Boca magazine April 2022 by JES Media

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VOL. 42, ISSUE 4

The Boca Interview

A father, son and two fellow athletes recently attempted a grueling 16-hour paddleboard odyssey from Bimini to Lake Worth for charity. This is their story. By MARIE SPEED

Everything’s Waiting For You …

For decades,“Downtown Boca” has been more of an aspirational designation than a thriving urban nexus. But with booms in hospitality, dining and entertainment, this exciting region is finally meeting its potential. By JAMES BIAGIOTTI

The Vegan Revolution

Once a gastronomic ghetto, vegan cuisine is now a billion-dollar industry with a ballooning number of adherents. Our roundup of local restaurants, advocates, cooking tips and recipes shows that “plant-based” doesn’t mean“flavor-starved.” By JOHN THOMASON

Escape to Santa Barbara

AARON BRISTOL

The historic architecture, charming nature and delectable dining associated with the French Riviera are just as accessible in its American counterpart: the coastal California getaway of Santa Barbara.

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By BRAD MEE

Hippocrates rolls (turn to “Vegan Revolution” feature for recipe)

3/9/22 10:37 AM

APRIL 2022 ›

VOL. 42, ISSUE 4

115 20 Editor’s Letter

A local waterman’s intrepid journey with paddle and oar inspires—and brings together—a sleepy Delray community. By MARIE SPEED

23 The Local

Fore! We tee off this issue with the general manager of Boca Raton’s newest city-run golf course, and hit the links with the prizewinning spouse of a leading Boca executive. Plus, with April upon us, locals share their favorite “new beginnings,” and we decide if a voyage on Virgin’s new hipster-themed cruise ship is “worth the trip.” By JAMES BIAGIOTTI, MARIE SPEED and JOHN THOMASON

75 Backstage Pass

136 Social

Carbonell-winning actor Leah Sessa is a triple-threat talent fresh off a dynamic solo performance as Marilyn Monroe—and is ready for one of her “bucket list” roles this month in a vintage musical. In addition, our April arts calendar spotlights the Delray Affair, SunFest, Diana Krall and 30+ more cultural highlights.

The George Snow Scholarship Fund celebrates 40 years, a rejuvenating spa day netted thousands for charity, and an inaugural cornhole tournament bagged plenty of proceeds for the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

By JOHN THOMASON

144 Hometown Hero

115 Florida Table

See what our food critic has to say about 800 Palm Trail and AlleyCat. Plus, we revisit the area’s top Greek tavernas, and make a craft beer run on the hoppy hot spots of the Palm Beaches Ale Trail.

By JAMES BIAGIOTTI

As the medical director for a one-of-a-kind health care institution, Dr. Kathy Schilling has brought healing and comfort to countless women in Boca and beyond. By MARIE SPEED

By CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

30 The Look

Springtime is in the air and on our wardrobes, with fun florals, breezy pastels and stylish bonnets ringing in the season. Photography by AARON BRISTOL

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April 2022

3/9/22 10:37 AM

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Your new web editor Bocamag.com has a new face leading our online coverage. Tyler Childress is a summa cum laude graduate from Florida Atlantic University who has covered stories both independently and for the FAU University Press. He joined our staff in late February 2022, and he covers community blogs in addition to editing and posting content on our award-winning website. Bocamag.com offers our Boca magazine readers Tyler Childress and the community up-to-the-minute coverage of upcoming events, art and theatre reviews, dining guide discoveries, style notes, wellness and community reports as well as the latest on what’s happening at the Boca and Delray city halls. This website is a dynamic component to our print publication, so be sure to visit bocamag.com every day to see what’s happening—and what people are talking about—in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and beyond.

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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FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 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.

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.

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ʵ˂ʶʴ ˅ʴˇ˂ˁϠˆ ˇ˂˃ ˅ʴˇʸʷ ʽʸˊʸʿ˅ˌ ʵˈˌʸ˅ ʙ ʿʸˁʷʸ˅

CMY

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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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LOOK

THE LOCAL

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Light & Bright

AARON BRISTOL

Soft colors, florals and exuberant prints are center stage this season

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April 2022

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IMPACT 100 PBC HAS: Invested over $4.525 million in our community to date

Awarded grant funding to 78 deserving local nonprofit organizations in five focus areas Contributed over $1 million specifically to the Family Focus Area which benefits families and children in PBC Grown to be the second largest Impact chapter of women philanthropists in the world

JOIN OUR MISSION! Our members will vote at our Grand Awards Celebration on April 19, 2022 for this year's nonprofit grant recipients!

Congratulations to our $100,000 2020-2021 grant recipients! To join or for more information, visit us at www.impact100pbc.org

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THE LOCAL

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Judi Larkin has brought her “A” game to Boca Raton and is living the life

t didn’t take long for Judi Larkin to find her niche in Boca Raton when she and her husband, Mark Larkin, moved here from Minnesota in 2016. Mark had accepted the big job as president of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation—and was charged immediately with launching a capital campaign of $250 million to expand the hospital. It was a crash course on the Boca social season from day one. “The first couple of years we were out five times a week meeting people. Keeping up with the clothing alone was a challenge … just the pace,”she says.“For me personally, it was cultural adjustment.” But South Florida had been on the radar for years. “Being from Minnesota, we had spent a lot of time in Naples, the Midwestern side [of Florida]. I knew I loved the climate in Florida, I knew I loved access to golf, access to tennis, access to pickleball. We kind of thought we’d retire here at some point in time. Then Boca came up. My husband came down for an interview. He called and said, ‘You know, it’s kind of a special place.’ We both came down for a second interview and just fell in love with the communi-

We both came down for a second interview and just fell in love with the community and the people. ..” —Judi Larkin

Larkin and her therapy dog Rudy

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ty and the people. They are very gracious and very warm. It took me a few years to sort through and find my own set of friends through golf and things like that, and [I] was able to find a nice niche for myself.” Golf is central to that niche, and to Larkin, who, following the sale of the successful computer company where she worked, was a golf coach at St. Cloud State University for 15 years before moving here. But it wasn’t always golf; Larkin was a tennis phenom before that, all through high school and college, where she played competitively. (Her record at St. Cloud State includes numerous Northern Sun Conference team championships, State No. 1 doubles title, competition in the NCAA National Championships, No. 1 Singles Consolation title in the NCC, and NSC All-Conference honors.) Her first foray into golf was also in those days, when her father suggested she give it a try, and she says she“fell in love with the game.” “My dad [who was president of the University of Nebraska at Kearney for 10 years and then at St. Cloud State for 10 years] came from a huge line of athletes. His family is all from Canada, they are all

Olympic volleyball players, Olympic swimmers, figure skaters, dancers. ... The beautiful thing was I was kind of the boy my dad never had. He had two girls, and he was looking for somebody to play with, so … I got to play with him, which was incredible.” Larkin said she really got into it after college, when a series of tennis injuries led her to apply her talents to golf instead. Since she moved here, she’s joined the Executive Women’s Golf Association, which became the LPGA Amateur Golf Association, and joined one of its competitive teams. She’s helped organize some tournaments. And she won’t come out and say it, but she’s really good, admitting to a handicap between 6 and 7. (According to the U.S. Golf Association, a 7 handicap puts her in the top 3 percent of women players.) “The thing I love about golf is that it’s a game you can never master. So you’re constantly learning. … You can’t start over in golf; you have to be focused for four and a half hours—it’s a very strong mental game. That’s the challenge—especially with women. They get so intimidated by the game. Once you learn to be part of the course

and not be competing with the person next to you, that’s when it becomes fun.” Although the pandemic has upended her life for the past two years, Larkin is looking forward to getting back out there, to seeing friends and family, to once again taking the family’s therapy dog—an Australian labradoodle named Rudy—to visit patients at the Lynn Cancer Center, and just generally picking up where life left off. And we had to ask: Where did she meet Mark? “It’s kind of embarrassing,” she says. “I met Mark when I was working in Minneapolis at one of these startup companies, and he was working for the Boy Scouts of America. A friend of mine had asked me to go to an opening of a big bar in downtown St. Paul, and we walked in there and ironically, he walked in with a group of five Boy Scouts. And I said to my friend, ‘You know, the tall guy with the mustache kind of looks like the boy next door you would marry.’ I can’t believe I said that. At one point we ended up on the dance floor, and we’ve been together ever since. And it was called the Heartthrob Café.”

AARON BRISTOL

Written by MARIE SPEED

April 2022

3/9/22 12:02 PM

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WORTH THE TRIP

MELANIE ACEVEDO

THE LOCAL

Lady in Red

Will Virgin Voyages’ millennial-friendly Scarlet Lady reinvent cruising? Written by JOHN THOMASON

t’s the penultimate night aboard Virgin Voyages’ spanking-new Scarlet Lady cruise ship, and we’ve just been roped into a spontaneous adventure. My wife and I are among six select “pirates” searching for treasure and pleasure. Following the lead of a crewmember in the know, we wind our way around side doors, back alleys and crew-only portions of the ship, finally landing in the Manor, a nightclub nestled in the casino. Waiting for us in the dimly lit club is the ship’s roving magician, who suddenly morphs a coin into a bottle of whiskey—just for us—out of thin air. That’s the kind of thing that happens on a Virgin Cruise; you can start your evening attending a lovely cocktail party—and suddenly find yourself on a swashbuckling quest to destinations unknown. Virgin Voyages is the latest operation from Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, joining other such hospitality ventures as Virgin Rail Group, Virgin Vacations, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Galactic and Virgin Balloon Flights. The Scarlet Lady, docked at

Above, the runway running ring; inset, the Scarlet Lady

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PortMiami, is the brand’s maiden vessel. A converted Celebrity ship that doesn’t allow passengers under 18, its first voyage set sail in October 2021 with much fanfare, backed by a publicity campaign stressing its elevated and youthful vibe—its “disruptions” and “reinventions”to a seemingly moribund cruise model. An aging millennial who has sailed on his share of boomer-targeted cruises, I wanted to see for myself if it lived up to the hype. Our voyage, its five-night “Dominican Daze” cruise to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and a private beach club in Bimini, departed this past January. With the New Year’s surge in the rearview and the omicron variant sweeping across the fruited plain like a bad dance craze, the boat was surreally empty—fewer than 500 vaccinated and COVID-tested passengers on a vessel with a capacity of more than 2,770. The crew complement more than doubled the number of sailors. Sailors will notice an immediate difference from buttoned-down tradition of the service staff: Many of them have randomly color-streaked hair. They

April 2022

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openly sport tattoos. More than a handful are of indeterminate gender. There is intent behind this“come as you are”ethos, and it extends to the ship’s dining, entertainment and shops; it’s the only boat with a tattoo parlor and record store (“Virgin Vinyl”) onboard. On our fifth and final day aboard, we met an Indian-American couple who run a travel agency in Dallas; they wanted to experience the boat firsthand in order to recommend it to their clientele, which, in traditional Texas, would have its limits. He called the Scarlet Lady a “hipster ship;” I referred to it, not disparagingly, as a woke ship. Case in point: An inclusive stable of multitalented dancers/singers brings the modernist “Ships in the Night” to vivid life, led by a gender-bending host in the vein of the Emcee in“Cabaret”with immersive video mapping on seven movable panels and a singer re-interpreting Billy Idol, David Bowie, Death Cab for Cutie and others. Or the impressive “Duel Reality,” a cirque variation on“Romeo and Juliet”/”West Side Story,” with the ship’s main theater transformed into a sprawling athletic court. The show begins with fight choreography, between rival “blue”and “red” teams, presented in the sort of vast, bustling CinemaScope that would make Jerome Robbins proud, followed by 45 minutes of literally breathtaking spectacle, as dancers soar through hula hoops, juggle four bowling pins a time, and plummet down poles only to stop on a dime, inches from the floor. Then there’s the food. The cruise ship buffet, a germy and gluttonous holdover from the Before Time, is nowhere to be found aboard the Scarlet Lady. It’s replaced by a food hall called the Galley, in which at least eight mini-restaurants and occasional food carts share real estate. All sailors receive table service and can order from a conglomerate menu of all the vendors, from sushi and tacos to diner fare and bento

boxes. The Pizza Place, as it’s called, sits on a lower deck and is among the culinary gems of the boat, serving fresh-baked, New York-style pies. But the Scarlet Lady’s proudest gastronomic concept is its six themed restaurants from a Michelin-starred chef collective, each with its own visual motif, soundtrack and curated menus, and each requiring reservations to dine. (All are included with basic cruise admission.) The loud and festive Gunbae serves Korean barbecue, with sailors heating their own meats on flameless grills in the center of each table; Pink Agave offers an upscale spin on Mexican street food; The Wake is the ship’s steakand-seafood fine-dining outpost with a live pianist; Razzle Dazzle is a veggie-forward restaurant with a few carnivorous items on the“Naughty”portion of its cheeky menu. (In fact, all the restaurants have vegetarian and vegan options, which is another aspect of the Scarlet Lady’s millennial demography.)

Left and above, “Duel Reality;” top, “Untitled Danceshow Partything.”

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But two restaurants deserve a special shout-out. Extra Virgin rivals South Florida’s very best Italian restaurants, with richly flavored pastas such as the potato gnocchi with artisan mushrooms, spinach and truffle butter sauce; it’s kind of worth the admission of the entire cruise. Most unique of all is the Test Kitchen, which serves six-course meals in the molecular gastronomy style of celebrated New Zealand chef Matt Lambert. The deconstructed dishes are as beautiful to look at as they are adventurous on the tongue. Courses include a mushroom pate carved in the shape of a mushroom, and decorated with edible flowers; a smoked egg yolk and kale puree plated in a bell jar that’s lifted tableside, the bacon-y aroma infiltrating the nostrils before the first bite; and a vegan tart, which features shrunken vegetables atop a delicious puree that’s meant to evoke a miniaturized version of a chef’s veggie-filled basket at a farmer’s market. Next to it sat a garlic-and-butter potato pavé, a thinly sliced concoction with no less than 70 layers of potato that took two hours to create. Try ordering one of those on Carnival. But not all of the ship’s delights are publicly listed on its daily schedule or food menu. If you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll find yourself at the center of an unannounced diversion, or as the recipient of a pop-up concert by Phantom Folktales, a seven-piece folk group playing acoustic guitars, banjos, fiddles and box drums. Other aspects of the Scarlet Lady will be familiar to longtime cruisers, including a variety of pools and hot tubs, multiple gyms, casino gaming, a complete spa, and bingo and trivia nights. Live music is plentiful onboard the ship, in both bars and theaters, and was never less than exceptional on our voyage, from

Above, entree and dessert from Pink Agave; right, the Dock Bar

Extra Virgin

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down-and-dirty bluesman Slam Allen to the jazz fusion and funk hybridizers of Canada’s Free Label. Not everything on our cruise was perfect. The reservation system for meals and entertainment runs through the official Virgin Voyages app, which often doesn’t work, despite the free Wi-Fi on board. The beds, at least those in the less pricey suites, are hard. Events and fully booked fitness classes were occasionally canceled, sometimes with a notification but without a reason, other times with no notification whatsoever. And the morning of our final sea day was punctuated by a most unexpected event: a shipwide blackout. Elevators stopped running, the slot machines stopped blinging, and breakfast was reduced to cold salads and pastries. (You don’t appreciate a ship’s air conditioning until it’s gone.) A backup generator produced minimal lighting, but the ship, now motorless, sat eerily in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. How soon, I wondered, would the ship turn into a“Hunger Games” sequel? Within about 90 minutes, all power was restored. These things happen on ships, though we were told by crew members they’d never experienced such an event on the Scarlet Lady. But soon after our voyage resumed, a message resounded from the intercom: For all the trouble, passengers would receive a free happy hour ship-wide, which, judging by the frenzy that ensued, was worth taking the stairs and living without a cabin television for a couple of hours. And it got me thinking: If the grid collapses, and the next pandemic wipes out most of the survivors of this one, there may be no better place I’d rather live out the apocalypse than on the delicious, activity-filled, hipster confines of the Scarlet Lady.

SCOTT GRUMMETT

WORTH THE TRIP

THE LOCAL

April 2022

3/7/22 11:05 AM

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BOCA INTERVIEW

WATERMAN

Kenny Emerson and his team paddle the Gulf Stream for a night they’ll never forget

enny Emerson admits he didn’t know what he was in for when he signed up to paddleboard from Bimini to Lake Worth last summer. His son, Chris, had mentioned it almost a year before, but COVID postponed that one until June of 2021. When he mentioned it again, Emerson thought it was a worthwhile father-son experience, and it also benefited a heartfelt charity, Piper’s Angels Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis, which was founded in West Palm Beach by local entrepreneur

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Travis Suit to raise funds for cystic fibrosis, with which his daughter Piper had been diagnosed at age 4. Launched in 2013, the long-distance paddleboarding race,“Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis,”covers 83 miles across Florida’s Gulf Stream, and takes an average of 15-16 hours. The event begins with a midnight launch from the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, and lands mid-afternoon the next day at Lake Worth Beach. It’s an endurance race, comprised of both “amateur” teams and competitive racers; Emerson’s team would number four: two women, Kerry O'Connor and Romi

AARON BRISTOL

Written by MARIE SPEED

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Chris and Kenny Emerson

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BOCA INTERVIEW

WATERMAN

Glazer Wallach, his son, Chris, and himself. Now 66, Emerson, who is from tiny Advance, MO., came to Florida in 1978 and has been a waterman ever since, surfing for the past 20-some years, paddleboarding for the last 10. He still has his Missouri twang, but with a new respect for the piece of ocean he did his best to cross.

