Boca Raton magazine

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MAY/JUNE 2012 vol. 32 no. 3

features

104

Florida ExplorEr: StatE oF thE artS Boca Raton’s annual guide to summer travel throughout the Sunshine State takes a cultural turn. Check out the music, museums, theater and festivals from Jacksonville to Key West.

by kevin kaminski, marie speed and john thomason

118

Working-ClaSS WiSdom Meet 10 everyday locals who’ve learned a little something about life through professions that range from bouncer and lifeguard to nurse and hair stylist.

by chelsea greenwood

128

WhatEvEr SuitS You The latest in swimwear takes center stage—as orchestrated by a professor and her fashion photography students from Lynn University.

photography by ellen stern

Pieces from the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete.

when U want to know

[ bocamag.com ]

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MAY/JUNE 2012 vol. 32 No. 3

37

43 departments

26

Mail Readers comment on articles in recent issues of Boca Raton.

28

Editor’s lEttEr A recent survey underlines why Boca Raton hits all the right notes in this market.

76

FaCEs Meet a presidential appointee to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, an activist shedding light on human rights violations in Iran, and the man who keeps city officials on their toes in Deerfield Beach.

by kevin kaminski

by kevin kaminski and john thomason

31

100

CurrEnts Boca Raton keeps you connected to South Florida with the latest trends, tips and news in four categories.

31 Shop: Catching wind of the latest fragrances; going green for spring 37 Body: Gourmet diet food delivered to your door; healthy home cooking 43 home: Why the hottest trend in color has everyone seeing orange 51 A&e: The world of film production in South Florida; catching up with a renowned acting coach; what’s hot on the event scene

67

Florida tablE Put the thrill back into your grill this spring with help from Boca Raton. In addition, we check out the local restaurant scene and put fried chicken to the Challenge.

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[ bocamag.com ]

Boca roundtablE An esteemed panel of experts/ activists representing the county’s Human Rights Council, Compass and FAU speak candidly on issues affecting the local gay/lesbian community.

by kevin kaminski

135

dining guidE Don’t leave home without it—our comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in South Florida, including reviews of D’Angelo Trattoria in Delray and Kapow Noodle Bar in Boca.

161

our town Spend time with the locals who make our community so special—including a high school student who climbed Kilimanjaro, the woman behind Genesis Community Health and a nonprofit taking care of the area’s homeless.

167

PEoPlE You might just see some familiar faces in our snapshots from talked-about social events in and around Boca Raton.

by cassie morien

175

sPEEd buMPs It’s safe to say this is one person who will never build a bookcase, change the oil, or run up a pair of curtains.

by marie speed

176

My turn Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring—a time to refresh the soul and dream the impossible dream. by john shuff

On the cOver photogrApher: Ellen Stern StyliSt: David A. Fittin, Artist Management hAir And mAkeup: Davide Calcinai, Artist Management model: Inma Torres, MC2 Model Management, Miami FAShion/jewelry: Red Carter swimsuit, price upon request, from Everything But Water, Town Center at Boca Raton; Diane von Furstenberg scuba skirt, $225, from Neiman Marcus, Town Center; earrings, $55, yellow bangle, $25, silver bangle, $28 and black bangle, $28, all from Macy’s, Town Center

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may/june

bocamag.com when U want to know

Stay connected with oUr blogS: a&e: John thomason

covers the local cultural scene—from concert, movie and art exhibit reviews to profile stories—Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

dining: Get hungry for bill citara’s delicious restaurant reviews and foodie news every Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Shopping: Discover

GO BEYOND THE MAGAZINE WITH WEB EXTRAS:

Bocamag.com packs more of what you love from the magazine, with exclusive Web-only supplements to our top stories.

POP QUIZ: Students of acting

teacher Jane Kelly (pictured), who is profiled in our A&E section, share stories from their times in her class.

MORE WITH CHAZ STEVENS: The local muckraker dishes on activism, the power of the Internet, President Obama and more.

upcoming trunk shows, store openings, money-saving tips and fashion trends Tuesday through Thursday.

SCRATCH-N-SNIFF: We sat down with Laurice Rahmé, the founder and president of the popular perfume line Bond No. 9 New York.

commUnity: melissa

MORE WITH NANCY GILBERT: Read more from our interview with Nancy Gilbert, a council member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

malamut covers our health and beauty beat, while angela lutin tackles your tough dating questions. Read about local happenings every Monday, Thursday and Friday.

delray beach:

marie Speed reports on Delray events and news in our special Delray Beach blog, every Thursday.

GAY ISSUES IN PBC: We have more from our Boca Roundtable experts.

Have you seen tHe new bocamag.com?

We have a bold, new look! Visit bocamag.com to see our sleek, updated website! Explore our interactive ads, user-friendly calendar, improved photo galleries, original videos and much more!

do you liKe Boca Raton magazine?

Follow US! Keep up to date with our Web activity instantaneously by following us on Twitter.

Simply text “follow bocamag” to 40404 or visit twitter.com/bocamag. We’ll direct you to our top Web content and fill you in on exclusive promotions and ticket giveaways.

Visit our Facebook page and give us your feedback on everything from our blogs to your favorite music to what’s happening at your local business. Write on our wall! We’d love to hear from you!

what’s been happening on our Facebook page? [ ] Jacqui wyatt thanked us for the great coverage and beautiful photos on Royal Palm Place in the March/April issue’s Currents/Shop section.

[ ] the morikami museum and Japanese gardens shared our behind-the-scenes fashion video with their fans.

[ ] the boca raton museum of art invited locals to their Visionaries Ball at the Boca Raton Resort and thanked Boca Raton magazine for its support.

[ ] gary borress, hugh J. Keough and lee pagan all won tickets to the Allianz Championship’s “Grapes on the Green” event.

[ ] redrum collaboration shared how much they love our publication.

16

[ bocamag.com ]

may/june

the [only] boca raton magazine group editor-in-chief

marie speed

editor

kevin kaminski

assistant editor

john thomason

web editor

cassie morien art directors

lori pierino kathleen ross photographer

aaron bristol production manager

adrienne acton

production assistant

nancy kumpulainen contributing writers

chelsea greenwood melissa malamut john shuff

contributing photographers

cristina morgado michele eve sandberg ellen stern scot zimmerman food editor

bill citara home editor

brad mee

editorial/web interns

ashley harris, jen stone nicole thaw account managers

georgette evans candace rojas national account manager

carey mckearnan

director of special publications

bruce klein jr.

special projects manager

gail eagle

JES publishing 561/997-8683 (phone) 561/997-8909 (fax) www.bocamag.com

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magazine@bocamag.com (general queries) editor@bocamag.com (editorial)

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Boca Raton magazine is published seven times a year

by JES Publishing. The entire contents of Boca Raton magazine is 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.

may/june

L I V E in the moment HUBLOT

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UNCLE JULIO’S TRULUCK’S

YARD HOUSE

On Federal and 2nd Street, Downtown Boca Raton • miznerpark.com

TOMMY BAHAMA Z GALLERIE RUTH’S CHRIS

LORD & TAYLOR

JES publishing

president/publisher

margaret mary shuff group editor-in-chief

Dental Implants Change Lives!!!

jeanne greenberg

circulation director

david brooks

subscription services

Every day in my practice I strive for great results for my patients and I can assure you that, as a Board Certified Prosthodontist, I have the education and training and the experience to give all of my patients the smile that they have always wanted. My Prosthodontic training which took place under the tutelage of the Master Dentists in the Southern California area, gives me the ability to create a lifelike, beautiful smile that will enhance anyone’s life. I use dental implants for a lot of my work because they allow me to easily replace missing teeth, but make no mistake, it is the ability to work with porcelain in crowns and veneers that allows me to get the very best results. www.davidoffdental.com exists to educate the professsion and the patient population in understanding what can be achieved with dental implants and a sound Prosthodontic approach to dental restorations. If you are having problems with your teeth, or if you just want to improve your smile, www.davidoffdental.com is the place for you to start learning what can be done. If I can be of any service to you (I do see patients from all over the world), please feel free to contact Me… Read more about Dr. Davidoff and his Dental Practice at the world’s most popular dental implant site:

www.davidoffdental.com S. Robert Davidoff, DMD, FACP • Board Certified Prosthodontist 3695 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. • Boynton Beach, FL • 561-734-0505

drdavidoff_brmmj12.indd 1

marie speed

controller

3/20/12 4:26 PM

david shuff

JES publishing

5455 N. Federal Highway, Suite M Boca Raton, FL 33487 561/997-8683 www.bocamag.com

publishers of Boca raton / delray Beach Mizner’s dream / worth avenue greater Boca raton chamber of commerce annual salt lake / Utah Bride and groom Utah style & design / o.c. tanner Florida Magazine association 2011 charlie awards charlie award (first place) best new magazine (Delray Beach) best custom publication (Worth Avenue)

bronze award best overall magazine (Boca Raton)

2010 charlie awards charlie award (first place) best overall magazine (Boca Raton) best overall design (Boca Raton) best overall use of photography (Florida Table)

silver award best written magazine (Boca Raton)

2009 charlie awards charlie award (first place) best overall magazine (Boca Raton) best overall design (Boca Raton) best feature (Boca Raton)

silver award best written magazine (Boca Raton) best overall use of photography (Florida Table)

bronze award best in-depth reporting (Boca Raton)

2008 charlie awards (honors below all for Boca Raton) charlie award (first place) best overall magazine best feature best single, original B&W photo

silver award best overall design best department best editorial/commentary/opinion

bronze award best overall use of photography best department best in-depth reporting

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may/june

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ServiceS

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[ directory ] Boca Raton magazine is published seven times a year, with February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November and December/January issues. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.

gReAT!

[ subscription, copy purchasing and distribution ] For any changes or questions regarding your subscription or to purchase back issues, call David Shuff in subscription services at 877/553-5363. To inquire about distribution points, ask for circulation director David Brooks at the same number.

A.D. CArlson, MD Medical director / ceo

Botox Juvaderm Restylane Perlane dysport sculptra

[ advertising resources ]

Hormonal RTx Low-t Therapy for men ed for men Treatment for hormonal balance spider Vein Treatment and more...

Take advantage of Boca Raton’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in the premier publication of South Florida. For more information, contact manager Carey McKearnan (carey@bocamag.com).

[ custom publishing ]

ADC Aesthetic RejuvenAtion & Wellness centeR of BocA 900 nW 13 stReet, ste. 302 | BocA RAton | (561) 362-2972 Phone (561) 362-2970 fAx | ADcAestheticWellnessofBoca.com

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[ story queries/web queries ] Boca Raton magazine values the concerns and interests of our readers. Story queries for the print version of Boca should be submitted by e-mail to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com) or Kevin Kaminski (kevin@ bocamag.com). Submit information/queries regarding our website to Cassie Morien (cassie@bocamag.com).

We try to respond to all queries, but due to the large volume that we receive, this may not be possible.

[ letters ]

DESIGN TRENDS inc

Your thoughts and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for style, grammar and length. We reserve the right to withhold any letters deemed inappropriate for publication. Send letters to the address listed below, or to Kevin Kaminski (kevin@bocamag.com).

Designers of Custom WinDoW ProDuCts SHADES INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SUN CONTROL SHUTTERS

[ arts & entertainment ] Where to go, what to do and see throughout South Florida. Please submit information regarding fundraisers, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to A&E editor John Thomason (john.thomason@bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming Arts & Entertainment section is three months before publication (e.g., to list an event in July/ August, submit info by April 20).

[ dining guide ]

BLINDS

Our independent reviews of restaurants in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. A fine, reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Marie Speed or Kevin Kaminski.

DRAPERIES

M OT OR I Z A T I ON

[ people ]

inspired by our Client’s residential and Commercial Custom Design needs since 1982 the Very Best in Quality - Design - technology - support

A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Boca Raton and South Florida. All photos submitted should be clearly identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when); photos will not be returned. E-mail images to people@ bocamag.com. Or mail photos to: “People” Boca Raton magazine 5455 N. Federal Highway, Suite M Boca Raton, FL 33487

5011 n. Dixie Hwy, Boca raton, fL 33431 | P 561-368-7098 tom@shadesbydesigntrends.com | www.shadesbydesigntrends.com

Design 1 1 ] 22 designtrends_brmmj12.indd [ Trends b o c aInc_SO.indd mag.com

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

3/19/12 7/14/11 10:01 4:37 PM AM

may/june

As someone who has been through surgery more than once, I’ve learned a few things. First, your faith helps give you strength. Second, knowing

“COMPASSION IS NOT A CORPORATE POLICY; IT’S A PERSONALITY TRAIT.”

you’re at a top-rated hospital is crucial. And finally, your hospital should employ the kind of people for whom compassion is second nature. Compassion and hope aid the healing process and make your experience so much better. When it comes to all of the above, Holy Cross Hospital is your natural choice in South Florida. – Regis Philbin

866-4HC-DOCS | holy-cross.com

ServiceS [ directory ] tHANK yoU For SUBScriBiNG to BOCA RATON MAGAZiNe!

We appreciate your business and want you to get the most from your subscription. This customer guide will help you contact us for all your subscription needs.

[ first issue ] Your first issue will be mailed four-to-six weeks after receipt of your order. Subsequent issues will arrive every other month and monthly in November and February.

[ missing or late issues ]

Celebrating 25 Years

[ if you have questions about your invoice ... ]

nude

If you have already paid your bill and then receive a new bill, here’s what you should do:

120% Lino • Rick owens LiLies • L’Agence MAjestic • FioRentini + BAkeR • HAndwRitten • FALieRo sARtii

1. If you have paid your bill within the past four weeks, ignore the new invoice. (The computer simply has not given your account credit quickly enough.)

2. It’s most likely that your payment and our notice just crossed in the mail; check the date on the notice to see when we mailed it.

ROYAL PALM PLACE • BOCA RATON • 561-367-9600 LAS OLAS • FT. LAUDERDALE • 954-524-2585

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Board Certified in intelleCtual ProPerty law By tHe florida Bar

3. If you get another bill or renewal notice, call our subscription department at 877/553-5363, or send an e-mail to subscriptions@bocamag.com, and we will straighten out the problem.

[ change of address ]

permanent: If you are changing your address, send us your complete old address, complete new address, including ZIP code, and the effective date of the change.

You can also leave us a message with your old and new address by calling 877/553-5363. temporary or seasonal: Please send us your complete permanent address, your complete temporary address and the dates that you want your issues forwarded.

Have the next big idea?

[ back issues ]

We can help get you on track to making it a reality.

If you are interested in purchasing any back issues, please call 877/553-5363, indicating the issue date you would like. The cost of each issue including shipping and handling is $9.95.

Robert M. Downey

Patents

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

[ gift subscriptions ] You’ll find a subscription to Boca Raton magazine makes a thoughtful and useful gift that lasts throughout the year. If you’d like more information about giving a gift subscription, please call our subscription department at 877/553-5363.

Trademarks Copyrights International Angela M. Malloy

[ online subscriptions ] Receive additional savings by subscribing online. Visit bocamag.com for more information.

C all to s ch ed u le a n a p p oin tm e nt t o day.

[ for any of the above services, please contact our subscriptions services department ]

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Call TOLL FREE: 877/553-5363 E-mail: subscriptions@bocamag.com

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Before you decide see our website for our qualifications and experience.

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Write: Boca Raton magazine Subscription Department 5455 N. Federal Highway, Suite M Boca Raton, FL 33487

may/june

MOBILE BOCA RATON WHERE to eat, WHAT to do, HOW to get there

LOCAL REVIEW

Use any smartphone for instant access to Boca Raton magazine’s independent reviews of the best restaurants.

SEARCH IN STYLE

Looking for a place to dine is made easy with different search categories to help you.

GET THERE FAST

Really hungry? Geo location finds restaurants nearest to you. Call and make a reservation directly from the app.

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Love In the AIr

[Talk about] the real meaning of love [My Turn, February 2012]. John Shuff is by far one of the great writers. Mr. Shuff touches my heart in every issue. As [editor Kevin] Kaminski wrote, “it’s what’s inside that counts.” Thank you for never failing to pick my spirits up!

Jean Hammond North Carolina I read with great emotion your editorial entitled “The Real Meaning of Love.” It touched me on so many levels. My late mother had a sister with severe disabilities who died when she was only 12 (she would be 88 if she were alive today). My grandmother devoted her life to Frummy (as she was called).

Of course, I am also so grateful for your support and understanding of our mission at JARC. Parents like your friend Paul and his late wife, Nancy, must plan for two lifetimes. For scores of families, we are the answer for that second lifetime. Families entrust to us their most precious jewel, their child. We are always mindful that our mission is to provide a loving, caring, nurturing home filled with independence, dignity and self-respect. People like [John Shuff] and Margaret Mary inspire us to do that.

Debra Hallow Executive Director Jewish Association for Residential Care

KIds thAt CAre

2880 nW boca Raton boulevard

. boca Raton, FL

www.canamcabinet.com

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More than 60 children gathered to “Jump for Kendall” on Feb. 3 at Woodlands Park in Boca Raton. This play date with a purpose was organized by Elizabeth North and other remarkable first graders at Pine Crest School in Boca [in an effort] to support [my daughter] Kendall Gillis and raise awareness about pediatric strokes.

Students, including Mikey, Nate, Zachary and Bella, heard Elizabeth talk about Kendall and her “brain problem”—and then they saw her story in Boca Raton magazine [Faces, February 2012]. The students were inspired, on their own, to organize a fundraiser for someone they had never even met. In their own words, “a child our own age had suffered a medical crisis, and we wanted to help her.”

[Seeing] the extreme enthusiasm and determination of these first graders to

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make a difference, their parents helped them rally the resources to put together a wonderful event that included a bounce house and a flavored ice truck. Kendall’s classmates turned out in large numbers, along with other Pine Crest students, for a fun afternoon.

These children have inspired not only their parents and classmates with their leadership and willingness to get involved, they have reminded us all that even one person can make a difference.

We were thrilled to have another venue to help educate others on the signs of pediatric stroke. We’re extremely grateful to Elizabeth, Mikey, Nate, Zachary and Bella.

Your families should be extremely proud of you. Thank you for making a difference for Kendall.

William J. Gillis Boca Raton

Kudos from Ken

Y O R K

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M I A M I

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B O C A

R A T O N

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W E S T C H E S T E R

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L O N G

I S L A N D

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T H E

H A M P T O N S

Delray Beach Intracoastal $5.4 Million SOLD

One Thousand Ocean SPH8 $3.95 Million REDUCED

Boca Villa $1.395 Million NEW EXCLUSIVE

Mizner Grand $2.75 Million REDUCED

Orchid Estate $9.95 Million NEW EXCLUSIVE

Marbella 14H $1.295 Million NEW EXCLUSIVE

200 East PH11 $2.59 Million REDUCED

Marbella 14G $895K NEW EXCLUSIVE

Polo Club $995K REDUCED

ENJOY VIEWS FROM NEW YORK TO BOCA RATON

WELCOME >

For a century, Douglas Elliman has been an unrivaled leader in real estate and a company of choice for New York’s elite. Today, with over 4,000 real estate agents, 70 office locations, $13 billion in annual sales volume and an exclusive partnership with leading European brokerage Knight Frank, our influence extends globally. With the addition of Director Senada Adzem, New York’s #1 real estate fi rm has arrived in Boca Raton. Douglas Elliman Florida possesses the most powerful infrastructure and a team of nearly 200 professionals in Florida. Put the power of Senada and Elliman to work for you. >

As a fellow member of the South Florida media, I must say that of all the publications about our fair city, your magazine is the most informative, professional, intelligent, beautifully produced reading fare in our lovely hamlet of Boca Raton. To my Facebook friends and radio fans (“DooWop Shop,” 850-AM, Sundays 6 to 9 p.m.), just be sure that you see the editor’s name, Kevin Kaminski, on the masthead before you pick up a copy. He’s the real deal. Better yet, subscribe now.

Ken Held Facebook

©2012. Owned and operated by Douglas Elliman Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity

N E W

Senada Adzem | 561.322.8208 | Senada@EllimanFlorida.com | Royal Palm Place Boca Raton, Florida. SenadaAdzem.com | EllimanFlorida.com

chef showdown

On behalf of Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, I would like to thank Boca Raton for partnering with us on our inaugural “Country Club Chef Showdown.”

Boca Raton and some 275 guests helped to raise more than $39,000 to support the patient care programs of Hospice of Palm Beach County. The event was able to reach its intended net goal in its first year.

We were so thrilled to have Marie Speed on the judge’s panel, and I certainly think she was enjoying her role! We are so grateful to all of you, including Georgette Evans and Kathleen Ross. We hope to partner with you for many years to come.

Mary Coleman Special Events South County Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation when U want to know

douglaselliman_brmmj12.indd 1

3/21/12 10:53 AM

Train Where Champions Train

Boca Raton’s Premiere Boxing Gym Includes Full Class Schedule, 2 Boxing Rings, and Weight Room. All Skill Levels Welcome.

Call Now to Schedule a Free Training Session

ABCboxingclub.com e 561-289-2480

americanboxingclub_brmmj12.indd 1

AM [ b o c a m a g 3/20/12 . c o m 11:37 ] 27

editor’sletter [ by kevin kaminski ]

Survey Says S

everal years ago, a friend of mine was going through a difficult breakup that, by his own admission, completely blindsided him. On the day his girlfriend of two years moved out of their apartment, my friend, a longtime newspaper copy editor, sent me an e-mail that read, in part: “You know, it’s ironic. I make my living picking apart the written word ... but when it comes to reading between the lines, I really don’t have a clue.”

I told my friend that, as much as I felt his pain, his heartache had produced a gem—and that I would have to one day steal that line. He understood.

Reading between the lines is a fundamental truth in publishing—writers and editors can’t become so consumed with how something reads that they lose sight of what it all means.

In the case of a recent comprehensive media audience survey contracted by our company, the results and the meaning couldn’t have been any clearer.

The study, courtesy of The Media Audit, compared the audience of Boca Raton to those of other South Florida magazines in a variety of specific categories—from locals who dine four times in a two-week period to baby boomers of a certain affluence to residents interested in the arts.

In more than 95 percent of the audience comparisons, Boca Raton topped the list—often by a considerable margin. Along the way, we learned plenty about you; in 2011, for example, our readers spent $11.6 billion on consumer goods and services, and more than $70 million dining at full-service restaurants.

We also learned a little something about ourselves— namely, that our readership jumped nearly 45 percent from 2010 to 2011.

One report of particular interest to our editorial team noted that readers in this market consider Boca Raton the opinion leader by more than a 6-to-1 margin compared to the other magazines that attempt to cover our city.

That tells us, as we read between the lines, that not only do our readers value the level of professionalism to which we aspire, but also that we’re hitting the right notes when it comes to delivering the mix of entertaining, informative, investigative and thought-provoking editorial that this community richly deserves.

Not that we’re interested in resting on such laurels.

In the May/June issue, we’re proud to feature local representatives of the gay/lesbian community for a special edition of the “Boca Roundtable” (page 100). My thanks to Lauren

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Walleser from the office of multicultural affairs at Florida Atlantic University, Trent Steele from the Palm Beach Human Rights Council, and Julie Seaver from Compass for bringing such candor and thoughtfulness to an educational and oftenpoignant discussion that pulls no punches on issues ranging from bullying and coming out to same-sex marriage and “the problem” with Palm Beach.

A thread of activism also runs through our “Faces” department (starting on page 76), as we introduce readers to champions of causes both local (keeping the city of Deerfield Beach honest) and global (shedding light on human rights abuses in Iran).

In addition, we prepare readers for spring and summer with everything from outdoor grilling tips (page 67) and swimsuit fashion (page 128, with a little behind-the-scenes help from some students at Lynn University) to our annual insider’s guide to travel around the state—Florida Explorer (page 104), which this year focuses on getaways with a cultural twist.

Speaking of which, I wish I could close with an anecdote about my friend meeting someone special at a local museum exhibition. But not every story comes full circle. The best we can do is to continue to make sure that every story matters.

Enjoy the issue.

may/june

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An impressive community lifestyle complex will provide an endless number of choices for relaxation, fitness and fun – all in your backyard. For additional information on this rare opportunity, visit The Bridges today.

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worth

it’s an afternoon evening or weekend

worth-avenue.com | 561/659-6909

currents [ by cassie morien ]

shop In the Air Tonight

We’re catching wind of some irresistible fragrances for men and women available here in Boca Raton.

Also, in this special spring section, we help shoppers get their green on.

when U want to know

[ bocamag.com ]

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currentsSHOP

Six ScentS

Check out the latest perfumes, mists and colognes that are drawing raves from shoppers at Town Center at Boca Raton.

