominium” also known as “Alina 200” ) only, THE CPS-12 APPLICATION FOR THE CONDOMINIUM HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK, DEPARTMENT OF LAW (FILE NO. CP18-0136). WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. THE CONDOMINIUM HAS BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALESPERSONS F-1266-01-01. THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS A SOLICITATION FOR THE SALE OF UNITS IN ALINA BOCA RATON: N.J. REG. NO. 19-04-0004. With respect to Alina 210 Boca Raton, a Condominium (the “Alina 2 Condominium”) and Alina 220 Boca Raton, a Condominium (the “Alina 3 Condominium”), please note that the Alina 2 Condominium and Alina 3 Condominium are not currently registered in any state other than Florida and in no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. The New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California registrations applicable to the Original Alina Condominium are not applicable to the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium and a prospective purchaser in the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium shall not rely on any registration in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts or California with respect to the Original Alina Condominium. FOR NEW YORK RESIDENTS ONLY: Alina Boca Raton Tower 2, LLC (“Alina 2 Developer”) and Alina Boca Raton Tower 3, LLC (“Alina 3 Developer”) and principal(s) taking part in the public offering or sale of homes in the offering of the Alina 2 Condominium and Alina 3 Condominium, respectively, are not incorporated in, nor do they currently maintain an office within, the State of New York. Unless the offering of any cooperative interest in real estate is otherwise qualified under applicable New York law as described below, the offering for sale of property in the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium is neither made in the State of New York nor made to the residents of the State of New York. Until such time as all registration and filing requirements under the Martin Act and the Attorney General’s regulations are complied with for the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium, and a written exemption is obtained pursuant to an application and such is granted pursuant to and in accordance with the Cooperative Policy Statements #12 (i.e., the offering has been “qualified” under New York law), no offering for sale of homes in the Alina 2 Condominium or Alina 3 Condominium will be directed to any person or entity in or from the State of New York by, or on behalf of Alina 2 Developer or Alina 3 Developer or anyone acting on behalf of said entities or anyone acting with said entities’ knowledge, nor will any activities by Alina 2 Developer or Alina 3 Developer under such circumstances target New York State residents. These disclosures have been made to ensure that Alina 2 Developer and Alina 3 Developer have taken adequate measures to notify residents of the State of New York that they will not offer property that has not been previously qualified for sales in New York in or from the State of New York.

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PERFECT FROM EVERY ANGLE

T HE

KI ND

KARMA Y OU NEED

B ROWARD

KARMA PALM BEACH o: 561.998.5557 I sales@excellauto.com karmapalmbeach.com 1001 Clint Moore Rd. Ste 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

PAL M

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The Family Excell Auto Group has been in business for over 20 years, and it is a well-known leader in the luxury and exotic car industry. During that time, we have earned a reputation for having the largest selection of quality vehicles at the best prices and always taking care of our customers. Coming from a family with over 40 years of experience in the auto industry, putting customers in their dream cars is what we do. It’s what we love. Bottom line: You can trust us! At Excell Auto, you become a member of our family, and we will continue to treat you like one!

Buy-Back EXCELL AUTO BUY-BACK GUARANTEE PROGRAM

STEP 1: FIND YOUR DREAM CAR STEP 2: GET AN INSTANT 1 YEAR BUY-BACK OFFER Your buy-back amount will be determined based on two things: a: Year/Make/Model of the vehicle b. X amount of miles driven STEP 3: SELL YOUR CAR BACK TO US OR KEEP IT a. Trade in your car for a new one at the predetermined price at 12 months Buy-Back number.

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Our Excell Auto Family has access to complimentary ﬂatbed services to and from our state-of-the-art Service Center, Excell Auto Sport, and Service. In addition to that, as a member of our Excell Auto Family, you also have complimentary access to our Mercedes Benz Sprinter, which is ideal for business meetings, family outings, a special night out, or a ride to and from the airport.

TRACK NIGHTS

Enjoy a private night of exhilaration at Excell Auto Race Track at PBIR. Test your car’s performance and improve your driving skills with professional race car instructors. Our track events are complimentary to all Excell Auto, Karma Broward, and Karma Palm Beach Clients. This event is hosted once every quarter at Excell Auto Race Track at PBIR from 6-10 pm.

EXCELL AUTO GROUP o: 561.998.5557 I sales@excellauto.com excellauto.com 1001 Clint Moore Rd. Ste 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

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VOL. 42, ISSUE 3

Carl Hiaasen, retired from his newspaper day job, has anything but mellowed. The best-selling author remains a passionate advocate for Florida’s undeveloped vestiges—and an astute scribe of the state’s perennial lunacy.

Today’s boutique hotels are more than just places for tourists to crash. Intimately scaled, whimsically designed and gastronomically creative, these trendy hot spots have become primo hangouts for staycationers and foodies.

From its inception, the Sunshine State has been a clearinghouse for con artists. We revisit some of the state’s most notorious grifters, from crooked land dealers and financial fraudsters to sham psychics and Ponzi schemers.

Homes, like humans, can sometimes use a makeover. By transforming an ordinary Coconut Grove residence into a chic coastal retreat, KitchenLab Interiors shows us how it’s done.

By MARIE SPEED

The Hip Hotel Culture

By JOHN THOMASON

“Have I Got a Deal For You!”

By ELIOT KLEINBERG

Special Section Florida Style & Design

By CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

MAS APPETITE

The Boca Interview

Meatballs from The Ray’s Ember Grill

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VOL. 42, ISSUE 3

131 18 Editor’s Letter

One man’s career is still grounded by a sense of place—and the determination to save it. By MARIE SPEED

21 The Local

Meet the footwear doctors “cobbling” together a living, the dance celebs training the next generation of stars, and the inspiring new provost of Palm Beach State College. Plus, spring fashion trends, a museum for sports nuts, and more. By JAMES BIAGIOTTI, MARIE SPEED, and JOHN THOMASON

93 Backstage Pass

Ahead of his appearance at Festival of the Arts Boca, NASA astronaut Donald Pettit brings his experiences on the International Space Station down to Earth. And our March arts calendar spotlights Steve Martin, Lyle Lovett, “A Bronx Tale” and more.

160 Hometown Hero

From developing an urban “garden” to celebrate our shared humanity to launching a vital education nonprofit, developers James and Marta Batmasian have been bettering Boca Raton for nearly four decades. By MARIE SPEED

By JOHN THOMASON

131 Eat & Drink

See what our food critic has to say about Bamboo Fire Café and Eathai. Plus, discover a few fast-casual spots that won’t expand your waistline, and learn how to make a favorite St. Paddy’s Day dish that probably will—but trust us, it’s worth it. By CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

28 The Look

From delicate pinks to exaggerated sneakers, spring breezes in with a fresh take on palette and style. Photography by AARON BRISTOL

152 Social

The Junior League toasted a new Woman Volunteer of the Year, dignitaries cut the ribbon on Boca’s newest seafood outpost, FAU raised funds to support its latest class of future M.D.s, and the Historical Society celebrated its Walk of Recognition ceremony. By JAMES BIAGIOTTI

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Web Extras

Visit bocamag.com for bonus items you won’t see anywhere else—extended stories, recipes, news and more.

FIND US ON SOCIAL

AD ASTRA

MEDIA

Read more of astronaut Donald Pettit’s insights on space (page 94)—from cuisine aboard the ISS to U.S.-Russia Relations and the goal of the Space Force— at bocamag.com/ march-2022.

Don’t miss Boca on everything from FACEBOOK (facebook.com/bocamag) to INSTAGRAM (@bocamag) and TWITTER (@bocamag) for community news, retail trends, foodie updates and much more.

THE O.G. BOUTIQUE HOTEL

We couldn’t squeeze in one of the founding boutique hotels of the Palm Beaches, Delray Beach’s Seagate, in our Hip Hotel Culture feature (page 56). Read more about this institution, and its renovations, at bocamag. com/march-2022.

BUZZARD’S TALE

Carl Hiaasen meets a friend when he’s fishing.

Launched in early 2020, Boca Goes Live is still keeping you connected to the community through conversations streamed live on Facebook with a curated roster of some of South Florida’s leading officials, entertainers and innovators. Follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss new entries, and visit bocamag.com/ live to see the full library of videos and watch them on demand.

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Best Bites Think our dining guide is long? You haven’t seen anything until you’ve visited our digital version. We’ve got critic-reviewed restaurants from Jupiter to Miami on the web. Visit the food tab to view the guide.

City Watch

Boca Raton is anything but sleepy, and Randy Schultz is the go-to for all the city politics, development and business news you need to know. For updates delivered straight to your email every Tuesday and Thursday, visit the City Watch tab on our website.

March 2022

2/2/22 11:17 AM

THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR Introducing a magnificent resort lifestyle opportunity in Naples, where luxury and lifestyle come together. Featuring an incomparable setting, captivating gulf and bay views, luxurious amenities, a marina, and an exemplary caliber of concierge services, One Naples offers exceptional residences in a boutique environment. Proudly presented by STOCK, the award-winning luxury developer and homebuilder celebrating over 20 years of excellence.

For more information call (239) 249-6260

or visit OneNaples.com

OneNaplesLiving

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. ALL RENDERINGS AND PLANS ARE PROPOSED CONCEPTS SHOWN ONLY FOR MARKETING PURPOSES AND ARE BASED ON THE DEVELOPER’S CURRENT PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN DEVELOPER’S SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER COMMUNICATION SHALL BE DEEMED TO OBLIGATE THE DEVELOPER, OR ANY AFFILIATE OF DEVELOPER, TO CONSTRUCT THE PROJECT OR OFFER ANY OF THE PROJECT FOR SALE, AND NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED A GUARANTY OF ANY KIND. THIS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SALE OR SOLICITATION OF OFFERS TO BUY.

GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marie Speed MANAGING EDITOR

John Thomason SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Lori Pierino GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Oscar Saavedra PHOTOGRAPHER

Aaron Bristol PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Beach

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

James Biagiotti, Jan Engoren, Margie Kaye (promotional writing) VIDEO PRODUCTION/CUSTOMER SERVICE

David Shuff FOOD EDITOR

Christie Galeano-DeMott DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

Nicole G. Ruth DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION AND SALES SUPPORT

Bruce Klein SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

Gail Eagle ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Karen S. Kintner Reba Larney Tanya Plath

Boca Raton magazine is published eight times a year by JES Media. The contents of Boca Raton magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Boca Raton magazine accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Boca Raton magazine reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for products. Please refer to corporate masthead.

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1000 CLINT MOORE ROAD, #103, BOCA RATON, FL 33487 561/997-8683 (PHONE) • 561/997-8909 (FAX) BOCAMAG.COM MAGAZINE@BOCAMAG.COM (GENERAL QUERIES) PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Margaret Mary Shuff GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Marie Speed CONTROLLER

Jeanne Greenberg JES MEDIA PRODUCES:

Boca Raton magazine Delray Beach magazine 1926 Worth Avenue Boca Raton Chamber Annual Florida Style and Design Salt Lake magazine Utah Bride and Groom Utah Style & Design Salt Lake Visitors’ Guide

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION 2021 CHARLIE AWARDS CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best public service coverage best in-depth reporting best feature best service feature best humor writing best column best photo essay/series best advertorial best overall: digital innovator best special theme or show issue SILVER AWARD best overall writing best public service coverage best department best use of photography best social media best custom publication (Worth Avenue) BRONZE AWARD best traditional illustration

2020 CHARLIE AWARDS CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best overall writing best in-depth reporting best public service feature SILVER AWARD best overall design best overall magazine best website best commentary Filly & Colt 2/3V B0322.indd 1

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March 2022

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WHEN IN DOUBT – CHECK THEM OUT!

Subscription, copy purchasing and distribution

DO YOU NEED A BACKGROUND CHECK?

For any changes or questions regarding your subscription, to purchase back issues, or to inquire about distribution points, call circulation at 877/553-5363.

DO YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOUR SPOUSE IS DOING? DO YOU NEED TO DO SURVEILLANCE ON SOMEONE?

Advertising and event resources

Take advantage of Boca Raton magazine’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in the premier publication of South Florida. For more information, or to partner with Boca Raton on a community event, call 561/997-8683 ext. 300, or email nicole@bocamag.com.

CRIMINAL AND CIVIL INVESTIGATIONS THAT GET RESULTS. A THREATING EMPLOYEE? IS SOMEONE MISHANDLING YOUR FINANCIAL FUNDS? DO YOU NEED EXECUTIVE PROTECTION?

DIRECTORY

Custom publishing MICHAEL BARBIERI, PH.D. National & International Investigator and Consultant

• Surveillance • Cheating spouses • Violent termination • Background investigation • Financial fraud

EFRAT K. COHEN – PRESIDENT Licensed Professional Investigator & Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist

Create a magazine tailored to fit the needs and character of your business/organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services, etc. Contact Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com).

Story queries

888.714.9411

office@gicagency.com • gicagency.com

Florida Agency A: 1000096

Boca Raton magazine values the concerns, interests and knowledge of our readers about the community. Please submit story and profile ideas by email to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com). Due to the large volume of pitches, the editor may not respond to all queries. Boca Raton does not accept unsolicited, ready-for-print stories.

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Submit information regarding our website and online calendar to magazine@bocamag.com.

Letters

Your thoughts and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for style, grammar and length. Send letters to the address listed below or to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com). Letter to the Editor Boca Raton magazine 1000 Clint Moore Road, #103 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Arts & entertainment

Where to go, what to do and see throughout South Florida. Please submit information regarding galas, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to John Thomason (john.thomason@ bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming A&E section is three months before publication.

TRUNK SHOW with Gabriel Ofiesh

Friday and Saturday • March 4th and 5th • 10-5pm

204 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444 • 561.272.6654 1185 Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.643.8900 Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod, MA 02649 • 508.477.3900

U N I Q U E B O U T I Q U E J E W E L R Y. C O M

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Dining guide

Our independent reviews of restaurants in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. A reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Christie Galeano-DeMott (christie@bocamag.com).

People

A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Boca Raton and South Florida. All photos submitted should be identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when). Email images to people@bocamag.com.

March 2022

2/3/22 2:22 PM

SUBSCRIBERS

First issue

Boca Raton magazine is published eight times a year. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.

LOOK AND FEEL TIMELESS

Missing or late issues

Once in a while, production, transportation or the postal service may delay delivery. If you don’t get an issue, or if your magazine is repeatedly late, please call and report your problem to our subscription department at 877/553-5363 or send an email to subscriptions@bocamag.com.

Questions about your invoice

If you have already paid your bill and then receive a new bill, here’s what you should do: 1. If you have paid your bill within the past four weeks, ignore the new invoice. (The computer simply has not given your account credit quickly enough.) 2. It’s most likely that your payment and our notice just crossed in the mail. Check the date on the notice to see when we mailed it. 3. If you get another bill or renewal notice, call our subscription department at 877/553-5363, or send an email to subscriptions@bocamag.com, and we will straighten out the problem.

Change of address

PERMANENT: If you are changing your address, send us your complete old address, complete new address, including ZIP code, and the effective date of the change. You can also leave us a message with your old and new address by calling 877/553-5363. TEMPORARY OR SEASONAL: Please send us your complete permanent address, your complete temporary address and the dates that you want your issues forwarded.

Back issues

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Online subscriptions

Receive additional savings by subscribing online. Visit bocamag.com for more information. [ For any of the above services, please contact our subscriptions services department. ] CALL TOLL FREE: 877/553-5363 EMAIL: subscriptions@bocamag.com WRITE: Boca Raton magazine Subscription Department 1000 Clint Moore Road, #103 Boca Raton, FL 33487

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March 2022

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FROM THE EDITOR

The Hiaasen Effect One Florida voice is still loud and clear Written by MARIE SPEED

hey don’t make reporters like Carl Hiaasen anymore, which is even truer since he retired last year from the Miami Herald. A satirical firebrand with a penchant for taking down corrupt politicians (he might say that is redundant), he was a force at the Herald, and a voice for the community. It was a natural for him to branch out into comedic satirical novels all those years ago, gaining a national and international following, not to mention selling boatloads of books in a time when most people do not even read. When we interviewed him for this issue (page 50), it was tempting to ask him about politics, especially after his latest Palm Beach-based novel Squeeze Me, but I found myself asking him again and again about Florida: what was left, was there hope, what did he remember from the Before Times? I know when I moved here in seventh grade, developers were already dredging out bayous and building whole neighborhoods on fill dirt; all of our houses were “waterfront” on man-made canals, and there were jalousie doors and terrazzo floors and seawalls and freeform swimming pools. I’d see porpoises off our dock, and we always had a crab trap going. I grew up on a tidy new cul-de-sac with the sound of construction as a backdrop every day for years; I had no idea back then that I would fall irrevocably in love with this place, or that by the time I had arrived, it was already gone. Hiaasen suspects it’s pretty much all over now, but he can’t seem to give up on Florida entirely. He has hope that the next generation can help turn the tide of destroying the state through greed and overdevelopment, and that Floridians now at least understand the importance of saving the Everglades, a place that is as dear to him as anything, I’d guess. It’s a thin glimmer of hope these days, as you see 1,000 people moving to Florida daily (33,000 New Yorkers relocated here during the pandemic alone), or the Ag Reserve being eaten away by country clubs, or more high-rises stacked cheek to jowl on every inch of waterfront along the coast. Still, it’s nice to know that the Carl Hiaasen voice, the creator of Skink, the guy who calls fly fishing his “vicious addiction,”is still at work, still in Florida, still making us laugh. And no matter what he says, I think he’s still fighting for South Florida—which may be his greatest contribution of all.

Everglades National Park

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March 2022

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THE LOCAL

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

B O C A C H AT T E R H OT L I S T E D U C AT O R T H E LO O K ENTREPRENEURS AT T RAC T I O N BEHIND THE BUSINESS

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22 24 26 28 38 40 42

Avron B. Fogelman with a baseball signed by Albert Einstein from his collection at Florida Atlantic University (see page 40).

2/2/22 11:26 AM

THE LOCAL

BOCA CHATTER

Don’t-Miss Events

WHAT: PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW WHEN: March 24-27 WHERE: 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach This fun-filled boat show along scenic Flagler Drive will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 200 feet in length. Not to mention floating bar barges, live music and the Windward VIP Experience, an indoor and outdoor oasis that includes early admission to the show, a premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, concierge service and much more.

WHAT: FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS BOCA WHEN: March 5-14 WHERE: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton The Festival of the Arts Boca’s multi-day cultural arts event has a shining array of performers and authors this year, with jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, dancers from the American Ballet Theatre, environmentalist Bill McKibben, and more.

VMA STUDIOS

Terence Blanchard

WHAT: WELLINGTON BACON & BOURBON FESTIVAL WHEN: March 26-27 WHERE: Community Center & Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington Discover all things bourbon and bacon at this delicious free festival—from bourbon flights to The Last Drop bar, which features rare brands from the Festival’s private selection. Like Garrison Brothers, fresh off a win as the 2021 American Micro Whiskey of the Year. And bacon? Think bacon garlic cheese fries to chocolate-covered and caramel nutdipped bacon desserts.

Locals sound off on issues affecting our community.

What is your personal sign that spring has arrived? “The welcoming sound of chirping birds, my garden flowers in full bloom, and the sunlight sparkling though the trees’ leaves remind me of how beautiful spring’s changes can be!”

“I know spring has sprung when the days are noticeably longer and my allergies kick in.” —Charlene Farrington, Executive Director, Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

“My personal sign that springtime is upon us is the return of Spring Training baseball. It’s always great to hear the crack of a bat and smell the ballpark hot dogs.”

—Anthony Curra, Product Manager, USI Electronics

AARON BRISTOL

—Zoe Lanham, Vice President, The Addison

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SPRING FASHION TRENDS SHORT TAKES

The ladies’ suit goes mini this season

SOLAR POWER

Colors are sun-soaked in shades of gold, bronze, amber and marigold, from nails to dresses.

BEACH VIBES

Discover the springtime looks that say beach, wet suits and surfer girl style.

MARCH NOTES

BARING IT BIG

The bare midriff is still showing up—and off.

• The “Ides of March,” equivalent to March 15, was once considered a deadline for settling debts. It was also the day Julius Caesar was assassinated. • March is, fittingly, when animals emerge from hibernation. • March is the most unproductive month in the U.S. due to March Madness, when $1.9 billion in wages is lost in company time because of sports betting. • John F. Kennedy started the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961.

BALMAIN Tweed jacket & miniskirt $1,395 & $2,850

TRENCHES WITH A TWIST

The trench coat goes boho with cutout backs, florals, off-the-shoulder versions and more.

PRABAL GURUNG Off-the-shoulder dress $1,295

STRIPES ARE STARS

A fresh spring striped ensemble never gets old.

ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY Colorblocked Jumpsuit $170

SPLASH DOWN

The “wet look” offers dresses dripping with layers.

BALMAIN Tweed crop top & skirt $1,150 & $2,250

PEEKY-BOO

Expect lots of transparency and see-through style this spring.

• On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first phone call, to his assistant, with this simple message: “Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you.”

1784 Year Ben Franklin proposed Daylight Saving Time

March

20th National Ravioli Day

DAWEI Trench coat $1,140

VICTOR GLEMAUD Slip dress $495

SACAI Asymmetric pleated blouse & skirt $885 & $870

17 million

SACAI Leopard print midi-skirt $870

Number of outpatient visits annually due to allergies

All available at SAKS.com

—Statista.com

March 2022

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HOT LIST

THE LOCAL

LUCINDA WILLIAMS

“2 ACROSS”

WHERE: The Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale WHEN: March 4, 8 p.m. COST: $27.50-$72.50 CONTACT: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org

WHERE: Empire

Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale WHEN: March 4-20, various show times COST: $39 CONTACT: 866/8114111, pigsdoflyproductions.com

BALLET PALM BEACH’S “GISELLE”

WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach WHEN: March 4-6, various show times COST: $45 CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org Many of us enjoy dancing, but we’d prefer not to hoof ourselves straight to the grave. Yet that’s the punishment for adulterous men in“Giselle,”this 1841-vintage, full-evening ballet composed by Adolphe Adam. It’s all thanks to the Wilis, a group of spectral sisters-in-arms who torment their ex-lovers with fatal choreography from the other side. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves:“Giselle”is a love story as much as a ghost story. In Act I, Giselle is an effervescent peasant girl smitten with Albrecht, her aristocratic lover. When he strays, she dies from madness and heartbreak, and spends Act II in the afterlife, where her imperative for revenge clashes with her transcendent feelings of love.“Giselle”is a romantic tribute to dance—the activity deployed in life, death and beyond—with one of the classical repertory’s most complex and challenging roles for a lead ballerina.

NOTE:

Some of these events may end up being canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Please confirm before purchasing tickets and/or attending. —Ed.

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Peter Asher

SCOTT UCHIDA

To quote one of the two characters in this romantic comedy, “Crosswords are a metaphor for life. Those who finish, succeed; those who don’t, fail.” “2 Across” is set on a 4:30 a.m. San Francisco BART train whose only riders are a middle-aged man and woman, both trying to complete the same New York Times crossword puzzle. He’s a free-spirited former ad executive; she’s a sensible psychologist. He usually gives up when the clues get too cryptic; she won’t quit until every square is filled. Their divergent personalities and puzzling skills come to a head during this 80-minute play set in real time, which takes them to places far beyond pencils and newsprint.

Lucinda

In 2020, for Rolling Stone’s periodic revision of its 500 Greatest Albums Williams of All Time, a Lucinda Williams release cracked the Top 100 for the first time. The singer-songwriter’s 1999 magnum opus of genre-fusing country, folk, rock and blues music, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, clocked in at 97, beating out Elton’s Goodbye,Yellow Brick Road, the debut albums from Led Zeppelin and the Clash, even a landmark from Williams’ Americana genre, the Band’s Music From Big Pink. It’s a well-deserved acknowledgement of Williams’ influence across styles and demographics, in a career than has spanned more than 40 years. While early cuts appear aplenty in her concerts, here’s hoping we get a few scorchers from 2020’s Good Souls, Better Angels, one of her most urgent and righteous musical missives.

PETER ASHER

WHERE: Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca

Raton

WHEN: March 23, 8 p.m. COST: $66.50-$76.50 CONTACT: 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com

Peter Asher is the“Peter” in Peter and Gordon, two of the most winsome of the British “invaders” in the years of Beatlemania. As prolific as they were tuneful, Peter and Gordon released 11 albums in four years, but it’s Asher’s connections to the Fab Four that have contributed to his continued relevance. His sister was once the girlfriend of Paul McCartney, who gifted Peter and Gordon with his unrecorded song “A World Without Love.” Asher would later become the A&R man for Apple Records, and he’s been a dominant voice on the Beatles Channel on SiriusXM; more recently, he published a book about his reminiscences with the band. At this multimedia performance, expect to experience hits from Peter and Gordon, along with videos and stories from his rich life in the industry.

March 2022

2/1/22 10:36 AM

EDUCATOR

THE LOCAL

Moving Forward

Palm Beach State College Provost Van Williams is all about reaching out and changing lives Written by MARIE SPEED

an Williams is the big man on campus now. Appointed last year as provost and dean of student services at Palm Beach State College, his career in higher education has already spanned 26 years, including work as Director of TRIO programs (designed to give low-income and first-generation students college prep skills) and assistant dean at Palm Beach State. He was a

[it’s residential for six weeks] I got a chance to sleep in my own bed; I didn’t have to fight with my brothers. I could get up at night and go to a refrigerator and get a snack, or some juice. I got an opportunity to travel. I went to New York, I went to Broadway, it just changed everything for me. I have been extremely excited about the academic pursuits ever since. There’s nothing in life I would rather do

when you look back on it, you can say that’s a life well lived. It wasn’t about money. It was about having a good quality of life and helping other people have that access to the same quality of life.”

Challenges for Palm Beach State: “[I think] it’s local community engagement and making sure that the college is seen as a true player in the Boca Raton

There’s nothing in life I would rather do than be in education, because for me it is the greatest equalizer, if properly applied.”

On starting out: “The Upward Bound program changed my life. I’m from a low-income first-generation college background too, the second of my seven brothers to go to college. My dad had a second grade education; my mom had a 10th grade education. All of us lived in a two-bedroom house. When you are growing up in those kinds of challenged populations and communities, you just kind of think that’s how it’s supposed to be, right? “When I went to the Upward Bound program in the summer

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than be in education, because for me it is the greatest equalizer, if properly applied.”

On changing lives:“For me, it’s about being in the continuum. Life is cyclical in nature. But I also understand those who came before me who helped empower me and expose me to a lot of those things—a lot of them are no longer with us, so someone has to step into those voids and continue the process of exposing young people to possibilities. We’re all bigger than our circumstances, but sometimes it takes someone external to sort of pull that out of us and show us what the possibilities can be.”

Why he does it:“That, for me, is my calling in life: to work in capacities where I get a chance to touch a lot of young people and make connections—not just young people but influential people as well, who connect people and keep building community. I think the greatest thing in life is to be in service to others. Because for me,

and Delray Beach areas. There’s a sentiment that we were a junior college and then we became a state college and somehow or another we are ‘less than.’That we’re not a university. That can’t be further from the truth. We have young people leaving this college going to the Ivy Leagues just like everybody else does. As a matter of fact, we have a student who was with us two years ago who is at FIU now and is a finalist to be a Rhodes Scholar. “Also, for me, it’s about taking the college to the community. So often, colleges and universities have relied upon place-bound individuals to just kind of show up at the door. I want us to be engaged with the community external to our doors. It’s about moving the campus in a way that it hasn’t been moved before.”

Words he lives by:“It’s about excellence and caring about other people. Try to be the example in the world that you want to see. We all just need to take more steps toward each other—not away from each other.”

AARON BRISTOL

talent search specialist at his alma mater Savannah State University, and director of Upward Bound at both Florida State University and Florida A&M. He was also on the Florida Commission on Human Rights, the state’s anti-discrimination agency. Today, he finds himself facing all the challenges of a post-pandemic higher-ed climate, but he is even more committed to serving the students he’s always served—the ones who need his leadership the most.