ON HIS TRAINING: I knew it would be very, very difficult, and the crossing was more of a longevity and endurance race. We would train 20 miles a day, then 25 miles. We would go from here [Ocean Ridge] down to Boca, then back up to Lake Worth and then come up on the Intracoastal back here, and we’d do it in an eight-hour day—knowing it wasn’t going to be the same, because in the ocean you’re going to have the drift of the current of the Gulf Stream that gives you a couple of miles per hour boost. We didn’t know any other way to train. I wanted to train like a pro athlete, but life got in the way. Right before the race, I would have told you I wished I had spent more time on board… they said it was going to take you about 15 hours, and I simply related it to always working hard in my life, and I said,‘well, I’m going to work a double today; instead of eight hours, I’m going to work two shifts.’ That’s how I put it in my mind; that’s how I crossed this thing. ON HIS TENACITY: I was very fortunate to grow up in Small Town,

USA, and do all the things a kid in a town of 600 people would do, from Boy Scouts to all the sports. And work hard on the farm for many years, a stay-at-it-until-the-job-gets-done attitude. That’s where I learned that. … My dad was a pretty good mentor, too. What’s the old saying? ‘Be like a postage stamp and stick to it till you get there.’

THE RACE: It was midnight, June 26 of 2021. It’s a Saturday night. We’d all gone over as a team the Wednesday and Thursday before, about 160 paddlers, with an escort of 62 support boats. We leave 1520 paddlers at a time, two or three boats at a time—we take off in a line, our team of four—two guys and two girls—with our particular boat, a 26-foot Bluewater open fisherman with twin engines. The seas are very, very flat; it is very dark. There had been a full moon three nights earlier, but this night, it is cloudy. At first, you can see many, many lights with all the boats and the paddlers, but by about 15 minutes, we come to realize it is only our boat, and we can’t see any other lights or boats, and it’s just us. The four of us. As we take off, the girls have a hard time standing on their paddleboards, because they can’t get used to the night. And it is starting to get a little bit bumpy. It takes us four or five minutes to get acclimated, and then we get into the groove and we all, as a team, start paddling behind the boat.

Teams taking off from Bimini at midnight

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The race landing at Lake Worth Beach

I had developed shin splints and I had bad legs and I used Aleve and nutraceutical anti-inflammatories, and I am hoping I won’t get too inflamed from my body getting exhausted; I am probably a bit nervous. But it feels good to be on the water. It is exciting our first hour or so. ... What happens for the next four to five hours is that the winds increase, and the seas increase. Our goal as a team is to average 5 to 6 miles an hour. And if we do that, I think it’s going to get us across in about 15 hours, with the Gulf Stream giving us about a 2 to 2.3mph push. The Gulf Stream will be pulling us toward Florida, once we get out in it. By the time we get to the Gulf Stream, it is about 1:45 in the morning, and the seas have picked up and the winds have picked up—2- to 3-foot seas, the winds possibly 10 or 12. The team is strong, we are paddling strong. We know we have a reason we are doing this, and we know we’ve got a challenge ahead, but as time goes on, the seas get bigger. … Somewhere around 4 or 5 in the morning—we are out there by ourselves now—the seas are about 4 to 5 feet, the boat is starting to rock back and forth. One of the girls is falling back behind, the seas are picking up and we are trying to stay together as a team, but we are struggling. I knew the hard part of the race would be at nighttime, in the dark, just the mental part of it. It’s fear of the unknown. You do not know what’s next; you can’t see what time it is. You are just completely focused on staying behind your boat. You are trying to make sure the team is together. At this particular time the water is moving faster, so I am falling off

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the board a lot. As a surfer, I am not used to that. No question you are disoriented somewhat—the boats, the lights reflecting on the water. And you’ve got a wave out on the ocean, and when you’re flying down that wave and the board pushes you back, it’s a very difficult thing to stay on your board. The ocean is winning. We take a quick break about every hour for three minutes; someone would hand us an oat and honey bar with a bottle of water. By this time, the seas are moving the boat pretty good, and it’s hard hooking up with the people who are handing you the water. By this time, I think the girls are going to give up very soon in the race. But they’re tough. They’re hanging in. I’m super proud. Now we’re getting close to predawn. It’s 6-foot—possibly bigger—waves by now. 18 to 20 knots, the boat is rocking. I start getting seasick. Maybe I didn’t have the right diet, maybe I took one too many anti-inflammatories. I get violently seasick for 25 to 30 minutes hanging on the board, and the seas are knocking me off my board, and the boat’s ahead and I’m the one who’s falling behind. We keep going as a

Kerry O'Connor, Kenny Emerson, Chris Emerson and Romi Glazer Wallach

team, and I go away and get sick again. Now we’re about six to seven hours into it, and I get violently sick again, and the captain has asked me two or three times [if I want] to come aboard, and I say no, no, and finally I say I do. I cannot take it anymore. At that point I get aboard, and it is possibly 7:30 in the morning. The two girls and Chris are still paddling, and I realize the tenacity of my two female partners. Within five minutes they call the medic—I have the Bahamian doctor on the boat giving me an IV in the middle of the ocean. I didn’t understand how badly dehydrated I had been … I am out of the water for about an hour, they give me the IV. I sleep for about 10 minutes. I get up and drink some

AARON BRISTOL

I knew the hard part of the race would be at nighttime, in the dark, just the mental part of it. It's fear of the unknown..."

Emerson on his home surf

water. When I get back in the water—it is about 9:30 or 10 in the morning—the seas and the winds are getting bigger. We have been cruising for about 10 hours as a team. We are about 55-60 miles out. Another boat has taken on water and has to leave, and they leave their paddlers behind and the Coast Guard comes in to pick up the paddlers, and at that time, the Coast Guard tells all the people at that point who are still in the water to hop in your boats and race to shore. Lots of people have gotten sick because of the high seas. And they are worried about people drifting apart from their boats, even though we have two GPS devices. You can drift very quickly in the Gulf Stream. It is very easy to get separated from the boat and people. You really have to stay focused on the current and the wind. I am learning how strong that current is. When we get the call it is time to get in the boat, we are all ready and we get in the boat. We’ve been out there too long, and the ocean has just beat us to death. It was a great fight. Our captain, the support crew—the water has beat them, too, and we are ready to come home. We are about 22-25 miles out from Lake Worth, and it is a very, very rough ride; the seas are extremely rough. We have eight people on the boat and four boards, and by this time the seas are even a little bit bigger. We take the boat up to Lake Worth, and the boat lets us off about half a mile from the Lake Worth Pier. As a team we all paddle up to the pier. I am upset at the end because I wanted to finish. Our team has worked hard for this. They wanted to finish and I wanted to finish with them. But we did not get to … I am disappointed in myself at first, but I’ve been in lots of these things and lots of sports and lots of games, and you don’t win ’em all. You show up for them all. So we get out of the water and I have a very special landing in Lake Worth, with my son, his hand on my shoulder. We had trained together. He was helping me out of the water, whether he knew it or not. That was a very special moment. For more information on Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis or the Piper’s Angels Foundation, visit pipersangels.org.

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AARON BRISTOL

Downtown Boca is undergoing a transformation unlike anything the city has seen since the dawn of Mizner Park. Dining destinations, residential developments and cultural institutions in the area are all in the midst of major upgrades, and the urban center of our city is beginning to resemble those of our better-known neighbors to the north and south. Written by JAMES BIAGIOTTI

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AARON BRISTOL

owntown Boca Raton isn’t a typical urban area. The region that stretches, roughly, from the north end of Mizner Park to Camino Real between Federal Highway and the Intracoastal Waterway has not always been the city’s lively epicenter. It’s certainly come a long way since the City of Boca Raton formally adopted a resolution in 1980 to declare its downtown region a “blighted area.”That same ordinance created the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency to oversee the downtown, and in the four decades that have passed since, it has been revitalized into perhaps the city’s greatest asset. These days, Downtown Boca is ripe with pedestrian traffic, live music, a dynamic dining scene and extravagant housing fit for a prosperous city. As Ruby Childers, a 31-year veteran of the City of Boca and its current downtown manager puts

it, the difference between a region that was on life support just a generation ago and the bustling South Florida hot spot we know now is “like night and day.” Here’s what to know, where to go, and what to look forward to in Boca Raton’s most vital sector.

WAYFINDERS Getting from point A to point B is a little easier now. Visitors to the downtown area have likely noticed some aesthetic upgrades over the past few years, including colorful signs that the Downtown Boca team refers to as “wayfinders”— banners on street lights, freestanding navigation signs, painted pavers and more. “It’s placemaking,” Childers says of the new signage. “Now when you come downtown, you’ll see gateway signs that say you’ve just entered downtown Boca, and banners along the light poles that basically display all that downtown has to offer with shopping, living, dining, recreating, culture … It’s like eye candy. Markers showing that it’s a hundred more feet to the amphitheater, or the direction to the beach. Those elements are critical to having a place people will recognize.”

Clockwise, from this page, the Residences at Royal Palm Place, Ruby Childers, gazebo at Mizner Park and Louie Bossi restaurant

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NEW & NOTEWORTHY

The residential sector of Downtown Boca has exploded over the past decade, with luxury developments cropping up at a rapid pace and even more in the works. Some established residential properties include Palmetto Promenade, Residences at Royal Palm Place, Mizner Grand, Boca Grand, 200 East, Tower 155, Camden and Boca City Walk—all of which catapulted downtown Boca into a new, more urban era. And the beat goes on, with groundbreaking projects like El-Ad National Properties’ Alina, which recently launched its second phase, and upcoming projects from Penn-Florida Companies and Compson Associates.“I don’t see development slowing down in the next five years,” says Downtown Manager Ruby Childers of the pace at which new projects are materializing.“It’s just going to be continual.”

ALETTO SQUARE Though it’s not yet a sure thing—plans were just submitted to the city late last year—Aletto Square is an exciting prospect from Compson Associates that could reshape the landscape of housing in Downtown Boca along with the city skyline. The mixed-use project, which would be at 121 E. Palmetto Park Road, would include 93 luxury residential units across two towers, along with nearly 70,000 square feet of office and retail space, a rooftop restaurant and a swanky automated parking garage.

Aletto rendering

RESIDENTIAL RAMPS UP Alina

ALINA RESIDENCES 200 S.E. Mizner Blvd. The Alina Residences—phase one of which has already opened—have revitalized luxury living in Downtown Boca Raton. Developed by El-Ad National Properties, this contemporary development was named the 2021 Project of the Year by the Construction Association of South Florida. Comprising 121 luxury units ranging from 1,400 to 4,800 square feet, Alina boasts 12 penthouses, seven exclusive villas, and views overlooking The Boca Raton’s golf course. Built for residents to enjoy Boca’s superb weather, the development also features more than 32,000 square feet of outdoor space, including a rooftop pool and dining and entertainment spaces. Phase two, which broke ground in late 2021, will include 182 new opulent residences across two buildings, as well as nearly two more acres of outdoor spaces.

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In addition to those under consruction, there are even more to come. Childers pulls back the curtain on a handful of yet-to-be-named projects that are coming down the pipeline. “As far as residential goes,” she says, “there’s probably about three projects I’m aware of that are smaller-scale residential. I say ‘smaller-scale’ because of the number of units, but the size of the units are incredible. They’re over 3,000-, 4,000-, 5,000-square-foot units. One project will only have four or five units, but they’re going to be top-notch as far as design and amenities. And they’re going to be in our beautiful downtown.”

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BRIGHTLINE ZOOMS IN One of the most exciting projects already underway in Downtown Boca is the forthcoming Brightline station that broke ground in early 2022. The station will be a dedicated stop along a rail route that also includes stations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and will eventually be linked to Orlando. Both the company and the city project that the station will bring even more business to the area, along with making downtown—and the city as a whole—more accessible for commuters.

THE BOCA RATON Though it’s not technically within the defined boundaries of Downtown Boca, which don’t extend east of Federal Highway on East Camino Real, no breakdown of Boca’s lifestyle epicenter would be complete without the inimitable The Boca Raton, the landmark formerly known as the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Containing the Boca skyline’s most notable feature—the idiosyncratic pink tower—The Boca Raton, now owned by Michael Dell’s MSD Partners (which has invested more than $150 million in a massive makeover), is home to several restaurants, posh event spaces, a glamorous beach club, world-class golf course, elegant spa, lazy river and so much more.

This massive development by Penn-Florida Companies—The Palm Beach Post reported its total cost to be roughly $1 billion—is already underway along Federal Highway just north of Camino Real. It is set to include both the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Residences at Mandarin Oriental, either of which on its own would constitute a significant addition to the region. The hotel will consist of 164 rooms and suites, a rooftop space featuring a restaurant and two pools, and the lavish Spa at Mandarin Oriental. The Residences will afford tenants all the amenities of the hotel along with additional luxuries like access to a meditation garden, membership to the adjoining Via Mizner Golf & City Club, and much more.

The Boca Raton

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MICHAEL STAVARIDIS

MANDARIN ORIENTAL RESIDENCES & HOTEL

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MIZNER PARK

EAT & DRINK

Downtown Boca dining has always been one of the city’s most crucial assets. Nearly all of the city’s culinary institutions outside of Mizner Park and Royal Palm Place (see sidebars) are situated on—or just a stone’s throw from—the stretch of Palmetto Park Road that runs from Federal Highway to the Intracoastal bridge. From white-tablecloth Italian dining to innovative takes on Asian cuisine, dining downtown has never been more decadent than it is today. Here are five can’t-miss venues that are well worth the trouble of making a reservation.

With its greenways, fountains and Med-Rev architecture, Mizner Park remains the elegant doyenne of Boca Raton’s downtown social scene. Its shops cater to the comfortable as well as the aspirational, from the chic sportswear of J.Mclaughlin to the whimsical décor of Sugarboo & Co. to the avocado peeler you never knew you needed at Sur La Table. There are a baker’s dozen of bars and restaurants, from reliable staples (Ruth’s Chris, Max’s Grille) to the occasional exciting upstart, like Calaveras Cantina. Around the holidays, Mizner Park is photo op central, as the park’s 75 palm trees glow with some 50,000 LED lights, and its signature 47-foot “iTree” dazzles visitors with a light show every hour. Art fairs and other community events maintain the park’s vibrancy all year round.

REBEL HOUSE 297 E. Palmetto Park Road This offbeat gastropub features an eclectic array of options from which to choose, and that’s thanks to owner and Executive Chef Eric Baker, who breathed new life into the concept when he took over in late 2019. We’re particularly fond of small plates like the Chinese BBQ ribs and the lobster meatballs, and half the fun of any visit is trying to guess the flavor of the complimentary artisan popcorn served before every meal in lieu of bread.

UNCLE PINKIE’S DELI Moqueca (Brazilian fish stew) from Corvina

CORVINA 110 Plaza Real S. (in Royal Palm Place) This new dining destination is one of Downtown Boca’s most recent additions, and it’s drawing rave reviews for Executive Chef Jeff Tunks’ upscale takes on seafood classics. A visit isn’t complete without trying something from the sushi menu—the “Joe vs. the Volcano” roll is our suggestion—and make sure to save room for dessert.

293 E. Palmetto Park Road Another Eric Baker venture and neighbor to Rebel House, this hole-inthe-wall on Palmetto may not be much to look at, but it’s serving up classic deli fare gone to college. The options are endless, but for those

who—like us—have trouble making a decision when faced with an exhaustive menu, we recommend the Jilly, a sublime take on the turkey Reuben.

ALLEYCAT 409 S.E. Mizner Blvd. (in Royal Palm Place) Yet another concept from—are you noticing a pattern yet?—Eric Baker, the new kid on the block (literally) of Downtown Boca dining, this brand-spanking-new Japanese-inspired restaurant features innovative takes on traditional dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun. The contemporary menu features staples like sushi and dumplings alongside more adventurous offerings, from an inventive take on the pastrami sandwich to BBQ lamb ribs and more. But be sure to make a reservation in advance—our food critic had to practically bribe the maître d’ to get a table. (See review on page 118.) Eric Baker

THE OLD GUARD Downtown Boca has been the city’s dining mecca for decades, and these favorite restaurants set the standard that’s being upheld today.

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TRATTORIA ROMANA, 499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Classic upscale Italian fare with lively daily specials. LA NOUVELLE MAISON, 455 E. Palmetto Park Road. Sophisticated French cuisine with white-glove tableside service. LUFF’S FISH HOUSE, 390 E. Palmetto Park

Road. Elevated seafood dishes and American fare with a breezy outdoor dining area. CASA D’ANGELO, 171 E. Palmetto Park Road. Fine-dining Italian with top-tier ingredients and gorgeous plating. LOUIE BOSSI, 100 E. Palmetto Park Road. Nouveau Italian on the cutting edge.

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FUN

From world-class programming at formidable cultural institutions like the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Mizner Park Amphitheater to blossoming green spaces like the forthcoming Wildflower Park, there’s plenty to do in Downtown Boca aside from dining.

SCHMIDT BOCA RATON HISTORY MUSEUM

Festival of the Arts

71 N. Federal Highway In the city’s historic Old Town Hall just across the street from Sanborn Square, the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum underwent a massive renovation over the past two years thanks to generous contributions from the Schmidt Family Foundation. Operated by the Boca Raton Historical Society, the museum now features a state-ofthe-art multimedia exhibit showcasing the city’s storied past, from its “Pioneer Days”to the IBM era.

WILDFLOWER PARK 590 Plaza Real (in Mizner Park) Boca Raton’s cultural hub is the sizable Mizner Park Amphitheater, a city-run outdoor venue that has hosted events as diverse as world-renowned musical artists and professional comedians. Each year, it hosts the Festival of the Arts, a 10-day cultural event that attracts 15,000+ attendees for musical performances and speaking engagements with renowned personalities the world over. When not in use for events, it doubles as a public green space where pedestrians can take in the grandeur of the iconic clock tower and massive stage mural.