LaugHter JOur eau de tOiLette

acqua di Parma cOLOnia

gucci by gucci POur HOmme

burberry bOdy miSt

iLLamaSqua’S Freak eau de ParFum

bOnd nO. 9 centraL Park WeSt

FOr: Women (perfume) Price: $60 avaiLabLe at: Bloomingdale’s ideaL FOr: Casual dress tOP nOteS: Bergamot, pear baSe nOteS: Musk, sandalwood, Virginia cedar

FOr: Men (cologne) Price: $73 avaiLabLe at: Neiman Marcus ideaL FOr: The workplace tOP nOteS: Cypress, violet, bergamot baSe nOteS: Patchouli, olibanum, amber, elemi resin

FOr: Unisex Price: $90 avaiLabLe at: Bloomingdale’s ideaL FOr: Date night tOP nOteS: Black davana, opium flower, belladonna baSe nOteS: Frankincense, oud and myrrh

FOr: Unisex Price: $86 avaiLabLe at: Bloomingdale’s ideaL FOr: Night on the town tOP nOteS: Sicilian citrus fruits, Bulgarian rose, verbena, lavender baSe nOteS: Cedar, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, rosemary

FOr: Women Price: $50 avaiLabLe at: Saks Fifth Avenue ideaL FOr: Ladies on the go tOP nOteS: Green absinthe, peach, freesia baSe nOteS: Woody cashmeran, vanilla, amber, musk

FOr: Women (perfume) Price: $250 avaiLabLe at: Saks Fifth Avenue ideaL FOr: Daytime tOP nOteS: Narcissus, tangy ylang-ylang, pepper baSe nOteS: Vetiver, oak moss, oak, musk

CatCh our exClusive interview with lauriCe rahme, founder of Bond no. 9, at BoCamag.Com.

Which Scent SuitS You?

nicky Kinnaird, founder of Space NK (available at Bloomingdale’s Boca Raton), explains how to find your own signature fragrance.

1. knOW yOur categOrieS: Fragrances are usually categorized as either floral, citrus, chypre [citrus/floral mix], gourmand, fougère [lavendar/ oakmoss mix] or Oriental. Once someone identifies their favorite types of scents, it makes it easier to successfully introduce a client to a new signature fragrance.

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2. SamPLing:

Narrow your choices to two or three scents, maximum. Test the scent on a fragrance strip. If you don’t like the initial top notes of something, you most likely will not wear it. Spray a potential favorite on the inside of your wrists. If there are more than two, sample the third in the crook of your elbow where it will warm quickly.

3. nOte taking:

Smell the top notes of each, then revisit them some 10 minutes later as the heart of the fragrance begins to open. Smell again after 20 minutes as the base notes come through. By then, it will be clear how the fragrance combines with the chemistry of your skin.

4. intangibLeS:

Scent is evocative; it’s not just about whether or not you like the way a fragrance smells. It’s also about how it makes you feel and, sometimes, the memories it can conjure.

5. cHange in tHe

air? There is no hard rule that says you have to change favorite scents with each new season.

However, some people gravitate towards lighter, fresh citruses and florals in the summer, and headier, more exotic chypre and warmer Oriental scents in the fall and winter.

may/june

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Restaurants, Shops, Salons, Services, Live Entertainment, Class A Office Space and Luxury Rental Residences Federal Highway, South of Palmetto Park Road, Downtown Boca Raton For more information, please visit www.royalpalmplace.com or call 561.392.8920 Official Partner of

The Talk of the Town

currentsSHOP

GoinG Green

2

Spring fashion takes a decidedly verdant turn in the following stylish accessories.

Wear It Well

3

Sherri Guggenheim, owner of ViVi G. Shoes (150 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561/655-1617) and an accessories expert, has advice on how to incorporate shades of green into your wardrobe this spring and summer.

1 5

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SPrIGHtly SHadeS: Kelly-green and blue-green hues, as well as hints of mint green, are expected to find their way into summer styles.

WHat GOeS WItH Green: Shades of lilac and orange look fabulous with green shades. Pops of green (such as a green tote bag or bangle) are all the rage when paired with purple.

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If tHe SHOe fItS: A green sandal or wedge works well with a simple sundress. That extra burst of color will go a long way.

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BOnuS Buzz: Expect to see a lot of tribal, fringe, suede, floral leather and doctor bags this spring and summer. Fringe will be carried on through the fall. Platform wedges and espadrilles are on their way back, in addition to raffia colors and shades of coral, yellow and turquoise.

1. Serenity Stone drop earrings, $49, from Stella & Dot, stelladot.com 2. Emerald briolette necklace, $275,000, from Tiffany & Co., Town Center at Boca Raton 3. & 4. Classic square sunglasses, $195, and Petra mid wedges, $375, from Tory Burch, Town Center 5. & 6. Neon bracelet, $58, and leather wristlet, $58, from Ann Taylor, Town Center 7. Elaine Turner “Summer” clutch, $225, from ViVi G. Shoes, Palm Beach 8. Chrysophase mint necklace, $790, from Me Jewelry, mejewelryline.com 9. Diane von Furstenberg “Fleurette” dress, $345, from Saks Fifth Avenue, Town Center 10. MARC by Marc Jacobs hobo, $428, from Bloomingdale’s, Town Center 34

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may/june

pre-Loved timeless Luxury

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4400 n. Federal highway, Boca raton, Florida 33431 (1/4 mile south of yamato road on the east side) (561) 368-1454 â–ź (888) 755-tIMe www.jewelsintime.com not an authorized agent, representative or affiliate of any watch appearing in this advertisement. all watch names, dials & designs appearing in this advertisement are registered trademarks in the u.S.a.

currents [ by melissa malamut ]

body Lean Cuisines

Diet food delivery used to mean processed, frozen mystery meals that had as much flavor as the containers in which they arrived. But thanks to a calorie-conscious culinary trend sweeping our area, those days are history.

Turn the page to learn about gourmet health cuisine— delivered right to your door.

when U want to know

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currentsBODY

diet at your door

Whether you want to lose weight or just don’t have time to prepare healthy meals on a daily basis, the following local companies are ready to deliver fresh low-calorie dishes to your home.

Catered Fit

deliver lean

the Fresh diet

ContaCt: 954/549-4693;

ContaCt: 888/730-5326;

ContaCt: 866/373-7450;

cateredfit.com Delivery: North Miami to Boca Raton and areas west. The basic five-day plan starts at around $19 a day and includes three meals (with multiple courses) and two snacks a day; delivery Sunday through Thursday between 6 and 9 p.m.

Why: Catered Fit dishes, prepared fresh daily and 100-percent natural, use no processed ingredients—not even the salt. There are multiple plans from which to choose, including the Paleo diet (the trendy “caveman” diet loved by devotees of area CrossFit gyms), the “athlete” plan or the vegetarian option.

It’s good for you and for the community—all extra food is donated to a homeless shelter near the Dania Beach-based kitchen. reCommenDeD meals: Lemon ricotta

pancakes with fresh berries; grilled black bean burger with mushroom scallion sauce; chicken stuffed with eggplant, feta and sun-dried tomato

deliverlean.com Delivery: Miami Beach to Jupiter. Delivery is three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The basic five-day plan starts at around $30 a day and includes four to five meals per day.

Why: Deliver Lean, based in Boca, makes it easy for customers by offering plans built around your dietary needs or tastes (i.e. organic, gluten-free). The “traditional plan” includes four or five meals daily—with each meal containing 4 ounces of protein sources, 4 ounces of complex carbs and 3 ounces of fruit or vegetables.

Best of all: Every meal is approximately 400 calories. reCommenDeD meals: Vegan meatballs

with whole-wheat spaghetti and fresh tomato sauce; honey-lime salmon with cinnamon-roasted sweet potatoes and sugar snap peas; seven-grain pancakes with lean turkey sausage, sugarfree maple syrup and fruit

thefreshdiet.com

Delivery: Throughout

South Florida. Delivery is daily or twice weekly, depending on the options selected. The basic plan starts at around $35 a day. Fresh Diet is the priciest option, but it’s also the oldest and most established company, with clients all over the country.

Why: Meals from the Delray Beach-based business— and there are dozens of menu items from which to choose—are prepared with premium, fresh ingredients.

A day’s worth of food consists of three meals, two sides and two snacks. There are different plans for weight loss, diabetics and other dietary restrictions. reCommenDeD meals: Caramelized

onion turkey breast roulade; mushroom soufflé with Gruyère cheese panini on whole-wheat ciabatta bread; grilled mahi mahi Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tomato, whole-wheat croutons and Caesar dressing

Farm Fresh enjoy cooking healthy meals in the comfort of your own kitchen? then take your grocery list to one of these popular year-round farmers markets.

1. The BOYs

Farmers markeT

14378 military Trail, Delray Beach, 561/496-0810 This market is famous for its variety, quality, pricing, free samples and daily crowds. There is a large selection of domestic and international cheeses and hard-to-find specialty foods—not to mention a growing organic selection and lots of locally sourced produce.

2. WOOlBrighT Farmers markeT

141 W. Woolbright road, Boynton Beach, 561/732-2454 With lots of freshly picked herbs and ripe Florida produce, it’s a year-round favorite. The market features a strong organic section and has delicious baked goods.

Customer service is top notch.

Oh, and check out the amazing gift baskets.

3. Farmer’s empOrium 4619 Okeechobee Blvd #100, West palm Beach, 561/615-4224 This market has a jaw-dropping selection of quality and organic produce at the lowest prices in our area. There also is a fine selection of breads and other healthy foods.

Chicken, fish and wraps are but a few of the many offerings from Deliver Lean.

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may/june

Frank Cirisano, MD GY NECOL O GIC O NC O L O GY

Fernando Recio, MD

SP ECIALIST

M E D I C A L DI RECTO R O F R O B O T I C S URGERY

TECHNIQUE MEETS TECHNOLOGY T H E D A V I N C I ® F O R R O B O T I C S U R G E R Y . Conceived originally for remote-controlled surgery on the battlefield or in space, it’s now providing patients with a minimally invasive surgical option for even the most complex of cases. This incredibly sophisticated technology allows surgery to be performed through the smallest of incisions. For patients, that means a significant reduction in blood loss and post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster return to normal activities. But having this technology is only half the equation. At Boca Regional, it’s placed in the hands of some of the most experienced and accomplished robotic surgeons in the region.

Ones whose skills have made us the busiest center for robotic surgery in Palm Beach County.

Boca Raton Regional Hospital – where technique meets technology to provide our patients with the best in minimally invasive surgery.

currentsBODY Seared Sea Scallops with citrus Tabbouleh and mango vinaigrette

healThy home cooking An expert from Seasons 52—the local king of calorie-conscious restaurants— dishes on how to follow suit at home.

S

easons 52 in Cliff Pleau Boca (2300 N.W. Executive Center Drive, 561/998-9952) doesn’t have fryers in its kitchen. Every menu item is 475 calories or less, seasonally inspired and locally sourced. Even the “mini indulgences,” downright decadent desserts, come in portionappropriate shot glasses.

The restaurant, which has locations in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Gardens, is an inspiration when it comes to eating healthy—which is why we called on award-winning chef and senior director of culinary, Cliff Pleau, to share five secrets of the trade.

The good news? These are secrets that you can take home and apply in your own kitchen.

1. Review whaT’S in youR panTRy: “Take every product and review the label,” Pleau says.

“See how many calories are coming from saturated fat. Can you pronounce the ingredients? Can your children pronounce them? If reading the label turns into a comedy show, throw it out.”

2. add Spice: “Spices

are an entertainer for the mouth,” Pleau says. “With less fat in your cooking, taste buds will be more receptive to flavor.” He advises buying spices whole and grinding them with a coffee grinder.

Spices bought pre-ground do not yield the full flavor and antioxidants that whole spices do.

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3. when in doubT, go baSic: “Basic sea salt and black pepper can spice up any meal,” Pleau says.

4. don’T be afRaid of new ThingS: “Try

vanilla bean in dressings,” he says. “Lemongrass and fresh ginger are very refreshing.

Ginger can be pickled or used in a marinade for fish.”

5. SpRiTz: “One of my

From SeaSonS 52 Serves 2 Tabbouleh 12 orange segments, cut in 4 1/4 cup sun-dried cranberries, reconstituted 1/4 cup English cucumber, diced small 1/4 cup tomato, diced small 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped 1/2 cup parsley, chopped 1 cup bulgur wheat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 lime, zest and juice 1 lemon, zest and juice 1 orange, zest and juice 6 ounces water 5 drops Chipotle Tabasco PrEParaTion: Wash and zest lime, lemon and orange. Squeeze juice and reserve. Place bulgur wheat in flat glass baking dish.

Combine olive oil, ginger, salt and citrus zest. Mix with wheat.

Combine citrus juice, water and Tabasco. Heat in microwave for 1 minute. Pour liquids over wheat and set aside, covered for 1 hour.

Place wheat in bowl, add all other ingredients and toss lightly.

Refrigerate until needed.

ScallopS 8 jumbo sea scallops 1 teaspoon blackening spice 1 teaspoon kosher salt 6 spritz extra virgin olive oil 1/2 lemon PrEParaTion: Heat nonstick skillet on medium high. Pat scallops dry and season with blackened spice and salt. Spritz pan 4 times with extra virgin olive oil. Add scallops so they don’t touch one another. Do not stir or move. Sear scallops for 2 minutes, turn and sear for 2 more minutes. Squeeze lemon into pan with scallops to deglaze. Remove pan from heat.

Arrange scallops creatively on plate with citrus tabbouleh and mango vinaigrette.

favorite tricks is to buy a plastic spray bottle and use that to dispense oil,” Pleau says. “It’s what we do in the restaurant. Oil has a lot of calories, and if you spritz it on your food or pan, rather than pour or brush, you’ll save calories and money.

Spritz Teflon pans to cook fish. It’s also great for dressing salads.” may/june

You Are Not Alone In Your Pain.

Q

Are you suffering from TMJ disorders, jaw or ear pain, headaches, vertigo?

A

Contact Dr. Harold Menchel today to learn how his conservative, non-surgical treatments can ease your TMJ and facial pain.

What is TMJ/TMD? TMJ is an abbreviation for the TemporoMandibular Joint that attaches the lower jaw to the skull.

Many people, even health care professionals, incorrectly use the term TMJ as the diagnosis of a disease causing facial pain and other debilitating symptoms. TMD is the acronym used for TemporoMandibular joint Dysfunction. TMD is a medical diagnosis, and may or may not involve the teeth.

What makes Dr. Menchel a nationally recognized expert?

Dr. Menchel is one of a few private practitioners in Florida who possesses the comprehensive training and experience required to manage difficult and complex facial pain problems such as TMD. He has been practicing for more than 30 years, helping patients cope with TMD and facial pain. Today, his unique practice is now limited to diagnosing, treating

and counseling TMD and facial pain patients across the U.S., and beyond.

He is board certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain and has extensively studied the TM joint, neurological facial disorders, pharmacology and pain management.

How are TMD and facial pain diagnosed?

When patients arrive at the Institute, they typically are frustrated from searching for answers to their questions. Dr. Menchel utilizes his skills and extensive knowledge to evaluate and diagnose each patient based on a detailed analysis of symptoms and medical history.

Each patient receives a customized treatment plan supported by proven, scientific methods.

How are TMD and facial pain ideally treated?

Dr. Menchel’s scientific-based approach focuses on conservative, non-surgical and reversible

treatments, including bite splints, physical therapy, therapeutic injections, pain medications and behavior modification. Less than 5% of TMD patients need surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health, university research and Dr. Menchel’s own experiences with thousands of patients.

Also, according to scientific research, a “bad bite” is not the cause of TMD, but is oftentimes incorrectly treated with costly and unneeded dental procedures.

Harold F. Menchel, DMD Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain

1720 University Drive, Suite 301, Coral Springs • (954) 345-2264 • tmjtherapy.com • drmenchel@tmjtherapy.com

home

currents [ by brad mee ]

Alexa wallpaper and fabric by Thibaut steal the show in this guest bedroom.

White wainscot and bedding provide relief from the lively patterns and colors.

Orange Crush

ThibauT

Pantone recently named Tangerine Tango its Color of the Year for 2012. And why not? Orange is lively, courageous and upbeat— so what’s not to like? Turn the page and find out why variations from Mandarin and mango to coral and cantaloupe are brightening up Florida interiors with energy and timeless color.

when U want to know

[ bocamag.com ]

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currentsHOME

Zest It Up Designers use it to enliven spaces indoors and out, knowing that, even in small doses, the color adds flavor and freshness. Still, orange is not for the faint of heart. Here are five ways to make orange count in your home’s decor.

PUNCH UP YOUR PALETTE

pAINt

Benjamin moore

An accent wall painted in Benjamin Moore’s Masada accentuates the room’s architecture while adding a spicy orange backdrop for art and neutral furnishings.

FABRICs AND WALLpApeR

Festive Orange by Benjamin Moore

Tangerine Tango

by Pantone

Thibaut’s Waterbury wallpaper and fabrics—which pair orange, navy and cream—provide a timeless palette and patterns for a sun-filled breakfast room.

FURNIsHINGs AND ARtWORK

Tango by Sherwin-Williams

In room settings, bold orange furnishings create vibrant focal points that are equally at home in an all-white interior as one filled with color. To establish orange as a key design element, repeat it multiple times in a room. Designed by Sybil Maxson, Brown’s Interior Design, Boca Raton.

Charlotte’s Locks

by Farrow & Ball

GARDeN eLeMeNts

In nature, orange pops against backdrops of green and blue while providing a more complex, sophisticated and less pronounced color statement than yellow—another outdoor favorite. Design by Lindsei Brodie, Brown’s Interior Design, Boca Raton.

Tangy Orange by Benjamin Moore

ACCessORIes

Accessories provide easy, low-cost ways to introduce color in a room.

Here, Sherwin-Williams’ Tango orange paint creates a lively and inspiring backdrop for a punchy mix of pillows, flowers and tabletop items.

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Sweet Orange by Benjamin Moore

may/june

561.393.6400 | 951 NW 13th Street, Suite 4A, Boca Raton, FL | www.pssbocaraton.com

currentsHOME

REFRESHER COURSE

Add orange to give any room in your home an upbeat attitude.

ask the expert Marc thee, co-founder of Marc-Michaels Interior Design (850 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 561/362-7037), explains the whys and ways of using orange in your Florida decor.

Chroma console, Anthropologie, Boca Raton

[ ] OrangE is a strOng color, but is not considered intense. Orange adds punch to a neutral space and helps freshen up a living space.

Toalla bathmat, Anthropologie, Boca Raton

[ ] MElOn wOrks wEll in Florida homes; it is vibrant and refreshing. Coral also is a great shade. It adds a little softer touch to an interior. [ ] YOu can EasilY add a pop of orange to a room through art, florals, decorative pillows or a throw blanket.

Tanzu chair, Sklar Furnishings, Boca Raton, sklarfurnishings.com

Uzbek dinner plate by Tse & Tse, shophorne.com

Wallpaper by Thibaut, Schumacher and Cole & Son

Bormioli Italian glass bottle, Sur La Table, Coconut Creek, surlatable.com

Klyne chair and a half, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com

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[ ] if YOu arE wOrriEd about growing tired of the bright shade, try orange in a space with less traffic, like a guest room or breakfast nook. It is preferable to design a neutral kitchen but then add color with drapes and a table centerpiece.

Hand towels and island accessories also look great in shades of orange and tie in the breakfast scheme. [ ] MOdErnists tEnd to prefer citrus and melon shades, while traditionalists gravitate toward shrimp and corals. [ ] Mix tOnE-On-tOnE shades in accent fabrics. You also can add metallic to create more drama. Gray and sea-glass blue pair well with orange. [ ] fOr wall paint, stick with neutral colors (grays, beiges and creams) and then add pops of orange to accent. It makes just as big of an impact, but in a more tasteful manner.

may/june

“Dr. Cabrera’s honesty and his talent as a surgeon set him apart. His staff is very caring and I always feel very comfortable when I’m there.”

—Natalie richmaN, retired psychologist

before

after

PatieNt

Natalie Richman Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca raton 951 NW 13th Street, Suite 4A Boca Raton, 561/393-6400 pssbocaraton.com

As a retired family therapist, Natalie Richman, made it a point to always provide a professional environment and appearance.

“Because of my profession, I always cared about how I looked,” she said. “It’s a part of who I am.”

Last year, when she peered in the mirror, Natalie noticed that some of the fullness in her face had been eroded by time and age.

“You couldn’t really see the structure of my jawbone,” said Natalie, 78. “I thought it could just look a little softer.”

After trying fillers and injections, Natalie turned to Dr. Rafael Cabrera, a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon who

came highly recommended.

“Natalie was showing some of the typical signs of aging in her mid-face and neck,” Dr. Cabrera said.

Dr. Cabrera recommended a cheeklift and necklift to give Natalie the natural looking improvement she was seeking.

Utilizing simple one-pill sedation, the surgery was performed in one of Dr. Cabrera’s four fully-accredited operating rooms. After a comfortable stay in the recovery suite, Natalie returned to the comfort of her own home.

Soon after, she was joined by a recovery nurse provided by Dr. Cabrera’s office who spent the first night at Natalie’s Boynton Beach residence.

“Our first concern is always patient safety,” Dr. Cabrera said. “Once safety is assured, then our next priority is comfort.”

ADVERTISEMENT

For Natalie, the professionalism of Dr. Cabrera’s team is one of the key reasons why she is recommending him to others.

“When you’re in his office, you never feel like a number,” she said.

Dr. Cabrera believes it’s important for patients not to feel as if they’re a burden.

“Our goal to exceed expectations and to ensure a seamless experience for the patient.

From our anxiety-free sedation options, to our beautiful fully-accredited surgical facility to the level of care from our staff, we don’t make any compromises.”

The combination of professionalism and Dr. Cabrera’s skill, Natalie said, have given her a total experience she was very pleased with.

“They’re very caring and very efficient. I think he does wonderful work,” she said. “I really like what I see in the mirror!”

name

George Petrocelli Career

Director of Catering, Boca Raton Resort & Club Has lived in BoCa raton

20 years Claim to fame

“I am someone you can trust; I deliver your expectations, I think people probably say about me. “He’ll take care of it.’”

Words to live By

“Watch your thoughts because they can lead to your attitudes.”

Best reason to read Boca Raton magazine

“It lets me know what’s happening in the community —it really focuses on the local area—and it’s in-depth and more substantial than other publications. I really enjoy it.”

Photo by A aron Bristol, B ristolfoto

lOOk WhO’s Reading

T h e

[ O n l y ]

B O c a

R a T O n

M a g a z i n e

bocamag.com

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IMAGINE A CAREER IN BROADCAST MEDIA

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a&e

currents [ by john thomason ]

arts & entertainment

West Palm Beach-based Ko-Mar Productions on a local shoot

MoRe A&e coveRAge At bocAMAg.coM Visit the new bocamag.com for increased A&E coverage, including John Thomason’s Monday breakdown of the upcoming week’s big cultural events; movie, concert and theater reviews; interviews with local entertainers—and much more.

when U want to know

Reel Desirable

Three facilities in Palm Beach County have helped Florida emerge as the nation’s No. 3 state, behind California and New York, when it comes to film and television production.

[ bocamag.com ]

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spotlight currentsa&e

G-Star School

2030 S. conGreSS ave., WeSt Palm Beach 561/967-2023, GStarSchool.orG In 2010, Dawn Lillard was one of many parents with students enrolled in G-Star School of the Arts in West Palm Beach; in fact she moved from another state just so her daughters could take film and acting classes. But she’s the only one who ended up marrying the school’s founder, Greg Hauptner.

“I like to say he took me onto the catwalk in the studio and wouldn’t let me down until I started dating him,” Dawn recalls with a laugh.

The studio in question is

G-Star School’s $5 million, fully functional, state-of-the-art soundstage, which the Hauptners say is the most technologically advanced in the world. It can be set aflame, filled with water—virtually anything this side of a total implosion—and be set anew for the next day’s work.

The soundstage is the feather in the cap of the dual charter school/ production studio, which serves 1,100 students. Top politicos and major film stars know Hauptner by name—he was a former celebrity hairdresser and producer before he became an education entrepreneur—and G-Star has welcomed the likes of Radiohead, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Roger Daltrey to record music videos in its studio. For his new film “Parker,” director Taylor Hackford recently staged some special effects work at G-Star.

G-Star launched in 2003 as a summer camp, and it has functioned as a high school for the past five years. In addition to traditional math, science and literature courses, its students can enroll in acting, directing, cinematography, lighting, animation and even entertainment law. Blowing stuff up is common on the school grounds, which include an original Air Force One plane from the Truman and Eisenhower administrations and a Vietnamese pedicab used in the 1978 Oscar winner “The Deer Hunter.”

Power of the Press

Dawn and Greg Hauptner

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G-Star saw a boon in interest after NBC’s “Today Show” filmed a five-minute segment on the school a year ago. “Once it hit ‘The Today Show,’ that was it,” Dawn Hauptner says. “We had people calling us from all over the world. The phones didn’t stop ringing. The website was crashing. Applications were coming in faster than they could read them. Teachers were e-mailing, begging for jobs. It was really crazy.”

may/june

Paradise Found

“It still works,” says Dawn, who works in marketing and promotions for G-Star. “It’s really scary; the wheels are a halfinch thick.”

G-Star doesn’t consider other production facilities in Palm Beach County as competition.

The school has had a significant role in promoting the entire state as a desirable film location and works at employing its graduates in the surrounding film colleges and production companies.

Dawn has done more than her part, personally and professionally, to spread the word about GStar. In 2011, she married Greg in the very soundstage in which he originally wooed her.

