Boca Regional’s Annual Golf Tournament is one of the premier golfing events in South Florida. The tournament offers each golfer a super amenity package, play on championship courses, an awards dinner with prizes, and more. The tournament hosts more than 300 golfers at Boca West Country Club. Proceeds benefit the Ron & Kathy Assaf Center for Excellence in Nursing.
GOLF CHAIRS: AMY AND DAVID EISEN, AMY AND DAVID ROSS
HONORARY CHAIRS: RON AND KATHY ASSAF
For more information, please contact the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation at 561-955-4142 or via email at brrhfoundation@baptisthealth.net
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!
Rustic meets modern on this unique flush panel Modern Steel door design featuring digitally printed horizontal planks with a stained wood-look appearance. The Ultra-Grain Plank design is an easy way to warm up exteriors with eye-catching patterns and texture in a durable, low-maintenance insulated wood-look door.
For over 60 years, Broten Garage Door Sales, a family-owned and operated Florida garage door business, has provided South Florida communities with high-quality garage doors and garage door openers, in addition to quality repair services. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and comprehensive garage door maintenance for residents throughout South Florida. No matter what the problem is with your garage door, If it’s broken, call Broten.
Boutique Ultra-Luxury Beachside Living
Why wait years to enjoy oceanfront luxury living in Pompano Beach—one of South Florida’s hottest year-round residential destinations? Salato is redefining Pompano Beach with its only boutique ultra-luxury living experience. This exclusive 40-residence project with expansive terraces, four dedicated elevators and over 20,000 square feet of exceptional amenities on par with a 5-star resort provides the perfect blend of privacy and luxury. Salato’s spacious three-bedroom residences feel much more like an oceanfront home than a condominium. Purchase at Salato now and meet with the award-winning Interiors by Steven G. to customize your dream residence in time for next season!
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54
The Boca Interview
More than a public attraction, the Palm Beach Zoo is a vital player in the conservation of endangered species, including the cherished Florida panther. CEO Margo McKnight explains how the reputation of zoos in the animal-welfare space is changing.
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
60
Shelf Life
Once thought to have been sacrificed at the altar of ecommerce giants and audiobooks, local bookstores have enjoyed an unexpected resurgence. We visit the longtime booksellers enjoying the renaissance— and meet the new entrepreneurs reimagining what a bookshop can be.
Written by JOHN THOMASON
68
The Boca Lunch Guide
It’s high noon in Boca Raton, and a world of flavor awaits. We spotlight more than 30 restaurants that specialize in mid-day munchies, from New York-style pizza to Cuban sandwiches, and from posh steakhouses to elevated bowl joints.
Written by TYLER CHILDRESS
79
Special Section: Florida Style and Design
For homeowners with a yin for diversions, entertainment needn’t require a drive to a local hot spot. With trending features like game rooms and home theaters, yesterday’s going out is today’s staying in.
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
26 Editor’s Letter
Our feature on the bookstores of South Florida rekindles the editor’s evolving history with the written word—from struggling speller to voracious reader to published author.
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
29 The Local
Meet a celebrated psychic who has read for “queens,”a chess master who knows all the right moves, and a Hometown Hero who supports our troops’ dental health. Plus, locals share their childhood dreams, and we jettison the mouse ears for an Orlando getaway sans Disney.
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY and JOHN THOMASON
38 The Look
Springtime fashion is all about St. Paddy’s Day duds, vibrant patterns, animal prints and cowboy couture.
Photography by ANDREW MILLAR
95 Backstage Pass
For jazz piano great Jason Moran, Duke Ellington is the “Mount Everest” of his instrument. He’s prepared to scale its lush walls at a rare South Florida appearance honoring the Duke’s 125th birthday. Plus, Festival of the Arts Boca,“The Book of Mormon,” links legend Greg Norman and many more A&E highlights.
Written by JOHN THOMASON
131 Florida Table: Eat & Drink
See what our food critic has to say about The Blue Door and Kasumi. Plus, local mixologists get into the Irish spirit(s) with libations perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, and discover why canned cocktails, with their crafty convenience, are on the rise.
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
158 Social
We’re in peak“Season”in Boca Raton. So far, our gala circuit has glittered with signature events from the Junior League, Impact 100, the Fuller Center, the Boca Raton Historical Society and more.
Written by TYLER CHILDRESS
168 Speed Bumps
Despite what the wellness gurus may preach, self-care doesn’t have to mean a 5-mile run at 5 a.m. Your moment of Zen might just be the trill of birdsong outside your window—or even a hearty meal at a great Italian restaurant.
Written by MARIE SPEED
Web Extras
Visit bocamag.com for bonus items you won’t see anywhere else—extended stories, recipes, news and more.
MASTER PIECE
Chess master Bryan Tillis, featured on page 36, has accrued decades of knowledge in his ascent to the top 1% of players. Read more of his insights at bocamag.com/march-2025.
WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES
Psychic medium SarahSpiritual, spotlighted on page 48, explores her process of connecting with other realms at bocamag.com/march-2025.
BOCA MAGAZINE WINS BIG!
At this past summer’s Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards, honoring excellence in magazine writing, design and advertising, Boca magazine collected 17 awards sweeping across 12 categories—including the first-place in eight categories, among them Best Overall Magazine in our subscription bracket. “The Boca magazine staff comes to work every day knowing they are producing the best magazine in Florida,” said Boca magazine Editor Emeritus Marie Speed. “To have the FMA agree with that assessment has always made us proud. … This year was my last awards submission to the Florida Magazine Association, and I am so happy with the recognition our magazines received.”
WELCOME TO PALM PARADISE
We’ve got more stories to tell, so we’re going where other local lifestyle magazines aren’t venturing—jumping off the page and into your ears with a monthly podcast.
Palm Paradise is an entertaining, thought-provoking and engaging podcast series serving Boca Raton and beyond. We invite you to join us and travel to Palm Paradise, now available on your favorite podcasting platforms and YouTube. Visit bocamag.com/palm-paradise-podcast for more.
Don’t miss Boca on everything from FACEBOOK (facebook.com/ bocamag) to INSTAGRAM (@bocamag) and TWITTER/X (@ 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 Dining Guide 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.
From the highest quality towels for the beach and home to cozy blankets and elegantly crafted robes, each piece is designed for exceptional softness, durability, and style. Perfect for treating yourself or giving the gift of comfort to someone special.
GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christiana Lilly
MANAGING EDITOR
John Thomason
WEB EDITOR
Tyler Childress
EDITOR EMERITUS
Marie Speed
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Lori Pierino
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Rafael Quiñones
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
James Karpinen
PHOTOGRAPHER
Andrew Millar
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Mesa, Marie Speed, Margie Kaye (promotional writing)
CUSTOMER SERVICE/VIDEO PRODUCTION
David Shuff
FOOD EDITOR
Christie Galeano-DeMott
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
Nicole G. Ruth
DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION AND SALES SUPPORT
Bruce Klein
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
Gail Eagle
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Karen S. Kintner, Jenna Russo, Skyler Ruth, Tania Tomyn
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.
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual Salt Lake magazine
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Utah Style & Design Salt Lake Visitors’ Guide
FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION BOCA RATON MAGAZINE WINNERS
2024 CHARLIE AWARDS
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE)
best overall magazine
best overall writing
best feature best department best advertorial story or section best column
best photo essay/series best custom publication (1926)
SILVER AWARD best feature best public service coverage best custom publication (Worth Avenue) best cover photo best use of photography
BRONZE AWARD best overall design best department best public service coverage best advertorial story or section
2023 CHARLIE AWARDS
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best website (bocamag.com) best custom publication (1926)
SILVER AWARD best overall magazine
best editorial, opinion, commentary best department design best custom publication (Worth Avenue) best advertorial story or section
BRONZE AWARD best in-depth reporting best advertorial story or section
2022 CHARLIE AWARDS
GENERAL EXCELLENCE magazine of the year best overall magazine
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best overall writing best in-depth reporting best custom publication (1926) best advertising for a client
SILVER AWARD best feature best use of photography
best advertising for a client
BRONZE AWARD best custom publication (Worth Avenue)
Subscription, copy purchasing and distribution
For any changes or questions regarding your subscription, to purchase back issues, or to inquire about distribution points, call circulation at 877/553-5363.
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Take advantage of Boca Raton magazine’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in the premier publication of South Florida. For more information, or to partner with Boca Raton magazine on a community event, call 561/997-8683 ext. 300, or email nicole@bocamag.com.
Custom publishing
Create a magazine tailored to fit the needs and character of your business/organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services, etc. Contact Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com)
Story queries
Boca Raton magazine values the concerns, interests and knowledge of our readers about the community. Please submit story and profile ideas by email to Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com). Due to the large volume of pitches, the editor may not respond to all queries. Boca Raton does not accept unsolicited, ready-for-print stories.
Web queries
Submit information regarding our website and online calendar to Tyler Childress (tyler@bocamag.com)
Fax
-Dr. K.D.
Glamoclija, R.N. Founder and Administrator
Letters
Your thoughts and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for style, grammar and length. Send letters to the address listed below or contact Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com)
Letter to the Editor
Boca Raton magazine
1000 Clint Moore Road, #103 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Arts & entertainment
Where to go, what to do and see throughout South Florida. Please submit information regarding galas, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to John Thomason (john.thomason@ bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming A&E section is three months before publication.
Dining guide
Our independent reviews of restaurants in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. A reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Christie Galeano-DeMott (christie@bocamag.com).
People
A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Boca Raton and South Florida. All photos submitted should be identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when). Email images to Tyler Childress (tyler@bocamag.com)
First issue
Boca Raton magazine is published eight times a year. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.
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TRUNK SHOW WITH
Friday, March 7 & Saturday, March 8 • 11am - 5pm Appointments
Reading Between the Lines
Sometimes a lifetime love of reading and writing starts with extra homework
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
n second grade, my teacher posted a piece of paper on the wall every week. These were our spelling test words: the left column was for the “good” spellers, and the right, “excellent” spellers. I was on the “good” spelling list, but even at 7 years old I knew that our teacher was being generous. It was the easier list of words, and I would look at the ones on the right to see what the smarter kids were learning. I was delayed in reading and writing; neither were very fun, and reading out loud felt like pulling teeth. Extra sight word worksheets were left in my backpack, and I would get so frustrated when I didn’t sound out a word correctly. How does “ph” make an “f” sound? How am I supposed to know you ignore half the vowels in “beautiful”? As I put pencil to paper, I was always missing or adding letters to words. Of course, this is all a part of the learning process; but I took each mistake as a blunder, a symbol of doom for my future. Things changed as I got older. I don’t remember how it happened, but a switch went off in my head, and reading and writing fell into place for me. The nonsensical formations on the page turned into words, and I was able to translate my thoughts into sentences, then paragraphs and essays. Like any budding bookworm, I read under my covers with a flashlight, eager to find out what happened next in Nancy Drew, The Baby-Sitters Club, Goosebumps, or American Girl Doll books. In fifth grade, a teacher recommended books by Mary Downing Hahn, and I devoured her entire catalogue. One day I blew my cover when I went downstairs after bedtime to ask my father how to pronounce the name “Nathaniel.”
It was a rough start, but fast forward to today, and clearly reading and writing is not difficult for me. I do it for a living, and I’m working to do more creative writing for pleasure. Last year, I read 33 books, and my goal for 2025 is 35. The written word is exciting, inspiring and powerful.
Tucked in my wallet is my library card (even though I can use the app), and my home library is growing, fit with a shelf of banned books. I even wrote my own book in 2022.
When I attend baby showers or bring a gift for a friend’s child, my go-to is a book. Last year, I had the privilege to read to preschoolers at Children’s World Preschool & Kindergarten in Boca Raton in honor of Read for the Record, where kids across the country read Piper Chen Sings. As books give way to Kindles, and giant corporations who shall not be named make the competition seemingly impossible for small businesses, it’s become a novelty to find a bona fide bookstore—labyrinths of shelves filled with books across time, from British classics a la Jane Austen to subversive contemporary novels, and all the romantasy, memoirs, satire, historical fiction, young-adult books and thrillers in between. But these havens still exist here in South Florida, if you know where to look. On page 60, Managing Editor and A&E Editor John Thomason lays out the must-visit bookstores from Palm Beach island down to Broward, selling preloved and brand-new books to those who still believe in the power of reading. I know I do.
CARINA MASK
Old Florida Book Shop (where the editor’s photo was taken!)
BOCA BOOKS
“Seinfeld”may have joked endlessly about Boca Raton and its penchant for drawing the retiree crowd, but based on the number of locals churning out children’s books, it’s safe to say it’s become a more family-oriented place. Here are some titles to add to your little one’s reading nook.
Charming CharCUTErie by Jenna Sample Sample was born and raised in Boca Raton, and her 1-year-old son Chase was the inspiration for her colorful foodie guide for littles. “One night, while I was making a charcuterie board for a girls’ night, my son was mesmerized by the colors and textures,” she says. “That’s how Charming CharCUTErie was born—a way to introduce little ones to the joy of food in a fun and engaging way.” charmingcharcuterie.com
Grammy’s Glasses by Randi Knopman
The former QVC guest host and actress tells the story of how much her grandchildren love to play with her glasses— and a reminder to be careful
with them! When her glasses turned into a toy, it led to many trips to the eyeglass store for repairs. Grammy’s Glasses was born as a fun way to bridge the gap between young children and their grandparents. blueballoonbooks.com/ bookstore/grammy-glasses
Mila the Mollusk by Angie Myers
Locals sound off on issues affecting our community.
Also known as Auntie Angeline, the local artist and writer was inspired by her friends’ children to pen a book about self-esteem and inner beauty. “I want little readers to know that each of them is special and unique, and to always keep creating whatever brings them joy.” Not only did Myers compose the words, but she also illustrated the beautiful watercolor imagery. auntieangeline.com
So You Want to Be an Athlete?
by
Brandin Bryant
Bryant might be better known for his time as a college and NFL linebacker, but the literacy advocate has turned to the written word to pass sage advice to budding athletes. In his book, he talks about the importance of balancing school and athletics to make it to the big leagues. He’s also released Can I Pet That Dog?, from 2024. brandinsbooks. com
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I always wanted to be a business owner. My dad always did his own thing. Before he was in the real estate business, he owned restaurants and bars, and so I just knew I always wanted to do my own thing. I never wanted to work for anyone else.”
—Christian Prakas, managing partner at Serhant
“I actually wanted to be a dog trainer. I was totally obsessed with dogs when I was a child, so I wanted to be a dog trainer for movie sets. My dad went as far as to hire a dog trainer for movie sets to train me how to train dogs.”
—Lauren Purvis, owner and chef of Lorlor’s Kitchen
“I have always wanted to be a marine biologist, and here I am at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center! I visited the New York Aquarium as a child and knew then that that was what I wanted to do. I used to watch the National Geographic and Jacques Cousteau shows every time they were on.”
—Leanne Welch, manager at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Don’t-Miss Events
STATE OF THE CITY AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
WHEN: March 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Mizner Park Amphitheater
WHAT: Last year, the City of Boca Raton took what could have been a boring State of the City address from the mayor and turned it into a community gathering we’re still talking about a year later. Hear from Mayor Scott Singer about the achievements the city made in 2024, meet workers from city departments, and bring out the whole family to enjoy live music and lawn games. It’s a fitting event as our fair city celebrates its 100th anniversary in May.
PROPER ST. PATRICK’S DAY
WHEN: March 15, noon to 10 p.m., Mizner Park Amphitheater
WHAT: The minds that brought us the Sunset Tequila Festival are painting the town green with the inaugural Proper St. Patrick’s Day. The family-friendly event will include live music, traditional Irish dancers, a bagpipe crew, a craft market, games, an obstacle course and ax throwing. For sustenance, there’s food trucks for bites that’ll pair perfectly with Jameson cocktails and Guinness, as well as alcohol-free options (including Guinness 0.0). Tickets are $10 to $20. properstpatricksday.com
JAMES HARDIE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME INVITATIONAL
WHEN: March 31-April 6, Old Course at Broken Sound Club
WHAT: This golf tournament has gone through multiple lives, but new title sponsor James Hardie is returning the game to Broken Sound and upping the ante with 78 PGA Tour champions and 26 Football Hall of Famers. What’s at stake: playing for a $2.2 million purse with the tournament broadcast on the Golf Channel. Ball players who have committed to the tournament
State of the City 2024
1601
First St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Americas, in St. Augustine history.com
65
Shades of green by Sherwin-Williams
include Warren Sapp, Rondé Barber, Dwight Freeney, Andre Reed, Morten Andersen and Calvin Johnson. Proceeds will benefit Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, and First Tee Foundation. The public is welcome to join as spectators and partake in planned activities. Tickets are $10 and up. jameshardieinvitational.com
SAVOR THE AVENUE
WHEN: March 24, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach
WHAT: South Florida’s biggest dinner party returns for another unforgettable evening of dining under the stars. Make sure you have a seat saved at the fiveblock dining table spanning Atlantic Avenue, and pre pare to be dazzled by dishes prepared by Delray’s top restaurants. And the four-course meal is only part of the fun, with each restaurant pulling out all the stops to create the most extravagant table designs. A portion of proceeds benefit CROS Ministries, a local nonprofit that provides food for the homeless and food insecure in Delray. downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheavenue
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Big changes are coming to Boca Raton when it comes to college football, with a new football coach and a new name for the stadium.
Hagerty Family Head Football Coach Zach Kittley was hired by Florida Atlantic University in December, and he said during a press conference, “I am honored to be your head football coach, because I know that we’re going to build a program here, and we’re going to go win AAC championships.”
At just 33, Kittley comes with 12 years of coaching experience. He got his start at Texas Tech, then took on coaching roles at Houston Christian, Western Kentucky, and then a return to Texas Tech. FAU will be his first head coaching position.
The university also approved naming rights to its football stadium in a $22.5 million, 15-year deal with Flagler Credit Union. The stadium has been nameless since it opened 13 years ago.
8%
Fraction of all men affected by colorblindness, making shades of green difficult to see colourblindawareness.org
Film-to-stage adaptations are ubiquitous on Broadway, but “Waitress,” based on an independent sleeper hit from writer-director Adrienne Shelly, stood out from its peers. Freshly conceived where other musicals recycled familiar tropes, the musical featured a minimalist, six-piece folk-rock-y orchestra and all-new music and lyrics from Grammy-winning pop singer Sara Bareilles—part of a rare all-woman production team on Broadway. The tunes, which would later be released on a Billboard-charting album from Bareilles, complement a story about a diner server/baker who becomes unexpectedly pregnant with her abusive husband’s child, only to find hope, romance and a financial way forward in the form of a kind obstetrician and a regional pie-baking contest.
ARI SHAPIRO: THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
WHERE: Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: March 7, 8 p.m.
COST: $45-$85
CONTACT: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org
“Thank you for listening” is a common enough sendoff for a talk-radio personality: Our listening keeps the host in business. But for Ari Shapiro, the three-time Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist from NPR’s “All Things Considered,” the phrase carries multiple meanings. Shapiro is a big believer in the power of truly listening to one another—an endangered art in the era of media polarization and information silos. This theme undergirds his 2023 bestselling memoir The Best Strangers in the World, about his decades as a news correspondent, and it will be explored further in this eclectic stage show, which features tales from his day job—whether reporting from the Arctic Circle or filing stories from Air Force One—as well as music. Shapiro performs regularly with the genre-hopping orchestra Pink Martini, and on this tour, he’ll perform tunes by Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Taylor Swift, Stephen Sondheim and others, with live piano accompaniment.
MIAMI CITY BALLET WINTER MIX
WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
WHEN: March 8-9
COST: $40-$180
CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org
Winter arrives late in the season for Miami City Ballet’s West Palm Beach engagement, but this eclectic program will provide chills and thrills no matter the calendar month. Continuing its focus on the commission of new work, the program features the world premiere of “Coincident Dances” from choreographer Pam Tanowitz, a Guggenheim fellow and an exciting voice in experimental dance. MCB is in esteemed company; Tanowitz, praised by Dance magazine for “dissecting conventions of ballet,” recently completed commissions for Martha Graham’s and Paul Taylor’s dance companies. Her new work joins two classics from the copious canon of George Balanchine: “Walpurgisnacht Ballet” features an all-woman corps of 24 dancers moving to wild abandon; and “La Valse,” a meditation on mortality featuring 30 waltzing dancers, and set to a moody score from Maurice Ravel.
To some listeners, Wisconsin’s Violent Femmes may merely be the band that wrote 1983’s “Blister in the Sun,” a song whose instantly recognizable acoustic jangle qualifies as perhaps the ultimate college-radio jam—bouncy, anthemic, karaoke-friendly but defiantly alternative. But like too many artists relegated to one-hit-wonderdom, the Femmes are more than their most transcendent cut. As industrious buskers on the streets of Milwaukee in the early ‘80s, the trio all but invented the folk-punk genre, performing edgy, unamplified music that twitched with the spirit of youthful abandon. More than 40 years on, founding members Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie are now elder statesmen of indie rock, continuing to mostly honor the barebones spirit of their early sound. On this tour, they’ll play the entirety of their first two seminal albums, along with a few sporadic favorites from their later catalog.
Violent Femmes
Miami City Ballet
Ari Shapiro EMIL
ZACK WHITFORD
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There are literally millions of veterans among us who are really lacking care, and these are just generally good people who we can help.”
— Dr. Frederic Norkin
Dr. Frederic Norkin
An award-winning periodontist pays it forward to America’s servicemembers
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
In Dr. Frederic Norkin’s office, it’s not uncommon for a patient to sit there shaking their head in disbelief—that the major dental procedure he’s about to offer is completely free. A periodontist with the South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, he has donated his services to more than two dozen veterans with failing or missing teeth.
“They try to figure out what the hidden cost is or what the catch is going to be when I explain to them, ‘We’re not charging you anything; you’re with the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund,’”he says.“I’ve had a couple of spouses, wives in particular, shaking their heads saying, ‘It’s not real, it’s not real.’They’re just surprised that somebody would actually do this.”
Norkin has been volunteering with the organization since 2022, donating his time and talents so that donations can go toward lab fees. All told, he’s completed about $300,000 of pro bono work for veterans with some of the most challenging dental cases.
The son of an Army dentist, Norkin attended dental school at Tufts University in Boston, then did his hospital residency at the VA Medical Center in Miami and periodontal training at Nova Southeastern University. It was during his residency that he saw the impactful work he could make on veterans as a dentist. He joined South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in 2001.
As a member of Evolution Fitness, it was during a special Memorial Day boot camp in 2022 that Norkin had a chance to hear from Mike Durkee, the executive director of the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. Norkin immediately volunteered his talents, insisting he would help patients pro bono.
Norkin sees one to two veterans a month, some flying from as far as the Florida panhandle to be treated for their missing or failing teeth. Some have a history of addiction, others have not been able to afford dental treatment, and others have a fear of the dentist (something up to 20% of us can relate to!).
who helped her daughters earn their PhDs. Even with a “booming personality,”it was her failing teeth that kept her working in the back.
“The change in her personality was instantaneous and palpable. It gave her the confidence that she needed,”Norkin says.“She deserves it, and when you meet her, you can’t imagine her being any other way.”
The dentist sits on the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund’s Dental Advisory Board, and the nonprofit honored him with the Dental Valor Award in 2023. As a periodontist, he specializes in conscious sedation to help alleviate patients’ fears, and he also pioneered Yomi Robotic-Guided Dental Surgery, a robot-assisted surgical technique.
HONORING VETERANS: This is a group of people who have given so much more than most of us will ever give to our society. Not that everybody served in an active combat situation, but the fact that they even raised their hand and said they were willing to go if they were called upon is far more than most of us will ever do.
ON OFFERING YOUR TALENTS: Each of us also has a unique ability, and if we could share our unique abilities, we could make a difference. … Florida is a big state, and there is a complete lack of support. If we could get more doctors involved, that would be incredible.