March 2022

2/1/22 11:06 AM

Van Williams

March 2022

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THE LOCAL

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THE LOCAL

If the Shoe Fits

South Florida startup The Cobblers is reinvigorating the way we have our shoes, bags and other leather goods repaired Written by JAMES BIAGIOTTI

“S

neakerheads,” as aficionados of rare and valuable street shoes have come to be known, have come out of the shadows and into the light in recent years. Entire TV shows and web series are devoted to the debate, dissection and general worship of footwear, from Air Jordans to Yeezys and beyond. But what happens when a sneakerhead’s prized pair of kicks is looking a little worse for wear? Enter Miami-based startup The Cobblers, a local business on the front lines of reinvigorating a once-ubiquitous service and retooling it to meet the needs of modern customers. The venture provides high-quality repairs for the aforementioned sneakers, along with various other types of shoes, boots, bags, wallets and more. Jake Goldstein, the digital brand marketing and strategy manager for The Cobblers, refers to the business as a“fashion technology”company with an emphasis on sustainability. As Goldstein tells it, despite the fact that the number of traditional shoe and accessory repair shops has been dwindling throughout the U.S., the ones that remain have been struggling to keep up with demand for repairs. With what was once a niche market rapidly expanding due to that increased demand, The Cobblers stepped in. “Our vision and our conceptual overview of what we wanted to do,”Goldstein shares,“was to digitize an otherwise dusty and archaic and outdated industry. … The idea was to create a convenient marketplace that not only bridges the gap for the new generation and ever-growing market of sustainable fashion, but to turn a dusty platform into a digital platform.” And transform the platform they did. Shortly after the business launched, the world shut down with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have actually helped to jump-start sales for a team whose model was ready to handle online orders before it was their only option. While Goldstein wasn’t at liberty to share specific figures, he did note that a “large majority”of The Cobblers’ repair orders

“We reinvented a dying industry and reimagined it for the future, while simultaneously helping push the idea of sustainable fashion and preserving the planet.” —Jake Goldstein

THE COBBLERS • 3011 Yamato Road, Suite A4, Boca Raton • 7130 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton • 6300 N.E. Fourth Ave., Miami thecobblers.com

Right: Repair experts in action at The Cobblers

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LOCAL Cobbler MAR22.indd 38

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derive from their online experience. The business is still young—founded in early 2020—but has its eyes on expansion. In the past year alone, The Cobblers have expanded from their flagship Miami location into Boca Raton after acquiring the two locations of veteran local business Shoe Repair & Beyond. The company is also able to service customers all over the country with video consultations and mail-in repair services. “We are working on partnering with individual repair shops across the country and having individuals work as independent contractors for our company,” Goldstein says.“So although we aren’t necessarily ‘The Cobblers’ physically in [every state], we do have repair shops working with our company so we can partner up and send items to them for repair, then they send them back.” Further expansions of the brand include working with a stable of South Florida influencers to promote its services and partnering with high-end brand names like Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton as an authorized repair provider. Goldstein believes the repair of high-quality goods doesn’t just have ecological and economic advantages—it also comes with an emotional benefit for customers. “I think the coolest thing is just the look on the customer’s face every single time they come to pick up their items and open the box,” he says.“There’s so much beauty behind what we do … most of the items that get sent to us have some emotional tie or some sentimental value.” But in the end, as Goldstein makes clear, The Cobblers’ most crucial ambition is to promote sustainability.“A very rewarding aspect is [being a part of] the circular economy and the preservation of the planet,” he says.“Sustainability is something we practice every day, and it’s so important that as humankind, everybody does their part in saving the world, and also inspiring the next person or the next generation or the next company to do the same. And if we can do that, then we have done our job.”

March 2022

2/1/22 12:52 PM

March 2022

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ATTRACTION

THE LOCAL

Hall of Fame

The largest private collection of sports memorabilia in the country now has a permanent home at FAU

hat do two popes, seven presidents, LeBron James and Oprah Winfrey all have in common? They all signed baseballs for Avron B. Fogelman. Over many years, Fogelman, a noted baseball enthusiast and former owner of the MLB’s Kansas City Royals, amassed hundreds of pieces of priceless sports memorabilia that would eventually amount to what is certainly the largest private collection in the country—perhaps in the entire world. Spanning more than 100 years, with items from as far back as the “Negro Leagues”of baseball and as recent as Super Bowl LI, the collection is a comprehensive snapshot of sports history—and general American history—from the early 20th century through the early 21st century. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., longtime Boca Raton resident Fogelman became enamored with Florida Atlantic University when he participated in its lifelong learning program. Seeking a permanent home for his formidable collection of sports memorabilia, he partnered with the university to create the space within the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence that has become the Avron B. Fogelman Sports Museum. The timing of Fogleman’s donation was kismet: The first seeds of the museum’s inception were planted during the planning stages of the Schmidt Complex, a brand-new, world-class facility on FAU’s campus just west of the football stadium. The museum opened in early 2020 as the anchor of that complex, and thanks to Fogelman’s donation, artifacts celebrating some of the greatest athletes in MLB, NBA and NFL history now reside on campus at FAU. Admission to the museum is free of charge, and it is staffed by student docents from the university’s museum studies and public history programs. “I had many requests and opportunities to display my sports artifacts at other well-known institutions,” Fogelman shares,“but I was so impressed by President Kelly and his vision for what my collection could mean to FAU and to South Florida that I realized how fortunate I was to find a home for it at FAU.” A wall inside the museum’s largest room is inscribed with the phrase“every signature tells a story,”which

From top: Avron B. Fogelman and FAU President John Kelly, Fogelman with a signed baseball, and part of his collection

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is something of an understatement when taking in the grandeur of the collection on display. It includes jerseys, autographed baseballs, hats and other relics from the illustrious careers of such greats as Cal Ripken Jr., Mickey Mantle and Kobe Bryant. Highlights include the original 13 rules of the game of basketball, as typed in the late 1800s by James Naismith, a World Series trophy, a game-used Babe Ruth jersey, and hundreds of baseballs signed by MLB greats. Gridiron artifacts include a football signed by the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team, and jerseys and footballs autographed by both Manning brothers. But perhaps the museum’s greatest asset—and certainly its most intriguing—is the inclusion of baseballs signed by cultural magnates from Harry Houdini to Jack Nicholson. More than just a sports museum, the collection captures the intersection of Fogelman’s remarkable reach and love of sports with towering figures of American history, many of whom personally addressed their autographs to Fogleman with“best wishes.” “Of course, this was curated by Mr. Fogelman himself,”says Michael Horswell, dean of FAU’s Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, which oversees the museum.“He collected with a real purpose in mind, and that was to tell American history through the lens of sports and sport history. So when he collected, he collected items that really tell us the social history of our country.” “I always felt that a very enjoyable, creative and approachable way to provide one with a history of our last 100 years in our country would be through sports,” adds Fogelman.“This sports museum is an educational experience, and there is no better place to enjoy that experience than at a college campus.” “It’s just another feather in the university’s cap to have this first-class facility for our students and certainly our student athletes,” says Horswell. “This is a first-class exhibition. And as we grow our sports reputation, this museum is just going to help solidify that and provide visitors with something else to do while they’re on campus before or after the games. … It’s just a wonderful academic asset for our university.”

IF YOU GO

AVRON B. FOGELMAN SPORTS MUSEUM 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; Inside the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence Tues.-Wed., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs., 5-8:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12-6 p.m.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Written by JAMES BIAGIOTTI

March 2022

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THE LOCAL

Stars Align

A “So You Think You Can Dance!” alum teaches the next generation(s) of dancers Written by JOHN THOMASON

We not only teach dance; we teach [our students] to be successful in life as great human beings and extraordinary artists.”

n 2009, Miami’s Victor Smalley was all of 20 years old, the definition of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, when he auditioned for Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance!,” the reigning titan of dance competition shows. Judge Mary Murphy called his self-choreographed contemporary dance routine “dynamic” and “explosive,” and fellow judge and showrunner Nigel Lythgoe added, “when you take off, you fly.” Smalley earned a ticket to the mentally and physically taxing “Vegas Week,” alongside the season’s most promising hoofers, and he would ultimately make it onto the show as one of its top 20 dancers, performing contemporary, jazz and Broadway numbers in front of 6 million weekly viewers before being eliminated in Week Five. Yet Smalley could just as easily have operated on the other side of the dais. Since 2006, he has run Stars Dance Studio out of Miami with his business partner Angel Armas, instructing promising dancers not unlike himself. “We set out to make Stars Dance Studio different from our competitors, because we understand that we work with artistic kids, so we allow them to express themselves and make dance their own,” he says. “Our motto is ‘Liberate the Artist from Within.’” Stars Dance Studio earned a national TV close-up as the setting of the 2012 Lifetime reality series“Dance Moms: Miami,”and in 2019, Smalley and Armas opened their second studio here in Boca Raton (51 Glades Road; 786/2304981).“I am blessed to have so many successful and talented dancers that are the perfect example of the discipline and work we do at our studio,”

—Victor Smalley

Dancers as young as 3 learn the art form at Stars Dance Studio

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••••

Smalley says.“We not only teach dance; we teach [our students] to be successful in life as great human beings and extraordinary artists.”Smalley tells us more about his inspiring vocation. On the trial by fire of appearing on “So You Think You Can Dance!”: It was definitely a brutal competition, but this is the way a dancer needs to prepare and train for his or her career in dance, whether it is for college or a dance company or even a music video. I learned so much on the show, and I have included everything I learn into the training of my dancers. On his favorite success story from Stars Dance Studio: One of my favorite stories is of Ricky Ubeda, winner of “So You Think You Can Dance! (SYTYCD).” Ricky started dancing with us when he was 13. We gave him a scholarship, because in our studio boys don’t pay tuition. He was an amazing, talented dancer and was winning most dance competitions. When he turned 18 he auditioned for “SYTYCD.” He not only qualified for the live show, but he won the entire competition without any negative remarks from the judges, winning $250,000; he also was invited to be on Broadway. Ricky has done Broadway shows like “On the Town” and “Cats” and was a cast member in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.”We are so proud of him. On training virtually during the pandemic: The virtual classes or via Zoom works really well, because the instructor still can see the dancers to make corrections. When you know and love your work, it is easy to teach, especially when the dancer is hungry to learn. On teaching dancers as young as 3: A 3-year-old child is like a sponge: They absorb and learn everything. We have a special program for them that includes ballet, jazz, tap and acro. We teach them movement, the basis of technique and stretching in a fun way. Discipline is very important for a dancer, especially at that early age. We also teach them as if we are teaching the older dancers, because it’s never too early. This young, they are willing to do anything to earn that sticker and lollipop!

March 2022

2/2/22 11:35 AM

LOCAL dance studio M22.indd 43

AARON BRISTOL

Angel Armas, left, and Victor Smalley

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LANGREALTY.COM 10/19/21 3:44 PM PM 1/13/22 6:38

BOCA INTERVIEW

CARL HIAASEN

Carl

Hiaasen Florida’s native son talks about writing, the Everglades and even a little hope for the future Written by MARIE SPEED

ARL HIAASEN knows Florida is crazy, but he still loves it, like you would an eccentric aunt. A South Florida native (and UF grad), he’s been exposing its dark underbelly as well as its off-the-charts wackiness for decades now, first as an opinion/investigative columnist for the Miami Herald starting in the turbulent mid-‘80s and then as the author of numerous satirical novels (including 11 best-sellers), several children’s books, and a few early mystery thrillers with fellow journalist, the late William D. Montalbano. His nonfiction work includes Team Rodent, a not-so-endearing take on the Disney “empire,”and three collections of his newspaper columns. He has also written for Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Time, Esquire and Gourmet, and his novel Strip Tease as well as young adult book Hoot were both made into films.

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CARL HIAASEN

iaasen, also an avid fly fisherman, has evolved into the voice of Florida’s environmental conscience, and his take-no-prisoners exposés of local and national political nonsense and corruption were a constant until his retirement from the Herald in 2021. His readership is now national, and he’s won a gazillion awards, including the Damon Runyon Award for the Denver Press Club and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. His most recent book is Squeeze Me, a searing (and very funny) takedown of Palm Beach, politics and Florida’s spiraling environmental challenges. He’ll be speaking March 22 at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, and agreed to talk to Boca magazine.

When you retired last year it got a lot of us thinking “who will do it now?” I can’t say I know too many newspaper columnists in our region who so relentlessly take on the local (and national) powers that be. I’m wondering where you feel like the voices are who are speaking out for Florida these days? It’s getting harder now. The newspaper business, which is all I can speak for, has shrunk and withered so much economically that a lot of papers do not have a large stable of columnists. The Palm Beach Post’s Frank Cerabino still writes, and there are some good strong columnists out there, but I think it’s the kind of job that thrives when the newspaper business is doing better, because it requires space and another slot on the payroll. TV is not the same. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people or “columnists” and TV pundits doing podcasts online, and some of it is really bad information. Forget what side you’re on, the information isn’t any good and that’s the thing in our business—in legitimate journalism—there are editors and fact-checkers and there are consequences if you get things wrong. Job consequences. Career consequences. On the internet, there are no consequences. You can be reckless, you can publish absolute fiction and there’s nobody who’s going to say ‘you’re fired’ or an editor who is going to throw it back at you. That’s a dangerous thing. And that’s what’s been happening the past two years, obviously, in this country.

Over your decades as a columnist for the Herald, can you identify any stories you loved following more than others?

BEOWULF SHEEHAN/ZUMA WIRE

There were so many scandals, especially in Miami. So many political scandals that were fun to cover, so many clumsy payoff things in those days. The drug stuff was the most colorful, but over the years there were people I wrote about—some of them are still around— like Joe Carollo, whom you were sure was going to self-destruct. [Known as “Loco Joe” in the early ‘90s, Carollo was in the news for everything from allegedly throwing a teapot at his wife, to showering a Moroccan sheik with special favors from the city, to accusing his political foes of being communists, launching conspiracy theories and more.—Ed.] Yet no matter what you wrote about them, and as outrageous as they behaved, they are still around. In Florida, the one constant for me was the battle for the environment. It didn’t matter what crooks were in power, what politicians were in power, there was always the same set of forces trying to overdevelop, drain the wetlands, add highways where none were needed—that’s been a constant. To me, that’s been the most important aspect of it: trying to save what’s left of the wetlands and the Everglades, and that’s all tied in directly with the corruption. It’s all part of the same engine of greed. That’s what Florida politics has always run on.

Hiaasen, suited up

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Why was Miami the epicenter back then? Going back to the ‘40s and ‘50s, Miami has been a hotbed of corruption. The mafia families in New York discovered Miami, and they all had homes down there and started doing business down there like illegal gambling, which took root in South Florida before it did anywhere else in Florida. Miami has always been kind of a wide-open territory, so it wasn’t any surprise the drug business came, with Florida’s proximity to South America and Central America, the cocaine and marijuana producers. Miami would be a logical place to come

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[My generation] sold everything to anybody who could pay for it. That was what it was all about: How much waterfront can you sell? And that was just the mentality; this place was here to be exploited. And it still exists. “ launder your money. All those years when bankers never asked how much was in the briefcase; they knew it was cash. And car dealers never said, ‘So you’re going to pay $200,000 in cash for this Lambo?’ Oh, that’s normal. That’s just the way business was done. Miami always had that spirit of lawless entrepreneurism. The whole state of Florida was pretty much settled by outlaws, so this was just one extension of that. But for a young newspaper reporter, it was pretty exciting, and also sad and scary, the amount of violence and murder. On one hand, as a writer and a journalist you were getting these great stories, but on the other hand you are thinking, ‘Is this really where I want my family to be?’

anybody who could pay for it. That was what it was all about: How much waterfront can you sell? And that was just the mentality; this place was here to be exploited. And it still exists. The kids don’t think it has to be that way. They are a generation that isn’t even getting to see what I got to see as a kid, or what my dad got to see.

Were there any times you feared repercussions for calling people out?

What was it like for you back then?

I was on the investigations team, and by the time we got to writing about these people, they had so many problems worse than the Miami Herald. I’m talking about drug dealers, crooked investment bankers and politicians. They usually had their hands full legally before they saw their names in the paper. I did not ever feel in any danger. But we also didn’t have the online thing where you could get threatened. That didn’t exist then. I’ve always felt that the reporters who covered military conflicts were in much more danger than any of us working in towns like Miami or New York or places like that. I have friends who were involved in covering Nicaragua and the Mideast and Lebanon, and they were in daily peril.

In Squeeze Me, which made me laugh out loud— thank you—there is a passage where [the main character] Angie is thinking it didn’t matter who was in political power—The Everglades would always be exploited, it was broken, Florida Bay was gone, the reefs in the Keys were gone. Do you think it’s over, irrevocably? I believe it until I get these letters from kids who read the kids’ novels that I write, and they are so full of energy and hope and determination. It’s amazing how young readers—kids in general—almost seem to be born with an emotional connection to the outdoors and to wildlife, from the birds to oceans to the rivers—whatever. And it doesn’t matter if the books are set in Florida, because I get letters from kids all over the country, and they all have a place that they cherish and that they are afraid is going to be lost through either development or pollution. They can all relate to the pain of seeing a place you care about disappear. I’m generally a pretty skeptical person, but when I get these letters, [I see] that this is the generation inheriting this mess, and if enough of them stay committed and angry and determined … then there might be hope. That’s all you can really cling to. Because certainly my generation fucked it up so bad it may take at least a couple of more generations [to fix it]. I mean, we sold everything to

In those days, the late ‘50s or early ‘60s, you weren’t even cognizant of it being the Everglades; it was just where you went fishing, where you rode your bike. It was just the outdoors to us. And the idea of it being drained and paved was implanted early, because we saw it every day. You got the sense of loss from a very early age.‘That place we used to go fishing—the canal’s gone.’You get a quick education when you live in a place like South Florida that is booming that fast and everybody wants in. Everybody wants a piece of it. It certainly pissed me off when I was 6 or 7 years old, and I’m just as pissed off today.

And it’s still going on, this reckless development? [The mentality of greed] very much exists now. The way they go about it now is more sophisticated, and it costs them a little more to buy the politicians than it did back then. You have lobbyists now who are experts in advising politicians how to act like they really do give a shit. They have more coaches than they had back then…But there is one big difference: Even back the early ‘70s, nobody talked about the Everglades as a political issue…Now everybody on both sides talks about how we have to save the Everglades. Republicans talk about it, Democrats talk about it. Whether they really care about it or not, they at least understand the voters—the people of Florida—really, really care about it. So they’ve got to look like they care about it. So I suppose that’s some sort of progress.

I read in an interview that you almost stopped writing after the death of your brother, Rob. [Rob Hiaasen was a journalist and assistant editor at The Capital, a newspaper published in Annapolis, Maryland, who was shot and killed in a mass shooting at work at The Capital in 2018.—Ed.] What helped you move on, if moving on is even an option? I didn’t write anything for a couple of months. I couldn’t, really. The newspaper was great. They said, ‘You’ll know when you’re ready to come back.’ When the pain eases up just enough, you look beyond it and [I saw] that Rob would have wanted me to keep writing. He would have been the first one to say, ‘What are you doing? Get back

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BOCA INTERVIEW

CARL HIAASEN

BOOKS BY CARL HIAASEN

to work.’ Knowing that’s something that was important to him and that was his life and his career, I think [writing again] was out of respect for that. I also have a kind of old-fashioned sense of duty. It’s easy to get paralyzed by something like that. Mass shootings are happening regularly in this country, but the collateral damage for every victim for one of those shootings … It’s not just a number. Whole families, scores of people, are devastated by these things. Everybody reacts differently. I also thought therapeutically it would be important at least to keep writing. It was the only thing I knew how to do. I’m not qualified for any other kind of job.

What is it about writing long-form novels that appealed to you vs. doing a weekly newspaper column? When I was at Emory and the University of Florida I wrote columns for [the school] papers. I loved the format of the political column, and in those days you had Nixon, Kissinger and Watergate and Vietnam all going on. But nobody hires you as a columnist straight out of college, nor should they. Even back then I knew I wanted to write books as well—novels. And I’d been able at college to work as a ghostwriter with a friend of mine, and eventually got a couple of books published. My name wasn’t on them, but the idea that I was able to work on something that legit publishers would publish was very encouraging at that age. I thought if I could ever get a breather, I could start working on novels on the side—you need the newspaper paycheck—that’s how most novelists start. … I also knew what kind of novels I wanted to write. I wanted to write funny novels and satirical novels. I really didn’t want to do straight thrillers; it requires way too much discipline to plot a book out like that. I have no idea where I’m going with these novels when I start out. I like that freedom. You

YOUNG ADULT:

PLUS: Powder Burn, Trap Line and Death in China (with William D. Montalbano), Assume The Worst, Dance of The Reptiles, The Downhill Lie, Paradise Screwed, Kick Ass, A Carl Hiaasen Collection, Team Rodent

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Miami was a big brawling city , amd I saw no point in writing a column that was going to be wishy-washy, touchy-feely, make people feel better. There was too much going on — like social injustice...I didn’t want to be a columnist in that environment and not be in the middle of that mix.” can also put things in a novel that you don’t get into newspaper stories. There are plenty of truths out there that aren’t reported in a news story.

But you still had a lot of freedom with your column. I was lucky in that the Herald had never really had a columnist doing what I had done, and they cut me loose and let me do it. Inevitably, if you write a strong, sharply aimed column, especially satire, you piss off important people in town, and a lot of papers would just back off. But the Herald never did. They supported me. It was a big, brawling city, and I saw no point in writing a column that was going to be wishy-washy, touchy-feely, make people feel better. There was too much going on—like social injustice. There was a series of really bad police shootings of unarmed African-American men, going back to the ‘70s and ‘80s. I didn’t want to be a columnist in that environment and not be in the middle of that mix. What would be the point? My heroes were Pete Hamill and Jimmy Breslin amd Mike Royko and those kinds of people. My personality doesn’t suit the other kind of work.

Any inspirations when it comes to novelists? John D. MacDonald, because of how much he cared about Florida and how much he was able to incorporate all of that into the Travis McGee novels. There are so many great lines in those books; they are sort of old school macho thrillers, but there is so much social commentary on what was happening in Florida and what the developers were doing. And the fact that McGee kept his houseboat at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale where I grew up—that hooked me immediately. All that opened the possibility to me that people would read about Florida, and I thought there might be an audience for me out there for what I wanted to do. Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s there was no hashtag Florida man. It was still relatively undiscovered by writers. At least the things I was interested in writing about.

How and where do you go now to connect with the Florida you have always loved? I have a good friend in Everglades City, and he knows his way to places that have not changed in hundreds of years, way back in the Ten Thousand Islands. You put in at Chokoloskee and you disappear for a day. You can easily go without seeing another boat or hearing an airplane. And that helps me a lot. And even though I don’t live in the Keys anymore, I still enjoy going down to the lower Keys in particular for the same reason. You may have to drive through a lot of Jet Skis and parasailors to get there, but if you get far enough out in Florida Bay or far enough out in the lower Keys, it’s still pretty tranquil and special. And if you use your imagination, you can picture yourself at a time when maybe there’s a schooner on the horizon. Or a wrecking boat. Nature still has an enormous amount of sway in Florida, and it still sort of rises up.

IF YOU GO

Carl Hiaasen: In the Shadows of the Sunshine State WHERE: Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach WHEN: March 22, 3 p.m. COST: $50 (subject to availability) CONTACT: 561/655-7226, fourarts.org

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The

Hotel Culture Boutique hotels, however you define them, are springing up like mushrooms after a rainstorm BY JOHN THOMASON

ur definition of a boutique hotel

pretty much depends on how we see it. There are no strict parameters for the genre; like any potato-chip maker can claim their fried tubers are “all natural,” most hotels outside of the Venetian Las Vegas can call themselves boutique. For a general reference, we like the USA Today’s assessment:“Boutique hotels are characterized by their intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style. They distinguish themselves from larger chain hotels by offering personalized attention and styled accommodations which play on a motif.” No matter how you define it, these hotels became ubiquitous by the late 2010s, as more guests came to favor curated lodging experiences over anonymous chain hotels. The tastemakers at the Morning Advertiser, in the U.K., compiled their first Top 50 Boutique Hotels list last November in response to this demand. The Palm Beaches are no different than other global hot spots, with a number of recent hotels opening or rebranding to fit this distinction. We sampled a handful from Boca to West Palm Beach, all of which offer dining and leisure for the single-day visitor or overnight staycationer. Here’s how they stack up. Opposite page, White Elephant Palm Beach; this page, the Book Butler program at the Ben

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THOMAS HART SHELBY/GOAT RODEO PRODUCTIONS

Clockwise from top, Rosewater Rooftop, yellowtail crudo from Rosewater, The Ray’s lobby

THE RAY

233 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 561/739-1700 therayhotel.com ABOUT: Years in the making and somewhat controversial in its construction—it drove surrounding businesses nuts, and caused others to relocate—The Ray already feels like a community lynchpin and a Pineapple Grove landmark. The latest in Menin Development’s hospitality empire, it endeavors to be a gathering spot for locals, from its three public restaurants to the open-air yoga and fitness classes it hosts. Guests enjoy additional perks: They can rent bicycles or Mokes—a street-legal electric golf cart that’s gone to college—for a quick jaunt to the beach, or avail themselves of personal training sessions in the super-sized gym, a surf lesson on a board emblazoned with The Ray’s logo, or a dip in the rooftop infinity pool. ROGUES GALLERY: No fewer than three designers worked on The Ray’s aesthetic, a carefully cultivated tropical-modern vibe in which art and architecture feel inextricably linked. The hotel is a de facto art gallery, with Woods Davy’s seemingly gravity-defying floating rock sculpture and Anthony James’ stunning LED octagon, with its simulated portal into oblivion, playing dizzying tricks on the eye. DON’T MISS: The poolside Rosewater Rooftop serves up creative cocktails and casual dishes alongside some of the best 360-degree views of Delray Beach. Cloth banquettes make for comfortable

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lounge seating amid a modern nautical design of rope, wicker, rattan and glass, perfect for nursing a Coo Coo for Coconuts, with vodka, pineapple juice, orgeat and Coconut Red Bull, or a Pink Dove, with Cazadores Reposada, lime juice, hibiscus agave and sparkling grapefruit juice. The mezze platter is a hearty appetizer complete with fresh-from-the-oven pita slices, spiced almonds, spicy hummus, savory yogurt and heavenly green olives in a pool of EVOO. EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY: In addition to Rosewater Rooftop, the street-level Ember Grill fashions itself as the “Cheers!” of Pineapple Grove, though its price points—and quality of ingredients, and chef-driven menu—exceed that of Sam Malone’s TV enterprise. For example, an addictively creamy crab dip arrives in a metal serving dish shaped like the crustacean itself, and is torched tableside for extra heat and pizzazz. And if the desserts include half a pineapple filled with luscious pineapple sorbet and topped with thinly sliced mango and spunky passion fruit, you will not find a more refreshing coda. Meanwhile, A hotly anticipated Japanese concept from Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, not yet open at the time of this writing, is on The Ray’s horizon. LET’S MAKE A DEAL: One special offer catering to local staycationers,“The Ray Days,” includes two welcome cocktails, breakfast for two daily, and a room upgrade at check-in, if available, for $239 per night, for weekdays only.

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WHITE ELEPHANT PALM BEACH 280 Sunset Ave., Palm Beach; 561/832-7050 whiteelephantpalmbeach.com

ABOUT: In its original incarnation as the Bradley Park Hotel, this historic Palm Beach property served as a Gilded Age hideaway for tycoons and high rollers. It remains associated with the leisure class: Billionaire developers Stephen and Jill Karp purchased the property for nearly $15.4 million in 2018, gutted the entire structure—save for Capt. Edward Bradley’s original fireplace, still preserved in the former lobby—and two years later reopened it as the White Elephant, the sister property to their same-named hotel on Nantucket. Honoring the island’s architectural heritage with their leafy Mediterranean-revival design, the Karps designed the lobby to “feel like you’re walking into their house,”according to Director of Rooms Brad Shapiro. That means marble flooring, an enormous floral centerpiece that is changed weekly, a library of beach reads and best-sellers, and a vibrant sampling of the 120 modern art selections hanging throughout the property. LAP OF LUXURY: Visitors cannot go wrong with any of the 19 deluxe rooms or 13 suites, but to really live like a king—and if $6,000 (per night) is burning a hole in your velvet-lined pocket—the White Elephant’s award-winning Park Suite may be the most exclusive temporary address on the island. It spans three bedrooms and three and a half baths, with a fully equipped kitchen and a 1,200-squarefoot rooftop terrace complete with covered portico, ceiling fans and television. It’s where Michael Jordan booked a meeting for his Cincoro Tequila brand—and where one guest stayed for two weeks and had his personal treadmill delivered to the room. Sure, there’s a fitness center on the ground floor, but why leave paradise? DON’T MISS: Then again, if you do leave the hotel, there are ways to do so that are extravagantly Palm Beach-y. The phalanx of White Elephant-branded BMWs parked in front of the property is available for four-hour excursions. Guests can also book a Hinckley yacht for a cocktail-and-sushi cruise, a tour of Peanut Island, even a voyage to Jupiter, from the nearby Palm Beach Yacht Club. Then again, for a more modest price point (i.e., free), the hotel offers bicycles to pedal around the island and its famous Lake Trail.