InformatIon televIsIon (Itv) 6650 Park of CommerCe Blvd., BoCa raton 561/997-7771, ItvIsus.Com The nondescript, 20,000-squarefoot building is almost hidden, tucked behind another industrial edifice in the 6600 block of Park of Commerce Boulevard.

It’s flanked on all sides by dense greenery; drivers on nearby Clint Moore Road wouldn’t know it exists.

This sense of insulation and security made sense for the building’s former tenants, an industrial diamond crushing company. Ed Lerner took over the space with his production company, Information Television, in 2008, but the imposing diamond safe still remains, looking every bit as uncrackable as every safe in every heist movie. Only this time, it houses row after row of videotape, just some of the thousands of hours of television ITV has generated in its 20 years of existence.

“These are our diamonds,” Lerner says. when U want to know

With its lush landscapes, comfortable climate and buzzing nightlife, Palm Beach County has long been a popular destination for film, TV and commercial crews looking to spruce up their scripts. We asked Chuck elderd, film commissioner of the Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission, for his top three PBC locations and why.

MorikaMi MuseuM & JaPanese Gardens: “Production companies get a taste of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through their worldclass exhibits such as the bonsai display and rock garden. The Morikami has been the perfect backdrop for a Garnier commercial, Braman Motorcars commercial, TLC’s ‘Four Weddings’ and a Claritin advertising campaign.”

Ed Lerner from ITV

“Healthy Body, Healthy Mind”

Television production has been in Lerner’s blood since he was 17, when he took his first summer job assisting on documentaries for ABC News. He worked for a husband-and-wife producing team at the time, and many years later he would launch his own husband-and-wife company, ITV, with his Brazilian-born spouse, Ana Cristina.

“We came up with the name Information Television because it was 1992, and what we saw was the dawning of the information era, with the Internet

and Silicon Valley,” Lerner says.

“Information became the key to what people were driven to.”

Information Television soon found its niche in the bustling world of broadcast television, tapping into what Lerner saw as a dearth of health and wellness programming. This subgenre of educational TV has become his company’s trademark, with its “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” series airing on more than 200 PBS affiliates across the country, addressing everything from allergies to zinc deficiencies.

Boca raton resort & cluB: “The glamorous hotel is known for celebrity sightings, film and TV shoots, star-studded gatherings and breathtaking views. In addition, the hotel combines luxury and firstclass service, which helped attract the feature film ‘Parker,’ starring Jennifer Lopez and Jason Statham.” downtown atlantic avenue: “Atlantic Avenue is special because it offers traditional downtown shopping complete with quaint brick sidewalks and gaslight-style street lamps. The Avenue can be seen in ‘My First Sale’ and ‘Property Virgins’ on HGTV and in Travel Channel’s ‘Ghost Adventures.’”

[ bocamag.com ]

53

currentsa&e

spotlight From left: Todd Kolich and Jim Gallagher of Ko-Mar Studios

name that Backdrop Does the background in that major motion picture look familiar? Match the following nationally released movies with the Palm Beach County locale spotlighted in it. [ 1 ] “In Her Shoes” [ 2 ] “Heartbreakers” [ 3 ] “The Boynton Beach Club” [ 4 ] “Body Heat” [ 5 ] “Bad Boys II” [ 6 ] “Donnie Brasco” [ 7 ] “Up Close and Personal”

Ko-Mar StudioS

1100 Banyan Blvd., WeSt PalM Beach 561/671-3745, Ko-Mar.coM Unlike most of his fellow students in the realm of visual communication, Todd Kolich never wanted to be the next Spielberg.

He had no interest in making the Great American Movie. “I guess it’s because I got behind the scenes early and realized what a giant headache it is,” he recalls.

Instead, he took his writing and directing acumen to the meat-and-potatoes grind of a small business. A native of Stamford, Conn., Kolich moved to Palm Beach County after college and started Ko-Mar Productions with a colleague in 1981. The modest video production company, launched in a small room in Kolich’s house, has grown exponentially in the 30-plus years since, upgrading to the inner sanctum of WPTV NewsChannel 5 in West Palm Beach.

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Without a sales department and with a staff of 11, Ko-Mar has developed a reputation as one of the most respected and business-savvy production companies in the state. According to Kolich, the past three years of recession have been the most profitable ever for Ko-Mar. “We took our time,” Kolich says. “In ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,’ we’re the tortoise.”

Today, the company has 40 to 60 projects running simultaneously. Kolich and Jim Gallagher, his vice president and right-hand man, have worked with James Patterson, Venus and Serena Williams, Marilu Henner and other celebrities. They corralled a 100-member crew to shoot three episodes of “All My Children” at the Boca Raton Resort & Club a few years back.

Ko-Mar’s productions run the gamut, but if it has a niche, it would be professional golf. Kolich and Gallagher have worked on numerous projects with Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, and the company is in charge of all 15,000 videotapes of the PGA of America archive.

“It’s hard work, we have deadlines, and we don’t have a corporate sugar daddy,” Gallagher says. “It’s a small business, but occasionally we get to ride on a private jet with Jack Nicklaus or hang out with Burt Reynolds.

That’s the cool part.”

[ a ] Various locations in Belle Glade [ b ] Locations in downtown Lake Worth and Manalapan [ c ] Abbey Delray South and Briny Breezes [ d ] Valencia Isles Community, Sundy House [ e ] A $40 million mansion in Delray Beach [ f ] The Breakers, Palm Beach [ g ] Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach

Still photos (top to bottom): “In Her Shoes,” “Bad Boys II,” “Donnie Brasco” Answers: 1. c, 2. f, 3. d, 4. b, 5. e, 6. g,, 7. a

ITV has accrued an Emmy for its Kids Healthworks series, four Gracie Awards for womencentric programming and a record-setting 16 Freddie awards, honoring programming in the health and wellness field.

“Since the ’90s, we’ve accumulated a lot of information, literally hundreds of programs, and it touches everything—it’s a Wikipedia of medicine,” Lerner says.

may/june

take5 Jane Kelly advising a student

Jane Kelly

Acting teAcher

O

n Thursday nights in Jane Kelly’s ongoing acting workshop, approximately 30 aspiring actors of all ages gather in a remote warehouse in Deerfield Beach. The dimly lit performance room has just one sign on its walls: “Respect the Craft of Acting. Respect Your Fellow Actor.”

Over the next couple of hours, many of the actors will laugh. Some will cry. Others will grow frustrated. But all of them will learn something from their accomplished teacher.

Kelly, a London-born thespian who started the Actor’s Workshop of South Florida (theactorsworkshop.org) in Boca in 2002, sits in the front row, watching her protégés with an eagle eye. “You’re thinking. Stop thinking,” she says to an actress buried in her own thoughts. When the actress passionately flubs a line, Kelly remarks, “We like when those moments happen, because it shows you’re not on autopilot.”

“Meet [the character] where she’s going; do not preconceive,” she says later, and “if it’s not the truth for you, don’t play an imitation of it.”

Kelly can be exacting and critical but also nurturing, whispering support into an actress’ ear as she’s tearing up during an emotional scene. Kelly recently was named one of the four top acting teachers in Florida by Lori Wyman, one of the most prominent casting directors in the Southeast. Her students have had speaking parts in “Marley & Me,” “Burn Notice” and other shows, as well as numerous community and professional theater roles.

“I am fulfilled with this opportunity to see the difference [the class] makes in people’s lives,” she says.

Q1

Your website touts that the Actor’s Workshop is “not just another acting school.”

What makes it unique?

Some say it’s like a family, and others say it’s life changing. When I hear those descriptions, they don’t come out of my head. The students say it repetitively. What I believe sets us apart is that I’m one of the few working professional actors down here who’s teaching. Everything I teach is from the foundation of what I know I needed out there [as an actor].

when U want to know

Q2

What brought you to teaching?

I had been working nonstop as an actor since I was 9, and when I moved down here I decided for the first time in my life to see what nonacting would be like.

What would it be like to be one of those so-called “normal people?” But I wanted to give back in the community, and due to some personal circumstances, things happened and I suddenly realized I was going to try teaching.

Q3

What are some of the mistakes or misconceptions that your first-time students have?

First off is thinking they know more than they do, and second is not realizing that there really is more work to it than they expect. Sometimes they come in and think that because they play Charades really well in their living room that they’re going to show the class what they’re about.

But our dynamic doesn’t leave a lot of room for ego.

Q4

What are the ancillary benefits of the workshops?

The foundation of acting is how to relax, how to use your voice, how to connect, how to access your emotion, all these things that on a daily basis we need to be aware of that either shut down or we aren’t connected with. Shy people want to come to class even though they never imagined they would have anything to do with acting.

Q5

is there something innate that good actors have— something they’re born with, that can’t necessarily be taught?

I believe there is, but I do not believe that that’s it. I knew since the moment I could breathe that I could act, but there are some that might come to it later, and, through the work and the process, discover that internal something that allows them to access it.

Deep down, we all have a passion in some form or another.

Read testimonials fRom Kelly’s students at bocamag.com.

[ bocamag.com ]

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currentsa&e

theHOTlist eleGant eniGMaS: the art oF edward Gorey

June 9Sept. 12

May 2-6

Herbie Hancock

SunFeSt

Where: Downtown West Palm Beach Details: Fifty bands will perform on three stages over five days in what has become South Florida’s biggest music festival north of Miami. Now in its 30th year, SunFest prides itself on variety, and this year’s lineup continues to offer something for everyone. The talent includes jazz legend Herbie Hancock, reggae crossover star Matisyahu, classic rockers Foreigner, jam-band sensations Michael Franti & Spearhead, plaintive piano poppers the Fray and 1990s rockers Creed, Counting Crows and Third Eye Blind. If you attend the festival Friday to Sunday, don’t miss the Juried Fine Art and Craft Show, featuring paintings, sculptures and photography from more than 160 artists. tickets: $30–$61 contact: 800/786-3378 or sunfest.com 56

[ bocamag.com ]

Where: Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach Details: There would be no Tim Burton were it not for Edward Gorey, the illustrator and author who forged his signature mixing the macabre and the mirthful. This traveling exhibition, amassing some 180 objects (some of them two-dimensional) from Gorey’s storied career, is the first Norton exhibition handled by the museum’s new photography curator, Tim Wride. A longtime Gorey enthusiast, Wride couldn’t wait to step out of his photographic purview to schedule it in the Norton’s summer slate: “The show here will be a lovely cross-section of his drawings. It will examine the push-pull that Gorey is able to produce in all of us, that on one hand can be creepy but on the other you just want to keep looking at the work.” tickets: $5–$12 contact: 561/832-5196 or norton.org

GhoStS, GoblinS and GodS: the Supernatural in JapaneSe art

Where: Morikami Museum, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach Details: The creatures that populate Japan’s netherworlds color the whole spectrum of good, bad and ugly. There are half-man, halfbird tricksters that abduct children, forest animals that can take human forms, and a handful of Japan’s many gods, representing everything from wisdom to longevity to agriculture.

This exhibit showcases all of them and more, in the form of paintings, woodblocks, sculptures and masks depicting the supernatural beings of Shinto, Japan’s native religion. “You’ll see what people from another culture think about when they turn their thoughts to the other world or to the supernatural,” says Tom Gregersen, cultural director at the Morikami. tickets: $8–$13 contact: 561/495-0233 or morikami.org

May 22Sept. 16

may/june

Proof

May 25JunE 17

Where: Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach Details: Mathematics and mental illness. These are the twin bugaboos a young college dropout would rather not inherit, postmortem, from her disturbed genius of a father in “Proof,” a Tony-winning 2000 play

by David Auburn. A romantic drama set in the worlds of high academia and the traumatic contours of the human mind, this intense Pulitzer winner ran for more than 900 performances on Broadway. It was later adapted into a successful film with Gwyneth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins. Dramaworks is just the theater that should be up to the challenge of bringing it new life. tickets: $55 contact: 561/514-4042 or palmbeachdramaworks.org

May 13-14

EddiE VEddEr

Where: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale Details: Few rock stars would be brazen enough to release an entire album of songs on an instrument as unhip as the ukulele (Sting’s notorious lute album comes to mind). But Eddie Vedder has always plucked to the rhythm of his own strings, so, unsurprisingly, his 2011 record “Ukulele Songs” proved a hit with Pearl Jam fans and folkmusic aficionados alike, with its 16 tracks of covers, new songs and rediscovered Pearl Jam B-sides. Vedder will perform most of them and more in this rare solo appearance, his first time in South Florida since Pearl Jam played West Palm Beach in 2008. The Swell Season’s wonderful Glen Hansard, who duets with Vedder on the “Sleepless Nights” track from “Ukulele Songs,” will be the opening act. tickets: $79.50 contact: 954/462-0222 or browardcenter.org

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Give the gift of relaxation with a spa gift card.

Receive a complimentary beach bag with your purchase of $250 or more.*

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may/ june 2012

a special promotion

here’s what we’re into this month

may

17

Taste of the Nation Fort Lauderdale savor the finest food, spirits and wine with south Florida’s hottest chefs, all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in america during share our strength’s 21st anniversary of taste of the nation at the Broward county convention center. Join us for the Vip reception starting at 6 p.m.

For tickets or more information, visit strengthflorida.org or tasteofthenation.org.

jul

14 Fashion’s Fight Fashion’s Fight is a national philanthropic organization that works directly with non-profits to raise funds and awareness through high-profile, fashion-based events. on July 14, Fashion’s Fight and Wilkins parkinson’s Foundation present the inaugural Fashion’s Fight against parkinson’s in miami Beach in participation with miami swim Week. the event is hosted by top new York model shannon rusbuldt and international musical sensation Henry santos. the event will feature swimwear collections by regional and national designers, including luba swimwear and biKa swimwear.

For tickets or more information, visit fashionsfight.com.

British Classic Car Show Royal Palm Place a record number of car enthusiasts came to the 19th annual British classic car show on Feb. 19. a 1998 rolls-royce corniche convertible owned by tom clark won the participant’s choice award.

For information on upcoming events at Royal Palm Place, visit royalpalmplace.com.

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• $40 million on lodging • 130 million dining at full service restaurants • 111 million on personal care services (includes sevices at spas) • $71 million on airfare

Includes: Luxury room accommodations Breakfast for Mom, Dad and Kids Resort fee waived ($20 value)

Source: The Media Audit 2011 Palm Beach & Broward County and the Annual Consumer Buying Power Report

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great getaways

B O C A R AT O N m a G a Z I n e ’ S

Preview Calendar m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 2

THE CAPITAL GRILLE You are cordially invited to join us for an evening of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine. Allow us to tempt you with our dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning list of more than 350 wines, served to you by a gracious, knowledgeable staff who anticipate your every need.

For more information visit thecapitalgrille.com or call 561/368-1077

TRULUCK’S SEAFOOD STEAK AND CRAB HOUSE An escape for the senses, at sensible prices Make every night Date Night. Seven nights a week, enjoy soup or salad, choice of entrée and shared dessert from our chef’s selected menu for just $39 per person.

Call Truluck’s at 561/391-0755 or visit trulucks.com

SUMMER GETAWAYS WITH FLY UjET Universal Jet Charter provides private jet charter services to the who’s who of Boca Raton. Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction, we fly domestically as well as internationally.

Conveniently located at the Boca Raton airport, we can have you wheels up in as little as two hours.

Visit us on line at www.flyujet.com for a free quote.

If yo u ’ d lIke to pa rtI c Ipate I n t h I s s p e c I a l p r o mot I o n , e - ma I l s a l e s @ b o c a ma g . c o m.

saVe tHe Dates

tastemakers at

september 18 & 19, 2012

two nights of food, wine, cocktails & entertainment at mizner park’s extraordinary collection of restaurants.

[ 68 grill basics 69 chef tips 70 grill tools 72 boca challenge 74 the buzz]

floridatable

Thrill of the Grill

Tired of producing blackened-raw chicken, shoe-leather steaks and juiceless burgers on the backyard grill? Well, all that is about to change. The following pages feature everything from grill basics to expert advice from local chefs—follow these tips, and we guarantee that you’ll be cooking more like Bobby Flay than Og the Caveman.

when U want to know

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floridatable

The Grill Drill

First, let’s get our terms straight ... [ ] grilling is cooking foods at high temperature directly over fire. [ ] indirect grilling is basically high-temperature roasting, placing the food to be cooked between piles of hot coals or two hot gas burners. [ ] BarBecuing is low-temperature roasting, cooking indirectly with fire for long periods of time (up to 16 hours) and infusing foods with wood smoke. note: For the purposes of this section, we’ll be talking about the first two. Barbecue is a method, art form and religion unto itself.

Where There’s a Will There’s a Grill There are several differenT Types of grills. here are The big Three.

KeTTle or barrel grill: These are the most common types of charcoal grill, shaped either like a kettle or an oil drum on its side. Most kettle grills allow users to control the temperature (at least minimally) by opening and closing vents.

Both grills can be used for direct and indirect grilling. gas grill: More expensive than charcoal grills, gas grills typically are fueled by propane tanks or hooked up to a home’s natural gas line. Multiple burners allow for direct and indirect grilling, and give cooks more precise control over temperature. They’re also more convenient and less messy than charcoal grills.

CeramiC grill: Also called Kamado grills, these eggshaped grills (Big Green Egg, anyone?) are beloved by many for their ability to cook at high temperature and retain heat for longer, slower cooking. On the downside, they’re heavy and pretty expensive relative to the amount of cooking surface.

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fuel for ThoughT gas or charcoal? charcoal or gas? each has its advantages and disadvantages. here is some insight into Both.

gas

The lowdown: This is the

ultimate when it comes to convenience, ease of use and cleanliness. Just twist a knob and it’s on; dial the proper temperature, and you’re good to go—and no charcoal ash with which to deal. On the downside, you don’t get that wonderful smoky flavor.

ProPane or natural?

Most gas grills run on propane tanks. Math majors have a better chance at determining the number of grilling hours in a standard 20-gallon propane tank, but an average-size grill set for medium heat will probably last 15 to 20 hours. If you really want convenience (and you’re already running your stove on natural gas), run a line to your grill and connect it up. NOTE: Let a pro do this; blowing up your backyard is never popular with the neighbors.

CharCoal

The lowdown: Flavor,

flavor, flavor. Sure, it’s more

of a hassle than gas. You’ve got to light it, wait for it to burn, fiddle with the grill vents and/or add more coals to keep a constant temperature. But you can’t beat that smoky kiss a charcoal fire gives to food.

Briquettes or lumP? Charcoal briquettes are cheap and readily available. They burn longer and more consistently than lump charcoal but some people find they impart a “chemical” taste to food. Lump charcoal is made from charred hardwoods, with no additives.

However, it’s more expensive and varies tremendously in quality and size of pieces. and mesquite? Mesquite had its 15 minutes of fame in the 1980s. It burns ferociously hot and throws a lot of sparks, but it’s great for quick grilling and gives foods a distinctively smoky flavor.

What’s the deal With hardWood chiPs? These aren’t used for cooking. But when soaked in water (or apple juice, cola or whatever) and added either to a charcoal fire or placed over the burners in a gas grill (in an aluminum pan), hardwood chips can give a barbecue-like smokiness to food.

may/june

For CharCoal Grills

Tips of the Trade two of the area’s top chefs— Matt Danaher anD Jon GreeninG— Dole out soMe GrillinG aDvice.

Matt Danaher

exeCUtive CheF, gary raCk restaUrants

Chimney starter: Never again will your food reek of commercial

lighter fluid with this oh-so-simple and ingenious gadget. Just fill up the top half with charcoal, stuff the bottom with newspaper and fire it up. Your coals will light faster, and it gives you an excuse to actually buy a newspaper.

FireplaCe lighter: This is the easiest way to get your charcoal burning, whether you use a chimney starter or lighter fluid. And if the electronic ignition on the gas grill dies (which it usually does), it’s the best way to get that fire going too.

[ 1 ] “I’m a big fan of nonstick

pan spray.” Use it (or oil) on both your food and your grill to prevent food from sticking. [ 2 ] “Let your grill get hot first.” That is, before you put food on it. That also helps prevent “stickage.” [ 3 ] “You only want to flip your meat four times.” In other words, don’t be tossing and turning it like a salad. With thin pieces of meat or fish, turning them over once is plenty. [ 4 ] “Be patient.” Food cooks in its own time. Don’t rush it. The wait will be worth it.

Jon GreeninG

exeCUtive CheF, DeCk 84

[ 1 ] “Have a clean, hot surface.

Miso-Mustard chicken

From matt Danaher, exeCUtive CheF, gary raCk restaUrants

1 half-chicken, boned OR boneless chicken pieces 3 ounces red miso paste 3 ounces Dijon mustard 2 ounces soy sauce 1 ounce rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preparation: Whisk ingredients together for miso mixture and let stand for flavors to marry. Make indirect fire on gas or charcoal grill and cook chicken, basting occasionally.

In last five minutes of cooking (total time will depend on grill, what cuts of chicken you’re using, etc.), shift chicken to hot part of grill to crisp skin. Baste chicken with miso mixture to glaze.

Remove and serve.

That’s the most important.” Not just hot, but clean, again, so that nothing sticks. [ 2 ] “Allow meat to sear before turning.” Otherwise you’ll have to scrape it off the grill like putty. [ 3 ] “Season your protein before grilling.”

After all, it’s all about the flavor.

Bonus tips

AAroN BrisTol

[ 1 ] Take your food out of the fridge

long enough for it to come to room temperature. Cold food on a hot grill is a recipe for sticking. [ 2 ] Foods that take a long time to cook— bone-in chicken, roasts, leg of lamb— should be cooked over indirect heat. Want to crisp up the skin and/or caramelize the exterior? Shift them to direct heat for the final minutes of cooking. [ 3 ] Don’t put foods that are heavily seasoned or basted over direct heat. The spices/glaze will burn and become bitter.

Cook over indirect heat and shift to direct only for the last couple minutes. [ 4 ] If you’re not sure whether something is fully cooked, use your instant-read thermometer. That’s why you bought the thing. when U want to know

[ bocamag.com ]

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floridatable SoFtgrip locking tongS $16.95, from Sur La Table

Grill Frills No matter what type of grill you have and what type of fuel you’re using, here are a few essential tools of the grilling trade to make cooking easier and food taste better.

Marinades, rubs and Glazes

Add salt and pepper to these to taste.

Marinades

Spring-loaded tongS: A

pair of long (at least 12 inches), sturdy tongs will ensure that you grill your food, not your fingers.

They’re good to manipulate everything from individual steaks to big hunks of meat, like pork butt or leg of lamb. Unlike grilling forks, they won’t pierce the meat and let those precious juices flow out.

SoFtgrip cleaning bruSh $14.95, from Sur La Table SoFtgrip turner $12.95, from Sur La Table

poultry Coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, chilies, cilantro Lemon juice, garlic, herbs Orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, cilantro FiSh Achiote paste, orange juice, garlic, cumin White wine, lemon juice, mustard White miso, mirin, sake, sugar

Wire bruSh: Food is less likely

to stick to a clean grill. Scrub your grill grate down after every use, and you won’t be leaving little pieces of your dinner behind.

dry rubs and Glazes

meat Paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, white sugar, garlic and onion powders Ground coffee, chili powder, dry mustard, black pepper, brown sugar Red curry paste, honey, vinegar, garlic Plum sauce, soy sauce, butter

Spatula: For foods too delicate

to flip and move around with tongs, a metal spatula is just the ticket. Be sure to get one thin enough to slip under foods without tearing them up. If you grill a lot of fish, consider a fish spatula; its slotted and slightly curved head will help keep even flaky fillets in one piece.

meat Red wine, garlic, herbs, onion Beer, soy sauce, mustard, brown sugar Soy sauce, brown sugar, chili paste, sesame oil

red Silicone baSting bruSh $12.95, from Sur La Table

baSting bruSh: A long-

handled brush made of silicon strands may be more expensive than the typical bristle brush, but it cleans up better and is more resistant to heat.

poultry Smoked paprika, cumin, white sugar, garlic powder Ground allspice, cinnamon, cayenne, dried thyme, garlic and onion powders Wasabi paste, honey, rice wine vinegar Bourbon, molasses, mustard FiSh Paprika, ground ginger, cumin, coriander, cayenne Old Bay seasoning, brown sugar Butter, lemon juice, dill Tamarind paste, honey, mustard, vinegar

inStant-read thermometer:

Take the guesswork out of grilling with one of these handy little devices. They’re easy to use and can be the difference between food that’s a perfect medium rare or sawdust/sushi.

dual thermometer $99.95, from Sur La Table

oven thermometer: Most gas

grills and some charcoal grills have built-in thermometers, which almost always are wildly inaccurate. For grilling large pieces of meat or whole fish over indirect heat, maintaining your grill at the proper temperature is crucial.

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emeril by viking charcoal grill $199.95, drop-ship/Web purchase only, surlatable.com

may/june

TasTemakers of Delray Beach Presented by Florida Table and Boca Raton magazines

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25

cash only

Save the Date! 2012

Tastemakers of

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presented by

Thursday, augusT 9 + friday, augusT 10

5 pm to 10pm downtowndelraybeach.com Call 561.243.1077 for details

A portion of all passport sales will benefit the Delray Beach Public Library Centennial Celebration!

floridatable the boca challenge

fried chicken T

ake Americans’ favorite meat (chicken), add Americans’ favorite way of cooking just about anything (frying), and you have the makings— potential health risks aside—of something really, really delicious.