HELPING OVERCOME DENTAL FEARS:
This page is a tribute to community citizens who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership to the city of Boca Raton and is in memory of John E. Shuff.
“Just because they’re veterans, they served, doesn’t mean they’re not frightened of the dentist,”he says.“The VA doesn’t offer great benefits to a lot of our veterans, and there’s a huge population of people out there who just need some help; they just need a hand up.”
Norkin recounted how a woman who actually works for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund was able to benefit from dental implants—a veteran and a single mom
The first thing is just treat them with dignity and reassure them that they’re not the only one that has this problem. And it’s not just my wounded veteran patients—it’s all my patients. Most of them come in and think they’re the only ones with this issue.
HIS WHY: I’m really fortunate the way I grew up, really fortunate in the community I live in, the community I’m able to practice in and raise my children in, and I want my children to see that we’re very fortunate for what we have, and it’s really important that we always give back to other people.
Dr. Frederic Norkin
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Chairman of the Board
“There are multiple ways to solve a given problem, and chess is the door to show you that for any problem, there are multiple solutions.”
—Bryan Tillis
WEB EXTRA:
For more of Bryan Tillis’ insights on chess—from ideal opening plays to dealing with a loss— visit BOCAMAG.COM/ MARCH-2025.
Chess National Master Bryan Tillis gives his all to the game—as a player, coach and influencer
Written by JOHN THOMASON
When conversing about chess, Bryan Tillis is full of metaphors. “You have to be constantly thinking of your game like a ship with holes in it,” he says.
“And the repairs are never done, so you’re just constantly tweaking and working.” To look at it another way, “there’s a lot of parallels between bodybuilding and chess, where if you’re not working on all areas, it’s not going to look right for the overall picture.”
Then there’s the pugilist comparison: “Your job is to find the move that gives your opponent the most room to go wrong. … There are times where I move the knight away from the trade, keeping tension, prolonging the game, and giving more room. There’s a boxing analog, of just working the jab.”
And as a former chess instructor at Franklin Academy in Palm Beach Gardens, Tillis tailored his analogies to his captive audience.“I took a video from a major ‘Fortnite’ streamer and said, ‘OK, as soon as he enters a room, there’s three people in the room,’”Tillis recalls.“‘One person is looking at him; the other two have their back turned to him. Which one is more of a threat?’ And then to be able to take a chess position, and say, ‘OK, in the past, [Anatoly] Karpov only has one piece really threatening him, and notice what he does. He immediately deals with the most imminent threat first, and then goes from there.’ … So trying to find different ways to associate the content to their interest is huge.”
With a demonstrated ease for explaining tactics and strategy without digging too much into the weeds—though he can do that, too—Tillis, 36, has long been an informal ambassador for chess. But last summer he made it official by becoming the marketing and communications manager for the nonprofit US Chess Federation, the governing body for chess players and their supporters nationwide. He handles these duties from his home base in West Palm Beach.
It’s just one of his professions, all surrounding the business of blockades and sacrifices on 64 squares. He continues to teach chess, hosting after-school programs, camps and individual lessons as part of Palm Beach Chess, which he started in 2018; Palm Beach Chess also hosts open play club nights most Tuesdays at Habit Burger Grill in Palm Beach Gardens. And Tillis is the author of more than a dozen books and courses, including Opening Oddities, Alekhine Defense: The Dark Knight Rises and The Aggressive Queen’s Gambit Declined. (Sorry, Anya Taylor-Joy.)
“I take such passion in writing the books,” he says. “It’s much the reason I took the US Chess position. It’s a way for me to reach more people in a positive way with chess, which is the trajectory my life’s been on since I started.”
Tillis caught the chess bug during Spring Break as an eighth grader in his native Alabama.“This was before chess.com became the powerhouse that they currently are today, so I was playing on Yahoo Games,” he says.“I was playing game after game after game. My mother noticed and goes, ‘you’re getting kind of obsessive with this.’ She found a local club, the Dothan Chess Club, and I didn’t miss a meeting for, like, 13 years.”
Attending the 2005 Emory Castle Chess Camp, in Atlanta, set Tillis on a course that would define his life. He started playing competitively at 15, adding,“I had a lot to prove to myself when I was young and I was hungry.” His dedication and aptitude have taken him to the upper echelon of the game. With a peak U.S. Chess Federation ranking of 2274, Tillis holds the title of National Master, and is considered among the top 1% of chess players in the country.
Tillis doesn’t compete much anymore, though.“I take so much more enjoyment from coaching,” he says. In addition to his myriad other chess responsibilities, he teaches the game at the Greene School in West Palm Beach, where his students have won or placed in 17 tournaments over just the past three years.
Wherever he coaches—from the classroom to YouTube, from clubs to books—Tillis is likely to continue spreading the transformative gospel of chess to any and all audiences.“There’s not many games I can think of that, regardless of your socioeconomic demographics, you sit down on equal terms with someone else, and there is no advantage,” he says.
“At US Chess, we have Title 1 and at-risk youth programs, where all a school under those distinctions needs to do is contact us, and we provide memberships and boards to those communities.
“It can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life, because it is, at least to start with, a very cheap game that can be played at any point in time. It can get expensive with travel, and the prize money that you may win may not even cancel it out. But the benefits that you’re getting, especially with children, for how they’re going to perceive a problem and how to solve it, it’s hard to put a price tag on that for their future.”
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I have over 350 songs that are channeled. ... Love and music are the universal languages that connect all humanity. ... Some of my spirit guides are musical connectors. How else would I have taught myself to sing?”
—SarahSpiritual
Medium Strength
Behind the unlikely journey of West Palm Beach intuitive SarahSpiritual
Written by JOHN THOMASON
For most of us, lottery tickets are not passports to prosperity; they are the litter of the unlucky. But for SarahSpiritual, a West Palm Beach psychic medium, playing the numbers has become an almost surefire way to boost her finances or ease the economic struggles of those around her—with an assist from the Other Side.
“My first win was over 20 years ago,” she says.“But in the past six years, I’ve won about 300 times.”The numbers will appear to Sarah after praying or out of the blue—maybe in the form of a friend’s birth date, or a license plate she notices from the road. They’re not small paydays, she says: The prizes are usually around $500. Clerks at convenience stores have recognized her as a serial victor, and they always receive a tip when she wins.
While beating the house, as it were, has helped her through lean times,“you don’t want to do it too often,” she cautions.“To me, it’s the universe giving me support for the service that I give to humanity. I could charge a lot more for my sessions; I charge $65. Every time I need something to this day, it’s like, ‘a donation would be lovely!’”
We’re speaking from the Expedito Enlightenment Center, the business Sarah established in a nondescript West Palm Beach strip mall in 2006, a space bereft of foot traffic but rich in clientele. (Sarah keeps her private life private, and asked that we not publish her last name.) The center radiates positive energy, from its healing room, where customers book reflexology and astrology sessions; to the main store, which sells potions and oils concocted by Sarah alongside books, crystals and other metaphysical ephemera.
The center is also where Sarah provides psychic readings and other spiritual services—which select listeners may also receive for free if they tune into her radio show, broadcast Wednesday nights on Oldies 95.3 in Palm Beach County and streaming nationally on iHeart Media, YouTube and beyond. Her services boast a 4.9 out of 5 ranking in Google Reviews, and she recently expanded her brand by appearing in “Séance With the Queens,” a reality series, shot in Florida and streaming on TUBI, in which she reads drag queens like Kahmora Hall and Pandora Boxx and horror-movie “scream queens” such as Tuesday Knight.
“When I connect to people, I will break into song, because that’s the sprit guide coming through,” she says.“Sometimes it’s their grandmother’s favorite song. Some of my readings are just music.”
Songs are also an element from Sarah’s pre-mystical path—a link to a childhood far removed from chakras and auras. Born in New Jersey, she grew up in upstate New York, where her father ran a restaurant business. Despite being tone-deaf as a child, she developed a passion for music, and she won her first talent show as a singer at age 10. She acted in musical theatre productions in high school, competed and won in New York beauty pageants, and eventually found her way into sales—first as a Pink Cadillac-driving senior sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics and then in the computer business.
It was in a sales position at a CompUSA in Parsippany, New Jersey that she met a customer named Bill, who singlehandedly set in motion her spiritual awakening. As she was taking his credit card information, he read her on the spot, noting the recent departures of her father and grandmother. He returned the next day with bath salts, cilium seeds and a pocket-sized book of psalms.
“He said, ‘you’re holding too much energy, and we need to move the energy in your body,’” Sarah recalls.“I was baptized Greek Orthodox, and I went to Catholic School. Already feeling like a mess, I had become a born-again Christian. I’m thinking, ‘what is he talking about? Are you sure you aren’t working for the guy downstairs?’”
Yet this encounter led to a lifelong mentorship for Sarah. In their sessions, she watched him administer miraculous healings while she honed her own intuition. Finally, after Bill died in 2002—and after his widow, Valerie, persuaded Sarah to move to South Florida, in 2004—Sarah felt confident enough to start her own spiritual practice. Expedito opened two years later. While it may seem a far cry from the performing arts and corporate sales, Sarah believes it’s the culmination of her unpredictable journey.
SarahSpiritual deals a deck of tarot cards
Viewers of the series might be disarmed to hear Sarah sing parts of her readings, long a trademark of her distinctive style. On her radio show this past November, she helped a caller with her alcoholism by suddenly bursting into verses from “I Have Confidence” from “The Sound of Music.”
“I want to use all of my gifts to help people,” she says.“When I look at the Miss America pageants, it’s all about helping women, helping other people. Mary Kay was about making people look and feel better about themselves. My mission was to inspire myself and others to greatness and see the beauty in all things that surround me. So I thought, how can I take all these opportunities and use them in a way that can be of service to humanity—which is ideally what I’m supposed to do.”
WEB EXTRA: SarahSpiritual discusses some of her most memorable readings, and her process of connecting to spirit, at BOCAMAG. COM/MARCH-2025.
ANDREW
Orlando and Beyond
The
anti-Disney weekend in O-town
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
Pulling into the Orlando stratosphere, there are signs of the world that Walt Disney created more than 100 years ago—Disney Springs, Disney World, Animal Kingdom and countless resorts catering to visitors from around the world descending on Central Florida. They come for the magic of the fireworks show, proposals in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and photos with princesses and villains. My husband and I were not one of them.
In our weekend bags, there were no signs of Disney-bounding outfits, MagicBands or Mickey ears. Nope, we were careening right past the welcome signs on I-4, instead opting for a long weekend in Orlando. On our itinerary, we had plans to enjoy the luxe trappings of the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Orlando, indulge in downtown’s offerings, and visit neighboring communi-
ties teeming with culture. With a Brightline route connecting South Florida to Orlando, a weekend away can be done with ease. Although Orlando has made a name for itself as the ultimate destination for Disneyphiles, it has so much more to offer than the mouse.
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
Our weekend away started at a new venue within the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts; Judson’s Live is an intimate supper club-style venue with tufted blue velvet seating and bistro tables surrounding a stage for an upclose experience fit for comedy shows and interactive performances. During our visit, string trio Simply Three performed contemporary hits on the violin, cello and upright bass and conversed with the audience. Just steps away from the performing arts center are Orlando’s sports offerings, from donning head-to-toe purple to cheer on the Orlando Pride soccer
team at Inter & Co Stadium to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center. For bustling nightlife, walk over to Church Street for bars, restaurants, shopping and SAK Comedy Lab. Also within downtown is the family-friendly ICON Park, with nine attractions, more than 15 restaurants and bars, and shopping throughout the 20-acre park. Little ones will be enamored with the undersea wildlife at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and photo ops abound at Madame Tussauds and the Museum of Illusions. For high-octane entertainment, check out the Sling Shot or Max Action Arena. Of course, there’s the most iconic moment in the park, the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye.
LAKE NONA
“Where did this come from?” my husband, a UCF grad, yelled out as we exited onto Lake Nona. One of the newest communities to pop up in Central Florida, the “planned community” 30 min-
Clockwise from bottom: Seafood paella at Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s Bull & Bear; Post Modern Man at the Sculpture Garden; works by Louis Comfort Tiffany; the Living Room at the Lake Nona Wave Hotel
utes south of Orlando seemed to burst from the desert as an oasis for wellness and fitness in the last decade. Between weekly yoga at Crescent Park; frequent visits by Deepak Chopra (not to mention his Chopra Mind-Body Zone at the Lake Nona Performance Club); and the Lake Nona Life Project, a long-term study looking into how to optimize well-being; the neighborhood has laid a path for its future in wellness.
On that path is the addition of the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, its curved design inspired by a wavelength of energy. More than 500 works of art reside in the property, a maximalist’s dream as a visitor tries to take in the installations and walls covered with paintings, sculptures, neon lights and photography. But the piece de resistance for the hotel is the Sculpture Garden, a 50,000-square-foot jungle with rotating works by famed artists like Fernando Botero, Henry Moore, Philip Jackson, local artist JEFRË, and the iconic Charging Bull by Arturo di Modica.
After feasting our eyes on the larger-than-life sculptures, it was time to tease the taste buds with a dinner at BACÁN, a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving up South American-inspired dishes like black cod with crispy yuca in a coconut broth and lime cloud, and a 24-ounce Westhole Wagyu tomahawk steak with chimichurri and mezcal peppercorn. Even the rolls were worth writing home about, little puffs of heaven topped with chipotle-agave butter. This is not a “where should we eat tonight?” dinner, but one you plan ahead of time to savor and celebrate life’s big and little victories.
Other locations of note in Lake Nona include Boxi Park, Nona Adventure Park and Canvas Restaurant & Market.
WINTER PARK
While Lake Nona is a new phenomenon in the Orlando metropolitan area, Winter Park is a slice of Americana with a splash
of southern charm—in fact, it is turning 100 this year, just like Boca Raton. The city’s earlier iterations were built around a train depot in the 1880s, and today, a modern-day build of a classic Craftsman train station with gabled roofs is still in use by Amtrak. It’s just one piece of Winter Park’s downtown, a highly walkable thoroughfare highlighted by the 11-acre greenery of Central Park and the rustic brick Farmers’ Market, where many a wedding has been hosted. Walking through downtown Winter Park, particularly down Park Avenue, visitors will discover a treasure trove of restaurants and boutiques. Stationery lovers flock to locally grown paper goods store Rifle Paper Co., known for its floral prints on notebooks, calendars, greeting cards, home decor and even pickleball paddles. A mix of modern and vintage furniture and wares can be found at Adjectives, and Writer’s Block bookstore is brimming with reads. For dining, it only made sense to grab lunch at Boca, an American restaurant with elevated comfort food, including grilled Gulf oysters, chicken and waffles, and fried green tomatoes.
Just steps away from lunch is one of the (quite literal) jewels of Winter Park: the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the largest collection of pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The son of the Tiffany & Co. founder’s works are most notably art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows, and the designer’s ornate chapel interior that was built for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Another ongoing exhibit at the museum is a collection of American ephemera during the Victorian era, providing modern eyes with a peek into the era’s jewelry, paintings and furniture.
RESORT LIFE
For the weekend, we opted for some quiet by checking into the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, located on the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve. While it’s located
within the confines of Walt Disney World Resort, there was nary a Disney character to be found. The property underwent a massive renovation, elevating hundreds of guest rooms, Bull & Bear and Peacock Alley restaurants, the 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and public spaces throughout. Bonnet Creek is flush with resorts, and it’s easy to get from one to another to enjoy the different dining offerings available via golf cart at the valet stand. That’s how we enjoyed dinner one evening, opting to check out Zeta Asia at the neighboring Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek resort.
During our stay, we tried one of the most unique and relaxing massages I’ve had to date. The Sand and Sea 100-minute spa comprises two 50-minute massages, one with the guest laying on a towel draped over a table filled with warm Himalayan sea salt, then moving to the second table for a massage over a soothing water table. This made for the perfect couples’ massage, trading tables and notes on which half of the experience was most refreshing.
As we wound down for the evening, sitting out on the balcony overlooking the property, we could hear the chorus of night animals lulling us to sleep as the 9 p.m. fireworks show glowed in the distance—just the right amount of Disney magic.
From top, Judson’s Live and Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Keeping the Promise Today
For a Healthier Tomorrow
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Devoting her life to conservation, she’s putting the Palm Beach Zoo and the Florida panther on the map
WRITTEN
BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
MCKNIGHT Margo
ou’re not supposed to pick favorites, but for Margo McKnight, it’s Sassy the Florida panther.
As the president and CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society since 2018, McKnight is a Jack Hanna-meets-Jane Goodall of sorts, or maybe with her wide-brim hat, a Jane of the Jungle, greeting animals as she makes her way through the lush property. But when she comes to Sassy’s enclosure, McKnight lights up, coming face-to-face with one of about 200 of our state’s enchanted creatures. At just 78 pounds, Sassy is tinier than you’d imagine, swiftly and somehow silently stepping on crunchy leaves, and living up to her name as she investigates her visitor through the glass.
McKnight says of spending time with Sassy,“Now it’s part of your memory. Now it’s part of your DNA, and those experiences make a difference.”
These animals at the zoo become diplomats of sorts, helping visitors feel connected to creatures we might only
see on TV or social media. But once you’ve looked into the eyes of Sassy the panther, you’re more motivated to help others as they re-up their numbers—there were once only about 20 in the entire state, and on the brink of extinction.
“If we can get people connected to a panther, and then when they hear the next time what’s going on with the [wildlife] corridor, it’s more personal to them,” McKnight says.
With an illustrious career in wildlife conservation and habitat construction, McKnight has only elevated the zoo’s standing in the community and also as a part of the overall mission to, for lack of a better phrase, save the planet. Born and raised in north Miami-Dade County, she grew up going to Zoo Miami (back when it was on Key Biscayne) and walking the Anhinga Trail in the Everglades.“I just remember being on that trail, and I couldn’t believe how close I was to wild things, like alligators were right there, amazing amounts of birds were right there,” McKnight says.“That’s the first time I remember being really hooked.”
Her career began at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where she worked to put herself through college and then stayed for 18 years; it was here that she fell in love with connecting the public with
wildlife and conservation efforts. Her next stop was as executive director of the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, where she developed a groundbreaking program where visitors could kayak through the zoo. She then became the executive director of the Wildlands Network, working alongside scientists who specialize in predator ecology and corridor ecology. However, she yearned to get back in front of the general public, leading her to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, where she collaborated with the National Aquarium of Cuba and designed the Center for Conservation at Apollo Beach, which focuses on sharks, sea turtles and coral conservation.
With such a powerhouse in our midst, and in honor of Florida Panther Day on March 16, we sat down with McKnight to discuss the role of zoos in today’s eco-conscious world.
How does your background in construction and design play into your work at the zoo?
It’s all about, how do we make people feel when they’re coming through here? And how can we create those intimate experiences? ... We have selected the species that we’re going to be having here for the ability to engage our guests and for those animals to be able to be taken care of in the highest possible way. So creating big spaces for them to move around, having expert staff that know how to work with the animal, and then connecting them all to real-world wildlife conservation is like the trifecta.
We know that when you take out one piece of the ecological puzzle, it has a domino effect. Can you give us an example?
Birds that nest alongside rivers and ponds and marshes [are] called wading birds, and we’ve got many species. They’re beautiful. If you don’t have alligators, you rarely have those big rookeries, because the alligators keep all the possums and raccoons and small mammals from crawling up the trees and totally decimating the babies. So rookeries don’t even start if there’s no alligators. … Alligators have made a great comeback, so that’s a good thing in places where they were wiped out.
Zoos in the past have not had a good reputation for animal welfare. How has that changed?
It’s interesting, because what zoos are not good at is talking about how important we are in the role of conservation. Globally, there are many species that would be extinct now if it were not for zoos, and those programs aren’t always as visible to the guests coming through. I think zoos and aquariums are one of the most powerful wildlife conservation institutions that we have, because we’re not just talking to people that already care about conservation and are doing something about it. We’re reaching the people that may not even be thinking about how their life is made better or possible, even sometimes without wildlife conservation.
Can you give examples of these animal success stories with zoos?
There’s Przewalski’s horse, a wild horse in the steppes of Russia that was literally extinct in the wild, and they were only in zoos. So European zoos and American zoos created a breeding program, and after a couple generations, they just released them back into the wild now. California condors, black-footed ferret, Arabian oryx, red wolf, Mexican wolf, golden lion tamarins—the only reason they’re in the wild is because there were enough in zoos to put [them] back into the wild. So there’s a growing list of those.
The Palm Beach Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Why is this significant?
That’s a small group of zoos [just 237—Ed]. In the U.S., there are over 2,000 zoos that are registered as zoos, so the public goes in and sees them. Those 237 have the highest standards of everything from conservation to how we treat our staff to guest safety, everything, finances, the board. Every five years they look at us and reaccredit us. It’s not like an automatic right, pay-to-play kind of thing. We have to earn it back. Those zoos work together on conservation programs; we work together on the animal population. The jaguars you saw, they’re
Margo McKnight
part of a really important breeding population. They are part of the population within the AZA institutions.
So although there are cats, we don’t own them; we’ll move them to other zoos. If that male is needed for a breeding program, we will move him to be with the female that’s important, and they would have cubs, and those cubs then become the next generation of jaguars. And it’s not just for zoos now; the population of jaguars is so critical in some areas that in the future, we may be adding genetics back to the wild … Many species have been literally put back into the wild because they’ve had enough of them in zoos with good genetics that we are able to do that.
Sassy and Micco the panthers are kept separate at the Palm Beach Zoo. Why are breeding programs not allowed for Florida panthers?
Some native species the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will let you breed and release. It’s very rare, and it’s controlled by them. So in order to breed and release, there needs to be habitat that they approve to release them to. … They do not have a plan for where these Florida panthers would be released. So they’re saying you cannot breed them, because we can’t release them anywhere.
The Everglades is actually suboptimal for panthers; it’s just that’s the only place they had left, because they were hunted purpose-
“We’re a forever home for Sassy, and to tell her story is what our job is.”
—Margo McKnight
Sassy came to the zoo after her mother was killed by a car at Collier-Seminole State Park. Her siblings died from starvation.
fully; the federal government had essentially a war on predators. In the ‘20s and ‘30s, you actually got money for bringing in skin. So coyotes, black bears, cougars … every predator, the federal government wanted you to hunt them, because they didn’t realize how important they were to ecosystems. [The perception was] they ate your livestock, they got in your way. So in Florida, the only place left for panthers was the Everglades.
The next step is to find two different areas in Florida where it would be designated panther habitat, and then the ones in the south would hopefully make their way there. We could maybe augment with breeding them and releasing them. That is just not part of the plan yet.
How important is connectivity as the panther population grows?
The females struggle. There’s a river called the Calusa, and we deepened it, channelized it, so wildlife doesn’t go across it very much. The males will sometimes cross, because they get kicked out by other males, because it’s very territorial. The females don’t get harassed as much by the males. So males have been found everywhere. They go up to Georgia, they will cross it, but we need females to cross it, because you need females for cubs, right? So there was one female with two cubs that was across the river in Babcock Ranch. She made it across the river and had two cubs. So there’s little bits of hope there that they would do it on their own. So I think that is what the state … would prefer, is that if we create a corridor, the animals on their own can repopulate the state.
How does the Palm Beach Zoo help with panther conservation?
Some of the really nice wildlife areas out there, like [J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area and Hungryland Wildlife and Environ-
STILL AT RISK
While Florida panther numbers are on the rise, they still face risks in the wild. In 2024, 36 panthers were found dead. Thirty of them were the result of being struck by a vehicle or train, and in December alone, five were found dead after collisions with vehicles. This is a major jump from 13 deaths in 2023. On the upside, in 2024, three kittens were born to a panther with a Florida Wildlife Commission radio collar.
McKnight takes a moment to play with the flamingos.
McKnight brings decades of experience to the Palm Beach Zoo.