Boca Raton Museum of Art

BOCA RATON MUSEUM OF ART 501 Plaza Real (in Mizner Park) Boca’s very own haven for fine art, the Museum has evolved over the years into a world-class destination for displays of visual and historical significance. The facility just recently wrapped up its exhibition of“Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru,”a blockbuster exhibit that put the city and the Museum on the map in the art world, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this local institution.

STRIKE 10 BOWLING 449 Plaza Real (in Mizner Park) This recently opened bowling alley is a new anchor in Mizner Park, and has quickly become a go-to nightlife spot in Downtown Boca. It offers an elevated bowling experience that is so Boca, with craft cocktails and dining fare that go way beyond typical bowling alley options.

551 E. Palmetto Park Road Though some locals have concerns over the city’s handling of the still-ongoing process that will end with the new Wildflower Park, there’s no doubt that the finished product will be a boon for Boca’s already illustrious portfolio of green spaces. The multimillion-dollar park, which will connect to the adjacent Silver Palm Park next to the Palmetto Park Road bridge and along the Intracoastal Waterway, will feature a pavilion, a promenade, a new boat ramp and more.

ROYAL PALM PLACE At the south entrance to Boca Raton is the venerable Royal Palm Place, once known as “the pink plaza” and a longtime retail/dining/entertainment cornerstone of the city. There are more than 20 restaurants and nightlife spots—including the legendary Funky Biscuit for music. A dining mecca, the selection at Royal Palm ranges from Chops Lobster Bar, Yakitori Sake House, Casimir and Saquella to Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen and more. The Yaacov Heller Gallery is here, as well as women’s favorites Deborah James and Back Bay Salon. There are fitness options like Pure Barre and several wellness/ self-care options. Upscale homes and home furnishings include Douglas Elliman real estate and The Place for Kitchens and Baths. The plaza is also home to two beloved community areas: The Walk of Recognition, which honors outstanding civic leaders over the years, and the Garden of Humanity, which offers a space for contemplation and inspiration.

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AARON BRISTOL

MIZNER PARK AMPHITHEATER

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The Vegan Revolution Self-identified vegans have reached an all-time high—and South Florida restaurants are listening Written by JOHN THOMASON o paraphrase Loretta Lynn, we’ve come a long way, baby. Vegans, which constituted 1 percent of the American population in 2014, now make up 6 percent. The 9.7 million who identify as vegan add up to a 3,000 percent increase since 2004. Whether these individuals choose to forgo animal products for health reasons, environmental motivations—animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, more than all transportation emissions combined—or a zeal for animal welfare, one thing is certain: The market has noticed. Those of us over 30 can remember a time when vegan food was the gastronomic ghetto, the domain of new-age enclaves and health-food stores. Before the revolution, market staples included dry quinoa bowls, raw falafel, gelatinous tofu, and borderline-inedible cheese substitutes. To be both a vegan and a foodie was a Herculean struggle. Spaghetti Squash and Beetballs from Lazy Dog in Boca Raton

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Thanks to technology and old-fashioned culinary innovation, vegan cuisine today is worlds apart from soy milk and granola. Cashew- and turmeric-based cheeses taste like the real thing. Gardein and seitan and jackfruit capture the flavor profiles of their carnivorous inspirations. Beyond Meat products boasted revenues of $406.8 million in 2020, and the same year, Impossible Foods saw its valuation increase to $2 billion. Retail sales of plant-based foods overall have crested $4.5 billion. And restaurants, from fine dining establishments to fast-food joints, have adapted their menus to meet the moment. Vegan options are available at Dunkin’ Donuts, for goodness sakes. It’s never been easier to make the change, should you so desire; in the following pages, we explore the history of veganism, share a recipe, and explore South Florida’s vibrant vegan dining scene.

A History of Veganism Though veganism didn’t become an official term until the mid-20th century, reports date the earliest vegans all the way back to 3300-1300 BCE on the Indian subcontinent, with philosophers such as Parshavnatha and Samantabharda advocating plantbased diets. Other early proponents included Plutarch and Empedocles, in Greece, and Ovid and Seneca the Younger, in Italy. In 1813, the poet Percy Shelley advised “abstinence from animal food and spirituous liquors;”thankfully, that latter admonishment didn’t catch on as a vegan tenet. Today’s veganism is generally seen to have branched off from traditional vegetarianism, which took hold in 19th century Britain and the United States. In 1847, the Rev. Sylvester Graham, inventor of the Graham Cracker, founded the U.K.’s pioneering

Know Your Terminology

Vegetarian Society. The Hygeian Home CookBook, published in 1874, is seen as the first vegan cookbook; its tantalizing offerings include corn-meal mush, wheat-meal crisps and gruel, but also current staples like sweet potatoes, berry shortcake and the ubiquitous cauliflower (“cut off the green leaves; cleanse the heads carefully from insects.”) Proto-influencer Donald Watson, secretary of the Leicester branch of the Vegetarian Society, coined the term“vegan” with the launch of his 1944 newsletter The Vegan News. This spawned the Vegan Society, whose early members included playwright George Bernard Shaw. Naturopath Catherine Nimmo opened the vegan society in the U.S. four years later. As for Watson, he practiced what he preached, living to a meatless 95; by the time he died, in 2005, vegan diets were just beginning their mainstream ascent.

The Rev. Sylvester Graham

VEGAN: A person who does not eat any food derived from animals and who typically does not use other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons.

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PESCATARIAN: A person who does not eat meat but does eat fish and dairy products.

VEGETARIAN: A person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, but allows dairy and eggs into their diet. Vegetarianism often serves as a gateway drug into fullon veganism.

KETOTARIAN: This one sounds like a race in “Dune,” but it’s a lowcarb, high-fat diet that excludes most animal products except eggs, ghee and fish—too many sinful inclusions to be vegan-adjacent. The keto diet is, presumably, keeping the Big Ghee lobby in business.

REDUCETARIAN: This is the wishy-washiest category of them all: a person who wants to help the planet by giving up meat and dairy, but also likes meat or dairy too much to give them up completely. Hence the reduction part of the name. Reducetarians are the agnostics of the dieting world, and vegan purists are free to sneer, but this is a growing movement with its own nonprofit foundation (reducetarian.org).

AARON BRISTOL

The next time you’re discussing nutrition regimens at a party, these helpful definitions can make you sound like an expert.

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Hippocrates Roll A raw, plant-based diet is a hallmark of Hippocrates Wellness Institute.“At Hippocrates, our major focus is the healing properties of food,”says Ken Blue, now into his ninth year as executive chef at the West Palm Beach retreat.“Hippocrates, who is regarded as the father of modern medicine, said, ‘let food be our medicine.’The healing properties of our sprouts and microgreens are magnified, the nutrition is magnified, and it’s much less work for the body to digest. More is going to the phytonutrients, the enzymes, which are in abundance in sprouts and microgreens.” Naturally, sprouts make an appearance in Blue’s Hippocrates Roll, a riceless variation on a nori roll. MAKES UP 2 ROLLS INGREDIENTS: 2 raw nori sheets 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1 whole avocado, sliced 4 cucumber sticks, cut length-wise, about 1/4 inch thick 1.5 ounces clover sprouts INSTRUCTIONS: On a sushi rolling mat, place one nori sheet, shiny side down. Start with spreading half of the carrots across the bottom of the sheet, an inch up from the edge. Distribute the carrots evenly, across the whole width of the nori sheet. Place two of the cucumber sticks on top of the carrots and continue stacking up with half of the avocado slices. Finish up with the clover sprouts. Roll the nori sheet over the stack, using the sushi mat as a support. Moist the end with a bit of water to seal the roll. You can cut the roll into 8 pieces with a sharp knife or eat it as a wrap. (For the technique, check out Chef Ken's Hippocrates TV channel on YouTube.) NOTE: Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi paste on the side. In place of soy sauce, use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.

Chef Ken Blue

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Great Vegan Restaurants DARBSTER BISTRO 8020 W. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561/586-2622 The O.G. vegan spot with a view and plenty of covered courtyard tables, Darbster Bistro has been a plant-forward, chef-driven lynchpin for 13 years. The crispy heart of palm cakes with a spicy caper remoulade are to die for, and the beefless Wellington is a hearty, tastebud-fooling replica of the steak-filled original. There’s happy hour from 5 to 7 weeknights, and dogs are not only welcome but encouraged: Bring your pooch and take 20 percent off an entrée.

AARON BRISTOL

Beefless Wellington from Darbster Bistro

Banh mi from Veg Eats Foods

FANCY-I NATURALS 2900 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach, 954/247-5389 This unassuming food stand at the western end of Festival Flea Market Mall (it also has a location in Hollywood’s Yellow Green Farmers Market) is the best-kept vegan secret in Broward. The loaded mac ‘n’ cheese, made with simulated Gouda and topped with pesto mushrooms, a ground-up veggie burger and almond-based shredded Parmesan, is a flavor bomb, as are the juicy tacos topped with walnut-based“meat,”chimichurri sauce and a faux-cheese drizzle. Everything is made in house by its sole proprietor, including the delectable sauces, so some patience is required—and rewarded. ROOTS 33 S.E. Third Ave., Delray Beach, 561/562-7000 The Delray Beach Market’s resident vegan vendor’s veggie patty, constructed with love from a Portobello mushroom, beets and black rice, is a powerhouse with or without the added sundried tomato aioli. Roots’ inventive spin on a Caesar salad is topped with grilled artichokes and a balsamic glaze, and its Buffalo cauliflower is one of the best—and spiciest—renditions of this staple appetizer.

Blue corn gordita from Roots

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JUICE2U ORGANIC KITCHEN 2101 N.W. 33rd St., Suite 900, Pompano Beach, 954/584-2328 It’s a cold-pressed juice spot specializing in “farm to bottle” liquid nourishment, but it’s also a vegan scratch kitchen that serves 100-percent organic dishes prepared with love and priced affordably. In the Mac and Not Cheese, a mix of red pepper and nutritional yeast compensate for the missing dairy; the queso and bean dip, made with slow-simmered legumes, is likewise a flavorful delight. Enter the inviting atmosphere, with its avocado-colored floors and pastel painted walls, and shop a variety of health and wellness products in addition to the food, from gemstone jewelry to enzymes, singing bowls and aromatherapy. PARLOUR VEGAN BAKERY 415 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 561/617-7144 Even in non-peak dining hours, this cult favorite has queues nearly out the door, and for good reason. Its soy-based simulations of carnivorous favorites may be second to none in the Palm Beaches, from the generously seasoned and aromatic“chorizo”and“cheese” patties to the variety of empanadas, including spinach, garbanzo and “cheese,”and Buffalo cauliflower and quinoa. The desserts, from elaborate cupcakes to brownies and donuts, make dairy seem obsolete. VEG EATS FOODS 335 E. Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, 561/562-6673 Nondescript in everything but the ingredients and the flavor, the strip-mall sanctuary for plant-based foodies has generated a loyal following for its seasonally changing menu of locally sourced comfort-food favorites, which work meatless magic on your taste buds. Try the smothered mushroom burger and the banh mi. Cuban “pork” empanadas from Parlour Vegan Bakery

AARON BRISTOL

KEITH BERGER AND ELENA BRODSKAYA

Berger, 53, has been living vegan since 2004, and his friend Brodskaya, 43, made the switch in 2008. For Brodskaya, of Boynton Beach, reading a compelling article about veganism led to her conversion. For Berger, of Boca Raton, his

cousins arm-twisted him into watching a documentary about the vegan movement,“Peaceable Kingdom.” In 2014, Berger and Brodskaya, who met through shared vegan social circles, started the nonprofit Vegan Education Group to advocate for the cause. BERGER’S PHILOSOPHY FOR GOING VEGAN: “The word speciesism had not been in my lexicon. It’s analogous with racism being a set of unfair double standards that give one race the ability to dominate another, sexism doing the same thing by gender, speciesism doing the same thing by creating a power imbalance between one species and another. So when we have the power, we can dominate, exploit and do what we want without recrimination. “I knew I couldn’t live like that another minute. … I don’t feel like I’ve taken any moral high ground, like I’m better than this person because they’re not vegan.

It’s just, I’m living in accordance with my own morals and my own ethics.” HOW VEGANISM HAS CHANGED BRODSKAYA: “It allowed me to be my own authentic self. As part of being my authentic self, I don’t have to live according to societal norms, whatever they are, that dictate what I have to eat, what I have to wear.” BRODSKAYA, ON HOW VEGAN OPTIONS HAVE EVOLVED: “Even 13 years ago, when I went vegan, there was maybe one kind of soy milk in the store, and you had to use nutritional yeast if you wanted something cheesy. You had to really be creative. There was tofu, but not much else. But now, the variety of foods is incredible, from meat analogues to cheeses and a ton of nut milks. I remember eating something ‘meaty’ at one point, and it tasted like grass. But now, the variety is amazing.”

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Celebrity Vegans Bill Clinton, former president Ariana Grande, singer and Boca native Jay-Z, rapper and entrepreneur Morrissey, singer and prima donna Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur Natalie Portman, actor AARON BRISTOL

Woody Harrelson, actor Ellen DeGeneres, talk-show host Mike Tyson, boxer and actor

Substitutions Want to go vegan but worried about missing your creature comforts? Try these meatless solutions. TRY

INSTEAD OF

THIS

Jackfruit

Pulled Pork

Tempeh

Bacon

Aquafaba

Egg Whites

Seitan

Fried Chicken

Soymilk

Buttermilk

Agar Flakes

Gelatin

Nutritional Yeast Flakes

Parmesan Cheese

Crumbled Tofu

Ricotta Cheese

Agave Nectar

Honey

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ALLIE KIRSCHNER Artist and model Allie Kirschner, who is also the marketing director for Passport Media Group in West Palm Beach, had considered going vegan since high school and finally made the transition in August 2019.“Around that time, there were photos of the rainforest on fire going viral on Instagram and Twitter,” recalls Kirschner, 26.“I did my own research and learned they were controlled fires for the beef industry.”[Cattle ranching contributes to an estimated 70 percent of deforestation in the Amazon basin, according to one report.—Ed.] “At the time, I’d been eating steak twice a week. I enjoyed it, and I was horrified that this thing I loved was in someway destroying the environment in a way I had not conceptualized. I wanted to remove myself from that problem immediately. I went vegan cold turkey—or cold tofurkey—that day. I have not looked back.” HOW BECOMING A VEGAN HAS CHANGED HER LIFE: “In the sense of how it’s changed me physically, I have more energy; my nails are harder. I don’t feel as slowed down after I eat. Internally and emotionally, it’s made me much more compassionate. The average person doesn’t consider empathizing with an animal to the degree you do a human, but being vegan puts that into perspective, where you see all life as deserving of safety, compassion and love. As a result of expanding your passion to encompass animals, your ability to empathize with humans just explodes and becomes more massive than it already was. You grow a deeper appreciation for the more beautiful parts of humanity.” HER FAVORITE VEGAN DISH: “I can think of 11 restaurants within 15 minutes of where I’m sitting right now [in West Palm Beach]. The only thing I really missed was sushi, [but] PLANTA has a full vegan sushi menu; I love going there for my vegan sushi fill.”

CELEBRITY HEADSHOTS: DAVID SHANKBONE, GLENN FRANCIS, JOELLA MARANO, HARALD KRICHEL, GLENN FRANCIS, WWW.PACIFICPRODIGITAL.COM, MAN ALIVE!, GEORGES BIARD, ALL VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Joaquin Phoenix, actor and public eccentric

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Best Vegan Dishes at Non-Vegan Restaurants “ALL GREEN” BURGER WHERE: Doc B’s Restaurant + Bar, 452 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 754/900-2401 No better veggie burger has entered my stomach than this scrumptious house-made blend of rice and kale—yes, even the oft-maligned kale is a knockout when ground into the mixture— with lettuce, tomato, pickle and spicy jalapeño aioli. Make it vegan by eschewing the cheddar cheese.

The Very Vegan at Offerdahl’s Off-the-Grill

This vegetable appetizer has become fairly ubiquitous on chichi menus, but few do it better, while keeping it vegan, than Andrew Weil’s eco-conscious outpost. Added mushrooms, miso sesame vinaigrette and its most subtle touch, chili pepper threads, lend the dish its unique flair.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WHERE: True Food Kitchen, Town Center mall, 6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561/419-8105

SEAN RUSSELL Sean Russell, 40, of Fort Lauderdale is one of our region’s most outspoken vegans. In 2017, he launched SoFlo Vegans (soflovegans.com), a membership-driven organization that provides“promotional services, media content and live events for the veg-friendly community in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County.”

SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND BEETBALLS WHERE: Lazy Dog, 9636 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561/489-5607 Lazy Dog’s hearty spin on mom’s spaghetti with meatballs packs all the flavor but with fewer calories and carbon. Spaghetti squash and zucchini ribbons rest in a pool of olive oil, garlic and pesto, topped with beet-based vegetarian meatballs of the perfect taste and consistency. To keep it vegan, 86 the Romano cheese.

did a few more things, I’d be vegetarian. So I worked at a school at the time, and one of the most mellow, chill teachers I knew was vegetarian. She told me about veganism. I said, that’s not far off ... Why don’t I just go full steam?” ON HOW THE LIFESTYLE HAS EVOLVED: “Even in 2013, you’d use vegan and vegetarian interchangeably, because not many people knew what vegan meant. You’d have people saying they were vegetarian when everything they were eating was vegan. I feel like the sentiment from these businesses and organizations has shifted completely, whereas now they won’t say vegetarian, because enough people will stay away from it, because they think it might have egg or milk in it. That’s one of the big shifts I’ve seen.

HIS FAVORITE DISH: “I like a rice bowl with a vegan protein crumble. I do a lot with Hodo products, a tofu product out of California. That’s always been my go-to since I was a child; now I get to veganize it.”