At least when it’s done right.

But frying anything, chicken in particular, isn’t easy; it’s as much art as science, requiring both precise technique and an almost intuitive sense of how all the various components and procedures interact with each other.

Cooks must understand the size of the chicken pieces and their temperature; the amount of oil, its temperature; the type (or lack) of marinade, the seasoning; the type of breading, its texture and thickness. All combine to make either crisp-juicy Flightless Fowl of the Gods or a greasy, soggy, calorie-and-cholesterol-laden sack of bones.

All the more reason, then, for me to offer up my arteries in pursuit of delicious fried bird— done right. The candidates here were rated according to taste, texture (crispy skin, tender meat), other stuff (was it greasy, did the breading stick to the bird, etc.) and value, then given an overall score.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Lipitor prescription waiting. —Bill Citara TASTE

TEXTURE

STUFF

VALUE

OVERALL

B.B. King’S

Think of this as the Paula Deen Cardiac Arrest Special—a smallish, mildly spicy, boneless “chicken-fried chicken” breast atop achingly cheesy mac-n-cheese, smothered in pan gravy. The bird was nicely done, but there wasn’t much of it for $13.

BUd’S ChiCKEn & SEAFOOd

A better and cheaper alternative to the ubiquitous Colonel, Bud’s fried chicken was reasonably moist and well-seasoned but also greasy and with mushy breading that wouldn’t stay put. Still, at $4.99 for a breast, wing, leg and thigh, it’s a good deal.

FRAn’S ChiCKEn hAVEn

Chickens may not find Fran’s much of a haven, but lovers of crisp, greaseless, tender fried chicken sure will. The dark meat is a bit moister and more tender than the white, but all are flavorful and properly seasoned. And you get a lot for $10.45.

The Colonel should be drummed out of the business if this bird is any indication.

Though tender, it was as greasy as a Gulf oil spill. Bland too, with soggy breading that fell off with each bite. And $10.27 for four tiny, tasteless pieces? Dismissed!

KFC

The runner-up to Fran’s, Park Ave’s bird won points for assertive seasoning, tender meat and not-too-greasy skin. It lost points for too much time in the fryer, causing the coating to begin to burn and giving it a slightly acrid taste. $10.99/four pieces.

PARK AVEnUE BBQ & gRiLLE

ratings:

fair

B.B. King’s, 550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, 561/420-8600

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good

Bud’s Chicken & Seafood, 4790 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, 561/968-5511

very good

Fran’s Chicken haven, 1925 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 561/395-0781

excellent

KFC, 1226 Lantana Road, Lantana, 561/582-9881

Park Avenue BBQ & grille, 1198 N. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton, 561/416-7427

may/june

buzz the

Chef Josef Schibanetz; lump crabmeat and avocado from Josef’s Table

SUPER MARIO: Tony Bova continues resurgent with the debut of Mario’s Osteria (1400 Glades Road, 561/239-7000) in the former McCormick & Schmick’s space in Boca’s Glades Plaza shopping center. Though in Italy an osteria is typically a modest neighborhood café, the osteria here is a sleek contemporary space that’s as sexy as Sophia Loren. The garlic rolls that were a signature of the original Mario’s in the 1980s are back too, along with a variety of pastas and panini, DIY pizzas and entrées ranging from cioppino to chicken scarpiello.

ON THE MOVE: Now in downtown Lake Worth is Callaro’s Steakhouse (717 Lake Ave., 561/588-9730), which moved from its former spot in Manalapan (taken over by the relocated John G’s) to the space once home to L’Anjou, which shut down in 2010 after more than three decades in business. The interior has been lightened and brightened and outfitted with an antique saloon-style piano and works of local artists, while the menu is a compendium of all your usual steakhouse suspects.

THAT’S ITALIAN: The buzz in Wellington is about Franco Italian Bistro (10160 Forest Hill Blvd., 561/615-1551), the casual little osteria run by a pair of Palm Beachers: Vittorio Divivo, owner of the charming (and now shuttered) Victor’s Café, and Christian Wiebel, former GM of Bice Ristorante in Palm Beach.

Pizzas, pastas and dishes from pollo alla Fiorentina to grilled salmon are on the menu.

CHANGE UPS: The old Rib Bizz on North Fed in Boca has gone to the great restaurant boneyard, replaced by an AsianAmerican eatery, Spicy Ginger (6020 N. Federal Highway, 561/998-3388). Venerable local chef-restaurateur Tommy Wong 74

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really spiffed up the old Bizz (which, frankly, sure needed it) and added a menu that covers all the East-West bases, from moo shu pork, salmon teriyaki and Thai-style basil-garlic chicken to steaks, shrimp scampi and grilled lamb chops.

Changes too at Havana Hideout (509 Lake Ave., 561/5858444), the funkadelic Lake Worth restaurant-tiki bar-urban dive made famous by Guy Fieri and “Triple D.” Chef-founder Chrissy Benoit has sold the place to a pair of her ex-employees, who reportedly plan a longer menu, longer hours and more live music. Benoit is busy with a new project, turning a 1940s-vintage cottage in Boynton Beach into The Little House, a casual, eclectic neighborhood joint with lots of craft beers and not a single drop of pretension.

aaron Bristol

TABLE TALK: That would be Josef’s Table (5030 Champion Blvd., 561/353-2700), where chef Josef Schibanetz, who for many years ran the original Table in Plantation, is turning out his signature “Euro-Fusion” fare in quietly elegant surroundings in Boca. Look for whole Dover sole with lemon-parsleycaper butter; Riesling-braised veal with peas and spaetzle; and lobster, artichoke and spinach-filled crêpes with vermouth beurre blanc. There’s even a cheese plate for dessert, which makes Buzz so happy.

BUZZ OFF: Chefs and restaurants come and go like bees on a flower. Departed from Kapow! Noodle Bar in Mizner Park is uber-chef Roy Villacrusis. It was one of those “differences in direction” things that are as common in the restaurant biz as overpriced wine lists. ... The chef who stirred the stock (and everything else) at downtown Delray’s SpoonFed is stirring no more. Glen Manfra left the restaurant he created from the ashes of the foundering Atlantic Ocean Club. He must have come to a fork in the road. ...

Restaurants biting the dining dust include Wendy Rosano’s stylish Lola in west Delray, replaced by an Asian joint called Kontiki Too. ... Also gone is Buzz’s favorite upscale burgers joint, Boca Burger Bar. Nothing says burger-licious like a fat, mediumrare patty of tasty Angus beef crowned with a slab of silken foie gras, but apparently it didn’t speak to enough people. Sigh. may/june

aaron bristol

faces

a few minutes with the people who help define south florida

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may/june

biden in boca The Gilberts’ connection to the current administration has led to fundraising events—with very special guests—both here and at their vacation home in Park City, Utah, where they hosted first lady Michelle Obama last summer.

In 2009, some 125 people came to their Boca home for a fundraiser with Vice President Joe Biden, an event preceded by a week’s worth of security detail by the Secret Service.

“They install this hot line in your house that has direct access for the vice president,” Gilbert says.

“The night before, Mark and I are looking at this telephone like an animal circling its prey. Do we touch it? Can they hear us? ...

“I was so proud of our friends and attendees that night. The level of questions was such a high caliber.

They were respectful but had no trouble speaking truth to power. They loved it, and I think the vice president loved it. All I could think was, ‘Go Boca!’”

Nancy Gilbert

Appointee to the United StAteS holocAUSt MeMoriAl coUncil

A

s she stood in the Hall of Remembrance last December at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, preparing to take the same oath of office as a federal appointee that the president does, Nancy Gilbert couldn’t help but think of the man next to her.

Roman Kent was a child survivor of the Holocaust; he had been part of a presidential delegation to Poland in 2010 that commemorated the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Now, Gilbert and Kent, along with three others, were about to become part of the governing body of a national Holocaust museum that memorializes, educates and inspires.

It was both the greatest honor of her lifetime, the Boca Raton resident confides, and the most humbling.

“The legacy of 6 million crying ancestors and members of the Jewish family fills your eardrums when [you take that oath],” says the wife of Mark Gilbert, deputy national finance chair of the Democratic National Committee.

“There is no escaping the responsibility of upholding their legacy.”

A full-time mother of two daughters when she settled here with Mark in the mid-1980s, Gilbert credits Boca and its burgeoning Jewish community with setting her on a path that resulted in a specialty travel agency, activism when U want to know

and her appointment to the museum’s council.

The Philadelphia native started by joining local leadership groups and organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

But her local volunteering and fundraising soon took a global turn. By the early 1990s, she was planning educational “missions” to Israel for the federation, something she did so well and with such enthusiasm that it led to a business proposition from an Israeli interested in Gilbert as his company’s U.S. travel representative.

“My husband said, ‘He has it all wrong— you hire him to work for you; open your own travel business,’” she says.

It didn’t take long for her investment in travel college to pay dividends. One week after becoming a licensed agent, Gilbert received a call from the leader of an international conservative movement in Israel who had seen the energy she brought to her mission groups.

The rabbi was so impressed that he wanted to create a worldwide travel program with Gilbert through which other rabbis in the movement could bring their congregations to Israel.

“There are 1,500 conservative rabbis around the world,” Gilbert says. “I didn’t even have stationery for my business yet.”

Thus began Travel and Dialogues, Gilbert’s company that specializes in trips to Israel.

Since January 1996, she has organized excursions for more than 10,000 clients; Gilbert herself has been to Israel nearly 100 times.

Her interests, however, aren’t limited to the Middle East. She and Mark also are involved with Aghozo Shalom, a youth village in Rwanda for those orphaned during the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of an estimated 1 million inhabitants of that East African nation. Last year, 22 students from the University of Wisconsin (including Mark and Nancy’s youngest daughter, Elizabeth) spent 10 days at the village—and built a park for the teens who live there—after the Gilberts introduced Aghozo Shalom to the Jewish organization Hillel at UW. It’s a project, Gilbert says, that certainly resonates with the mission of the Holocaust museum, which she will serve through midJanuary 2016 as a council member.

“Education is just as important as the physical building,” she says of the museum’s outreach, which includes everything from workshops and seminars to training sessions for law enforcement. “As is, perhaps the most crucial mission: preventing the next genocide. And not just against the Jewish people.

It’s about preventing the next murderous slaughter of innocent citizens.”

—Kevin KaminsKi

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faces

aaron bristol

the drive to 25 Nobel laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu of Cape Town and Jose Ramos-Horta, president of East Timor, are among those calling on Iranian leaders to release members of the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education—but they’re hardly alone.

Already, more than 12,000 people have joined Hoffman’s “Drive to 25” petition, which urges Iran president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other officials to cease their policies of discrimination. The goal is to reach 25,000 petitions.

To learn more about the petition and Hoffman’s documentaries, visit educationunderfire.com.

David Hoffman

A BocA resident sheds light on humAn-rights ABuses in irAn.

T

he Iranian government refers to it behind closed doors as “the Bahá’í question”—how to “deal” with the country’s largest non-Muslim religious minority, a peace-based faith that preaches inclusion and spiritual unity.

The official response to that question—the state-mandated persecution and imprisonment of Bahá’í leaders and educators—has reverberated all the way to Boca, where activist and film producer David Hoffman is stirring the likes of Amnesty International, Nobel laureates and supporters of human rights around the world to take action.

“We hope that we bring enough awareness and pressure to have some effect on those suffering immediately—and those who might suffer if we remain silent and don’t say anything,” Hoffman says.

Suffering in the Bahá’í community is as old as the relatively young religion itself, which started in Iran in the 1840s and now has approximately 7 million followers worldwide (including an estimated 300,000 in Iran). Since the overthrow of the country’s monarchy in 1979, persecution of the Bahá’í in Iran has grown more systemized, including desecration of holy sites and graves, torture and executions.

As a practicing Bahá’í, the former CEO of 78

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The Hoffman Group—which developed billions of dollars worth of oceanfront property in Myrtle Beach, S.C., from the early 1980s until he sold the company in 2006— was well-versed in the unspeakable acts against followers of a faith that celebrates the connective tissue between all religions.

But events in Iran over the past three years prompted the one-time film student to return to a medium that he felt could raise awareness on a global scale. The first involved the unprompted arrest of seven leaders of the Yaran, an informal leadership group that oversees needs of the Bahá’í; after awaiting trial for the better part of the past two years, most of the leaders were handed 20-year sentences for crimes no one can explain.

Then, last May, the Iranian government arrested professors and administrators of the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) in an attempt to permanently disband the organization, started in 1987, that gives young Bahá’í their only opportunity for university-level education.

Hoffman, who had been in Los Angeles working with director Jeff Kaufman on a film involving the imprisoned Yaran leaders, switched gears after the BIHE arrests.

The result is “Education Under Fire,” a powerful 30-minute documentary that

brings to life the struggles and soaring spirit of BIHE students and teachers.

“If you want to marginalize a people or destroy a culture, one of the tools would be to [deny] them education,” Hoffman says.

“It’s like living in a country where the government doesn’t allow you to buy food. So in order not to starve, you plant a garden.

And then they come around and destroy the garden—and make it illegal.”

There are signs that Hoffman’s film work (which includes short documentaries under the umbrella “Angels of Iran” that share stories of individuals who’ve faced persecution by the Iranian government) and his campaign “Drive to 25” (see sidebar) are making a difference. One of the BIHE members already has been released.

Hoffman emphasizes that his efforts are not born out of anti-Iranian sentiment; indeed, he sees the beauty of that country’s people and culture embodied every day in Homeira, his wife of 28 years.

“Iran is a great nation, with centuries and centuries of history—and periods of that history that include great collaboration and protection of people of all religions,” he says. “We need to remember that. It’s not about the Iranian people, and it’s not about Islam. It’s about a twisted regime.”

—Kevin KaminsKi may/june

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faces

Chaz Stevens DeerfielD Beach watchDog

O

n April 13, 2011, disgraced Deerfield Beach city commissioner Sylvia Poitier turned herself into the police amid allegations that she falsified court documents.

Four days later, Scooter, the yellow Labrador owned by local blogger Chaz Stevens, ingested an inordinate amount of fat from an unknown source. Stevens, who jump-started the allegations against Poitier, believes the fat was laced with poison; it took four blood transfusions and more than $7,000 in veterinary bills to save Scooter’s life.

Such coincidences have become all too common for the author of My Acts of Sedition, a website/blog (myactsofsedition. com) dedicated to uncovering corruption in and around Deerfield Beach.

Stevens has spearheaded efforts that eventually resulted in charges against former commissioner Steve Gonot for grand theft, official misconduct and falsifying records; and against former mayor Al Capellini for unlawful compensation. He also has cleaned up corruption and increased transparency in the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority.

Over the years, Stevens has received threatening e-mails and cease and desist letters, he’s been sued, and his car has been keyed. Because of its provocative name, his website has been investigated

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by “government cyber sleuths” looking for terrorists. That week in April, when the Poitier story was dominating headlines, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies patrolled Stevens’ house many times, day and night, concerned for his personal safety.

Unsurprisingly, Stevens doesn’t go out much anymore.

“I’ve been called everything,” he says. “I go after people who are bad eggs, who are probably breaking the law, who don’t want the spotlight shone on them, who will do everything in their power to keep it away.

When I do my job, it’s dangerous.”

Stevens, 47, describes himself as “not politically aware until about 10 years ago,” when he started My Acts of Sedition. He is a graduate of Deerfield Beach High School and the Florida Institute of Technology, with a degree in applied mathematics. His day job is still “software consultant,” and he has worked for mom-and-pop companies as well as large corporations.

Stevens tries to keep his political muckraking away from his 9-to-5 obligations, but he’s garnered such a reputation that his employers inevitably bring it up. After all, at its height of web traffic, My Acts of Sedition was garnering thousands of unique visitors a day, a high number for a non-journalist’s blog with a controversial name, no advertising and a limited geographical scope.

The blog’s content has ranged from deep investigative pursuits to sheer mischief. Stevens once doctored up a fake screen shot of Gonot’s office, creating the appearance of a hidden camera; police swept the building and found nothing. “[The site] was just this homegrown thing that sort of caught on,” Stevens recalls. “It was inherently self-limited. I loved to use the F-bomb. I loved to ridicule people. I had a writing style I liked, but I couldn’t really break free.”

With Stevens evolving into a more professional reporter, he decided to end My Acts of Sedition last year and replace it with a more buttoned-downed website, the Broward Post, last November. It lasted only three months before Stevens brought back My Acts of Sedition because, he says, “it’s 100 times more fun.”

Even though he charges for advertising, Stevens loses money on his site. His activism remains, as it always has been, a labor of love—one that he will continue as long as politicians are corrupt. But he’s already seen systemic change.

“People now don’t do what they used to do,” he says. “They’re afraid a Chaz Stevens will come along and jack them up. I believe I was helpful in changing the air here. I’m an average guy; I’m not special. I just happen to be really tenacious. I don’t give up.”

—John Thomason may/june

mainstream vs. alternative media

when U want to know

aaron bristol

“I think it’s shallow oversight of members of the mainstream media that the paid journalists don’t necessarily pay attention to bloggers, because we’re citizen journalists,” Stevens says.

“We didn’t go to Columbia, and we don’t have their access, so there’s a disconnect. In my mind, there should be a much more symbiotic, collaborative effort between what I do and the mainstream media.”

For more words of wisdom from Stevens, visit bocamag.com.

[ bocamag.com ]

81

GREAT

GifTs + idEAs 2012

slip into the festive spirit of the season with gifts for all of the special people in your life. a

s p e c i a l

p r o m o t i o n

Elements Therapeutic Massage

At Elements, our therapists take the time to understand your body's problem areas and learn about your wellness goals. We pride ourselves with matching the right therapist to meet your individual pressure and therapeutic needs. Enjoy our New Client Special: A 55-minute massage for $49 (reg. $89).

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The Maui Spa & Wellness Center

Give the gift of ‌ relaxation!

Special Spa Packages and Gift Cards available for all occasions.

2100 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd.

Boca Raton | 561.395.7733 themauispa.com

Verdi Jewelers

Verdi Jewelers of Boca Raton offers the finest collection of unique and original designs.

Verdi's creations withstand changing trends and are meant to last a lifetime for the classic, chic woman. At Verdi Jewelers, only impeccable is acceptable. Featured are a natural, fancy-colored and white diamond ring in 18-karat rose gold and an 18-karat yellow gold cuff with rough diamonds in various shades surrounded with white diamonds, from Verdi's exclusive collection.

78 Royal Palm Place Boca Raton | 561.393.3532 verdijewelers.com

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Silver Sleigh Designs

Silver Sleigh Designs in Pompano Beach… not just a unique holiday shoppe but also your florist extraordinaire for all occasions! Exquisite holiday décor for all holidays, home treasures & gifts, and so much more… We tailor artfully-arranged florals to suit every occasion & venue… weddings, parties, banquets, and lovely office & home arrangements, as well as custom designed silks… expertly thought out and always designed with our renowned flair!

Your “pearl in the oyster”…

We’re open year-round for floral design, and for every holiday. What’s your desire? Come visit our shoppe!

1319 E. Sample Rd. Pompano Beach | 954.943.4388 silversleighdesigns.com

Saks Fifth Avenue

Fine jewelry is the trend this summer at Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton. Think sparkling diamond watches, rich saturated hues, such as colorful sapphire earrings and bright turquoise rings.

This seasons trends are reflected across the jewelry department, from Hermès watches to Marco Bicego jewels, there is something for everyone at Saks Boca Raton.

Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center 5800 Glades Road Boca Raton | 561.620.1320 saks.com

Mayors

The Birks CARESSE® collection offers timeless jewelry with pavé diamonds set in 18k white gold.

Diamond engagement rings, available in two sizes, from $3,650. Round brilliant-cut diamond solitaire earrings, $3,950. New to the collection, Birks CARESSE® blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring set in 18k white gold, $2,950.

From the Birks collection of Freshwater cultured pearls, diamond and pearl necklace in 18k white gold, $1,595. Matching drop earrings, $1,095.

Town Center at Boca Raton 561.368.6022 mayors.com

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Celebrating

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Boca center “Five Star Diamond Award” American Academy of Restaurant & Hospitality

“Golden Spoon Award” Florida Trend

“Terrific” 4-Star-Award, Robert Tolf, Sun Sentinel

“New York Lost” Fortune Magazine

“Best in the Land” Craig Claiborne, NY Times

The Shops at Boca Center 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton 561/368-8806

uncletais_brmmj12.indd 1

3/26/12 9:28 AM

Celebrating 25 Years In Boca Raton!

This May, Boca Center is proud to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its first retail tenant –Uncle Tai’s Hunan Yuan. For more than two decades, Uncle Tai’s has been the destination in Boca Raton for the most authentic mouth-watering Hunan cuisine in South Florida. Founded by Howard Tai, 2012 also marks more than 40 years of this Hunan style cooking in Boca Raton. This cooking style was first introduced by his father in New York in 1967 after he spent more than a Howard Tai decade of training with master chefs in Shanghai. Howard’s restaurant is a landmark at Boca Center with tantalizing specialties including Uncle Tai’s Crispy Beef, Lamb Hunan Style, Soft Shell Crab, Sliced Venison with Garlic Sauce and Salmon Steak with Szechuan Black Bean Sauce.

His talents have certainly not gone unnoticed, as he has won the Readers’ Choice Award from Boca Raton magazine for more than five consecutive years and Hall of Fame winner year after year. His recipes are no secret either! Howard offers a Chinese cooking class once a month where diners can enjoy learning about the ingredients in the preparation of his many specialties and be able to create them at home—or at least try!

Coinciding with his 25th Anniversary in May, Uncle Tai’s Hunan Yuan will be featuring a very special Wine Pairing Dinner and Lion Dance Show. Details for this event will be available on www.bocacenter.com or www.uncletais.com.

For reservations call 561.368.8806.

Located on MiLitary1 traiL north of PaLMetto Park road, in front of the Marriott in boca raton. uncletais25thanniv_brmmj12.indd 3/21/12 9:29 AM for More inforMation caLL: 561-361-9804 or visit us on the web at www.bocacenter.coM.

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the 2012 fine dining

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ur readers’ fav go o lin r the past 9 yea rit i e e rs v o

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es

tho u s a nd s o f v o t e s hav e b e en ta l l i ed, a nd the r e s ult s ar e i n. o ur r e a d er s hav e C ho s en the i r fav o r i t e ar e a r e s taur a nt s. we l C o m e t o the 2012 r e a d er s' C ho i C e award s.

un v

readers' Choice awards

h a l l o f fa m e c e l e b r at i n g 9 y e a r s

32 east delray Beach Favorite Restaurant 2009, 2010 Best American Cuisine 2005, 2006, 2007

eduardo de san angel fort lauderdale Best Eclectic/Mexican 2004, 2005, 2006

the addison Boca raton Best Romantic Dining 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Best Ambience 2004 Best Outdoor 2005 Favorite Restaurant 2008

grille on Congress Boca raton Best Business Lunch 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012

old CalyPso delray Beach Best Caribbean 2007, 2008, 2012 Best Intracoastal Dining 2005, 2006, 2009 P.f. Chang's Boca raton Best Chinese Cuisine 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

house of siam delray Beach Best Thai Cuisine 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

abe & louie's Boca raton Best Steak 2009, 2010, 2012

Jb's on the beaCh deerfield Beach Best Oceanfront Dining 2006, 2007, 2009

anthony's Coal fired Pizza Mulitple locations Best Pizza 2009, 2010, 2011

sundy house delray Beach Best Romantic 2004, 2005, 2012 Best Sunday Brunch 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

la Cigale delray Beach Best Mediterranean Cuisine 2007, 2008, 2009

arturo's Boca raton Best Italian Cuisine 2004, 2005, 2006 brooks deerfield Beach Best Continental Cuisine 2006, 2007, 2010

legal sea foods Boca raton Best Seafood 2004, 2005, 2007 kathy's gazebo CafÉ Boca raton Best Continental Cuisine 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012 Best French Cuisine 2007

brewzzi Boca raton Best Microbrewery 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Cabana nuevo latino delray Beach, West palm Beach Best Spanish/Latin 2009 Best Cuban Cuisine 2007, 2008

ChoPs lobster bar Boca raton Best Service 2009, 2012 Best Continental 2011

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taverna oPa hollywood Best Dining Entertainment 2010 Best Greek Cuisine 2004, 2006, 2007

tooJay's Multiple locations Best Kosher/Kosher-style Cuisine 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012

new york Prime Boca raton Best Steak 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 Favorite Restaurant 2007

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sublime fort lauderdale Best Vegetarian 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010

truluCk's Multiple locations Best Seafood 2009 Best Service 2010, 2011

max's grille Boca raton Best Outdoor Dining 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 Best Business Lunch 2011 Favorite Restaurant 2007 Best American Cuisine 2004 Best People Watching 2012

CaffÉ luna rosa delray Beach Best Outdoor Dining 2004, 2006, 2010 Best Italian Cuisine 2009, 2012 Best Oceanfront Dining 2005 Best Sunday Brunch 2012 Best Wine List 2012

PunJab Boca raton Best Indian Cuisine 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012

s e c t i o n

unCle tai's Boca raton Best Chinese 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

Our Hall of Fame winners have been selected as a Readers' Choice favorite multiple times in a specific category since voting began 9 years ago. To qualify for the Hall, restaurants must capture a first-place award at least 3 times.