Olan the Malayan tiger is new to the zoo and is a part of the Species Survival Program; there are only 80 to 120 Malayan tigers left in the wild.
"It’s not just giving them a home, but using the connection between humans and these gorgeous creatures to remind them of the wild ones.”
mental Area], we are taking care of trail cameras out there, so we’re monitoring for them. Mostly our fieldwork now is monitoring for Florida panthers, but also black bear and anything else that comes up in the camera. So we have two people that are trained and regularly go monitor those wild areas.
The other piece that is really important is that when the corridor options come up to secure parcels, we are a voice for that. We let our board know, we let our staff know, we let our membership know, and we try to get voices to say,“Yay, this is great,” and to thank the legislature when they do it. We also lobby for things for us, for the legislature, and one of the things we’re doing is restoring all of the water bodies on this property to as close as we can get to Everglades ecosystem. And it’s a big lift. It’s very expensive. … Every time I sit down with somebody from either the House or Senate side, I always lobby for the wildlife corridor and legislation that protects Florida panthers and black bears. So advocating for it at a state
—Margo McKnight
level, cheering on when private landowners or state properties get secured, and then going out in the field and monitoring our area to see what is happening here, because that could be really important to the future of the panther as well.
How does simply coming to the zoo help wildlife?
When anyone comes to the zoo, they’re automatically helping us do conservation, because we have field conservation programs. We have 17 of them. Twenty-five of our 103 people are actually out in the field at some point in the year, either working on the panther trail cams or swallow-tailed kites or snail kites, or corals or conch. So literally, those two women [visitors of the zoo, pushing their children in strollers—Ed.] are helping to fund those programs, right? So just by coming, you’re already helping save wildlife. But what we really want is those two women to fall in love with these animals that they experienced and help us to save them.
JOHN TOWEY/PALM BEACH ZOO
Shelf Life
South Florida’s bookstores— from vintage standbys to newly opened retailers—celebrate analog technology in a digital era.
Written by John Thomason
o paraphrase Mark Twain, the reports of the bookstore’s death have been greatly exaggerated. With digital behemoths like Amazon devouring innumerable brick-and-mortars across the country, cloud-based audiobooks growing in popularity and convenience, and e-book revenues constituting a $250 million industry, few of us need bookstores anymore. So why do some survive and thrive? We visit a few of the decades-old institutions in Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as a pair of recently opened upstarts, to explore how they’re weathering the digital tide.
William Chrisant, the owner of Old Florida Book Shop
“Fifty years ago, my clientele were older men,” he says. “Now the clientele are younger women—it’s totally reversed.”
—William Chrisant
Everything Old is New Again
he unassuming storefront, situated next to a kava lounge in an anonymous Dania Beach strip plaza, hardly augurs the wonders that lie inside Old Florida Book Shop. Upon entering, first-time guests are doubtless taken aback by the Victorian-era time warp of their environs: a narrow corridor with shelves stacked sky-high on one side, and leather-bound volumes—Balzac’s Novels, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire—visible behind the glass doors of china cabinets on the other.
The books share space with antiques as weird as they are priceless: a Pleistocene cave bear paw discovered in the Ural Mountains, the teeth of a megalodon. Shoppers browse the shelves in hushed, reverential tones. Classical piano music tinkles from a speaker. The requisite bookstore cat, Peter, lounges in a serving bowl near the register. If it weren’t for the occasional 21st century title—speaking of megalodons, Steve Alten’s thriller Meg nestles a few moves away from W.H. Auden’s The Dyer’s Hand—the place is a convincing simulacrum of a library from the imagination of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“I just love books,” says shopkeeper William Chrisant, who opened the store in Ohio, then moved it to Virginia and Pennsylvania before settling in Dania Beach 15 years ago.“I don’t know if I collect them—I can’t afford to keep them. They pass through my hands.”
Robust sections on Old Florida, art history and LGBTQ subjects speak to Chrisant’s passion for catering to both general and niche readers—not to mention antiquers. Few places sell vintage chandeliers, oriental rugs, a scale model of a ship called the Albatross, and an absurdly heavy volume of the complete “Far Side” cartoons in one place.
But Chrisant never set out to build an ordinary shop. When we visited on a Sunday afternoon, the space bustled with activity from a customer base of diverse ages, genders and races, evidence of what Chrisant sees as the changing demographics of the brick-and-mortar bookshop.
“Fifty years ago, my clientele were older men,” he says. “Now the clientele are younger women—it’s totally reversed. It gives me pleasure to give somebody something they want. We buy a lot of Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Sylvia Plath, of that nature, because people come in and want them.
“Books are making a comeback,” he adds.“I think that younger people aren’t happy with the media that’s presented to them, and they just like a physical book, you know? I think there’s a bright future [for bookshops], even though there’s so many fewer stores now.”
ven if you visit Big Apple Books daily, you’re almost guaranteed to find new stock. That’s because unlike almost every other bookseller in the tri-county area, owner Robert Fava still pays cash to buy books from walk-in customers—from a handful of gently used paperbacks to collections amassed over a lifetime. Within reason, that is: When asked what he doesn’t buy, he singles out “antiquated titles” and Readers’ Digest condensed books.“I’m always a yes until the day I die, until I hear what they have for sale,” he says.
For the former New Yorker, bookselling began as a lucrative side hustle.“I got my start getting books out of the trash in Manhattan and turning around with a towel and putting them out for $5 each—beautiful books,” he recalls. “Me and my friends would make money for the night. That’s when I learned how valuable books were.”
Now, his inventory comes to him, often spilling out of customers’ vans and trucks and winding up moments later on the shelves of his Fort Lauderdale shop, all priced at a modest $2 for small paperbacks and $4 for hardcovers and trade paperbacks—rates that have not changed since he opened Big Apple 21 years ago.
“When I used to go to used bookstores in New York, I used to pay too much for the books,” he says.“And I
would start reading it in the bookstore, and it would be too late; I would be committed to the book, and pay half the retail price. And I thought that was a little bit crazy and undoable. So I wanted the books to be real cheap— basically for what the shipping costs on Amazon.”
Fava’s emporium positively overflows with books; with shelf space fully absorbed years ago, new stock tends to pile up in boxes, encouraging diggers to stay awhile. From poetry collections to recent bestsellers, endless stacks of “Star Trek” fan fiction to history, metaphysics and graphic novels, the racks are sprawling and always unpredictable. Fava also sells and accepts DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs and vinyl records, at similar rock-bottom prices as his books.
In an era when used bookstores have all but vanished from community after community, Fava is something of a dinosaur—one immune from the ecommerce asteroid that drove his competitors to extinction.“This is a transient area, and people who want to sell their books always find my number online,” he says.“There’s still a big demand, and it’s almost like selling ice in a desert, in a way, because everybody else gave up on it.”
5641 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954/772-7761, bigapplebookshop.com
Robert Fava
“So many of the stories of Black and brown people have been centered around what has been overcome, and not their happiness, not their joy.”
—Mel Saavedra
Mel Saavedra and Steamy Lit
Modern Romance
ike bookstores themselves, romance novels aren’t what they used to be.“Women have a lot more autonomy and power of their decisions,” says Mel Saavedra, who opened the romance bookshop Steamy Lit in Deerfield Beach in 2024.“We’ve grown with the genre, in that women are really empowered into taking control over their sexuality, over what they like and don’t like, their love lives in general. And you’re not seeing the damsel in distress anymore. You’re seeing an empowered main character who has a great job, has a great life, and [romance] may just be the piece they’re missing. It’s not, ‘now I’ve found my partner, and now I’m happy.’”
And we’re seeing characters that are more diverse than the days of leonine male models like Fabio wooing whiteskinned vixens on cover after cover. Saavedra, a Peruvian native who took up romance novels during the pandemic, set out to reflect the genre’s growing inclusivity, conceiving Steamy Lit as a homey haven for alternative voices. “So many of the stories of Black and brown people have been centered around what has been overcome, and not their happiness, not their joy,” Saavedra says.“And I feel like joy is an act of resistance. So being able to see people who have overcome, who are also deserving of love and happiness, is the power in that.”
To that end, Steamy Lit contains robust sections on Black authors, with titles like Curvy Girl Summer and The Single Dad Project; and on Queer Romance, like the athletic-themed Cleat Cute (“Nothing’s sexier than playing hard”). There’s a Spanish-language department, a “morally gray” section, and a selection of “Dark Romance” titles (Does it Hurt?, Soul of a Witch). And there are titles that reflect today’s cultural trends, like Pickleballers: Love at First Serve
Steamy Lit may be a niche shop, but it services a niche with many facets. In addition to selling books, it offers accouterments like candles, DIY detox masks, bags, and literary and LGBTQ-themed apparel. Saavedra also hosts a free audiobook walking club, where participants enjoy three-mile walks while listening to the romance of their choice.
Saavedra envisioned the store—with its free coffee, WiFi and lounge area, and its inviting interior design with green living walls studded with roses—as a communal gathering place.“Everything is based around community,” she says.“I wanted to create this area for people to just come in and hang out; you don’t have to purchase anything. … Growing up as an immigrant, in a household that was lower-income for most of my life, if it wasn’t in the library, I didn’t have access to books, and I didn’t have access to buying books. So I learned to make sure that when we built the store, there was also that space.”
161 N.E. Second Ave., Deerfield Beach; 305/742-9969, steamylit.com
BEACH READS
Palm Beach is a rarefied place, especially for bookworms. Despite spanning less than eight square miles, the island boasts not one but three bookstores, each with a dedicated clientele.
CLASSIC BOOKSHOP (310 S. County Road, 561/655-2485) has been operating for 47 years as a general-interest bookstore. Focus areas include three shelves of local interest (there are tomes aplenty on Addison Mizner, Clyde Butcher and the Everglades), classics, a banned books section—decorated with cheeky yellow police tape reading “Do Not Cross”—and a robust department for young readers. Gift books—shrink-wrapped volumes on subjects such as greenhouses, architecture and fashion houses—are popular sellers at the store. “I’m on my third generation, going onto my fourth generation, of customers,” says Jeffrey Jacobus, who has owned the shop since 2004.
THE PALM BEACH BOOK STORE (215 Royal Poinciana Way, 561/659-6700), still run by founder Candace Cohen 36 years after she opened the shop, is also a general-interest independent retailer with a curated eye for what customers want to read— from biographies and history to design, photography, art and fiction. A scrumptious food section includes sub-departments on “charcuterie” and “health and vegetarian,” while a rack dedicated to Barbie and Taylor Swift captures the attention of younger shoppers. If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted upon your visit by Charlotte, Cohen’s snuggly King Charles cavalier.
RAPTIS RARE BOOKS (329 Worth Ave., 561/508-3479), an island institution for more than 20 years, caters to the most discerning of readers: collectors of first-edition, signed and other antiquarian books, with the most valuable items eclipsing six figures. Owner Matthew Raptis has sold to presidents and world leaders, and has traveled to dozens of countries buying and selling rare books. He updates his inventory regularly on the internet; recent arrivals as of this writing include an inscribed first edition of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; the first Colombian edition of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera; and the first edition of Amelia Earhart’s memoir The Fun of It, signed by the author.
Raptis Rare Books
Pranoo Kumar
North By Northwest
s a social justice-driven bookstore in a state with an increasingly proscriptive legislature, Rohi’s Readery is a proud unicorn of an institution—a place with little precedent in South Florida. It specializes in both books and messages that more timid, or less ideologically aligned, shops would shy away from, as evidenced by the posters and other signage lining its walls:“Black Voters Matter,”“Refugees Are Welcome Here,”“Protect Trans Kids.”
As a space where literature, pedagogy and activism intersect, it caters to authors and readers of historically marginalized communities, from newborns to young adults. Many of its titles, such as Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic and Love From Mecca to Medina, are unlikely to be featured at the local Barnes & Noble.
Founder Pranoo Kumar, an education leader, consultant and life coach, opened Rohi’s Readery in CityPlace in 2021. Within a few years, it had outgrown that space, and in 2024, thanks to funding from the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Kumar moved her store to an expanded location in the city’s historic Northwest District, where her business occupies two quaint, adjoining buildings and their courtyards. The new Rohi’s sits next door to a florist and a baker, and is steps from the Sunset Lounge, the renovated, hopefully soon-to-reopen nightlife venue where countless jazz artists once toured the area on the Chitlin’ Circuit.
“We’re right next to minority and/or women-owned businesses,” Kumar says.“So there’s a lot of synergy and mission alignment with all of our organizations.
“My vision is honoring the work of those who come before us, especially in the Northwest District,” she adds. “There’s a lot of rich history around activism, advocacy and community-based work, and my hope is that we can continue the mission of that. My hope is that while
“My hope is that we’re providing accessibility to opportunities of learning—and building empathetic, conscious citizens.”
—Pranoo Kumar
this can still serve as a retail space, because everyone is deserving of bookstores, that it can also be a place where kids and adults can come hang out, connect, engage, learn more about the history of Palm Beach County.”
Rohi’s Readery—named after Kumar’s grandmother Rohini, an education activist in her native India—hosted its grand reopening in February as a fully fledged campus, with the bookstore consuming one building and Rohi’s Liberation Station next door. This is where Kumar hosts free educational programming—classes on cooking, gardening, dance, music and more—while the outdoor spaces are available for workshops, events or pop-up businesses.
“My hope is also that, in these times, especially with our free educational programming, that we’re providing accessibility to opportunities of learning, understanding and building authentic connection around our diversity and our community—and building empathetic, conscious citizens,” Kumar says.
Perhaps, as booksellers like Kumar and Saavedra epitomize, this is the future of the bookshop: targeted, mission-driven and founded on a principle of community first, commerce second. Good luck finding that on Amazon.
630 Seventh St., West Palm Beach; rohisreadery.com
Pranoo Kumar
Taco burger from Rocco’s Tacos
THE BOCA LUNCH GUIDE
Reclaim the lunch hour with our guide to the best Boca restaurants to grab a midday bite.
Written by Tyler Childress
he lunch hour was once a sacred time during the workday. The clock would strike noon, and we would leave our desks, stretch our legs, grab a bite from our favorite local spot, and maybe take the scenic route back to the office. It was like school recess, but for adults—a brief time in which we escaped the workaday grind and reclaimed part of our day.
Now, the romance has faded from this once beloved meal as more employees opt instead to eat at their desks to squeeze in more productivity. But we believe a lunch break should never be wasted on work, especially in a place with as many great restaurants as Boca. That’s why we’ve come up with the official guide of local spots to get you out of the office and rekindle your love of lunching.
The Power Lunch
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, as they say, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t sometimes charge it to the company credit card. Smooth talk will only get you so far in sealing the deal; sometimes it’s all about location, location, location—and these spots serve as the perfect backdrop for making money moves.
Meat Market’s Midtown Boca outpost has gained a reputation for its clubby nighttime vibe and sexy, vibrant atmosphere, but what makes it
the perfect setting for a power lunch is the wine cellar that is bookable for events. Pick a vintage from the cellar’s vast collection of wines and close the sliding doors for an ultra-private yet stylish meeting. Lunch menu highlights include the Beefeater Panini with roast-top round Angus beef, an Argentinian empanada stuffed with ground Wagyu beef and, of course, the duck fat-basted, 16-ounce Linz Prime Reserve Rib-eye. meatmarket.net/boca-raton
If the walls of J. Alexander could talk, they’d be on “Shark Tank” by now. This local outpost of the popular chain has been a longtime meeting spot for Boca’s business leaders, and it’s easy to see why. With plush leather booth seats, a surf-and-turf menu, sultry lighting and firstrate service, it’s the perfect place for classing up even the most mundane of meetings. For best results, pair your meal with any one of J. Alexander’s handcrafted martinis. jalexanders.com
The Town Center Lunch
Grab a bite to eat, then walk off the midday slump at the shops at Town Center.
La Boulangerie Boul’Mich: If you can peel your eyes from the display cases of beautiful, sweet and savory fresh-baked creations, La Boulangerie Boul’Mich’s menu features a wide variety of lunch favorites, from sandwiches served on fresh-baked baguettes to pastas, salads and more. Sandwiches can be served in half-portions and paired with a soup for a hearty lunch combo. laboulangerieusa.com
The Capital Grille: This steakhouse is known for its elegant, refined atmosphere and cooked-to-perfection cuts.
La Boulangerie Boul’Mich
Beet salad from Meat Market
BEN RUSNAK
thecapitalgrille.com
Maggie McFly’ s: Its massive, globetrotting menu includes pizzas, noodles, sandwiches, pastas, street food and more, using locally sourced ingredients. maggiemcflys.com
The Blue Dog: Features an eclectic menu ranging from fried mac and cheese balls and focaccia flatbreads to a decadent braised short rib plate. bluedogboca.com
The Something for Everyone Lunch
The stars of the show here are obviously the 60-plus vintage wines on tap, but Sixty Vines also boasts an expansive lunch menu that makes the wine-centric restaurant worth a midday visit. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, or are looking for something on the more decadent side, Sixty Vines has a dish to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Bring a coworker and split a shareable plate like the fried chicken and caviar and pan-roasted
mussels tossed in white wine and butter, or the fig and prosciutto pizza with white sauce, mozzarella, honey, arugula and sesame seeds. Go gluten-free with the pan-seared rainbow trout or vegetarian with the beet and herbed goat cheese salad. sixtyvines.com/ locations/boca-raton
Honorable Mention:
The Affordable Lunch
It’s more expensive than ever to enjoy a lunch outside the office, but kudos to Palm Beach Bagel for maintaining reasonably priced yet deli-
cious fare. The no-frills menu includes all the lunch staples, from Cobb salads to club sandwiches, burgers, wraps and more. Finish off your meal with the housemade, freshbaked rugelach or cookies. palmbeachbagel.net
The Cuban Lunch
Boca admittedly has too few spots for a great Cuban meal, but the one we keep coming back to is The Cuban Cafe It’s got a laid-back diner vibe,
with dishes that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you go the basic route with a Cuban sandwich or add some flair to your lunch with the picadillo habana (ground sirloin and olives cooked in tomato sauce), you won’t leave hungry or disappointed. cubancafe.com
The French Lunch
While you can’t go wrong with any of Boca’s many French bakeries, Cote is the one that we just can’t stay away from. At Cote, breakfast is served all day (a big plus in our book), and the pastries and breads are fresh and housemade daily. Take your pick of salads, quiches, croissant and baguette sandwiches, crepes and more. We’re hooked on the croque monsieur, a classic French sandwich made with ham and swiss and slathered in creamy bechamel sauce. cotefrance-bocaraton.com
MANNY VARGAS
Cobb salad with sliced tenderloin from The Capital Grille
Stacked sandwiches from Maggie McFly’s
Sixty Vines
The Vegetarian/ Vegan-friendly Lunch
Many Boca restaurants boast a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, but few are as varied—or tasty—as Farmer’ s Table. The Buffalo Cauliflower alone is capable of making you consider swearing off meat, but our vegan go-to is the “Spasta,” with spaghetti made from squash served with a tomato basil sauce and vegan meatballs. For those looking to go the extra mile healthwise,
Farmer’s Table also offers gluten-free options for many of its dishes. If you’re a remote worker, Farmer’s Table also has grab-and-go fridges for selecting pre-prepped meals to assemble at home. dinefarmerstable.com
The New Boca Lunch Destination
We can’t rave enough about Narbona, the Uruguayan concept at the Shops at Boca Center. Part market and wine
shop, part sit-down restaurant, Narbona has an incredible array of dishes that show off the best of Uruguayan cuisine. Standouts for us were the provoleta—bubbling melted cheese perfect for dipping bread—and the pappardelle— house-made pasta tossed in a creamy mushroom sauce. For lighter fare, we recommend the sesame-crusted ahi tuna served with grilled veggies, avocado spread and citrus soy sauce. bocaraton.narbona.com
Worth the Drive Lunch
If you’re looking to venture outside Boca (but not too far), the offerings at Warren Delray are well worth the trip. Opt for handhelds like the classic burger made with a tantalizing bone marrow blend or the lobster roll stuffed with a pound and a half of Maine lobster, or go healthy with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Warren’s midday meals aren’t limited to lunch, either. The restaurant also hosts brunch daily, with menu selections that range from the health-conscious acai bowl to the utterly decadent Wayne’s Hangover Cure—a two-napkin burger with double patties, crisp pork belly, hashbrown, cheddar cheese, a fried egg and cherry pepper relish. Take it from us: Order this one on a slow workday. warrendelray.com
The Healthy Lunch
These local spots offer guiltfree lunches without sacrificing good taste.
Fresh Kitchen: This one’s for the lunchers who are swearing off bread. All ingredients at this build-a-bowl restaurant are gluten-free, and include kale slaw, brown rice, grilled chicken and fresh smashed avocado. eatfreshkitchen.com
True Food Kitchen: From its outpost at Town Center, this health-food concept is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons but always includes healthy bowls, salads, sandwiches, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options. truefoodkitchen.com
Vale Food Co.: A build-abowl restaurant with ingredients that use no artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, antibiotics or trans fats. valefoodco.com
Mediterranean salmon burger from Farmer's Table
CARLOS GALLEGO II
The Steakhouse Lunch
It used to be that steakhouses wouldn’t open their doors until 5 p.m. at the earliest, but thankfully Gallaghers Steakhouse doesn’t adhere to such rigorous time constraints. Lunch at Gallaghers runs from noon to 4 p.m., and features a three-course special consisting of the soup of the day, a salad, an entree (choose from steak, salmon, chicken or lamb chops) and a dessert for $34. gallaghersnysteakhouse.com
The Italian Lunch
No one could ever accuse Boca of running short on Italian restaurants—and all of them claim to be the best. Far be it from us to argue with the armies of Google reviewers that support each claim, but when it comes to a quick, grab-and-go Italian lunch, we default to Joseph’s Market The sandwiches are made with premium Italian meats,
and for our money it’s got some of the best pizza-by-theslice around. And if for some reason the fig and prosciutto sandwich or New York-style pizza doesn’t catch your eye, there’s sure to be something in the massive, wraparound display case of readymade foods that will. josephsclassicmarket.com
Worth the Price Lunch
If you’re feeling like treating yourself on your next payday, there’s no place better to put that direct deposit to good use than Loch Bar. Its delectable seafood dishes are as tasty as they are pricey, but worth the cost if you’re of a mind to splurge. Menu standouts include the seafood towers with tiers of oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, Alaskan king crab and Maine lobster; the tried-and-true mahi sandwich with dill caper aioli; or entrees like the Chilean sea bass. If you’re looking to not break
the bank, fret not—Loch Bar also offers lunch combos that include an entree, side and soft drink for $18, with options including a half oyster po boy sandwich, half crab grilled cheese and more. lochbar.com/ boca-raton
from top left:
from Loch Bar, provoleta from Narbona, stuffed shrimp from Gallaghers Steakhouse
Clockwise
Mussels
The Taco Lunch
Tacos are the quintessential lunch food—quick, simple and delicious even at their most basic. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate it when a taqueria goes above and beyond in preparing this street food staple. The taco geniuses at Taco Labs Boca offer an internationally inspired menu, with taco selections ranging from Korean barbecue and bang bang shrimp to orange chicken and tandoori chicken tacos. Over at Rocco’s Tacos, enjoy traditional street-style tacos like the spicy chorizo, the birria (short rib and melted cheese), or the crispy chipotle barbecue pork belly. Come for the tacos, stay for the tableside guacamole. For a refreshing start to your taco lunch, try the wahoo ceviche at El Camino before sampling its elevated take on Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, fajitas and enchiladas. tacolabsboca.com; roccostacos.com; elcaminobocaraton.com
The Tapas Lunch
It seems like every restaurant in Boca now has a shareable plates menu, but none pull off the Spanish style of smallplate dining like Patio Tapas & Beer. The custom is to share plates, but any two items off the tapas menu make for a hearty and delicious lunch. A few of our favorites are the seared duck breast with fig jam, the pulpo a la gallega (octopus drizzled with olive oil and dusted with paprika), and the gambas al ajillo, or shrimp sauteed with garlic, oil and white wine. patiotapasandbeer.com
Crispy fish tacos from Rocco’s Tacos
Pork belly taco from El Camino
The Mizner Park Lunch
Our downtown shopping hub is home to a variety of restaurants that are sure to please any palate.