LET’S MAKE A DEAL: The White Elephant offers a special resident rate for Florida staycationers during the months of August and September. Book now, as off-season isn’t much of a thing anymore.

OVI MUSTEA

EAT, DRINK AND MERRY: Like its Nantucket flagship, this White Elephant is home to LoLa 41, a bar and restaurant serving delicacies found along the 41st longitude/latitude parallel—hence its name. This means specialties of the Mediterranean, Western Europe, Japan and the Northeast U.S. appear on its diverse menu. Sushi rolls span from traditional to rarefied (the“Capt’n Jose”includes spicy salmon and cucumber topped with salmon, kiwi and sesame aji mirin aioli), and other favorites include Hong Kong chicken lettuce cups with diced green beans and scallions, arriving in a perfectly balanced ginger-sesame soy blend. Any dish is made better with a side of spicy fries—togarishi mayonnaise gives them their kick—while the brioche French toast, with crème Anglaise, fruit and powdered sugar, is delectable anytime of the day. Outdoor seating at the White Elephant, the front entrance and Capt’n Jose rolls from LoLa 41

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MICHAEL STAVARIDIS

Pool at Opal Grand

OPAL GRAND

10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; 561/274-3200 opalgrand.com ABOUT: The Opal Grand may be relatively new—opening, in rebranded form, in January 2020—but the building itself is literally as old as Delray Beach: Both the city and the land’s original tenant, the Seacrest Hotel, were incorporated in 1927. The beachfront property has evolved in its near-century of hospitality into a Holiday Inn, then a Marriott, and now an Opal, leveling up in its amenities and allure with each transformation. Two pools, including one for adults only, supplement the guest experience, but for water lovers, it’s the public beach access directly across the street that’s most enticing.

the on-site salon and spa became a Tammy Fender property, with products from this plant-based skin guru to the stars (Julianne Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow are devotees). Also in 2021, the onsite Beach Market café opened for snacks; it’s designed around a cycling theme, with full-size retro Schwinn bicycles suspended from the ceiling as décor. Lastly, the Opal opened its fine-dining restaurant Drift in December, surrounding its tables in a nautical design, complete with subtle touches like driftwood beer taps at the bar and “portholes” in the thick menu books.

LOBBY FOR MORE: Jettisoning the Marriott’s Spanish-Mediterranean flair, the Opal’s in-house design team renovated the interior in an Anglo-Caribbean theme. The centerpieces of the skylit lobby are the orchids blooming from three enormous pots positioned in a mosaic tile pool, surrounded by reclaimed wood art, living green and water walls, and swinging chairs; the feng shui is fantastic.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY: Guests and visitors can alternate between Drift and its nearby dining companion, the Monkey Bar, which plays off its name with touches of primate whimsy, like the sculpted monkeys clutching light bulbs at four corners of the bar. The New American fare samples from cultures around the world to produce outstanding dishes such as the wild mushroom naan, with a generous portion of soft ‘shrooms, truffle cauliflower cream and Gouda cheese smothering the Indian bread, and a bed of shredded Parmesan and arugula on top. This aromatic dish invades and conquers the nostrils from afar, and it’s a welcome occupation.

DON’T MISS: New partnerships and food and beverage openings continued the Opal Grand’s expansion well into 2021. Last fall,

LET’S MAKE A DEAL: Depending on the time of year, staycationing Floridians can book a room at 10 percent off.

SeaSpray

By boat, car or foot, all are welcome at the Waterstone’s re-branded restaurant Dining with an ocean breeze is a premium amenity in Boca Raton, limited mostly to guests at The Boca Raton or dwellers of private clubs. The Waterstone (999 E. Camino Real), Boca’s O.G. boutique hotel, has long offered one of the few public spots for water-

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front nosh. Originally dubbed the Waterstone Rum Bar and Grill, its on-site restaurant rebranded into the SeaSpray Inlet Grille last year. The re-imagining includes an impressive, seven-part wraparound mural by Venezuelan artist Gabriela Benatar, where tropical birds, snakes and lemurs cavort amid jungly flora. Guests can sit on booths directly abutting the Boca Inlet, or poolside, or at tables under heavy-duty, tasseled beach

umbrellas. Around sunset, with the breeze ruffling the napkins, and electric lanterns easing the transition from day to night, it’s one of Boca’s go-to spots for a romantic night out. Dishes such as the watermelon salad, in which a bed of arugula, feta cheese, red onions and toasted almonds rests atop a slab of the titular fruit, is simple, refreshing, and brighter than Venus in the night sky. Its subtle combination of sweet and savory also

turns up in the pear tortellini appetizer, whose rich truffle cream sauce greets your senses before the al dente pouches hit your taste buds. Leave room for dessert, which, if you order the decadent campfire s’mores, is an interactive theatrical experience. It’s served with a flaming Sterno Stove with all the ingredients ready for roasting: a stack of graham crackers, fluffy marshmallows and a variety of chocolates.

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THE BEN

251 Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach; 561/655-4001 thebenwestpalm.com ABOUT: A monument of steel, glass and pixie dust, this waterfront hotel is named after the Ben Trevato, a former Victorian-style mansion in Boynton Beach. Palm Beach County pioneer and author Byrd Spilman Dewey settled into that estate in 1887 and nurtured an environment of raucous parties and elite salons cluttered with a menagerie of animals. With its mix of concrete with delightfully anachronistic neon, the hotel’s design combines the rustic roots of its namesake manse with contemporary island luxury. The lobby features a dark-wood fireplace, animal-themed trinkets, a playable chess set and a towering shelf of antique books straight out of Arthur Conan Doyle, but take a second look at the bookshelf: It’s also a work of modern art, with a person’s face sprayed across the bindings. READ ALL ABOUT IT: Byrd Dewey’s legacy touches all corners of the Ben. A new, hardbound and exclusive copy of Dewey’s most famous work, Bruno, a young-adult classic about an adopted puppy, is included in every room. But the real amenity for the hotel’s literary-minded guests is the Book Butler. Simply dial the front and call him up as you would room service. Within moments, he arrives at your door dressed as an Agatha Christie butler—crisp dress shirt with black pants, vest and bow tie—and carrying three new best-sellers on a silver tray, along with a “menu” synopsizing each. Guests can take home their selections, or leave them in their rooms to be donated to the local community. DON’T MISS: The Ben’s location is as impressive as the hotel itself, and reason enough for an overnight sojourn. The nightlife of Clematis Street and the breeze from the Intracoastal are a short walk from the lobby, and Elisabetta’s restaurant is so close it can practically be called a hotel restaurant. Monogrammed Ben bicycles, with helmet and knapsack provided, are free to rent, and are a great way to access the Flagler Memorial Bridge onto Palm Beach, just minutes away. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY: Sous chef when lobby restaurant Proper Grit opened in 2020, the gastronomically named Jesse Pita is now executive chef, serving upscale comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. The beet carpaccio salad is a lovely mélange of sweet and savory, and the charcuterie and fromage board offers a rich variety of flavor combinations. The crispy cauliflower mac and cheese, with the fried vegetable resting atop creamy elbow pasta, chopped broccoli and glistening blistered tomatoes, is an elevated take on this youth-cuisine staple. There’s live music Wednesdays to Saturdays, and diners can also opt for the poolside rooftop restaurant Spruzzo, with an array of surf ‘n’ turf favorites. LET’S MAKE A DEAL: Floridians may enjoy the Ben’s Resident Rate Staycation Offer: 20 percent off the regular room rate, along with a waived $35 valet fee.

From top, the Ben’s lobby, Executive Chef Jesse Pita and Spruzzo

WEB EXTRA We haven’t forgotten our longstanding hospitality favorites: To learn about the rebranding of Delray Beach’s eminent Seagate Hotel & Spa, visit BOCAMAG.COM/MARCH-2022.

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HAVE I GOT A Florida’s Long History of the Con Artist Written by Eliot Kleinberg

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DEAL FOR YOU hen Spanish explorers came across a new land, they named it Florida because of all the beautiful flowers on the beach. Right? No. It got its name because the explorers saw it during the time of Easter, the “festival of the flowers.”Think about it. Florida beaches don’t have flowers. You were conned. Congratulations. When it comes to Florida, you are far from the first. When America first got Florida from Spain, a lot of people thought that deal was a con. One congressman called the place “a land of swamps, of quagmires, of frogs and alligators and mosquitoes,” and said no one would want to immigrate there, even from hell. But it didn’t take long—pretty much right after the Civil War—for savvy people to realize there was a sweet side to Florida. They could make big bucks selling sun and sand. And when opportunity races in, a scammer isn’t far behind. Grifters have come to Florida the way pigs race to a trough. Here’s a look at just a few people from Florida’s rogues’ gallery of con artists. And artists they were.

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The Binder Boys With the end of World War I, a whirlwind arose: the Florida real estate boom. There never was anything like it. The Roaring 20s had brought world peace and prosperity. Money was burning holes in people’s pockets. Hawkers shouted,“Land! Land! Land!” Trainloads of buyers poured into America’s Riviera and jammed into tents where entire developments sold out in hours. With all that frenzy, it’s a safe bet people

didn’t always make their purchases with thoughtful reckoning. Enter the“binder boys”—named for the binder, or 10 percent down-payment—which is all they had to lay out for property. Historians say as many as 25,000 of these independent entrepreneurs swarmed Miami alone. They piled into hotel rooms and boarding houses with one goal in mind. They were up with the sun and working the sidewalks, looking for buyers. How did the binder boys—men of such

on the other side of a stretch of swamp. He also learned all the factories that made timber into two-by-fours, and crafted penny nails and bricks, were in the North, and America’s then-medieval transportation system just couldn’t move materials down fast enough to meet demand. The law started to crack down on both binder boys and some of the big land sales outfits. The stock market began to get sick. Northern bankers hoping to staunch the flow of money to Florida launched a negative campaign that accentuated the swindlers. And then came the weather. Except for Andrew, the most catastrophic hurricanes to hit Florida in the 20th century happened just nine years apart: 1926 (Miami), 1928 (Lake Okeechobee) and 1935 (the Keys). The storms blew away the Boom along with everything else. Railroads offered free rides out of town. The binder boys were on them.

General Development Corp

Land sales campaigns in early South Florida

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modest means—afford these big-ticket transactions? They never had to lay down more than that 10 percent deposit. In fact, a binder boy would buy and sell something he never had eyeballed. And often, even as a deed made its way to that clock machine in the courthouse to be recorded, it would be bought and sold a few more times. All of that meant that a parcel soon would be priced at far more than it really was worth. Each time, another salesman got a big piece of cash. Nowadays, you’d call that a pyramid scheme. And everyone knows those don’t end well. Sometimes a buyer grew weary of playing Monopoly and actually wanted to start building. That’s when he learned his property sat in six inches of water. Or was

The Depression ended the boom of the 1920s, but the end of World War II sparked a new one. General Development Corporation (GDC) didn’t bother with deep-pocket speculators the way many binder boys did. GDC targeted Joe Lunch-Pail. A person listening to his neighbor’s toilet flush in a crowded Queens apartment house could not help but drool over ads that said he could get a new home for $310 down and $65 a month, or a homesite for $10 down, $10 a month. Ten dollars! In the 1950s and 1960s, GDC invented the planned development, building several Florida towns from scratch near places such as Ocala and Port Charlotte. At one point, it was the state’s biggest homebuilder, selling 100,000 homes and boasting holdings of more than $1 billion. One town, which sprang up around 1961, would become home to a quarter-million retirees. GDC called it Port Saint Lucie— even though it was nowhere near a port. That should have been a hint. The trick to successful scamming is to get out of town before the suckers catch on. Sometimes, they never do. But many times, the scammer gets caught. In the case of Port Saint Lucie, in the late 1980s, buyers began filing class action law-

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COURTESY OF PORT ST. LUCIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Left, promoting Florida “jalousie” windows at the New York World’s Fair; selling the magic of Port St. Lucie

suits, claiming they were wined and dined and pressured but never got a chance to shop around or get independent appraisals, which would have showed they were overpaying. Perhaps as much as 10 times the sales prices in comparable neighborhoods. Federal investigators were right behind. In 1990, GDC went bankrupt. Four top execs were convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges, although convictions later were overturned.

Gulf American Fly over the Golden Gate Estates, about 20 miles east of downtown Naples.You’ll see a patchwork of roads—some 300 miles of them. Many end in cul-de-sacs right up against the Big Cypress National Preserve. You might spot a rare Florida panther crossing one. Most are devoid of homes. They are roads to nowhere. Golden Gate might be Florida’s biggest swamp con ever. And that’s saying something. In the go-go 1950s, Baltimore brothers Leonard and Julius Rosen first had bulldozed the peninsula north of Fort Myers and created Cape Coral. The Rosens then looked about 50 miles south and east. The hawkers of Golden Gate boasted a sprawl three times the size of Naples: 55,000

acres—173 square miles—and some 20,000 homes. Perfect for a winter property. Or a retirement home. Gulf American Corp. bought the land for as little as $100 an acre and would sell it for 20 times that. Or more. Salesmen would be sure to take potential buyers during dry months. They didn’t mention that, the rest of the time, Florida would be in monsoon mode, and the land in the western Everglades would be under water. In all, homes for only a few thousand people ever were built. Buyers wised up. Deals fell through. The word was out. The debacle led to the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act of 1968. In 1974, Gulf American agreed to finish roads and drainage canals and run power and telephone. It didn’t. The outfit went bankrupt in 1976. In 1997, the federal government paid $50 million for the land. The plan was to use it to restore freshwater flow to the end of the peninsula, and create a refuge for the endangered Florida panther. Much of it now is in the Picayune Strand State Forest. At least someone profited from the roads to nowhere: In the 1980s, they made perfect clandestine landing strips for smuggler planes loaded with drugs.

The Maggot Mile Leonard and Julius Rosen

Like the man who said he robbed banks because that’s where the money was, stock fraud artists saw in Boca Raton a fish-in-

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Lev Parnas

Trump advisor Rudy Giuliani. In October 2019, he and a pal, Igor Fruman, were arrested at a Washington, DC airport with one-way tickets to Vienna. The feds charged they broke campaign laws by steering hundreds of thousands in foreign money to

Lou Pearlman and the O Town band; right, a Backstreet Boys platinum album

pro-Trump PACs. That case was active as of this writing. In the meantime, Parnas sang like a jaybird about the Trump machine.

Lou Pearlman Remember those boy bands who made your teen daughter scream and weep and swoon? If her idols include the Backstreet Boys and ‘NSync, the genius behind the packaging was Lou Pearlman. But Pearlman also was behind one of the

biggest investment frauds in Florida history. Prosecutors allege some 1,800 investors, many of them friends and relatives, cumulatively lost a staggering $300 million. Hundreds sued Pearlman—including members of the boy bands. He’d invented them from whole cloth, through newspaper audition ads, and he basically“owned”them, getting paid for their concerts and records, and paying them himself. He rolled over the profits to create several more teen bands. He delved into movies and TV. He solicited investors, who also helped finance his enterprises. But authorities allege his Trans Continental companies, which bankrolled the various entertainment enterprises, were as much a façade as critics claim his manufactured bands were. In a classic Ponzi scheme, he moved money around, and cooked books, to give the illusion his enterprises were flourishing. But the boy bands and the TV and film properties started losing sales. And in-

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a-barrel trove of wealthy targets, many of them retirees. But Boca also was a great place to set up boiler rooms with banks of phones where salesmen put the elbow on humble investors across the nation. Most outfits sold “penny stocks”for less than $1 per share. Such a stock wasn’t listed on exchanges, and potential investors didn’t have access to information about it, making it easy for a salesman to exaggerate its worth. And outrageously mark up its price. Salespeople armed themselves with fibfilled scripts before cold calls that insisted a stock was booming and a window was about to close. Hurry! And after all, it’s just a few bucks, right? Of course, the few bucks added up for the firms, which investigators alleged collected commissions as high as 200 percent. Of the 24 penny stock outfits nationwide that the Securities and Exchange Commission examined in 1988, 11 were in Boca Raton. Many of them lined Federal Highway. They earned an odious nickname: Maggot Mile. Just between January 1988 and April 1989, the state shut down 14 firms, with 46 offices and 2,200 agents, just in Florida. At least three were in Boca. And the feds formed the Florida Penny Stock Task Force. The SEC closed down the nation’s largest penny stock outfit, Stuart-James, which operated a branch in Boca, where a co-founder owned a home. And later, four executives of Boca-based F.D. Roberts Securities, a firm with offices in the 500 block of South—you guessed it— Federal Highway, were accused of conning some 1,500 investors out of $67 million. They were fined a total of $525,000. The firm previously had abruptly closed, leaving buyers with nothing but scrap paper. Among those who made their fortunes in the boiler rooms of Boca was a man whose name would surface in connection with the president of the United States: Lev Parnas. For some two decades, the Ukraine native, according to the Palm Beach Post,“Left a trail of bad blood and crushing debt.” Parnas came to Florida around 1995 and later bought a company that pushed the cheap stocks. Federal prosecutors alleged one of his firms was a front for mobsters. They charged a dozen people and shut down the business. Numerous other people claimed Parnas ripped them off. Parnas later would be linked to Donald

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Bernie Madoff Lou Pearlman’s position as top con didn’t last too long. A new champion emerged down the highway in Palm Beach. It wasn’t even close. Bernie Madoff’s thousands of victims— more than 15,000 claims were filed—lost a collective $17 billion. With a B. At least one victim reportedly lost $120 million. The loss still is believed the biggest in Wall Street history. Original estimates had placed Madoff’s damage at $65 billion, but like everything else Madoff, that number was the result of fake reported profits after Madoff allegedly inflated clients’ gains. One of Madoff’s primary stalking grounds was the Palm Beach Country Club, in the town of Palm Beach, where he had a winter home. His targets were some of the biggest names in island society, not to mention major companies and foundations. Madoff purported to put investors’ money in a wide range of stocks, some of them blue chip, with expected big returns. But in what was a textbook shell game, he used money from new investors to pay off old ones, and dutifully sent statements detailing transactions that were imaginary. In 2009, Madoff pleaded guilty to 11

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vestors started asking about their money. When the house of cards collapsed, and the FBI went looking for Pearlman, he fled to Europe, and later Indonesia, where he was caught. In 2008, Pearlman was convicted of fraud and hit with a 25-year sentence. He died of heart disease in prison in August 2016, at age 62.

Bernie Madoff leaving court in New York City

federal counts, including money laundering, fraud and perjury, and was sentenced to 150 years. He died in April 2021 in prison at age 82 after suffering from kidney disease. A special fund has recovered hundreds of millions for victims.

Miss Cleo Late at night, people desperate to learn their future or communicate with a dead relative were a captive audience for a woman with a Jamaican patois and a gift.

In the 1990s, Miss Cleo—born Youree Del Cleomill Harris—was the face of the Psychic Readers Network. In late-night TV spots, she cajoled viewers to call in to a hotline. “You have questions,” she says in videos still posted on YouTube.“I have the answers.” When Miss Cleo said she knew things others could not, she wasn’t kidding, authorities alleged. Federal and state prosecutors said the Psychic Readers Network employed a“900 number,” in which the caller pays by the minute. Prosecutors said the network led people to think they were making a toll-free telephone call, but stretched their three-minute reading to as much as 20 minutes, all while the meter spun. The Federal Trade Commission reported 2,000 complaints. Authorities later charged Miss Cleo with engaging in deceptive business practices. In 2002, as part of a settlement, the outfit closed its portal to the cosmos. In a deal with the feds, the network and its associated companies agreed to forgo collecting some $500 million in outstanding charges. They returned customers’ uncashed checks. And they paid a $5 million fine. They settled separate state charges by waiving more than $40 million in fees and giving refunds to callers who requested them. And Miss Cleo’s criminal charges were dropped. Reporters, meanwhile, dug up a birth certificate that said she came not from the mists of Jamaica, but from American parents in Los Angeles. In July 2016, she died of cancer at 53.

SOURCES

Miss Cleo

Paul S. George, “Brokers, Binders, and Builders: Greater Miami’s Boom of the Mid-1920s.” Florida Historical Quarterly, July 1986.; James C. Clark, “Underwater lots! Swamp cities! $10 down! Welcome to Florida, the land of sunshine, surf and scams.” Orlando Sentinel, Oct. 28, 1990; Robin Pollack, “Once-Mighty GDC Selling Up.” Vero Beach Press Journal, Feb. 7, 2003; Eliot Kleinberg, “Wildlife Finds Refuge on Abandoned Strips of Drained Wetlands,” Palm Beach Post, Nov. 24, 1990; Lori Rosza, “A Real Slice of Florida Swamp,” Miami Herald, June 22, 1997; Peter Whoriskey, “Stock Fraud Pastes ‘Maggot Mile’ Label on Boca.” ; Palm Beach Post, April 16, 1989; Anastasia Dawson, “Music Mogul Dies as Inmate,” Tampa Bay Times, Aug. 22, 2016; Carol Rose and John Pacenti, “Madoff dies in federal prison; Disgraced financier was serving a 150-year sentence in N. Carolina,” Palm Beach Daily News, April 15, 2021; Mitch Lipka, “Suits Fill Psychic’s Future; Florida’s Attorney General and the FTC to Battle Miss Cleo in Court.” South Florida Sun-Sentinel. February 15, 2002; Brett Clarkson, “Miss Cleo, former late-night television psychic, dies at 53.” South Florida Sun-Sentinel, July 27, 2016; Gregory Cox, “‘Miss Cleo’ gained fame as TV, hotline psychic in 1990s; Area resident known as TV, hotline psychic in 1990s; Self-described TV and hotline psychic, dead at 53.” Palm Beach Post, July 27, 2016

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MICHAEL ALAN KASKEL

FLORIDA STYLE & DESIGN

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One designer wakes up an old Coconut Grove house with light, texture and a little Boho style.

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FLORIDA STYLE & DESIGN

SECOND ACTS

from

drab t0 fab KitchenLab Interiors brings a somber house into the sunshine, creating a family-friendly home that is as livable as it is luxurious. Written By CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

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MICHAEL ALAN KASKEL

ho can resist the transformation of a remarkably remodeled home? Springtime is the perfect season to start thinking about your own dream home makeover—and with the rising cost of new housing in South Florida, reinventing your home may be the smartest move you make in 2022. In Coconut Grove, KitchenLab Interiors took a dark, outdated house that seemed out of place on the expansive waterfront and breathed life back into it through the use of vibrant colors, interesting patterns and prints and natural materials. The goal for co-founding principal Rebekah Zaveloff and her team was to infuse the home with a casual luxury inspired by the owner’s world travels. Zaveloff’s clients purchased the five-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot home as a vacation destination for their blended family. With swimming and sunning as top priorities, the owners wanted the home to be comfortable and easy, but with a sprinkle of lavish finishes and details—a place where carefree kids, relaxed adults, wet bathing suits, bare feet, laughter and family fun would be welcomed. Like the casual chic resort wear that’s inspired by the breezy charm of European towns like Amalfi and Positano, Zaveloff was keen on curating an eclectic bohemian home that was practical but that still reflected Miami’s glittering glamour.

The Thayer Coggin velvet sofas, which are high up on their legs, add a sculptural element to the room while still having a low back to ensure the water views are not blocked from any part of the room.

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FLORIDA STYLE & DESIGN

SECOND ACTS

GREAT ROOM

Faced with a stately open floor plan and vaulted ceilings, the team worked to create an intimate and inviting great room by defining its space through the use of vintage rugs and symmetrical furniture. Hesitant to mix pinks and blues reminiscent of “Miami Vice,”Zaveloff selected a dusty rose for the drop-in sofas and indigo for the mudcloth ottoman from Design Mix Gallery. Complementing the symmetry of the sofas and Selamat chairs, the team chose two circular coffee tables instead of the customary single piece. The quiet, low-profile Four Hands tables balance the legginess of the sofas. Eager to use the home for the winter season, the clients tasked KitchenLab Interiors to design their dream home in only six months. The tight timeline made sourcing in-stock furnishings imperative. When it came to the great room’s rug, Zaveloff found two kilims but neither was big enough. So she worked with Asia Minor Carpets to completely reconfigure and reconstruct them to create one custom patchwork diamond-pattern.

SITTING ROOM

Zaveloff is passionate about traveling, and she gets a lot of inspiration from the places she visits. That’s also true for her clients who love to travel but needed assistance in acquiring pieces that reflected their wanderlust. Zaveloff wanted to evoke a European Mediterranean vibe throughout the home with meaningful pieces that came from global destinations reaching from Morocco to Mexico. In the sitting room she looked to create a cozy Anglophile-influenced library setting with touches of Indian and North African style. Vintage rugs complement the organic rattan chairs and ottoman, again departing from any sort of starkly modern décor.

MICHAEL ALAN KASKEL

Selamat chairs add organic texture and style to the space. RIGHT: Placed above the sideboard, a tessellated stone mirror from Kakar House of Design reflects the view while adding to the formal dining room’s sophisticated ambiance.

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DINING ROOM & BREAKFAST NOOK

While sparse rooms cloaked in floor-toceiling white define many of Miami’s residences, the home’s previous owners were drawn to dark brown marble flooring and heavy furniture. To add an airy glow, Zaveloff replaced the floors with French limestone. She also replaced the opaque bench in the breakfast nook with an inviting custom banquette brightened with comfy indigo and Aegean shaded pillows. Hanging above, a Ro Sham Beaux beaded chandelier adds more style and light. To create a more formal, elegant space in the dining room, Zaveloff changed the mood by introducing darker colors. The room’s earthy glam vibe originates from the balance of organic pieces like the ebony wood and rattan chairs from Mexican design company Alfonso Marina, a blackand-rattan sideboard from Noir and an incredibly glamorous Murano smoked glass light fixture.

HOT HUES (We’ve got the blues)

Blue is one of the colors that tie the home’s décor together. While the client loves all blues, Zaveloff wanted to stray from the typical coastal décor of pale blues and whites, focusing on rich, deep shades. 1. This peacock-blue linen Clara Sofa from Jayson Home sits in the bright informal sitting room that was once an ebony bar with lime green accents. 2. A whimsical Selamat console desk with an iconic Morris & Co. pattern was inspired by a classic steamer trunk down to the brass detail. 3. This guest bedroom shower showcases a glacier-blue Moroccan zellige terracotta tile sourced from Zia Tile.

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Cerused oak cabinetry brings an earthiness into the kitchen while complementing the reverse calacatta bluette Carrara honed countertops.

Hitting the Wall Wallpaper delivers texture and pattern, and Zaveloff peppered her clients’ home with some outstanding choices. 1. The primary suite’s Clay McLaurin grasscloth wallpaper boasts a blue-gray fern print on a natural woven. 2. A Clay McLaurin Shinto natural grasscloth wallpaper in a gray putty shade frames the two Anthropologie daybeds. 3. In the twin bedroom, this inky rattan-inspired Clay McLaurin wallpaper gives the room a moody texture-rich feel.

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KITCHEN

To brighten up the space, the team removed two tiny existing windows over the sink and increased them twofold to welcome in natural light and sweeping ocean views. The custom-made, sky-blue Morrocan zellige terracotta tile from Mosaic House frames those sea vistas and reminds Zaveloff of a cane or rattan pattern common in Florida design.

PRIMARY SUITE

The vintage rattan chaise from Chairish and small Brazilian wood tables with sleek marble tops add to the bedroom’s organic Mexican influence.