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

readers' choice awards hall of fame

2012 neW hall of famers

best

best

Italian

Kosher-style CUIsINE

Best Italian Cuisine 2009, 2012 Best Wine List 2012 Best Sunday Brunch 2012

caffÉ luna rosa

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012

tooJay's gourmet d eli

Congratulations to this year's Readers' Choice Hall of Fame Inductees! brewzzi George Venezia Director of Operations

Regency Court Plaza 3013 Yamato Road • 561/997-9911 Polo Shops 5030 Champion Blvd. • 561/241-5903 Glades Plaza Entrance on Butts Road • 561/392-4181 toojays.com

abe & louie's John Wyner General Manager of Boca Raton anthony's Coal fired Pizza Pedro Andrade General Manager

34 South Ocean Blvd. • Delray Beach 561/274-9404 • caffelunarosa.com

When it comes to delis, tooJay’s rises to the top.

truluCk's Ed Tanner General Manager of Boca Raton

memorable and authentic italian dining Caffé Luna Rosa is the Italian restaurant on the beach and the oldest Italian restaurant

ChoPs lobster bar Mimi Cogan General Manager

in Delray Beach. Caffé Luna Rosa offers an oceanview dining experience where great food and a great environment come together.

Open daily serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

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Reminiscent of New York’s finest, TooJay’s is the winner of numerous “best of” awards.

Specialties include signature overstuffed sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and all the traditional deli classics. Try the fresh Nova salmon, the classic Reuben sandwich, potato pancakes and cheese blintzes! And for dessert, indulge in the outrageously sinful selection of sweet treats. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine in, take out, ask for delivery or enjoy our catering.

h a l l o f fa m e c e l e b r at i n g 9 y e a r s

best

Microbrewery

service

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Late Night Dining Silver Award 2006

Best Seafood 2009 Best Service 2010, 2011

breWzzi

truluck's

it pays to

vot e

The following winners were selected in a random drawing from the entire pool of submitted Readers' Choice ballots. Each person listed below was awarded a $100 dining CertifiCate to one of the following awardwinning restaurants. Congratulations to the winners! And thank you to everyone who voted, your recommendations make this annual special section possible. bon aPPetit! britt giannuzzi danielle gittlin stePhen ginsberg, md leanne Croft Joe eudoviCh

Glades Plaza 2222 Glades Road • Boca Raton 561/392-BREW (2739) CityPlace 700 S Rosemary Avenue • West Palm Beach 561/986-BREW (2739) facebook.com/brewzzi • brewzzi.com

yanni ageloPoulos Joe Callaghan

351 Plaza Real • Boca Raton 561/391-0755 • trulucks.com

edward Jansen diane vasiC deClan muldoon

2009 & 2011 great american beer festival Winner

We invite you to escape to truluck's. a getaWay for the senses.

Brewzzi is renowned for its enormous portions of quality Italian and American favorites. Enjoy gourmet pizza and pasta, oversized salads, trademark sandwiches, Angus hamburgers, fresh fish and more. With over 70 items on the menu, there’s something to please every palate (including a Kids Menu!). Our award-winning, brewed-on-site lagers and ales accent many of our recipes and complement all our fare.

We at Brewzzi welcome you to an exceptional dining and microbrewery experience.

Come savor the freshest crab, direct from our own fisheries. Delight in our fresh-catch seafood menu or select tender, juicy steaks grilled to perfection.

Then complement it all with delicious wines by the glass and bottle.

The crowning touch?

Unparalleled customer service that will make your evening unforgettable.

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b. glazer rik James tammy lawman

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

best

r e a d e r s ' c h o i c e awa r d s c e l e b r at i n g 9 y e a r s

our Win n er s

Best puB/gastropuB

RunnER-uP: OLD CALYPSO, DELRAY BEACh

RunnER-uP: DuffY'S SPORtS GRiLL, muLTIPLE LOCaTIOnS

DECk 84, Delray Beach

Best american cuisine HEnRy'S, Boca Raton

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

Best intracoastaL dining

Best itaLian cuisine

RunnER-uP: RACkS DOWNtOWN EaTERy & TavERn, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: SOLitA DELRAY, DELRAY BEACh

Best Bar Food

Best japanese cuisine

CaFFÉ Luna ROSa, Delray Beach

TRyST, Delray Beach

Best quick Bites

GREEn GOuRmET, Delray Beach RunnER-uP: BuRGER FI, muLTIPLE LOCaTIOnS

RACkS DOWNtOWN EaTERy & TavERn, Boca Raton

LEmOnGRaSS, Multiple Locations RunnER-uP: SuSHI Ray, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: CHOPS LOBSTER BaR, BOCa RaTOn

Best romantic dining

SuNDY hOuSE, Delray Beach RunnER-uP: CaFFÉ LuNA ROSA, DELRAY BEACh

Best kosher/ kosher-styLe cuisine

Best Business Lunch

GRILLE On COnGRESS, Boca Raton

FIRST PLaCE WInnER TIE

Best seaFood

BOnEFISH GRILL, Multiple Locations

RunnER-uP: Havana RESTauRanT, WEST PaLm BEaCH

BEN'S kOShER DELi, Boca Raton TOOjay'S, Multiple Locations

RunnER-uP: CITy FISH maRKET, BOCa RaTOn

Best cariBBean cuisine

Best Late-night dining

CHOPS LOBSTER BaR, Boca Raton

OLD CALYPSO, Delray Beach

Havana RESTauRanT, West Palm Beach

Best service

RunnER-uP: HEnRy'S, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: Havana RESTauRanT, WEST PaLm BEaCH

RunnER-uP: CHOPS LOBSTER BaR, BOCa RaTOn

Best southwestern

Best chinese cuisine

Best mediterranean

RunnER-uP: CHIPOTLE, muLTIPLE LOCaTIOnS

RunnER-uP: PHILIPPE CHOW, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: LA CiGALE, DELRAY BEACh

unCLE TaI'S, Boca Raton

TavERna Kyma, Boca Raton

Best continentaL cuisine

Best mexican

KaTHy'S GazEBO, Boca Raton

unCLE juLIO'S, Boca Raton

RunnER-uP: KEE GRILLE, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: ROCCO'S TaCOS, muLTIPLE LOCaTIOnS

Best dining entertainment

Best microBrewery

RACkS DOWNtOWN EaTERy & TavERn, Boca Raton

BREWzzI, Boca Raton

CanyOn, Fort Lauderdale

Best spanish/Latin

CaBana EL REy, Delray Beach RunnER-uP: Havana RESTauRanT, WEST PaLm BEaCH

Best steak house

aBE & LOuIE'S, Boca Raton RunnER-uP: CHOPS LOBSTER BaR, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: mILLER aLE HOuSE, muLTIPLE LOCaTIOnS

RunnER-uP: CaRmEn'S, BOCa RaTOn

Best new restaurant

Favorite restaurant

PHILIPPE CHOW, Boca Raton

HEnRy'S, Boca Raton

RunnER-uP: RACkS DOWNtOWN EaTERy & TavERn, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: Havana RESTauRanT, WEST PaLm BEaCH

Best oceanFront dining

Best French cuisine

BOSTOn'S On THE BEaCH/50 OCEan, Delray Beach

CaSImIR BISTRO, Boca Raton RunnER-uP: LE RIvaGE, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: CaFFÉ LuNA ROSA, DELRAY BEACh

Best sunday Brunch

CaFFÉ Luna ROSa, Delray Beach RunnER-uP: SuNDY hOuSE, DELRAY BEACh

Best thai

LEmOnGRaSS, Multiple Locations RunnER-uP: hOuSE Of SiAm, DELRAY BEACh

Best vegetarian options SEaSOnS 52, Multiple Locations

RuNNER-uP: SuBLimE, fORt LAuDERDALE

Best happy hour

Best outdoor dining

RACkS DOWNtOWN EaTERy & TavERn, Boca Raton

DECk 84, Delray Beach

RunnER-uP: max'S GRILLE, BOCa RaTOn

RunnER-uP: CaFFÉ LuNA ROSA, DELRAY BEACh

Best wine List

CaFFÉ Luna ROSa, Delray Beach RunnER-uP: fifth AvENuE GRiLL, DELRAY BEACh

Best peopLe watching

Best indian cuisine

max'S GRILLE, Boca Raton

PunjaB, Boca Raton

RunnER-uP: CaFFÉ LuNA ROSA, DELRAY BEACh

RunnER-uP: CuRRIES & mORE, BOCa RaTOn

Best wine/tapas Bar TaBLE 42, Boca Raton

RunnER-uP: vInO, BOCa RaTOn

Best pizza

TuCCI'S PIzza, Boca Raton RunnER-uP: TaBLE 42, BOCa RaTOn

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best

best

american & Favorite restaurant

Bar Food & Happy Hour

henry's

the readers have

spoken!

racks doWntoW n eatery & tavern

16850 Jog Road • Delray Beach 561/638-1949 • henrysofbocaraton.com

mizner Park 402 Plaza Real • Boca Raton 561/395-1662 • grrestaurant.com

henry's is the definitive american restaurant, featuring the best in-season products, select cuts of

racks takes pride in the quality and consistency of its american classics, revitalized for the 21st

meats and poultry and the freshest seafood available. Chef Adam Brown uses only the finest ingredients to make your dining experience perfect.

century. Alongside its lively bar and modern decor, Racks' array of sharing plates and farm-to-table entrées offers something for everyone to enjoy.

coriander-pepper seared "rare" yeLLowFin tuna

jumbo lump crab cakes

serves 2

1 LB. jumBO LumP CRaB 1 Oz. miNCED SCALLiONS 2 Oz. DiJON muStARD 4 Oz. mayOnnaISE 2 EA. SLiCED WhitE BREAD 1 TBSP. LEmOn juICE 1 TSP. WORSTERSHIRE SauCE 1/4 TSP. CayEnnE PEPPER

ConGRATulATIons To All THE WInnERs oF ouR 2012 REAdERs' CHoICE AWARds! We distributed ballots and asked our readers to choose their favorite restaurants in a number of categories.

This section represents the results of that vote, the dining establishments selected as the best of the best. In addition, we recognize the restaurants for which you've voted time and again during the nine years of these awards with our Readers' Choice Hall of Fame (on the previous pages). Thanks to all the restaurants that shared their recipes—thanks to you, our loyal readers, who voted for your favorites.

2 6 Oz. PORtiON SuShi-GRADE tuNA (CuT In 4" x 4" x 2" SquaRE) 2.5 tSP. CORiANDER CRuSt (RECIPE FOLLOWS) CORiANDER CRuSt 1 tSP. GROuND CORiANDER 1/2 tSP. GROuND BLACk PEPPER 1/2 TSP. KOSHER SaLT COmBiNE ALL iNGREDiENtS Using the coriander crust, season the tuna and sear in a hot sauté pan on all sides. thinly slice the tuna and plate.

Bon APPETIT!

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serves 4

grind bread in processor and set aside. place all wet ingredients in small bowl and mix well.

Fold in crab and remaining ingredients until incorporated. let sit for 2 hours. Mold into desired shape. pan fry and serve with your favorite sauce.

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

readers' choice awards winners

r e a d e r s ' c h o i c e awa r d s c e l e b r at i n g 9 y e a r s

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

best

best

best

Continental Intracoastal & Outdoor dining

k at h y 's gaz ebo 4199 N. federal highway • Boca Raton 561/395-6033 • kathysgazebo.com

deck 84

at kathy's gazebo, guests Will find consistently high-quality meals prepared perfectly and served by an attentive and knowledgeable wait staff.

With its quiet, intimate setting, Kathy's Gazebo also offers specialities including bouillabaisse, fresh imported Dover sole and the Gazebo salad. As one reader noted, "It's the perfect place to take guests for dinner or a quiet lunch."

kosher style tooJay's gourmet deli Regency Court Plaza 561/997-9911 Glades Plaza 561/392-4181 Polo Shops 561/241-5903

840 E. Atlantic Ave. • Delray Beach 561/665-8484 • deck84.com

for over 30 years, tooJay’s has been delighting diners With a variety of eclectic and original dishes.

delray beach's favorite Waterfront dining destination serves up the perfect atmosphere for florida

Specialties include signature overstuffed sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and traditional deli classics, served in a casual, lively atmosphere with top notch service.

fun with delicious cuisine, quality wines and creatively crafted cocktails along with breathtaking views of the Intracoastal.

mini Black & white cookies Makes 6 dozen cookies

salmon tartare au caviar serves 10

2 LB. DiCED SALmON 1 LB. jumBO LumP CRaBmEaT 4 Oz. CavIaR OF yOuR CHOICE 2 Oz. OLIvE OIL CaPERS SHaLLOTS AvOCADO TaBaSCO PaRSLEy

burto's berry lemonade serves 1

2 Oz. SvEDkA RASPBERRY vODkA 1/2 LEmOn, CuT InTO SLICES 1 Oz. STRaWBERRy PuREE 6 Oz. fRESh LEmONADE Muddle fresh lemon slices in bottom of pint glass. pour strawberry puree around glass and fill to brim with ice. pour in svedka raspberry vodka and fill to top with fresh lemonade. cover and shake vigorously until puree and lemonade are well mixed. garnish with fresh lemon slice and enjoy!

Marinate salmon and crabmeat in lemon juice then add capers, shallots, avocado, olive oil, tabasco and parsley. salt and pepper to taste. Mix ingredients together. Fill 10 rings (molds) and top with caviar.

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1 CuP uNSALtED ButtER 1-3/4 CuPS SuGaR 4 EGGS 1 CuP mILK 1/2 TSP. vanILLa ExTRaCT 2-1/2 CuPS CaKE FLOuR 2-1/2 CuPS aLL PuRPOSE FLOuR 1 tSP. BAkiNG POWDER 1/2 TSP. SaLT WhitE fONDANt iCiNG ChOCOLAtE fONDANt iCiNG pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, stir in milk and vanilla extract. in separate bowl, combine dry ingredients and gradually add to creamed mixture. drop mix in dollops on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 20-30 minutes until very lightly golden brown. remove from oven and let cool. Melt each fondant icing separately in double boiler. When cookies are thoroughly cooled, ice each with ½ white fondant and ½ chocolate fondant using a small spatula.

best

best

best

Mediterranean

New restaurant

Oceanfront dining

philippe by philippe choW

50 ocean

200 E. Palmetto Park Road • Boca Raton 561/393-4666 • philippechow.com

40 S. Ocean Blvd. • Delray Beach 561/278-3364 • 50ocean.com

reserve a table at philippe choW and discover boca raton’s neWest hot spot for healthy chinese cuisine

50 ocean, delray's hottest neW dining spot located above boston's on the beach, takes casual elegance to a

with haute flair. Philippe Chow Boca Raton presents exciting menu affordability with prices up to 35 percent lower than other locations. Chicly modern decor, unparalleled ambience, and attentive customer service attract New York and South Florida’s most discriminating foodies. Award-winning and signature dishes include Chicken Satay, Crispy Beef, Peking Duck and Green Prawns.

new level. Indulge in contemporary seafood and personalized service made even more memorable by the panoramic ocean view.

taverna kyma 6298 N. federal highway • Boca Raton 561/994-2828 • tavernakyma.com

taverna kyma, meaning "Wave," offers an authentic greek fine dining experience specializing in fresh fish imported from Greece. The menu selections represent Greek cuisine in its purest form. This upscale, high-energy concept invites guests to savor an authentic Greek dining experience.

athenian shrimp

rum glazed Berkshire pork

serves 1

6 SHRImP 1 BRanCH EaCH ROSEmaRy & THymE 2 ORANGE SLiCES & 3/4 ORANGE WEDGE 2 LEmON SLiCES & 3/4 LEmON WEDGE 1 CLOvE GARLiC, SmAShED 1/2 Oz. GARLiC, ChOPPED 1 PInCH EaCH SaLT & PEPPER 2 Oz. ExTRa vIRGIn OLIvE OIL 2 Oz. CRumBLED fEtA ChEESE 4 Oz. SPInaCH 2 Oz. ChOPPED LEEkS 2 Oz. ChOPPED tOmAtOES SPLaSH OF WHITE WInE

serves 4

4 EaCH 12 Oz. naTuRaL PORK CHOP (BONE iN, fRENChED) 16 Oz. SWEET POTaTO HaSH 4 Oz. Rum GLazE 8 Oz. SWiSS ChARD 32 Oz. CHICKEn BROTH fRiED CARROt ShRED

chicken satays serves 3-4

1/2 LB. CHICKEn BREaSTS (SLiCED iNtO thiN StRiPS) 1/4 CuP FLOuR 1/4 CuP CORn STaRCH 3 EGGS 2 TBSP. CanOLa OIL 1/4 CuP CaRROT juICE 8-iNCh BAmBOO SkEWERS 2 TBSP. CanOLa OIL FOR FRyInG

Marinate 6 shrimp in 1 oz. extra virgin olive oil, lemon and orange slices, smashed garlic, rosemary and thyme branches for 30 minutes. pan sear shrimp in 1 oz. extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper until shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. add chopped garlic, white wine and squeeze the 3/4 lemon and orange wedges. top off with feta cheese. in separate pan, sauté spinach and leeks in a splash of white wine, remove when leeks are soft. plate spinach and leeks on rice, add shrimp and sauce.

Mix all ingredients except chicken in large bowl. add chicken and mix gently. place in fridge for 1 hr. thread skewer through chicken. Fry in a large pan on medium high heat with canola oil for 2 minutes on each side. add your favorite peanut satay sauce and enjoy!

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Hash: 2 oz. dice sweet potato, 1/2 oz. 1/4-cut green beans, 1/2 oz. 1/4-cut red peppers, 1/4 oz. chopped bacon, 1/4 oz. carmelized onions, 1/4 tsp. chopped sage, 1/4 tsp. chopped parsley, salt & pepper to taste. Rum Glaze: 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup dark rum, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. thyme, 1/2 tbsp. beef base, 1 tsp. clarified butter, 1 tsp. salt and pepper. carmelize onions, simmer all ingredients for 10 minutes, blend and let cool. season and grill chop, basting with rum glaze. in a hot pan, add all hash ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and cook through. cook chard in chicken broth and drain. Using hash as a base, set chard on top and then set chop on top of chard, brush with rum glaze and garnish with fried carrot shreds.

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

readers' choice awards winners

Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

r e a d e r s ' c h o i c e awa r d s c e l e b r at i n g 9 y e a r s

best

best

best

Pizza

Romantic Dining

service

tucci's fire n coAl pizzA

sundy house

50 N.E. First Ave. • Boca Raton 561/620-2930 • tuccispizza.com

AwArd-winning pizzA is only the beginning At tucci's pizzA locAted in the heArt of downtown bocA rAton!

101 Plaza Real South • Boca Raton 561/395-2675 • chopslobsterbar.com

106 S. Swinton Ave. • Delray Beach 561/272-5678 • sundyhouse.com

with its mAgnificent views And superb culinAry creAtions by executive chef AddAm Actis,

Create your own or select one of the Special Pizzas. Plus, we have a full menu, from Fire-n-Coal Wings to Escarole-n-Beans.

Come see why we we're voted Best Pizza by Boca Raton magazine readers! Open daily for lunch and dinner.

chops lobster b A r

the renowned Sundy House Restaurant features globally inspired fare, to be savored indoors or al fresco.

A restAurAnt known for its exceptionAl food And service, chops lobster bAr consistently rAnks As one of the top 10 steak houses in the country and is a seafood lover's dream.

Voted Best Steak House in South Florida by the Sun-Sentinel. Voted Top Steak House and Seafood in Palm Beach by Zagat.

goat cheese & parsnip tart Serves 2

tony g pizza

1 whole egg 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 medium parsnips 1 stalk of rosemary 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese salt and pepper to taste 3 tbsp. white butter 6-inch tart shell (can be found pre-made)

Serves 4

16 oz. pizza dough ball 3 tbsp. ricotta cheese (season to taste) 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup fresh tomato sauce 1/2 onion, sliced 2-3 oz. meatballs (approx. 1/2 lb. ground beef) season to taste

tomato molasses: 1 roasted plum tomato 3 tbsp. molasses 1 small shallot 1/4 cup water

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake or sauté onions to caramelize, set aside.

Season to taste and bake meatballs, let cool and slice. Roll out pizza dough. Spread ricotta cheese, then mozzarella cheese and spoon tomato sauce on top of cheeses.

Top with sliced meatballs and caramelized onions. Cook for 20-25 minutes (in wood oven only 8 minutes).

Boil parnsip until tender. Blend parsnips with heavy cream and butter. In a separate bowl, whisk parnsip mix, goat cheese, rosemary and egg. Fill tart and bake for 10 minutes.

Place tomatoes, shallot and molasses in pan.

Cook until "syrup" form. Use as garnish.

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Tuna Tartare Serves 4

16 oz. ahi tuna 2 tbsp. english cucumber, diced 1 tbsp. lemon oil 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp. chives, thinly sliced 1 tbsp. shallots, fine dice 1 tsp. sea salt white pepper sweet soy reduction: 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup sugar Cut tuna in ¼-inch dice and add cucumber, shallots and oils. Season with salt and white pepper. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Drizzle with soy reduction. Pour sugar and soy sauce into sauce pot. Dissolve sugar in soy sauce and reduce while simmering by 50 percent. Pour in stainless-steel bowl and cool in refrigerator.

best

best

runn er uP

sunday Brunch, italian & wine list

wine/Tapas

Quick Bites

table 42 italian kitchen & Wine bar

burgerfi

caffÉ luna rosa

6 S. Ocean Blvd. • Delray Beach 561/278-9590 • burgerfi.com

34 S. Ocean Blvd. • Delray Beach 561/274-9404 • caffelunarosa.com

Royal Palm Place 399 S.E. mizner Blvd. • Boca Raton 561/826-2625 • grrestaurant.com

table 42 is your friendly neighborhood restaurant, delivering impeccable italian flavors. unique in character, paralleled with a warm attentive staff, ensures every guest is treated as the owner's VIP.

the Burgerfication of the nation is here!

BurgerFi™ is changing the way america eats and thinks about burgers—one bite at a time. our never-frozen, all-natural angus burgers taste unlike any burger you have ever eaten. once you add in our fresh-cut made-to-order fries, Kobe-beef hot dogs, craft beer & wine, and fresh custard, BurgerFi is more than a great meal, it’s an experience!

LoBster & craB stuFFed scamponi serves 4

1/2 LB. COOkED LOBStER mEAt 1/2 LB. LumP CRaB mEaT 3 TBS. BuTTER 1/2 CuP OnIOnS 1/4 CuP CELERy 1/4 CuP BELL PEPPERS 1 tBSP. miNCED GARLiC 1/4 CuP mayOnnaISE 1 EGG 3 TBS. LEmOn juICE 1 TBS. WORCESTERSHIRE SauCE 1-1/2 CuP BREAD CRumBS 1/2 TSP. SaLT 1/4 TSP. PEPPER 8 WhOLE u-4 ShRimP ChOPPED PARSLEY, GARNiSh 1 LEmON, Cut iNtO WEDGES

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sunday brunch mozzarella en carozza

sundy house

serves 2

4 Oz. FRESH mOzzaRELLa 2 EGGS BEaTEn 4 Oz. SEASONED fLOuR 4 Oz. itALiAN BREADCRumBS 2 EaCH anCHOvy 1 EaCH GaRLIC CLOvES 1 EaCH LEmOn 2 Oz. BuTTER 4 Oz. OLIvE OIL

preheat oven to 375 degrees. in large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. add onions, celery, and bell peppers and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes. add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. remove from heat, stir in crab and lobster and let cool. add mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, Worcestershire, 1 cup bread crumbs, salt and pepper, stir gently with a large wooden spoon. Mound 2 tablespoons of the crabmeat/lobster stuffing into each shrimp, press gently to close, and place, stuffed sides up, in prepared baking dish. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. serve immediately.

106 S. Swinton Ave. • Delray Beach 561/272-5678 • sundyhouse.com With its magnificent views and superb culinary creations by Executive Chef Addam Actis, the renowned Sundy House Restaurant features globally inspired fare, to be savored indoors or al fresco.

dip mozzarella in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs and set aside. in a sauté pan, heat oil and pan fry mozzarella until golden brown. take out, reserve. in sauté pan, add oil, garlic and anchovy, cook over medium heat until soft. add lemon juice and butter, whisk well, and pour over mozzarella and serve.