American Social: This gastropub offers a spin on classic American bar bites, from chicken wings tossed in guava habanero sauce to a turkey Reuben sandwich topped with kimchi and Havarti. americansocialbar.com
Max’s Grille: Max’s has been a Mizner Park staple since opening more than 30 years ago. It’s the first restaurant to debut at Mizner Park and owes its endurance in part to its eclectic menu inspired by Asian, Italian, Mediterranean and American cuisines. Max’s Grille offers its Lunch Box specials from 11:30 a.m to 4 p.m. daily, which include half sandwiches, fajitas, burgers or sushi paired with the soup of
the day or salad. maxsgrille.com
Kapow Noodle Bar: This is Boca’s premier stop for noodles, with everything from ramen and lo mein to pad Thai and chow fun. kapownoodlebar.com
The Downtown Lunch
Louis Bossi’ s: Lunchtime highlights from this local Italian staple include the quinoa Caprese salad or any of the panini, which are served with spicy giardiniera and housemade rosemary chips or salad. louiebossiristorante.com/bocaraton
Gary Rack’s Farmhouse: The Boca outpost of famed chef Gary Rack’s farm-to-table restaurants is worth a lunch break for its fish sandwich alone but also offers small plates and salads. farmhousekitchenboca.com
Luff’s Fish House: Surfand-turf fare in a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Try the
mahi Reuben and thank us later. luffsfishhouse.com
The Greek Lunch
For those who prefer their sandwiches to be wrapped in a pita rather than piled on a sub roll, Taverna Kyma is the place to visit for a quality Greek lunch. We love it for gyros (they’ve got the best around, in our humble opinion), but other lunch specials include pita wraps with salad and Greek fries (topped with feta) and smaller portions of lamb chops, filet mignon and salmon. tavernakyma.com
The Deli Lunch
When it comes to grabbing a sandwich in Boca, there are plenty of choices, but V&S Italian Deli reigns supreme. Sandwiches come served on fresh, housemade rolls, piled high with top-quality Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. You can’t go wrong with anything off the menu, but we recommend the V&S Special, with sopressata, mortadella and provolone. Pro tip: Top off your sandwich with the deli’s house-made basil mayo. vandsitaliandeli.com
Bao buns from Kapow Noodle Bar
Grilled salmon quesadilla from Max’s Grille
Crab guacamole dip from Luff’s Fish House
Juliano and Lia Scherba Owners
JL Home Projects, Inc.
200 East Palmetto Park Road, Suite 102
Boca Raton FL, 33432 561-347-7274
jlprojects.com
JL Home Projects, established in 2002 by Juliano and Lia Scherba, has become a leading design-build firm serving Boca Raton and its surrounding areas. Renowned for its comprehensive, high-end, concierge-level services, the company offers a seamless experience for clients by managing every detail of home transformations, from vision to reality.
The Scherbas’ journey from Brazil to the United States over two decades ago embodies the American Dream. Their unwavering faith in hard work and determination led them to leave behind established careers and start anew, culminating in the creation of JL Home Projects.
With more than 1,000 completed projects, the firm has demonstrated excellence in new constructions, extensive renovations, high-end condominiums and upscale commercial spaces. Their portfolio includes prestigious properties such as Alina, Presidential Place, One Thousand Ocean, Mizner Grand, and Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.
Clients can explore endless design possibilities at JL Home Projects’ 7,000-square-foot showroom in downtown Boca Raton, which showcases premium materials, Italian furnishings and custom kitchens. Additionally, the firm owns and operates a state-ofthe-art 20,000-square-foot millwork and cabinetry factory, ensuring meticulous management of every aspect of each project, from sourcing and logistics to professional installation.
Juliano and Lia’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has positioned JL Home Projects as a trusted specialist in the design-build industry. Their dedication to transforming clients’ visions into reality makes them the preferred choice for discerning homeowners seeking unparalleled service and results.
Photography: Michael Connor
Lewis Curved Bar by Williams Sonoma, Boca Raton
For the Fun of It
Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where the party is. Today’s homes are integrating fun in an assortment of ways, from elaborately stylish bars to riveting game rooms.
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
It used to be that only the über-wealthy and celebrities had elaborate spaces solely dedicated to entertaining. “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” and “MTV Cribs” splashed ostentatious extravagances across our piddly TV screens in our humble homes. Fortunately, this design concept has expanded to become more conventional, and these days, homes are designed as extensions of their owners’ lifestyles and personalities and as entertainment hubs for an all-ages entourage. Gone are the days of closed-door kid playrooms or cramped bars that seem more like afterthoughts than deliberate watering holes. Of course, higher square footage lends itself to swankier designs, but regardless of size, spaces where the entire family can come together to play and host friends have become much more commonplace and accessible.
BANK SHOT
Adults deserve to have a little fun, so Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design and designer Deborah Wecselman curated the ideal space where grownups can play pool and sip cocktails while always maintaining visual contact with roaming children.“Modern living has become more casual, emphasizing the importance of creating open spaces that foster better interaction and communication,” says Ralph Choeff. The clients wanted to infuse the firm’s lauded tropical modern style into their 14,500-square-foot Boca Raton home by emphasizing a synergy between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The team focused on clean, contemporary interiors to capitalize on the golf course and lake views. In the lounge, the 130-foot-long skylight shines natural light onto the pool table, adjacent 14-foot-long onyx bar and impressive glass-enclosed wine cellar. According to Wecselman, the client wanted to create a spacious, refined home that fosters familial togetherness while accommodating the client’s love for contemporary art and design.
Stools: Man of Parts sold by Avenue Road. Pool table: Blatt Billiards. Light fixture: Apparatus
DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
Ralph Choeff and Deborah Wecselman
ANOTHER ROUND
“Clients are all about injecting fun into their homes these days, and honestly, can you blame them?” says designer Angela Reynolds.“COVID lockdowns flipped the script on how we view our living spaces. Homes aren’t just crash pads anymore—they’ve become the stage for everything from wellness retreats to cocktail-fueled karaoke nights.”
Reynolds collaborated with her empty-nest clients to create a bar that takes center stage in their 7,500-square-foot Palm Beach home. Serving as the ultimate extension of the great room living space, the 14-foot Cristallo Extra Quartzite bar, featuring a stunning River Rock Agate semi-precious backlit backsplash, is where the homeowners can dote on their guests. Welcoming friends with a rare whiskey or wine elevates their guests’ experience and makes them feel special.
“A well-stocked bar with collectible bottles has become a hallmark of sophistication and an easy conversation starter,” Reynolds adds. But at the end of the day, it’s not just about pouring a spirit into a glass; hosts aim to forge deeper, thoughtful connections by entertaining in the comfort of their home.
Angela Reynolds
Contractor: Hobgood Construction. Cabinetry: Waterview Kitchens. Pendants: Kori from Holly Hunt. Barstools: Bradley.
COME TOGETHER
Being well accustomed to the spotlight, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee, looked to Cindy Rinfret to create a functional and inviting home for his large family in Palm Beach. Rinfret, a longtime design collaborator with the Hilfigers, crafted an updated Slim Aarons aesthetic that emphasizes comfort and family. As the 19th project with the couple, she understood the priority for entertaining and creating memories with loved ones.
In the lounge, Rinfret’s design incorporates the bar and library. By lining the room’s walls with the couple’s extensive book collection—several embellished with autographs from their contemporaries—and outfitting a custom bar finished in Hermès orange, Rinfret designed a space that encourages lingering. The room is a harmonious blend of tailored textures, with bamboo and mirror details juxtaposed against the pecky cypress ceiling. The whimsical space at the end of the 21,000-square-foot home connects the indoor and outdoor areas as it overlooks the pool and terraces, making it a central entertainment hub.
While the Hilfigers’ bar may be an adult’s wonderland, the game room was designed with their son’s love for LEGOs in mind. It comes complete with a LEGO building desk with custom drawers for parts and outlets for charging devices. There’s even more to play with here, including arcade games, a putting green and a puzzle table. The ceiling is styled with Pierre Frey wallpaper, a nod to the family’s love for travel.“The shift in home design has moved away from overly formal spaces to ones that reflect real life and encourage use,” Rinfret explains.“In previous eras, living and dining rooms were rarely touched; now, every room serves a purpose. At Rinfret Ltd., our biggest compliment is when clients tell us they use every space in their home. For the Hilfigers, creating a home that’s vibrant, welcoming and rich with personal touches ensures it’s a space for living, not just looking.”
For Krista Alterman’s Boca Raton clients, nothing says family time like a friendly, competitive pingpong game. This is the second project that the Krista + Home founder has designed for the owners of this 9,800-square-foot home. The family of four envisioned their home as a haven for connection, where loved ones could gather and create memories. And where better to come together than an indoor table tennis arena complete with custom bleachers? Its dynamic presence enhances the room’s appeal by doubling as both a game and a show for spectators.“The game room offers the perfect balance of sophistication and playfulness, blending high-energy activity with a bespoke design that complements the home’s luxurious aesthetic,”Alterman says. With the pingpong table as the centerpiece, Alterman curated an assortment of additional game areas, including a custom shuffleboard table, a card table and darts.
The entertainment wing houses the game room and features an intimate theater. Alterman designed it to flow seamlessly from high-energy games to immersive movie experiences. It was a must-have for a family that loves films and binge-watching their favorite shows together. The sink was added for practicality and easy cleanup, and the artwork was
Krista Alterman
commissioned to reflect the family’s love for basketball. Reflecting on the shift towards infusing more fun into our homes, Alterman says,“Our clients want their homes to be both a retreat and a destination—a place where they can relax and entertain. Integrating elements of fun adds a layer of vibrancy, making the home as dynamic as the people who live there. Our clients aren’t just looking for beautiful spaces—they want spaces that elevate their lifestyle and offer unique experiences. Entertainment rooms we design are no longer just practical; they’re thoughtfully designed to embody elegance and create moments that feel extraordinary.”
TOP LEFT: As a bold architectural statement, the bleachers are a standout. It was a first for the designer, who wrapped them in a fun color and added additional storage space for the family’s collection of board games.
Lazar Industries. Light fixture: Visual Comfort.
MOVIE NIGHT
Entertaining loved ones can be thrilling, but sometimes homeowners just want to relax in their pajamas and get lost in a cinematic journey. For House of One founder Brittany Farinas, her goal was to curate a movie sanctuary for her discerning clients in their 9,000-square-foot home that’s functional and blends Miami Beach’s “sun, sand and sea” personality with their interests. For the theater, she backlit the couples’ favorite movie posters and designed a custom plush oversized sofa and ottomans.
Walk-in closet custom designed by California Closets
RAISING THE BAR
A beautiful home bar is the perfect place to socialize around meals. Take yours to the next level with stunning lamps, bold bar cabinets, and gorgeous glassware.
1. Bijou Coasters - $18, Jayson Home, jaysonhome.com 2. Jonathan Adler Mustique Barware Set - $150, Neiman Marcus, Boca Raton, neimanmarcus.com 3. Juneau Velvet Bar Cabinet - $2,198, Anthropologie, Boca Raton, anthropologie.com 4. Schott Zwiesel Tour 11 oz. Bronze Martini Glass - $16.95, Sage Green 15 oz. White Wine Glass - $16.95, 12 oz. Short Cocktail Glass - $11.99, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com 5. “Cocktail Botanica” by Elouise Anders - $20, Hive Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, hivepalmbeach.com 6. Rocket DecantersStarting at $195, Jonathan Adler, Miami, jonathanadler.com 7. South Seas Rattan Bar Cart - $698, Serena & Lily, Palm Beach, serenaandlily.com
Sebastián López de Arteaga, Saint Michael Striking Down the Rebellious Angels [detail], 1650-1652, oil on copper. Courtesy of the Hispanic Society of America, New York.
BACKSTAGE PASS
Jason Moran, performing March 21 at Adrienne Arsht Center
“I want to show the kids that [Ellington’s music is] malleable, that it’s flexible, that it’s soft tissue, and to let it ooze.”
—Jason Moran
Jason Moran
On the occasion of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday, the great composer passes the torch to his modern counterpart
Written by JOHN THOMASON
When pianist, bandleader and composer Duke Ellington shed his immortal coil in 1974, he left behind the most voluminous and influential oeuvre in all of jazz, to the tune of more than 1,000 compositions. (For comparison, Thelonious Monk, Ellington’s game-changing successor on the instrument, composed about 70 songs.)
Much of Ellington’s material, which defined the swing and big-band eras of jazz, has entered the standard repertoire. But as Jason Moran reminds us, that doesn’t mean it should remain embalmed in the past.
Born a year after Ellington died, Moran, 50, is a piano phenom in his own right—a skateboarder who also attended ballets and symphonies in his youth, and whose omnivorous discography takes inspiration from lyrical and free jazz, ambient music, hip-hop and classical. An ace improviser and sonic deconstructionist by temperament, Moran has released 18 albums as a leader since his acclaimed 1998 Blue Note Records debut, while also scoring movies and appearing as a sideman on countless recordings and tours.
In March, Moran will make a rare Florida appearance for “My Heart Sings,” an all-Ellington revue at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center, alongside the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Big Band and his wife, vocalist Alicia Hall Moran.
In the searching spirit of jazz, don’t expect the songs to sound exactly as Ellington performed them.“Working with young musicians again is important for me to do, to teach them the malleability of Ellington’s music,” Moran says.“This music is not to be re-created in the way that maybe symphony orchestras often re-create songs from the past. Our music is to be molded to the time.”
What does Duke Ellington mean to you?
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “My Heart
Sings: Jason Moran Performs the Music of Duke Ellington” WHERE: Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
WHEN: March 21, 8 p.m.
COST: $40-$130
CONTACT: 305/949-6722, arshtcenter.org
Duke Ellington is like Mount Everest, but instead of the top of the mountain being cold, it’s totally lush and full of sun and plant life, meaning he’s got all the right ecology around him. Maybe most importantly is what he means to the piano. He had some really bold and brave ideas, and if it were not for his piano sound, Thelonious Monk would not sound the way he sounded. And I would have probably never fallen in love with music had I not heard Thelonious Monk. So Ellington is like a grandfather who I never got to meet, but I believe in his ability to transform the instrument into an emotional palette.
How do you find new mystery and challenge in his
work, even after it’s become so engrained in the jazz vocabulary?
The way I look at him is that time changes, fortunately. And we’re looking at Ellington 125 years after his birth. And lots of things have shifted in the world. Also, some things still remain classic material—I mean from war, and from man’s inhumanity to man. All these things remain intact. Ellington is disgusted by it, and he also finds a way to plant his love for humanity into his band. When I touch those songs, I’m thinking about the ways in which his music hits up against the now. And of course I adapt them, because that’s my nature— one adapts their favorite music to fit their hand. So I’m shifting these songs around to tell a side of the story that I think hits for right now.
Are you sticking to the more familiar songs, or are you unearthing deeper cuts as well?
One thing I’ve done over my recording career is record the more obscure Ellington pieces. So I stick to that. We do play “It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing” and “Mood Indigo.” But the rest are songs that struck my backbone to the core. And I try to talk about Ellington as to one degree a simple composer, and to the opposite degree a really complex one. And we try to paint this picture with a selection of songs that shows the full picture.
Ellington represented the era when jazz was populist music, and it was dance music. Jazz today is more niche, maybe more elitist in its audience demographics, and mostly consumed in seats. Can, or should, jazz be a more populist music again?
I think every artist can answer that question differently. Maybe the most important thing is that it should be able to touch people— whether it makes you want to dance, cry, hold hands or run from the room. ... I do think there is a relationship that the music should have to the body.
Do you have any projects or albums planned for 2025? I just woke up this morning, and I’ll say this, because maybe it’ll be out by the time I get to Miami. I was in the shower, and I said, “How dare I not record this music of Ellington’s?” So I might go into the studio and record this really quickly before I get to Miami.
Jason Moran
March 2025
Now-March 23:
“certain silence: Fabiola Menchelli” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/8325196, norton.org. The Norton Museum’s artist-in-residence for 2024-2025, Mexican artist Menchelli presents her newly created camera-less photography: atmospheric captures of light on paper, created in complete darkness, that often suggest the streamlined angles of paper airplanes in flight.
Now-March 30:
“Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and its Empire” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12-$16 museum admission; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum. org. Chronicling the Golden Age of Spanish Painting, these 16th and 17th century works are glorious in every definition of the word, often conceived with the intention to bring spectators closer to God. Rarely seen oils by El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo are among the paintings on display.
March 3:
An Evening With Doris Kearns Goodwin at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $50-$75; 561/757-4762, festivalboca. org. The indefatigable presidential historian and Festival of the Arts favorite returns to discuss her best-selling memoir An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, as well as current events as viewed through the long lens of America’s past.
Now-March 30:
“Rory McEwan: A New Perspective on Nature” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; $10; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. Flowers took on a breathing, tactile beauty in the botanical paintings of beloved Scottish musician and artist McEwan, who died too young (at 50, in 1982) but left behind an influential oeuvre of watercolors, on display in Palm Beach alongside his sketchbooks, etchings and sculptures.
March 5:
Scott Eyman: “Charlie Chaplin Vs. America” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 1:30 p.m.; free; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. West Palm Beach-based film historian Eyman has authored or co-authored 17 books exploring some of the most pivotal personalities in cinema. His latest tome researches the efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice to defame one of silent cinema’s greatest stars for his politically outspoken views.
March 5:
Florida Man: Carl Hiaasen at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $40-$60; 561/7574762, festivalboca.org. Few Floridians have plumbed the depths of our state’s political malfunctions and malfeasance with a more acid wit than Carl Hiaasen, over the course of 24 satirical novels mostly set in the Sunshine State. The former Miami Herald columnist will hold nothing back in this evening of storytelling and commentary.
“Rory McEwan”
“certain silence” Carl Hiaasen “Splendor and Passion”
Now-April
20:
“The Ethereal Worlds of Maxfield Parrish” at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; $28 museum admission; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum.us. Often buoyed by his famous “Parrish Blue” palette of warm cerulean hues, this Gilded Age painter from Philadelphia transcended specific art movements to create his own original aesthetic that married realism and dream states, romanticism and fantasy, fine art and commercial illustration.
Now-April 26:
“Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami. org. This exhibition pays homage to the minds behind the 1989 box-office smash “Akira” by presenting 59 original production backgrounds, layout drawings, concept designs and image boards that have never been shown outside of Japan, including such definitive visuals as its kinetic motorcycle chase scene.
Now-May 30:
“Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy” at Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; $8-$12; 561/395-6766, bocahistory. org. This exhibition spotlights architect Addison Mizner’s creativity via artifacts produced and imported by Mizner Industries—Corinthian column capitals, fireplace mantels, floor and roof tiles, and more—as well as videos, photographs, drawings and maps charting his century of influence.
March 2:
Nestor Torres Presents “A NeoDance Story” at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $30-$120; 561/7574762, festivalboca.org. Latin Grammy-winning flautist and composer Torres joins forces with choreographer and Holocaust survivor Alfred Friedman for this singular fusion of music and dance, exploring a narrative of passion, love and overcoming challenges through the language of salsa and tango.
March 7:
“Back to the Future” with Live Orchestra at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $30-$120; 561/757-4762, festivalboca.org. In honor of its 40th anniversary, experience director Robert Zemeckis’ 1985 time-traveling sci-fi adventure on the big screen, with Festival Orchestra Boca performing Alan Silvestri’s sweeping, iconic score—including an extra 20 minutes of music exclusive to this live presentation.
March 7:
“Beatles Vs. Stones” at the Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $69.50; 561/203-3742, thestudioatmiznerpark.com. The nebulous nature of the so-called feud between the Beatles and Rolling Stones is at the heart of this creative concert, in which Sgt . Pepper, a Beatles band, and Jumpin’ Jack Flash, a Stones tribute, each perform, occasionally “dissing” their competition between songs. It culminates in a mashup between the music of both acts.
March 9:
Boca Raton Centennial Celebration at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $30-$120; 561/757-4762, festivalboca.org. Festival of the Arts Boca closes its 2025 event with a toast to the city’s 100th birthday. In collaboration with the Boca Raton Historical Society, the festival will present a one-of-a-kind audiovisual tribute to the city’s founders, set to live music from the 1920s Jazz Age as well as a world-premiere work from FAU Composer-in-Residence Kevin Wilt.
March 11-16:
“The Book of Mormon” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $50-$115; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez’s subversive musical about Mormon missionaries bringing their message to a war-torn African village is still one of Broadway’s hottest tickets. This latest touring iteration will be full of classically crafted songs, irrepressible comedy and surprisingly nuanced meditations on the purpose of faith.
“The Book of Mormon”
“Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo”
“Back to the Future” “Beatles Vs. Stones”
March 2025
March 13-14:
Rita Rudner at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 8 p.m. Thursday, 7 and 9 p.m. Friday; $63-$83; 561/4839036, bocablackbox.com. A Miami native, this diminutive comic, author and actor with an easygoing delivery and epigrammatic joke construction takes a break from performing her long-running solo residency in Las Vegas, bringing her wry material off the Strip and into the suburbs.
March 13-April 6:
“No, No, Nanette” at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $119; 561/995-2333, thewick.org. Romance, hijinks and misadventures are central to this vintage musical farce, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of its Broadway premiere this year. Expect plenty of tap dancing and softshoe, in a story about three couples sharing an Atlantic City cottage who find themselves at the unwitting center of a blackmail scheme.
March 22-23:
“Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience” at Levis JCC Sandler Center, 21050 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $35; 561/558-2520, levisjcc. org. This updated version of the four-person cabaret-style comedy “Bittersuite” explores aging in America through humorous and touching musical vignettes. Created by award-winning composer Elliot Weiss and lyricist Michael Champagne, the original “Bittersuite” ran to widespread acclaim in New York and Los Angeles.
March 14-15:
MOMIX: “Alice” at the Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m.; $45-$90; 954/462-0222, browardcenter. org. The latest full-length acrobatic dance spectacle from this Emmy-winning dance company, which has performed at the Golden Globes and was the subject of one of the world’s first 3D IMAX films, aims not to retell the entire “Alice in Wonderland” story but to capture its gonzo surrealist essence in modern, inventive ways.
March 22-23:
Philharmonia No. 5 at Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; $35-$50; 561/237-7000, lynn. edu/events. Guest conductor Guillermo Figueroa leads Lynn’s esteemed Philharmonia through the last program of its season, featuring compositions from Wagner, Strauss and Saint-Saëns, plus a world-premiere work by Miguelangel Garcia Marquez.
March 25:
Greg Norman: “The Way of the Shark” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $50; 561/6557226, fourarts.org. A legend on the greens and a successful entrepreneur in the boardroom, Greg Norman—the world’s No. 1 pro golfer for a staggering 331 weeks in the ‘80s and ‘90s—will bestow lessons he’s learned about golf, business and life in this aspirational lecture.
Rita Rudner
Greg Norman MOMIX: “Alice”
COURTESY OF BROWARD CENTER
Guillermo Figueroa
March 15:
Bobby Collins at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 7 and 9 p.m.; $63-$83; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. Named after Bob Hope and channeling the vintage humor of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, observational comedian Collins is one of the circuit’s most familiar faces, performing some 200 dates a year at venues from small comedy clubs to USO Tours to the White House.
March 18:
Jon Meacham: “Lincoln in Our Time” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $50; 561/655-7226, fourarts. org. Author of five New York Times bestsellers—including his latest, The Call to Serve, about the complicated legacy of George H.W. Bush—this Pulitzer Prize-winning historian will discuss how the life of Abraham Lincoln can help transcend divisions and unite the country in our fractious time.