ZAYRUSS PHOTO

WHY HE WENT VEGAN: “I was really into my health. I signed up for some courses that showed you what everything does that you’re putting into your body, and once you see that, you can’t un-see it. So I started systematically eliminating things from my diet to the point where, if I just

DEBBY WOLVOS

Roasted Brussels sprouts at True Food Kitchen

THE VERY VEGAN WHERE: Offerdahl’s Off-the-Grill, 17940 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 561/995-7355 Former Dolphin John Offerdahl was ahead of the vegan curve at his namesake Florida deli chain. For the health-conscious office worker on the go, this baguette with hummus, spinach, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, avocado and sunflower seeds is as flavorful as it is cruelty-free.

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Escape To

SANTA BARBARA Craving a dreamy getaway that combines Mediterranean charm with domestic ease and coastal elegance? Yeah, so are we. Written by BRAD MEE

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PHOTOS: (TOP TO BOTTOM) COURTESY HOTEL CALIFORNIAN; DAVID COLLIER VISIT CALIFORNIA; HOTEL CALIFORNIAN

ure, an epic vacation to the Riviera filled with dazzling seascapes and exciting excursions in the Mediterranean would be amazing, but there’s a domestic alternative that’s equally dreamy. It’s waiting for you in California’s Santa Barbara, aka the American Riviera. Locals will tell you the magic of Santa Barbara is in the way the California coastal town sits on the ocean with the Santa Ynez Mountains to the north, fostering a temperate Mediterranean-like climate. But that’s only part of its European-style allure. Iconic red-tile roofed Spanish Revival architecture, lush landscapes, award-winning wining and dining, luxe resorts, easy walkability and a carefree, small-town vibe make this the perfect spot for a much-needed getaway. Of course, you could spend weeks getting to know and love this heavenly spot, but even a brief stay will leave you charmed. Here’s a short list of things to see and do to get you started.

OPPOSITE: The Spanish Colonial Revival-style Courthouse has been called one of the most beautiful government buildings in the country. TOP TO BOTTOM: Moorish design details infuse Hotel Californian’s lobby; a walk along Stearn’s Wharf; Santa Barbara looks south over the Pacific.

OLD MISSION SANTA BARBARA

Established by Spanish missionaries in 1786, this historic gem is located above town and has been rebuilt multiple times because of earthquakes. Also known as “the Queen of Missions,” it features a

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broad pink-and-cream Doric façade and striking twin bell towers. Take a self-guided walking tour and enjoy glimpses of early mission life. Explore shady courtyards, the lovely cemetery, humble interior, impressive church and a small museum. santabarbaramission.org

FUNK ZONE

Energy and creativity permeate this once neglected warehouse district located just blocks from the beach. Casually wander through the happening, 12-block hood and you’ll discover trendy microbreweries, art galleries, stylish tasting rooms, and plenty of

SAN FRANCISCO

SANTA BARBARA LOS ANGELES

Clockwise from top left: A pour at one of the many tasting rooms in Santa Barbara; a fun ride waiting at Rosewood Miramar Beach resort; Convivo Restaurant’s Pesce Misto Roman Artichokes; view of Butterfly Beach; Santa Barbara Shellfish Company on Stearns Wharf

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GETTING THERE

Easily accessible, Santa Barbara boasts a charming, small airport with the same Spanish Colonial Revival style that defines the town of Santa Barbara, a mere 7 miles away.

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) LAUREN SALAUN; BRAD MEE; KRISA ZACHARIAS; CECILIA ROSELL; GABRIELA HERMAN; CONVIVO—COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

SANTA BARBARA COURTHOUSE

Completed in 1929 following a devastating 8.3-magnitude earthquake that leveled much of downtown four years earlier, the spectacular courthouse epitomizes the Spanish Colonial Revival style that now unifies charming Santa Barbara. Walk through the building, free of charge, to see the spectacular Spanish-Moorish décor defined by spiral staircases, vividly colored tiles, ornate ironwork, hand-painted murals and treasured art collections. Palms and exotic plants flourish in the gardens, and the clock tower offers breathtaking views of Santa Barbara and beyond. sbcourthouse.org

editors

notes

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Twin bell towers and a pink-and-cream facade define the Old Mission Santa Barbara founded by the Spanish Franciscans in 1786.

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hip eateries and bars. Decorating fans will find vintage and midcentury treasures at The Blue Door and elegant hand-printed textiles, furnishings and accessories at the charming Raoul store. funkzone.net

STEARNS WHARF

Constructed in 1872, this 2,300-foot-long landmark sits at the end of State Street and is California’s oldest working wooden wharf. As you stroll to its end, drop into shops for everything from taffy to clothing, souvenirs to jewelry. Visit the kid-friendly Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center and sip at the Deep Sea wine tasting room. If you’re hungry, there are numerous dining spots. Order lobster tacos at the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company while relishing spectacular harbor views. stearnswharf.com

LOTUSLAND

Located in the foothills of Montecito east of the city of Santa Barbara, Ganna Walska Lotusland is a spectacular 37-acre estate and botanic garden created by opera singer and socialite Madame Ganna Walska. With a flair for the dramatic and the unexpected, Walska spent 43 years of her life designing the extraordinary gardens showcasing collections of exotic plants and natural curiosities. Available by appointment, two-hour guided tours lead visitors through 21 awe-inspiring themed spaces, including succulent, fern, cactus cycad, topiary and Japanese gardens. Named one of the 10 best gardens in the world, this is a must for nature and landscape lovers. lotusland.org

BIKING AND HIKING

Pedal a cruiser around town or casually bike along Santa Barbara’s oceanside Cabrillo Bike Path overlooking golden sand beaches and the waterfront. Sights also include the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Butterfly Beach. For those seeking more challenging rides, there are plenty to choose from. No bike? No problem.

In the harbor in Santa Barbara, the historic 2,300-foot-long Stearns Wharf offers views of Santa Barbara as well as restaurants and specialty shops.

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PHOTO JAY SINCLAIR, COURTESY OF VISIT SANTA BARBARA

The wine country outside of Santa Barbara provides day-trip adventures rich with winery tours and dazzling vineyard views.

CHECKING IN

POSH PROPERTIES FLOURISH IN SANTA BARBARA BEACHFRONT BOUTIQUE

The Santa Barbara Inn, a Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel, perfectly embodies the spirit and architecture of Santa Barbara. Both walkable to the best of historic Santa Barbara and slightly removed from the hubbub, this stylish, newly renovated property merges ease and casual elegance with dramatic ocean views. santabarbarainn.com

CALIFORNIA COOL

Up the coast, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a stunning oceanfront resort with 358 Mediterranean-style rooms and suites sprawled over 78 lush acres between the Pacific and the Santa Ynez

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Mountains. Guests enjoy two natural beaches, a 12,000-bottle cellar and a 42,000-squarefoot spa. ritzcarlton.com

RELAXED ELEGANCE

Set on 16 acres in Montecito, Rosewood Miramar Beach is an oceanfront, five-star resort boasting 161 rooms, 26 of which enjoy direct beach access. With views of manicured gardens, sweeping lawns and sparkling pools, the casually elegant, light-filled décor boasts gracious spaces and a stunning art collection. rosewoodhotels.com

HIP & HAPPENING

Steps from the beach and the trendy Funk Zone, the 121-

room Hotel Californian melds Spanish Revival architecture with modern Moorish details, courtesy of celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Spirited design infuses every space, including a Turkish-inspired spa, swanky bars and chic rooftop pool offering unrivaled views of the mountains and coastline. hotelcalifornian.com

NATURAL BEAUTY

A favorite hideaway for Hollywood celebs, the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch occupies more than 500 acres in the foothills of the wine country. Its 41 private bungalows are strewn among a lush landscape replete with hiking trails, a hillside pool and vibrant gardens thick with

lavender, olive trees and citrus trees. sanysidroranch.com

PREPPY CHIC

An intimate, clubby hideaway, Palihouse Santa Barbara has 24 airy bedrooms that cluster around a lush Mediterranean-inspired, vine-covered courtyard. The rooms are painted in a soothing light blue (a nod to the nearby ocean) with accents of pistachio green, Seventies-inspired curtains and chintz upholstery, creating a mash-up that is charming, playful and comfortable.palisociety.com

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Beachfront retailers make it easy to rent and ride. If hiking is your thing, Santa Barbara offers miles of options in and amongst the mountains backing the sea. Most are within a short, 10-minute drive from downtown and range from easy and flat to notably challenging. Favorites include the 2.5-mile-roundtrip Seven Falls (ending in pools), 8-mile-roundtrip Inspiration Point (with spectacular views) and Rattlesnake Trail (a 3.5-mile family-friendly option).

WINE TASTING

PHOTOS: (TOP) DAVID COLLIER, COURTESY OF VISIT CALIFORNIA AND (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF LOTUSLAND

Whether you choose a wine country drive or a stroll on Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail, make sure to experience Santa Barbara County’s excellent wines. For an easy day trip rivaling the wine roads in Napa and Sonoma, reserve tastings at two wineries before and after an elegant wine country lunch. Suggested itinerary: Sunstone Winery in the morning for an elegant Tuscan-style experience, Nella Kitchen in charming Los Olivos for lunch, and Pence Vineyards and Winery in the afternoon for a taste of Old California (sunstonewinery.com, nellakitchen.com, pencevineyards.com). Or forgo a drive through the surrounding wine country and enjoy tastings on foot. Some of Santa Barbara County’s finest wines from renowned vineyards can be sampled at more than two dozen tasting rooms within blocks of downtown. Urbanwinetrailsb.com

DINING

Santa Barbara is not only the gateway to the Central Coast’s thriving wine country, but it’s also home to some of the best produce, seafood and culinary experiences in the country. It’s no wonder that Julia Child chose Santa Barbara as her home. Musttry restaurants and eateries include Julia’s favorite Mexican restaurant, La Super-Rica Taqueria, a laid-back spot for fish tacos, tamales and burritos (622 Milpas Street). Hip and happening Loquita serves traditional Spanish tapas and paella with innovative craft cocktails at its busy, fashionable haunt (loquitasb.com). Elegant and casual beachside Convivo is best described by its chef-owner as“Californian meets Northern Italian” (convivorestaurant.com), and local favorite The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach dishes up fresh-caught seafood right on the beach (boathousesb.com).

(Top) Pedaling along the oceanside Cabrillo Bike Path. (Bottom) The Cactus and Euphorbia garden is just one of Lotusland’s many unique gardens showcasing more than 3,000 plants.

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B A C K S TA G E PA S S Nikki Glaser, who performs April 22 at the Parker April 2022

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B AC K S TAG E PA S S

TAKE 5

Leah Sessa

With a solo play under her belt, a musical-theatre time traveler stretches her skill set Written by JOHN THOMASON

young actor with an old soul, Leah Sessa’s career on the South Florida stage is steeped in Golden Age musicals. A triple threat talent with a natural comic wit, she appeared in the Wick’s very first production,“The Sound of Music,”and became something of a household name after her puckish and animated Carbonell-nominated turn as Ado Annie in the same company’s“Oklahoma!” In the following years, she conquered Stephen Sondheim’s labyrinthine phrasing in multiple productions of the master’s signature pieces, and joined the Andrews Sisters-style chorus the Victory Dolls, singing the hits of World War II (their next performance is April 27 at Delray Beach Playhouse).

“Florida’s a wonderful place for theatre. And guess what, I’m not living out of a suitcase. I have an apartment, a bed to sleep in, the same bed every night, and I don’t have to travel. I like our community, and I like —Leah Sessa stability, in a very unstable job.” A native of West Palm Beach, Sessa cultivated her vocal talents as early as elementary school, and initially pursued a short-lived stint performing in local rock and country bands; out of the three groups she joined, she played all of one gig.“But it was a learning experience. I feel like I tried every aspect, and I was like,‘no no, I like musical theatre. I like plays. That’s what I want to do.’” While cutting her teeth on the classics, Sessa’s most lauded work has involved newer pieces like Slow Burn’s “Heathers”in 2016, where she earned her first Carbonell Award; and her more recent foray into straight plays like Theatre Lab’s“Harlowe”and Boca Stage’s“The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe,”a solo show in which she played the title character in her final hour. This month, she returns to her roots, of sorts, with another Golden Age musical: She plays Adelaide in“Guys & Dolls”from MNM Theatre Company.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: MNM Theatre’s “Guys & Dolls” WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11th Place, Lauderhill WHEN: April 1-16 COST: $45-$55 CONTACT: 561/725-7025, mnmtheatre.org

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When you take on an iconic part like Ado Annie in “Oklahoma!” or Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” are you influenced by the work other actors have done before you, or do you look at the role

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like you’re inventing the character from scratch? I like to always watch and see. But I never want to imitate what they’re doing. I definitely like to bring my own thing to it. Sometimes that’s hard for some

directors, because it’s a character they maybe have directed 800 times, and they want you to do it a certain way. I always like to bring something different to it. I understand that “Heathers” was a life-changing role because prior to that, you were doubting your career choice. That surprised me. I think we all go through a phase. My side job is bartending [at Warren in Delray Beach—ed.]; we all have our side gigs. … It’s exhausting being a struggling actor. I used to make fun of myself before someone else could make fun of me. When I was bartending, I’d be like, “I’m a struggling actor.” “Heathers” changed it for me, because once I did that, I never said those words again. I’d say,“I’m an actress.” With “Harlowe” and the Marilyn Monroe show, has there been a concerted effort to show the broader theatrical world that while you’ve excelled in musical theatre, you’re just as capable in straight drama? For sure. People tend to do this to musicaltheatre actors. You go in for a play, and they’re like, you’re a musicaltheatre actor. And they

don’t realize that it’s kind of rude. I’m an actress who happens to be able to sing and dance and act. That means I can do it all. But it is hard to break that. There are certain theatre companies I had auditioned for for years, and every single time, it was,“oh, you’re a musical-theatre actor; you need to do more plays.” I’m like, “that’s why I’m here auditioning for you!” Is the solo show a mountain that every actor wants to climb, yourself included? I do believe so. But the funny thing is, now that I’ve done it, I don’t need to do another one for a while. [It is] the scariest thing I’ve ever done, in terms of theatre. I’ve never jumped out of a plane, but this is maybe scarier than that.You’re so alone. Why is Adelaide in “Guys & Dolls” a bucket-list role for you? I love making people laugh. I love serious stuff, believe me, it’s therapeutic. But I truly believe there is nothing better than making someone laugh. … I love creating this character but making her real. Adelaide is one of the roles where she has so much heart. There’s an honesty about it, but there’s that comedy factor.

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Leah Sessa

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C T A KL E N5D A R

April 2022

B AC K S TAG E PA S S

March 26-April 10:

Now-April 10:

Now-April 16:

Now-May 29:

“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.

“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.

“In a New Light: American Impressionism 18701940” at Society of the Four Arts, 2 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.

“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; 561/8325196, 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.

“In a New Light: American Impressionism”

“Easy Virtue”

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Terry Fator

Delray Affair

April 8:

April 8-10:

April 9:

April 9-10:

“Easy Virtue” at Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 2 and 5:30 p.m.; $10; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. The Four Arts’ film series concludes with this barb-filled 2008 social comedy based on a Noel Coward play. It’s set in 1930s Nottinghamshire, where a young Englishman marries a glamorous, free-spirited American woman in Monaco, and proceeds to shake up his genteel family when he brings her home to Mom.

Delray Affair in Downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun.; free; 561/278-0424, delrayaffair.com. Celebrating its landmark 60th year, this arts institution helped put Delray Beach on the cultural map. Returning after two years off, the Affair welcomes 500 artists and crafters from around the world, offering everything from fine art to artisanal gifts, plus live music at the Old School Square Beer Garden.

Terry Fator at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $29-$105; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. The winner of Season Two of “America’s Got Talent,” ventriloquist Fator is a top-selling headliner at the Mirage in Las Vegas. His “dummy” companions include a celebrity-impersonating turtle, a country singer, Elton John and Elvis Presley.

Richard Barker at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $50; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse. com. A celebrity hypnotist who has put public figures from Verne Troyer to Al Roker under his spell, Barker has worked his magic on audiences in 38 countries and is a headlining act for Norwegian Cruise Line.

April 2022

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April 1-25:

April 2:

April 3:

April 4:

“A Remarkable Gathering: The Fisher Landau Family Collection” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15$18; 561/832-5196, norton.org. Excerpts from this breathtaking collection of late 20th century art showcases a who’s-who of important modern artists from Europe and the Americas, from Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe to Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana to Willem de Kooning and Cy Twombly.

“Intimate Apparel” at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; various show times; $79; 561/514-4042, palmbeachdramaworks.org. Acclaimed playwright Lynn Nottage scripted this award-winning 2003 masterpiece. A Black seamstress plies her trade in 1905 New York, sewing intimate garments for a broad swath of the city’s melting pot, while navigating an epistolary romance with a Caribbean suitor. The results that follow are shattering.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet: “Love Rocks” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $15-$95; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. With a fierce commitment to diversity in its corps and programming, this contemporary ballet company seeks to break barriers through dance. “Love Rocks” is Complexions’ distinctive foray into “rock meets ballet,” with a soundtrack by Lenny Kravitz.

The Zombies at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $42.50-$72.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. Still led by founders Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent, the Zombies were one of the key exports from the 1960s British Invasion, combining straightahead rock ‘n’ roll with dreamy psychedelia on tracks such as “She’s Not There,” “Time of the Season” and “This Will Be Our Year.”

Sarge: “Truths Be Told” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $15-$85; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. A politically incorrect, equal-opportunity offender, revered South Florida comedian Sarge honed his chops on cruise ships and on opening gigs for music-industry giants; he’s also a skilled pianist who often combines comedy and music in his act.

“A Remarkable Gathering: The Fisher Landau Family Collection”

Ballet Palm Beach: “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell”

The Darkness

Sarge: “Truths Be Told”

April 10:

April 12:

April 13:

April 14-16:

Palm Beach Symphony at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $25$95; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Single-named concert violinist Midori is a guest soloist in Palm Beach Symphony’s latest Masterwork program, which features company premieres of Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 8 in G Major,” Schuman’s “New England Triptych” and Korngold’s “Violin Concerto in D Major.”