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Winners in all categories were voted by Boca Raton and Delray Beach magazine readers, the accompanying recipe and write-up has been paid for and supplied by individual restaurants.

readers' choice awards winners

Michele eve Sandberg

boca roundtable [ by kevin kaminski ]

From left: Lauren Walleser from the LGBTQA center at FAU, Julie Seaver from Compass, and Trent Steele from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council

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may/june

Gay in Palm Beach County aCtivists from faU, the hUman riGhts CoUnCil and ComPass weiGh in on issUes affeCtinG the loCal Gay/lesBian CommUnity—from CominG oUt and BreakinG stereotyPes to BUllyinG and Conservative PolitiCs. What does Palm Beach county offer the gay/lesBian community that other regions of florida don’t? lauren Walleser (from FAU): We have an open community. People in North Florida and Central Florida, in general, still experience more outright homophobia from their communities on a daily basis. Our county has community centers like Compass, we have the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council— in other parts of Florida, there is not that same kind of progress being made. trent steele (from the Human Rights Council): I live in Martin County; there are no rights protecting the gay/lesbian community there. People assume that you can’t fire someone for being gay in this country. Yes you can. You can be fired in Martin County for being gay, for being too effeminate, for being too butch. Same with St. Lucie County.

Then you get to Palm Beach County, which is this wonderfully inclusive community. I notice the difference just driving across the county line; people seem to be less reserved—more free to be who they are.

Julie seaver (from Compass): There is a strong Mason-Dixon line for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) equality that starts with Palm Beach County going south.

We were recently at a national conference for mentoring programs across the country.

Cities like New York and L.A., with longestablished histories in the gay community, when U want to know

were represented. But Compass was one of only three mentoring programs in the entire country specifically for LGBT youth.

We were meeting with directors of gay/lesbian “centers”—and they didn’t have [a building] like Compass. They’re meeting in living rooms. ... I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What are the most difficult stereotyPes to overcome?

Walleser: I have students, after coming out, whose parents tell them that they’re going to die of AIDS. That’s still a huge stereotype, especially for those coming from smaller communities. Generally speaking, it’s about people not understanding that you can be a healthy, productive, loving person and be gay or lesbian or transgender. There’s a lot of fear, but I think it’s more misinformation. seaver: As a nation, the United States is really behind in gender roles. In western Europe and countries around the world, there isn’t just male and female genders and roles. A lot of countries have three, four, five genders.

Walleser: Native American societies had more than two genders. It wasn’t until European colonizers said you have to adopt our way of thinking that this was taken out of their culture. conservative Politics/Beliefs clash With the gay/lesBian movement on a variety of fronts. do you feel those Battles foster stereotyPes?

Walleser: It’s bullying. Bullying isn’t just what happens among children at school. Kid bullies grow up to be adult bullies—and then they run for office. It reinforces the harassment and prejudices that happen on a smaller scale and puts it on a large political scale. steele: I’ve seen some ugly battles in the past, although they’re fewer and fewer. I think that has to do with people coming out.

In Palm Beach County, there are so many legal protections afforded; gay people do feel more welcomed. Also, the past several mayors have been incredibly supportive of LGBT rights; having representatives so strong on the issue empowers other people to stop some of the ugly talk that used to go on.

What challenges are inherent to Being a teen or collegeaged memBer of the lgBt community?

Walleser: The biggest thing is coming out. People have this misunderstanding that coming out is something that happens one day—like you have a big party and get your gay card. It doesn’t work that way. Coming out to family is the biggest issue that I see with students. I’ve been in their shoes, so I can support them through the process.

But it doesn’t end there. Every time an LGBT person meets a new group of people—because we assume everybody is, by default, heterosexual in our society—they have to come out all over again. [ bocamag.com ]

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boca roundtable TrenT STeele HiS STory: In addition to

running his longtime law practice in the northern part of the county, Steele has served for 15 years on the board of the Palm Beach County Human rights Council— an organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation. Town by town and issue by issue, the council has challenged cities to change their policies and provide rights for the gay/lesbian community.

Can you talk about the emotions involved in Coming out? steele: The process has evolved in the last 30 years; there was coming out preAIDS, then during AIDS and now postAIDS. Pre-AIDS, people didn’t take the gay population that seriously, but they certainly weren’t afraid of them. They were amusing, they were cool and fun to have as friends.

Then AIDS arrived, and people really were afraid. They thought of the gay population as potentially dangerous to their families, to their children. And I think it brought up some deep-seeded emotion that people, in general, didn’t deal with in the pre-AIDS era. It was a horrible, horrible time.

Now that we’re past the panic, we’re in a period where it’s not a lifestyle; it’s a life.

People are living lives as people, not gay people. What the AIDS era did was galvanize the gay population to say, “No, we’re not going to be marginalized.”

Walleser: I remember coming out to myself at age 13 and crying in my room because I went to a Catholic high school and I didn’t know anyone like me. ... I was scared.

Thankfully, I’ve had a loving, supportive family, so I was able to come out to certain family members and friends. Through different schools and jobs, there have been good times and not so good times. But it’s definitely a relief to be able to say, “Hey, I’m gay. It’s a part—just a part—of who I am.” seaver: Coming out is generational. We still have people coming out in their 30s, 40s, 50s—some of them out of longtime heterosexual marriages and relationships.

And the ease of coming out depends on the culture in which you were raised. I didn’t 102

[ bocamag.com ]

come out for the last time until I was 30. I was from a small Roman Catholic town in upstate New York, and I’m pretty sure I was the only lesbian there. ...

But Lauren is right; it’s a process, it’s not a single event. I’ve probably come out 400 times.

Every year, when I meet my daughter’s new teachers, they want to know what my husband does; so I have to come out during that process—and in countless other situations.

What are the Challenges of raising a daughter or son as a gay Couple?

Walleser: My mother actually came out later in her life. I had a wonderful childhood; I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive mom. The fact that we had similar experiences was so important to me. seaver: You mean you didn’t have a bad experience with a man that turned you into a lesbian? (everyone laughs) Walleser: My mom and I actually came out to each other around the same time.

When I finally asked her whether her partner was more than a friend, it was good because I was like, “Well, me too Mom.” seaver: My daughter is 14. I’m assuming that she identifies as heterosexual, but she really doesn’t have an interest in boys or girls yet. ... My partner came into the situation later, and I chose to keep my personal relationship separate for a long time. There are gay parents who still wouldn’t choose this for their kids.

Walleser: I get that the parental instinct kicks in. I do think that I’ve helped my mom become more comfortable in who she is. I joke that I’m a professional gay, it’s part of

what I do for a living, and I think that has inspired her. Having her support, certainly, has inspired me. seaver: My daughter was 8 when I told her. She had spent the summer with her dad’s family in Illinois; it was the longest I’d been away from her. So she started asking me questions about what I’d done, and every sentence out of my mouth included my partner. And I was thinking that I was such a hypocrite. I would want my daughter to be able to come to me with anything—so why wasn’t I offering her the same respect?

So I told her that mommy’s friend was in a relationship with me—like her dad and his girlfriend love each other, and like grandmas and grandpas love each other.

And my daughter goes, “Oh, that’s cool. I like [her partner]. When is dinner?”

So much for the year of angst I’d built up. are there situations, beCause of the perCeptions that other people bring to the room, that make you feel unComfortable? steele: I’m in court a lot, and there’s always a bloodmobile outside the courthouse.

Inevitably, the person trying to solicit donors will come up to me and ask if I want to give blood. I’m always patient about it, and then I’ll tell the worker, “Unfortunately, you don’t want my blood.” That worker doesn’t have a clue that [there is a bias against a gay man donating blood]. But I’ll ask them to talk to [their superiors] about that, because it’s hurtful, it’s embarrassing and it makes me uncomfortable every time I’m approached.

may/june

Seaver: I’ve experienced pushback from the lesbian community because I had a daughter by traditional methods. Also, because I don’t identify as a more masculine identity, I’ll get “you don’t know what it’s like for [masculine-looking lesbians].”

People actually come in the community center and say, “You’re gay? You don’t look gay?” Well, what does gay look like?

WalleSer: Within the lesbian community, people confuse sexual orientation with gender expression. I’ve certainly heard, “You really need to butch up; no one is going to think you’re a lesbian.” Or, “You need to leave your purse in the car.” I like purses.

What does that have to do with being gay?

Seaver: Hi, I’m the other lesbian who doesn’t own a flannel shirt or a pair of Birkenstock sandals. (everyone laughs) WalleSer: People also assume that because you’re fem, you would want to be paired with someone more masculine— again, it’s putting people into roles. So

Julie Seaver Her Story: Since 2007, Seaver

has been director of development for Compass—the gay/lesbian community center of the Palm Beaches, which is celebrating 25 years in 2013. The mother of a teenage daughter has been involved with staging some of the largest outreach events for the LGBT community, including the annual PrideFest at Bryant Park in Lake Worth, the Stonewall Ball and World AIDS Day.

when U want to know

employeeS of the toWn of palm Beach, if they have a domeStic partner, can’t get inSurance for that partner— nor can they take medical leave to tend to a partner if he/She iS ill. trent, you’re trying to change that.

Steele: It’s very restrictive. Of all the communities we’ve worked with in Palm Beach County, the town of Palm Beach is the most begrudging, almost without exception, as each of these little baby-step advances have come along. They don’t have a problem being last in line to adopt a policy. palm Beach county, meanWhile, haS adopted thiS policy. So What iS palm Beach’S proBlem?

Steele: They say money. They say that they can’t afford to offer these benefits to town employees, that it’s just too expensive.

I’ve asked repeatedly for any studies done by the town that proves this contention—because the studies I’ve come across indicate that the cost is minimal to nonexistent.

The part that I don’t understand is why it’s more expensive. If you have a married man who gets a job with the town who says he wants to insure his wife, then why would it cost more to offer those same benefits to a person with a domestic partner? We’ve gone so far to suggest that the town doesn’t pay for it; let the employee pay for it because the insurance is really good and still less expensive for the employee. The town of Palm Beach still says no.

For the past year, I’ve asked to speak to the town council in the hopes that I can try and educate them on this. I’ve yet to get an invitation. part of the irony iS that the toWn of palm Beach haS had a Strong gay population over the yearS. So Why, on a city level, Would they Be So reSiStant?

Steele: I’m trying to expose the silliness of all of this. Before I moved to Martin County, I lived in Palm Beach and was involved in the government there for 20 years. That was

lauren WalleSer Her Story: The lGBtQa (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning and ally) specialist at Florida atlantic university works out of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Walleser, who also serves as an adjunct instructor in women, gender and sexuality studies, runs the LGBTQA resource center. She talks to students about issues relating to sexual identity and gender identity, from coming out to bullying.

my town, those were my people—and I’m so disappointed in that town right now.

The problem is that, in some ways, they’re just not ready to go there. They’re of a generation where they’re not really in the closet, but ...

Seaver: ... But they moved to the island for a reason. A lot of people want to go about their daily lives and be left alone.

They don’t want to have to stand for the entire gay community. That’s why it’s so great to have an organization like Palm Beach County Human Rights Council to stand up for those who won’t or who can’t. continued on page 174 [ bocamag.com ]

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Michele eve Sandberg

“People assume that you can’t fire someone for being gay in this country.

Yes you can. You can be fired in Martin [and St. Lucie counties] for being gay, for being too effeminate, for being too butch.”

—Trent Steele

my partner is very fem also, and that just throws everyone off. ... It’s horrible that we put ourselves in boxes within the gay community. We have so much, as a community, that we need to continue to fight for—we don’t need to have an internal struggle.

Florida ExplorEr

Robin Hill

Your Florida Summer Travel Guide

Clockwise from below: An artistic statement on the beach during Art Basel; an example of Miami Modern architecture; Art Deco along Ocean Drive

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may/june

STATe of the ArTS Take a walk on the cultural side of the Sunshine State this summer—from the fine arts in Jacksonville to the film culture of Orlando to the literary scene in Key West—with the help of Boca Raton’s annual “Florida Explorer” section.

By Kevin KaminsKi, marie speeD anD John thomason

The ArT/ArchiTecTure of MiAMi Drive time from Boca: One hour What’s the DraW: For art and architecture buffs, Miami is far more than beautiful people, Latin music, nightclubs and all those other Miami vices. It’s also got the largest Art Deco district in the world, as well as an impressive number of buildings from its mid-century heyday, known here as Miami Modern, or MiMo architecture.

The Art Deco era, between 1923 and 1943, was concurrent with early Miami Beach tourism, and was considered back then to be “ultramodern” with its neoclassical geometric patterns, whimsical architectural details and sherbet colors. Today, the district—which is largely in South Beach bordered by the ocean on the east, Alton Road on the west, Sixth Street on the south and Dade Boulevard on the north—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Move up a couple of decades, and you get the flamboyant post-war era of Miami Modern—hotels like the Fontainebleu, Eden Roc and Vagabond—with their futuristic motifs, swelling curves and stylized sculpture, and their cast concrete decorative panels. MiMo architecture started in Miami, and it was made famous by architect Morris Lapidus, among others.

Although there is not a MiMo district, per se, there are several notable neighborhoods with examples of it, including the Biscayne corridor between 68th and 77th streets, and North Miami Beach between 63rd Street and 87th Terrace. arts Bonus: In addition to over-the-top, historic, onlyin-Miami architecture, there is another attraction that may be even bigger: Art Basel, the most important contemporary art event in the United States. What began in 2002 as a sister event to Art Basel in Switzerland now takes over Miami for the better part of a week every December (this year’s event is when U want to know

Dec. 6–9) with art exhibitions, gallery shows, performance art and major parties. More than 250 top galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa take part, showcasing works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Art Basel in Miami may have eclipsed its sister event in Switzerland and is now on the international (and jet set) calendar when it comes to global arts events.

Where to stay/Dine: Miami has a full complement of expensive luxury properties and all the leading names in accommodations. The Mandarin Oriental (500 Brickell Key Drive, 305/913-8383) is one of the best, and the Mondrian (1100 West Ave., 305/514-1941) is one of the hippest, as is SoHo House (4385 Collins Ave., 866/952-6694) or the Gansevoort (2377 Collins Ave., 866/952-6694). There are smaller and less expensive hotels along Ocean Drive and elsewhere throughout the city, like the Conrad Miami (1395 Brickell Ave., 305/503-6500), but rates vary widely based on season and events in town. When it comes to dining, Miami is squarely on America’s foodie radar, with top chefs and innovative cuisine. Favorites? Try Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, (130 N.E. 40th St., 305/ 573-5550) Prime 112 (112 Ocean Drive, 305/32-8112) or Pubbelly (1418 20th St., 305/532-7555) for starters. for more on the area: Miami’s thriving arts scene is one of many reasons to visit the area. Check out the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau at miamiandbeaches.com.

WeBsites: For MiMo walking tours, mimoboulevard.org; for Art Deco design district and other tours, the Miami Design Preservation League at mdpl.org; for Art Basel, artbasel miamibeach.com [ bocamag.com ]

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Florida ExplorEr

PhotograPher unknown in the ernest hemingway ColleCtion of the John f. kennedy Presidential library and museum, boston.

your florida summer travel Guide

The LiTerary TradiTion of Key WesT Drive time from Boca: Five hours What’s the DraW: Key West has long been synonymous with artists and authors; its literary darling is Ernest Hemingway, whose tropical home/gardens is a popular tourist attraction.

But the island always has drawn writers, including Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, John Hersey, Tom McGuane, Joy Williams, Annie Dillard, Richard Wilbur and Jimmy Buffett.

In Key West, Hemingway wrote parts of A Farewell To Arms, Death in the Afternoon and Green Hills of Africa, among other works. He was famous in Key West for working hard—and drinking hard at local places like Sloppy Joe’s (which was originally where Captain Tony’s is today). The island’s literary tradition can best be enjoyed by touring Hemingway’s house and museum (907 Whitehead St., 305/294-1136), or by visiting Key West during its famous annual literary seminar and writers’ workshop program (Jan. 10–13, 2013), which sometimes includes literary walking tours. arts Bonus: There are numerous art galleries in Key West, including the Audubon House Gallery of Natural History (205 Whitehead St., 877/294-2470), which showcases former Keys resident James Audubon’s 19th-century originals, as well as reproductions. Haitian Art Company (11001102 Truman Ave., 305/296-8932) features several notable artists whose works honor Haitian culture.

Finally, no visit to Key West is complete without stopping at the San Carlos Institute (516 Duval St., 305/294-3887), a restored gallery/theater/ 106

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community space that was founded in 1871 by Cuban exiles. Although the current location dates from the turn of the century, the institute was restored in the early 1990s and is still a cornerstone of the community. It is said that Cuban patriot and poet José Martí “so loved the San Carlos” that he called it “La Casa Cuba.”

Where to stay/Dine: Key West has a wide range of lodging, from Eden House (1015 Fleming St., 305/296-6868), its oldest hotel, to the historic luxury property Casa Marina (1500 Reynolds St., 305/296-3535). There are also many B&Bs and mom-and-pop motels. Sunset Key (245 Front St., 305/292-5300), across from Front Street via ferry, offers luxury cottages, and the Pier House (1 Duval St., 305/296-4600) is another popular luxury property. Dining is equally diverse, with down-home favorites like BO’s Fish Wagon (801 Caroline St., 305/294-9272) and Pepe’s Café (806 Caroline St., 305/294-7192) to fine dining at Latitudes (245 Front St., 305/292-5394) at Sunset Key or the popular Blue Heaven (729 Thomas St., 305/296-8666). for more on the area: Key West is the end of the road, the tail end of America and as quirky and magical as it gets. From its history to its dazzling aqua waters to its eccentric and lovable vibe, it’s an island nation in America. Visit fla-keys.com to plan your visit.

WeBsites: hemingwayhome.com, kwls.org, audubonhouse.org, haitian-art-co.com, institutosancarlos.org may/june

Clockwise from below: Exterior of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum; the writer in front of his house and on his boat during his Key West days; his writing room inside the property

Read all about It In addition to South Florida’s own Books and Books (booksandbooks.com), the state has a storied tradition of excellent bookstores.

Joanne Sinchuk, proprietor of Delray’s Murder on the Beach (murderonthebeach. com), offers her five favorites.

1) Sanibel Island Bookstore (1571 Periwinkle Way, 239/472-5223): One of the most charming bookstores you will ever come across.

2) Haslam’s Book Store (2025 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727/822-8616): Florida’s largest new and used bookstore has been in business 60 years. It has plenty of author events and is one of the very few bricks-and-mortar stores (other than Murder on the Beach) that carries rare and valuable books.

3) Vero Beach Book Center (2145 Indian River Blvd., Vero Beach, 772/569-2050): This is one of the largest independent bookstores in Florida—and it’s very author-friendly.

4) Circle Books (478 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941/3882850): A small but well-chosen selection of books, an active author-signing and event schedule, and a large magazine and newspaper section highlight this store.

5) Key West Island Books (513 1/2 Fleming St., Key West, 305/294-2904): Now the only independent bookstore in Key West, it caters to both tourists and locals, and it welcomes author appearances.

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The SurpriSeS of SouThweST florida Drive Time From Boca: Two and a half to four hours WhaT’S The DraW: The state’s southwest corridor comes off as rather pastoral compared to the bawdiness and bustle here on the southeast side, but don’t head straight for the early-bird specials without sampling the arts fare in Sarasota and Naples.

In addition to its famed white-powder beaches, Sarasota is known for its connection to the first family of the circus world. However, the sprawling grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (5401 Bay Shore Road, 941/3595700), offer far more than odes to the tightrope and unicycle. The jaw-dropping main museum houses paintings and artworks by the likes of Rubens and El Greco; the Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ 36,000-square-foot mansion, features 41 rooms and 15 bathrooms; and the outdoor landscaping is highlighted by a 27,000-square-foot rose garden.

In addition, yes, there is a circus museum, opened in 1948, which documents the history and evolution of “the Greatest Show on Earth.”

At nearby New College of Florida (5800 Bay Shore Road), the liberal arts university on Sarasota Bay, experimental music finds an enthusiastic audience through New Music New College programming (941/487-4888 for tickets). Professor of music Stephen Miles directs a full season’s worth of cutting-edge, unconventional performances from guest musicians. In April, a percussion work by composer Michael Gordon was played entirely on wooden Simantras.

Two hours south of Sarasota, the impressive Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples (5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., 239/597-1900) has put that city on the cultural map since opening its doors in 1989.

Not only does the complex feature a 1,425-seat main hall and a secondary theater, it also hosts the Naples Museum of Art—a three-story, 30,000-squarefoot structure with 15 galleries. “The Phil” hosts more than 400 events each year, including traveling Broadway shows, cabaret concerts, children’s programs, artist workshops, featured speakers and performances by the Naples Philharmonic.

The Philharmonic Center will be one of the main venues for an inaugural event from May 12–18 that has the city buzzing with anticipation. The ambitious ArtsNaples World Festival will celebrate the cultural contributions of Russia 108

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through everything from recitals by three Russian pianists, a chamber music series, a performance

by Opera Naples of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” (sung in Russian), art exhibitions and a staging of the Russian play “The Inspector General.”

This Nov. 1–4, the Philharmonic Center also will play host to opening night and closing ceremonies for the fourth annual Naples International Film Festival, which is rapidly becoming one of the must-attend events in Southwest Florida. Openingnight festivities draw more than 1,000 people, kicking off a run of some 30 film screenings, Q&A sessions and panel discussions.

“The Phil,” a sprawling arts complex in Naples, hosts more than 400 events each year.

arTS BonuS: Fort Myers isn’t exactly a hotbed of cultural activity, but it does offer an interesting diversion on your drive from Sarasota to Naples (or vice versa). Fans of Thomas Edison (and you know who you are) can tour his winter playground—as well as the property of neighbor and auto magnate Henry Ford—at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates (2350 McGregor Blvd., 239/334-7419). The grounds feature 20 acres of botanical gardens, nine historic buildings and the research lab where Edison conducted massive plant studies to find a domestic source of rubber.

Where To STaY/Dine: The dreamy Longboat Key Club & Resort (220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, 941/383-8821) is one of those you’ll-neverwant-to-leave kind of sanctuaries, complete with six restaurants, the requisite white-sand beach and 45 holes of championship golf. The website restaurants insarasota.com breaks down the Sarasota/Bradenton dining scene by category and area. Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, 239/598-3300), consistently voted one of the country’s top resorts, reigns supreme with its worldclass spa, seven dining destinations and access to two Greg Norman-designed golf courses.

For more on The area: The website sarasotafl.org breaks down the beach scene, shopping, dining, hotels and things to do in and around Sarasota. For information on everything from dining to events to attractions in Naples, check out the website 365thingstodoinnaplesfl.com.

WeBSiTeS: ringling.org, newmusicnewcollege. org. thephil.org, artsnaplesworldfestival.org, naplesfilmfest.com, edisonfordwinterestates.org may/june

5 Off the Beaten Path Florida is full of quirky points of interest, hidden treasures and in-the-eye-of-the-beholder art. Here are some places we hold dear to our hearts—that could only be found here. [ 1 ] Lake Placid murals: This small central Florida town in Florida’s lake district is northwest of Lake Okeechobee midway between Okeechobee and Arcadia. Known as the “Caladium Capital of the World,” it is also famous for its murals—there are 40 of them on downtown buildings. [ 2 ] Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery: Butcher’s studio, midway between Miami and Naples, features his large-format, jaw-dropping black-and-white photographs of the Everglades, among other landscapes.

Check clydebutchersbigcypressgallery.com for information on events and workshops. (52388 Tamiami Trail, Mile Marker 54.5, Ochopee, 239/695-2428)

Clockwise from below: One of the new interactive galleries at the Ringling Museum; a Chihuly at the Philharmonic Center of the Arts; the Ca’ d’Zan mansion at Ringling; a Nevelson sculpture inside the Naples Museum of Art

[ 3 ] Highwaymen: The Highwaymen refers to a group of 26 African-American landscape artists from Fort Pierce who used plywood and other construction materials instead of canvases and sold their “Florida” paintings out of their cars to tourists back in the 1950s and early 1960s. In their time, they may have been the equivalent of a roadside velvet Elvis painting, but all that changed a few decades later when they were rediscovered and gained an enthusiastic following in the art world. There are exhibits throughout Florida, but a permanent exhibit is at South Florida Community College Museum of Florida Art & Culture in Avon Park (600 W. College Drive, 863/784-7240). [ 4 ] Matlacha: About three hours west of Boca off the coast of Fort Myers on Pine Island, this once-thriving fishing village is now a brightly colored collection of art galleries, studios and boutiques. You won’t find a ton of fine art, but there’s lots of fun art—and it’s a great day trip. [ 5 ] In and around Vero Beach: This area has many cultural/arts landmarks, including the 1916 Grant Historical House & Fisherman’s Park, the Environmental Learning Center on the Indian Lagoon, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, the Indian River Citrus Museum, McKee Botanical Garden, the McLarty Museum with its shipwreck treasures, the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, The Vero Beach Museum of Art and more. Visit verobeach.com for complete information.

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The Music of TaMpa Bay Drive Time From Boca: Four and a half hours WhaT’S The DraW: As Florida’s second-mostpopulous metropolitan area, Tampa Bay has emerged as a haven for music lovers of all stripes, from classical and opera to jazz, blues and rock.

The largest performing arts center in the Southeastern United States, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts (1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Place, 813/229-7827) entertains more than 700,000 patrons a year, showcasing a variety of entertainers across its six auditoria. The state-of-the-art center is home to two of the area’s musical bedrocks: The Florida Orchestra, a 40-plus-year tradition bringing Pops, Masterworks and “Coffee Concerts” to the region; and the critically renowned Opera Tampa, which has been producing masterpieces for 16 seasons.