MICHAEL ALAN KASKEL

Zaveloff wanted to create a serene sanctuary for her clients where they could retreat after a day in the sun. The organic space’s grasscloth wallpaper radiates tranquility, while Murano lamps set on the Mecox Garden rattan and raffia bedside tables add a special vintage touch. The Cisco Brothers bed with its striped headboard delivers a European woven feel that’s repeated throughout the house, straying from a typical coastal-nautical stripe. Into the bathroom, Zaveloff continued the organic feel of the bedroom using a plush rattan vintage daybed set below a display of African woven fruit bowls. To accommodate the tight move-in timeline, the brown marble floors that were original to the home were kept but were stripped of the polish.

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FLORIDA STYLE & DESIGN

LOGGIA

SECOND ACTS

The Chicago-based clients bought the house to take advantage of Florida’s year-round sunshine, so having an exterior space that was just as stylish and relaxed as the interior was essential. The design team kept the original coral floor but added planters and updated landscaping, and introduced an outdoor dining table from Frontgate surrounded with a blend of Selamat and Sika Design chairs.

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Off the pool and adjacent to the outdoor dining table, Zaveloff sourced Serena and Lily sofas and chairs with Peter Dunham custom pillows, an Artesia coffee table and Jaime Young side tables to create an intimate cozy sitting area that overlooks the pool.

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Woven bowls from Jalan Jalan Collection adorn the inviting sitting area that’s furnished with Artesia rattan chairs.

OUTDOOR BAR & SITTING AREA

JEANNE CANTO

Working with the existing blue-gray concrete bar, the team flowed the interior’s organic, luxury feel onto the patio by adding rattan barstools and zellige tile to the backsplash. Adjacent to the bar, a loungey sitting area replaces a sectional sofa and a collection of TVs that her clients didn’t want. Continuing her appreciation for daybeds outside, Zaveloff took two teak daybeds and had their arms cut off and legs cut down in height to create a custom outdoor sofa embellished with custom cushions.

AU NATURALE

Bring that organic feel into your home with a selection of KitchenLab’s favorite pieces.

Linwood Lounge Chair; $1,125; Selamat; selamatdesigns.com

Wainscott Rattan and Raffia Bedside Table; $1,585; Mecox Gardens; mecox.com

Hudson Round Coffee Table; $1,799; Four Hands; fourhands.com

Serena & Lily Outdoor Capistrano Daybed; $3,498; serenaandlily.com

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SOUTH FLORIDA’S PREMIER ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY GROUP

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Ofcial Team • SuperPATH & anterior replacement • SuperPATH & anterior hip hip replacement Physicians of the • Robotic knee surgery • In-office Kyphoplasty procedures Florida Launch • MAKOplasty partial knee surgery • MAKOplasty partial knee surgery Professional • Adult/pediatric spine & deformity surgery • Adult/pediatric spine & deformity surgery Lacrosse Team • Hand & upper extremity surgery • Hand & upper extremity surgery Left to right: • Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery • Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery Eric Shapiro, MD • Arthroscopic knee & shoulder surgery Brandon Luskin, MD • Arthroscopic knee & shoulder surgery Elvis Grandic, MD • Sports medicine • Sports medicine Charlton Stucken, MD • Conventional & reverse shoulder replacement John Wang, MD • Conventional & reverse shoulder replacement left to right: Daniel Baluch, MD • Minimally invasive hip & knee replacement Eric Shapiro, MD, Brandon Luskin, MD, Charlton Stucken, MD, Jonathan Courtney, MD, • Minimally invasive hip & knee replacement Daniel Baluch, MD, •Rodrigo Banegas, MD, Elvis Grandic, MD www.ortho-surgeon.com 561-734-5080 2828 S. Seacrestwww.ortho-surgeon.com Blvd • Boynton Beach // 1601 Clint Moore Road • Boca Raton • 561-734-5080

2828 S. Seacrest Blvd, Ste. 204 • Boynton Beach // 1601 Clint Moore Road, Ste. 125 • Boca Raton

2022 From a fresh new spin that goes viral to ideas that stand the test of time, emerging trends keep us on the vanguard and evolving with the times. Meet some area Trend Makers who help set the course for new looks and market preferences in home furnishings and design.

noam ziv

CEO, EL-AD NATIONAL PROPERTIES, DEVELOPERS OF ALINA RESIDENCES BOCA RATON

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN LUXURY RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE?

eople are looking for larger homes, and larger private outdoor spaces because they are spending more time at home. With social distancing brought on by the pandemic, as well as people wishing to create the sense of community they may miss from being away from the workplace, we have designed both indoor and outdoor spaces for socializing so people feel comfortable enjoying the luxury lifestyle they choose.

EL-AD NATIONAL PROPERTIES, DEVELOPERS OF ALINA RESIDENCES BOCA RATON

The luxurious ALINA Residences Boca Raton floorplans we designed are intentionally made to be larger residences to meet the growing trends of residents spending more time at home working and entertaining friends and family. This translates to including flexible spaces for home offices and expansive private terraces, private elevators and vestibules, and some outdoor kitchens and plunge pools. The award-winning ALINA Residences is designed to provide a truly seamless transition between

200 S.E. Mizner Blvd. indoor and outdoor living with world-class amenities in the ultimate South Florida residential retreat. Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-990-2979 alinabocaraton.com | sales@alinabocaraton.com

susan lachance SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN, INC.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN KITCHEN DESIGN?

ur clientele in South Florida prefers a warm contemporary feeling. The lines are clean, accentuating the design of the kitchen cabinets. When kitchens are in full view of the living room they need to be treated architecturally in order to hide things left on the counters like toaster ovens, etc. Because kitchens are complex, we no longer specify a single color throughout, but rather try to mix colors and finishes. Our clients still enjoy light bright kitchens incorporating whites, off whites and light to medium tone woods.

SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN, INC.

1001 Clint Moore Road, #100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-241-3800 www.susanlachance.com

Appliances are big these days; coffee centers, large capacity refrigeration and freezer space, steam ovens, speed ovens and wine dispensers. Invisible pantries with a hidden door are made to look like they are part of the cabinetry system with the pantry door flush with the cabinetry so it looks built in and integrated. Today we try to use less cabinet hardware in order to give a sleek look. Using a combination of direct and indirect lighting helps us make a unique statement as well. No matter what you envision for your kitchen, with more than 40 years of design expertise, I will flawlessly make your dreams come true!

dawn causa CAUSA DESIGN GROUP

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN WORLD?

ith the uncertainty of the past two years, clients more than ever want their homes to be a warm, cozy places of refuge for both interior and exterior living spaces. This is accomplished by taking cues from Mother Nature with a refreshing return to natural material-driven applications (real wood, marble, clay, brass, copper, leather, cotton, etc). The stark use of all white is out, with a request for warmer tones and pops of color such as olive green, grass green, terracotta orange or even a deep blue. In addition, the use of nature- inspired, large patterned printed fabrics, wallcoverings and area rugs accompanied by furnishings with soft curves, enhance that warm cozy feel.

CAUSA DESIGN GROUP

O:954-652-1714 C:954-817-0754 www.causadesigngroup.com

By implementing biophilic design, today’s trend for tranquility will have an end result that is more harmonious.

kerry pouliot

SR. SALES & DESIGN MANAGER, CLIVE DANIEL HOME

DO YOU FOLLOW DESIGN TRENDS OR CREATE YOUR OWN AT CLIVE DANIEL?

ach year, we change out about 40 percent of our 70,000 square foot showroom to highlight new trends—staying current in the design industry—and setting our own trends as well. Styles will repeat like Mid-Century Modern that came back over the last 10 years, but that’s changing now to a more modern soft contemporary look with layers of textures and color. We are always looking to the future and we are different than any other showroom, from our paint colors to unique artisan products. It’s like a design wonderland at Clive Daniel Home! We design for everyone and there’s nothing we can’t do. I head up a team of 26 interior designers and oversee the design projects in our Boca Raton location.

CLIVE DANIEL HOME

1351 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-440-4663 www.clivedaniel.com

My job is to review the details of each project before they are presented to our clients to make sure they uphold the Clive Daniel brand. We strive for perfection and believe that our clients deserve nothing less.

carl vasile

OWNER, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER, JOY PAHLAVAN, OWNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR PALM BEACH DESIGN MASTERS

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2022?

his year’s design trends continue to be what makes us feel cozy and comfy. Last year, so many people spent most of their time at home redoing bedrooms, home offices and kitchens, which were highly in demand. 2022 is no different. Clients are looking for designs that would elevate their emotions, rooms with big hugs and warm textures.

PALM BEACH DESIGN MASTERS

326 Peruvian Ave. Palm Beach, FL 33480 561-318-8142 www.palmbeachdesignmasters.com

We are also busy designing patio furniture and creating welcoming outdoor spaces. With the challenges of gathering with family and friends, it is no surprise that outdoor living spaces are becoming the most used popular spaces. Most of our clients find it particularly important to create that same warm cozy feeling on their patios and garden. There is a great demand for designing new homes for many young families moving from the Northeast and making our area their new home. We are thrilled to be part of this heartfelt period for bringing comfort, simplicity and beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces.

toby zack TOBY ZACK DESIGNS

WHAT DEFINES YOUR DESIGN STYLE?

s a designer for 35 years, my style remains minimal and contemporary, providing clients with a timeless look while creating a space for them to show off their art collections or the breathtaking views from their homes.

I believe the current climate calls for designs that are capable of supporting time spent at home and creating intimate spaces for entertaining smaller groups of people. With more people working remotely, they need open uncluttered workspaces with lots of natural light. Often these spaces are doing double duty as a guest or media room. The key is to provide lots of out-of -sight storage with easy access. I suggest floor-to-ceiling cabinetry which creates tons of storage without any visual clutter.

TOBY ZACK DESIGNS

5940 S.W. 19 St. Plantation, FL, 33317 954-967-8629 www.tobyzackdesigns.com

I advise clients to keep their framework timeless by changing accessories, pillows and hardware to reflect the moment without compromising the base design. “Good design, like good designers, stands the test of time!”

kai makela

OWNER, DESIGN NS, CUSTOM DESIGN FURNITURE MANUFACTURER

WHAT TRENDS ARE DESIGNERS SEEKING IN CUSTOM FURNITURE?

e find customers are drawn to our extensive collection of neutral European leathers and fine textured lush fabrics upholstered on custom built hardwood frames. Our furniture is made in the USA in our on-premises factory, utilizing state of the art technology and motorized seating with interchangeable customized features including tufted and quilted designs integrated into our contemporary styles. The trend these days is comfort, with more people working at home and entertaining more. Our designs lend themselves to gatherings and socializing, or simply enjoying luxurious furnishings at home or work.

DESIGN NS

1080 NW 1st Avenue Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-338-5545 www.designns.com

With the artistry of Nordic Group, our sister company in the same location, all of the latest trends in woodworking, complete home theater/media rooms including lights and A/V details are available for every clients’ custom needs. We also provide residential and commercial furnishings and custom yacht interiors, where every imaginable custom design is fulfilled. It is all in the details, and we do it all, and welcome the challenge.

jacques normandin CANAM CABINETS

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN CABINETRY?

rends in cabinetry have changed a lot. People don’t even realize what is possible until they come into our designer showroom. They are impressed by all the options available, from contemporary to classic and even Old World. In addition, the new accessories and hardware contribute to a great look and functionality with a variety of door styles; when you add led lights inside, you get the ‘Wow Factor.’ A picture does not do justice to the colors, textures, finishes and quality of our products, which are not only functional, but represent the aesthetic of the house.

CANAM CABINETS

There isn’t any color in the rainbow we cannot custom make in our woodshop. We offer finishes in acrylic gloss and matte, wood stain, and all kinds of lacquer colors. We also offer special door styles made here. After listening to the clients’ input and learning about their tastes and desires, the fun part of designing and creating begins. It is our pleasure to exceed their expectations.

2880 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., # A1 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-750-3177 www.canamcabinet.com

lori hoyt CALIFORNIA CLOSETS

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN CLOSETS?

s often seen over time, our color palette changes. We have been in the gray phase for some time and while it is still fashionable, the browns are inching their way back into the home. It started with the introduction of stunning brushed brass hardware, returning a warmth to home decor. The brown woods will be making a comeback and there is a new trend to combine colors, textures and fabrics to make the closet three-dimensional. It is no longer considered a crime to mix metals! We are excited to be able to bring all of this to your home, whether for a closet, wall unit, office, garage or pantry, to name a few areas that benefit from organization. As you grow with your home and times change, we are reinventing our spaces to suit our new reality.

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 4371 N.W. 124 Ave. Coral Springs, FL 33065 954-946-2218 Lhoyt@calclosets.com

We rely on our customers’ understanding of our expertise to help create the organization that matches their unique settings and lifestyles.

james homer CUSTOM DOOR SHOP

WHAT DEFINES YOUR DESIGN STYLE?

omeowners are looking to update their existing homes with decorative doors and windows that not only add a personal touch, but increase the value of the home. Custom Door Shop has been in business since 1999 and we’ve seen many changes in what people want in door and window designs. We are a one-stop-shop where everything is produced on the premises. Our niche is wood door systems. They come in 11-12’ tall and 4’ wide. We have our own installers and two high quality paint booths on site. We also offer incredible custom carved wood doors, any height and width with any design a client wants. We did a beautiful horse door for an equestrian client in Wellington and it’s a real statement piece.

CUSTOM DOOR SHOP

4900 Linton Blvd. Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-260-5308 www.customdoorshop.com

Anything is possible from wood to fiberglass and aluminum with thousands of choices. And of course, our windows and doors are hurricane code approved, so not only are they beautiful, they’re safe!

mike hummel JUST TILE & MARBLE

WHAT EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS ARE YOU CARRYING THIS YEAR?

went to Italy in October and acquired the most incredible new lines I have ever seen in my industry—and in my 34 years of doing business. Technology is taking porcelain materials to new heights, including tiles brushed and antiqued to look and feel like natural stone, resembling those found in Palm Beach mansions for more than 100 years. Nobody could have ever foreseen the level of the quality, duplication and sizing available now. As the premier supplier for designers, builders, and developers looking for the highest quality materials, I have never been in a position this exciting to feature the caliber of Italian lines that I just bought. They have been arriving weekly and I cannot wait to have the full inventory in stock.

JUST TILE & MARBLE

241 N. Congress Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-272-4900 www.justtilenmarble.com

I am definitely a step ahead of my competition. There was not one line that I purchased in Italy that I was turned away from because it was an exclusive, so I literally struck gold.

B A C K S TA G E PA S S

Ana Popovic performs March 3 at Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton

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TAKE 5

Donald Pettit

Get lost in space through the photographs and stories of this veteran astronaut Written by JOHN THOMASON

onald Pettit was late for his phone interview with Boca magazine. But not only was he kind enough to notify me in advance; he had the coolest tardiness excuse. He texted me while piloting a Northrup T-38 Talon twinjet supersonic jet trainer, the gold standard for military and NASA training. “I was out getting flight hours in in our T-38, and we were getting vectored around by approach control; an extra 15 minutes gave us a little leeway,”he said, when safely on terra firma. Pettit, an Oregon native selected by NASA in 1996, has been on three space missions and two spacewalks, but practice continues to make perfect.“I probably spend 20 hours a week training,”he says.“These skills are volatile skills.” Pettit first rocketed into space in 2002 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor, as a part of a three-man crew, for maintenance and assembly of the International Space Station; he would spend 159 days aboard the ISS. All together, he’s spent about a year in space, adhering to NASA’s rigorous work protocols: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., six days a week. He liked to spend his time off taking majestic photographs of the Earth and the cosmos through the windows of the Space Station. Hence the theme of his presentation, on March 9, at Festival of the Arts Boca: “The View From Above.” “I love photography, and I want the photography to be viewed as an art form of Earth,”he says.“And I like to say that art is an inevitable consequence of being human, even in space.”

WEB EXTRA: To hear Pettit’s thoughts on space cuisine, U.S.Russia relations, the Space Force and our eventual return to the moon, VISIT BOCAMAG. COM/MARCH-2022.

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How would you describe the feeling of being on a spacewalk? It’s a different kind of feeling, because a space suit is like a miniature spacecraft that’s been shrunk around you. It’s a personal spacecraft that form-fits your body. You’re not looking through a window with all the thickness layers of glass. You’ve got this bubble, this visor, and your views are less restricted. You’ve got safety tethers so that

you can’t drift away, but you realize that you’re hanging outside of a spacecraft, and you look down, and it’s 240 miles down to Earth. Did you get nerves—butterflies in the stomach? No, not at all. Part of it is because of our training. We do so much training as professional NASA astronauts. One of the reasons we do all this training is so that when you’re actually out there, even if you had

never done a spacewalk before, you almost feel like, yeah, I’ve done dozens of spacewalks; they happen to be in our training facility in the pool at NASA. We train for each spaceflight like what an Olympic athlete might train for doing their gymnastic routine on the mats. Say you’ve got an Olympian doing a gymnastic routine; how much detail do they notice in the audience, or are they focused on what they’re doing for their gymnastic routine? That’s a fitting analogy. You can have a few moments where you admire the view, but you’re out there to work, and it’s a risky place to work, and you stay focused. Was there something about living in space for an extended period of time that would surprise the average person? I guess the surprising thing is how quickly and how well human beings adapt to environments where they weren’t innately meant to be. Whether you’re living in a habitat at the bottom of the ocean, or Antarctica, or in a jungle in a tree facility, or living in space, it’s amazing how quickly you can adapt, and how normal the environment rapidly

becomes as you get used to being there. What did you have for entertainment for six months on board? NASA provides normal things. My first two missions, we had very limited email and internet. We’d have two email exchanges a day. Now they have continuous internet. In terms of what you can do with yourself when you’re off-duty, you can communicate with your family via the internet; you can watch uplinked movies. The ground can uplink football games if you like, or you can read electronic books. I did almost none of any of that. I concentrate, when I have off-duty time, on things you can only do in space—[like] taking photographs out the window of Earth in this perspective you can’t get when you return. Did you see anything in space that could be a UFO? No. There are things you can’t really identify at the time, but you make note, and you take pictures, and then after the fact you could always identify what it is: Oh, that was a Chinese rocket body that you saw going by. I have seen nothing that could lead you to believe there are extraterrestrial spacecraft flying around Earth.

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IF YOU GO

WHAT: Donald R. Pettit: The View From Above WHEN: March 9, 7 p.m. WHERE: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton COST: $35 CONTACT: 561/757-4762, festivalboca.org

Donald Pettit

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B AC K S TAG E PA S S

C T A KL E N5D A R

Now-March 13:

Now-March 27:

Now-June 30:

Now-April 16:

“Luna Gale” at Boca Stage, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $45-$50; 866/811-4111, bocastage.net. Rebecca Gilman’s shattering play features a cast of seven, and centers on a social worker tasked with the difficult decision of removing an infant daughter from her drug-addicted, teenage parents—a decision that leads to the revelation of long-hidden family secrets.

“Painting Enlightenment” at Morikami Museum, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $9$15 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami. org. This acclaimed exhibit showcases late artist Iwasaki Tsuneo’s practice, which involved transcribing the sacred Buddhist text known as the Heart Sutra, an act of devotion typically rendered as vertical blocks. Instead, Iwasaki embedded the Japanese characters into forms such as lightning bolts, bubbles, ants and a double helix of DNA, effectively marrying the sacred to the scientific.

“Tarik Currimbhoy: Reflections” at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach; $7$15; 561/832-5328, ansg. org. Searching for tranquility through simplicity, Currimbhoy’s architecturally grounded, monochromatic sculptures in stone and metal make for an elegant contrast to Ann Norton’s chiseled garden masterpieces.

“In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940” at Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; $10; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. This generous survey of the American Impressionist movement showcases 130 works by 75 artists including George Innes, Childe Hassam and Thomas Moran, exploring their methods for portraying daily life with vibrant colors and atmospheric effects.

“In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940”

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“Tarik Currimbhoy: Reflections”

Steve Martin & Martin Short

Bill McKibben

March 4:

March 6:

March 7:

Steve Martin and Martin Short at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $55-$139; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Favoring a loose, off-the-cuff vibe, the longtime friends and co-stars of “Only Murders in the Building” are expected to take aim at Hollywood and address the “fickle nature of celebrity,” but every night is different. Bluegrass group Jeff Babko and the Steep Canyon Rangers open the show.

“A Night at the Ballet” at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $25-$150; 561/571-5270, festivalboca.org. Three former dancers from the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet get straight to the pointe in a program conceived during the pandemic, and featuring excerpts from “Don Quixote,” “Swan Lake” and “Romeo and Juliet,” plus a new work scored to the Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow.”

An Evening With Itzhak Perlman at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $39-$110; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. A national treasure shared between Israel and the United States, violinist Perlman has appeared everywhere from “The Tonight Show” to “Sesame Street,” and has received 16 Grammys and four Emmys. At this performance, he’ll play an intimate concert with pianist Rohan De Silva.

Richard Haass and James Stavridis: A Conversation at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35; 561/571-5270, festivalboca.org. WLRN’s Tom Hudson will moderate a panel discussion of current events and global affairs with two experts: Haass, an accomplished diplomat and president of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Stavridis, a retired four-star naval officer and executive with the Carlyle Group.

St. Pa

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Now-May 29:

March 3:

March 3-April 3:

March 4:

“Transcending Boundaries: Chinese Women Painters from Dynastic Times to the Modern Era” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15$18; 561/832-5196, norton.org. This installation of paintings explores four Chinese women artists— from the 13th century to the 20th—who used brush and ink to work against the nation’s masculine grain.

Ana Popovic at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $40-$45 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. The exotic, Belgrade-born singer and guitarist has become a major player in the international blues community. She is touring in support of her latest release “Like It On Top,” a concept album honoring empowering female role models that peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard top-selling blues charts.

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $20-$100; 561/8327469, kravis.org. One of the world’s most accomplished Fab Four tributes, known for capturing both the look and sound of every Beatles era, will focus much of its set list on Abbey Road, the legends’ landmark final recorded album.

“Damn Yankees” at the Wick, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $75-$95; 561/995-2333, thewick.org. The durable Richard Adler/Jerry Ross musical returns to the diamond for another high-energy, fleet-footed production. The jubilant musical recasts the Faust legend as an allegory for America’s pastime, as a desperate real estate agent decides to sell his soul to aid his beloved Washington Senators in besting the perennial Yankees.

Terence Blanchard at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $25-$150; 561/5715270, festivalboca.org. Blanchard, one of the most influential names in contemporary jazz, has scored an opera and more than 40 films, among a variety of accomplishments. He opens Festival of the Arts Boca with a tribute to saxophone giant Wayne Shorter, performed alongside the E-collective and Turtle Island Quartet.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival

Ana Popovic

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

Alan Doyle

March 8:

March 9-13:

March 11:

March 12:

Bill McKibben at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35; 561/571-5270, festivalboca.org. The founder of 350.org, McKibben is one of America’s foremost environmentalists. The author of The End of Nature, the first book on climate change for a general readership, among 17 other books, McKibben will speak on this topic, where we are heading, and what we still can do about it.

“Anastasia” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $32-$84; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Kravis hosts the Broadway tour of this celebrated new musical based on the 1997 Disney animated film and the turn-of-the-century legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia. An amnesiac woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past, in a work from the Tony-winning creators of “Ragtime.”

“Fantasia” screening with orchestra at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $15-$100; 561/5715270, festivalboca.org. Versatile conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos leads the Festival Orchestra Boca through Leopold Stokowski’s rousing, mysterious and magical score to “Fantasia,” while a remastered edition of the 1940 Disney classic will play on a massive LED screen.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival at downtown Delray Beach; noon to 9 p.m.; free; 561/8623561, stpatsdelray.com. Everyone’s Irish for a day at this favorite Delray Beach tradition. Enjoy the parade from noon to 2 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal to Northwest Fifth Avenue, and stay for the revelry at Old School Square from 1 to 9 p.m., including live music, food trucks and booths, vendors, games and more.

Alan Doyle at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35-$45; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. As lead singer of the former Canadian folk rock band Great Big Sea, Doyle drew from 500 years of Irish, Scottish and Cornish musical traditions. On his solo material, including the 2020 EP Rough Side Out, he allows contemporary country music to cross-pollinate his rootsy sonic garden.

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March 12:

March 13:

March 14:

March 15:

Modern English at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 8:30 p.m.; $20$25; 561/832-9999, sub-culture.org/respectable-street. “I Melt With You,” the signature single from Modern English’s 1982 sophomore LP “After the Snow,” is one of ‘80s new wave’s most exuberant earworms. The album that surrounds the single is a better exemplifier of the band’s blend of moody, keyboard-enhanced post-punk. In this rare appearance, the U.K. quintet will play “After the Snow” in its entirety.

Nestor Torres at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $25-$150; 561/5715270, festivalboca.org. A Grammy nominee and Latin Grammy winner, Torres has brought his mellifluous mastery of the jazz flute to a range of genres, collaborating with artists as diverse as Herbie Hancock, Gloria Estefan and Dave Matthews. Back by popular demand after last year’s virtual concert, he will close out the 2022 Festival of the Arts Boca.

Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m.; $37.50-$77.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. An institution in the wide-ranging genre of Americana music, the Grammy-winning Lovett’s oeuvre encompasses country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues. Iconic singles include “Cowboy Man,” “Give Back My Heart” and “If I Had a Boat.”

Chris Botti at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $29-$110; 561/8327469, kravis.org. This trumpeter, whose deft and velvet sound is more than comfortable in jazz, pop and rock modalities, takes the stage with a full band. Recent collaborations with artists as diverse as Vince Gill, Barbra Streisand and John Mayer attest to Botti’s versatility.

Nestor Torres

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Lyle Lovett

Chris Botti

Loudon Wainwright III

March 22:

March 22-April 10:

March 25-27:

Carl Hiaasen at Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $50; 561/6557226, fourarts.org. As a renowned journalist for the Miami Herald, Hiaasen has covered some of the biggest news stories in Florida; as a novelist of comedic satirical thrillers, he has amassed a variety of readerships across 16 rollicking books. He will speak on “In the Shadows of the Sunshine State.”

“Ben Butler” at Boca Stage, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $45-$50; 866/811-4111, bocastage.net. Richard Strand’s edgy, two-character Civil War play chronicles an imagined conversation inspired by a real-life encounter, as runaway slave Shepard Mallory seeks refuge at the residence of irascible and corrupt Union general Ben Butler. Unexpected comedy, as well as commentary, ensues.

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; various show times; $77-$91; 561/575-2223, jupitertheatre.org. Arguably besting its source material—the 1988 comedy film of the same name—this inspired Jeffrey Lane/David Yazbek musical follows two con artists specializing in tricking wealthy women out of their largesse, only to meet their unlikely match.

Palm Beach Opera: “The Merry Widow” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $25$160; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Palm Beach Opera concludes its 2022 season on a glittering note, producing this effervescent, Art Deco-inspired operetta by Franz Lehár about a community rallying to find a new husband for a rich widow so her wealth stays in their principality.

March 2022

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March 18-20:

Loudon Wainwright III at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 8 p.m.; $66.50-$76.50; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. One of the countless folksingers to earn the sobriquet “the new Dylan,” Wainwright has managed to channel social commentary and especially the humor of the early Dylan recordings—his biggest hit is still the 1972 novelty hit “Dead Skunk”—with an autobiographical poignancy all his own. His latest album is 2020’s I’d Rather Lead a Band.

Of Montreal at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $20-$25; 561/8329999, sub-culture.org/respectable-street. Frontperson Kevin Barnes’ theatrical Athens, Georgia five-piece has undergone a panoply of sonic reinventions over the course of 25 years and 17 studio albums—from retro psychedelia to electronic, funk, glam and Afrobeat—making any claims of a “signature sound” as slippery as Barnes’ own gender identity.

“A Bronx Tale” starring Chazz Palminteri at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $43-$73; 954/4620222, browardcenter.org. Actor Chazz Palminteri revives his one-man autobiographical play first performed in 1989. It has been adapted into a movie and Broadway musical, but the bones of this original work remain the same: A boy is torn between the values and ideals of his hardworking New York father and the appeals and temptations of a local Mafioso.

Deadphish Orchestra at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 9 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday; $20-$30; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. The Colorado quartet performs the music of the Grateful Dead and Phish—reigning royalty of the jam-band culture—while priding itself on its smooth but unpredictable transitions between the Dead’s folky, bluesy roots and Phish’s funky and more aggressive style.

Miami City Ballet: “Jewels” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $30-$110; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. George Balanchine’s three mini ballets, inspired by a visit to jewelers Van Cleef and Arpels, include “Emeralds” (set in a misty forest in 19th century France), “Rubies” (set in a sassy Jazz Age nightclub) and “Diamonds” (a tribute to Imperial Russian pageantry).