“The Bachelor” Live On Stage at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $47.50$127.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. This interactive stage show distills the drama of the most-watched reality romance series in the history of television. Hosted by a recent-season “Bachelor” alum, the show welcomes an area bachelor onstage, where he will participate in group date challenges and conversations with eligible women from the audience.

The Darkness at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m.; $28; 954/564-1074, cultureroom.net. The prizewinning U.K. rock quartet, who established a bombastic glam-metal throwback sound on formative hits “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” and “Get Your Hands Off My Woman,” is touring behind its seventh album, 2021’s Motorheart.

“Butterflies Are Free” at Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $15; 561/2379000, lynn.edu. In this humorous and poignant play by Leonard Gershe, a blind man, long under the controlling gaze of his overprotective mother, moves into an apartment in Manhattan and meets a kooky hippie neighbor, much to Mom’s disapproval.

Ballet Palm Beach: “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $45; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. Ballet Palm Beach’s delightful, family-friendly adventure is set in J.M. Barrie’s universe prior to the introduction of Wendy Darling, and follows the title characters through Neverland, as they encounter the Lost Boys, Princess Tiger Lily, Captain Hook and more.

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April 2022

B AC K S TAG E PA S S

T A KL E N5D A R C

April 15:

April 15-24:

April 17:

April 18-19:

Demetri Martin at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $27.50-$47.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. This Greek-American comedian specializes in an unpredictable mélange of cerebral observations, non-sequiturs and malapropisms inspired by the no-frills deadpanning of Steven Wright and the ingenious left turns of Emo Phillips, in which you might not get the punch line until an hour after it’s told.

“Richard III” at Studio One Theatre at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 2 p.m. matinees, 7 p.m. evenings; $12$22; 561/297-6124, fauevents.com. William Shakespeare’s historical epic follows the trail of destruction caused by its hunchbacked, charismatic title character, one of the great and thunderous roles in the Bard’s canon.

Jay Leno at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $39-$149; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. This indefatigable funnyman and automotive enthusiast cut his teeth in New York’s Darwinian standup scene in the late 1970s before landing his dream gig, hosting “The Tonight Show” for 20 years. His amiable nature and relatable material continue to capture the public consciousness.

Malpaso Dance Company at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $40; 561/8327469, kravis.org. This celebrated Cuban dance company turns 10 this year. Founder Osnel Delgado draws from a myriad of wide-ranging sources for inspiration, from a Borges poem to Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. The music selections span from Afro-Cuban jazz to neoclassical.

Jay Leno

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Malpaso Dance Company

The Symphonia soloist Les Roettges

“My Fair Lady”

April 22:

April 22-23:

April 23:

April 24:

Nikki Glaser at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $27.50-$47.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. Comedian Glaser’s star has been on a consistent rise since her debut Netflix comedy special, “Perfect,” in 2016. Her everywoman observations on modern life have been heard across three hosted podcasts and celebrated tours like this one.

“Funny Women of a Certain Age” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; $45; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. Created by comedian Carole Montgomery as a 2019 Showtime special, the touring iteration of “Funny Women” includes headliners such as Caroline Rhea, Tammy Pescatelli, Thea Vidale, Wendy Liebman and Vanessa Hollingshead.

Bluegrass in the Pavilion at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; 561/6552833, flaglermuseum. us. The Flagler’s annual spring tradition returns with live performances from the Tim Raybon Band, a duo performing a blend of bluegrass, gospel and traditional country; and High Fidelity, an energetic, award-winning quintet.

The Symphonia: “Poetic Mysteries” at Roberts Hall at St. Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton; 3 p.m.; $50$84; 561/376-3848, thesymphonia.org. Maestro Alastair Willis conducts guest flute soloist Les Roettges through haunting and mysterious compositions from Mendelssohn, Francois Devienne (who has been called the “French Mozart”) and Manuel De Falla.

April 2022

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t Les

April 19-24:

April 20-Aug. 21:

April 21-May 15:

April 22:

“My Fair Lady” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $33-$83; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Lerner & Loewe’s indispensable musical about an uncivilized Cockney flower seller and the exasperated linguistics professor who falls in love with her receives a fresh Broadway tour, which the New York Times called “better than it ever was.”

“The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12 adults, $10 seniors; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum.org. This exhibition spotlights the largely unknown artists behind the painted backdrops of movies such as “North By Northwest” and “The Wizard of Oz,” while immersing viewers in their large-scale masterworks.

“Breaking Up is Hard to Do” at the Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 2:30 p.m. matinees, 7:30 p.m. evenings; $75-$85; 561/995-2333, thewick. org. In the Wick’s rendition of this jukebox musical, two girls nurse various heartaches at a dilapidated club in the Catskills. The musical features 18 Neil Sedaka favorites, from the title tune to “Stupid Cupid,” “Sweet Sixteen” and “Where the Boys Are.”

Wishbone Ash at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 9 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/3952929, funkybiscuit.com. Still led by guitarist and singer Andy Powell, progressive rockers Wishbone Ash helped pioneer a muscular style of twin lead guitars across such influential ‘70s albums as Pilgrimage and Argus. Melodic and intricate, with flourishes of psychrock and heavy metal, they inspired acts as disparate as Metallica and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Colin Hay at Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 8 p.m.; $44.50-$64.50; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. A prolific singer-songwriter since the breakup of his foundational band Men at Work in 1986, Hay is touring in support of his new album Now and the Evermore, exploring such topics as loss and mortality with his characteristic deftness and wit.

“The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop”

Copeland Davis: “Jazz to Classics”

April 25:

April 28-May 1:

April 29-May 1:

April 29-May 8:

April 30:

Diana Krall at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $35-$135; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. Krall’s velvety contralto voice and piano dexterity have been enchanting listeners since her 1993 debut album. The only jazz singer to debut eight albums at No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz chart, Krall is also a three-time Grammy winner.

SunFest at West Palm Beach Waterfront; various show times; $86 for four-day pass; 800/7863378, sunfest.com. SunFest returns from its two-year pandemic hiatus with four nights of eclectic talent spanning pop, rock, hip-hop, reggae, electronic and alternative. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, SunFest also features a juried art festival and more.

Miami City Ballet: “Prodigal Son” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $30$110; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. The soaring circus- and gymnastics-inspired choreography of George Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son” headlines this two-anda-half-hour, two-intermission program, which also includes William Forsythe’s lighthearted “Herman Schmerman Pas de Deux” and Christopher Wheeldon’s “After the Rain Pas de Deux.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; various show times; $35$75; 561/586-6410, lakeworthplayhouse.org. Impish trickery propels this Shakespeare comedy, one of the Bard’s most beloved and lighthearted works. As soldiers return from war, a well-ordered household is thrown into tumult, as two couples fall under the sway of a mischievous nobleman.

Copeland Davis: “Jazz to Classics” at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/4506357, artsgarage.org. Beginning at age 7, pianist Davis became a student of Beethoven’s canon, while also mastering jazz and gospel. As comfortable at outdoor music festivals as he is in posh cabarets, he continues to chart his own path irrespective of genre; his “Jazz to Classics” program includes everything from jazz standards to Broadway hits and pop favorites.

Diana Krall

Wishbone Ash

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Boca magazine’s 2022 Top Doctors Top Doctors spotlights select physicians who have been carefully chosen for their standing and contributions to the medical communities in which they serve.

Florida Magazine Association

Award-winning section 2020 Silver Award

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES, INC For head-to-toe orthopaedic care for teens to seniors; athletes to weekend warriors, patients who have experienced failed surgeries elsewhere and those seeking the latest techniques in minimally invasive procedures, the board- certified and fellowship-trained team of physicians at Orthopaedic Surgery Associates have been providing world-class care for more than 40 years. With prestigious training from the nation’s top medical institutions, the collective areas of the physicians’ expertise include hand, knee, hip, spine, and sports medicine. The comprehensive scope of services includes comprehensive evaluation and testing procedures; total knee, hip and shoulder joint replacement, spinal surgery, arthroscopic knee surgery; repair and reconstruction for torn knee ligaments and cartilage; hand and wrist surgery and a full scope of physical and occupational rehabilitation and pain management ancillary services. One of the newest and highly requested procedures is the minimally invasive spinal procedure, kyphoplasty, which is used to treat back pain from compression fractures, osteoporosis or trauma. It is done under local anesthesia in the office, using the precision C-arm computer navigation device and allows patients to get back to their active lives within days.

In keeping with the strictest safety protocols, patients can feel comfortable knowing that they can also go online or call to schedule a telemedicine video consultation. Depending upon the individual patients’ needs and particular case, they may also be seen for pre-op and post-op visits online or may be advised to visit the office in person if necessary.

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES, INC ortho-surgeon.com

AARON BRISTOL

With an expert physician staff including two orthopaedic sports surgeons, two total joint reconstruction surgeons, two hand surgeons, a spine surgeon, a podiatrist and full on-site x-ray and rehabilitation services, patients can conveniently schedule appointments to see their desired specialist within a few miles of each other at either OSA’s Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Eric Shapiro, MD

Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Surgery and General Orthopaedics

Brandon Luskin, MD Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

Charlton Stucken, MD Sports Medicine Arthroscopy and Fracture Surgery

Jonathan Courtney, MD Total Hip and Knee Reconstructive Surgery

Daniel Baluch, MD Spinal Reconstruction Surgery

Rodrigo Banegas, MD Hand And Upper Extremity Surgery

Elvis Grandic, MD

Total Hip and Knee Reconstructive Surgery

BOCA RATON 1601 Clint Moore Road, Ste. 125 561-395-5733 BOYNTON BEACH 2828 S. Seacrest Blvd., Suites 104 & 204 Boynton Beach, FL 33435 561-734-5080 9868 S. State Road 7, Ste. 225 Boynton Beach, FL 33472

South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry SPECIALTIES: The Center focuses on problem-solving treatment tailored to each patient’s individual need sand scientifically proven treatment modalities. The South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is at the forefront of clinically proven technologies that advance treatment, support patient satisfaction and comfort and provide predictable, high-quality outcomes. They are the first practice in the world to offer Yomi® robotic-assisted surgery, the first and only FDA-approved robotic system designed for dental implant surgery. The Center’s board-certified periodontists continually stay ahead of the curve with advanced procedures and technologies, including the S.M.A.R.T.™ bone graft technique, Piezosurgery® bone surgery, LANAP® laser-assisted gum surgery, Pinhole® gum grafting, regenerative endoscopic periodontal regeneration, accelerated orthodontics, permanent solutions to “gummy smiles” and much more. “Our mission is to preserve and restore smiles, which are so essential to our physical and emotional health,” says Dr. Jeffrey Ganeles, whose work was recently recognized by the prestigious International Team for Implantology (ITI) where he was among the top three cases awarded in its national “Esthetics” Competition. “Our commitment to every patient is to provide compassionate and evidence-based care for your periodontal health and your overall well-being and comfort.” “We believe that people should have healthy teeth for life,” says Dr. Liliana Aranguren. “Healthy mouths are closely tied to good general health. We are very skilled and experienced in dealing with patients with complex health histories. Our standard of care is exceptionally high; we ensure that patients receive an individualized treatment plan that is appropriate for the myriad of factors that come into play when treating gum disease and tooth loss.” “We excel at treating complications from other practices and rescuing good results from poor circumstances.,” says Dr. Frederic Norkin. “We welcome all referrals, including straightforward as well as complex cases. Our reputation for our commitment to quality of care is well known.”

Dr. Samuel Zfaz explains, “For us, dentistry is a passion. We do everything in our power to create the most professional, comfortable, and stress-free dental experience possible.” Contact the Center directly to schedule an appointment; a referral is not necessary.

AARON BRISTOL

For apprehensive dental patients, Drs. Norkin and Aranguren are among the only periodontists in South Florida certified in conscious IV sedation.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Frederic J. Norkin, DMD Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI

Eitan Gross, DMD Board Certified in Anesthesiology

Jeffrey Ganeles, DMD, FACD

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, AO, ITI Board of Directors, Academy of Osseointegration

Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDSc Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI

Samuel Zfaz, DDS

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI

SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY 3020 North Military Trail, Ste. 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-912-9993 flsmile.com

David B. Hevert, MD Internal Medicine SPECIALTY: Internal Medicine MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, Tufts Medical School, Boston, MA INTERNSHIP AND RESIDENCY: Albert Einstein Montefiore Medical Center, NY Board-certified internist, Dr. David B. Hevert relocated to South Florida over thirty-five years ago and initially served as Medical Director for Broward General Hospital Emergency Department. Several years later he joined a large internal medicine practice in Boca Raton and then eventually founded his own practice, Glades Medical Group. Located in the F.A.U. Research Park for over twenty years in a stateof-the-art office, Glades Medical Group features a full on-site CLIA lab, ultrasound services, dietitian, bone density, intravenous therapy and full acute medicine, cognitive assessment and treatment. Six physicians and three nurse practitioners are available for patient appointments and several of the physicians serve as clinical professors for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at F.A.U. Hevert is active in many organizations and is a medical director for several senior facilities. Hevert provides premiere medical care to his patients. The practice admits their patients to Boca Raton Regional Hospital and follows the patients through discharge to rehabilitation facilities. Dr. Stephanie Oyen, along with three nurse practitioners provides medical care during the rehabilitation process in the facilities so that patients receive excellent, personalized care.

The physicians are actively involved in the community and believe in developing strong relationships with patients to address preventative, chronic and acute care needs. The aesthetic program provides another dimension to the practice as the group stresses the goal of an active, quality life for each patient. Hevert and the staff at Glades Medical Group welcome new patients. For more information visit their website.

AARON BRISTOL

The practice offers twenty-four hour a day call service for patients after hours and on weekends so that patients can talk directly to a physician or APRN.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Angel Casademont, MD Paul Diamond, DO David Hevert, MD Alla Tsimerman, DO Stephanie Oyen, MD Janice Plaxe, DO

GLADES MEDICAL GROUP 3848 FAU Blvd., Ste. 210 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-394-3088 gladesmedical.com

Robert S. Bader, MD Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery SPECIALTIES: Skin Cancer Detection & Treatment, Mohs’ Surgery, Dermatologic Plastic Surgery, Laser Treatments, Thread Lifting. Toxins & Fillers UNDERGRADUATE: The George Washington University, Bachelor of Arts MEDICAL TRAINING: The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Doctorate of Medicine with distinction FELLOWSHIP: Mohs’ and Dermatologic Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Dermatology--a program affiliated with Columbia University RESIDENCY: Dermatology, Allegheny University Hospitals-Hahnemann, Philadelphia, PA; Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital Dr. Robert S. Bader’s formula for success in his full service dermatology practice, R.S.B. Dermatology Inc., is to be honest with his patients, to work with them to find the best treatment options from a surgical and medical standpoint and from a cosmetic standpoint, he strives to make people look as youthful and natural as possible with the least amount of risk and cost.

“In this area of the country, the cost of medicine is significantly higher. I want to make myself affordable for everyone who needs my services. Practicing in Deerfield Beach is especially unique. I see billionaires in my waiting room sitting next to patients on Medicaid. Every one of my patients is on an equal playing field for me when it comes to their care and treatment, whether they are paying me cash, or under financial assistance. I have my patient’s best interests in mind and strive to give them the best care and experience possible,” he says.

R.S.B. DERMATOLOGY, INC. Cove Shopping Center 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Ste. 204 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 954-421-3200 Drbader.com

AARON BRISTOL

“My focus is to provide a full-service dermatology experience, where you come to one comfortable office and get almost any skin-related procedure performed on the premises: fillers, toxins, age spot treatments, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, acne scar treatments, micro-needling with radiofrequency, earlobe repair, and blood vessel removal. I also perform sclerotherapy for spider veins, laser hair removal, stretch mark treatments, scar treatments, and the latest in fat reduction treatments. I listen to my patients’ desires and try to achieve their goals, while working within their budgets,” Bader explains.

Matthew R. Moore, MD, FAANS, FACS Neurosurgery SPECIALTIES: Neck and low back pain, spinal and brain tumors UNDERGRADUATE: Harvard College, with Honors MEDICAL DEGREE: Yale School of Medicine, with Honors for Neuroregeneration thesis RESIDENCY: Harvard Medical School, Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA CHIEF RESIDENT and Harvey Cushing Fellow Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Matthew R. Moore treats a variety of the most complex neurological issues including benign and malignant brain and spine tumors and debilitating neck and lower back pain. This July, he will also be director of Advanced Integrated Neurosurgical Services at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Marcus Neuroscience Institute. Each year since 1999, Moore’s expertise has earned him recognition as a Castle Connelly Top Doctor in Neurosurgery. Due to his respected reputation and in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of his specialized field, Moore is also frequently called upon to serve as an expert witness, providing consultation and testimony through Florida Neurological Experts, for accident and malpractice cases throughout the U.S.

AARON BRISTOL

Moore uses the most up-to-date treatments for the best outcomes using cutting-edge treatment with computer navigation along with lasers for neck and lower back pain to provide pain-free results not often found with traditional operations. Patients are often up walking and back to their normal routines within days.

MARCUS NEUROSCIENCE INSTITUTE-BRRH (additional office starting in July) 3313 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Ste. 100 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 For Appointments Email: DrMatthewMoore.MNI@gmail.com and at 1821 N.E. 25th St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 For Patient Appointments Call: 954-771-4251 For Attorney Conferences Call: 954-998-6186 FloirdaNeurosurgicalExperts@gmail.com

For more than a decade, Moore’s group, Neurological Surgery Associates served as the team physician for the Miami Dolphins and the local NHL Players’ Association. The game plan for every person has been to treat each patient like a member of his own family.