Until recently, its productions have been conducted under the baton of maestro Anton Coppola, uncle of “Godfather” director Francis Ford Coppola, who finally retired this season at age 95.

Tampa also is renowned for its music festivals.

The Tampa Blues Fest just wrapped up its 17th annual event, with Jimmie Vaughn, Delbert McClinton and others performing at picturesque Vinoy Waterfront Park. Country music and classic rock acts play yearly at March’s Florida Strawberry Festival and November’s RibFest, and each fall, top Hispanic acts from around the world perform at Conga Caliente, Tampa’s premiere festival. St. Petersburg College hosts regular jazz and classical music festivals, and pop/rock enthusiasts should check out the national acts touring year-round at venues like The Crowbar (1812 17th St., 813/241-8600) and New World Brewery (1313 Eighth Ave., 813/248-4969). The historic Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St., 813/2748981), while primarily functioning as a cinema, also hosts the occasional touring act. arTS BonuS: Florida history buffs will find fertile ground for exploration in the Tampa Bay 110

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area, which is home to a number of museums spotlighting the state’s heritage. Occupying the site of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum (401 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813/2541891) is a gorgeous celebration of Tampa’s Gilded Age. The Cracker Country Living Heritage Museum (4800 Highway 301 N., 813/627-4225) is a re-creation of Florida’s turn-of-the-century rural life, where guests can visit a blacksmith shop, a hands-on farm, a “corn crib barn” and the Okahumpka Train Depot. Finally, the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum (3301 Gateway Center Blvd., 727/579-8226) showcases 44 classic cars in a 12,000-square-foot space.

Where To STaY/Dine: You can’t go wrong with the four-diamond Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay (2900 Bayport Drive, 813/874-1234), a 35-acre resort on a wildlife preserve minutes away from downtown Tampa and the beach. The resort offers three restaurants, four lounges—and copious egrets, herons and spoonbills. One of the area’s best, intimate and most exclusive restaurants is Six Tables Tampa (4267 Henderson Blvd., 813/207-0527). Indeed, the restaurant houses only six tables, on which diners are served a five-course prix fixe menu. Bern’s Steak House (1208 S. Howard Ave., 813/251-2421) regularly tops lists of the best restaurants in Tampa, with its more than 7,000 vintage wines and steaks served with a whopping six side dishes.

For more on The area: The Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens are among the many attractions. Plan out your trip at tampabay.com or visittampabay.com.

WeBSiTeS: strazcenter.org, floridaorchestra.org, operatampa.org, tampabaybluesfest.com, conga caliente.com, ribfest.org, flstrawberryfestival.com, tampatheatre.org, crowbarlive.com, newworld brewery.net, crackercountry.org, plantmuseum. com, tbauto.org may/june

Hallowed Halls Florida is revered for its fine music halls. Bob Lappin, maestro of the Palm Beach Pops, has performed in many of them; he offers his four favorite venues to play. ›› The Kravis Center [in downtown West Palm Beach] is a very [upscale] venue. It looks like some of the great opera houses in the country. It’s a beautiful place to work. ›› The Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo has a small but very nice cultural arts center. They run concerts and lectures and so forth. We played for four or five years there, and we hope to get back soon. ›› The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota has been running strong for 35 years, and its renovation in 2000 brought a new stage house and the best in lighting and sound. ›› The Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando has wonderful acoustics, making it a perfect fit for a symphony, ballet or opera company.

Clockwise from above: Stefan Sanderling conducting the Florida Orchestra; exterior of the Straz Center; an Opera Tampa performance of “Aida”

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The MuseuMs of sT. PeTersburg Drive time from Boca: Five hours What’s the DraW: It may be hard to reconcile Florida sun and fun with a museum visit—but truth be told, summertime is the perfect season to slip into a cool museum and indulge in great art and innovative presentations.

The newly opened Dali Museum (1 Dali Blvd., 727/823-3767) along the bay in St. Pete offers an impressive collection of the surrealist’s works and is distinguished by a building almost as dramatic, with its geodesic glass “Enigma” exterior and its spiral “Helical” staircase. The museum offers a definitive assemblage of the artist’s works, from his more impressionistic and representative early period to his later surreal style. Take the docentled tour, and don’t forget to check out the outdoor gardens and extensive gift shop.

The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center (400 Beach Drive, 727/822-7872) is best described as “eye candy,” with room after room of the glass master’s installations. Art and surroundings complement one another seamlessly inside the studio, designed by award-winning architect Albert Alfonso. The collection includes the massive Ruby Red Icicle chandelier and popular series such as Ikebana, Niijima floats (tumbling out of a fishing boat), Persians and Tumbleweed. There also is a gift store with Chihuly glass for sale.

The Florida Holocaust Museum (55 Fifth St. S., 727/820-0100) near downtown was established

by St. Petersburg philanthropist Walter P. Loebenberg, who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939 and wanted to build a living memorial to both victims and survivors of the Holocaust. The museum is positioned as a teaching institution, a keeper of memories and records—and a reminder that genocide still occurs. It offers commemorative lectures, events and seminars, and permanent exhibits, including one of the last remaining railroad boxcars used by the Nazis to transport Jews to concentration camps.

The graceful Museum of Fine Arts (255 Beach Drive N.E., 727/896-2667), also along the bay front downtown, may not receive the hype that Dali and Chihuly generate, but it delivers a solid museum experience, with impressive traveling exhibits and permanent collections. The museum claims to have objects representing “4,500 years of civilization” and recently featured an Egyptian 112

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antiquities exhibition. Highlights of the permanent collection include work by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir and a Steuben glass gallery. arts Bonus: A popular diversion the second Saturday night each month is the gallery walk in downtown St. Petersburg, generally along Central Avenue, where most of the small art galleries and studios are. Don’t miss the Florida Craftsmen Gallery (501 Central Ave., 727/821-7391) and the Craftsman House Gallery (2955 Central Ave., 727/323-2787). The St. Petersburg Downtown Arts Association (stpetearts.org) offers details.

Where to stay/Dine: The Vinoy Renaissance Resort (501 Fifth Ave., 727/894-1000) is both gorgeous and in the middle of everything.

At the beach, check out the legendary Don CeSar (3400 Gulf Blvd., 727/360-1881) and the groovy Postcard Inn On The Beach (6300 Gulf Blvd., 800/875-2347). Dining options include: Z Grille (104 Second St. S., 727/822-9600) or The Hangar overlooking the bay and Albert Whitted Airport (540 First St. S.E., 727/823-7767). for more on the area: Visit stpete clearwater.com for city information.

WeBsites: thedali.org, moreanartscenter.org, flholocaustmuseum.org, fine-arts.org, florida craftsmen.net, craftsmanhousegallery.com

The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center. Below: Exterior of the Dali Museum

may/june

MuseuM IngredIents There are a few standard traits that make a museum great: fascinating exhibitions, a collection featuring world-renowned artists and soaring architecture.

But Steven Maklansky, director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, suggests other noteworthy traits—and recommends

when U want to know

Florida museums that typify them. (Check out the museum’s Juried Art Festival in early 2013 at Mizner Park.)

QuirkineSS: This kind of museum offers something unexpected, like the Tallahassee Automobile Museum. Sure, it has great cars, but don’t miss the presentations of old

outboard motors, antique toys, bicycles, golf memorabilia and other assorted collections.

artists—plus it has a terrific art school.

CoMMuniTy ConSCiouSneSS: A great museum is the cultural epicenter—a creative incubator of its community.

The Foosaner Museum in Melbourne fulfills this role, focusing on interesting local

PlAyFulneSS: A museum can be serious fun! The Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa is a great place for children to learn and play.

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The Film CulTure oF orlando Drive time from Boca: Three and a half hours What’s the DraW: For most people, Central Florida remains a tourist playground and a college town—and neither of these distinctions suggest high culture. This made the Enzian (1300 S. Orlando Ave., 407/629-0054), a single-screen art-house theater, stand out all the more when it was founded in 1985 by Tina Tiedke. In a redesigned two-story house in Maitland, the theater quickly became a romantic getaway—the courtyard and bubbling fountain made it great for date nights—while tapping into the area’s nascent film culture. What started as a repertory venue for classic films and the occasional concert (composer Philip Glass has graced the stage) evolved into the area’s only theater for first-run independent films in 1989. Today, the Enzian is notable for showing both new films and classics through its regular “Cult Classics,” “Wednesday Night Pitcher Show” and “Saturday Matinee Classics” series.

Orlando also is home to the Florida Film Festival. Hosted each April at the Enzian and other theaters, it’s the most prominent film festival in the state; past guests of honor have included Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper and Steve Buscemi.

Throughout the fall, movie lovers can frequent an ever-expanding number of other prominent festivals in the region, including September’s Global Peace Film Festival; October’s Orlando Film Festival, South Asian Film Festival and Freak Show Horror Film Festival; and November’s Central Florida Jewish Film Festival and Brouhaha Film and Video Showcase. arts Bonus: Returning for an impressive 20th

Film Festival 101 Gregory von Hausch, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, offers three tips on attending an out-of-town film festival.

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year, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival is just around the corner, beginning May 16 and running through May 28.

Inspired by the original Edinburgh fringe festivals in the mid-1990s— in which outsider artists not invited to the Edinburgh International Festival would stage makeshift plays in empty shops and church basements—the Orlando Fringe Festival is raw, intimate, uncensored and unpredictable, with classics and world premieres spanning nine venues.

Where to stay/Dine: The Westgate Lakes Resort (10000 Turkey Lake Road, 407/345-0000) includes the world-famous Serenity Spa, seven heated pools and seven hot tubs. It’s pet-friendly and has a fitness center, game room and activities center. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is home to Victoria & Albert’s (4401 Floridian Way, 407/9393862), offering five-star modern American cuisine with elements imported from Italy, Japan and across the U.S. Seafood and steak lovers should flock to Fishbone’s (6707 Sand Lake Road, 407/352-0135).

Enzian theater in Orlando

The Enzian consistently draws some of the highest grosses in Florida for arthouse films.

for more on the area: Orlando also is home to a bustling downtown with nightlife that includes The Social (54 N. Orange Ave., 407-246-1419), a renowned nightclub/concert venue. Visit downtown orlando.com and visitorlando.com for city info.

WeBsites: enzian.org, floridafilmfestival.com, peacefilmfest.org, orlandofilmfest.com, orlandofringe.org

›› Plan your accommodations, airlines and car rental through festival sponsors. Generally, you’ll find your best deals and save substantially. Most offer discounted rates and a festival ticket package to boot.

›› scoPe out tHe films, events, parties and visiting talent, and purchase your tickets in advance before they sell out. Also, buy a pass rather than purchase tickets à la carte. This allows you to react to the “buzz” about a film, and walk out on the groaners ... and into a different film.

›› exPerience tHe town on a fraction of the cost. Festivals generally offer side trips and events at area venues. In addition to saving you money, you’ll have more fun than going it alone.

may/june

Statewide artS Calendar EvEnt

WhEn

W h at

WhErE

c o n ta c t

SunFest

Established headliners and emerging acts perform along the waterfront at this music and art festival.

May 2–6, 2012

Downtown West Palm Beach

sunfest.com

Orlando Fringe Festival

This 13-day festival of uncensored, unjuried, accessible theater, art and dance is the longest-running fringe festival in the country.

May 16–28, 2012

Loch Haven Park, 900 E. Princeton St.

407/648-0077 or orlandofringe.org

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

A-list jazz luminaries play on several stages during Memorial Day weekend, with beer tastings and a juried art show adding to the fun.

May 24–27, 2012

Multiple stages in downtown Jacksonville

904/630-3690 or visitjacksonville.com/ jazzfestival

Florida Folk Festival

Folk musicians have entertained audiences for 60 years at this acclaimed celebration of music, dance, crafts and food.

May 25–27, 2012

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs

877/635-3655 or floridastateparks.org/ folkfest

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Florida’s longest film festival features boatloads of Late October local, national and international premieres and celebrity guests.

A handful of theaters in Broward County

954/788-1067 or fliff. com

Downtown Festival and Art Show

More than 250 artists from across the nation sell and display watercolors, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography and more to the sounds of live local bands and dance companies.

East University Avenue in downtown Gainesville

352/393-8536 or gvculturalaffairs.org

Miami Book Fair International

Rare books and best-sellers alike will be sold at a Nov. 11–18, 2012 weekend street fair, and top authors and celebrities will speak at countless author events over eight days.

Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Miami

305/237-3315 or miamibookfair.com

Ribfest

Country and classic rock acts perform in one of Florida’s largest music festivals, which also includes barbecue food and children’s activities.

Mid-November

Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. N.E., Tampa Bay

727/688-6353 or ribfest.org

Art Basel

Arguably the most important art fair in the United States, showcasing work by more than 2,000 artists across five continents.

Dec. 6–9, 2012

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach

305/674-1292 or artbaselmiamibeach. com

Downtown Stuart Art Festival

Photography, life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings and unique jewelry fill the streets in historic Stuart.

Late February

Osceola Street in downtown Stuart

561/746-6615

Florida Strawberry Festival

Country, pop and classic rock acts highlight this 11-day music festival that also features a midway filled with rides, plenty of food—and much more.

Beginning of March

303 N. Lemon St., Plant City

813/752-9194 or flstrawberryfestival. com

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

The country’s top artists vie for cash prizes and offer art in more than a dozen mediums in one of the highestrated art fairs in the U.S.

Beginning of March

Downtown Tampa

813/876-1747 or gasparilla-arts.com

South Beach Comedy Festival

Top comedians from around the country converge for four days of laughs in Miami.

Beginning of March

Several venues in Miami

southbeach comedyfestival.com

Miami International Film Festival

Workshops, guest speakers, extravagant parties and art-house film premieres highlight this annual festival.

Beginning of March

A handful of movie theaters in Miami

305/237-3456 or miamifilmfestival.com

Jazz in the Gardens A diverse music festival featuring multicultural foods and A-list artists from jazz’s many subgenres.

Mid-March

Sun Life Stadium, 2269 N.W. 199th St., Miami Gardens

877/640-JAZZ or jazzinthegardens.com

Festival of the Arts Boca

A celebration of music, dance, film and literature featuring national, international and local talent.

Mid-March

Mizner Park, Plaza Real, Boca Raton

561/368-8445 or festivalofthearts boca.org

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

Artists compete for 62 awards totaling more than $60,000 in prizes at this picturesque outdoor festival, which draws 300,000 visitors over three days.

Mid-March

Downtown Winter Park

407/672-6390 or wpsaf.org

Ultra Music Festival

Techno, electronic, indie and new wave acts take the stage at this increasingly popular alt-music festival.

Late March

Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami

ultramusicfestival. com

Wanee Music Festival

World-renowned funk, jam and classic-rock bands perform at this large music festival.

Mid-April

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak

waneefestival.com

Florida Film Festival

Florida’s most significant film festival features top-tier celebrities and premieres from around the world.

Mid-April

Enzian theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, and other theaters

407/629-1088 or floridafilmfestival.com

Delray Affair

Three days of arts and crafts by 800 of the best artists, crafters and photographers from around the country.

Mid-April

Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach

561/278-0424 or delrayaffair.com

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Oct. 13–14, 2012

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The Fine (and Fun) arTs oF Jacksonville Drive time from Boca: Five hours What’s the DraW: Four major arts entities have helped Jacksonville emerge as a cultural hot spot in northern Florida. It starts with The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens (829 Riverside Ave., 904/356-6857), the city’s graceful old dowager of a museum—surrounded by stately gardens in the city’s historic Riverside neighborhood on the St. Johns River. Despite its dignified lineage, the Cummer has an exciting collection (nearly 5,000 works of art), representing a comprehensive timeline and heavyweights like Peter Paul Rubens, Winslow Homer and Norman Rockwell. The gardens also are a draw, with rare horticulture blooming under a romantic canopy of live oaks, with a formal English garden, an Italian garden, reflecting pools, fountains and sculptures.

The Ritz Theatre and Museum (829 N. Davis St., 904/632-5555), a 1929 Art Deco structure in downtown Jacksonville, got its start during the pre-integration days of the 1930s with artists who worked the “Chitlin Circuit,” names like Count Basie, Cab Calloway and Billie Holiday. Back then, the Ritz was a thriving theater on the circuit and a center of entertainment for African-Americans in Jacksonville. Its museum is named after the African-American settlement at that time, La Villa, known as the “Harlem of the South.” Today, the 400-seat theater, which was renovated in the 1990s, hosts concerts, lectures, theater, dance and movies. The adjacent museum offers historical exhibits commemorating African-American history with photos, artifacts and traveling exhibits.

For years, the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (333 N. Laura St., 904/366-6911) has been the city’s fun, hip museum. In a groovy Art Deco building at Hemming Plaza downtown, the former Jacksonville Art Museum has refined its collection to represent work from the 1960s onward, which also adds to its groove factor. Artists represented include Alexander Calder, Alex Katz, Robert Rauschenberg, Paul Jenkins, Jules Olitski, James Rosenquist and Joan Mitchell. There is also a “hands-on, interactive center Art Explorium” loft for families, which makes this more than a shuffle-andstare kind of art museum.

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Florida Theatre (128 E Forsyth St., Jacksonville, 904/355-5661), one of Jacksonville’s great arts success stories, dates from 1927 when it was the city’s largest, most elaborate movie theater. Part “fantasy” architecture, part Mediterranean Revival, it was designed by prestigious New York architect R.E. Hall with local architect Roy Benjamin. It was probably most famous for one night in the 1950s when it hosted Elvis Presley—under the watchful eye of juvenile court judge Marion Gooding in the audience. The theater later spiraled into decline until it was rescued and renovated in the 1980s.

Today, it’s as dazzling as it was when it opened, hosting about 200 events a year. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it offers stateof-the-art technology. Check out this handsome venue for concerts, dance, movies and more. arts Bonus: Festivals are big in the area during the summer. The Jacksonville Film Festival is in May, and there is a Jacksonville Beach Summer Jazz Series in June, July and August at the SeaWalk Pavilion at Jacksonville Beach.

Where to stay/Dine: One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach (1 Ocean Blvd., 904/2497402) is right in the middle of all the beach action. To the south, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club (200 Ponte Vedra Blvd., 904/285-1111) offers a full oceanfront complement of great amenities. The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (225 E. Coastline Drive, 904/588-1234) is close to all the city’s downtown attractions. The area near the Beach Town Center and One Ocean offers a wide array of dining—from the classic Sun Dog Diner (207 Atlantic Blvd., 904/241-8221) to the upscale 11 South a little farther away (216 S. 11th Ave., 904/241-1112).

“Amateur Night,” on the first Friday of every month at the Ritz Theatre, is modeled after the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo in New York.

Clockwise from right: Poster for an early Elvis concert at the Florida Theatre; Diana of the Hunt at the Cummer; Florida Theatre; inside the Museum of Contemporary Art

for more on the area: Check out visitjacksonville.com for information on hotels, activities, travel deals and much more.

WeBsites: cummer.org, ritzjacksonville.com, mocajacksonville.org, floridatheatre.com, jacksonvillefilmfestival.com, jacksonvillebeach.org may/june

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W rkingCl ss W sdom People line up to hear from the likes of politicians and pundits, scholars and celebrities. But what about the average working men and women who patrol our streets, mow our lawns, cut our hair and pour our beers? It’s time to pick their brains and discover the pearls of wisdom they’ve gleaned from years of hard work.

By Chelsea Greenwood PhotoGraPhy By aaron Bristol

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i’ve probably saved [the lives of ] 100 people, maybe more.

Steve Griffith

Lifeguard, 51 You could say that protecting the public is in his blood: Of Griffith’s six brothers and sisters, five are lifeguards or firefighters. The Boca resident started 33 years ago as an ocean lifeguard in Maryland; he’s been working for the City of Boca Raton since 1983. When he’s not patrolling local beaches, the lieutenant lifeguard participates in triathlons and other races.

PeoPle think it’s a cool, macho thing

... but when you’re the only lifeguard there, and you hear someone [has gone] down in an unguarded area—and there’s somebody floating and now you have to do CPR? It’s pretty traumatic.

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sTEvE gRiffiTh (conT.) Lifeguard, 51

in oThER ciTy jobs, you have to pass a phys-

ical test when you get hired, but then you don’t have to take that same physical test [again]. We have to take the same tests as a brand-new lifeguard; you have to be able to react as you did when you were 18.

WE’RE in pRETTy decent shape, especially

the older guys.

onE of My fiRsT REscuEs, when I was

17 or 18, was this older gentleman. A wave picked him up, he hit the sandbar and broke his neck. I went out there and fished him out. Thank god the guy

made it. It scared the bejeezus out of me. But it’s all part of it. lifEguaRds pRETTy Much always know

what’s going on around them, wherever they go. You have to understand, we’re supposed to look back and forth every 30 seconds; it becomes so habit forming that it carries over into your daily life.

you TRy To do ThE bEsT you can, do what

you were trained to do and hope for the big guy upstairs to push this one through.

you havE To REspEcT the ocean.

Every family needs to ask: Who’s running the household?

The parents or the child?

MElaniE Rand WEinbauM

Nanny, 54 Weinbaum was so good at raising her two kids and keeping them on regular schedules that she decided to try her hand caring for other children. That was 20 years ago. The Boca resident, who is part of local nanny agency Heidi’s Helpers (heidishelpers. net), has since cared for children in more than 100 homes. She also has seven years of experience working with special-needs children in the Palm Beach County school system, which enables her to provide specialized at-home care for autistic and disabled kids. a loT of paREnTs don’t know [much about

raising a child] besides reading What to Expect when You’re Expecting. Things in the book are black and white, but there’s always a gray area in real life. I use my knowledge to help parents transition. It’s definitely a team effort.

This is My MaRk in life.

ThE fiRsT Thing I look for in a house is

that the outlets are plugged, there are no sharp edges, [and the] cabinets are locked. I’m very aware of safety matters.

i givE ThE childREn TLC, and it makes my

heart so full. I treat them as if they were my own.

iT’s Tough bEing a kid, with all the bullying

and peer pressure and drugs. It’s definitely a lot more challenging raising kids now than when my kids were growing up.

paREnTs havE childREn do activities every

day on top of schoolwork: violin lessons and tennis lessons and Hebrew school and soccer practice. ... I think a lot of these kids are overwhelmed and exhausted. Everything’s a balance.

iT’s sad WhEn I have to leave a family. I re-

ally become attached to every child. It’s not just a 9-to-5 job where you go home and forget about work. It’s constant. I give so much of myself.

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Tim mcKinney

Nurse, 46 Although McKinney has been a registered nurse for 20 years, he feels that he’s been in the profession much longer. His mother had multiple sclerosis from the time he was born, and his father passed away when McKinney was 6. So McKinney and his mother took care of each other as best they could. Those early lessons still resonate today in the Ocean Ridge resident’s role working with critically ill patients at Boca Raton Regional Hospital (800 Meadows Road, 561/955-7100). i geT saTisfacTion from seeing patients

smile, because that’s a reflection of what’s going on inside. You can take vital signs and all that, but when you get a smile on someone’s face, that’s different. That comes from your soul and reflects your feelings. That’s something they can’t really teach you in nursing school.

Being a nurse has confirmed what I’ve

always felt: Human nature is good, and people will rise to the occasion whenever someone truly needs something.

Be very aware of what you put into your

body because it really is your temple; it’s like putting bad gasoline in a car.

one of my favoriTe quotes is by Maya An-

gelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

when someBody grabs your hand and won’t

let go, you know you are really there for them. You’re providing them a strength; they might not be able to go through this emotionally [without you].

you have To geT the most out of every day.

We’re not all promised 90 years.

death is a part of life. we’re on a journey.

There’s a start, and there’s a finish. when U want to know

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Mike Skenian

Landscaper, 48 Skenian’s business is proof that, just like raising a sapling to become a tree, time and determination can make big things grow. The Boston native started Grasshopper’s Landscaping & Design (10480 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/638-2356) in the late 1980s with a push lawnmower; 25 years later, he has more than 125 employees and a stellar reputation locally. When Skenian isn’t on the job, the Delray resident and nature lover spends time with his wife and two kids out on the ocean.

White flieS and unrealistic clients are the

two toughest tigers to tame.

if you Want to educate yourself—and [if

you] have the perseverance and patience—[you can] have a green thumb.

Mother nature is very delicate. By no

means am I an environmentalist, but most people don’t realize how fragile Mother Nature is.

When you Say you’re going to be there, be

there. If you’re going to be there on Tuesday, be there that Tuesday and not four Tuesdays from now. Promptness is a rarity these days.

the right plant for the right place. More

often than not, clients don’t want to understand that. I want them to enjoy their landscape, enjoy their home, enjoy life and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Erika HuErta

Cop, 29 If you recognize Huerta, it could be for any number of reasons. As a member of the road patrol for Broward County Sheriff’s Office, she could have pulled you over for speeding.

Or you might remember the Miami resident from her burgeoning modeling career (her innate love of running keeps her in top shape for such pursuits). Most likely, you know her from her appearance on season two of TLC’s “Police Women of Broward County” reality TV show, in which she proudly represented the female side of the force.