Palm Beach Opera: “The Merry Widow”

“A Bronx Tale” starring Chazz Palminteri

DL Hughley

Joywave

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March 25-April 10:

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March 31:

DL Hughley at Palm Beach Improv, 550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; various show times; $40-$50 with a two-drink minimum; 561/833-1812, palmbeachimprov.com. Versatile actor-comedian Hughley is as comfortable riffing on the issues of the day on a political panel as he is expounding on pop culture as current host of the nationally syndicated “DL Hughley Show” on FM radio. His latest Netflix special is the aptly titled “DL Hughley: Contrarian.”

“Matilda” at Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; various show times; $49-$65; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. This Tony-winning musical from Slow Burn Theatre Company owes its origins to a Roald Dahl novel about an imaginative 5-year-old who changes the lives of those around her while overcoming obstacles. With English humorist Tim Minchin composing the music and lyrics, “Matilda” has won 47 international awards.

Joywave at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m.; $25; 954/564-1074, cultureroom.net. This alternative rock quartet has nurtured a sleek, bombastic, arena-tailored sound—with echoes of Arcade Fire and Walk the Moon—that is tempered by the band’s self-effacing sense of satirical humor.

“Overactive Letdown” at Theatre Lab at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; various show times; $10-$36; 561/297-6124; fauevents.com. In this world premiere from playwright Gina Montet, a pregnancy that doesn’t go as planned leads the mother to mentally burrow into the imaginary worlds of her favorite movies, offering a novel and illuminating perspective on postpartum depression.

“Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $25-$100; 561/8327469, kravis.org. This Scottish actor with a mischievous streak has enjoyed a multifaceted career as a triple-threat talent, earning national acclaim as the Emcee in “Cabaret” and portraying a political spin doctor for seven seasons of “The Good Wife.” He’ll share stories and songs in his latest cabaret concert.

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2022 From passions turned into thriving professions, to creative outlets and corporate callings, these BEST of Women in Business make a living doing what matters most to them. Get to know a bit about this successful bevy of the BEST at what they do, and how their expertise and excellent work product may just be your BEST new resource! sp onsored c on t ent

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Christina Davies FOUNDER/OWNER

IMPRUV-U HEALTH & WELLNESS MEDSPA

hristina Davies is a licensed, certified medical aesthetician and medical micropigmentation artist specializing in advanced procedures in cosmetic skin care and paramedical dermopigmentation. Her training includes working with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, as well as ownership of four skin care spas for over 25 years in New York. At Impruv-U Medspa, her clients benefit from cellulite treatments, high dose vitamin IV drip therapy, microneedling, microblading, Botox and cosmetic fillers. The most popular new permanent fat loss treatments from CryoSkin have shown great results by using temperatures just above freezing to ensure the safest and most painless method without adverse side effects found in other similar fat freezing treatments. Christina also offers full body LED red light therapy sessions boasting proven results in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, expediting healing and new cell growth. Advances in medicine show significant improvement in healing spinal cord and brain injuries using red light therapy, and many doctors now recommend this therapy pre- and post op for better recovery and less scarring. NormaTech compression sleeves for arms and legs are available at the medspa and are being used in the NFL due to their impressive results in both soft tissue recovery and muscle integrity. “Above all, my talent and passion in recreating lifelike representations of areolas and nipples often lost in mastectomy breast surgeries is the work that brings back beauty and dignity to breast cancer survivors and is so meaningful to me and the patients that I help,” says Christina.

561-757-5814 Impruv-u.com

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Elizabeth Bennett

PRINCIPAL AND CEO

CHESAPEAKE FINANCIAL PLANNING & TAX SERVICES

“W

omen need to be involved in their financial plans and have an understanding of where all of their assets are, and what they are used for,” says Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary Elizabeth Bennett. As a woman who has reared a child, been through a divorce and is working toward her own financial future, she forges a relationship with her clients from her own personal experiences. “You need be in control of your finances and not leave that responsibility to someone else,” she cautions. “Knowing the types of investments that you have, the log-ins for your accounts, and sharing that information with your spouse is very important. Being involved in reviews with your financial advisor and understanding how to access those assets is imperative,” Bennett says.

PHOTO AARON BRISTOL

“Taking responsibility for your financial wellbeing, starting at a young age, is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. You should take advantage of your employer’s retirement plan, understand what your short-term savings need to look like and what your assets’ tax implications are. Be aware of your spending habits and where all of your money is going, whether you are single or married. As women, we know the value of delegating. My advice is to take one thing off of your plate and reach out to an advisor to get your financial house in order with someone you can trust. I am here for you,” she says.

561-210-7339 Chesapeake-Financial.com Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker dealer, member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory, insurance, and tax services offered through Bay Financial Planning and Tax Services, LLC DBA Chesapeake Financial Planning, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Bay Financial Planning and Tax Services, LLC are not affiliated.

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Efrat Cohen EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE CONSULTANTS

n her second day attending John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, the terrorist attacks of 9/11 occurred, and further solidified Efrat Cohen’s decision to pursue her education. Ironically, one of her first worker’s compensation cases as an investigator involved a woman claiming to have been injured at the Marriott next to the Twin Towers when in fact, Efrat’s investigative work found that she wasn’t even in the city that fateful day.

“In the many divorce cases I handle, I often do surveillance on the husband or wife, tracing them to the girlfriend or boyfriends’ residence, and following them with their children, as they are often used as leverage. I change my appearance and blend into the surroundings. I sit down and observe a client meeting, and gather the information needed, inconspicuously all in a day’s work,” Efrat explains.

1-888-714-9411 office@gicagency.com

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

Efrat went on to hold positions as a State Court Appointed Investigator responsible for managing, controlling, and directing surveillance operations in the deployment of covert and under-cover operations on an international level. In her current position as Executive Director of Global Intelligence Consultants, Efrat’s expertise as a Licensed Private Investigator and Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, brings a variety of interesting and challenging cases: from rescuing missing children to tracking down identity thieves who stole the identity of people who recently registered for their Covid vaccines; to traveling abroad providing personal protection for high profile individuals and corporative executives, and following cheating spouses.

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Geri Penniman ESTATE AGENT

Jackie Feldman ESTATE AGENT

PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES

eri Penniman and Jackie Feldman of Premiere Estate Properties are like-minded and passionately driven to work 24/7 for their high-net clients. Jackie joined forces with Geri only two years ago, and they were a self-proclaimed match made in heaven. With Geri’s 36 years’ of experience listing and selling in Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, and their combined expertise fueled with palpable synergy, they work exclusively representing ultra-luxury waterfront, golf and estate properties in excess of $1 million dollars.

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

“Our impeccable personalized service and unwavering dedication to our clients is how we have brought so many buyers and sellers together in the past year. We feel blessed to be working together and have one another as such a solid team,” says Geri. “Jackie brings so much to our partnership because of her outgoing personality, incredible drive and attention to detail. We pride ourselves in building long-term relationships and friendships with our clients.” Their relationship as a tag team real estate force has become synonymous with Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, where Jackie lives and they have sold a significant number of multi-million dollar luxury homes in the last year alone. “We have been successful in bringing buyers and sellers together in a significant amount of off-market sales in Royal Palm. We make sure we are hands-on in every aspect of the transaction from showings, to inspections and attorney review, while always keeping clients updated on crucial timelines. Our clients mean everything to us; our reputation means everything to us, and that is why client referrals constantly come our way,” says Jackie.

561-400-2156

geriandjackie@premierestateproperties.com

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Susan Demerer

REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE

COMPASS FLORIDA, LLC

usan Demerer is known for many things; a dog lover, a passionate philanthropist and a shining star in the real estate world, specializing in luxury country club communities. In her own backyard, she reigns as the “Queen of Broken Sound.” It’s good to be queen in Boca Raton and surrounding Palm Beach communities, especially with Demerer’s affiliation with Compass, the nation’s #1 independent real estate brokerage firm where she is rated the #1 realtor in home sales in Boca Raton and the #1 realtor for the luxury country club community, she calls home. When asked how she manages to excel in such a competitive market, she is quick to quote the best advice she’s ever received from Derald H. Ruttenberg, “If you lose money, you always have a chance to make it back. You can only lose your reputation once.” Susan’s reputation has been built on 20 years of real estate expertise, with more than $61 million in sales in 2021 alone and over 112 closed transactions.

561.213.6347 susan.demerer@compass.com

PHOTO CARLOS ARISTIZABAL

“I am up to date on market trends, the inventory in every sought-after neighborhood and the intricacies of the communities so that I can help buyers find the perfect fit. I take each deal extremely seriously and personally. That is why most of my clients are repeat business and referrals. I am proud to say that they are delighted with my attention to detail, work ethic and the results I provide each and every time,” she says.

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kathleen Trocine MARKET DIRECTOR

DIAMOND BANC

athleen Trocine is the Market Director of Diamond Banc Boca Raton & a GIA Graduate Gemologist. She has more than 20 years of experience in the jewelry industry that includes working in a quality control position at Tiffany & Co and as a jewelry production manager for Lazare Kaplan Inc. Her vast knowledge of the fine jewelry business, GIA certification, and loan expertise ensures the highest values paid and lowest rates in the industry. Her accreditation as a GIA Graduate Gemologist makes her uniquely qualified to provide clients with the opportunity to sell their jewelry or obtain a jewelry equity loan in the Boca Raton area. While providing the same professionalism and confidentiality of a traditional bank, Kathleen offers free, transparent, no-pressure assessments to help clients understand the true liquid value of their items. The Diamond Banc Boca Raton office is conveniently on the corner of Federal Highway and S.E. 1st Street. This location specializes in evaluating entire estates of jewelry, as well as rare diamonds and vintage designer pieces. They also purchase and loan against diamond jewelry, designer jewelry, and luxury timepieces.

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

561-430-5035 diamondbanc.com/fl/boca-raton/

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Erica Lorenzo MY CORPORATE JET, INC.

rica Lorenzo’s career has been “up in the air” since she joined the family-owned business, My Corporate Jet, in 2014 and found her calling, coordinating all of the flight schedules, landing permits, quotes and sales for the non-scheduled commercial airline. “With more than 40,000 hours of logged flight time, our expert pilots will get you to your destination safely and on time. We fly on your schedule, not ours,” says Erica. “With as little as only 24-hours’ notice, and up to about a month in advance, you can book your flight, subject to availability. All you have to do is pack your bags, pull up to the plane and go. Given the past holiday season’s flights being cancelled and passengers stuck at terminals for days, having the ability to manage your own flights is a comfort,” Erica says. “My Corporate Jet is a great way to fly, especially in the age of COVID. For pet lovers, there’s no need to stress about finding a pet sitter or costly boarding fees while you are away, as four-legged friends are invited along for the ride as long as they can fit in the cabin. “I am busier than ever because people are realizing the pleasure of flying private charter jet travel with us and having the jet all to themselves. They can even bring a case of their favorite wine onboard and enjoy complimentary light catering for a picnic in the clouds; the sky’s the limit,” Erica adds.

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

954-361-4844 Mycorporatejetinc.com

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Neerupa, (Lana) Bridgelal CEO & FOUNDER

LUXURY LIVING STAFFING

uxury Living Staffing is a global boutique agency that provides a full array of hand-picked and vetted household and childcare staff for residential to corporate clients, including yachts and jets. “I woke up one day and realized that my love and compassion for people, stemming from my 15 years of experience as a certified newborn care specialist, a post-partum care nurse and an LPN led me to create Luxury Living Staffing—not only for nannies whose work touches the hearts of my clients, but also for butlers, private chefs and housekeepers, nannies, mannies, chauffeurs and more. I have a plethora of service contacts that I want to elevate to the next level for full time employment with upper echelon clientele who, in turn, receive the highest caliber of help for their discerning needs. I have a global vision and a world-wide aspiration,” Lana explains. “Boca Raton is my hometown, so I started here three years ago with the dream of creating the ultimate global staffing company, unlike any other.” She attributes her husband Raj for the endless support he provides every day. “Lana is going in an amazing direction. She is such a high-spirited person who never accepts defeat in her life, although she has had many struggles. She wakes up, resets, and starts all over again. I have never seen this passion and pride in anyone in my whole life,” Raj says.

PHOTO AARON BRISTOL

561-479-6416 info@luxurylivingstaffing.com

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Suzanne M. DeWitt OWNER/PARTNER

DEWITT PLLC

ith over 20 years of experience in international tax and private wealth planning including positions at three top global firms, nothing has impacted Suzanne DeWitt’s clients, her career, and her life as much as being a single mother - by choice - to two young children. Ms. Dewitt finds that her success as Founder of DeWitt PLLC simply could not exist if she was not blessed to add motherhood to her impressive CV. An expert in the areas of global tax minimization and cross-border wealth planning and implementation, as well as private banking and international tax and trust planning for very high net worth hand-selected clients and financial institutions, Ms. DeWitt is insanely passionate and tireless. “I take such a deep dive into what I do because I will not allow myself to issue a deliverable or any sort of work product to my clients until I ensure that what I design, implement, and recommend has a meaningful and yet practical application. I watch my clients grow up, and I maintain and monitor what they do every step of the way. I am constantly thinking about my clients and ways to improve their lives. It is a commitment to a relationship, like the commitment I have to my children; I never stop; I never will,” she says.

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

305-563-7000 dewittpllc.com

THE BEST OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Stacy Musselman DNM, PhD

QUANTUM CARE

ith a master’s degree in nutrition and a Doctorate and PhD in natural medicine, board-certified holistic health practitioner Stacy Musselman was inspired to create Quantum Care, a program designed to provide personalized care based on a patient’s unique blood chemistry and lifestyle. The Quantum Care provides patients a comprehensive health report detailing their biomarkers, probability of dysfunctions and recommendations based on her findings within the patterns and trends of their bloodwork. Her popularity as a holistic healthcare practitioner, lecturer and wellness coach keeps her practice thriving. She attributes a large part of her success to Dr. Nate Kaner at Another Level Health. “He is a pillar of the Quantum Care program. His care and commitment are unparalleled,” says Dr. Musselman. Through her partnerships with various doctors she can provide a wealth of knowledge, modalities and further testing. With her latest partnership with Dr. Peter Miller of Miller Bioconnect, this Quantum Care Boca location offers Covid testing, Infusion therapies and urgent care under the care of a medical doctor.

PHOTO EMILIANO BROOKS

Quantum Care understands the importance of holistic luxury and convenience. You can find her latest consulting space at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Town Center Mall with The Salon Project Spa featuring indulgent hair and facial services. “I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and I enjoy healing and helping others,’’ says Dr. Musselman. “Through my programs, I give people super-practical, actionable guidance so patients can take care of their bodies and actually enjoy the process.”

786-260-2655 yourquantumcare.com

magazine

Boca Raton

Insider

ADVERTISING • PROMOTIONS • EVENTS

BARBARA KATZ

Barbara Katz is Boca Raton’s premier women’s luxury store. For over 60 years, the specialty retailer has been at the forefront of introducing European and American designer and contemporary fashion to South Florida. Barbara Katz is a shopping destination where clients can connect with their team of stylists who are ready to help develop your individual style through personalized service with an extraordinary selection. 2240 NW 19th Street #601 Boca Raton Barbarakatz.com 561.391.1066 @Barbarakatzboca

WISH & SHOES

Wish & Shoes is Boca/Delray’s premiere women’s boutique. Featuring clothing, shoes, handbags jewelry and accessories from some of the hottest American & European designers, Wish & Shoes has built a solid reputation through the years of sourcing many unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Women who know fashion shop at WISH! Those who don’t, WISH they did. 16850 Jog Road, Delray Beach 561.638.7700 10013 Cleary Blvd., Plantation 954.500.9474 211 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828.944.9474

BOCA NURSING SERVICES, INC

Home safety has always been important to us, but never as important as during Covid. Therefore, all the precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure your safety and wellbeing. The concierge private duty nursing care is made available in the comfort of your home, a hospital room, during facility stays and while residing at assisted living or rehabilitation facilities. Offering quality private nursing care and care management services since 1993. 342 East Palmetto Park Road, Suite 1, Boca Raton 561.347.7566 bocanursing.com

SPONSORED SECTION

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The Worth Group Introduces Icon Palm Beach For more information contact us at: 561 639 2149 inquiry@theworthgrp.com

ICON Palm Beach Shores is a stunning new waterfront development coming to the gorgeous Palm Beach Inlet. A collaboration of modern design, high-end materials and a timeless location. www.theworthgrp.com

Fortune International Realty. 370 W. Camino Gardens Blvd. Suite 304 Boca Raton, FL 33432

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Exceptional, Unique, Extraordinary WE DELIVER A LIFESTYLE THAT CATERS TO YOU. OUR VISION IS TO ARTFULLY UNITE EXTRAORDINARY HOMES WITH EXTRAORDINARY LIVES.

CALL US FIRST TO DEFINE HOW WE CAN MEET YOUR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS Nunzia Alvergue GLOBAL REAL STATE ADVISOR

561.376.4921 | NUNZIA.REALTOR1@GMAIL.COM NUNZIAALVERGUE.COM

Joanne Shaer GLOBAL REAL STATE ADVISOR

561.702.8166 | SHAER.JOANNE@GMAIL.COM

Brian Gibbons GLOBAL REAL STATE ADVISOR

561.714.5705 | BRIANGIBBONS555@GMAIL.COM

BOCA RATON OFFICE200 E PALMETTO PARK ROAD, SUITE 104BOCA RATON, FL 33432 © 2022 ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

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private education camp guide 2022 The following section presents helpful information provided by prominent private schools and camps in Palm Beach County. All listings include a brief synopsis of the programs’ achievements, curriculum highlights, and many more important details families look for when choosing the best fit for their children. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions at a glance.

POWERFUL PURPOSEFUL PERSONAL Empowered to be self-starters and innovative learners, DKJA students excel in an academically rigorous and enriching dual curriculum rooted in Judaic culture and tradition. With an emphasis on each student’s unique interests and strengths, DKJA prepares its graduates for lifelong success. For admission inquiries or to schedule your personal campus tour call: (561) 852-3310 or email: admissions@dkja.net.

An Education of Extraordinary Power and Purpose

9701 Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton, FL K-12 | 561.852.3310 | DKJA.org

SLIDE INTO

ADVENTURE Summer is all about friendship, laughter, and FUN, and no one does it better than Levis JCC Marleen Forkas Camps. Join us for a summer filled with the very best activities, adventures, entertainment, and so much more! • Indoor and outdoor facilities including Marleen Forkas splash pad and pools on a gated 100 acre campus • Unique activities for all ages, including go karts, trapeze, archery, sports, science, drama, dance and art • Teen travel program with local day trips and 3-day trips to special Florida destinations

PLUS SPECIALTY CAMPS: Baby & Me • Early Childhood • Kavod (Special Needs) Theater • Leaders in Training • Counselor In Training Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

@LEVISJCCSUMMERCAMP

@CAMP_AT_THE_J

WE WELCOME CAMPERS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS

561-852-5090 • levisjcc.org/camp

CAMP AT THE J - MARLEEN FORKAS CAMPS AT THE ADOLPH & ROSE LEVIS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 9801 Donna Klein Boulevard • Boca Raton, Florida 33428 • 561-852-5090 • levisjcc.org/camp

2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

EXCELLENCE EMPOWERMENT ACCOMPLISHMENT We are a private, independent school that believes a true and lasting education must focus equally on academics, arts, and athletics. Committed to creating a community of lifelong learners, our students, from Pre-K through eighth grade, receive the support needed to thrive, and our graduates are welcomed at schools around the world. Gulf Stream School • 3600 Gulf Stream Road, Gulf Stream, Florida 33483 561.276.5225 • gulfstreamschool.org • @gulfstreamschool

An Oxbridge education goes beyond the classroom. With hands-on learning approaches, Oxbridge students tackle An Oxbridge education goesThe beyond the classroom. hands-on learning approaches, Oxbridge students tackle real-life issues in real-time. Oxbridge experienceWith is interactive, adaptable, relevant, and anything but ordinary.

An Oxbridge education goes beyond the classroom. With hands-on learning approaches, Oxbridge students tackle real-life issues in real-time. The Oxbridge experience is interactive, adaptable, relevant, and anything but ordinary.

Learn more at oapb.org/admission real-life issues in real-time. The Oxbridge experience is interactive, adaptable, relevant, and anything but ordinary. Learn more at oapb.org/admission

Learn more at oapb.org/admission

Celebrating 10 Years Celebrating 10 Years

Celebrating 10 Years

A N I N D E P E N D E N T, C O - E D U C AT I O N A L S C H O O L F O R G R A D E S 7 - 1 2 A N I N D E P E N D E N T, C O - E D U C AT I O N A L S C H O O L F O R G R A D E S 7 - 1 2

West Palm Beach, FL | admission@oapb.org | 561.972.9826 West Palm Beach, FL | admission@oapb.org | 561.972.9826

A N I N D E P E N D E N T, C O - E D U C AT I O N A L S C H O O L F O R G R A D E S 7 - 1 2

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2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

Free Introductory Appointment • Expert College Planning & SAT/ACT Tutoring • 30+ Years Experience • College Applications and Essay Assistance • Recommend Extracurricular/Community Service Activities and Summer Programs that make College Applications Shine

ENROLLING INFANTS - 8TH GRADE • Award-Winning Early Childhood School • Unique Transitional Kindergarten program • Advanced academics for Elementary/Middle • Leadership development & faith-based learning • Spanish - PreK to 8th grade • Explore fine arts, athletics, robotics and more

• Recommend Best Fit Colleges and Scholarships • Our Students are Accepted to Ivy League Universities, University of Florida & other Competitive Colleges • Proven Record for Significantly Improving SAT/ACT Scores

NANCY POLIN

Educational Excellence (561) 502-1954

nancy@educationalexcellence.info • educationalexcellence.info

ADVENT SCHOOL - Grades: Infants - 8th - Students: 450

COCOPLUM NATURE SCHOOL - Tuition Range: $5,000 - $15,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies by class - Denomination: Christian

- Ages: PreK4 – 3rd - Price Range: $1,950 – $12,950 - Students: 40

- Student Teacher Ratio: 6:1 - Dates: School Year and Breaks - Denomination: Non-denominational

At Advent, your child will become a CONFIDENT, CAPABLE, CHRISTIAN LEADER making a difference in the world! Advent combines rigorous academics with leadership development in a safe in-person learning environment. Innovative programs include Elementary & Middle School STEM enrichment, 1:1 Technology, Spanish for K -8th grade as well as Dual Language and Emergent Reader groups in the Early Childhood School, Transitional Kindergarten and more. Advent also provides opportunities in spiritual growth, fine arts, robotics and athletics. Aftercare/camp programs offer engaging activities. The Early Childhood School offers VPK. State Scholarships (FTC, FES, and Gardiner) are accepted 4K-8. Tuition assistance available. For Infants to 8th Grade – you can grow with us!

Cocoplum Nature School is Palm Beach County’s only full-service nature school providing caretaker-and-me programs, half-day and full-day primary grades, aftercare, and school break camps. The Cocoplum curriculum is a fusion of the evidence-based curricular methods of play-based, place-based, and nature-based learning. Located in the newly renovated educational wing of historic Cason United Methodist Church in the heart of Delray Beach, students enjoy weekly field trips to local community gardens, parks, museums, libraries, and more. Established in 2020, Cocoplum is already known in the community for an individualized approach that honors each child and balances the equally important needs of children’s social-emotional health, academic progress, and stewardship for their community and environment.

300 E. Yamato Road • Boca Raton • 561.395.3631 • AdventSchoolBoca.org

324 N. Swinton Ave. • Delray Beach • 561.563.4679 • cocoplumnatureschool.org

DONNA KLEIN JEWISH ACADEMY - Grades: K - 12th - Students: 598

- Tuition Range: $23,985 - $27,060 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 - Denomination: Jewish

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE College Planning & Tutoring Services - Pricing: Fees Vary-Free Introductory Appointment - Dates: 12 months, daytimes, evenings and weekends

Donna Klein Jewish Academy (DKJA) provides an education of extraordinary power and purpose for each of its students through a rigorous curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of a diverse student population. DKJA offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities including JV and Varsity sports, and an extensive fine arts program including music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Our students are provided with the skills and knowledge required for success in college and beyond.

Educational Excellence provides the full spectrum of high quality, personalized College Planning and Tutoring Services for students in middle school, high school, undergraduate college and graduate school. All of our College Planning and Tutoring Services are provided on video conference to students in the US and abroad. We offer college application/essay and scholarship assistance. Our students are accepted to UF, Ivy League Universities and other competitive colleges. We have a proven record for helping students significantly improve their scores on the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. 30+ Years Experience.

9701 Donna Klein Blvd • Boca Raton • 561.852.3310 • DKJA.net

561.502.1954 • nancy@educationalexcellence.info • educationalexcellence.info

2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

CATHOLIC BASED EDUCATION | FULLY INTEGRATED IPAD PROGRAM COLLEGE PREP CURRICULUM | JV & VARSI T Y TEAMS

9th - 12th grades | 475 Students | $13,750 Tuition Range 18:1 Student Teacher Ratio | 99% College Acceptance 116 Different Courses in 9 Disciplines | 58 Honors, AP and Dual Enrollment Courses | 13,665 Community Service Hours this year $9 Million in Scholarships for the Class of 2021 | 40 Years of tradition and more than 6,500 alumni | 50 Acceptances to schools in the Top 100 Universities Ranking, US News & World Report www.sjpii.net | 561.314.2100 4001 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431

2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL

GULF STREAM SCHOOL

- Grades: EC 3 - 12th - Students: 380 - Virtual Classes: Yes

- Grades: PreK - 8th - Students: 270 - Virtual Classes: No

- Tuition Range: $13,200 - $23,150 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 - Denomination: Independent

- Tuition Range: $19,805 - $28,565 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 - Denomination: N/A

Founded in 1997, Boca Raton’s Grandview Preparatory School (GPS) is a small, diverse community committed to the philosophy that education is a personal endeavor. Grandview pairs timeless ethics with modern thought and personal attention with global consciousness while preparing students for college and life beyond. GPS is an independent, non-sectarian, college preparatory, co-educational day school enrolling students from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.

A Gulf Stream School education prepares students to move confidently and successfully into some of the best college preparatory schools in the country. Our graduates are known for their strong writing and study skills. Their many public speaking and performance opportunities also make them especially well-spoken and poised before an audience. Because their curiosity is nurtured and their participation in all aspects of school life is required, Gulf Stream School alumni are well-rounded, lifelong learners.

336 Spanish River Blvd. NW • Boca Raton • 561.416.9737 • Grandviewprep.net

3600 Gulf Stream Road • Gulf Stream • 561.276.5225 • gulfstreamschool.org

LEVIS JCC MARLEEN FORKAS CAMPS

NORTH BROWARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

- Ages: 2-16 (entering 10th grade) - Counselor/Camper Ratio: 1:5 - Price Range: $1,100 - $6,000 - Dates: June 13 - August 5

- Grades: PreK3 – 12th - Students: 1,700

The Levis JCC has been providing children of all ages with unforgettable summers since 1986. Our dedicated, caring team is committed to making the camp experience the best it can be for every child, every summer. Our full-day camp program offers exciting activities, convenient schedules and experienced staff. We provide kids the freedom to learn and grow while developing skills that prepare them for future success. With a culture built on universally accepted moral ideals as well as strong Jewish values, we incorporate respect, honor, good sportsmanship and teamwork into all that we do. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome. Adolph & Rose Levis JCC and the Marleen Forkas Camps continue to follow CDC, state and local guidelines to ensure the safety of every camper.

North Broward Preparatory School is an extraordinary community of learners and has been educating, empowering and inspiring day and residential students since 1957. We think beyond traditional education to transform learning by fully integrating technology, and providing unique learning experiences outside of the classroom. Our rigorous curriculum is enhanced through collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF giving our students the opportunity to explore and discover new interests. With residential students from 20 countries, our students are immersed in a multicultural community and become global citizens with a worldview and the confidence to influence beyond borders.