Jennifer Foster, M.D., M.B.A. Internal Medicine SPECIALTIES: Internal Medicine, Primary Care UNDERGRADUATE: Illinois Wesleyan University MEDICAL SCHOOL: St. George’s University in Granada, West Indies RESIDENCY: East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, selected to serve an additional year as Chief Resident Dr. Jennifer Foster is an accomplished internist and primary care physician at the FAU Medicine practice. Board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Foster provides excellent care at the state of the art FAU Medicine facility. Leading innovation in medicine, Foster is also on the faculty at the Schmidt College of Medicine and FAU’s Internal Medicine residency program. By teaching the next generation of physicians, Foster remains up to date on the latest clinical innovations. Prior to joining FAU Medicine, she practiced at the renowned Cleveland Clinic Florida. Foster is especially passionate about women’s health, including screening exams and disease prevention. As part of a team of university faculty, she is dedicated to ensuring good health by providing compassionate care to her patients. With a focus on prevention and longevity, Foster coordinates individualized care.

FAU MEDICINE PRIMARY CARE 880 N.W. 13th Street Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-566-5328 faumedicine.org

EMILIANO BROOKS

FAU Medicine offers on-site diagnostic services, including full laboratory, EKG, and vaccinations. Services include adult preventive care, routine check-ups, management of acute and chronic health problems, and geriatric consultations. FAU Medicine’s 7,000-square-foot facility now offers patients both primary and integrative healthcare. In addition to a conventional clinic setting, the Marcus Institute houses a demonstration kitchen, community wellness activity space, and infusion suites.

Leonard Berkowitz, DO Family Medicine SPECIALTIES: Primary Care, Family Medicine UNDERGRADUATE: Cornell University MEDICAL SCHOOL: New York Institute of Technology, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury RESIDENCY: South Nassau Communities Hospital, recipient of the 2003 Resident Teaching Award INTERNSHIP: New York Methodist Hospital Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, lead physician for the FAU Medicine primary care practice in Boca Raton, provides compassionate and personalized care. Board-certified in family practice by the American Board of Family Medicine, Berkowitz is a highly experienced doctor with more than a decade of practice in New York and New Jersey before relocating to serve patients in South Florida.

EMILIANO BROOKS

Berkowitz delivers high quality care with lasting health outcomes to improve patients’ longevity and wellbeing. He is part of a team of university faculty who oversee all aspects of adult patients’ healthcare—from preventive medicine, to primary care, geriatric care and the management of complex chronic conditions. FAU Medicine also provides referrals to outstanding FAU-affiliated faculty specialists and hospitals for specialty care needs.

FAU MEDICINE PRIMARY CARE 880 N.W. 13th Street Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-566-5328 faumedicine.org

As the only Palm Beach university-operated primary care facility, FAU Medicine is across from the FAU campus in a state-of-the-art facility. The primary care practice now shares the entire fourth floor of the Galen Medical Building with the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at FAU Medicine. This new space houses exam rooms, infusion suites, demonstration kitchen, and wellness activity space. Together, FAU Medicine Primary Care and the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health address all factors that influence health and wellness under one roof.

Sindledecker Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Amanda Sindledecker, DMD UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: University of Michigan Ann Arbor, University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University DOCTORATE OF MEDICAL DENTISTRY: College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University SPECIALTIES: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Facial Esthetics

Jamie Saltz, DMD UNDERGRADUATE: University of Florida DOCTORATE OF MEDICAL DENTISTRY: University of Pennsylvania RESIDENCY: General Practice, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY SPECIALTIES: General and Family Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

When patients sit in Dr. Sindledecker’s dental chair, the ambiance of the warm wood vaulted beam ceilings and architecture of the office’s interior captivates and comforts her patients. The eye-catching historic building in east Boca was sought after by her parents who also had the reputation of being fine dentists, as the perfect destination to continue the Sindledecker Dentistry legacy. Quality and comprehensive customized care is at the foundation of Sindledecker’s practice. They utilize state-of-the-art equipment, and cutting edge technology. The most natural looking, brilliant custom veneer smile designs are created with her artistry, discerning eye and a passion for perfection.

The all-women staff includes four hygienists who offer their expertise in the practice, one that has been with Sindledecker for twenty years. “I am so very lucky to be surrounded by a team of such skilled, dynamic, dedicated women. I am extremely honored to treat many of my parents’ previous patients and their families. The best compliment I receive is to be told that I have my late father’s incredible gentle touch. He and my mom touched so many lives—and now, it’s my turn.”

Jamie Saltz, DMD

SINDLEDECKER DENTISTRY 162 W. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-299-5805 mybocadentist.com

Amanda Sindledecker, DMD

AARON BRISTOL

The scope of services also include facial aesthetic and rejuvenation procedures, Invisalign® treatment, dental implants, teeth whitening and smile enhancement. “Her fine restorative dentistry and preventative care, with a gentle touch brought Dr. Jamie Saltz to perfectly fit into our model practice. Her delightful demeanor is truly appreciated,” Sindledecker says. “She is dedicated to doing her best every day for each patient and their needs.”

Stuart H. Isaacson, MD, FAAN Neurology SPECIALTIES: Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BS, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, Northwestern University School of Medicine INTERNSHIP: Columbia University St. Luke’s- Roosevelt Hospital, NYC RESIDENCY: Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC FELLOWSHIP: National Institute of Health; Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC Dr. Stuart H. Isaacson, is an internationally recognized expert in Parkinson’s disease, with more than 200 scientific publications and a history as lead investigator in global research programs. A board-certified movement disorder neurologist, Isaacson established the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center of Boca Raton in 1999, a non university-based academic center. Along with movement disorder specialists Dr’s. Sagari Betté (Harvard, UMiami) and Richard Dewey (Dallas, Southwestern), Isaacson directs a team of clinicians, nurses, research coordinators, and social workers, combining a holistic clinical approach to treatment with access to one of the largest Parkinson’s clinical research centers in the U.S.

EMILIANO BROOKS

For accurate diagnosis, the Center provides no-cost gene testing, skin biopsy, and DaTscan. Patients and families are educated about newly FDA-approved therapies for Parkinson’s. Expert medical care is integrated with options to participate in ongoing research programs for persistent symptoms and to slow progression in recently diagnosed. Research also focuses on two genes that cause Parkinson’s in Ashkenazi Jewish patients, and the preventPD program was recently launched for those at higher risk of developing Parkinson’s.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND MOVEMENT DISORDERS CENTER OF BOCA RATON 951 N.W. 13th Street, Bldg. 5-E Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-392-1818 ParkinsonsCenter.org

The Parkinson’s Wellness Center complements clinical care and research, offering daily lectures, therapy, counseling, and exercise. These are available at no cost to the community, supported by the Parkinson’s Research and Education Foundation, whose mission is to support local research, education, services, and outreach for those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Alan J. Bauman, MD, ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS Founder, CEO & Medical Director, Bauman Medical Group SPECIALTIES: Hair Transplant and Hair Loss Treatments UNDERGRADUATE: B.S., Psychobiology, University of California MEDICAL TRAINING: MD w/ Cor Et Manus Award, New York Medical College FELLOWSHIP: Hair transplantation, Eastwood Medical, Garden City, NY RESIDENCY: Surgery, Mt. Sinai Medical Center and Beth Israel Medical Center, NYC Dr. Alan J. Bauman changes lives, one hair at a time. Since opening Bauman Medical Group in 1997, he has transformed the appearance of more than 33,000 men and women and performed more than 10,000 hair transplants. He is one of approximately only 200 physicians worldwide to achieve the certification from the esteemed American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS). What may come as a surprise, his patient base is equally split 50/50 between males and females, though their hair loss patterns and causes differ. “Instead of seeing the receding hairline men often experience as they get older with thinning in the crown, women experience diffuse thinning in the top and front, typically caused by stress, heredity, childbirth, menopause or other medical issues,” he says.

Bauman was recently voted “#1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon” in North America by Aesthetic Everything for the sixth consecutive year, “Top Hair Restoration Surgeon of the Decade,” and received the 2022 “Lifetime Achievement Award in Hair Restoration.” He was also recognized by Forbes as one of “The 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America.”

BAUMAN MEDICAL GROUP 1450 S. Dixie Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-394-0024 baumanmedical.com

AARON BRISTOL

Known for pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration, Bauman performs minimally-invasive FUE Follicular Unit Extraction, VIP|FUE™ No-Shave Hair Transplant, Low-Level Laser Therapy, PRP Platelet Rich Plasma, PDOgro™, Eyelash Transplants and others. Bauman now offers one of the most exciting advances in DNA testing, TrichoTest™, a breakthrough genetic test that looks at three variations of 16 different SNPs (aka genes) which can tell specifically what kind of therapies and treatments might work best for each patient’s hair loss. TrichoTest™ is fast, easy, and 100 percent non-invasive.

Charlton Stucken, MD, FAAOS Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine UNDERGRADUATE: Cornell University MEDICAL SCHOOL: Boston University School of Medicine INTERNSHIP: Boston Medical Center RESIDENCY: Boston University Orthopaedic Residency FELLOWSHIP: Rothman Institute at Jefferson University, Sports Medicine Surgery Dr. Charlton Stucken is a Double BoardCertified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine surgery. Stucken trained with world-renowned surgeons in prestigious programs in Boston and Philadelphia and has provided care to collegiate and professional athletes. Most of his procedures are performed arthroscopically, allowing faster recovery with minimal downtime. He performs more than 400 cases yearly, evenly split between knee and shoulder surgeries. “Many of my patients have already experienced failed surgery elsewhere, and are often reluctant to undergo a corrective revision procedure, but these are some of my best outcomes: taking people who are at their worst and giving them their life and lifestyle back. The athletes whom I care for vary from high-school and collegiate athletes to weekend warriors to seniors looking to stay active.”

AARON BRISTOL

“While it may be intimidating to visit a surgeon’s office, most knee and shoulder pain can be resolved with non-operative treatment and guidance. For those patients that do need surgery, our newer techniques such as computer navigation allow faster recovery with minimally invasive surgery. The same personalized and innovative treatments that we use on our professional athletes I also recommend for the rest of my patients,” Stucken explains.

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES 1601 Clint Moore Road, Ste. 125 Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-734-5080 ortho-surgeon.com

“My goal is that patients choose my practice in Boca Raton for their surgical care, knowing that I am guided by the belief in providing the most exceptional care, without exception.”

John F Morrison, MD Neurosurgery SPECIALTIES: Endoscopic brain and spine surgery, brain tumors, cerebrovascular neurosurgery, hydrocephalus surgery, vagus nerve stimulator implantation and peripheral nerve surgery UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin GRADUATE SCHOOL: Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska MEDICAL TRAINING: Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska INTERNSHIP: General Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA RESIDENCY: Chief Resident, Neurosurgery, Brown University / University at Buffalo FELLOWSHIP: Cerebrovascular, University at Buffalo With a five-generation family lineage and a childhood spent experiencing firsthand his father’s care for his critically ill patients, Dr. John F. Morrison realized he wanted to forge his own path into the medical field, choosing neurosurgery as his specialty. “I believe in helping others and treating every patient as if they were my family. Having that connection makes an impact on me and guides my decision of helping others, above and beyond,” says Morrison.

“My goal in founding The Morrison Clinic was to be independent and have a level of autonomy to do the cases I want and make my own decisions for my patients, while understanding the responsibility that entails. I accept most insurance policies to give access to as many patients as possible and provide healthcare that everyone deserves.’’ explains Morrison.

THE MORRISON CLINIC 4675 Linton Blvd., Ste. 200A Delray Beach, FL 33445 2290 10th Avenue North, Ste. 401 Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461 561-284-8455 themorrisonclinic.com

EMILIANO BROOKS

At The Morrison Clinic, Morrison treats a variety of neurological conditions from head, neck, back and/or nerve pain as well as aneurysms, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Acoustic Neuroma, head trauma and concussion management. He performs endoscopic spine surgery, spinal fusion, cerebrovascular neurosurgery, skull base surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, microvascular decompression, and excision of brain and spine tumors.

Delray Family Dentistry General and Cosmetic Dentistry Richard Harris, DMD SPECIALTIES: Implant and Restorative Dentistry UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Biology, Queens College, NY DENTAL TRAINING: Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut

Christopher Sepe, DDS SPECIALTIES: Oral surgery, cosmetic prosthodontics, root canal UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Biology, Florida State University DENTAL TRAINING: Doctor of Dental Surgery, NYU Dental School RESIDENCY: Staten Island University Hospital, NY

Dr. Richard Harris started Delray Family Dentistry in 2005 after owning a practice in Fresh Meadows, New York for 18 years. His associate, Dr. Christopher Sepe, also a New Yorker, joined the practice three years ago, merging their dental expertise and New York state of mind mentality to their patients, providing gentle, comprehensive care utilizing the latest technology. Harris and Sepe place and restore implants and stay current on continuing education with an emphasis on Implant Dentistry and Cone Beam 3D Imaging, allowing immediate placement of implants. They provide state of the art dentistry with advanced technologies performed in the office including Cerec (one day) crowns and have advanced knowledge of CADCAM technology and are Invisalign certified. Same day smile make-overs are custom tailored in the office, as opposed to being sent out to a lab “where they don’t know what the patient looks like,” explains Sepe. “We actually custom fit the teeth in the patient’s mouth for their face and for their mouth to have a customized unique look reflecting their personality, as opposed to coming out with teeth that don’t look natural.”

Christopher Sepe, DDS

AARON BRISTOL

Richard Harris, DMD

DELRAY FAMILY DENTISTRY 15300 S. Jog Road, Ste. 207 Delray Beach, FL 33446 561-498-3181 delrayfamilydentistry.com

“When you’re here, you know you are not just another number. We’re very conservative in our approach and we treat everyone like family, with the kind of dentistry we’d perform on our own mother, so to speak,” they said. “Everyone at Delray Family Dentistry gets the amount of individualized attention that they need,” Harris says.

David Gerth, MD Plastic Surgery SPECIALTIES: Plastic Surgery UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.S., Magna Cum Laude, University of Georgia MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Otolaryngology Residency FELLOWSHIP: Facial Plastic Surgery, RWJ/UMDNJ/ Glasgold Group; Research, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Miami RESIDENCY: Plastic Surgery, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Miami Dr. David Gerth is board certified in otolaryngology and board-eligible in plastic surgery and facial plastics. He has received training in three specialties: plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology (head and neck). While Gerth’s unique training makes him an exceptional facial plastic surgeon, he brings the same expertise to work for his patients undergoing body and breast procedures including South Florida’s most popular procedure, Brazilian butt lift (BBL). He is an innovative and creative surgeon who always looks for new ways to improve his work by employing the latest technologies and techniques. Gerth’s commitment to excellence and drive to achieve the best outcome for each patient make him an excellent choice for many patients interested in cosmetic surgery for the face or body.

Tom Reisler, MD (not featured in photo) Plastic Surgery

Dr. Tom Reisler is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who traveled the world in search of the best education. Mentored by several world-class plastic surgeons in the United Kingdom and the United States, he developed a unique and unmatched skillset needed to perfect surgical aesthetic procedures. Reisler has worked performing advanced reconstructive microsurgery, aesthetic plastic surgery, mentored other surgeons as a professor, and authored dozens of medical papers and textbook materials. His mission is to treat the individual patient with care and compassion, at the same time providing the highest-level results for cosmetic procedures. Reisler takes the time to work with each patient, guiding them through the process, and offers unparalleled level of surgical experience and ethical integrity.

SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY 915 Middle River Drive, Ste. 213 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-565-7575 floridacentercosmetic.com

AARON BRISTOL

SPECIALTIES: Plastic Surgery UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BS, Honors, University College London, London, UK, MEDICAL TRAINING: MBChB (MD equivalent), University of Dundee Medical School, Dundee, Scotland INTERNSHIP: Surgery, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, NY FELLOWSHIP: Microsurgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School RESIDENCY: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Zarina Staller, DDS Dentistry SPECIALTIES: General and Preventative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Advanced Technology DENTAL TRAINING: Doctor of Dental Science, Colegio Odontologico Colombiano, Bogota, Colombia DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE: Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine; Recipient of Academy of General Dentistry Award Dr. Zarina Staller has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years. In addition to her own private practice, she shares her expertise by teaching cosmetic dentistry to third year dental students at Nova Southeastern University and works with Army soldiers to ensure their dental health for their upcoming deployment. Staller also finds time to volunteer for those in need at Caridad Center, and has served as the team dentist for FAU football and basketball for five years. “My boutique-style dental practice is a reflection of many of my passions. I practice dentistry like dentists did in the old days. From the moment a patient comes into the office I am by their side to listen to their fears and problems with compassion, and I am very honest in assessing their treatment, providing the best, most tailored solutions,” Staller explains. Staller spends much of her spare time diving and taking photographs of the undersea world, displaying her favorite images on the walls of her practice for her patients to enjoy the beauty and tranquility that abounds.

KEVIN HANSON

Staller’s professional memberships include American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; American Academy of Implant Dentistry; American Academy of General Dentistry and American and Florida Dental Association.

ZARINA STALLER DENTISTRY 16950 Jog Road, Ste. 106 Delray Beach, FL 33446 561-430-2959 zarinastallerdentistry.com

Caitlin Prickett, DO Internal Medicine SPECIALTIES: Concierge Medicine, Internal Medicine UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.S., Chemistry, Biology; University of Alabama MEDICAL TRAINING: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine RESIDENCY: Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama Medical Center Dr. Caitlin Prickett realized that the level of care she wanted to provide her patients as a board-certified internal medicine physician would best be achieved through establishing a concierge medical practice. In December, she opened Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton offering highly personalized care, managing chronic conditions, treating new problems, focusing on preventive medicine, and maintaining overall health and wellness. She does this without the constraints of insurance. “I work for the patient, not the insurance company.” “I’m able to spend more time with my patients. Our visits are 30-60 minutes or longer, if needed. My patient panel is around 600, not in the thousands, so my patients and I get to know each other. I am completely accessible 24/7; patients can always reach me on my personal cell phone, by email or with a telehealth visit,” she says.