March 28:
Edwin McCain at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 9 p.m.; $45-$60; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. A staple of Top 40 radio in the late 1990s and beyond, McCain’s love songs, including “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More,” have stolen hearts and soothed souls for three generations. After a stint hosting a show on Animal Planet (“Flippin’ Ships”), this consummate crooner returns to Boca on an intimate club tour.
March 20:
Twilight Tribute Concert: the Freebirds at Old School Square Amphitheatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 6 p.m.; $10, or $50 for VIP; 561/243-1077, downtowndelraybeach.com. Classic rock with a southern accent will be featured at this performance by the Freebirds, whose charismatic musicians play the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, ZZ Top and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
March 21-22:
The Bronx Wanderers at the Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $49.50-$59.50; 561/203-3742, thestudioatmiznerpark.com. This father-and-sons family act has been entertaining audiences, and winning awards, from its Las Vegas residency since 2016. The Four Seasons-style vocal performances feature music-industry anecdotes and tunes from Dion, Billy Joel, Tony Orlando and others.
March 28:
The Jimmy Vivino Band at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Impressively bearded blues guitarist Vivino spent 26 years as Conan O’Brien’s dedicated musical director, guitarist and bandleader. It was the most public facet of a nearly five-decade career that has included collaborations with Bob Weir, Keith Richards, Elvis Costello and a laundry list of others. He brings his stellar blues-rock quartet to Arts Garage.
March 29:
The Symphonia: “Neighboring Bach” at the Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $55-$90; 561/203-3742, thestudioatmiznerpark.com. Alastair Willis, principal conductor of the Symphonia, actually lived in the house next door to the Bach family home in Germany, where the composer perfected chamber music circa 1723. Hence the title of the Symphonia’s fourth program of the season, an all-Bach tribute complete with period-evoking costumes.
March 29:
Lachy Doley at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $40-$50; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit. com. A master on the Hammond organ and whammy clavinet, this ace keyboardist from South Australia has lent his considerable keyboard acumen to recordings by Joe Bonamassa and Powderfinger. As a solo artist and bandleader, Doley has released nine rollicking blues-rock albums, with 2021’s Studios 301 Sessions topping at 13 on the Australian sales chart.
Boca Raton Museum of Art 561-392-2500 info@bocamuseum.org
Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum 561-395-6766 office@bocahistory.org
Florida Atlantic University College of Arts & Letters 561-297-3810 theatre@fau.edu
Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (561) 922-3134 info@flioa.org
Festival of the Arts Boca 561-571-5270 info@festivalboca.org
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 561-544-8605 info@gumbolimbo.org
The HARID Conservatory 561-997-2677 info@harid.edu
Lynn University 561-237-9000 tickets@lynn.edu
Mizner Park Amphitheater 561-393-7984 MiznerAmp@myboca.us
National Society of Arts and Letters judiasselta@gmail.com
Sugar Sand Park 561-347-3900 sugarsandpark@myboca.us
The SYMPHONIA 561-376-3848 info@thesymphonia.org
The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum 561-995-2333 boxoffice@theWick.org
Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County 561-281-8600 yomail@yopbc.org
FairchildJoseph Gordon
Save the date for Impact 100 PBC’s 14th Annual Grand Awards Celebration when our members will gather and vote on which nonprofit finalists will receive our multiple high-impact $100,000 grants!
Luncheon at Boca West Country Club
10:00 AM Mimosa Reception 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM Program Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Impact 100 Palm Beach County connects, engages, and inspires women to improve our community by collectively funding multiple $100,000 grants to nonprofits that implement high-impact initiatives in southern Palm Beach County.
We fund grants in each of five focus areas: Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation; Education; Environment & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health & Wellness.
Media Sponsor
RSVP required by April 16, 2025 at rsvp@impact100pbc.org
From passions turned into thriving professions, to creative outlets and corporate callings, these BEST of Women in Business make a living doing what matters most to them. Get to know a bit about this successful bevvy of the BEST at what they do, and how their expertise and excellent work product may just be your BEST new resource!
Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
INTERCOASTAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Elizabeth Bennett, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), believes that financial success begins with knowledge and involvement. She emphasizes that her clients must take an active role in understanding qwhere their assets are, how they’re allocated, and what they’re being used for. In this upcoming tax season and a new presidential term, Bennett offers valuable insights into what lies ahead for taxpayers.
“Back in 2017, during the president’s first term, The Jobs and Tax Act was implemented, which is set to expire at the end of 2025,” Bennett explains. “If the bill remains in effect, tax rates will remain lower than they were in 2016. However, if they do not remain in effect, brackets will increase and go back to what they were in 2016. Understanding your tax bracket is crucial—it can help you adjust your withholdings accordingly. If you’re not having enough withheld or making appropriate estimated payments, you may owe the IRS when April 15 rolls around.”
With the tax deadline fast approaching, Bennett also highlights a key opportunity for taxpayers. “Make sure you’re taking full advantage of deductible retirement account contributions. You can still make prior-year contributions to your IRA (usually taxdeductible) or Roth IRA (not tax-deductible) up until April 15. Don’t miss out on this chance to boost your retirement savings.”
She adds, “I can offer the most comprehensive advice when we address both your taxes and investments together. By looking at both areas simultaneously, we can create a strategy that aligns with your goals and maximizes your financial growth.”
561.210.7339
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Doreen Yaffa
CERTIFIED LAW PRACTITIONER
YAFFA FAMILY LAW GROUP
As a board-certified marital and family law practitioner since 2001, Doreen Yaffa handles some of the most sensitive and complicated challenges of her clients’ lives—from nuptial agreements and divorces to alimony, child custody, paternity and more. She specializes in empowering her clients through a proactive approach.
“My passion for the legal profession is intricately linked to an entrepreneurial approach that assist my clients in divorce or their family law issues,” she says. “I believe in empowering clients not only with legal expertise and advice but also with the knowledge to navigate the emotional landscape that often complicates these emotionally charged proceedings. This unique perspective allows me to provide clients with a clear understanding of the financial and emotional costs associated with their decisions and focus on the business of the divorce.”
Centrally headquartered in Boca Raton, Yaffa’s firm services clients from Martin to Miami-Dade counties. She personally touches every case in which her firm is involved. While Yaffa is always prepared to litigate, she is often able to steer her clients toward an amicable resolution. “Even the most contested matters have a very high probability of settling with the right approach,” she says.
“By guiding clients to a reality-based analysis of costs and potential outcomes, I can help them make informed decisions that prioritize strategic financial planning over emotional reactions, ultimately fostering a healthier divorce process,” she adds. “This will ensure they have a smoother transition through the complexities of divorce and on to their best new life.”
Jackie Feldman
GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
ONE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
An accomplished and engaging professional, Jackie Feldman effortlessly connects with clients around the globe. She attributes her success in real estate to her unwavering work ethic and a genuine passion for her daily pursuits—a career she truly loves.
As a Global Luxury Estate Advisor with ONE Sotheby’s, Jackie’s appreciative clientele consistently praise her steadfast dedication and the exceptional benefits they experience with every transaction she oversees. Never one to shy away from even the smallest tasks or the most significant challenges on behalf of her clients, she dedicates each day to ensuring a seamless and successful real estate experience.
With more than $80 million in sales in 2024, this self-proclaimed perfectionist has set her sights even higher this year, with all gears in perpetual motion.
“ONE Sotheby’s empowers me to connect with clients locally, nationally and internationally. Their extensive reach has truly opened new doors for me. We consistently showcase our properties across Europe, targeting high-net-worth individuals whose lifestyles align with the opulence of each stunning listing. Coupled with our innovative marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology, the camaraderie within the company fosters a collaborative environment where agents can network and share exclusive offmarket properties. I have gained invaluable expertise from the esteemed clientele I represent and the exceptional properties I am privileged to offer,” Jackie shares.
561.400.2156
Jfeldman@onesothebysrealty.com
Dr. Janet Allenby PRESIDENT / OWNER
ALLENBY COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
Renowned worldwide for her expertise in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Janet Allenby takes a refreshingly honest approach to aging gracefully.
“It’s all about looking natural,” she shares. “I focus on simple, effective treatments using state-of-the-art injections and advanced devices to refine the aging process. People want to look healthy, vibrant, and refreshed— without anyone knowing they’ve had work done. What many don’t realize is that those who look amazing often achieve it through these treatments.”
As a leading authority in aesthetic dermatology, Dr. Allenby is a trusted consultant for cutting-edge treatments and devices. “We’ve invested in multiple unique device technologies, each designed for specific results,” she explains. “Our expertise allows us to seamlessly combine them, delivering natural, customized outcomes for every patient.”
One groundbreaking treatment Dr. Allenby is particularly excited about is Ellacor, a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure. She recently performed it on herself, achieving a remarkable reduction of 4 cm of facial tissue in just two treatments. Without surgery, Ellacor uses precise micro-punctures to gently remove tissue without scarring, leaving the skin lifted and rejuvenated.
“There are so many innovative ways to enhance your appearance,” she assures.
“The key is trusting a skilled professional who prioritizes safety and uses the most effective techniques to achieve beautifully subtle, natural results.”
Dr. Allenby’s passion and expertise make her a trusted guide for anyone ready to look and feel their best, with confidence and grace.
561.499.0299
Lia Scherba
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
JL HOME PROJECTS
In the beautiful town of Boca Raton, Lia Scherba embodies the essence of resilience and leadership. As the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Internal Operations, and a key participant in project coordination with the interior design team at JL Home Projects, Lia has built a legacy of excellence. Co-founding the luxury construction and design firm with her husband Juliano in 2002, Lia has transformed their vision into a brand synonymous with sleek, contemporary designs locally and internationally.
JL Home Projects has earned its reputation as a trusted name in highend construction, showcased through prestigious projects. Lia’s hands-on involvement extends beyond financial oversight to collaborating closely with her design team, ensuring seamless coordination of budgets, supplier selection and construction execution. She has also spearheaded partnerships with top-tier Italian factories to bring the most exclusive furniture and lighting options to their showroom, further elevating the brand’s offerings and delivering unparalleled quality to clients.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lia is a devoted mother to her daughters, Zoe and Lisa. Balancing motherhood and business leadership, she serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to succeed in male-dominated industries.
Lia’s story showcases the power of determination and innovation, proving that women can redefine industries while shaping a brighter future. JL Home Projects continues to thrive under her leadership, setting benchmarks for luxury, quality and client satisfaction.
561.347.7274
jlprojects.com
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Barbara Ratner
OWNER
HOLISTIC PET CUISINE
Animal lover Barbara Ratner’s cat, Cuddles, died from renal failure in 2006 due to a recall of the food it was consuming prior to Barbara opening Holistic Pet Cuisine. Devastated but driven, Barbara made it her mission to help others learn and protect their pets from what she went through. Her favorite quote is “Food is medicine.”
Having recently celebrated 18 years as the No. 1 holistic pet food store in South Florida, Boca Raton’s Holistic Pet Cuisine has become nationally acclaimed for Barbara’s expertise and products, including her own line of all-natural K9Biotics broadspectrum supplements for dogs. The all-inone supplement can prevent skin allergies and digestive issues in animals.
“Many animals’ medical issues are caused not only by what they eat but often by the chemicals in their pet foods. The goal with our products is to boost pets’ immune systems to offset any of those harmful ingredients,” she explains.
Customers benefit from nutritional consultations as the owners of pets face health issues such as digestive troubles, skin irritations, allergies and more. They are guided through a thorough, time-tested protocol to address these ailments utilizing diet changes and supplements. The store is also a welcoming playground for pets to explore as their owners shop a wide selection of accessories and toys. Local delivery and shipping throughout the United States is available.
“The biggest advantage of being a womanowned, single-store retail operation is the connection we have with every client,” Barbara says. “We become an extension of their family. They appreciate the resources we have for their animals, in sickness and in health.”
Nanci MonticelloQuinones
CLINICAL AESTHETICIAN
SKIN BY NANCI
With passion, precision and a notoriously masterful facial massage technique, aesthetician Nanci Monticello-Quinones’s goal is to discover each of her clients’ aesthetic needs while making their experience a thoroughly pleasurable one.
“My overall approach blends clinical expertise with a luxurious touch,” she explains. At her intimate Boca Raton location, her motto exemplifies her practice in simple terms: Relax, Rejuvenate, Results.
Nanci brings more than two decades of extensive training to a wide range of advanced treatments, having earned certifications in modalities such as microneedling, HydraFacial MD®, dermaplaning, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and skin tightening techniques utilizing radio frequency and ultrasound technologies, all designed to minimize fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and refine pores for smoother skin texture and acne-prone skin.
“I truly care about my clients’ well-being, and create personalized treatment plans that deliver noticeable results while fostering long-term skin health. I never push products on my clients. I take the time to learn what you’re currently using, and if you’re happy with it, I encourage you to stick with it, or I can offer recommendations if you desire. Whether seeking glowing skin, corrective care or a much-needed escape for some Me-Time indulgences, my mission is to help you feel cared for and confident.”
Nanci adds, “My male clients almost always fall asleep within moments of starting their treatments. Even as I gently extract their pores, they drift off to a serene, happy place. The women, on the other hand, tend to be more conversational throughout our sessions. It’s all great—I’m here to provide care, connect and touch my clients’ lives in a meaningful way.”
561.212.2531
IG:@skinbynanci
Luann Warner-Prokos
PRESIDENT
WARNER-PROKOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Award-winning portrait artist LuAnn Warner-Prokos is a Master-Accredited fine art portrait professional specializing in headshots/ branding, corporate headshot sessions, families, women, beauty and boudoir images, dancers and pets. Her unique studio in Boca Raton has been serving families and businesses in Southeast Florida for 14 years.
“What sets me apart is my luxe experience, my attention to details during a session, my professional makeup and hair artistry team, my unique product line, and my recognition as a top portrait artist in Palm Beach County,” LuAnn explains. “I’m a wellrespected, sought-after portrait artist and business-branding photographer.”
Other distinguishing attributes of this top businesswoman include her involvement with nonprofits, her presence in the community and her pampering of clients.
LuAnn is especially proud of her 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience Campaign, which celebrates women in South Florida with a reception and a magazine featuring them.
“I have been as enriched (and blessed) by these sessions as each woman has,” she expresses. “I love helping women see their beauty and feel beautiful.”
LuAnn’s personal touch includes styling advice—even shopping with her clients and visiting their homes to choose their wardrobes—expert posing, and serving gourmet snacks/lunch and refreshments. In other words, she goes above and beyond to make her clients’ experience a truly remarkable one. And her corporate clients love the inclusion of makeup artistry, contemporary images and even compositing of team images.
561.271.7954
wpportraiture.com
Susan Demerer
REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE
COMPASS FLORIDA, LLC
Susan Demerer is a dog lover, a passionate philanthropist and a shining star in the real estate world, specializing in luxury country club communities. In her own backyard, she reigns as the “Queen of Broken Sound.”
It’s good to be queen in Boca Raton and the surrounding Palm Beach communities, especially with Demerer’s affiliation with Compass, the nation’s No. 1 independent real estate brokerage firm, where she is continuously rated the top Realtor in home sales in Boca Raton and the No. 1 Realtor for the last 12 years in the luxury country club community, Broken Sound, that she calls home. Even more impressive, she is a part of the top 1% of all Realtors nationwide.
When asked how she manages to excel in such a competitive real estate market, she is quick to say her reputation is her most important asset, quoting the best advice she’s ever received from Derald H. Ruttenberg: “If you lose money, you always have a chance to make it back. You can only lose your reputation once.”
Susan’s reputation has been built on 21plus years of real estate expertise, with 91 transactions in 2024 with more than $63 million in sales.
“I am on top of market trends, the inventory in every sought-after neighborhood and the intricacies of the communities so that I can help buyers find the perfect fit. I take each deal extremely seriously and personally. That is why most of my clients are repeat business and referrals. I am proud to represent the Broken Sound community and the results I provide each client, each and every time,” she says.
561.213.6347
susan.demerer@compass.com
RICARDO
Peggy Zapantis,
APRN, MSN,
FNP-BC
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
ANASA AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA & WELLNESS CENTER
The Fountain of Youth—and WellBeing—thrives in Boca Raton.
Peggy Zapantis, founder of Anasa Aesthetics, South Florida’s trusted medical spa and wellness center, is dedicated to helping clients feel and look their best.
Starting as a hospital nurse, Peggy became a nurse practitioner specializing in primary care before discovering her passion for aesthetics medicine. “Having a solid foundation in medicine allowed me to become very proficient in injecting patients and looking at the patient as a whole.”
In 2023, Peggy founded Anasa Aesthetics Academy, providing private training for physicians and providers looking to break into aesthetics. By 2025, she launched Anasa Aesthetics, a practice that delivers custom care and personalized attention to every client. “Over the past decade, many of my patients have followed me from primary care to a regenerative approach, such as injectables and weight loss.”
Anasa Aesthetics is far from your typical medical spa. Peggy and her team take pride in their honest approach, staying at the forefront of the latest treatments, training and continuing education. “This industry is overwhelming, and tough to find trustworthy providers who show compassion toward the field of aesthetics medicine.”
Peggy recently launched The Injector Podcast, where she shares unfiltered insights and expert advice on aesthetic medicine. 561.591.6133
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Sherman
OWNER
TSS PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Sherman is in the business of providing volume photography services and timeless memories with TSS Photography, her locally owned and operated women-owned business.
Specializing in both public and private schools (preschool through high school), youth sports leagues, daycare to dance troops, and wherever there are groups of smiles to share, TSS Photography is there with cameras poised.
Rachel boasts that event photography for celebrations, corporate and social gatherings is a focus that has become extremely popular.
“We feature the latest technology with our proprietary face recognition software. The customer receives their images in real time throughout the event via cell or email. Beyond having photos to enjoy after the event, they can be used for social media and marketing purposes,” she explains.
“Youth sports, schools, photo booths and roaming photographers’ Mobile Moments with face recognition have become our most popular calling cards. We photograph almost 80,000 children and well over 150 events a year. We work with numerous charities including Children’s Harbor, United Way, 4Kids and Alzheimer’s Association, plus many more, which is always so rewarding.
“This year has started off quite busy, even with all the ups and downs in life. I am a perfectionist and always looking to be up,” she confesses. “That’s just my way, to constantly improve and grow.”
…Now that’s something to smile about.
954.649.3032
rachel@tss.photography
private education camp guide 2025
The following section presents helpful information provided by prominent private schools and camps in Palm Beach County.
All listings include a brief synopsis of the programs’ achievements, curriculum highlights, and many more important details families look for when choosing the best fit for their children.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions at a glance.
• Indoor and outdoor facilities on a 100-acre gated, secure campus
• Unique activities for all ages, including go karts, trapeze, archery, sports, art and swim
Donna Klein Jewish Academy (DKJA) is proud to be ranked among the top Jewish schools in the nation, offering an education of extraordinary power and purpose. Through a rigorous, individualized curriculum, DKJA meets the needs of a diverse student body while fostering personal growth and academic excellence. Students engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from JV and Varsity sports to an extensive fine arts program that includes music, dance, drama, and visual arts. DKJA equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in college and beyond.
Grandview Preparatory School is an independent private school committed to the philosophy that education is a personal endeavor. At Grandview, we are not simply preparing students to be great students - but rather extraordinary individuals who are curious, confident, and have the social and emotional skills to navigate the modern world in a healthy and enriching way. Our students have ample opportunities to engage in real-life experiences on and off campus that prepare them for college and life beyond.
336 Spanish River Blvd.
LEVIS JCC MARLEEN FORKAS CAMP AT THE J
- Ages: 2-16 (entering 10th grade)
- Counselor/Camper Ratio: 1:5
- Students: 450
- Grades: Infants - 8th - Tuition Range: $5,000 - $15,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies by class
- Denomination: Christian
At Advent, your child will become a CONFIDENT, CAPABLE, CHRISTIAN LEADER making a difference in the world! New innovative programs include our Ocean Studies focused STEM curriculum for K-8th grades. Advent combines rigorous academics with leadership development in a safe environment and provides opportunities in spiritual growth, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Aftercare and camp programs offer engaging extra-curricular activities such as martial arts, dance, soccer, and more. Our award winning Early Childhood School, for infants 6 weeks old to PK, will set your child up for success! We accept state scholarships (FTC, FES-EO, and FES-UA) and offer need-based financial assistance for K-8th grade. Call today for a personal tour. You can grow with us!
Cocoplum Nature School is Palm Beach County’s only nature-based private elementary school. Cocoplum fuses evidence-based curriculum in core academics with play-based and nature-based methods. Located just blocks from downtown Delray Beach, students enjoy weekly immersive learning through experiential trips to community gardens, nature preserves, museums, parks, and more. Cocoplum is known for individualized attention to each child and for balancing holistic wellbeing, academic progress, and stewardship for the community and environment. Additional programs include parenting support, caregiver-and-me classes for 12 months to 5 years, aftercare, and camps. Discover more at an Information Session, held on campus the first Saturday of each month. 324 N. Swinton Ave • Delray Beach • 561.563.4679 • cocoplumnatureschool.org
- Price Range: $609 - $7,560
- Dates: June 9 - August 1
The Levis JCC has been providing children of all ages with unforgettable summers since 1986. Our dedicated, caring team is committed to making the camp experience the best it can be for every child, every summer. Our full-day camp program offers exciting activities, convenient schedules and experienced staff. We provide kids the freedom to learn and grow while developing skills that prepare them for future success. With a culture built on universally accepted moral ideals as well as strong Jewish values, we incorporate respect, honor, good sportsmanship and teamwork into all that we do. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome.
True to tradition and inspired by innovation, Pine Crest School offers a research-based, challenging curriculum complemented by arts and athletics. We believe that building social and emotional competencies in a safe, secure and inclusive learning environment is fundamental to our students’ success. Pine Crest classrooms foster creativity and innovation, giving students opportunities to practice ethical thought leadership and to become curious, adaptable learners. Our goal is to send our graduates out into the world as leaders who know their strengths and who have the courage to challenge norms, break barriers and move forward with confidence. #PCFutureReady
Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and in life. Our faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of tolerance, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.
4001 N. Military Trail • Boca Raton • 561.314.2100 • sjpii.net
SLAM BOCA RATON
- Grades: 6th-12th - Tuition Range: Free (admission through application and lottery process)
- Students: 1,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
SLAM! Boca Raton offers an innovative, sports-infused education for students in grades 6-12. Our school emphasizes sports-related majors like Sports Medicine, Media, Marketing, and more, preparing students for college and beyond. We foster a community where students excel academically and personally, with a focus on empowerment and lifelong learning. SLAM! provides real-world experiences through partnerships, mentorships, internships, and dual enrollment opportunities. Accredited by Cognia, SLAM! is committed to excellence and empowering students to succeed in a global job market. Apply today for the 2025-2026 school year at www.slamboca.com and follow us on Instagram @slambocaofficial.
22500 Hammock Street • Boca Raton • 561-299-6969 • slamboca.com
SPANISH RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
THE APPLESEED PRESCHOOL AND NURSERY
- Grades: 6W–VPK - Tuition Range: $220–$320 a week
The mission of the Appleseed is to glorify God through the training and nurturing of each child in their spiritual, academic, physical, emotional, and social development. Through Christian principles we will lovingly guide each child to reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners. At the Appleseed we are committed to providing a safe, clean, loving, Christian environment for the children in our care. We know that we have a profound responsibility in the eyes of God to reflect his love and “train his little ones in the way they should go.”
Trinity Delray, Excellence in Christian education since 1948. For over seventy years, Trinity Delray Lutheran School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Trinity Delray is committed to providing the best instructional environment for students. Trinity Delray is a Cambridge International School. Cambridge International helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged, and ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world, capable of shaping a better world for the future. We offer class sizes that give students the opportunity to have curriculum differentiated to their needs. Trinity Delray students develop critical thinking skills that are needed to be successful after elementary and middle school.
Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Academic program K-8th with high quality, challenging academics enhanced by robust technology innovation in the classrooms; leadership skill building; strong fine arts and performing arts programs; critical thinking and project based learning. High school-level honors Algebra 1, Geometry, and Spanish I for middle school students. Accredited by CSF and MSA. Before and after-school programs. Interscholastic Sports program. After school enrichment. State-of-the-art technology, including 3-D printing, video productions, coding. Competitive robotics. Stanford Achievement Test. Lunch program. Clinic with full-time nurse. Uniforms required. Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Summer Camp. New STEM Lab, Art Studio, and Dance/Exercise room opening at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
- Dates: Beginning June 2nd
- Denomination: Gymnastics
Whether your child joins us for a day, a week, or the entire summer at Twisters, their time will be packed with fun and excitement! Our professional, safety-certified staff will guide them through gymnastics lessons, games, organized activities, fitness, arts and crafts, and supervised play—all in our clean, safe, and fully air-conditioned facility! Dates may vary at each location.
Since 1962, St. Paul has been an accredited traditional Christian school in East Boca Raton. We offer leveled reading and math groups, art, music, band, advanced technology, physical education, Spanish, as well as STEM in grades 6-8. Our nurturing Early Childhood Program is developmentally appropriate and offers flexible days and times. After care and summer camp are available. Our Parent Teacher League offers many opportunities for parents to be involved. Contact us for a tour or for more information.
- Camp Dates: Spring Break Mar. 24th - 28th • Summer Break Jun. 2nd - Aug. 22nd
Waves Surf Academy offers exciting surf camps in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach for kids ages 5-15. Activities include surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, beach games, dodgeball, and more. All staff are lifeguard certified, background checked, and screened for safety. The camp runs daily M-F from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, with indoor shelter and games for weather days. Join the fun and make waves this summer!
BOCA WEST COUNTRY CLUB 20583 Boca W. Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33434 Join us for a special tribute to the late Helen Babione, founder of Honor Your
Guest Arrival Time: 11:30 a.m. • Program: Noon
Social distancing will be observed at this event. To Benefit The HELEN M. BABIONE MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP Thursday, April 3, 2014 Broken Sound Club 11:30 A.M.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Kim Champion
Ingrid Fulmer
Arlene Herson
Allen Konis
Priti Kothari
Elaine Morris
William Morris
Linda Petrakis
Bruce Spizler
Juergen Streng
Mark Swillinger
Jeff Weber
Jonathan Whitney
Linsey Willis
Marilyn Wilson
Teri Wolofsky
Abbas Zand
To purchase tickets, nominate a doctor for an award or for event/sponsorship information please visit rotarydowntownbocaraton.org or contact Ashley Brown at Ashley@TheEventCollectiveFL.com or Jeff Weber 561.232.6555
BY MICHELIN STARRED CHEF, MICHAEL MINA
Maine lobster spaghetti from The Blue Door
The Blue Door
5700 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; 561/360-2064
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
Several factors contribute to creating a successful restaurant: quality ingredients, consistency and top-notch service. But when a concept can evoke a genuine sense of place, that’s the je ne sais quoi, or secret sauce, that can’t be bottled. The Blue Door’s effervescent hospitality welcomes you in from the moment you open the arched, sapphire door. It possesses an airy, secret-garden quality without feeling standoffish. Its neutral color palette with pops of blue and lush landscaping instantly transport you to southern Europe. The casual, sophisticated aesthetic effortlessly pairs with its laid-back vibe and simple (but not basic) menu.
fresh herbs is an understatement. The translucent tuna was topped with a zesty leafy medley. The dip, made of gigante beans in lieu of the typical garbanzos, is served with an herbaceous gremolata and a variety of vegetables that serve as perfect dipping vessels. The octopus, a perfect balance of charred tenderness, sits on a bed of mint, parsley and dill. The house-made sausage has a fennel flavor that’s bright and not overpowering, and when it’s dipped into the house-made Dijon mustard, all the flavors explode in your mouth.
The powerhouse team behind this idyllic setting includes Miami hospitality veterans Tamara Magalhães and chef Nano Crespo. The husband-and-wife duo sharpened their culinary skills at Miami’s Mandolin Aegean Bistro and most recently The Drexel. They joined forces with entrepreneur Max Ricci, his wife and interior designer Sara Ricci, and fellow entrepreneur Michael Katzenberg to bring The Blue Door to the SoSo neighborhood in West Palm Beach. When bread truly stands out, I have an inkling that the food will be up to par. I smelled the bread—its warm and toasty essence—before it hit the table. I expressed my infatuation with it, and the waiter shared that it takes three days to make the bread—time well spent.
We started with the Local Tuna Carpaccio ($25), Octopus ($26), Italian Fennel Sausage ($18) and Mediterranean Dip ($18). To say that chef Crespo likes
I’m not a huge fan of ordering chicken, but my husband ordered the Flat Iron Half Chicken ($30), and it blew me away. I’d come back for this. It’s butterflied, moist and has a wonderful grilled char. We also tried the Whole Branzino ($47) that arrives sans head and is packed with an herbal, citrus flavor. Chef Crespo customizes salt blends for all of his proteins; the fish mix includes dehydrated lemons, fennel seeds and smoked sea salt.
For dessert, we tried the Pavlova ($16), an airy stack of meringue, Greek yogurt cream and fresh strawberries. We also ordered house-made vanilla ice cream, and I was pleased that it tasted of real creamy vanilla bean.
The food was fabulous and the ambiance was comfortable, but what truly stood out was the service. Our glasses were never empty, sharing dishes came with serving spoons, and it was always done with a smile. The Blue Door knows how to deliver a commendable level of hospitality that should not be missed.
Clockwise from bottom, whole branzino, Mediterranean dip and octopus
Clockwise from bottom, Tres Amigos, crudo of hamachi, and moro miso-crusted pompano
Kasumi
999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton; 561/226-3033
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
Kasumi is one of those concepts that instantly made me feel at ease. It might be the warm lighting that enveloped the space, its serene water views, the contemporary design that exudes effortless sophistication, or the simple combination of all the above. On the evening I visited, the space was buzzing with guests, yet the waiters gracefully floated from table to table while the chefs in the open kitchen deftly prepared well-executed, well-timed dishes. The menu is made for sharing, but I never felt rushed or overwhelmed by the number of dishes at the table.
As the Waterstone Resort & Marina’s second waterfront restaurant, this modern Japanese concept delivers an elevated level of cuisine and service akin to that in larger cities like New York and London, and I’m all for it. This is thanks to the two masterminds behind it: James Beard award-winning chef Takashi Yagihashi and chef and restaurateur Jonathan Fox, who have teamed up to bring us their take on Japanese hospitality.
We started with the Crudo of Hamachi ($21). The yellowfin tuna slices were buttery soft, and the black garlic and petit Jerusalem artichoke chips gave each morsel a wonderfully flavorful crunch. The Shio Koji Sea Bass ($22) followed; the colorful edible flowers made the beautifully plated dish visually pop, while the sea bass folded over pickled cucumbers made my palate pop with its refreshing flavors. The shio koji, a Japanese condiment used to add an umami flavor to
dishes and as a pickling medium, is subtle.
There are several hand roll and maki options. We chose the Tres Amigos ($26). Before it arrived, we were served two types of soy sauce, including one gluten-free (a nice, thoughtful touch). The delicate yet hearty seaweed-wrapped maki roll is packed with tuna, salmon, hamachi and avocado. The fish trifecta was then topped with crispy tortilla chips as a playful nod to its name. It had a surprising look, but I enjoyed it.
The larger, main entrées are limited, but I was pleased to see pompano ($32) on the menu. While we’re surrounded by water, I see more branzino on menus than any local fish. So I tried the moro miso-crusted local fish and paired it with the Beef Short Rib Fried Rice ($29). The pompano was simply plated with a lovely sear that allowed the flavors of the fish and moro miso (a fermented food made of soybeans with a salty umami flavor) to come through. Every forkful of fried rice delivered fluffy kernels blended with egg, carrots, edamame and tender short rib. I wasn’t sure a dessert could top the explosions of flavors we’d already had, but the mango Kakigori ($15) exceeded expectations. The delicately shaved ice, topped with mango, vanilla bean ice cream and meringue, was a refreshing, nostalgic end to our evening. It’s said that kasumi loosely translates to mist and its sense of ephemeral beauty. I hope this restaurant becomes a time-honored member of our culinary scene.
FLORIDA TABLE Dining Guide
Palm Beach County BOCA RATON
388 Italian Restaurant By Mr. Sal —3360 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This family-owned outpost of its Long Island flagship prides itself on nostalgic, quintessential dishes. Pastas like alla vodka, marinara and spicy rigatoni share the menu with chicken and veal entrees in beloved preparations like masala, Milanese and parmigiana. Choose from half or whole portions to share with the table. It’s also known for its lively ambiance, so come here for an Italian feast but stay for the party. Dinner nightly. 561/794-3888. $$$
Abe & Louie’s —2200 Glades Road. Steakhouse. All Americans are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among them the right to a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. At this posh, comfortable (and expensive) meatery, the USDA Prime steaks are indeed thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, also massively flavorful and served in enormous portions. Don’t miss the New York sirloin or prime rib, paired in classic steakhouse fashion with buttery hash browns and uber-creamy creamed spinach. Chased with an ice-cold martini or glass of red wine from the truly impressive list, it’s happiness pursued and captured. • Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. 561/447-0024. $$$$
AlleyCat—297 E.Palmetto Park Road. Japanese. Chef Eric Baker’s Japanese izakaya, or a casual spot for drinks and bites, is serving up dishes like sushi, dumplings and fried rice that have an unexpected whimsical element. Here you’ll find king crab tacos and hot fried chicken alongside the hamachi ponzu and spicy scallop roll. And to deliver the freshest sushi in town, he has partnered with celebrated sushi chef David Bouhadana of Sushi by Bou. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/353-5888. $$
DINING KEY
$: Under $17
$$: $18–$35
$$$: $36–$50
$$$$: $50 and up
Arturo’s Restaurant—6750 N. Federal Highway. Italian. After 40 years of feeding our Boca community, the Gismondi family is still going to great lengths to take care of its patrons, who, over the years, have become honorary family members themselves. Arturo’s brings generations of diners together with its warm ambiance, classic and consistent Italian fare, and its award-winning 1,000+-bottle wine cellar. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Fri., dinner Sat.-Sun. 561/997-7373. $$$
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. $$
Bluefin Sushi and Thai—861 N.W. 51st St., Suite 1. Sushi/Thai. Arrive early for a table at this Asian hot spot—it’s popular with no reservations for parties fewer than six. Don’t skip the tempura lobster bomb, big in both size and taste. The ginger snapper will impress both Instagram and your stomach. Try the chicken satay and pad Thai. Bluefin offers a variety of dishes from multiple cultures, all well done. • Dinner daily. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 561/981-8869. $$
Burtons Grill & Bar —5580 N. Military Trail. 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. $
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. $$$
CARLOS JOSE GALLEGO II
Sashimi at AlleyCat
Chez Marie French Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. French. Marie will greet you at the door of this nicely decorated, intimate, classic French restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip shopping area. This feels like an intimate neighborhood bistro and is a welcome discovery. From escargot encased in garlic butter, parsley and breadcrumbs to a tender duck a l’orange to an unforgettable crepe Suzette, you’ll be in Paris all evening. Voila! Also on the menu: pan-seared foie gras, tasty onion soup, coq au vin, rack of lamb, salads and more desserts. French food in an unassuming atmosphere.• Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closed on Mon. in summer) 561/997-0027. $$
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. $$$$
Corvina Seafood Grill —110 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton. Seafood. The seafood-centric menu incorporates South Florida’s varied Latin and Caribbean culinary influences into it. Peruvian and Honduran ceviches share the menu with Brazilian fish stew. You’ll also find plantain crusted corvina in a Creole curry sauce alongside Jamaican jerk chicken and island spiced pork ribs. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, the menu spotlights several daily specials so look out for those. Then there’s the indoor/outdoor bar that invites you to come in and stay a while, especially during its daily happy hour. • Dinner & Sunday Brunch. 561/206-0066. $$
Dorsia —5837 N. Federal Highway. Continental. The 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. $$
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood —201 Plaza Real. Steak & Seafood. Eddie V’s is famous for its seafood and premium steaks, but this restaurant has also perfected the art of entertaining with nightly live music and a few tableside surprises. • Dinner nightly. 561/237-0067. $$$$
Farmer’s Table —1901 N. Military Trail. American. In the pantheon of healthy dining, Farmer’s Table is a standout in Boca, one of the first restaurants to elevate natural foods to fine dining. Fresh, natural, sustainable, organic and local is the mantra at this both tasty and health-conscious offering from Mitchell Robbins and Joey Giannuzzi. Menu highlights include flatbreads, slow-braised USDA Choice short rib and the popular Ramen Bowl, with veggies, ramen noodles and shrimp. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/417-5836. $$
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. $$
Everyday Favorites
For an affordable bite at any time, consider these durable chains and homegrown Boca favorites— where the attire is understated and reservations are rarely necessary.
Biergarten—309 Via De Palmas, #90. German/Pub. Part vaguely German beer garden, part all-American sports bar, this rustic eatery offers menus that channel both, as well as an excellent selection of two-dozen beers on tap and the same number by the bottle. The food is basic and designed to go well with suds, like the giant pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces and the popular “Biergarten burger.” • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462. $$
Cuban Café —3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Suite 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. $
Los Olivos Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. Argentine. The family-owned bistro’s menu honors familial Argentine roots with typical crave-worthy dishes like empanadas and plenty of red meat. Still, it also honors the cuisine’s Spanish and Italian influences with its standout paellas and housemade pasta. • Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. 561/756-8928. $
Rocco’s Tacos —224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 425 tequilas. Tacos feature housemade tortillas and a variety of proteins. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2131; 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100; 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/623-0127) $
The Sandwich Shop at Buccan—350 S. County Road, Palm Beach and 1901 S. Dixie Highway, West 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. $$
Tap 42 —5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 247. Gastropub. This hugely popular nouveau-Industrial gastropub is not for the faint of eardrums when packed, but don’t let that discourage you. The kitchen here executes the hell out of a short, simple all-day menu. Grilled salmon chopped salad with tomatillo ranch dressing is delightful, as is guacamole studded with fat chunks of bacon and charred corn. Same goes for decadent shrimp mac-n-cheese. The wicked-good chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce would be the envy of any Big Easy eatery. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/235-5819. $
Tropical Smokehouse —3815 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. When you take the distinct tastes of Florida/Caribbean/Cuban dishes and pair them with barbecue, you end up with a place you visit a lot. Local celeb chef Rick Mace smokes the meats himself, and his recipes include all kinds of citrus in tasty spots (sour orange wings, pineapple carrot cake); you’ll discover new favorite flavors. Don’t miss the BBQ pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Try the hot and sweet hushpuppies or the homemade chorizo queso in this very casual spot that we can happily say is also unique—there’s nothing else like it. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/323-2573. $$
The French Gazebo —4199 N. Federal Highway. French. Formerly Kathy’s Gazebo, this space has been a staple in our community for 40 years, but its new owners updated the design while keeping the same French classics on the menu
like escargots, crêpes, dover sole and duckling. Its vintage character still reigns but now with an airier, contemporary undertone. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/395-6033. • $$$
Gallaghers Steakhouse —2006 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Steakhouse. At this chophouse, the staff is laser-focused on service, the bar pours stiff drinks, and the kitchen dishes out perfectly cooked steaks—a pure embodiment of what you’d expect from a steakhouse. While Gallaghers proved itself a master of its craft, don’t overlook the other items on the menu, like the stuffed shrimp and veal chop. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/559-5800. $$$$
The Grille On Congress —5101 Congress Ave. American. Dishes at this longtime favorite range from tasty chicken entrees and main-plate salads to seafood options like Asian-glazed salmon or pan-seared yellowtail snapper. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$
Houston’s —1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Contemporary 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 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. $$$
Il Mulino New York Boca Raton —451 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. From the four pre-menu bites to the after-dinner coffee from freshly ground beans, this is a white-tablecloth venue that delivers on its upscale promises. Try the langostino, the red snapper, the risotto, the pasta, or go for the ceviches, caviars and seafood tower. Save room for dessert and complimentary lemoncello. Make a night of it. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/338-8606. $$$
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 threecheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$
Kapow Noodle Bar —402 Plaza Real. Asian Kapow delivers an effervescent ambiance that makes you want to relax and stay a while. Its varied menu has something for every craving, from crispy rice and tacos to rolls and even Peking duck. Up your dinner game by reserving a seat at the separate omakase bar serving chef-curated bites that aren’t on the regular menu. And if you’re looking for a memorable night out, book one of the three karaoke rooms.• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/567-8828. $
it’s evident at La Condesa. This family-owned restaurant’s take on Mexican fare offers a sizable menu with a wide selection of popular drinks and dishes like margaritas, nachos, street tacos and burritos. You can also opt for less mainstream dishes like the mole cazuelitas, and you won’t be disappointed. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/931-4008. $
La Nouvelle Maison—55 E. Palmetto Park Road. French. A dining experience at a French restaurant is never just about satiating your hunger. It’s about the entire experience, and La Nouvelle Maison embraces that joie de vivre from the moment you step inside. Whether you delight in the garlic-infused escargots, steak tartare or beef Bourgogne, none of the classic French dishes disappoint here.• Dinner nightly. 561/338-3003. $$$$
La Villetta —4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas and other classic dishes. Try the signature whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt; it’s de-boned right at tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$$
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. $$$
Everything But the Cucina Sink La Condesa’s Molcajete, with its towering array of grilled steak, chicken, carnitas, chorizo and shrimp served in a sizzling volcanic stone and topped with cactus, cheese and more, is a special-occasion dish that can feed a family, if not a village.
Ke’e Grill —17940 N. Military Trail, Suite 700. Traditional American. In this busy dining scene for more than 30 years, you will find a lot of seafood (fried calamari, blue crab cakes, yellowtail snapper Francaise and lots more), a few steak, chicken, lamb and pork options, and a quality house-made apple crisp. Your traditional choices are baked, fried, breaded, grilled, broiled, sauteed. With Provencal, Francaise, maple mustard glaze, toasted macadamia nut pesto and piccata twists. A consistent crowd for a consistent menu. • Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$
Kousine Peruvian Asian—1668 N. Federal Highway. Peruvian/Asian. Chef and owner Danny Kou shares his Peruvian heritage with a curated menu of dishes that accurately represent his country’s famous ceviche while introducing patrons to unique dishes that are just as tempting. Kousine’s space is bright and modern, with exposed industrial ceilings complemented with warm woods and greenery. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/430-3337. $$
La Condesa —3320 Airport Road. Mexican. Mexico’s bold, colorful and lively culture is reflected in its cuisine, and
Luff’s Fish House—390 E. Palmetto Park Road. Seafood. A renovated 1920s bungalow houses this shipshape restaurant, in addition to two large, outdoor deck and patio areas. It’s known for familiar dish names with new tweaks: smoked fish-hummus dip, falafel fish fritters, crab guacamole, mussels in coconut curry broth, plus the paella on Sundays only. Don’t leave without the enormous slice of the Key lime pie, topped with meringue on a graham cracker crust. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/609-2660. $$
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. $$
Mario’s Osteria —1400 Glades Road, Suite 210. Italian. This popular spot features rustic Italian fare in a sleek environment. Signature dishes like the garlic rolls, lasagna and eggplant “pancakes” are on the new menu, as are butternut squash ravioli and thick, juicy rib-eye served “arrabiata” style. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/239-7000. $$
Breaded blue crab cakes at Ke’e Grill
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. $$
Max’s Grille —404 Plaza Real. Contemporary American After 24 years in Mizner Park, This modern American bistro is a true local classic. The food and decor are both timeless and up to date, and the ambience is that of a smooth-running big-city bistro. Service is personable and profcient. The menu is composed of dishes you really want to eat, from the applewood bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the wickedly indulgent crème brûlèe pie. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/368-0080. $$
Meat Market — 2000 NW 19th St. Steakhouse. Meat Market has infused Midtown Boca Raton with glamour. Its posh interiors and high energy complement its diverse menu that revolves around steak but is also sprinkled with daily specials and sushi that shouldn’t be overlooked. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/245-6777. $$$$
Medi Terra —301 Via de Palmas #99. Mediterranean. Embracing western Mediterranean cuisine, the menu is seasonal and revolves around what the owners can freshly source, so make sure to wait for the specials before making any fnal decisions. The father-son duo bought Ristorante Sapori in Royal Palm Place and redesigned it to refect their passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/367-9779. $$
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 flet 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. $$$$
Narbona —5250 Town Center Circle. Uruguayan. This restaurant-market hybrid offers house-made pasta, private-label herbs and honey, fresh fsh and meats, grab-and-go prepared items, and countless Narbona Wine Lodge wines. You can also opt for a sit-down lunch or dinner at its central restaurant or at one of its two bars. The menu, with Italian and Spanish infuences, features its pasta alongside a selection of meat and fsh dishes. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/692-3933. $$
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. $$$$
Patio Tapas & Beer —205 S.E. First Ave. Spanish. Be transported to the Iberian Peninsula with a variety of tapas. Chef Bryant Fajardo, who trained under celebrated chef José Andrés, specializes in one of Spain’s most traditional and iconic cuisines and delivers both classic selections like Manchego cheese and anchovies alongside premium nibbles like seared duck and foie gras. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/419-7239. $
Penelope —431 Plaza Real. Southern. Penelope honors a blend of cuisines and delivers comforting fare in a whimsy atmosphere. Its menu features a variety of New Orleans, southern
Green Party
Women bartenders mix it up with festive St. Patrick’s Day cocktails
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
We celebrate Ireland’s patron saint with parades, parties, shamrock-hued attire and pints. Combined with International Women’s Month, we went straight to our local, talented women bartenders to discover their favorite celebratory cocktail. Sláinte!
COLETTE HIERSOUX, Okeechobee Steakhouse
As the guest experience specialist and bartender at the legendary family-owned steakhouse for six years, Hiersoux excels in crafting balanced cocktails that diners can’t get enough of. She attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and says, “My culinary background has translated very easily to being behind the bar. Thinking on your feet is crucial in each role.”
THE DRUNK TEXT: “This cocktail is a variation of The Last Word, one of my favorite cocktails. It’s funky, sweet, sour and strong.”
• 2 ounces coffee-infused Tullamore Dew 12YR
• ¼ ounce Maraschino Luxardo
• 1 egg white
• 1 ounce fresh lemon
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Green chartreuse rinse (swirl a small amount in the glass to coat it)
In a shaker, dry shake one egg white until frothy. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, whiskey and Luxardo liqueur. Add ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain into coupe, and garnish with lemon twist.
SUZANNE MORIARTY, Prezzo Italian Restaurant & Bar
This hospitality veteran has been mixing drinks for decades. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she started in the service industry at 16 and eventually made her way to Florida. Here, she perfected her artful gimlets and worked at several renowned Boca watering holes. Moriarty’s first shift at Prezzo was in the late ‘90s, and six years ago, she stepped back behind its bar.
IRISH ESPRESSO MARTI-
NI: This twist on the classic espresso martini replaces
vodka with the richness of whiskey.
• 1 ounce of Jameson
• 1 ounce espresso
• ½ ounce Baileys
• ½ ounce J.F. Haden’s Espresso Liqueur
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Shake and pour into a martini glass.
NATALIA AGHENIE, Elisabetta’s Ristorante
The Moldovan native is a bartending maven whose passions for mixology and stellar customer service are irrefutable. Aghenie has been shaking up cocktails at Elisabetta’s since its inception four years ago, but the hospitality vet has been “in the biz” for nearly two decades.
SHAMROCKRITA: This margarita is the perfect sip for tequila lovers who want a refreshing, less filling drink.