9801 Donna Klein Blvd • Boca Raton • 561.852.3200 • Levisjcc.org/camp

7600 Lyons Road • Coconut Creek • 954.247.0179 • NBPS.org

- Tuition Range: $25,000 - 36,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 - Denomination: Non-Denominational

OXBRIDGE ACADEMY

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

- Grades: 7th - 12th - Students: 515

- Grades: K-12, University - Students: 85-150 - Virtual Classes: Yes

- Tuition Range: $26,500 - $35,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 - Denomination: Non-sectarian

- Tuition Range: Varies - Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1, 1:8 - Denomination: Non-denominational

This school year, in conjunction with its 10th anniversary, Oxbridge Academy added seventh and eighth grades, reinstituted its cheerleading squad, and announced that football would return in 2022. Adding a middle school expanded the school’s commitment to provide a world-class education to younger students from all walks of life who have a love of learning. Oxbridge students benefit from the school’s high academic standards; signature programs such as Aviation, Artificial Intelligence, Cambridge Scholars, and Independent Study; a wide array of arts offerings, a culture of kindness, and character building that prepares them to be confident, compassionate, critical thinkers, and global citizens.

PBIA is home to families from around the world who understand the possibilities of what a self-paced, one-on-one or small group academic education can offer. We pay attention to each student’s individualized learning styles and interests to give them the support, structure and program to become the best they can be. Offering K-12, college preparatory programs, traditional tutoring, academics for athletes, and university programs, students are able to explore subjects that really interest them, while still getting a well-rounded education. As experts in online learning, we create fun and inspiring atmospheres and experiences, allowing students to become organized creative thinkers.

3151 N. Military Trail • West Palm Beach • 561.972.9826 • OAPB.org/visit

Wellington and Boca Raton • 561.338.3811 • pbiafl.com

PINE CREST SCHOOL BOCA RATON

PINE CREST SCHOOL FORT LAUDERDALE

- Grades: PreK - 8th - Students: 2,688 - Virtual Classes: Yes

- Grades: PreK - 12th - Students: 2,688 - Virtual Classes: Yes

- Tuition Range: $26,785 - $36,140 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 - Denomination: Independent

- Tuition Range: $26,785 - $39,290 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 - Denomination: Independent

True to tradition and inspired by innovation, Pine Crest School offers a researchbased, challenging curriculum complemented by arts and athletics. We believe that building social and emotional competencies in a safe, secure, and inclusive learning environment is fundamental to our students’ success. Pine Crest classrooms foster creativity and innovation, giving students opportunities to practice ethical thought leadership and to become curious, adaptable learners. Our goal is to send our graduates out into the world as leaders who know their strengths and who have the courage to challenge norms, break barriers, and move forward with confidence. #PCFutureReady

2700 St. Andrews Boulevard • Boca Raton • 561.852.2800 • pinecrest.edu

1501 NE 62nd Street • Fort Lauderdale • 954.492.4100 • pinecrest.edu

2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

WAVES SURF ACADEMY SURF CAMPS - SURF LESSONS - SWIM LESSONS SERVING THE PALM BEACHES & BEYOND

561-843-0481

WAVESSURFACADEMY.COM

SAINT ANDREW’S SCHOOL

ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL

- Grades: PreK - 12th - Students: 1,335

- Grades: PreK - 8th - Students: 465 - Virtual Classes: No

- Tuition Range: $26,550 - $65,530 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 - Denomination: Episcopal

- Tuition Range: $8,880 - $12,150 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:20 - Denomination: Catholic

The brightest futures begin at Saint Andrew’s School. From Pre-K through 12th grade, Saint Andrew’s School offers a rigorous curriculum that fosters creative thinking, opportunities to achieve balance, and experiences that build strong character. As a day and boarding school in the Episcopal tradition, Saint Andrew’s serves 1,335 students from over 40 countries and several states. Demanding courses are the heart of the school’s academic program. Saint Andrew’s has developed a top college preparatory curriculum, which includes Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is a Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a Florida Catholic Conference STREAM certified school. St. Joan’s offers a challenging curriculum such as: Accelerated Math and Spanish for Heritage Speakers (3rd through 8th grade) including Geometry & Algebra 1 Honors. Our students benefit from our 1:1 iPads, a beautiful campus which has a Sports Arena, new Fine Arts Conservatory, and STREAM Lab, as well as numerous clubs and a competitive sports program in a faith-filled nurturing environment. For more information contact us at info_school@stjoan.org.

3900 Jog Road • Boca Raton • 561.210.2000 • Saintandrews.net

501 SW 3rd Avenue • Boca Raton • 561.392.7974 • stjoan.org/wp/school

SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

- Grades: 9th - 12th - Students: 475

- Grades: PS3-8th - Students: 370

- Tuition Range: $13,500 - $14,250 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 - Denomination: Catholic Based

- Tuition Range: $4,724 - 12,334 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies - Denomination: Lutheran

Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and in life. Our faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of tolerance, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.

Since 1962, St. Paul has been an accredited traditional Christian school in east Boca Raton. We offer leveled reading and math groups, art, music, band, advanced technology, physical education, Spanish as well as STEM in grades 6-8. Our extracurricular sports programs often excel to state and national levels. Our Early Childhood Program is developmentally appropriate and offers flexible days and times. After care and summer camp are available. Our Parent Teacher League offers many opportunities for parents to be involved. Contact us for a tour or more information. St. Paul is a family fostering a foundation for the future!

4001 N. Military Trail. • Boca Raton • 561.314.2100 • sjpii.net

701 W. Palmetto Road Park Road • Boca Raton • 561.395.8548 • stpaulbocaschool.com

2022

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

SPANISH RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Grades: PreK3 – 8th - Students: 540

SUMMIT-QUESTA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

- Tuition Range: $4,115 - $10,985 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 - Denomination: Presbyterian

- Grades: Toddler - 8th - Students: 400

- Tuition Range: $11,450 to 15,400 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies - Denomination: Non-denominational

Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds (Gold Seal Quality Care Program). Academic program K-8th with high quality, challenging academics enhanced by robust technology innovation in the classrooms; leadership skill building; strong fine arts and performing arts programs; critical thinking and project based learning. High school-level honors Algebra 1, Geometry, and Spanish I for middle school students. Accredited by CSF and MSA. Before and after-school programs. Interscholastic Sports program. After school enrichment for elementary. State-of-the-art technology, including 3-D printing, video productions, coding. Competitive robotics. Stanford Achievement Test. Lunch program. Clinic with fulltime nurse. Uniforms required. Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Summer Camp.

Hands on Montessori learning environment, art, music, Spanish, PE, after school sports teams and specialty classes including basketball, volleyball, soccer, track, cross country, swimming, robotics, art, educational labs and more. Certified Montessori teachers. Beautiful 10-acre campus. Tutoring available. Gold Seal of Excellence Award. Montessori Teacher Training site. Pool and indoor gymnasium. Summer Camp available!

2400 Yamato Rd • Boca Raton • 561.994.5006 • Spanishriverchristianschool.com

5451 SW 64th Ave • Davie • 954.584.3466 • summitquesta.com

TRINITY DELRAY LUTHERAN SCHOOL - Grades: Age 1 – 8th - Students: 375

WAVES SURF ACADEMY SURF CAMP

- Tuition Range: $4,670 - $11,130 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies - Denomination: Lutheran

- Camp Type: Surf Camp - Camp Rate: $325 Weekly Rate / M-F - Camp Times: 9:00 A.M -2:30 P.M. - Camp Ages: 5-14 - Camp Dates: Spring Break Mar. 14th - Mar. 18th • Summer Break May 30th - Aug. 12th

Trinity Delray, Excellence in Christian education since 1948. For over seventy years, Trinity Delray Lutheran School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Trinity Delray is committed to providing the best instructional environment for students. Trinity Delray is a Cambridge International School. Cambridge International helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged, and ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world, capable of shaping a better world for the future. We offer class sizes that give students the opportunity to have curriculum differentiated to their needs. Trinity Delray students develop critical thinking skills that are needed to be successful after elementary and middle school.

Waves Surf Academy Surf Camp is located at The Delray Breakers on the Ocean Hotel in Delray Beach,FL. This location offers spring & summer surf camp programs. The camp provides surf instruction for all levels. Camp activities include surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming in the pool, beach games, marine biology lessons, water safety lessons, arts and crafts & much more! The camp is located on a private beach with a kids club room which is ideal for weather shelter in case of weather anomalies. All instructors are lifeguard certified and background checked. Don’t miss another wave register online today!

400 N Swinton Ave • Delray Beach • 561.276.8458 • Trinitydelray.org

561.843.0481 • wavessurfacademy.com

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! coming in the

MAY/JUNE

ISSUE OF BOCA MAGAZINE & THE SUMMER ISSUE OF DELRAY MAGAZINE

PRIVATE EDUCATION & CAMPS GUIDE 2022 for more information contact

NICOLE RUTH 561.997.8683 ext.300 Nicole@BocaMag.com

w w w . b o c a m a g . c o m

Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center • Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center

ARTS, CULTURE & LEARNING 30th Annual

Book & Author Luncheon Wednesday March 30 9:00 am

The Polo Club of Boca Raton Join us as four best-selling authors present their latest works.

N E W D AT E : MARCH 31, 2022 SAILFISH CLUB OF FLORIDA 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM CHAIRS JUDY AND FRITZ VAN DER GRIFT AND STACEY LEULIETTE 561.268.2355 E V E N T S @ H A N L E Y F O U N D AT I O N . O R G

February April 2022

My Festival...My Way, a multi-access festival both virtually and in theaters

bocajff.org

levisjcc.org/sandler

For more information, call 561-922-8287 Levis JCC Sandler Center • 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton, FL 33428

H A N L E Y F O U N D AT I O N . O R G / E V E N T S

info@thesymphonia.org 561.376.3848 SUNDAY MARCH 27, 2022 | 03:00 PM

KEEPING THE PROMISE... FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY

Music in Bloom

Guest Conductor Laura Jackson, Piano Soloist Marika Bournaki ADOLPHE (Julia) Shiver and Bloom BRITTEN Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3

SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2022 | 03:00 PM

Poetic Mysteries

Principal Conductor Alastair Willis, Flute Soloist Les Roettges MENDELSSOHN Hebrides Overture MASON Reflections on a Memorial DEVIENNE Flute Concerto No. 7 in E minor DE FALLA El Amor Brujo

Boca Raton Regional Hospital is nearing completion of the $250 million Keeping the Promise campaign that is supporting its most ambitious period of growth and expansion. To learn more about Keeping the Promise... the Campaign for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, please visit brrh.com/KeepingThePromise or call 561-955-4142.

With special thanks to The Boca Raton for their generous support

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E AT & D R I N K

Eathai

1832 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561/270-3156

Top, oxtail spicy fried rice and chicken cashew nut; top right, egg Benedict with spicy cashew nuts

IF YOU GO PARKING: Parking lot HOURS: Mon., 11:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Sat., 12-9:30 p.m. Sun., 2-9:30 p.m. PRICES: $13-$28 WEBSITE: eathaiflorida.com

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ometimes when a restaurant is hyped up, I’m weary as I ponder if it’s going to live up to all the praise. Owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana, or Chef So, as he’s affectionately called, debuted his version of a Thai restaurant on the Boca/Delray dining scene in 2016. For those who have never been to Thailand, the menu he’s curated gives you a glimpse into the cuisine’s range from traditional to street food. While you expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the standard ones we’re used to seeing around town. And for that I’m grateful. Spoiler alert: Eathai absolutely lived up to every divine compliment and rave review. We started with the Papaya Salad ($10). Mixed with cherry tomatoes, string beans, sun-dried shrimp and roasted peanuts in a chili lime dressing, it definitely has

a kick to it, but it’s not the type of heat that stays on your palate. Something easy to eat along a Bangkok street, Satays ($9) were savory grilled lamb served with a creamy sweet peanut sauce. The Thai Chicken French Toasted ($7) stood out to the table, so we had to try it. It’s indeed bread, but it’s topped with marinated chicken before it’s battered, fried and served with a honey chili sauce. The Thai Chicken Wings ($11) come with a choice of garlic fish sauce, chili honey or a yum yum dry rub. The table can choose to order their own main dishes or kick it family style, like we did. We ordered the Egg Benedict with Spicy Cashew with Garlic Egg Noodle and Chicken ($14). The Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce ($18) was our favorite entrée thanks to the succulent sauce that the tender duck was floating in. You won’t find tofu or shrimp

fried rice here; instead, we opted for the Oxtail Spicy Basil Fried Rice ($16) that you can customize to the level of spice you’re comfortable with. Ice cream is the only dessert option. But not just any ice cream— Thai rolled ice cream. We tried the Cookie Spree and Thai Ice Tea (both $7). The first was sweet cream blended with Oreos, and the second was Thai tea ice cream with lychees. You can choose from a list of recommended options or design your own, but you really can’t go wrong. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. And if you love your typical chicken pad Thai, it’s on the menu too. But perhaps once you slip into a banquette, take a sip of an icy cold Sapporo beer and check out the menu, something else might catch your eye. Don’t be shy—be adventurous.

AARON BRISTOL

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

March 2022

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E AT & D R I N K

Bamboo Fire Café 149 N.E. Fourth Ave., Delray Beach; 561/749-0973

A Above, tostones and jerk chicken; top right, snapper in Guyanese sauce

IF YOU GO PARKING: Street parking HOURS (may vary, confirm before you go): Mon.-Tues., closed Wed.-Thurs., 6-10:30 p.m. Fri., 6-11 p.m. Sat., 5:30-11:30 p.m. Sun., 2-8:30 p.m. PRICES: $12-$20+ WEBSITE: facebook.com/

bamboofiredelray

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mix of reggae and reggaeton music welcomes us, setting the mood for an evening that transports us to the Caribbean with bright island aromas and flavors. The Jacobs family has owned and run the restaurant that sits off buzzy Atlantic Ave for 13 years. Originally from Guyana, the South American country that borders Venezuela, Donald and Beverly joyously share their Latin and Caribbean culture through their food. Working the front and back of the house alongside their daughter Lauren, who’s affectionately called Smiley, the family ensures that everyone who sits down feels at home. To kick off the evening, we chose to sip on Banks ($6), the beer of Barbados created by a Guyanese entrepreneur. The beer selection here is strong, with brews from around the Caribbean, South America and Europe. There is also a limited wine list, a selection of Caribbean sodas and house-made lemonade.

For starters we indulged in crisp Tostones ($7) that had been pounded nearly paper-thin and accompanied with a simple but satisfying buttery garlic sauce. Next up were the Plantain Fries ($7), which are made from the same green plantain as the tostones but were sliced into pieces, deep-fried and plated with a side of spicy aioli. Lauren praised the Jerk Meatballs ($9), so I was excited to try them, and they didn’t disappoint—what they lack in size they make up for in a powerful punch of flavor. For entrees, we settled on the Curry Pork ($16), Jerk Chicken ($15) and Red Snapper ($26). The menu also features Caribbean classics like oxtail, conch and shrimp, each with a variety of preparations. The family also accommodates for dietary restrictions and preferences with gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Lauren also drolly asked if we wanted our dishes seasoned with

American spice or non-American spice, explaining that American spice has a kick without a burn for those who aren’t accustomed to eating truly spicy foods. We chose American spice and were able to enjoy the heat without being uncomfortable. Plus the dishes we ordered were hearty, shareable portions, so we relished in a family-style meal. Main dishes are served with a choice of rice, vegetables or sweet plantains. The maduros, or fried sweet plantains, could easily replace dessert with their sweet, slight syrupy flavor, but were a nice contrast to the fiery dishes. Speaking of dessert, save room for it. The Rum Cake ($8) resembled a white fluffy cloud, completely enveloped in whipped cream. It may have been the potent cake bites, but the warm ambiance, reggae tunes and palm tree landscapes framing the Guyanese flag transported us to a tropical paradise that evening.

AARON BRISTOL

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

March 2022

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

E AT & D R I N K

FLORIDA TABLE

Dining Guide Palm Beach County BOCA RATON

dish, though, is the charred filet mignon with a red wine bone marrow reduction, with wickedly luscious house-made hazelnut gelato coming in a very close second. • Dinner nightly. 561/226-3022. $$$

Abe & Louie’s —2200 Glades Road. Steakhouse.

Burtons Grill & Bar —5580 N. Military Trail.

All Americans are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among them the right to a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. At this posh, comfortable (and expensive) meatery, the USDA Prime steaks are indeed thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, also massively flavorful and served in enormous portions. Don’t miss the New York sirloin or prime rib, paired in classic steakhouse fashion with buttery hash browns and ubercreamy creamed spinach. Chased with an ice-cold martini or glass of red wine from the truly impressive list, it’s happiness pursued and captured. • Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. 561/447-0024. $$$$

New American. Known for its reliable food as well as its non-gluten, Paleo and “B Choosy” kids menu, the first Florida location for this restaurant is deservedly crowded, so make reservations. Don’t miss the General Tso’s cauliflower, the pan-seared salmon (Paleo), the crab cakes or the Key lime pie. Popular half-portions are available, too. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/465-2036. $

AARON BRISTOL

Arturo’s Ristorante —6750 N. Federal Highway.

Sushi from Bluefin

Italian. Arturo’s quiet, comfortable dining room; slightly formal, rigorously professional service; and carefully crafted Italian dishes never go out of style. You’ll be tempted to make a meal of the array of delectable antipasti from the antipasti cart, but try to leave room for main courses like the veal shank served on a bed of risotto. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/997-7373. $$$

Basilic Vietnamese Grill—200 S. Federal Highway. Vietnamese. This popular restaurant offers satisfying food and reasonable prices. Plus, there’s bubble tea. Opened in 2014, it has a wide range of Vietnamese favorites, such as cha gio tom heo, fried shrimp and pork Imperial rolls, all kinds of pho, noodle bowls, chicken curry and more. • Lunch and dinner six days a week; closed Tuesdays. 561/409-4964. $$

DINING KEY $: $$: $$$: $$$$:

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Under $17 $18–$35 $36–$50 $50 and up

Bluefin Sushi and Thai—861 N.W. 51st St., Suite 1. Sushi/Thai. Arrive early for a table at this Asian hot spot— it’s popular with no reservations for parties fewer than six. Don’t skip the tempura lobster bomb, big in both size and taste. The ginger snapper will impress both Instagram and your stomach. Try the chicken satay and pad Thai. Bluefin offers a variety of dishes from multiple cultures, all well done. • Dinner daily. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 561/981-8986. $$ Boca Landing —999 E. Camino Real. Contemporary American. The Waterstone Resort & Marina’s signature restaurant, Boca Landing, offers the city’s only waterside dining and shows off its prime location and views. Heavy on small plates, the menu features tuna crudo, fried calamari and a killer cheese and charcuterie board. Probably the best

The Capital Grille —6000 Glades Road. Steaks. This is one of more than three dozen restaurants in a national chain, but the Boca Grille treats you like a regular at your neighborhood restaurant. Steaks, dry-aged if not Prime, are flavorful and cooked with precision, while starters from the pan-fried calamari to the restaurant’s signature spin on the Cobb salad (lunch only) are nicely done too. Parmesan truffle fries are crispy sticks of potato heaven; chocolate-espresso cake a study in shameless, and luscious, decadence. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/368-1077. $$$

Casa D’Angelo —171 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. Chef Rickie Piper, who has mastered the menu and cuisine of this fine-dining staple for more than a decade, knows when to say when with both plating and ingredients. His dishes, including the sides and accompaniments, are visually appetizing and aromatic. A grilled veal chop easily 3 inches thick proved tender and juicy, and the wild mushrooms served alongside in a marsala added earthiness. • Dinner nightly. 561/996-1234. $$$ Casimir French Bistro —416 Via De Palmas, Suite 81. French. Take a trip overseas without leaving the city and enjoy excellently prepared traditional French dishes, such as duck l’orange or beef bourguignon, or go with Cajun chicken and veal Milanese. The comfortable dining room is a Parisian experience, as is the apple tarte tatin. This is a local favorite, and may we add they have what is as close to real French bread as anyplace in Boca? • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/955-6001. $$$

Chez Marie French Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. French. Marie will greet you at the door of this nicely decorated, intimate, classic French restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip shopping area. This feels like an intimate neighborhood

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bistro and is a welcome discovery. From escargot encased in garlic butter, parsley and breadcrumbs to a tender duck a l’orange to an unforgettable crepe Suzette, you’ll be in Paris all evening. Voila! Also on the menu: pan-seared foie gras, tasty onion soup, coq au vin, rack of lamb, salads and more desserts. French food in an unassuming atmosphere.• Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closed on Mon. in summer) 561/997-0027. $$

Chops Lobster Bar—101 Plaza Real S., Royal Palm Place. Steak, seafood. There is nothing like a classic chophouse every now and then for a special dinner. At this upscale downtown restaurant, steaks are aged USDA Prime— tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked under a 1,700-degree broiler. There’s all manner of fish and shellfish, but you’re here for the lobster, whether giant Nova Scotian tails flash-fried and served with drawn butter or sizable Maine specimens stuffed with lobster. Let’s face it: Trendy menus come and go, but a great steakhouse is a win-win on all occasions. • Dinner nightly. 561/395-2675. $$$$ Cuban Café —3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Suite

Everyday Favorites For an affordable bite at any time, consider these durable chains and homegrown Boca favorites—where the attire is understated and reservations are rarely necessary. Biergarten—309 Via De Palmas, #90. German/Pub. Part vaguely German beer garden, part all-American sports bar, this rustic eatery offers menus that channel both, as well as an excellent selection of two-dozen beers on tap and the same number by the bottle. The food is basic and designed to go well with suds, like the giant pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces and the popular “Biergarten burger.” • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462. $$

Bonefish Grill—21065 Powerline Road. Seafood. Market-fresh seafood is the cornerstone, like Chilean sea bass prepared over a wood-burning grill and served with sweet Rhea’s topping (crabmeat, sautéed spinach and a signature lime, tomato and garlic sauce.) • Dinner nightly. Lunch on Saturdays. Brunch on Sundays. 561/483-4949. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/732-1310; 9897 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, 561/9652663; 11658 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/799-2965) $$ The Cheesecake Factory—5530 Glades Road. American. Oh, the choices! The chain has a Sunday brunch menu in addition to its main menu, which includes Chinese chicken salad and Cajun jambalaya. Don’t forget about the cheesecakes, from white chocolate and raspberry truffle offerings. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/393-0344. (Other Palm Beach County locations: CityPlace, West Palm Beach, 561/802-3838; Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/776-3711). $$

B-30. Cuban. One thing Boca needs more of is coffee windows—and real Cuban restaurants. Part of the charm of South Florida is its melting pot of Latin cultures, and Cuba is the granddaddy of them all. Which is undoubtedly why diners pack this traditional Cuban restaurant for lunch specials that start at $10.95, including slow-roasted pork served with white rice and black beans. Other highlights include the Cuban sandwich, the media noche and (on the dinner menu only) lechón asado. Full bar. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/750-8860. $

Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria—2240 N.W. 19th St., Suite 904. Italian. Cross Naples (thin, blistered crust, judicious toppings) with Connecticut (fresh clams and no tomato sauce), and you’ve got a pretty good idea of the pies coming out of Nick Laudano’s custom-made ovens. The “white clam” pizza with garlic and bacon is killer-good; Caesar salad and tiramisu are much better than the usual pizzeria fare. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/3682900. $$

Dorsia—5837 N. Federal Highway. Continental. The

P.F. Chang’s—1400 Glades Road. Chinese. There may have been no revolution if Mao had simply eaten at

simple pleasures of the table—good food, personable service, comfortable ambience—are what this modestly stylish restaurant is all about. The menu has a strong Italian bent, evidenced by dishes like a trio of fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with an airy three-cheese mousse, and a cookbook-perfect rendition of veal scaloppine lavished with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and a tangy lemon-white wine sauce. • Dinner nightly. 561/961-4156. $$

the Boca outpost of P.F. Chang’s—the portions are large enough to feed the masses—and the exquisite tastes in each dish could soothe any tyrant. We particularly like the steamed fish of the day, as well as the Szechuan-style asparagus. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/393-3722. (Other Palm Beach County location: 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/691-1610) $$

Farmer’s Table—1901 N. Military Trail. American. In the pantheon of healthy dining, Farmer’s Table is a standout in Boca, one of the first restaurants to elevate natural foods to fine dining. Fresh, natural, sustainable, organic and local is the mantra at this both tasty and health-conscious offering from Mitchell Robbins and Joey Giannuzzi. Menu highlights include flatbreads, slow-braised USDA Choice short rib and the popular Ramen Bowl, with veggies, ramen noodles and shrimp. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/417-5836. $$

Frank & Dino’s —39 S.E. First Ave. Italian. Cue the music. Dim the lights. Retrieve the chilled martini glass and shaker; it’s time to dine. The Rat Pack is alive and well here in both décor and soundtrack. So, too, are traditional Italian dishes such as Dentice oreganata, capellini Pomodoro and tiramisu. But you may want to get there early for one of the longest happy hours around (11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays) for Damiano meatballs, filet mignon sliders or antipasto misto between lunch and dinner. • Lunch Mon.-Fri.; dinner nightly. 561/218-4636. $$$

The Sandwich Shop at Buccan—350 S. County Road, Palm Beach. Takeout stop. Like big sister Buccan Italian restaurant, the Sandwich Shop is full of flavor and builds your favorite sandwich with just a touch of delicious creativity you won’t find elsewhere. Owned by celeb chef Clay Conley and partners, the menu has hot or cold sandwiches, salads, sides and drinks (both alcoholic and non). Good-sized portions mean the Italian and prosciutto subs include leftovers if you have some willpower.• Lunch daily. 561/833-6295. $$

Shake Shack—1400 Glades Road. American. We’re not sure there is really any such thing as a bad burger joint and when you have a really good one—like Shake Shack— there’s a little piece of heaven just a short order away. Shake Shack in University Commons has great all-Angus burgers, non-GMO buns, and a frozen custard that makes grown men weep. Throw in some crinkle-cut fries and life is the way it should be. And the outdoor patio is a definite bonus in these times. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/932-0847. $ Steve’s Wood Fired Pizza—9180 Glades Road. Italian. With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and rigorous preparation—the hand-rolled dough rises for three days before use—this reliable purveyor offers varieties of ‘za that are both familiar and novel, from BBQ chicken and veggie primavera to Mom’s White Roasted Garlic and the Mupsa (mushroom, pepperoni and sausage) . • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/483-5665. $$

Tap 42—5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 247. Gastropub. This hugely popular nouveau-Industrial gastropub is not for the faint of eardrums when packed, but don’t let that discourage you. The kitchen here executes the hell out of a short, simple all-day menu. Grilled salmon chopped salad with tomatillo ranch dressing is delightful, as is guacamole studded with fat chunks of bacon and charred corn. Same goes for decadent shrimp mac-n-cheese. The wicked-good chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce would be the envy of any Big Easy eatery. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/235-5819. $

Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen—399 S.E. Mizner Blvd. American. Natural, seasonal, sustainable. You’ll enjoy the varied menu, and won’t believe it’s made without butters or creams. Try the too-good-to-be-true buffalo-style cauliflower appetizer, the seared salmon or buffalo burger, and have apple skillet for dessert. Healthy never tasted so good. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/826-2625. $$

The Grille On Congress—5101 Congress

Houston’s —1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Con-

Ave. American. Dishes at this longtime favorite range from tasty chicken entrees and main-plate salads to seafood options like Asian-glazed salmon or pan-seared yellowtail snapper. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$

temporary American. Convenient location, stylish ambience and impeccable service are hallmarks of this local outpost of the Hillstone restaurant chain. There are plenty of reasons why this is one of the most popular business lunch spots in all March 2022

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DISCOVERIES

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Healthy Fast Casual Eats

We all know we should eat healthy foods, but sometimes life just gets in the way. Luckily, there’s been a fast-casual explosion onto our dining scene with restaurants that are serving up healthy dishes that you can grab and go. Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

CARROT EXPRESS

With company core values like teamwork, integrity, smiling, cleanliness and fresh food, you know you’re in for a treat. Dishes, made with high-quality ingredients, will have you craving more veggies. The salads, wraps, burgers, bowls and avocado toasts are hearty and satisfying. You won’t go hungry, but you also won’t feel heavy and too full to take on your afternoon to-do list after lunch. 10 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561/717-4175 20642 State Road 7, Boca Raton; eatcarrotexpress.com

EAT DISTRICT

If you’re looking for a twist on the usual salad, this Urbanbelly Restaurant Group concept is serving up Asian-inspired bowls that are healthy and bursting with flavor. Look for Thai, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese influences on a menu that’s also proudly antibiotic- and hormone-free. Build your own bowl with options like Korean potato noodles, miso kale slaw or yellow turmeric rice, and top it with vegetable options like ginger broccoli or roasted basil mushroom. Lastly, the proteins range from Thai coconut chicken satay to lemongrass shrimp. 1914 N.E. Fifth Ave., Boca Raton; 561/576-2046; eatdistricts.com

Mario’s Favorite from Eat District

PURA VIDA

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

Focusing on wellness, this Town Center at Boca Raton mall staple has expanded to West Palm Beach, giving us two spots to indulge in seasonal dishes designed to make our bodies happier and healthier. Look forward to a variety of items from salads and bowls to pizzas, burgers, entrées and even desserts. Catering to a variety of dietary restrictions, plates here can be customized, and the menu is clearly marked for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections. 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 561/419-8105 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; 561/345-2155 truefoodkitchen.com

Double vegan cheeseburger from True Food Kitchen

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KBCREATIVE AND SB MEDIA GROUP.