“I want my practice to feel like a welcoming home for my patients’ medical needs. As an on-staff physician at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, when my patients are admitted, I will be there as well to help coordinate their care,” she says. “I am their partner in health.”

CONCIERGE ELBERT E VACA MEDICINE MD OF BOCA RATON 825 BOCA Meadows RATON Road, Ste. 111 Boca 660Raton, GladesFLRoad, 33486Ste. #210 561-961-3005 561-393-9898 cmbocaraton.com elbertvacamd.com

EMILIANO AARON BRISTOL BROOKS

Prickett emphasizes the benefits that concierge membership patients receive with a comprehensive annual physical and wellness visit, and as many in-office, followup or urgent visits, as needed. In-house lab work with an on-site pharmacy add to the convenient offerings, as well as revolutionary early cancer detection tests and genetic screenings. Prickett has additional training in women’s health and is a member of the North American Menopause Society.

Michael P. Costabile, DMD Dentistry SPECIALTIES: Cosmetic and General Dentistry UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.S., Biology, The College of New Jersey DENTAL TRAINING: Doctor of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL From the age of four, growing up in New Jersey, Dr. Michael P. Costabile had a friend next door whose dad was a dentist. “I always wanted to be a dentist too; I wanted to live in Florida, have a convertible and a dog…I’m now a dentist, I had a convertible for over 10 years, I have four dogs, two kids and two practices,” chuckles Costabile, who has fulfilled his dental dreams between his Boca Raton and Wilton Manors practices since 2009.

BRIAN BEACH

“I perform almost everything in dentistry from basic cleanings, new patient exams, oral cancer screenings, fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, extractions, veneers and Botox®. I can even do same day crowns depending on the cases. We use very high-end digital technology to scan the teeth and then we have a milling unit so that we can make our own crowns in the office,” he explains.

DENTAL ASSOCIATES OF BOCA RATON 5295 Town Center Road, Ste. 200 Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-347-8266 2404 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-440-7795 mybocasmile.com

Costabile does his best to customize treatments to patients’ needs by understanding what their experiences have been in the past and trying to overcome some of those difficulties. He reflects, “Like anything else in life, the first step is admitting you have a problem. So, if you’ve already taken that step and you’ve come into our office, you’ve overcome probably the biggest hurdle. From there, it’s just a matter of us figuring out what makes you tick, what is it that makes you apprehensive and how we get around that. If you truly understand where patients are coming from, and respect that, it makes your life and theirs a whole lot better.”

Lawrence Weinstein, MD Cardiology SPECIALTIES: Cardiovascular Disease UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.S., The City College New York, NYC Medical training: Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP: St. Luke’s/ Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York Dr. Lawrence Weinstein is a board-certified clinical cardiologist who considers himself a primary care physician for the heart. “My focus is on the everyday issues patients face: hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, prevention of heart disease and arrhythmias,” he explains. “The key is spending the time to listen to my patients. About 85% of all diagnoses can be made just by listening, a skill I learned from my father who was Chief of Cardiology at Jamaica Hospital in New York.” Following in his footsteps, Weinstein went to the six-year medical program at City College, which trained physicians to work in medically underserved areas. He delivered care in the South Bronx, Ecuador, and even Siberia.

CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SOUTH FLORIDA 9868 S. State Road 7, Ste. 335 Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-200-3583 drlweinstein.com

AARON BRISTOL

“As the Chief of Cardiology at Bethesda Hospital, my focus was optimizing the care our physicians delivered to the community; a goal recognized by Healthgrades when Bethesda was recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals for Cardiac Care. Now in private practice in Boynton Beach, I am back to my roots, delivering on my belief that healthcare should be accessible and available to all. My accommodating staff has been with me for 10 plus years. We offer patients the benefit of concierge care without the fees, and feature on-site diagnostic testing. We try to make the entire patient experience as seamless and painless as possible, taking the time for every patient to truly understand their issues and fulfilling the promise to find solutions for a healthy heart and life,” Weinstein says.

Christine F. Edwards, MD, FACOG Perinatology SPECIALTIES: Management of high-risk pregnancy, prenatal testing, genetic counseling UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Barnard College, Columbia University, NY Medical Training: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY RESIDENCY: Maternal Fetal Medicine, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, NY At Florida Perinatal Center, Dr. Christine F. Edwards performs prenatal testing and screenings for the complications that can arise for expectant women; the focus of her advanced training in Maternal Fetal Medicine after practicing general obstetrics and gynecology at Cornell Medical Center for two years. Her passion for women’s healthcare is shared by fellow perinatologist Laura Laffineuse who has been with her for 15 years. They recently welcomed nurse practitioner, Lindsey Graham. Between all three providers, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese are spoken. Native Creole speakers add to the multi-lingual practice that was founded by Edwards more than twenty years ago.

AARON BRISTOL

The Center’s patients are typically high risk due to existing chronic health problems and those who face unexpected issues that may develop during pregnancy. “I tell my patients that they are each special and unique in their own way, and I am here to guide them, utilizing state of the art technology and prenatal testing for the successful outcome of their pregnancy,” says Edwards.

FLORIDA PERINATAL CENTER 9325 W. Glades Road, Ste. 206 Boca Raton, FL 33434 561-488-5015 9750 N.W. 33rd Street, Ste. 120 Coral Springs, FL 33065 954-255-5799 floridaperinatalcenter.com

“Our specialty is Ultrasound; all day, every day,” she explains. Many OB/GYN‘s refer patients to the Center for a very extensive scan at their 20th week. There are also various screenings for diseases or conditions of fetuses before birth to detect birth defects such as neural tube defects, Down Syndrome, chromosome abnormalities, genetic diseases, Spina Bifida, Tay Sachs disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis and Fragile X Syndrome. “We also see women who are low risk to assist with improved outcomes in the pregnancy. Thankfully, most babies will be born healthy,” Edwards shares.

Eli S. Levine, MD Cardiology SPECIALTIES: Interventional cardiology, clinical cardiology, endovascular surgery, advanced cardiovascular imaging UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Psychobiology and microbiology, UCLA MEDICAL SCHOOL: Ross University School of Medicine, with Honors INTERNSHIP/RESIDENCY: UCLA School of Medicine FELLOWSHIPS: Advanced cardiac imaging, Yale University School of Medicine; Cardiology, University of Colorado, Denver School of Medicine; Interventional cardiology/endovascular surgery, LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA Triple board-certified cardiologist Dr. Eli S. Levine is the Founder of Advanced Heart & Vascular Institute in Boca Raton. With decades of prestigious medical training, expertise and clinical studies to his credit, Levine started a private practice from scratch in 2015. He made this change because he wanted to give more personalized and high-level care without the worries that came with being employed by major corporations, he shared. “Practicing interventional cardiology and performing high-risk procedures are difficult enough; however, determining what’s best for my patients are never difficult decisions to make. Since my family and I have been personally touched by heart disease, I was even more inspired to treat each and every patient like my own family,” says Levine.

“In a short period of time since the inception of the practice, I have been quite fortunate to become one of the highest volume cardiovascular interventional operators in South Florida with fantastic outcomes. To achieve this privilege, we handle each case with utmost personalized care, compassion and time to yield the most favorable results for our patients and their families.”

ADVANCED HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE 951 N.W. 13th Street, Ste. 5B Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-235-5621 advancedhvi.com

AARON BRISTOL

“My practice focuses on minimally invasive surgical and medical treatment of heart, vascular, and venous diseases. We specialize in complex invasive heart and vascular procedures, including coronary artery stenting, lower extremity arterial stenting, stress testing, echocardiograms, loop recorder implantation, heart catherization, endovascular vein treatments, TAVR & Mitra-Clip (aortic/mitral valve replacement/repair without open heart surgery), and Watchman device placement (to eliminate the need to take blood thinners). The structural heart interventions at our practice are done by triple board-certified interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael A. Schechter, who brought his vast expertise to our practice in 2020.

Vivian Hernandez, MD, FACS Facial Plastic Surgery SPECIALTIES: Plastic Surgery of the Face and Non-Surgical Aesthetics MEDICAL TRAINING: General Surgery, Cornell University Teaching Hospital RESIDENCY: University of Illinois Hospital at Chicago FELLOWSHIP: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, New York University Hospital/Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital; Aesthetic Fellow, Drs. Baker & Gordon, Miami, FL Dr. Vivian Hernandez sets herself apart as a premier board-certified plastic surgeon in Boca Raton. Female patients in particular derive comfort from working with a plastic surgeon who has a unique insight into their aesthetic goals and desires. The doctor’s personalized boutique-like practice is focused uniquely on the face and is distinguished by her signature style of care. Having trained with many of the nation’s top plastic surgeons, she is uniquely positioned to provide numerous options for the person considering facial rejuvenation, from plastic surgery of the face to a complete range of non-surgical treatments. Along with her surgical expertise, Hernandez is also a skilled injector for dermal fillers and other rejuvenating injectables. Even for her nonsurgical treatments, she applies the same care and artistry to make her outcomes as natural and pleasing as possible. Hernandez believes in creating a youthful, natural look and that the best results should be noticeable in the right way. That means your friends, coworkers and loved ones will only see a more rejuvenated, confident you.

AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY, P.A. 4799 N. Federal Highway, Ste. 4 Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-750-8600 DrHernandez.com

“The aging process takes its toll, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally,” Hernandez says. “I want to make my patients feel good about themselves again. I enjoy my work and strive to help each individual find the right procedure to recapture a radiant self-image that reinforces their confidence and self-esteem.”

William A. Sunshine, MD, FACR Rheumatology SPECIALTIES: Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases MEDICAL SCHOOL: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia RESIDENCY: Brookdale Hospital, Brooklyn, New York FELLOWSHIP: Rheumatology, Jackson Health System, Miami, Florida. Served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine Board-certified Rheumatologist Dr. William A. Sunshine finds purpose in helping others by diagnosing and treating the most complex inflammatory diseases for the last 27 years in his private practice. Sunshine’s office offers the best of both worlds, as he practices with the personalized care and attention of a solo practitioner while at the same time leveraging the support of his membership in AARA (American Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates), the largest rheumatology super-group in the nation powered by Bendcare™. Collectively, AARA has created optimal clinical algorithms to support proper pathways of care for chronic inflammatory patients. This empowers each physician to provide consistently high-quality care using the latest innovations.

From the moment he greets his patients in the waiting room, it is clear Sunshine embraces his profession as a physician and sincerely feels a responsibility to support patients in creating individualized treatment plans that meet their goals for optimal health and comfort. Sunshine has conducted several clinical trials and authored multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has appeared on television, radio and the internet addressing current topics in rheumatology.

WILLIAM A. SUNSHINE, MD, PA 660 Glades Road, Ste. 306 Boca Raton, FL 33431 230 George Bush Blvd. Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-862-0401 wsunshinemd.com

AARON BRISTOL

With a care philosophy that is built upon creating and maintaining a compassionate partnership with each patient, Sunshine’s approach to treating rheumatic disease includes an analysis of patient-reported outcomes, whereby patients gain an understanding of their disease states and become an active part of the decision-making process.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery SPECIALTIES: Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery; Facial Rejuvenation/ Reconstruction UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.A. with Distinction, Cornell University, NY MEDICAL TRAINING: New York University School of Medicine RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP: General and Plastic Surgery Residencies, Wound Healing and Microsurgery Fellowship, New York University Medical Center, Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery; Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital Board-certified in general and plastic surgery, Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera has been practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery in Boca Raton for more than two decades. He is on staff exclusively at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and is renowned for the natural looking results he achieves for his patients. Cabrera attributes using an array of tools and techniques to regain a more youthful appearance. “No chipmunk cheeks or duck lips are allowed in my practice. Over-lasering the face or over-filling the cheeks and lips to hide every last wrinkle is not flattering. Ultimately, patients rely on my expertise, esthetic judgment and integrity,” he assures.

CARLOS ARISTIZABAL

Facelifts are among the most requested procedures Cabrera performs and are an effective way to achieve a refreshed and renewed appearance. He explains the intricate procedure he has perfected over decades in simple terms: A good facelift means you look beautifully natural without anyone knowing you’ve had work done. “Tightening the muscle layer and ligaments are often necessary to get a more youthful contour. Adding volume with natural tissue, like your own fat and stem cells, will augment and rejuvenate your face by replacing facial deflation associated with aging,” he says.

AESTHETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY 951 N.W. 13th Street, Ste. 4-A Boca Raton, FL 33486 561-393-6400 Pssbocaraton.com

Men are equally as interested in aging gracefully and benefit from Cabrera’s expertise. “Since men now work longer, retire at an older age and can maintain muscle mass by exercising, it is important to have their faces match their bodies. Droopy eyes and sagging necks are in stark contrast from their otherwise sharp, on-the-ball appearances and physiques. Eye and neck procedures can greatly improve their appearance,” Cabrera explains.

The YMCA of South Palm Beach County proudly recognizes our 20th Annual Inspiration Breakfast Committee

Alex Price 2022 Inspiration Breakfast Event Chair

Michelle Adams Jonathan Barbar Jay Brandt Barbara Cambia Nancy Cavanagh Ike Chimbandi Myra Cupid Heather Dupree Paige Gantt James Gavrilos

Michael Graffin Jason Hagensick Linda Heneks Terri Honeycutt Daniel Huck Courtney Hunter Clayton Idle Freddie July-Johnson Jackie Kaleel Lauren Kimber

Billy Marino Andrea Marzano Michelle McGovern Fran Nachlas Dana O’Neill Karly Parsons Linda Gunn Paton Abby Paz Ryan Reiter Jackie Riordan

Brianna Silva Erick Solms Tracy Sussman Nancy Walsh Brad Winstead Nancy Woodfill Mickey Zitzmann

The Beach Tower | Image by DBOX

The Worth Group Introduces

The Marina Tower | Image by DBOX

For more information contact us at: 561 639 2149 inquiry@theworthgrp.com www.theworthgrp.com

The Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano Beach Set to revolutionize luxury living from sunrise to sunset, the highly amenitized property is the first ever to offer two distinct towers, The Beach Tower on the pristine sands of Pompano Beach to the east and The Marina Tower with an intracoastal experience and private marina to the west. The collection of 205 residences will be complemented by legendary Ritz-Carlton service.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach are not owned, developed or sold by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. THIS PROJECT IS BEING DEVELOPED BY 1380 OCEAN ASSOCIATES, LLC. WHICH HAS THE RIGHT TO USE THE TRADEMARK NAMES AND LOGOS OF FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL GROUP AND OAK CAPITAL. The renderings contained herein are an artist impression, conceptual interpretation, proposed only and merely intended as illustration. No guarantee is made that the described features, services, amenities or facilities will be available or built. Developer reserves the right to make any modifications, revisions or withdrawals in its sole discretion and without prior notice. All improvements, design and construction are subject to first obtaining permits and approvals for same by the relevant authorities.

FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL REALTY 370 W. Camino Gardens Blvd. Suite 304. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Grand Opening

The Most

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561.562.9119 | verlo.com

4301 Oak Circle, Unit 28 Boca Raton, FL 33431

info@marineinitiative.org 561-405-5576 / marineinitiative.org

Come visit one of the only indoor sustainable farms in Boca Raton and learn about the power of aquaponics. Weekly harvests on Saturdays from 9:30am to 11:30am. Contact us to schedule a tour or volunteer.

presents

BOCA BALLET THEATRE Artistic Directors: Dan Guin & Jane Tyree

HONORARY CHAIRS

a mixed repertory concert

May 7 - 7:30 pm & May 8 - 2:00 pm Olympic Performing Arts Theatre, Boca Raton For Tickets

www.bocaballet.org

Gary Harris and Suzanne Holmes

(561) 995 - 0709 Chastain Charitable Foundation

Vegso Family Foundation

Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation

EL YN

“C

PA G

N E” OT KIN G O W N ER S

Irvin Stern Foundation

561.268.2355 EVENTS@HANLEYFOUNDATION.ORG HANLEYFOUNDATION.ORG/EVENTS

GOLF CLASSIC CHAIRS

Nellie Benoit, Nancy Caraboolad, and Virginia Mortara

Spring Curation

7:30 AM REGISTRATION 9:00 AM SHOTGUN START BEAR LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

M O N D AY, A P R I L 1 1 , 2 0 2 2

CA RO LE J. BU FF O RD

CAROLE J. BUFFORD | APRIL 9 EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING | MAY 21 THE MOTOWNERS | JUNE 11

8:00 - 9:30 PM

TICKETS:

POMPANOBEACHARTS.ORG/MUSICSERIES

954.545.7800

PBA Music Series Boca Magazine 3.75 x 4.75.indd 1

3/1/22 11:34 AM

EAT & DRINK

AARON BRISTOL

800 PA L M T RA I L G R I L L R E V I E W A L L E YC AT R E V I E W D I S COV E R I E S TA B L E TA L K

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Poached pear salad from 800 Palm Trail Grill

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REVIEW

E AT & D R I N K

800 Palm Trail Grill 800 Palm Trail, Delray Beach; 561/865-5235

Clockwise from bottom: Snapper oreganata, herbseared scallops and Wagyu boneless short rib

IF YOU GO PARKING: Lot HOURS: Tues.-Sat. BAR: 4 p.m.-midnight DINING ROOM: 5-10:30 p.m. PRICES: $10-$68 WEBSITE: palmtrailgrill.com

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his bistro is tucked away on the bottom floor of an unassuming butterscotch-hued commercial building on George Bush Boulevard right before the bridge. Under its cerulean blue canopy overlooking lush verdant landscaping, you’ll find plush seating for either a relaxing cocktail or satisfying meal. It opened late last year after taking over Patio Delray’s former location. Michael Holzheid, who also owns the nearby historic Sail Inn, teamed up with Chef Amy Lee to redesign the restaurant into a contemporary space. The menu has a steak and seafood house feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find creative dishes that entice the palate. We decided to start with the poached pear salad ($15), roasted Brussels carbonara ($16) and loaded baked potato eggrolls ($15). The pear salad’s baby arugula was topped with toasted hazelnuts and raspberries that, combined with the roasted shallot vinai-

grette, had a wonderful balance. The Brussels sprouts sounded interesting on the menu—crispy pancetta, Parmesan and a sunnyside-up egg—but left us wanting more, with the sprouts a bit soggy. The eggroll, however, delivered right out of the gate. Visually reminiscent of a childhood dish at TGI Friday’s, the eggrolls were an elevated, transformative dish. The potato stuffing was moist and cheesy and topped with crispy bacon, while the truffle sour cream added to the richness of the dish. For entrees, we ordered the snapper oreganata ($36), herbseared scallops ($39) and Wagyu boneless short rib ($34). Both the scallops and short rib are indicated as house specialties on the menu, but our waiter told us the snapper is a fan favorite among regulars. The short rib was clearly the table’s favorite. An uber tender piece, it was paired with mashed potatoes that were both chunky and creamy. Taking a piece of the meat and dipping it into the pota-

toes was a highlight of the meal. The snapper oreganata wrapped in breadcrumbs and herbs was served on a bed of fingerling potatoes and topped with well-cooked asparagus and a beurre blanc sauce. I enjoyed the moist, tender fish but would have liked to taste a bit more of the citrus in the sauce. The tender scallops were delicately placed on sweet pea risotto and topped with crispy shallots and a saffron beurre blanc. The scallops were well executed, but I would have liked the saffron to come out a bit more in the sauce. Sharing grandma’s recipe, Chef Lee created Iz’s peach cobbler ($10), an explosion of warm, gooey peaches offset nicely with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. The Key lime sunset ($12) is Lee’s take on an ice cream sandwich that’s stuffed with Lily’s handmade Key lime ice cream. The next time you wander off the Ave, a detour to Palm Trail will reward you with first-rate service and creative dishes.