• 1½ ounces tequila
• 1½ ounces apple pucker
• 1 ounce lime juice
• 1 ounce agave
• ½ ounce triple sec
Add ingredients to ice shaker and shake. Strain into a coupe glass. Add a sugar rim (optional).
CLAUDIA VALDEZ, Stage Kitchen & Bar
As the beverage director for Flavor Builders Hospitality Group, which is celebrated chef Pushkar Marathe’s portfolio of restaurants, Valdez is in charge of deciding what’s poured at the bar, among many other tasks. She bartended for a decade before stepping in front of the bar to manage the beverage programs at Stage Kitchen & Bar, Ela Curry & Cocktails and Mango Mercado.
IRISH COFFEE: While Valdez is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, the Guatemalan native also appreciates the classics. “It’s funny, because you really won’t catch me drinking whiskey usually, but add coffee to anything, and I want it!”
• 1½ ounces Irish whiskey
• ¼ ounce rich Demerara syrup
• Hot coffee or espresso
Add all ingredients to a preheated tempered glass in that order. Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg.
SHEENA WINGER, Driftwood
A Florida native raised in Boca Raton, Winger has a passion for crafting memorable cocktails, and she brings that special skill to Driftwood. Previously, she stepped in front of the house to manage Delray’s Wine Room Kitchen & Bar, but now she’s back behind the bar at Driftwood, putting her creative spin on cocktails.
GOLDEN SHAMROCK:
Winger wanted to honor her Irish roots while spotlighting Gunpowder Gin’s rich history, which dates back to the 16th century. “This drink is as lucky as it is lavish,” she says.
• 2 ounces Gunpowder Gin
• ¼ ounce St. Germain (elderflower liqueur)
• ¾ ounce citric acid simple syrup
• 4 splashes of orange bitters
• Splash of tonic
In a shaker, combine Gunpowder Gin, St. Germain, citric acid simple syrup and orange bitters with ice. Shake well and strain over a clear ice cube in a rocks glass. Top with a splash of tonic water. Garnish with edible 24k gold flakes and a four-leaf clover.
Colette Hiersoux Suzanne Moriarty
Natalia Aghenie
Claudia Valdez
Sheena Winger
and French-inspired dishes such as pimento cheese dip, oyster casino, shrimp po’boy and bouillabaisse. It also offers several well-labeled gluten-free dishes (or those with a GF alternative). Lunch and dinner daily. • 561/896-1038. $$
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. $$
Rafina —6877 S.W. 18th St. Greek. If you find the ambience of most Greek restaurants to be like a frat party with flaming cheese and ouzo, this contemporary, casually elegant spot will be welcome relief. Food and decor favor refinement over rusticity, even in such hearty and ubiquitous dishes as pastitsio and spanakopita. Standout dishes include the moussaka, the creamy and mildly citrusy avgolemono soup and the precisely grilled, simply adorned (with olive oil, lemon and capers) branzino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-3673. $$
Red Pine Restaurant & Lounge —1 Town Center Road. Chinese. The menu is designed to be enjoyed family-style, with substantial portions of classic dishes like house-made vegetable eggrolls, fried rice and General Tso’s chicken, to name a few. The space is bright and lively, with floorto-ceiling windows, an expansive bar, and several dining spaces accentuated with crimson banquettes. • Dinner Tues-Sun. 561/826-7595. $$
Ruth’s Chris —225 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Suite 100. Steakhouse. Not only does this steakhouse favorite emphasize its New Orleans roots, it also distinguishes itself from its competitors by just serving better food. The signature chopped salad has a list of ingredients as long as a hose but they all work together. And how can you not like a salad topped with crispy fried onion strings? Steaks are USDA Prime and immensely flavorful, like a perfectly seared New York strip. The white chocolate bread pudding is simply wicked. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-6746. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561/514-3544; 661 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/863-0660.) $$$$
Seasons 52 —2300 Executive Center Drive. Contemporary American . The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is first-rate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/6255852.) $$
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. $$
Six Tables a Restaurant—112 N.E. Second St., Boca Raton. American. The dimly lit chandeliers, burgundy velvet curtains and smooth Sinatra lyrics set the mood for a memorable evening that’s dedicated to fine dining without pretention. With a seasonal menu that’s ever changing, you can rest assured that whatever husband and wife chef-proprietors Tom and Jenny Finn prepare for you, it will truly be special and made with love. • Dinner Thurs.-Sat. 561/347-6260. $$$$
Taverna Kyma —6298 N. Federal Highway. Greek/ Mediterranean. Hankering for a traditional Greek meal, and a menu that offers just about everything? This is where you want to try the meze plates (cold, hot, seafood, veggie), saganaki, grilled entrees and kebobs. From the taramosalata to the branzino and pastitsio, servings are generous and good. Don’t forget dessert. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/994-2828. $$
Trattoria Romana —499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This local mainstay does Italian classics and its own lengthy list of ambitious specials with unusual skill and aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$
Twenty Twenty Grille —141 Via Naranjas, Suite 45. Contemporary American. You’ve probably licked postage stamps that are larger than Ron and Rhonda Weisheit’s tiny jewel box of a restaurant, but what it lacks in space it more than makes up for in charm, sophistication and imaginative, expertly crafted
food. Virtually everything is made in-house, from the trio of breads that first grace your table to the pasta in a suave dish of tagliatelle with duck and chicken confit. Don’t miss the jerk pork belly and grilled veal strip loin. • Dinner nightly. 561/990-7969. $$$
Villagio Italian Eatery —344 Plaza Real. Italian The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment is served with flair and great attention to detail. The reasonably priced menu—with generous portions—includes all your favorites (veal Parmesan, Caesar salad) and some outstanding seafood dishes (Maine lobster with shrimp, mussels and clams on linguine). There is a full wine list and ample people-watching given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/447-2257. $$
Vino —114 N.E. Second St. Wine Bar/Italian. An impressive wine list of some 250 plus bottles (all available by the glass) offers a multitude of choices, especially among Italian and California reds. The menu of “Italian tapas” includes roasted red peppers with Provolone, as well as ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomatoes. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/869-0030. $$
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. $$
City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house with a lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with care and little artifice. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/487-1600. $$
Special Delivery
Ditmas Kitchen offers free delivery, within 5 miles, for orders of $30 or more, including its popular, complete “Shabbat in a Bag” Friday night to-go dinner.
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. $$$
DVASH —8208 Glades Road. Mediterranean. The menu, a collection of Mediterranean fusion dishes with a variety of daily specials, caters to an array of diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. The Cohen family, who previously owned Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar in Coral Springs for more than a decade, now welcomes diners
to this West Boca restaurant that’s tucked away in the Publix Greenwise strip mall. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/826-7784. $$
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. $$
Oliv Pit Athenian Grille —6006 S.W. 18th St. Modern Greek. The owners’ goal of bringing together the best of Greek cooking under one roof, much like the melting pot that is Athens, is covered here in an extensive menu. The best way to enjoy the food is to share it: the Pikilia trio with tzatziki, spicy feta and eggplant spread is a starting place. Try the mix grill platter and the hearty red Greek wine. End the night with a unique, velvety frappe cappuccino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-2049. $$
Skyfin Asian Bistro —8221 Glades Road. Asian. After nearly a decade of dishing out elevated Beijing cuisine at MR CHOW inside the posh W South Beach, chef Aden Lee left his sous chef position to venture out on his own. Here, you’ll find both playfully named sushi rolls and fresh sashimi alongside 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. $$
Villa Rosano —9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian. You can be forgiven for imagining yourself in some rustic Italian hill town as the smells of garlic and tomato sauce waft through the air. Start by sopping up the house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto and delicate fillets of sole done a la Francese. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/470-0112. $$
BOYNTON BEACH
Driftwood —2005 S. Federal Highway. Modern 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. $$
Josie’s Italian Ristorante— 650 E. Woolbright Road. Italian. This cozy, family-owned restaurant is looking better than ever after a renovation that gave its dining room a more modern, elegant atmosphere in which to enjoy chef Mark Militello’s classic Italian fare. It’s easy to fill up on the hearty portions of its pasta and meat entrees, but be sure to save room for dessert to try the absolutely decadent sixteen layer chocolate cake. In the cooler months, opt for patio seating for waterfront views. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/364-9601. $$
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. $$
Boon’s Asian Bistro
AARON BRISTOL
Buzz Bite I
Two Local Food Festivals
The Dania Beach Wine & Seafood Fest returns on Saturday, March 8, featuring a standout restaurant lineup. The best part? It’s a complimentary family and pet-friendly event. Tickets for purchase are available for those interested in unlimited food, wine, beer and spirit samples. Guests can also explore local small businesses, artists and brands while enjoying live music, chef cooking demonstrations and complimentary painting activities for all ages. Later this month, the Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest is also back March 2223. The complimentary, family-friendly event celebrates its 11th anniversary with an expanded list of bourbons and barbecue. Hosted at the Village of Wellington Town Center Promenade, the festival is a perfect venue to sample different bourbons to discover your favorite brands.
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
Sushi Simon 1628 S. Federal Highway. Japanese. It’s been called “Nobu North” by some aficionados, and for good reason. Local sushi-philes jam the narrow dining room for such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi and uni (Thursdays), as well as more elaborate dishes like snapper Morimoto and tuna tartare. Creative, elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$
DELRAY BEACH
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. $$
800 Palm Trail Grill—800 Palm Trail. American. This contemporary space is serving up American fare and classic cocktails. The menu has a steak-and-seafood-house feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find dishes that entice the palate, like the loaded baked potato eggrolls and Wagyu boneless short rib. • Lunch and dinner daily, with patio dining. 561/865-5235. $$$
Akira Back —233 NE Second Ave. Japanese Chef Akira Back’s Seoul restaurant earned a Michelin star a few years ago and now he’s showcasing his talented take on Japanese cuisine at his namesake restaurant inside The Ray hotel. Born in Korea and raised in Colorado, Back blends his heritage with Japanese flavors and techniques he has mastered to deliver dishes that are unique to him. With plates made to be shared, the menu is divided into cold and hot starters followed by rolls, nigiri/sashimi, robata grill, mains and fried rice. Dinner. 561/739-1708. $$$$
and burrata at Costa by OKM
Happy
Anniversary
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Dada, which cultivates its eccentric vibe in a 101-year-old historic property.
Amar Mediterranean Bistro —25 S.E. Sixth Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5653. $$
Avalon Beach House —110 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This steakhouse was transformed into a chic coastal haven for seafood and lively cocktails. Its menu features a variety of casual dishes like ahi tuna poke, fish tacos, double smash burger and short rib ragu. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/593-2500. $$
Bamboo Fire Cafe —149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. A quintessential Delray gem. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $
Beg for More Izakaya —19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates. The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$
Brulé Bistro —200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. 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. $$
Burt & Max’s —9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$
Caffe Luna Rosa —34 S. Ocean Blvd. 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. $$
Campi Italian —233 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. The Ray Hotel’s Campi Italian exudes a warm, relaxing ambiance. It’s perfect for an aperitivo and excels in pasta. Contemporary glass chandeliers illuminate its swanky bar and cozy rattan booths, while crisp white tablecloths adorn the tables. .• Dinner nightly. 561/576-8366. $$$
Casa L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano —9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Casa L’Acqua is touted as a fine-dining establishment, and correctly so; diners can expect white tablecloths,
tuxedoed staff and attentive service. The wine list is Italian-focused but does offer a variety of bottles from around the world, and each dish is expertly prepared with sizable portions. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back. • Dinner nightly. 561/563-7492. $$
City Oyster —213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar —25 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 208. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/926-9434. $$
Costa By OK&M —502 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/501-6115. • $$
Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wetaged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$
Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food with a moustache menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turned-restaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$
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. $
Drift—10 N. Ocean Blvd. American. Inside the Opal Grand Resort & Spa, the restaurant’s coastal décor is polished with warm woods, textured stone walls, rope detailing and living walls. The bar is spacious, and several nooks overlook the ocean and the buzzy Atlantic Avenue. The all-day menu covers all the bases. You’ll find easy dishes to snack on after the beach, or if you’re craving an extended Happy Hour experience, enjoy the cheese board, hummus, baked oysters and poke alongside casual
Beets
burgers, flatbreads and salads. The entrées offer something for everyone, including chicken, steak, lamb and fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-3289. $$
Eathai —1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai Chicken French Toasted or Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce or Oxtail Basil Fried Rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesday. 561/270-3156. $
El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican . This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$
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. 561/560-6699. $$
The Grove —187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove district for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well thought out. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/266-3750. $$
The Hampton Social —40 N.E. Seventh Ave. American. The Hampton Social is known for its “rosé all day” tagline, but it doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. It does a standout job of incorporating its casual coastal aesthetic into not just its décor but also its menu, from its seafood-centric dishes to its droll cocktail names like the vodka-forward I Like It a Yacht. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/404-1155. $$
Henry’s —16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/638-1949. $$
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. $$
Buzz Bite II
A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience
On March 8, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will host its annual fundraiser. For those who love Asian food and culture, this is the perfect opportunity to stroll through the serene gardens while enjoying a wide selection of delectable fare. A collection of our best local Asian restaurants, including AlleyCat, Sushi by Bou, Kapow, Ramen Lab and Nobu, will serve a variety of cuisines during this walk-around tasting event. There will also be wine, sake and whiskey tastings, a live drumming performance, a pop-up art gallery and a live auction. Tickets are $250. Visit morikami.org for more information.
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
It’s In the Can
The ready-to-drink cocktail trend hits South Florida
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
The spirits world has a new obsession, and it comes in a can. Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are stepping out of the hard seltzers’ shadow and into the spotlight. The Original Southside is the Florida Panthers’ exclusive RTD gin partner, and oo-Lah is a veteran-owned local brand that’s all about infusing a little R&R into our daily lives. We sat down with both founders to chat about this new canned craze.
OO-LAH
FOUNDERS: USMC Veteran Trevor Spiers and fellow entrepreneur Chris Klein
LAUNCHED: July 4, 2024 in Hollywood, Fla. IT’S ALL IN A NAME: Spiers and Klein, along with their families, created endless lists of possible names and whittled them down to a handful. Klein’s young son mispronounced one of the names on the final list, and that was when the clouds parted—oo-Lah was born. RTDS VS. SELTZERS: Hard seltzers are made with malt liquor, which is made with similar ingredients as beer, while RTDs are blended with actual spirits like rum, vodka and tequila. This is why seltzers can be sold anywhere beer and wine is sold, like grocery stores, and RTDs are not.
WINNING THE POPULARITY CONTEST: Spiers attributes RTDs’ rise in popularity to the generation that came up after the craft beer and hard seltzer craze. He explains that the younger generation grew up having access to everything immediately on their phones. This behavior has made them less attracted to the time and effort involved in the art of crafting the perfect cocktail. But this doesn’t mean their expectations aren’t high; they’re still unwilling to sacrifice quality.“That’s something we’re concentrated on. It’s very important to us that we have bartender-quality recipes and drinks that are consistent every single time,” Spiers says.
FAVORITE FLAVORS: Island Girl, made with coconut, pineapple, orange and rum, may be the company’s bestselling premium cocktail, but Spiers can’t get enough of the Spicy Margarita. The other two oo-Lah flavors are the Prickly Pear Margarita and The Big O, a vodka and citrus-forward sip.
THE KICKBACK COCKTAIL: “Chris and I have created a brand that has a real soul and a real spirit to it,” Spiers explains.“We love the kickback lifestyle; we live it. It’s a crazy world, but what’s lost is people taking time to kick back and relax—even for a couple of hours with friends and family. It’s important to take a break and slow down. That’s what we hope oo-Lah is bringing back to people.”
LOOKING FORWARD: This year, it’s launching Kickback Spirits, its own spirit brand that will sell its namesake rum, tequila and vodka.
DETAILS: 5% ABV, low carbonation, gluten-free, made in USA, available at Total Wine in Town Center. oolahcocktails.com
THE ORIGINAL SOUTHSIDE
FOUNDER: Meredith Mills-Merritt
LAUNCHED: 2024
IT’S ALL IN A NAME: Meredith Mills-Merritt’s mom, Leah, a fellow gin lover, refined a classic Prohibition-era recipe to create a beloved family recipe. The lightbulb moment came when Mills-Merritt saw that gin was primed and ready for a renaissance, and she decided to create a brand with her mom’s recipe. The Original Southside name pays homage to the recipe’s history and evokes a 1920s allure.“I’ve had a lot of bad ideas; this was the first good one,” Mills-Merritt chuckles.
“BETTER FOR YOU” MOVEMENT: As a former beauty exec, Mills-Merritt saw the “better for
you” movement firsthand when customers started to push for cleaner skin care.“Alcohol was still one of those areas where people threw what they knew out the window. They ask what’s in their skincare, haircare, makeup and foods they’re eating, but you move into the spirits world, and it’s less transparent.”
Mills-Merritt designed The Original Southside for consumers who want all the cocktail and none of the compromise. She explains that the controlled ABV in these pre-batched cocktails is also great because consumers know exactly what they’re getting.
THE FLORIDA PANTHERS COME CALLING:
Mills-Merritt received an unsolicited email from a Panthers exec interested in learning more about The Original Southside. Her parents are dedicated snowbirds in Lantana, and Florida’s year-round summer weather made it a target market for the brand. However, the brand had just launched, so although it made sense to bring the refreshing, warm weather-forward drink to Florida, she “would not have entertained it had the Panthers team not been so incredible.” She admits it’s a dream come true and is grateful for the partnership.
LOOKING FORWARD: The brand will premiere a lighter version with half the sugar and a lower ABV, and it’s also looking to launch a second gin-based cocktail.
DETAILS: 10% ABV, made with premium gin that the company compounds itself, cane sugar, certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, made in USA, also available at Total Wine in Town Center. drinksouthsides.com
oo-Lah Spicy Margarita
Meredith Mills-Merritt, founder of The Original Southside
J&J Seafood Bar & Grill —634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$
Jimmy’s Bistro —9 S. Swinton Ave. International. Jimmy’s Bistro is a casual neighborhood concept serving consistently delightful dishes from a diverse menu that can transport diners to Italy with house-made pasta or Asia with its delicate dumplings and tender duck. • 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. $$
Latitudes —2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American. You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$
Le Colonial 601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-square-foot restaurant.• Lunch (on weekends) and dinner daily. 561/566-1800. $$$
Lefkes Estiatorio —33 S.E. Third Ave. Greek. This redesigned space, inside the former Delray Beach Market food hall, is home to Greek wines, traditional Greek classics, and a few contemporary takes on the cuisine. Make sure to save room for the baklava. If you’re looking for a lively late-night Mykonos vibe, complete with napkin throwing and pulsating tunes, Lefkes also delivers. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/908-2331. $$$
Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. Pan-Asian 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. 561/567-0442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/5448181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $
Lulu’s —189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $
MIA Kitchen & Bar —7901 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$
The Office —201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that flits from burgers and fries to mussels. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-3796. $$
Voyage Boutique has been sharing authentic French Fashion with South Florida for over 20 years.
400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach FL 33444
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm 561-279-2984
Voyage Boutique may be tucked away from the bustling Avenue, but it stands out as a pinnacle of fashion. Whether you’re in search of casual wear, attire for a special occasion, or an elegant ensemble for a soiree, you’re guaranteed to discover it within our unique boutique.
When embarking on international travels, setting sail on a cruise, or preparing for the holiday season, your search ends here. Allow us to elevate your wardrobe with style and a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi.’
Voyage Boutique also serves as your European haven for handbags, belts, shoes, gifts, and more. We cater to all sizes, ranging from XS to 3X, and offer in-house alterations for a perfect fit.
Come join us for a shopping experience that transcends the ordinary and when you do, don’t forget to mention that you found us in Boca Mag.
Papa’s Tapas —259 N.E. Second Ave. Spanish. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel welcomed, and its cuisine will satisfy your craving for Spanish tapas. Start with a few shareable plates and then enjoy a hearty paella that’s bursting with a selection of seafood, chicken or vegetables. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/266-0599. $
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. Chef-owner Suzanne Perrotto, who also owns Brulé Bistro, celebrates her family’s Italian roots and its beloved recipes here—especially when it comes to her house-made pizza and pasta. Perrotto’s famous short rib pappardelle was even featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Dinner Wed.-Sun. • 561/271-9423. $$
Sazio —131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$
Taki Omakase —632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, has opened not one but two locations in our community (the other is at 1658 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton). It is pricy—an experience is more than $100 per person—but it’s worth it, with one caveat: You must enthusiastically love eating raw fish. Every night is different because it prides itself on importing fish, meat and seasonal ingredients from Japan that arrive daily. So, if you do pine for the delicacies of the sea, buckle in and get ready for the talented chefs at Taki Omakase to guide you through a culinary journey unlike anything else.• Dinner nightly, lunch hour Fri.-Sun. 561/759-7362. $$$$
Terra Fiamma—9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$
Sunday Fun-Day
Bice’s Sunday brunch includes options like a slowcooked frittata, a bagel with smoked salmon, a “007” cocktail and a $120 bottle of Champagne—that’s normally priced at $280.
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. $$$
Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but
with choices from around the world. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. For a protein, try the traditional chicken parmigiana, a hearty portion of paper-thin breaded chicken breast topped with a subtly sweet San Marzano sauce under a gooey layer of fresh mozzarella, and a substantial side of linguine pomodoro. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and tiramisu. • Dinner nightly; brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$
LAKE WORTH BEACH
Oceano Kitchen —512 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Contemporary American. Chefs and owners Jeremy and Cindy Bearman have a talent for crafting a simple daily menu of ever-changing dishes that explode with flavors and are curated with thoughtfulness and the utmost detail. Genuine hospitality is at the core of their restaurant. For newcomers, it’s cash only and it doesn’t take reservations, so get there early or be prepared to wait. Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/400-7418. $$$
Paradiso Ristorante —625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The Mediterranean salt-crusted branzino is definitely a must-try. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$
LANTANA
Ravish Off Ocean —210 E. Ocean Ave. International. Ravish Off Ocean is a delightful dining experience less than a mile from the powdery sands of South Palm Beach. The coastal vibes are evident here with sea-inspired options like local fish ceviche, tuna tartare, fish tacos and a daily catch. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/588-2444. $$
The Station House —233 Lantana Road. Seafood. If you’re hungry for Maine lobster, plucked live out of giant tanks and cooked to order, this modest replica of a 1920s train station is the place to go. Lobsters come in all sizes (up to 6 pounds) and are reasonably priced. • Dinner nightly. 561/801-5000. $$
PALM BEACH
Acqua Café —2875 S Ocean Blvd. Italian. This quaint neighborhood restaurant serves quality Italian favorites with a coastal twist. It’s part of the Al Fresco Hospitality Group portfolio, which also includes Via Mizner’s legendary Renato’s.• Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/547-0005. $$$
Bice —313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to hold the title of favorite spot on the island. The venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$
Buccan —350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary sensibilities of Miami at the first independent restaurant by chef Clay Conley. The design offers both intimate and energetic dining areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (wood-grilled burgers) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). • Dinner nightly. 561/833-3450. $$$
Park Tavern’s smoked fish dip
Café Boulud —The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard, the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$
Café L’Europe —331 S. County Road. Current International. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$
Echo —230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$
Henry’s Palm Beach —229 Royal Poinciana Way. American Bistro. Part of The Breakers’ restaurant properties, this venue opened in 2020 and is an elegant addition to The Island. Try the pigs in a pretzel dough blanket, beer can corn, the lobster roll, butter crumb Dover sole and chicken pot pie. All comfort food with a Palm Beach twist, and it’s all delicious. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/206-1896. $$$
HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with housemade fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. The wine list is encyclopedic. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$
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. $$
Meat Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse. “Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steakhouse but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-n-turf to a new level. Cast your diet to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$
Renato’s —87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist— like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth
Buzz Bite III
Savor the Avenue
One of Delray Beach’s most anticipated events is back this month. On March 24, Savor the Avenue will take over Atlantic Avenue for an evening of culinary delights. The Downtown Development Authority hosts this annual event, inviting guests to dine under the stars during a massive al fresco dinner that spans five blocks of the street. Reservations are mandatory and can be made directly with the restaurants. For more information, visit downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave.