Striving to shop for sustainable products and serve Florida-grown, organic ingredients, this Miami-based company has expanded into Palm Beach County, and we’re all for it. It serves all-day breakfast, with options like avocado smash, an egg sandwich on a toasted artisanal bagel, and acai bowls, but it also has plenty of vibrant savory bowls, juices, smoothies, wraps, sandwiches and salads. 460 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; puravidamiami.com Carrot Express bowl

Jen’s herb with ahi tuna from Pura Vida ••••

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of Boca, including menu items like Cajun trout, the mammoth salad offerings and the tasty baby back ribs. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-0550. $$$

Il Mulino New York Boca Raton —451 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. From the four pre-menu bites to the after-dinner coffee from freshly ground beans, this is a white-tablecloth venue that delivers on its upscale promises. Try the langostino, the red snapper, the risotto, the pasta, or go for the ceviches, caviars and seafood tower. Save room for dessert and complimentary lemoncello. Make a night of it. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/338-8606. $$$ Fries to Caviar —6299 N. Federal Highway. Contemporary American. Going one better than soup to nuts defines this Boca restaurant, an easygoing, affordable bistro that really does offer fries, caviar and more. Four varieties of fish eggs are shown off nicely crowning a quartet of deviled eggs, while the thick-cut fries complement a massively flavorful, almost fork-tender hanger steak in the classic steak frites.Try the seasonal soups as well. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/617-5965. $$ Josephine’s —5751 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Tradition trumps trendy, and comfort outweighs chic at this Boca favorite. The ambience is quiet and stately but not stuffy, and the menu is full of hearty dishes to soothe the savage appetite, like three-cheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$

Kapow! Noodle Bar—431 Plaza Real. Pan-Asian. This Asian-inspired gastropub delivers an inventive punch to the taste buds. Among the hardest hitters is its angry shrimp dumplings and the char sui pork belly bao bun. The Saigon duck pho is yet one more reason to go. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/347-7322. $$

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Kathy’s Gazebo Café —4199 N. Federal Highway. Traditional French. Elegance, civility and very good food meet here for dinners that last at least two hours, and it’s worth it. Try the Dover sole (pricey, but it won’t disappoint), the escargot, coq au vin if it’s a nightly special, gazpacho, duck, veal, lobster and more. Don’t forget the rich, well-crafted desserts. Classical dining at a longtime standard; jackets recommended. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/395-6033. $$$

Ke’e Grill —17940 N. Military Trail, Suite 700. Traditional American. In this busy dining scene for more than 30 years, you will find a lot of seafood (fried calamari, blue crab cakes, yellowtail snapper Francaise and lots more), a few steak, chicken, lamb and pork options, and a quality house-made apple crisp. Your traditional choices are baked, fried, breaded, grilled, broiled, sauteed. With Provencal, Francaise, maple mustard glaze, toasted macadamia nut pesto and piccata twists. A consistent crowd for a consistent menu. • Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$ La Nouvelle Maison—455 E. Palmetto Park Blvd. French. Elegant, sophisticated French cuisine, white-glove service and a trio of stylish dining rooms make Arturo Gismondi’s homage to Boca’s storied La Vieille Maison the home away from home to anyone who appreciates the finer points of elegant dining. The cuisine showcases both first-rate ingredients and precise execution, whether a generous slab of silken foie gras with plum gastrique, posh lobster salad, cookbook-perfect rendition of steak frites and an assortment of desserts that range from homey apple tart to bananas Foster with chocolate and Grand Marnier. • Dinner nightly. 561/338-3003. $$$ La Villetta—4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas and other classic dishes. Try the signature

Owner & Boca Resident John Moore serving Northern Italian Classic & Bistro Fare.

Tue, Wed & Thu night with 25% off all bottles under a $150 30% off all glasses of wine $6 bites and 1/ 2 price Flatbreads $21 3 course dinner options “One of the best value wine list in South Florida”

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

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whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt; it’s de-boned right at tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$$

Le Rivage —450 N.E. 20th St., Suite 103. French. Don’t overlook this small, unassuming bastion of traditional French cookery. That would be a mistake, because the dishes that virtually scream “creativity” can’t compare to the quiet pleasures served here—like cool, soothing vichyssoise, delicate fillet of sole with nutty brown butter sauce or perfectly executed crème brûlee. Good food presented without artifice at a fair price never goes out of fashion. • Dinner nightly. 561/620-0033. $$

Loch Bar —346 Plaza Real. Seafood. This sister restaurant to Ouzo Bay includes fried oysters, moules frites and Maryland crab cakes. The bar offers literally hundreds of whiskeys, a noisy happy hour crowd and live music most nights. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/939-6600. $$

More Than Mahi

Loch Bar offers live music seven days a week and is famous for its whisky bar. Who knew?

Louie Bossi’s—100 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This jumping joint serves terrific Neapolitan pizza (thin crust), but don’t miss the other entrées. Start with a charcuterie/cheese plate and grab the amazing breadsticks. All breads and pastas are made on the premises. Other faves include the carbonara and the calamari, and save room for house-made gelato. Unusual features: Try the bocce ball court included with the retro Italian décor. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/336-6699. $$$

Luff’s Fish House—390 E. Palmetto Park Road. Seafood. A renovated 1920s bungalow houses this shipshape restaurant, in addition to two large, outdoor deck and patio areas. It’s known for familiar dish names with new tweaks: smoked fish-hummus dip, falafel fish fritters, crab guacamole, mussels in coconut curry broth, plus the paella on Sundays only. Don’t leave without the enormous slice of the Key lime pie, topped with meringue on a graham cracker crust. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/609-2660. $$

AARON BRISTOL

Maggiano’s —21090 St. Andrews Blvd. Italian. Do as

Mussels in coconut curry broth from Luff’s Fish House

the Italians do, and order family-style: Sit back and watch the endless amounts of gorgeous foods grace your table. In this manner, you receive two appetizers, a salad, two pastas, two entrées and two desserts. The menu also includes lighter takes on staples like chicken parm, fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$

Mario’s Osteria—1400 Glades Road, Suite 210. Italian. This popular spot is swanky, but the rustic Italian fare keeps with an osteria’s humbler pretensions. Signature dishes like the garlic rolls, lasagna and eggplant “pancakes” are on the new menu, as are butternut squash ravioli and thick, juicy rib-eye served “arrabiata” style. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/239-7000. $$

Matteo’s—233 S. Federal Highway, Suite 108. Italian. Hearty Italian and Italian-American food, served in giant “family style” portions, needs no reinventing. Though there is no shortage of local restaurants cooking in that genre, it’s the details of preparation and service that make Matteo’s stand out. Baked clams are a good place to start, as is the reliable chopped salad. Linguini frutti di mare is one of the best in town. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-0773. $$ Max’s Grille —404 Plaza Real. Contemporary American. After 24 years in Mizner Park, This modern American bistro is a true local classic. The food and decor are both timeless and up to date, and the ambience is that of a smooth-running big-city bistro. Service is personable and proficient. The menu is composed of dishes you really want to eat, from the applewood bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the wickedly indulgent crème brûlèe pie. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/368-0080. $$

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Morton’s The Steakhouse—5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 219. Steakhouse. There’s seemingly no end to diners’ love of huge slabs of high-quality aged beef, nor to the carnivores who pack the clubby-swanky dining room of this meatery. While the star of the beef show is the giant bone-in filet mignon, seasonally featured is the American Wagyu New York strip. Finish off your meal with one of the decadent desserts.• Dinner nightly. 561/392-7724. $$$$

New York Prime —2350 N.W. Executive Center Drive. Steakhouse. This wildly popular Boca meatery Monday, Monday packs them in with swift, professional service, classy supper club ambience and an extensive wine list. And, of course, the beef—all USDA Prime, cooked to tender and juicy lusciousness over ferocious heat. The bone-in rib-eye is especially succulent, but don’t neglect the New York strip or steak-house classics like oysters Rockefeller, garlicky spinach and crusty hash browns. • Dinner nightly. 561/998-3881. $$$$

Prezzo —5560 N. Military Trail. Italian. A reincarnation of a popular 1990s Boca venue, this version has updated the dining room, kept the yummy oven-baked focaccia bread slices, and added a 21st-century taste to the menu. Don’t miss the tender bone-in pork chop, thin-crust pizza and seafood specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are on the menu, too. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/314-6840. $$ Rafina—6877 S.W. 18th St. Greek. If you find the ambience of most Greek restaurants to be like a frat party with flaming cheese and ouzo, this contemporary, casually elegant spot will be welcome relief. Food and decor favor refinement over rusticity, even in such hearty and ubiquitous dishes as pastitsio and spanakopita. Standout dishes include the moussaka, the creamy and mildly citrusy avgolemono soup and the precisely grilled, simply adorned (with olive oil, lemon and capers) branzino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-3673. $$

Rebel House —297 E. Palmetto Park Road. American Eclectic. As wild visually as it is in the kitchen, this place rocks on all points. Start with the popcorn flavor of the day (instead of bread) and don’t miss the cauliflower Caesar salad, Uncle Pinkie’s Fried Rice, the lobster meatballs or whatever duck option is on the menu. You can’t miss with these dishes. • Dinner nightly, brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/353-5888. $$ Ristorante Sapori—301 Via de Palmas, Royal Palm Place. Italian. Sapori features fresh fish, veal and chicken dishes imbued with subtle flavors. The grilled Italian branzino, the veal chop Milanese and the zuppa di pesce served over linguine are especially tasty, and the pasta (all 17 kinds!) is available in full and half orders, with your choice of 15 zesty sauces. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/367-9779. $$ Ruth’s Chris—225 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Suite 100. Steakhouse. Not only does this steakhouse favorite emphasize its New Orleans roots, it also distinguishes itself from its competitors by just serving better food. The signature chopped salad has a list of ingredients as long as a hose but they all work together. And how can you not like a salad topped with crispy fried onion strings? Steaks are USDA Prime and immensely flavorful, like a perfectly seared New York strip. The white chocolate bread pudding is simply wicked. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-6746. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561/514-3544; 661 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/863-0660.) $$$$ Seasons 52—2300 Executive Center Drive. Contemporary American. The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is firstrate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in

March 2022

2/2/22 3:03 PM

Buzz Bite I Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest

ringing two of America’s favorite foods together, this annual festival pairs a variety of bacon-infused dishes with a wide selection of bourbons from around the country. On March 26-27, you’ll be able to indulge in more than 30 bourbons and whiskeys, including rare and private selections, alongside sampling flights of new and beloved brands. Try a few, and perhaps find your next favorite sip. At the Village of Wellington Promenade, the event is complimentary and open to the public. For more information, visit baconbourbonfest.com. —Christie Galeano-DeMott

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“Before you and your staff from Boca Nursing Services started taking care of Helen and I, we existed; now we are living again! Thank you, Rose.” -Dr. K.D.

oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/625-5852.) $$

Rose Glamoclija, R.N. Founder and Administrator

SeaSpray Inlet Grill—999 E. Camino Real.

Six Tables a Restaurant—112 N.E. Second St., Boca Raton. American. The dimly lit chandeliers, burgundy velvet curtains and smooth Sinatra lyrics set the mood for a memorable evening that’s dedicated to fine dining without pretention. With a seasonal menu that’s ever changing, you can rest assured that whatever husband and wife chef-proprietors Tom and Jenny Finn prepare for you, it will truly be special and made with love. • Dinner Thurs.-Sat. 561/347-6260. $$$$

Sushi Ray —5250 Town Center Circle, Suite 111. Japanese/Sushi. Impeccably fresh and exactingly prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties are on display. The Nobu-esque miso sea bass gives a taste of this modern classic at a fraction of the

It’s The Personal Touch That Makes The Difference

Offering Quality Private Duty Nursing Care and Care Management Services Since 1993 Available 24 Hours a Day • • • • •

Registered Nurses Licensed Practical Nurses Certified Nursing Assistants Home Health Aides Physical Therapy

Companions Live-Ins Homemakers Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy

Serving Broward, Palm Beach, Martin & St. Lucie Counties 342 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Suites 1 & 2 Boca Raton, FL 33432

(561) 347-7566

Fax (561) 347-7567

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• • • • •

Lic#HHA20196095

American. Unobstructed views of Lake Boca Raton, soaring palm trees and coastal décor peppered with fringed umbrellas all set the mood for a relaxing experience that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation. The menu accommodates different dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t sleep on the pear tortellini pasta starter; it’s a star item. Portions are hearty and can be easily shared. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/226-3022. $$

255 Sunrise Avenue, Suite 200 Palm Beach, FL 33480

(561) 833-3430

• • • • 833-3460 March Fax 2022 bocamag.com (561)

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THE DUBLINER’S BEER CHEESE NACHOS NACHOS INGREDIENTS: Corned beef ends, minced Bacon, minced Diced tomatoes Chopped scallions Chip base (tortilla or potato) 1. Base “chip” of your choice; the Dubliner uses house-made thinly sliced russet potatoes fried to golden brown with a sprinkle of sea salt. 2. Take the seasoned ends of the corned beef (made in-house at Dubliner) and mince into a fine dice. Can be warmed in the microwave or lightly sautéed in a medium heat pan for about 2 minutes. 3. Add cooked bacon, chopped. 4. Sprinkle both meats over a mound of your base chip. 5. Add chopped tomatoes, scallions. 6. Drizzle beer cheese over the top. BEER CHEESE INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup butter ¼ cup flour ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder �⁄₈ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 cup milk �⁄₃ cup beer, Harp Lager 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded

Beer cheese nachos

Farewell to Our Beloved Pub

After this year, St. Paddy’s in Boca will never be the same Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

fter 16 years of slinging beer pints for locals and visitors alike, Dubliner Irish Pub is closing its doors. In true Irish form, the Mizner Park icon is going out with a bang by celebrating its final St. Patrick’s Day with an unforgettable day of entertainment, laughs and plenty of whiskey. The Subculture Group, which also runs other local staples like Dada and Kapow!, will be debuting a new concept in its place. Shaker & Pie will launch later this year and is set to feature craft cocktails and delectable pizzas. In honor of the Dubliner and the many nights we’ve spent there with new and old friends, we’re sharing one of its special recipes so that you can bring its festive spirit into your home.

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1 cup Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Melt butter, flour, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne pepper over medium heat in a saucepan. Cook 1 minute. Stir in beer and milk a bit at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Continue cooking over medium heat. Add in mustard and Worcestershire cooking sauce until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat to low, add cheeses and stir just until melted and smooth. Stir in mustard if using. Serve warm with vegetables, over tortilla/potato chips or with soft pretzels. The Dubliner serves it with a combination of all three!

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E AT & D R I N K RESTAURANT DIRECTORY price of the original, while the chef’s sushi assortment offers a generous arrangement of nigiri and maki for a reasonable $22. • Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner nightly. 561/394-9506. $$

Tanzy—301 Plaza Real. Italian. Part of the swanky iPic Theater complex (though it does not service the theater), this handsome spot relies on quality ingredients and careful preparation instead of culinary special effects and car chases. The Parma Bar, a sort of sushi bar for meat and cheese fanatics, also does terrific quattro formaggio fiocchi and spiced pear. The scarletta pepper steak and bone-in pork chops are excellent, as are the braised Angus beef short ribs with toasted pearl barley and collard greens. For dessert, try the red velvet bread pudding and your choice of a trio of sorbets. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.–Sun. 561/922-6699. $$

Taverna Kyma—6298 N. Federal Highway. Greek/ Mediterranean. Hankering for a traditional Greek meal, and a menu that offers just about everything? This is where you want to try the meze plates (cold, hot, seafood, veggie), saganaki, grilled entrees and kebobs. From the taramosalata to the branzino and pastitsio, servings are generous and good. Don’t forget dessert. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/994-2828. $$ Trattoria Romana—499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This local mainstay does Italian classics and its own lengthy list of ambitious specials with unusual skill and aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$

Twenty Twenty Grille—141 Via Naranjas, Suite 45. Contemporary American. You’ve probably licked postage stamps that are larger than Ron and Rhonda Weisheit’s tiny jewel box of a restaurant, but what it lacks in space it more than makes up for in charm, sophistication and imaginative, expertly crafted food. Virtually everything is made in-house, from the trio of breads that first grace your table to the pasta in a suave dish of tagliatelle with duck and chicken confit. Don’t miss the jerk pork belly and grilled veal strip loin. • Dinner nightly. 561/990-7969. $$$

Villagio Italian Eatery—344 Plaza Real. Italian. The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment is served with flair and great attention to detail. The reasonably priced menu—with generous portions—includes all your favorites (veal Parmesan, Caesar salad) and some outstanding seafood dishes (Maine lobster with shrimp, mussels and clams on linguine). There is a full wine list and ample people-watching given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561-447-2257. $$

Vino —114 N.E. Second St. Wine Bar/Italian. An impressive wine list of some 250 plus bottles (all available by the glass) offers a multitude of choices, especially among Italian and California reds. The menu of “Italian tapas” includes roasted red peppers with Provolone, as well as ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomatoes. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/869-0030. $$

Warike Peruvian Bistro —2399 N. Federal Highway. Peruvian. Classic dishes, such as aji de gallina, and classic drinks—Warike Sour—make this small restaurant a place to remember. Modern, clean décor and a menu that includes well-prepared seafood, meat or vegetarian meals means it’s a busy venue, so reservations are recommended. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/465-5922. $$

Yakitori—271 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Asian. This Japanese restaurant that has sat for nearly a decade in Royal Palm Place is still welcoming devoted diners and delivering consistent, premium dishes. Sip on one of its refreshing cocktails like the lychee martini SIlverball Museum 1/3SQ B0222.indd 1

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or green tea mojito before perusing the vast menu that offers everything from sushi and sashimi to fried rice, ramen and entrées from the robata grill. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/544-0087. $$

WEST BOCA

Chloe’s Bistro—6885 S.W. 18th St. Italian. One of the few venues that’s on the water, with food to match the view. Try the seafood linguine, the large snapper filets in Marechiara sauce, and the desserts to end on a sweet note. House-made pasta and a good wine list ensure a pleasant, satisfying meal. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/334-2088. $$

BOYNTON BEACH

Ditmas Kitchen—21077 Powerline Road. Contemporary kosher. This west Boca restaurant is named after a Brooklyn avenue in a district known for its food. Here you’ll find very good casual food, and no dairy products are used. Try the Hibachi salmon, all-kale Caesar salad, the shnitzel sandwich. • Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 561/826-8875. $$$ La Ferme —9101 Lakeridge Blvd. French/Mediterranean. Classic style and classically oriented French cuisine come together at this elegant yet comfortable restaurant in a west Boca shopping mall. Though there are a few Asian and Italian-inflected dishes on the menu, at its heart Le Ferme (“the farm”) is as French as the Eiffel Tower. Start with the foie gras terrine and proceed to lamb rack or pan-seared salmon with braised baby artichokes. C’est délicieux. • Dinner nightly. 561/654-6600. $$$

Oli’s Fashion Cuisine —6897 S.W. 18th St. Mod-

AARON BRISTOL

ern American. With the unusual name comes a menu sporting lobster risotto to tuna tacos, grilled mahi and more. There are Italian, vegetarian, steak, flatbreads, salads and desserts, all pleasing to the eye and palate. Inside is a bit noisy, so try the outdoor, lakeside patio for a quieter meal. • Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast weekends. 561/571-6920. $$

A mixed Greek grill platter from Oliv Pit

Oliv Pit Athenian Grille—6006 S.W. 18th St. Modern Greek. The owners’ goal of bringing together the best of Greek cooking under one roof, much like the melting pot that is Athens, is covered here in an extensive menu. The best way to enjoy the food is to share it: the Pikilia trio with tzatziki, spicy feta and eggplant spread is a starting place. Try the mix grill platter and the hearty red Greek wine. End the night with a unique, velvety frappe cappuccino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-2049. $$

Skyfin Asian Bistro —8221 Glades Road. Asian. After nearly a decade of dishing out elevated Beijing cuisine at MR CHOW inside the posh W South Beach, chef Aden Lee left his sous chef position to venture out on his own. Here, you’ll find both playfully named sushi rolls and fresh sashimi alongside

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Japanese/Asian. Dark wood, rice paper and tiles fill the space. An appetizer portion of Age Natsu, fried eggplant, is a consummate Japanese delicacy. Don’t miss the ITET roll with shrimp tempura and avocado, topped with spicy mayo, tempura flakes and eel sauce. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/883-6088. $$

Villa Rosano —9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian. You

multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house with a lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with care and little artifice. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/487-1600. $$

Josie’s Sunday brunch is famous, but it also features Meatball Mondays and Tortellini Tuesdays, if you need more inspiration.

Tempura House—9858 Clint Moore Road, #C-112.

Boon’s Asian Bistro—19605 N. State Road 7. Japanese/Thai. This is one of two Boon’s (the other is in Delray Beach), and it’s where the rush to eat excellent sushi started. The fast-moving staff is choreographed to deliver dishes such as shrimp pad Thai that’s light, delicate and happily filled with shrimp. The Thai fried rice is unusually delicate too, with lots of egg, and is some of the best around. The sushi rolls are as fresh and inventive (try the Daimyo roll) as they are beautifully presented. Go early or call for a reservation. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/883-0202. $$

City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A

Daily Delish

protein-rich house specials, fried rice and noodles. Don’t miss the Toro Roll and Tangerine Peel Beef. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/556-1688. $$

can be forgiven for imagining yourself in some rustic Italian hill town as the smells of garlic and tomato sauce waft through the air. Start by sopping up the house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto and delicate fillets of sole done a la Francese. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/470-0112. $$

Driftwood —2005 S. Federal Highway. Modern American. Take food combos that sound unusual (popcorn sauce, avocado chocolate ice cream) but that taste wonderful and you’ve got Chef Jimmy Everett’s ideas on the table. They don’t last long, because they taste terrific. Try the smoked swordfish, the lobster with pickled okra, ricotta dumplings, the burger with gouda, the grilled octopus and pastrami’d chicken breast with roasted cabbage. • Brunch Sun. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/733-4782. $$

Josie’s Italian Ristorante—1602 S. Federal Highway. Italian. Famed chef and South Florida culinary godfather Mark Militello is back at Josie’s after a brief stint at Boca’s Prezzo, and his magic in the kitchen of this cozy, old-school Italian restaurant is duly noted. His influence is evident in the daily specials, but old favorites like beefy short rib meatballs, an upmarket version of the classic San Francisco cioppino, and Josie’s signature veal Bersaglieri (veal medallions with artichokes, olives and roasted peppers in lemon-white wine sauce) don’t fail to satisfy either. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/364-9601. $$ Prime Catch—700 E. Woolbright Road. Seafood. Waterfront restaurants are few and far between in our neck of the woods, and those with good food are even more rare. Prime Catch, at the foot of the Woolbright bridge on the Intracoastal, is a best-kept secret. The simple pleasures here soar—a perfectly grilled piece of mahi or bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish. Don’t miss one of the best Key lime pies around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$

Sushi Simon—1628 S. Federal Highway. Japanese. It’s been called “Nobu North” by some aficionados, and for good reason. Local sushi-philes jam the narrow dining room for such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi and uni (Thursdays), as well as more elaborate dishes like snapper Morimoto and tuna tartare. Creative, elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$

DELRAY BEACH 3rd and 3rd—301 N.E. Third Ave. Gastropub. This quirky, individualistic, obscurely located little place is one of the most important restaurants in Delray. The menu changes frequently, but hope the evening’s fare includes plump scallops with caramelized mango sauce, stunning delicious roasted cauliflower with Parmesan mousse and bacon, and wicked-good espresso panna cotta on it at your visit. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/303-1939. $$

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Buzz Bite II Savor The Avenue

oing out to dinner is a treat, but dining at Florida’s longest dining table is an experience. At the 13th-annual Savor The Avenue event on March 28, you’re invited to indulge in the creations of local chefs and restaurants while sitting at a lavish outdoor table that spans more than five blocks along Atlantic Avenue. Each participating restaurant will serve a special four-course meal, so deciding what you want to eat will be the hardest part. Menus and additional information can be found at downtowndelraybeach.com/ SavortheAvenue. —Christie Galeano-DeMott

50 Ocean—50 S. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. The former Upper Deck at Boston’s on the Beach is now the more upscale, seafood-oriented spot. The menu ranges from familiar to slightly more inventive, from a classic lobster bisque and crisp-tender fried clam bellies to rock shrimp pot pie and baked grouper topped with blue crab. The cinnamon-dusted beignets are puffs of amazingly delicate deep-fried air and should not under any circumstances be missed. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/278-3364. $$

Amar Mediterranean Bistro—522 E. Atlantic Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5653. $$

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas— 16950 Jog Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chicken-turkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, March 2022

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and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthy-pungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Lunch Tues.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $

could be dinner. But save room for the pollo Parmigiana, the scallopine piccate al limone, the four kinds of risotto, and dessert. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-7492. $$$

Atlantic Grille—1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/Contem-

City Oyster—213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$

porary American. This posh restaurant in the luxurious Seagate Hotel & Spa is home to a 450-gallon aquarium of tranquil moon jellyfish and a 2,500-gallon shark tank. Savor inventive cuisine that takes the contemporary to the extraordinary. Bold flavors, inspired techniques and the freshest ingredients make every meal a culinary adventure. • Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch Sat.–Sun. 561/665-4900. $$

Avalon Steak and Seafood—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/Steakhouse. The enticing reasons we all go to a steakhouse are present here—boozy cocktails, a diverse wine list, dry aged steaks, prime cuts, rich accompaniments, decadent sides and indulgent desserts. The menu is then enhanced with a selection of seafood like a raw bar medley of oysters, shrimp and crab alongside the customary octopus, fish, scallops and lobster. Don’t miss Avalon’s signature dish, the Angry Lobster, and for an unusual surprise check out the kimchi fried rice. • Dinner nightly. 561/593-2500. $$$$

Cook the Catch

Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates. The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$

Deck 84 will cook your fresh catch, grilled or blackened, with two sides, for $19.99 per person.

Brulé Bistro —200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The regular menu of this Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$ Burt & Max’s —9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

AARON BRISTOL

Cabana El Rey—105 E. Atlantic Ave. Cuban tropical.