AARON BRISTOL

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

April 2022

3/10/22 1:03 PM

No Dieting • No Exercise • No Drugs • No Surgery

Patients lose an average of 3.5 inches and 1.6 liters of fat during a 32-minute treatment.

561.599.1883

801 S.E. 6th Avenue, Suite 102 • Delray Beach, Florida 33483

REVIEW

E AT & D R I N K

AlleyCat

409 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 561/717-8415

T Clockwise from bottom: hot fried chicken, Wagyu beef dumplings, king crab tacos and garlic fried rice

IF YOU GO PARKING: Lot and valet HOURS: Tues.-Sat., 5-11 p.m. PRICES: $10- $37 WEBSITE: alleycatboca.com

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here are many reasons Rebel House is still a beloved mainstay in Boca’s culinary scene—its eclectic, well-developed plates by chef Eric Baker are interesting and blissfully indulge our palates with every bite. I want to say ditto when describing his newest venture. While this is a Japanese izakaya, or a casual spot for drinks and some bites like sushi, dumplings and fried rice, the items have an unexpected whimsical element that excites even on the menu. I mean, there’s even a pastrami sandwich, but more on that later. Plus, partnering with celebrated sushi chef David Bouhadana of Sushi by Bou, they’re delivering some of the freshest sushi in town, including an omakase option, or chef’s selection (think surprise!). The outdoor patio is spacious, and the 10-seat interior bar allows patrons to watch the sushi chefs hard at work. The menu is carefully curated, offering something for everyone. There’s a selection of sakes, bubbles, white and red wines. The small plates here are easily shareable. We started with the Hamachi Ponzu ($19), plump

slices of tender Japanese yellowtail that weren’t overly marinated but had a slight refreshing citrus undertone and paired delightfully with paper-thin slices of spicy pineapple. The king crab tacos ($28) came out next. Mini nori shells were stuffed with crab that was not overly saucy and let the crab’s flavor take center stage. Moving on to the meat dishes, we tried the Wagyu beef dumplings ($16), which had a lovely sear on the outside but were juicy and moist on the inside. The hot fried chicken ($19) had a great crisp and a spicy kick to it that was beautifully balanced out by the miso honey and creamy yuzu ranch. The grilled short rib ($28) was seared with a slight crunch, while the inside was tender and the savoriness was complemented by the sweet kabocha squash. Channeling a hint of Baker’s Jewish deli that’s down the street, the pastrami sando ($21) features a hearty helping of Uncle Pinkie’s Market & Deli pastrami that’s been breaded, fried and placed in between two toasted slices of traditional Japanese milk bread. The red onion marmalade and hot

mustard was a bit overpowering for me, but the bread was light and airy, and the meat was succulent. I wanted to try the garlic fried rice ($21), and am happy I did. It was a creamier version of other rice dishes I’ve had, which I liked, and it wasn’t skimpy on Florida rock shrimp and meaty bacon bits. Lastly we tried two rolls, the spicy scallop roll ($18) and sunset roll ($23). They arrived with petite gluten-free soy pipettes that I loved, a gentle reminder to not drench the sushi in sauce and instead let the flavors of the fish stand out. The former was an inside-out roll with scallops that joyously slithered in my mouth with a hint of spice, while the latter was bursting with delicate, rich, fatty tuna. To end the feast, the restaurant only offered one dessert when we dined, a brulée Key lime ($12) that had the crispy caramelized top of a crème brulée placed on top of a slice of soft and creamy Key lime pie. With every bite I could feel the thought, hard work and execution behind each dish. The service was on par with it, making this a meal I hope to re-create with future visits.

AARON BRISTOL

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

April 2022

3/10/22 1:03 PM

Every Ingredient Tells a Delicious Story!

Owned & Operated by Chef Ron & Rhonda Weisheit

Let Us Write One Worth Remembering!

NIGHTLY HOURS WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 5PM UNTIL THE CHEF GOES HOME! (Reservations Highly Recommended)

ROYAL PALM PLACE 141 Via Naranjas #45 Boca Raton • 561.990.7969 • twentytwentygrille.com

twentytwentygrille

Executive Chef / Owner Suzanne Perrotto

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

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

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

E AT & D R I N K

FLORIDA TABLE

Dining Guide

EDUARDO SCHNEIDER

Palm Beach County

Filet mignon from Boca Landing

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. $

Arturo’s Ristorante —6750 N. Federal Highway. 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

April 2022

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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 April 2022

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DISCOVERIES

E AT & D R I N K

Ale Trail of The Palm Beaches

Explore the variety of breweries we have in the area on a journey of hops and suds Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

pearheaded by Discover the Palm Beaches, the Ale Trail initiative brings local beer creators together, complete with a fun map and a savings pass that you can download. The easily navigable map spans from Jupiter to Boca Raton, making it easy for you to plan your day based on location, food offerings, outdoor seating and even pet-friendliness. April 7 is National Beer Day, so what better way to celebrate than by visiting the breweries that are producing award-wining, hop-tastic, refreshingly original beers right in our backyard. Here’s a list of our local favorites, but we suggest pulling out the Ale Trail map and discovering your own. Cheers!

A Belgian Tripel from Barrel of Monks

BARREL OF MONKS

With a stunning tasting room and a variety of delicious beers to match, this brewery is in an unassuming warehouse district. Its signature beer, the Wizard, is a Belgian wit that’s refreshing and flavorful and shares the menu with both yearround and seasonal beers fit for every palate. 1141 S. Rogers Circle, Boca Raton; 561/510-1253; barrelofmonks.com

SALTWATER BREWERY

A casual, laid-back atmosphere awaits you. Choose from an IPA, golden ale, stout or even a fruit ale, and then pair it with food from the rotating food trucks that the brewery hosts on its expansive patio. 1701 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/865-5373; saltwaterbrewery.com

PROSPERITY BREWERS

A dedicated team creates small-batch beers that range from hefeweizen and American IPA to interesting seasonal beers like the cinnamon vanilla English ale or a guava sour. 4160 N.W. First Ave., Boca Raton; 561/325-8495; prosperitybrewers.com

CRAZY UNCLE MIKE’S

This live entertainment venue also brews its own beers and proudly pours hops like its Czech pilsner, blonde lager and imperial oatmeal stout. 6450 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561/931-2889; crazyunclemikes.com For additional information or to download the savings pass, visit thepalmbeaches.com/ale-trail-palm-beaches.

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From top: Prosperity Brewers, Saltwater Brewery, Crazy Uncle Mike’s

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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. $$

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 April 2022

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

AARON BRISTOL

Luff’s Fish House—390 E. Palmetto Park Road.

Maryland crab cakes from Loch Bar

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. $$

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

Happy (Lunch) Hour

For the “Mad Men” set, Mario’s Osteria’s extended Happy Hour spans from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day at the bar.

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 first-

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rate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in 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.) $$

SeaSpray Inlet Grill—999 E. Camino Real. 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. $$

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 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. $$$

Buzz Bite I Robot Waiters Are Here to Help

wo local restaurants have hired three new robots to help greet and serve guests. Urban Belly, the family-owned restaurant group, now has robots at two of its concepts: Eat District and the Sea. Eat District, in Boca Raton, is where you can create your own fast-casual healthy Asian bowl, and the Sea in Delray serves up Southeast Asian cuisine including sushi, dumplings and noodles. The BellaBot, designed by Pudu Robotics, is helping offset labor shortages without sacrificing service with its capability to greet guests and carry food. EAT DISTRICT, 1914 N.E. Fifth Ave., Boca Raton; 561/576-2046; eatdistricts.com THE SEA, 16950 Jog Road, Delray Beach; 561/270-3569; theseaasianbistro.com

Twenty Twenty Grille—141 Via Naranjas, Suite

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

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

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 April 2022

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TABLE TALK

E AT & D R I N K

It’s All Greek to Me

The Mediterranean diet is both alluring and enticing; Aromatic olive oil, fresh herbs and vegetables, feta cheese, honey and a variety of legumes are all staples in a Greek kitchen. Lucky for us, we don’t have to travel to Greece to get a taste of the Med thanks to these local restaurants serving up both classic and inventive dishes. Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

TASO’S GREEK TAVERNA & BAR

Indulge in the chef/owner’s family recipes that he’s brought straight from his homeland. Dishes include creamy pastitsio and moussaka alongside juicy gyros and kebobs. 14802 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach; 561/637-7671; tasosgreektaverna.com

GREEK ISLANDS TAVERNA

One of the best parts of Greek cuisine is the meze, and at this restaurant they are one of the menu’s stars. These small, shareable plates include favorites like tzatziki, or cucumber yogurt dip, dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, and saganaki, or fried cheese. The best part is, you don’t have to choose just one, and you can’t go wrong with your selections. 3300 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/565-5505; greekislandstaverna.com

CHRIS’ TAVERNA

This family-owned restaurant has two locations, but regardless of where you dine, you can expect the same quality of food and level of service. The menu offers something for every palate, including white flaky branzino, tender lamb shank or spanakopita bursting with spinach and feta enveloped by a crispy phyllo dough. 4774 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach; 561/223-2868; christaverna.com 6338 Lantana Road, Lake Worth Beach; 561/964-4233

OLIV PIT ATHENIAN GRILL

AARON BRISTOL

Classic dishes like grilled octopus, Greek salad and lamb chops share the menu with more inventive plates like build-your-own pitas, braised short rib and zucchini croquettes. 6006 S.W. 18th St., Boca Raton; 561/409-2049; olivpit.com

Above, pikilia trio from Oliv Pit

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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. $$$

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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. $$

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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. $$

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Warike Peruvian Bistro —2399 N. Federal

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 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 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. $$ Chloe’s Bistro—6885 S.W. 18th St. Italian. One of the few venues that’s on the water, with food to match the view. Try the seafood linguine, the large snapper filets in Marechiara sauce, and the desserts to end on a sweet note. House-made pasta and a good wine list ensure a pleasant, satisfying meal. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/334-2088. $$ City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A 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. $$

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. $$$

Visit our site see what mamma cookingtoday: today: www.cosaduci.com Visit ourto site to see what mamma is is cooking www.cosaduci.com HOLIDAY PRIVATE PARTIES CATERING • SPECIAL EVENTS HOLIDAY PRIVATE PARTIES • • CATERING • SPECIAL EVENTS

Visit our site to see what mamma is cooking today: www.cosaduci.com Cosa Duci ItalianArtisan Artisan Bakery & Café Cosa Duci Italian Bakery & CaféEVENTS 141 NW 20thPARTIES Street B21•Boca Raton • 561.393.1201 HOLIDAY PRIVATE CATERING • SPECIAL 141 NW 20th Street B21 Boca Raton • 561.393.1201 Baking for a good cause: A portion of our proceeds

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141 NW 20th Street B21 Boca Raton • 561.393.1201 Baking for a good cause: A portion of our proceeds will benefit research for Multiple Sclerosis. “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.

Rose Glamoclija, R.N. Founder and Administrator

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

255 Sunrise Avenue, Suite 200 Palm Beach, FL 33480

Fax (561) 347-7567

Fax (561) 833-3460

(561) 347-7566

(561) 833-3430

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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. $$

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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. Modern 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. $$

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. $$

AARON BRISTOL

Skyfin Asian Bistro —8221 Glades Road. Asian.

Chicken and dumplings from Driftwood

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 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. $$

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

BOYNTON BEACH Driftwood —2005 S. Federal Highway. Modern

Monday Brunch

Start the workweek the right way with a Monday brunch at the Atlantic Grille, complete with two Benedicts and breakfast tacos.

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

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

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, 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. $ Atlantic Grille—1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/Contemporary 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

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Buzz Bite II Where to Celebrate National Tea Day

ipping on tea allows us to slow down our day, reflect and simply enjoy the moment. While it may be more of a pastime in the U.K., there are plenty of places here where we can celebrate April 21 with a warm cup of tea. SERENITY & TEA BY THE SEA Centrally located in the heart of Downtown Delray, this tea house offers 10 varieties that pair well with fresh-baked pastries. Stay a while and peruse the attached gift shop with locally made art. 424 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/894-8637; serenityandteabythesea.com MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS Learn the history of the traditional tea ceremony. The monthly demonstrations allow you to explore the serenity of this ancient ritual. If you’re looking for more of a hands-on experience, the museum also hosts tea classes. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 561/495-0233; morikami.org SERENITY GARDEN TEA HOUSE & CAFÉ Indulge in a classic afternoon tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones and petit fours. 316 Vallette Way, West Palm Beach; 561/655-3911; serenitygardentea.com —Christie Galeano-DeMott

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. $$$$

Bamboo Fire Cafe—149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $

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

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9 .9 FM

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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. $$

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. $$ Burt & Max’s —9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

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

AARON BRISTOL

Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach.

Burrata and vegetable salad from Elisabetta’s

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 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. $$$ City Oyster—213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$ Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a

Yelp is on the Way

Dada clocked in at No. 46 on Yelp’s best restaurants in the country for 2022.

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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. $ Eathai—1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai Chicken French Toasted or Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce or Oxtail Basil Fried Rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesday. 561/270-3156. $ 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. $$

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

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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. $$

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 April 2022

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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. $$$ Sazio —131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

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. 561/495-5570. $$

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. $$$

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. $$$

Taverna Opa—270 E. Atlantic Ave. Greek. Yes, you

Veg Eats Foods —334 E. Linton Blvd. Creative Vegan.

can order a side of belly dancing and napkin tossing with your

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 plantbased ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $

Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People 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 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. $$$

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Buzz Bite III Where to Celebrate Easter & Passover

e’ve compiled a short list of our favorite restaurants where you can sit back, relax and celebrate the holidays with indulgent treats.

PASSOVER

CAFÉ BOULUD The elegant three-course prix fixe menu will feature traditional favorites. 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach; 561/6556060; cafeboulud.com/palmbeach TOP HAT DELICATESSEN This casual diner offers dine-in and catering services for you to enjoy dishes like matzo ball soup, brisket, lemon herb chicken and gefilte fish. 415 N.E. Third St., Fort Lauderdale; 954/900-3896; tophatftl.com FARMER’S TABLE Sit down for a Seder dinner at this healthy dining restaurant. There are also to-go options if you want to celebrate at home. 1901 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 561/417-5836; dinefarmerstable.com

EASTER

LIONFISH Already known for its Sunday brunches, this Atlantic Avenue seafood house is serving up brunch specials with a coastal flair, like the Maine lobster scramble. 307 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/639-8700; lionfishdelray.com ALMOND With an upscale menu that celebrates the seasons with a French twist, at this Palm Beach favorite you’ll find a brunch menu featuring fresh eggs and produce sourced from local farms. 207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach; 561/355-5080; almondrestaurant.com DECK 84 Enjoy a day on the water at this lively and laid-back restaurant that offers brunch favorites until 2 p.m. or a la carte Easter specials for dinner. 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/665-8484; deck84.com —Christie Galeano-DeMott

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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

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. $$$

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. $$$

Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates

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. $$$

Henry’s Palm Beach—229 Royal Poinciana Way.

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

HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American.

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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. $$$

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. $$$

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

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. $$ Leopard Lounge and Restaurant—The Chesterfield Palm Beach, 363 Cocoanut Row. American. The restaurant offers excellent food in a glamorous and intimate club-like atmosphere. In fact, it’s advisable to make early reservations if a quiet dinner is the objective; the place becomes a late-night cocktail spot after 9. The menu is equally decadent. • Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner daily. 561/659-5800. $$

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

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Boca Raton

Insider

ADVERTISING • PROMOTIONS • EVENTS

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Boca magazine April 2022

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