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
Make Waves with
with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/655-9752. $$$
WEST PALM BEACH
Austin Republic —4801 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. The casual backyard atmosphere sets the scene for chef James Strine’s unpretentious barbecue with a unique Mexican flair. The menu isn’t extensive, but all the barbecue greats are there alongside its Mexican counterparts. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork share the space with tacos, burritos and enchiladas. And don’t sleep on the chicken sandwich. Trust us. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. $
Banko Cantina—114 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Northern Mexican. Start with the Adelita cocktail and don’t look back. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Al Carbon steak tacos and the house guacamole add up to a full-flavor dinner. The west-facing rooftop bar is a nice sunset option, and the Pan de Elote (homemade sweet cornbread with vanilla ice cream and berries) is a delightful end to the evening. • Dinner daily. 561/355-1399. $$
Café Centro —2409 N. Dixie Highway. Modern American. A cornerstone in the Northwood neighborhood, this venue draws because of a complete package: food, drinks and great nightlife and music. Take some char-grilled oysters, add shrimp pesto capellini or a marinated pork chop with polenta, plus local singing fave Tessie Porter, and you have a fun and delicious night out. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$
French Corner Bistro & Rotisserie — 4595 Okeechobee Blvd. Classic French. It’s France in a tiny venue, with big-taste dishes that include all the faves: beef bourguignon, rack of lamb, duck à l’orange, frog legs Provencale, veal kidneys, tender branzino and simple desserts to end the meal. Reservations are mandatory for dinner. • Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. 561/689-1700. $$
prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$
Pink Steak —2777 S. Dixie Highway. Steakhouse. This steakhouse offers plenty of choice cuts and classic chophouse appetizers, such as Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail, but don’t miss the other noteworthy options, like sushi and beef tartare. The pink-hued space is accented with tropical murals, plush avocado-green booths, plume-like chandeliers and plenty of flamingoes. It’s undoubtedly a vibe. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/557-9083. $$$$
Pistache —1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak tartare. All that, plus guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$
Planta—700 S. Rosemary Ave. Vegan. For those who savor every juicy, tender and flavorful bite of a well-prepared burger, patronizing a vegan establishment may seem like a sacrilegious act. But what if a restaurant served up plant-based dishes that surprised your taste buds with exploding flavors? Here vegans don’t have to worry about ingredients making the cut, and non-vegans can enjoy approachable and appetizing plant-based dishes that won’t make you yearn for a steak. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/208-5222. $$
Rhythm Café —3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/833-3406. $$
House Party
The Park golf course, home to The House, also hosts weekly events combined with food: Wednesday night trivia, Thursday night cookouts, Friday family fun nights, and Saturday prime rib nights.
Grato —1901 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. “Grato” is Italian for “grateful,” and there is much to be grateful for about Clay Conley’s sophisticated yet unpretentious take on Italian cookery. Anyone would be grateful to find such delicate, crispy and greaseless fritto misto as Grato’s, ditto for lusty beef tartare piled onto a quartet of crostini. Spinach gnocchi in porcini mushroom sauce are a revelation, so light and airy they make other versions taste like green library paste. Don’t miss the porchetta either, or the silken panna cotta with coffee ice cream and crunchy hazelnut tuille. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/404-1334. $$
The House —7301 Georgia Ave. Modern American. Located inside The Park, West Palm Beach’s public golf course, The House has a bright contemporary aesthetic with massive floor-to-ceiling windows that spotlight the course’s natural beauty. The menu is approachable and offers something for everyone. It also features unique and interesting takes on dishes like spiny lobster corn dogs. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., weekend brunch. 561/530-3791. $$
Leila—120 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. Flowing drapes and industrial lighting complete the exotic decor in this Middle Eastern hit. Sensational hummus is a must-try. Lamb kebab with parsley, onion and spices makes up the delicious Lebanese lamb kefta. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$
Marcello’s La Sirena —6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian . You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is
Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/855-2660. $$$
Broward County DEERFIELD BEACH
Chanson —45 N.E. 21st Ave. Contemporary American/ French. A little bit of Palm Beach, a little bit of Italy comes to Deerfield Beach in the form of this elegant, sophisticated restaurant in the oceanfront Royal Blues Hotel. Service is as stellar as the views from the cozy, modestly opulent dining room, notable for the 1,500-gallon aquarium embedded in the ceiling. Consistency can be an issue with the food, but when it is good it is very good. • Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. 954/857-2929. $$$
Oceans 234—234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Contemporary American. One of the only oceanfront (as in, on the beach) options in South Florida, this familiar-with-a-twist venue is fun to both visit and eat. Try the Infamous Lollipop Chicken Wings, a starter that could be an entrée. Seafood is definitely top-shelf, as are the desserts. A true Florida experience. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-2539. $$
Tradition —626 S. Federal Highway. French. This is a petite place with a large following, for good reason. Owners Eric and Anais Heintz start meals with an amuse-bouche and a menu that spans the length of France. Order a creamy Caesar salad
Grato’s margherita pizza
ARE YOU
Where Jewish people find each other. Where the next generation learns about their heritage. Where business professionals network and connect. Where families celebrate the holidays. A safe space where you can be yourself.
And where we come together to care for the world. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is where you can find purpose, connect with your passion, and meet like-minded friends.
with a light anchovy-based dressing. Try the coq au vin (sauce cooked for two days), and if you like calves’ liver, this is the best you’ll find in the area. End with a Grand Marnier soufflé (worth the 15-minute wait), and make your next reservation there before going home. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 954/480-6464. $$
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Cap’s Place 2765 N.E. 28th Court. Seafood. Eating here requires a boat ride, which is very SoFla and terrific for visitors. This is one of—if not the only—family-run, old-Florida seafood restaurants you’ve never heard of, open since the 1920s. The heart of palm salad is the best and purest version around. Seafood abounds; fish can be prepared nine ways and much more. (There are non-seafood dishes that are done well, too.) Go for the short boating thrill and for the food. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 954/941-0418. $$
Le Bistro —4626 N. Federal Highway. Modern French. The menu is modern and healthy—98-percent gluten-free, according to chef Andy Trousdale and co-owner Elin Trousdale. Check out the prix-fixe menu, which includes pan-roasted duck to beef Wellington. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 954/946-9240. $$$
Seafood World —4602 N. Federal Highway. Seafood This seafood market and restaurant offers some of the freshest seafood in the county. Its unpretentious atmosphere is the perfect setting for the superb king crab, Maine lobster, Florida lobster tails and much more. Tangy Key lime pie is a classic finish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/942-0740. $$
POMPANO BEACH
Calypso Restaurant—460 S. Cypress Road. Caribbean. This bright little dining room and bar (beer and wine only) has a Caribbean menu that is flavorful, imaginative—and much more. Calypso offers a spin on island food that includes sumptuous conch dishes, Stamp & Go Jamaican fish cakes and tasty rotis stuffed with curried chicken, lamb or seafood. • Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri. 954/942-1633. $
FORT LAUDERDALE
15th Street Fisheries —1900 S.E. 15th St. Seafood. Surrounded by views of the Intracoastal, this Old Florida-style restaurant features seafood and selections for land lovers. We love the prime rib. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/763-2777. $$
3030 Ocean —Harbor Beach Marriott Resort, 3030 Holiday Drive. American. Now led in the kitchen by Adrienne Grenier of “Chopped” fame, the new-look 3030 has a farm-to-table focus, along with an emphasis, as always, on locally sourced seafood. • Dinner nightly. 954/765-3030. $$$
Bistro 17—Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 S.E. 17th St. Contemporary American. This small, sophisticated restaurant continues to impress with competently presented food. The menu is surprisingly diverse. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 954/626-1748. $$
Bistro Mezzaluna —1821 S.E. 10th Ave. Italian. The bistro is all Euro-chic decor—mod lighting, abstract paintings. It also has good food, from pastas to steaks and chops and a wide range of fresh seasonal fish and seafood. Don’t forget the phenomenal wine list. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/522-9191. $$
Café Martorano—3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Italian. Standouts include crispy calamari in marinara sauce and flavorful veal osso buco. Our conclusion: explosive flavor, attention to all the details and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Waiters whisper the night’s specials as if they’re family secrets. • Dinner nightly. 954/561-2554. $$
Casablanca Café —3049 Alhambra St. American, Mediterranean. The restaurant has an “Arabian Nights” feel, with strong Mediterranean influences. Try the peppercorn-dusted filet mignon with potato croquette, Gorgonzola sauce and roasted pepper and Granny Smith relish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/764-3500. $$
Perfect 10
At South Bar & Kitchen, enjoy a fried chicken sandwich for only $10 on Tuesdays.
Darrel & Oliver’s Café Maxx —2601 E. Atlantic Blvd. American. The longstanding institution from chef Oliver Saucy is as good now as when it opened in the mid1980s. Main courses offer complex flavor profiles, such as the sweet-onion-crusted yellowtail snapper on Madeira sauce over mashed potatoes. Parts of the menu change daily. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sunday. 954/782-0606. $$$
South Bar & Kitchen —165 N.E. First Ave. Southern. Serves southern comfort cuisine in a dazzling space with plush emerald-green banquettes, warm wood detailing, and a spacious indoor/outdoor bar leading out to an expansive terrace and second bar. • Dinner Tues.-Sun., weekend brunch. 954/890-2000. $$
COCONUT CREEK
NYY Steak—Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 N.W. 40th St. Steakhouse. The second incarnation of this Yankees-themed restaurant swings for the fences—and connects— with monstrous portions, chic decor and decadent desserts. The signature steaks are a meat lover’s dream; seafood specialties include Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 954/935-6699. $$$$
Casa D’Angelo —1210 N. Federal Highway, #5A. Italian. Many dishes are specials—gnocchi, risotto and scaloppine. The marinated grilled veal chop is sautéed with wild mushrooms in a fresh rosemary sauce. A delightful pasta entrée is the pappardelle con porcini: thick strips of fresh pasta coated in a light red sauce and bursting with slices of porcini mushrooms. • Dinner nightly. 954/564-1234. $$
Chima —2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. Steaks. The Latin American rodizio-churrascaria concept—all the meat you can eat, brought to your table—is done with high style, fine wines and excellent service. The sausages, filet mignon, pork ribs and lamb chops are very good. • Dinner nightly. 954/7120580. $$$
Il Mulino —1800 E. Sunrise Blvd. Italian. This modest, unpretentious Italian restaurant doesn’t attempt to reinvent the culinary wheel. Instead, it dishes up big portions of simple, hearty, flavorful food at extremely reasonable prices. Zuppa de pesce is a wealth of perfectly cooked seafood over linguini in a light tomato-based sauce. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/524-1800. $
WEB EXTRA: check out our complete tri-county dining guide only at BOCAMAG.COM.
Lemoncello tiramisu at Il Mulino
AARON
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VOYAGE BOUTIQUE
Voyage Boutique is a hidden gem in Delray beach, of the beaten path. It ofers a wide variety of styles from casual to evening wear. Shop in a friendly atmosphere. Alterations are done on the premises, while having a glass of wine. Find your travel jewelry, and your must have hand bag. Voyage boutique is open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm.
400 Gulfstream Boulevard Delray Beach, FL 33444
561-279-2984 voyageboutique.com
LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GOOD
Step into the world of refned beauty with Dr. Janet Allenby, a visionary in facial and body aesthetics. At Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology and BodySquad, her elegant approach and personalized touch empower confdence and grace. Known for delivering naturally radiant results, Dr. Allenby is at the forefront of enhancing beauty with artistry and innovation. Whether it’s restoring youthfulness or enhancing your best features, trust the expert who’s shaping the future of aesthetics. Book your appointment today to experience the diference!
Dr. Bader has been a leader in his feld and has served our community for more than 20 years. RSB Dermatology is a fullservice dermatology practice, ofering skin cancer screenings, growth removal, advanced skin cancer detection, both surgical and non-surgical treatments for skin cancer, growth removal, and cyst removal, in addition to the many cosmetic services ofered. Dr. Bader is fellowship-trained in Mohs’ micrographic surgery and Dermatologic Plastic Surgery. We asked Dr. Bader what he enjoys most about his practice. “What has been most rewarding over the years is the relationships that I have forged with my patients,” says Dr. Bader.
1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Suite 204 Deerfeld Beach, FL 33441
561.421.3200
Drbader.com
WOMAN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON
WHERE: The Addison
WHAT: More than 900 guests packed the elegant ballroom of The Addison for the 37th-annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon. Presented by the Junior League of Boca Raton, the sold-out luncheon celebrated 43 local women, each nominated by area nonprofits for their commitment to serving the community. The event was chaired by Meryll Bangsil and Khris Kellerman and honorary chair Kelly Fleming and featured a lavish lunch and lively fashion runway show featuring looks from The Boca Raton’s Boca Chica and Mr. Pink ahead of the award ceremony. Terry Fedele was honored as the Woman Volunteer of the Year and Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sponsors included the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, The Boca Raton, Boca magazine and many more.
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1: WVOY Chairs: Khrisna Kellerman, Nikki Stelzer, Kelly Woods Fleming and Meryll Bangsil
Kathy Adkins, Jo Ann Procacci, Carrie Rubin, Amy Kazma
Jeannine Morris, Kimberly Boldt, Stacy Atwater
Carrie Rubin, Nancy Dockerty, Jennifer Nawrocki
BERNAYS AWARDS LUNCHEON
WHERE: Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach
WHAT: The biggest names in public relations were honored at the Bernays Awards Luncheon hosted by the Gold Coast PR Council. The council, composed of independent public relations, communications and marketing professionals from across the region, awarded local individuals and organizations for their campaigns in the categories of social media, small and large businesses, nonprofits, crisis communications and more. Awardees included President’s Award winner Marie Speed, editor emeritus for Boca magazine, for her 34-year career with the magazine as editor-in-chief; Tim Byrd Award winner Tania Rogers of WPTV; Jon and Bonnie Kaye of Kaye Communications for Best Special Event, and many more.
1: Boca magazine team: Karen Kintner, Jeanne Greenberg, Lori Pierino, Marie Speed, Gail Eagle, Christiana Lilly, Margaret Shuff, Christie Galeano-DeMott
2: Jennifer Sardone-Shiner, Tania Rogers
3: Jon and Bonnie Kaye
4: Phala Murray, Elizabeth Dashiell
5: Nile Fortner, Stu Opperman, Debbie Abrams, Julie Mullen, Eileen Alkabes, Rachel Jackson
6: Melissa Perlman, Sandy Collier
WEE DREAM BALL
WHERE: Boca West Country Club
WHAT: The Fuller Center’s signature fundraiser, the Wee Dream Ball, returned for an unforgettable evening of fun, philanthropy and gratitude.
Dr. Patricia Anastasio, Tom Mersch, Esq. and Carolina and Craig Doering served as co-chairs for the event, which raised funds for the Fuller Center’s various programs geared toward helping children reach their full potential. The theme for the evening was “Neon Disco,” with guests enjoying spirited live performances and dance. The event also recognized Hiromi Printz and outgoing Fuller Center CEO Ellyn Okrent for their longtime commitment to the organization. Sponsors included the Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, The Boca Raton, Boca magazine and more.
1: Fuller Center CEO Eric Roby
2: Ellyn and Steve Okrent
3: Hiromi Printz, Matt Scheer
4: Taylor and Chris Maiorino
5: Craig and Carolina Doering, Dr. Patricia Anastasio, Tom Mersch Esq.
6: Gail Wasserman, Dr. John Westine
7: Marissa Beck, Eric Viner
8: Carrie Rubin, Kathy Adkins
9: Arlene Herson, Bonnie and Gary Hildebrand
10: Pam Higer-Polani, Dr. Katie Burke, Alana St. John
11. Kelly Baker Ferrarese, Eda Viner, Stacey Packer
12. Dr.
Tina Westine, Tracy Louv, Robyn Gal
WALK OF RECOGNITION
WHERE: The Addison
WHAT: The Boca Raton Historical Society (BRHS) celebrated local organizations and individuals whose good works have left an indelible mark on Boca during the Walk of Recognition ceremony. Local leaders and BRHS supporters joined in honoring this year’s inductees, who will have their names etched into a granite star at Mizner Plaza in Royal Palm Place. Those honored were Cynthia Krebsbach for her nonprofit leadership and service; Lisa Mulhall for her grant-writing expertise and advocacy for affordable housing; Toby and Leon Cooperman for their long history of philanthropy in the community; and a posthumous dedication for Lora “Skeets” Friedkin for her advocacy for those suffering from disabilities as well as her founding contributions to Stand Among Friends.
2: Marta and Jim Batmasian (standing) with Toby and Leon Cooperman (seated).
3: Walk of Recognition Honorees: Lisa Mulhall, Cynthia Krebsbach, Toby and Leon Cooperman, Dawn Friedkin, Mindi Fasnacht and Lisa Friedkin
4: Karen Kintner, Christiana Lilly, Gail Eagle
5: Denise Alman, Mary Csar, Boca Raton
Deputy Mayor Yvette Drucker, Lisa Mulhall, Cynthia Krebsbach, Boca Raton Council
Members Fran Nachlas and Marc
1: Lisa Friedkin, Dawn Friedkin and Mindi Fasnacht
Wigder
BRAIN BOWL LUNCHEON
WHERE: Boca West Country Club
WHAT: The Brain Bowl Luncheon returned for its 10th year to rally the community in the fight against Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s. Emceed by ESPN journalist Paige Kornblue and WPBF 25 First Warning Meteorologist Glenn Glazer, the event drew more than 1,100 community members and benefited Boca Ballet Theatre for its Parkinson’s disease dance program, Sweet Dream Makers, and The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida. In addition to a delectable lunch spread, guests were inspired by a speech from former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, who shared his experience with having a loved one diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
1: Brain Bowl Committee
2: Donna Biase, Tim Tebow, Boca Raton City Council Member Fran Nachlas, Brain Bowl Founder Pam Higer-Polani
3: Palm Beach Mayor Maria Sachs, Marilyn Weinberg, Arlene Herson, Victoria Bolotina
WHAT: Impact 100 Palm Beach County (PBC) launched its 2024-2025 season of giving during a swanky ceremony hosted at Neiman Marcus. More than 200 guests gathered to celebrate Impact 100 PBC’s 14th year of awarding grants to local nonprofits that serve our community. The highlight of the evening came when nonprofit leaders Karen Granger from 4KIDS Palm Beach and Kathleen Megan from the Interfaith Committee of Social Services shared with the crowd how being awarded $100,000 grants from Impact 100 PBC helped transform their organizations and expand critical services. Since its inception, Impact 100 PBC has awarded nearly $7 million in grants to nonprofits throughout Southern Palm Beach County.
2: Diane Feldman, Jan Savarick, Boca Raton City Council Member Fran Nachlas
3: Kathy Adkins, Carrie Rubin, Jo Ann Procacci, Amy Kazma
4: Noreen Payne, LuAnne WarnerProkos, Ingrid Kennemer
5: Gina J. Griffin, Susan Lampert, Sarah Ponczek, Julie Peyton
6: Sarah Retzer, Dr. Jacqui Moroco Maloney, Donya Meade, Ona Steele
March 2025 issue. Vol. 45 No. 3. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of JES Media, and any use of these trademarks without the express written consent of JES Media is strictly prohibited: Savor the Avenue; Tastemakers of Delray; Tastemakers at Mizner; Florida Style and Design; Delray Beach magazine; Boca Raton, South Florida At Its Best; bocamag.com; Florida Table; Boca Raton magazine. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published 8 times a year (September/October, November/December, January, February, March, April, May/ June and July/August) by JES Media. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all editorial and advertising correspondence to the above address. Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $24.95/8 issues, $34.95/16 issues (shipping fee included for one- and two-year rates). Single copy $6.95. No whole or part of the content may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.
BITTERSUITE: Songs
Experience
With Composer and Musical Director, Elliot Weiss
Saturday, March 22, 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 23, 7:30 pm
Life’s ups and downs, highs and lows are often accented by the bittersweet moments in between. When you set those special moments to music you get Bittersuite: Songs of More Experience. In this thought provoking collection of musical vignettes, composer Elliot Weiss and lyricist Michael Champagne, winners of the Eugene O’Neill Award for Musical Theater, explore the rich tapestry of aging in America through song.
Elliot Weiss is Musicial Artist in Residence at B’nai Torah Congregation.
Marie Speed
Living Small
Sometimes the very best things do come in small packages
Written by MARIE SPEED
We are just coming into springtime now, the time of new beginnings and unsettled weather, following a winter marked by sweeping changes in the country and around the globe. Add in social media and a news cycle shorter than a Temu mini skirt, and it’s easy to find yourself reeling from the upheaval.
I have decided that people need to ground themselves now on a daily basis. The really disciplined ones get up at 5:30 a.m. every day and run five miles in their Hokas or Brooks Ghosts or maybe even their Norwegian Ecco BIOM running shoes, made from the leather of Himalayan yaks. These are not people who would ever understand me, but more power to them for their world-beating, never-say-die attitude. Others practice meditation before they even wash their faces; some set the alarm for a pre-dawn dive into work before the normal office day starts.
I live in the same world as these people (sort of), but I have learned to find my balance in other ways. I started off by testing a bold premise: What if you could ground yourself by simply staying in bed?
Oh, you can read the paper and walk the dog and make coffee, but then you can excuse yourself from real-world problems and toddle back to your bed, where you can 1) nap or 2) read People magazine or 3) determine sensible solutions to your life, like winning the lottery and spending your retirement giving away money to worthy causes. People would love you, they would suck up to you, and you would get invited to everything. On top of that, you would be helping people, and they would name things after you. And don’t pretend you haven’t thought of this; after all, we all know real people who live like this, but we know we would be much better at it.
What I think that means is drilling down to the bare roots of our everyday lives. Honing in on the little things we used to take for granted because we were too busy nailing down a really good dinner reservation or racing to yet another meeting. Whether you are working or not working, it makes sense to “back it down,” as my friend Joyce Wilson says, to take a moment to retrieve a touch of wonder from the little things.
This can be anything, of course. The smell of coffee percolating in the very early morning when I am still finding my way out of a dream and Bentley, my dog, is still in his, snoring ever so softly in the blue halflight of the Venetian blinds. It is the complete racket of a flock of Quaker parrots storming my tabebuia tree. It is the dark bumpy ocean horizon on a cold day, described as “elephants walking” by boat captain Chris Agardy. It is Etta James’“At Last” filling the kitchen as I cut up tomatoes for a salad. It is the smell of a fresh Fraser fir, old books, clean sheets, an expensive store, men’s cologne and Melograno soap from Santa Maria Novella Farmacia.
These things inform everyday life here in South Florida. Like finding a “new” charity doing good work (I’m looking at you, Her Second Chance), taking a slow drive through the tunnel of jungle trees in Manalapan, seeing massive kites in the sky over Delray Beach. It is all the tiny seashells and animal skulls at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, how your skin feels when the saltwater dries on it on your way home from the beach. And food—we hit the jackpot with food. Café Cubanos, a V&S Italian sub, yellowtail Serrano at Akira Back, Italian at Arturo’s or Trattoria Romana, Tacos al Carbon—and a gazillion more things.
Staying in bed while the world spins around us is, of course, not the answer. Nor is daydreaming. Nor is moving to Portugal or Belize or Paris, which are merely distractions, in my opinion. The challenge, as I see it, is to stay put, open your front door and see what’s looking at you.
It’s everywhere, this magic we have at our fingertips—reminders that the world is still spinning on its axis, the sun rises every morning and joy is where you find it. This is how I plan on staying grounded these days, tapping into the small stuff, finding moments of sheer beauty and knowing, for now, that it’s enough.