Pan-seared halibut from Brulé

Little Havana is alive and well in Delray. The menu is a palette-pleasing travelogue, including starters like mariquitas (fried banana chips) and main courses such as seafood paella (think mussels, shrimp, clams, conch, scallops and octopus). • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-9090. $$

Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. A success from day one, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561-274-9404. $$

Casa L’Acqua—9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. You’ll get what you pay for here: very good Italian food in an upscale, modern, cool gray and white restaurant that is a refreshing change from busy Atlantic Avenue. The antipasti (bread, balsamic/honey dipping sauce, Parmesan chunks, bruschetta) are so good, they

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Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$

Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food with a moustache menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turnedrestaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$

Deck 84—840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Burt Rapoport’s ode to laid-back tropical dining is like a day at the beach without getting sand between your toes. Though the restaurant is casual, the kitchen takes its food seriously, whether the stellar flatbreads, the thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey seasonal cobbler. And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/665-8484. $ El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican. This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$

Elisabetta’s—32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/650-6699. $$ The Grove—187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove district for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well thought out. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/266-3750. $$ Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar—1841 S. Federal Highway. American. You don’t have to worry about calories (most dishes are under 500), you don’t have to worry about finding something you haven’t tried before (new items are added every three months) and freshness is the silent ingredient throughout. Try the pesto Caprese flatbread, the supergrain salad and the steak or salmon or chicken. Desserts offer big tastes in small jars. • Lunch and dinner daily; brunch on weekends. 561/266-3239. $$

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Henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/638-1949. $$

Il Girasole—2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$ J&J Seafood Bar & Grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

Jimmy’s Bistro—9 S. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. This small gem off noisy Atlantic Avenue is big on taste and ambience, and has been busy since 2009. You can travel the world with dumplings, conch fritters, pork schnitzel, rigatoni Bolognese, étouffée and more. Reservations are recommended at this laid-back, comfortable venue. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$

Joseph’s Wine Bar —200 N.E. Second Ave. Mediterranean-American. Joseph’s is an elegant, comfortable, intimate nook in Delray’s Pineapple Grove, and an ideal place for a lazy evening. This family affair—owner Joseph Boueri, wife Margaret in the kitchen, and son Elie and daughter Romy working the front of the house—has all tastes covered. Try the special cheese platter, the duck a l’orange or the rack of lamb. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-6100. $$

La Cigale —253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$ Latitudes —2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American. You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$ Lemongrass Bistro —420 E. Atlantic Ave. PanAsian. Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-5050. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

The Office —201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that flits from burgers and fries to mussels. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-3600. $$

Buzz Bite III Lynora’s Expands to Boca Raton

ngelo Abbenante, the great-grandson of Lynora and owner of this collection of local Italian restaurants, has opened his fifth location in South Florida in Uptown Boca. Here he shares with us his family’s history and what we can look forward to in the future. Lynora’s granddaughter—Abbenante’s mother—Maria and husband Raffaele immigrated to New York in 1974 from Ponza, a small island off Italy’s Amalfi Coast. In search of warmer weather, they then ended up in Lake Worth and opened their first small takeout pizzeria. From then they’ve slowly expanded but have always kept that mom-and-pop feel to each restaurant. “The touch of a family-run restaurant is much different than a chain,” he says. Abbenante and his brother grew up in the restaurants, working their way up from dishwashers to waiters and bartenders. Today, he visits every restaurant weekly alongside his brother and sister-in-law, and you can still catch Maria and Raffaele in the kitchens. Abbenante’s passion is evolving the brand, opening up the restaurants and putting the right teams together to support his family’s business. Catering to all diners, from lively brunches with DJs and cheers-worthy happy hours to family dinners with out-of-town grandparents and executives with clients, Lynora’s has something for everyone. Plus the restaurants feel homey, something Abbenante is proud of. The kitchen, pizza oven and bar are all connected; it’s an open concept that feels more like a home. Abbenante’s favorites are the pasta dishes—all made in house daily. The pasticcio is their take on a traditional lasagna that’s made with crepes instead of noodles. A recipe that originated in Ponza, this is a dish Abbenante remembers his grandmother making for him. Home chefs can now enjoy a part of Lynora’s at home with a line of Italian sauces you can purchase exclusively at Whole Foods Market. 9560 Glades Road; 561/235-5096; lynoras.com —Christie Galeano-DeMott

Park Tavern—32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the fish and chips, one of six burgers, fish tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$ Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar—5 S.E. Second Ave. Seafood. Gary Rack, who also has scored with his spot in Mizner Park, certainly seems to have the restaurant Midas touch, as evidenced by this updated throwback to classic fish houses. Design, ambience and service hit all the right notes. Oysters are terrific any way you get them; grilled fish and daily specials are excellent. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-6718. $$$ Rose’s Daughter—169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. While not your traditional Italian trattoria, it is a place to find new favorites and revisit old standards updated with delicious ingredients and high standards. Try the Monet-colored lobster risotto, or

house-made pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. From the mushroom arancini to the tiramisu, you will be glad Owner/Chef Suzanne Perrotto is in the kitchen. Indoor and outdoor seating. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/271-9423. $$

Salt7—32 S.E. Second Ave. Modern American. All the pieces needed to create a top-notch restaurant are here: talented chef, great food, excellent service. From the pea risotto to the crab cake to the signature steaks and a lot more, this is a venue worth the money. Thanks goes to Executive Chef Paul Niedermann, who won TV’s notorious “Hell’s Kitchen” show, and his talent is displayed here on the plate. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Brunch Sunday. 561/274-7258. $$$ Sazio —131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$ March 2022

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Sundy House —106 S. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. Set in a lush, tropical garden, the outside tables here are the most coveted, second only to the tastes and combinations in the shrimp and grits, or the eggs Benedict, Taru burger, Nutella French toast and prime rib roast. This is a place to sit and savor your meal and the surroundings. • Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/272-5678. $$$ Taverna Opa—270 E. Atlantic Ave. Greek. Yes, you can order a side of belly dancing and napkin tossing with your moussaka and baklava at this chain. But the moussaka and baklava are very good; so is the rest of the food at the downtown Delray outpost. Also worth your while (and appetite) are appetizers like melitzanosalata, whipped eggplant with orange zest and roasted red pepper, and tarama, a creamy emulsion of bread, olive oil and salmon roe. Whole grilled bronzino is finished with lemon and orange juices for a citrusy flavor boost, while tongue-tying galaktoboureko goes baklava one better by adding vanilla-scented custard to golden, flaky phyllo. • Dinner nightly. 561/303-3602. $$

Terra Fiamma—9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/4955570. $$

Tramonti —119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$

Sushi boat from Echo

Veg Eats Foods—334 E. Linton Blvd. Creative Vegan. This is comfort food for everyone; the dishes will impress carnivores, too. Smell the fresh coconut vegetable curry soup, which tastes as good as it sounds. Try the grilled brawt sausage, the Ranch chixn, the banh mi and a Ruben—all from plant-based ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $ Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People

Henry’s Gets Happy

Of course it’s called “social hour” at Henry’s in Palm Beach from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m weekdays, but that still means halfpriced cocktails.

watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. For a protein, try the traditional chicken parmigiana, a hearty portion of paper-thin breaded chicken breast topped with a subtly sweet San Marzano sauce under a gooey layer of fresh mozzarella, and a substantial side of linguine pomodoro. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and tiramisu. • Dinner nightly; brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$

LAKE WORTH BEACH Couco Pazzo —915-917 Lake Ave. Italian. There’s nothing crazy about the cooking at this homey eatery. It’s the hearty, soul-satisfying Italian cuisine we’ve all come to know and love. Spaghetti Bolognese is a fine version of a Northern Italian classic. • Dinner nightly. (Tues.–Sun. during summer). 561/585-0320. $$

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Paradiso Ristorante —625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The Mediterranean salt-crusted branzino is definitely a musttry. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$

LANTANA The Station House —233 Lantana Road. Seafood. If you’re hungry for Maine lobster, plucked live out of giant tanks and cooked to order, this modest replica of a 1920s train station is the place to go. Lobsters come in all sizes (up to 6 pounds) and are reasonably priced. • Dinner nightly. 561/547-9487. $$$

PALM BEACH Bice—313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to hold the title of favorite spot on the island. The venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$ Buccan—350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary sensibilities of Miami at the first independent restaurant by chef Clay Conley. The design offers both intimate and energetic dining areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (wood-grilled burgers) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). • Dinner nightly. 561/833-3450. $$$ Café Boulud—The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard, the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$ Café L’Europe —331 S. County Road. Current International. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$ Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$

Henry’s Palm Beach—229 Royal Poinciana Way. American Bistro. Part of The Breakers’ restaurant properties, this venue opened in 2020 and is an elegant addition to The Island. Try the pigs in a pretzel dough blanket, beer can corn, the lobster roll, butter crumb Dover sole and chicken pot pie. All comfort food with a Palm Beach twist, and it’s all delicious. • Lunch and dinner daily. 877/724-3188. $$$

HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t

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depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with house-made fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. The wine list is encyclopedic. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$

Imoto —350 S. County Road. Asian Fusion/Tapas. Clay Conley’s “little sister” (the translation of Imoto from Japanese) is next to his always-bustling Buccan. Imoto turns out Japanese-inspired small plates with big-city sophistication, like witty Peking duck tacos and decadent tuna and foie gras sliders. Sushi selection is limited but immaculately fresh. • Dinner nightly. 561/833-5522. $$ Leopard Lounge and Restaurant—The Chesterfield Palm Beach, 363 Cocoanut Row. American. The restaurant offers excellent food in a glamorous and intimate club-like atmosphere. In fact, it’s advisable to make early reservations if a quiet dinner is the objective; the place becomes a late-night cocktail spot after 9. The menu is equally decadent. • Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner daily. 561/659-5800. $$ Meat Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse. “Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steakhouse but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-n-turf to a new level. Cast your diet

to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$

Renato’s—87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist— like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/655-9752. $$$

Ta-boo —2221 Worth Ave. American. This self-described “American bistro” is less typical “American” restaurant or classical French “bistro” than it is posh-casual refuge for the see-and-be-seen crowd in and around Palm Beach. The eclectic menu offers everything from roasted duck with orange blossom honey-ginger sauce to dry-aged steaks and an assortment of pizzas. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/835-3500. $$

WEST PALM BEACH Banko Cantina —114 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Northern Mexican. Start with the Adelita cocktail and don’t look back. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Al Carbon steak tacos and the house guacamole add up to a full-flavor dinner. The west-facing rooftop bar is a nice sunset option, and the Pan de Elote (homemade sweet cornbread with vanilla ice cream and berries) is a delightful end to the evening. • Dinner daily. 561/355-1399. $$

Café Centro —2409 N. Dixie Highway. Modern American. A cornerstone in the Northwood neighborhood, this venue draws because of a complete package: food, drinks and great nightlife and music. Take some char-grilled oysters, add shrimp pesto capellini or a marinated pork chop with polenta, plus local singing fave Tessie Porter, and you have a fun and delicious night out. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$ French Corner Bistro & Rotissorie — 4595 Okeechobee Blvd. Classic French. It’s France in a tiny venue, with big-taste dishes that include all the faves: beef bourguignon, rack of lamb, duck à l’orange, frog legs Provencale, veal kidneys, tender branzino and simple desserts to end the meal. Reservations are mandatory for dinner. • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/689-1700. $$

Grato —1901 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. “Grato” is Italian for “grateful,” and there is much to be grateful for about Clay Conley’s sophisticated yet unpretentious take on Italian cookery. Anyone would be grateful to find such delicate, crispy and greaseless fritto misto as Grato’s, ditto for lusty beef tartare piled onto a quartet of crostini. Spinach gnocchi in porcini mushroom sauce are a revelation, so light and airy they make other versions taste like green library paste. Don’t miss the porchetta either, or the silken panna cotta with coffee ice cream and crunchy hazelnut tuille. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/404-1334. $$

Leila—120 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. Flowing drapes and industrial lighting complete the exotic decor in this Middle East-

Executive Chef / Owner Suzanne Perrotto

561-271-9423 • rosesdaughterdelray.com 169 NE 2nd Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444 in Pineapple Grove

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561-274-2046 • brulebistro.com 200 2nd Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444 in Pineapple Grove

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ern hit. Sensational hummus is a must-try. Lamb kebab with parsley, onion and spices makes up the delicious Lebanese lamb kefta. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$

Marcello’s La Sirena—6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$ Pistache —1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak tartare. All that, plus guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.– Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$ Planta —700 S. Rosemary Ave. Vegan. For those who

Oldie AND Goodie

Cap’s, Broward County’s oldest restaurant, is still plugging away. And still serves a divine hearts of palm salad.

savor every juicy, tender and flavorful bite of a well-prepared burger, patronizing a vegan establishment may seem like a sacrilegious act. But what if a restaurant served up plant-based dishes that surprised your taste buds with exploding flavors? Here vegans don’t have to worry about ingredients making the cut, and non-vegans can enjoy approachable and appetizing plant-based dishes that won’t make you yearn for a steak. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/208-5222. $$

Rhythm Café —3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/833-3406. $$ Rocco’s Tacos —224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 425 tequilas. Tacos feature house-made tortillas and a variety of proteins. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2131; 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100; 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/623-0127) $ Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/855-2660. $$$

CRISTINA MORGADO

Tropical Smokehouse—3815 S. Dixie Highway.

Roast duck from Table 26

Barbecue. When you take the distinct tastes of Florida/Caribbean/ Cuban dishes and pair them with barbecue, you end up with a place you visit a lot. Local celeb chef Rick Mace smokes the meats himself, and his recipes include all kinds of citrus in tasty spots (sour orange wings, pineapple carrot cake); you’ll discover new favorite flavors. Don’t miss the BBQ pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Try the hot and sweet hushpuppies or the homemade chorizo queso in this very casual spot that we can happily say is also unique—there’s nothing else like it. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/323-2573. $$

Broward County DEERFIELD BEACH Chanson —45 N.E. 21st Ave. Contemporary American/ French. A little bit of Palm Beach, a little bit of France come to Deerfield Beach in the form of this elegant, sophisticated

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restaurant in the oceanfront Royal Blues Hotel. Service is as stellar as the views from the cozy, modestly opulent dining room, notable for the 1,500-gallon aquarium embedded in the ceiling. Consistency can be an issue with the food, but when it is good it is very good. • Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. 954/857-2929. $$$

Oceans 234—234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Contemporary American. One of the only oceanfront (as in, on the beach) options in South Florida, this familiar-with-a-twist venue is fun to both visit and eat. Try the Infamous Lollipop Chicken Wings, a starter that could be an entrée. Seafood is definitely top-shelf, as are the desserts. A true Florida experience. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-2539. $$ Tradition —626 S. Federal Highway. French. This is a petite place with a large following, for good reason. Owners Eric and Anais Heintz start meals with an amuse-bouche and a menu that spans the length of France. Order a creamy Caesar salad with a light anchovy-based dressing. Try the coq au vin (sauce cooked for two days), and if you like calves’ liver, this is the best you’ll find in the area. End with a Grand Marnier soufflé (worth the 15-minute wait), and make your next reservation there before going home. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 954/480-6464. $$

LIGHTHOUSE POINT Cap’s Place—2765 N.E. 28th Court. Seafood. Eating here requires a boat ride, which is very SoFla and terrific for visitors. This is one of—if not the only—family-run, old-Florida seafood restaurants you’ve never heard of, open since the 1920s. The heart of palm salad is the best and purest version around. Seafood abounds; fish can be prepared nine ways and much more. (There are non-seafood dishes that are done well, too.) Go for the short boating thrill and for the food. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 954/941-0418. $$

Le Bistro —4626 N. Federal Highway. Modern French. The menu is modern and healthy—98-percent gluten-free, according to chef Andy Trousdale and co-owner Elin Trousdale. Check out the prix-fixe menu, which includes pan-roasted duck to beef Wellington. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 954/946-9240. $$$

Seafood World—4602 N. Federal Highway. Seafood. This seafood market and restaurant offers some of the freshest seafood in the county. Its unpretentious atmosphere is the perfect setting for the superb king crab, Maine lobster, Florida lobster tails and much more. Tangy Key lime pie is a classic finish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/942-0740. $$$

POMPANO BEACH Calypso Restaurant—460 S. Cypress Road. Caribbean. This bright little dining room and bar (beer and wine only) has a Caribbean menu that is flavorful, imaginative—and much more. Calypso offers a spin on island food that includes sumptuous conch dishes, Stamp & Go Jamaican fish cakes and tasty rotis stuffed with curried chicken, lamb or seafood. • Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri. 954/942-1633. $ Darrel & Oliver’s Café Maxx—2601 E. Atlantic Blvd. American. The longstanding institution from chef Oliver Saucy is as good now as when it opened in the mid-1980s. Main courses offer complex flavor profiles, such as the sweet-onion-crusted yellowtail snapper on Madeira sauce over mashed potatoes. Parts of the menu change daily. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sunday. 954/782-0606. $$$

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COCONUT CREEK NYY Steak—Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 N.W. 40th St. Steakhouse. The second incarnation of this Yankees-themed restaurant swings for the fences—and connects—with monstrous portions, chic decor and decadent desserts. The signature steaks are a meat lover’s dream; seafood specialties include Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 954/935-6699. $$$$

FORT LAUDERDALE 15th Street Fisheries—1900 S.E. 15th St. Seafood. Surrounded by views of the Intracoastal, this Old Florida-style restaurant features seafood and selections for land lovers. We love the prime rib. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/763-2777. $$ 3030 Ocean—Harbor Beach Marriott Resort, 3030 Holiday Drive. American. Now led in the kitchen by Adrienne Grenier of “Chopped” fame, the new-look 3030 has a farm-to-table focus, along with an emphasis, as always, on locally sourced seafood. • Dinner nightly. 954/765-3030. $$$

Bistro 17—Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 S.E. 17th St. Contemporary American. This small, sophisticated restaurant continues to impress with competently presented food. The menu is surprisingly diverse. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 954/626-1748. $$ Bistro Mezzaluna—1821 S.E. 10th Ave. Italian. The bistro is all Euro-chic decor—mod lighting, abstract paintings. It

also has good food, from pastas to steaks and chops and a wide range of fresh seasonal fish and seafood. Don’t forget the phenomenal wine list. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/522-9191. $$

Café Martorano—3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Italian. Standouts include crispy calamari in marinara sauce and flavorful veal osso buco. Our conclusion: explosive flavor, attention to all the details and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Waiters whisper the night’s specials as if they’re family secrets. • Dinner nightly. 954/561-2554. $$

Canyon—620 S. Federal Hwy. Southwestern. Billed as a Southwestern café, this twist on regional American cuisine offers great meat, poultry and fish dishes with distinctive mixes of lime, cactus and chili peppers in a subtle blend of spices. The adobe ambience is warm and welcoming, with a candlelit glow. • Dinner nightly. 954/765-1950. $$

Casablanca Café—3049 Alhambra St. American, Mediterranean. The restaurant has an “Arabian Nights” feel, with strong Mediterranean influences. Try the peppercorn-dusted filet mignon with potato croquette, Gorgonzola sauce and roasted pepper and Granny Smith relish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/764-3500. $$

Chima—2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. Steaks. The Latin American rodizio-churrascaria concept—all the meat you can eat, brought to your table—is done with high style, fine wines and excellent service. The sausages, filet mignon, pork ribs and lamb chops are very good. • Dinner nightly. 954/712-0580. $$$ Il Mulino—1800 E. Sunrise Blvd. Italian. This modest, unpretentious Italian restaurant doesn’t attempt to reinvent the culinary wheel. Instead, it dishes up big portions of simple, hearty, flavorful food at extremely reasonable prices. Zuppa de pesce is a wealth of perfectly cooked seafood over linguini in a light tomato-based sauce. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/524-1800. $

Sea Watch—6002 N. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. For a righton-the-beach, welcome-to-Florida dining experience, there’s Sea Watch. Decked out in a pervasive nautical theme, this is definitely tourist country, but it’s pretty and on the beach. The perfect entrée for the indecisive: The broiled seafood medley brochette, with lobster tail, jumbo shrimp and scallops, yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms and pineapple. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/781-2200. $$

Casa D’Angelo —1210 N. Federal Highway, #5A. Italian. Many dishes are specials—gnocchi, risotto and scaloppine. The marinated grilled veal chop is sautéed with wild mushrooms in a fresh rosemary sauce. A delightful pasta entrée is the pappardelle con porcini: thick strips of fresh pasta coated in a light red sauce and bursting with slices of porcini mushrooms. • Dinner nightly. 954/564-1234. $$

WEB EXTRA: check out our complete tri-county dining guide only at BOCAMAG.COM.

So fresh it ought to be slapped!

7959 West Atlantic Delray Beach, Florida 33446

Curbside take-out and delivery available

Tuesday - Sunday / 5:00PM - 9:00PM Friday - Saturday / 5:00PM - 10:00PM

561-501-6391 www.yellowtail-sushi.com March 2022

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2021 WOMAN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON WHAT: The Junior League of Boca Raton held its 34th-annual Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon at The Boca Raton late last year, honoring 22 nominees for their service to our community. The event included a fashion show hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue featuring the L’Agence brand and a silent auction. Debralyn Belletieri was named the 2021 Woman Volunteer of the Year for her work with the American Association of Caregiving Youth. WHERE: The Boca Raton

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1. Kari Oeltjen, Robin Mautino, Jamie Sauer, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, and Clara Smith 2. Joe Trubinsky and Holli Rockwell Trubinsky 3. Saks GM Heather Shaw, Tara RudesDann of L’Agence, City Councilwoman Yvette Drucker, and Mayor Scott Singer 4. Debralyn Belletieri, 2021 Woman Volunteer of the Year Winner 5. JLBR President Jamie Sauer and Tara RudesDann of L’Agence

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6. Mark Larkin, Clara Smith, Kari Oeltjen, Debralyn Belletieri, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, Jamie Sauer, and Dr. Kathy Schilling 7. Paige Kornblue and Steve Weagle, MCs of the event 8. Patti Carpenter, Marci Shatzman, Pat Thomas, and Holli Rockwell Trubinsky 9. Susan Brockway, Michelle Rubin, Amy Kazma, Kathy Adkins, Holly Shuttler, Kelly Fleming, and Mary Donnell 10. Elise Meyer, Kristy Meyer, Kari Oeltjen, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, Clara Smith, Jason Smith, and Michelle Smith

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CORVINA GRAND OPENING

WHAT: In early December, guests gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Corvina Seafood Grill, Boca Raton’s newest dining destination. The 235seat restaurant was created by industry veterans Dean Carras and Patrick Marino, along with operating partners David Wizenberg and renowned Washington, D.C. Executive Chef Jeff Tunks. WHERE: Corvina 3

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1. Andy Thomson, Andrea O’Rourke, Scott Singer, Jorge Pesquera, Dean Carras, Chef Jeff Tunks, David Wizenberg, Eduardo Pagan, and Monica Mayotte 2. Chef Jeff Tunks, Dean Carras, and David Wizenberg 3. Corvina staff 4. Monica Mayotte, Dean Carras, and Scott Singer

DEMETRIUS BORGES

5. Pam and Gerry Barker

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6. Jorge Pesquera and David Wizenberg 7. David Wizenberg, Kevin Cox and Jason Hill 8. Rahul and Roopsi Bansal

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11TH-ANNUAL WHITE COATS-4-CARE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER WHAT: The 11th-annual White Coats-4-Care Scholarship Fundraiser was held late last year at FAU’s new Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence. The event raised a record-breaking $600,000 to support the newest class of medical students at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine. Ann and John Wood committed $400,000 to support 10 medical students in the class of 2025 as part of the inaugural year of the Robert A. Wood FAU Medical Scholars Fund. WHERE: Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence at FAU

1. Robert Weinroth, Pamela Weinroth, Donna Biase, Dr. Sarah Wood, Lori Berman, and Dr. Jeffrey Ganeles 2. Tom Mersch, Dr. Patricia Anastasio, Dr. Michael Dennis, Bonnie Kaye, Jon Kaye, and Maurice Plough

3. Mark Larkin, Patti Carpenter, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, and Joseph Trubinsky 4. Dr. Joseph Biase, Donna Biase, Constance Scott, Dr. Gladys Martinez, and Kim Champion 5. Maurice Plough, Robert Weinroth, and Dr. John Kelly 6. Dr. Allen Konis, Arlene Herson, Dr. Stuart Markowitz, Beth Markowitz, Dr. Ron Rubin, and Bonnie Halperin

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WALK OF RECOGNITION FOR THE BOCA RATON HISTORICAL SOCIETY WHAT: Late last year, The Boca Raton Historical Society hosted more than 100 guests at The Addison in Boca Raton for its 2021 Walk of Recognition induction ceremony and reception. The annual honor recognizes individuals and organizations who have “served for the interest of our community and have enriched the lives of the citizens of Boca Raton.” The latest inductees included Boca Raton Deputy City Manager George S. Brown, Jr., The Beacon Group President Robert K. Rollins, Jr., Martin & Edith Stein Family Foundation co-founder Edith Stein, and the George Snow Scholarship Fund. The inductees or 2020 were also honored due to the cancelation of last year’s ceremony: Terry Fedele; the late Jay Van Vechten, who was represented by his widow, Lowell Van Vechten; and Boca Ballet Theatre.

WHERE: The Addison

1. Mary Csar, Tim Snow, Marta Batmasian, Robert K. Rollins, Jr., Edith Stein, George S. Brown Jr., and Boca Raton City Councilmember Yvette Drucker 2. Jerry Fedele, Terry Fedele, and Tim Snow 3. Anthea Walker, Olivia Hollaus, and Christine Karas JACEK PHOTOS

4. Thom DeVita, Joyce DeVita, and Denise Alman

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5. Betsy Fletcher, Skipp Jackman, Erika Corso, and Joni Goldberg

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8 6. Joe Trubinsky and Holli Rockwell Trubinsky 7. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Libby Moon, Lowell Van Vechten, Liz Schmidt, and Dr. Christopher Noe 8. Carl Gibson, Chrissy Gibson, George S. Brown, Jr., Linda Davidson, Andy Thomson, and Merv Timberlake

JACEK PHOTOS

9. 2020 and 2021 Walk of Recognition honorees Dan Guin, Jane Tyree, Terry Fedele, Robert K. Rollins, Jr., Edith Stein, George S. Brown, Jr., Lowell Van Vechten, and Tim Snow

March 2022 issue. Vol. 42, No. 3. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of JES Media, and any use of these trademarks without the express written consent of JES Media is strictly prohibited: Savor the Avenue; Tastemakers of Delray; Tastemakers at Mizner; Florida Style and Design; Delray Beach magazine; Boca Raton, South Florida At Its Best; bocamag.com; Florida Table; Boca Raton magazine. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published 8 times a year (September/October, November/December, January, February, March, April, May/June and July/August) by JES Media. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all editorial and advertising correspondence to the above address. Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $24.95/6 issues, $34.95/12 issues (shipping fee included for one- and two-year rates). Single copy $5.95. No whole or part of the content may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.

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SAVE THE DATE | Tuesday, April 12, 2022 HONORING:

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HOMETOWN HERO

Leaving Legacies James and Marta Batmasian have been pivotal to the Boca Raton community Written by MARIE SPEED

Each [charity] started with a passion and a belief that it would make a difference in the community, and thank God our passion and vision was realized.”

ames and Marta Batmasian, owners of Investments Limited, have been community leaders in Boca Raton since their arrival in 1983. Over the years they have been major landowners and developers in Boca, buying the “pink plaza,” Royal Palm Place, in the mid-1980s and buying and building scores of other buildings over the years, from apartments to offices and shops and more. That growing expansion has been mirrored by a spreading community engagement and investment; the list of community organizations in which Marta alone has been involved numbers 46—and counting. Married for 47 years and sharing a commitment to giving back, the Batmasians have started nonprofits from scratch, like Propel (People Reaching Out To Provide Education and Leadership) and the Children’s Science Explorium, have created the Walk of Recognition and the Garden of Humanity and have donated time and money to countless others.

—Marta Batmasian

How Boca has changed since 1983: It’s been amazing. In-migration and the 1980s economy brought a lot of affluence to Boca. It wasn’t us. We really had wealthy new developments, and those people stared donating as well as demanding better culture, better restaurants, better everything. They created it. We simply tagged along and became part of it, contributors and partial beneficiaries of their largesse. It became what Boca is today: a giving and caring community.

Charities that are especially dear to her heart: Propel, Changing Lives and the Children’s Science Explorium are organizations that we created from nothing, named, made sure they were perpetuated. With each, it started with a passion and a belief that it would make a difference in the community, and thank God our passion and vision was realized. This page is a tribute to community citizens who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership to the city of Boca Raton and is in memory of John E. Shuff.

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Why giving back matters: We completed our education through some medium and large scholarships, without which we would not have been able to realize what we’ve realized in our lives. Someone believed in us, and that gave us the idea that we can and should do the same thing for others. That’s how

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it started. [The young couple starting out then scraped together $1,000 to contribute to a scholarship fund.—Ed.] We said, ‘We should just continue in this arena. What if we had 1 million dollars? We will give it all away! ... We had made a difference.

Proudest moment so far: We did the Garden of Humanity about five years ago with the help of Yaacov Heller with an“eternal flame”and different messages—education, peace, children holding hands in unity, deportations and genocide. There are quotes on benches around the park from the Dalai Lama to Martin Luther King. I see school groups coming, I see children reading those, and sometimes I get teary and I go and join them without telling them who I am, and I get feedback. They are inspired, which is what we wanted this park to do. So that people love each other, people will accept each other, people will believe in harmony. That’s all we can leave behind…

March 2022

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