PEoPlE tHink that cops are insensitive. I

don’t think that’s the case. That’s just the demeanor we have to have to get the job done.

i PullEd ovEr a vehicle because of an

expired tag. It was late at night, and it took half a mile or more to stop; I became very suspicious. When he did stop, it was on a dark street; I could sense that there was a lot of movement inside the vehicle. I made up my mind that I didn’t want to approach. When the canine unit arrived, we found weapons and drugs in the car. It goes to show that you never know what you’re getting yourself into, and you have to be extremely cautious.

always go with your intuition. i’m vEry good witH PEoPlE. I have this

ability to be compassionate, and I’m very attentive to people’s needs. I think that makes me stand out.

i noticE tHat when I’m out of the uni-

form I’m still looking around, making sure no one is following me. I tend to get caught up with my job even in my personal life.

it was tHE bEst of both worlds because

I was able to do my job and be on TV at the same time. I was able to show the world what female cops can do.

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Abby bernstein

Store manager, 22 Bernstein designed her first room when she was 12—and the rest is history. While she majored in fashion merchandising, the Delray resident became buyer and partner for mother Doris Gilman’s home decor shop, Fine Things (2200 W. Glades Road, #504, Boca Raton, 561/392-5747), when it opened in its second incarnation in 2008. the customer is always right. Always. i’ve grown up with interior design my

whole life. It just comes naturally.

i know pretty much all of my regular cus124

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tomers. It’s a personal experience when they come in. sometimes the customer just isn’t sure, and

they need your opinion 20 different times in 20 different ways to make them feel comfortable with their purchase. I’m not a patient person, but I try to stay patient, stay engaged, and make them feel comfortable and breathe.

the best Advice about interior design? From

my mom: Don’t pick a specific style; just do what feels right in the space.

the only pet peeve that I have is when I greet

customers, and they don’t acknowledge me.

I would say [70] percent of customers are nice, and 30 percent are ... not so nice. you hAve to leArn to keep your family re-

lationship different from your work relationship. [In addition to working with her mother], I also work with my best friend, so we have an understanding that it’s two different relationships. I might get mad at you at work, but that’s work and not our friendship.

AlwAys think on your toes. Always be

prepared. And always be honest with the customer. may/june

George Ryan at DeLux

george ryan

Bouncer, 38 It may seem like Ryan is living a double life—he’s a gym teacher by day (at Bak Middle School of the Arts) and a bouncer by night—but the Port St. Lucie resident thinks they go hand in hand. “I teach little kids by day and big kids by night,” he says. He got into the doorman business to earn extra cash during the summer, but he has been at his post at DeLux (16 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/279-4792) since it opened in 2001. when yoU have a really bad drunk, treat them with respect. Because

some of the worst drunks on a single night have come back to be the best customers and the nicest people. Anyone can have that bad night. Anyone who’s been out drinking enough has had that really bad night.

PeoPle get it if you speak to them the right way. A lot of doormen

speak down to people; there’s no need for that.

there were two different nights when a car came up the curb [near

the club’s entrance on Atlantic Avenue] and literally ran people over. Absolute chaos. Miraculously, nobody died.

don’t touch the rope. do not touch the rope.

working at nightclUbs has caused me to drink less ... and it’s taught

me about moderation.

gUys will only PUsh a situation so far. Women tend to run their

mouths more than men, knowing that they can’t get hit.

PeoPle at the clUb will say, “Wow, I can’t picture you as a teacher.”

And then people at school will say, “Wow, I can’t picture you as a doorman.” So I guess I’m playing each of my roles correctly.

Fay Pratt at Spa Palazzo

Fay Pratt

Massage therapist, 36 When her mother transitioned from nursing to massage, Pratt caught the bug; the Bahamian has been working out the kinks ever since. The Tamarac resident has spent 11 years at Spa Palazzo at Boca Raton Resort & Club (501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 888/543-1277).

Most PeoPle have something they’re self-conscious about. With

women, it’s mostly their stomach—they don’t want their stomachs touched, and a lot of them don’t want you to do their hair or face.

Men are Pretty easygoing. Whatever you do, they’re good.

UsUally PeoPle will talk for five to 10 minutes; they want to know

something about you because you’re going to work on them naked.

yoU never know what to expect when you go into a room. soMe PeoPle have breakdowns; they start talking about a sick

relative or family problems, and they have an emotional release [during the massage]. Sometimes it goes over the time limit of the session, and they’re still crying. You can’t run them out of the room, so you let them clear their mind and gently wrap it up.

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Crystal turner

Bartender, 28 Regulars at Cut 432 (432 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/272-9898) are well acquainted with “Tiny”—aka Turner—a pint-sized ball of enthusiasm who runs the bar on Wednesday nights. The Delray resident clearly has energy to spare; she’s studying to become a real-estate agent, and she’s also a professional dancer (which she majored in at Florida Atlantic University). you Can tell how often someone drinks, or

what kind of habitual drinker they are, by what they order. When ladies come in and get something fruity, they don’t drink that often. If someone gets tequila on the rocks, they mean business.

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the more I learn about red wine, the more

I like it—and the more I drink it. Other than that, a good tequila or Jameson Irish whiskey. Those are my three go-tos.

PeoPle seem to thInk that because you are a

bartender, you don’t have another career.

I’m a sweet lIttle gIrl. Some bartend-

ers pull off that badass [vibe]; I’d say I’m the opposite. When I get hit on, I smile, giggle and walk in the other direction. It’s not my thing, but it’s flattering.

when you go Into a bar, you want to have

a good time, you want to have fun. You don’t want a chick with an attitude serving you drinks.

you Can’t judge PeoPle. You have to take

the time to get to know them.

I got a $1,000 tIP onCe. I thought it was a

mistake, but it was an exact amount, written in [on the credit card receipt]. It was shocking, because I had never met him before. He was with his wife, and they were fighting. That was insane. I’ll never forget that.

beIng a bartender makes you aware of how

obnoxious and unattractive the sloppy drunk is. [Watching it] sober, you’re like, “I hope that’s never me.” So when you go out, you’re more likely to be like, “OK, it’s time to go home.”

may/june

Miguel Bosco

Hair stylist, 47 The moment he graduated high school, Bosco knew that he wanted to do hair for a living.

The Panamanian brings nearly 30 years of experience to Salon Oasis (6100 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561/482-9610)—and the Boca resident also brings an international flair to his work, thanks to his extensive travels and time living in Germany.

When soMeone comes to me for the

first time, I have to know everything about them: what kind of job they do, their age, if they’re single or married.

That’s the only way I can choose the right style.

ninety-nine percent of customers tell

me about their lives. You have to be able to keep a secret. When the client leaves, [you] forget about it. Most people don’t have anyone else to talk to.

soMetiMes it’s aWkWard. Like when an

85-year-old lady tells you about her sex life.

you have to continue educating your-

self, not only about hair but everything that’s going on in the world.

You have to evolve with the times.

this joB has taught me tolerance. You

learn to love everybody.

i have a passion for hair. and when you have a passion about something, that’s everything.

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Whatever Suits You Summer swimwear, as staged by the fashion photography class at Lynn University, is a sight to behold.

PhotograPhy by EllEn StErn

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Her: Red Carter swimsuit, price upon request, from Everything But Water, Town Center at Boca Raton; Michael Kors handbag, $695, and Brian Atwood shoes, $845, from Saks Fifth Avenue, Town Center; Carrera sunglasses, $140, from Neiman Marcus, Town Center; bangles, price upon request, from Macy’s, Town Center.

Him: Boss Black swimsuit, $49, from Nordstrom, Town Center when U want to know

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Her: Red Carter swimsuit, price upon request, from Everything But Water; mesh cover, $35, from Forever 21, Town Center; Brian Atwood shoes, $820, from Saks Fifth Avenue; yellow bangles, $15 each, silver bangle, $27, and pink bangles, $33 each, all from Macy’s.

Him: Boss Black swimsuit, $49, from Nordstrom; scuba jacket, $125, from Sports Authority, Boca Raton

Red Carter swimsuit, price upon request, from Everything But Water; Diane von Furstenberg scuba skirt, $225, Proenza Schouler handbag, $1,195, and Carrera sunglasses, $140, all from Neiman Marcus; earrings, $55, yellow bangle, $25, silver bangle, $28 and black bangle, $28, all from Macy’s

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Her: Nike sport shirt, price upon request, from Sports Authority; Patricia Field shorts, price upon request, from Serendipity, Boca Raton; Celine handbag, $1,150, from Saks Fifth Avenue; shoes, $124, from Aldo, Town Center; bangles, $25 each, and necklace, $76, from Macy’s.

Him: Shorts, price upon request, from Sports Authority; Carrera sunglasses, $165, from Neiman Marcus

About the Lynn teAm The fashion photography class, offered through the College of International Communication at Lynn University, ran for nearly three weeks during the January term. The experiential learning course gave students an opportunity to study the history of fashion photography, view the work of current fashion photographers and produce an actual fashion shoot—from scouting locations and hiring models to conceptualizing and executing the shoot. ellen Stern, who taught the course, worked as a fashion photographer for 10 years; she’s an assistant professor of photography at Lynn.

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StyliSt: David A. Fittin, Artist Management Art director: Kathleen Ross StyliSt ASSiStAnt: Rosio Guerra HAir And mAkeup: Davide Calcinai, Artist Management modelS: Inma Torres, MC2 Model Management, Miami; Deive Garces, Wilhelmina Models, Miami retoucHing: Justin Michel SHot on locAtion at Terrazas River Park Village in Miami Check out bocamag.com for behind-the-scenes photos.

Purse, price upon request, from Jimmy Choo, Palm Beach; Carrera sunglasses, $140, and Bailey 44 dress, $152, from Neiman Marcus; ring, $37, pink bangle, $25, silver bangles, $28 each, all from Macy’s

dining sOuTh fLA.

GuIDE

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d’angelo review kapow noodle review cheap eats neighborhood pick the boca find discovery pita party

D’ANGELO TRATTORIA

cristina morgado

Patterned after a Roman trattoria, this stylish Delray restaurant has raised the bar for Italian cuisine.

Read food editor Bill Citara’s review on the following page.

stars next to restaurants in the guide: Boca raton Hall of famer

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Sorrentina pizza Inset: Chef Rickie Piper

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dining guide

Pappardelle casarecce with sausage and baby meatballs

review

d’angELo trattoria 9 S.E. Seventh Ave., Delray Beach, 561/330-1237

W

IF YOU GO may not stir a taste bud in New York, Chicago or San Francisco, but here they are as refreshing as a late-July thunderstorm.

Speaking of refreshing, you can’t start without mentioning the restaurant’s stellar burrata with roasted fava beans and watercress salad, which sets milky, indecently creamy burrata against nutty and earthy favas, sweet roasted tomatoes and peppery watercress. Fried calamari—big, gum-tender hoops given a gossamer-light flouring and quick, greaseless frying—is plated with just as carefully fried baby artichokes and pickled hot peppers.

All they need is a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.

Pastas are as elemental as tonnarelli cacio e pepe, squared-off Roman-style spaghetti tossed with pungent pecorino Romano and plenty of black pepper, and as elaborate as pappardelle casarecce, fat pasta ribbons in a lusty tomato

ragout with sausage and miniature meatballs, crowned with a dollop of sweet-tangy buffalo milk ricotta.

The menu lists only a handful of main courses, with a seafood special that is often branzino, a mildflavored Mediterranean sea bass which at one visit arrived lightly kissed with lemon and dill and accompanied by grilled eggplant and silken, truffle-blessed mashed potatoes. Four thick, rosy and immensely savory lamb chops showed off a pleasant char from the wood-fired oven and a gilding of crisp-fried polenta and garlicky mushrooms.

Desserts are simple, not too sweet and very Italian. Like baba rum, a rich brioche-like cake graced with vanilla custard, caramel sauce and fresh fruit, or house-made gelato, some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Like I said, the good old dining days are right now, and as close as dinner at D’Angelo Trattoria.

—Bill Citara

inSide the diSh Few dishes are as beloved by chefs and People of Food than roasted veal bone marrow. Think foie gras without the liver— warm, creamy, slightly gelatinous fat that melts in your mouth and oozes down your throat like the purest essence of luxury.

To keep from being cloying, it demands contrast. That’s exactly what Trattoria delivers—crispy croutons of “casareccio” (house-made) bread and bitingly tart parsley-caper pesto. They go together like a horse and carriage.

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PRICE RANGE: Entrées $14–$29 CREDIT CARDS: All major cards HOURS: Sun.–Thurs.

5–10:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5–11 p.m.

SophiSticated Style D’Angelo Trattoria’s food may be “rustic Italian,” but its design is just the opposite.

Done by Broward architect Angelo Leon, the 1920s-era cottage was completely gutted to create a smartly contemporary yet thoroughly comfortable restaurant. A fetching outdoor patio leads to a dining room that celebrates natural materials and plays dark against light.

Think espresso-stained hardwood floors against Frank Lloyd Wright-ish bands of rough-finished limestone blocks, and black granite counters against the copperfaced wood-fired oven and custom-made light sconces.

may/june

Cristina Morgado

hen it comes to dining out in our little corner of paradise, the good old days are right now.

Clay Conley dishes up big city cuisine at his casually sophisticated Buccan in Palm Beach. Dennis Max tapped into the big city “farm-to-table” movement with Max’s Harvest in Delray. Shaun and Sharon Aloisio brought true Neapolitan pizza to Delray with Scuola Vecchia.

And now Angelo Elia, whose Casa D’Angelos in Boca and Fort Lauderdale have already done much to raise the local Italian dining bar, has opened a wickedly stylish interpretation of an authentic Roman trattoria, serving self-described “rustic” fare marked by impeccable raw materials and precise kitchen execution.

Don’t let the rustic thing fool you.

This isn’t another dandified red sauce joint cranking out the gazillionth version of dishes so commonplace they’ve become culinary clichés. At D’Angelo Trattoria, Elia is putting his menu where his mouth is: deepfried artichokes, roasted veal bone marrow (see sidebar), braised tripe, wild boar ragout, squid ink risotto, oven-roasted piglet. These dishes

Open Daily • Happy Hour 4 – 7 pm • Delray’s Best Brunch Sat & Sun 9 am – 2:30 pm

Enjoy a seasonally inspired, three-course prix fixe menu for $35*

The Recipe for a Perfect Evening ONE PART STYLE • ONE PART TASTE • ONE PART RHYTHM

Delray’s hottest bar scene • sensational seasonal menu • live entertainment featuring Orson Whitfield

For information or reservations, visit theatlanticgrille.com or call 561-665-4900 At The Seagate Hotel, 1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Å Scan for special offer and entertainment schedule

*Tax and gratuity not included.

dining guide

Dining Key $ Inexpensive: Under $17 $$ Moderate: $18–$35 $$$ Expensive: $36–$50 $$$$ Very Expensive: $50 +

palm beach county boca raton abe & louie’s—2200 W. Glades Road.

Steaks. This outpost of the Boston steak house cooks up slabs of well-aged, USDA Prime beef like nobody’s business. Two of the best are the bone-in ribeye and New York sirloin. Start with a crab cocktail, but don’t neglect side dishes like steamed spinach and hash browns. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/4470024. $$$ arturo’s ristorante—6750 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Arturo’s quiet, comfortable dining room; slightly formal, rigorously professional service; and carefully crafted Italian dishes never go out of style. You’ll be tempted to make a meal of the array of delectable antipasti from the antipasti cart, but try to leave room for main courses like giant shrimp with tomatoes, cannellini beans, rosemary and an exceptionally well-done risotto.

• Lunch Mon.–Fri. 561/997-7373. $$$ biergarten—309 Via De Palmas. 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 an upscale burger featuring Florida Wagyu beef, knockwurst, cheddar cheese and several other accouterments. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462. $

bistro provence—2399 N. Federal Highway.

French. With the convivial ambience and hearty good food of an authentic Parisian bistro, this inviting, unpretentious restaurant deserves its local popularity. Mussels are a specialty, and roasted duck is excellent too. • Dinner nightly.

561/368-2340. $$ 138

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bonefish grill—21069 Powerline Road. Sea-

food. Market-fresh seafood is the cornerstone—like Chilean sea bass prepared over a wood-burning grill and served with sweet Rhea’s topping (crabmeat, sautéed spinach and a signature lime, tomato and garlic sauce.) • Dinner nightly. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/732-9142; 9897 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, 561/965-2663; 11658 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/799-2965) $$

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 Wagyu beef carpaccio to a lighter version of the hardy chopped salad 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 daily. 561/368-1077. $$$ carmen’s—999 E. El Camino Real. Continental.

The Rat Pack lives and the view of the Intracoastal is sublime at this throwback restaurant on the top floor of the Bridge Hotel, where pianist-singer Michael Masci channels the likes of Sinatra with aplomb. The menu mixes the familiar with a few more modern updates, veering from a mild-tasting Caesar salad and tender charbroiled filet mignon to a tempura snapper with sweet chili sauce.

Cocktails are a strong suit. • Dinner Thurs.–Sat. 561/368-9500. $$$ caruso ristorante—187 S.E. Mizner Blvd.

Italian. Former Chicago chef-restaurateurs Lillo and Gina Teodosi bring big-city dining to town. The ambience is welcoming, the service rigorously professional and the food is so lovingly prepared it makes even the most familiar dishes special. Among them: a farm-fresh caprese salad, giant truffle-perfumed veal chop and zabaglione that’s made to order. The light, feathery, delicate gnocchi are merely the best in South Florida. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily.

561/367-7488. $$$

casa d’angelo—171 E. Palmetto Park Road.

Italian. Angelo Elia’s impeccable Italian restaurant is a delight, from the stylish room to the suave service to the expansive wine list, not to mention food that’s by turn elegant, hearty, bold, subtle and always delicious. Dishes off the regular menu make excellent choices, like fat prawns wrapped in pancetta and grilled. But pay attention to specials like pan-seared snapper and scallops in a spicy, garlicky cherry tomato sauce. • Dinner nightly. 561/338-1703. $$$

the cheesecake factory—5530 Glades Road. American. Oh, the choices! The chain even has a Sunday brunch menu in addition to its main menu, which includes Chinese chicken salad and Cajun jambalaya. Don’t forget about the cheesecakes—from white chocolate and raspberry truffle offerings. • Lunch and dinner daily.

561/393-0344. (Other Palm Beach County locations: CityPlace, West Palm Beach, 561/802-3838; Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/776-3711) $$ chops lobster bar—101 Plaza Real S., Royal Palm Place. Steak, seafood. 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 Australian tails flash-fried and served with drawn butter or sizable Maine specimens stuffed with crab. • Dinner nightly.

561/395-2675. $$$$

cuban café—3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd.

Cuban. Diners pack into this traditional Cuban restaurant at lunchtime for specials that start at $6.95, including lechón asado, slow-roasted pork served with white rice and black beans. Other highlights include the Cuban sandwich. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/750-8860. $ curries & more—217 E. Palmetto Park Road.

Indian. There’s a lot more than just curries at this cozy Indian restaurant—crisp, beignet-like pakoras, perfect for dipping in one of three mild but flavorful chutneys; tender and juicy grilled meats and poultry; an array of palate-piquing vegetarian dishes. The curries are good, too. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. Dinner Sun. 561/392-2999. $

gary woo asian bistro—3400 N. Federal

Highway. Chinese. Everything about this popular restaurant is restrained—the ambience, the decor, the presentations. And the food can be that way, as well. Even supposedly spicy dishes are bereft of heat. Still, the ingredients and preparation are first-rate. Try the duck spring rolls to start, and then enjoy steak kew or Grand Marnier prawns.

• Lunch Mon., Wed.–Fri. Dinner Wed.–Mon. 561/368-8803. $$

grand lux cafe—Town Center at Boca Raton.

American. The Cheesecake Factory’s sister brand is an upscale take on the original formula, with an atmosphere inspired by the great cafes of Europe.

The menu offers a range of international flavors, and the specialty baked-to-order desserts are always a big hit. • Lunch and dinner daily; breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. 561/392-2141. $$ may/june

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561-368-2900

WWW.NICKSPIZZERIABAR.COM 2240 NW 19th St.

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Glades Plaza Suite 904 • Boca Raton, FL 33431

dining guide

review

KAPOW! NOODLE BAR 431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 561/347-7322

cRistiNA mORgADO

Pork ramen with poached egg

T

here’s no other way to say it, Kapow! is a Where the salmon is subtle, Korean-style knockout. beef tartare is bold, fat cubes of gum-tender After smartly drawing inspirabeef tossed with a mildly spicy chili mixture tion from such hip, Asian-esque eateries as and presented with soothing wasabi sour New York’s Momofuku, local nightlife/dining cream and shards of crisp Asian pear. East maven Rodney Mayo and meets West in Deliciousville partners did a second very with Kapow’s duck confit smart thing—they hired chef steamed buns, a pair of IF YOU GO Roy Villacrusis, whose nowarepa-like sammies filled shuttered Kubo was one of with plush confit, tangy goat PRICE RANGE: the most original and exciting cheese and a prick of sweetEntrées $12–$23 restaurants in South Florida. ness from dried cherries.

CREDIT CARDS: Now, sadly, Villacrusis is Rock shrimp tempura All major cards gone (one of those creative was nicely done, if too lightHOURS: Sun.–Thurs. differences things). But his ly sauced and too heavily 5 p.m.–midnight; “Asiatic cuisine” menu lives breaded. Something called Fri.–Sat. 5 p.m.–2 a.m. on, and, with only a couple Laksa was not nicely done, of minor exceptions, the staff its red curry-coconut milk he left behind is doing an admirable job of “broth” as thick as mucilage, its shrimp reekexecuting it. ing of iodine, its noodles overcooked.

Case in point: green tea-cured salmon, a All was forgiven with the arrival of anholdover from Kubo. A helix of translucent other Kubo classic, cheesecake spring rolls, salmon curls in the center of a long, narrow two long, crispy cigars filled with unctuous white plate, flanked by longan berries stuffed cheesecake, served with a banana-caramel with yuzu kosho gelée and topped with micro dipping sauce so good you could dab it behind and fried basil. The green tea flavor is subtle your ears like perfume. and invigorating; the salmon has the texture of Like I said, Kapow! is a knockout. cashmere lox.

—Bill Citara

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Mural, Mural on the Wall

The first punch Kapow! throws is the 30-foot long mural painted by West Palm Beach artist Mike “Pooch” Pucciarelli. A blindingly colorful blend of traditional Japanese art and cartoons channeling Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, it takes up an entire wall opposite the bar. Describing it in print requires words that haven’t been invented yet.

may/june

dining guide

cheap eats

Cheddar’s Casual Café

7951 W. Commercial Blvd.,Tamarac, 954/597-0551

i

’ve always viewed Cheddar’s as a homespun alternative to ubiquitous megachains like Applebee’s and Chili’s, offering a similar array of American, Americanized Mexican and Americanized Italian options. Its interior design isn’t much to look at, but Cheddar’s distinguishes itself from its competitors on a few fronts.

Eric Jacobson, manager at South Florida’s only Cheddar’s (for now), says that the restaurant shuns pre-packaged offerings—98 percent of the dishes are made on site and from scratch, from dressing to dips to the chocolate chip cookie dough.

But what’s most unique here is the fire-sale pricing. Cheddar’s is so ridiculously inexpensive that it’s a wonder it turns a profit.

Delicious homemade queso dip is four bucks.

Homemade chicken pot pie, one of the restaurant’s top sellers, is served with a fresh house salad for only $6.99. You easily can feed two with an appetizer, entrée, soup, side salad and dessert for under $30—and that’s with the tip.

The originality of some of Cheddar’s offerings makes the bargain that much sweeter.

The nachos eschew a messy cheese-to-chip imbalance by serving tortilla chips in clean quesadilla-like slices smothered in cheese and diced tomatoes. The addictive spinach dip has a lingering, spicy kick not seen in similar dips in rival restaurants, and delicious honey-buttered croissants are served with every salad.

“Spasagna” is a killer entrée, a cheesy spaghetti concoction layered like lasagna. It comes out as an enormous cube of baked Italian goodness surrounded by a circle of meat sauce. If you somehow have room for dessert, the decadent hot fudge cake sundae, with its gigantic slab of fudge cake, ice cream and whipped cream, could feed a small village.

—John Thomason

Coming Soon Patient Palm Beach County diners should expect a Wellington branch of Cheddar’s Casual Café to open before the end of the year.

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the grille on congress—5101 Congress Ave. American. Dishes range from the aptly named “big ass” T-bone steak (a generous 32-ouncer) to more healthful options like pistachio-crusted snapper or simply grilled yellowfin tuna. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$

houston’s—1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle.

American. With rustic features like butcher-block tables and comfy padded leather booths, Houston’s has successfully created a “nonchain” feel, although there are more than 40 nationwide. The menu is straightforward—big burgers on sweet egg buns, Caesar salad, roasted chicken, filet mignon—but it’s not lacking in ingenuity. • Lunch and dinner daily.

561/998-0550. $$ jake’s stone crab—514 Via de Palmas,

Royal Palm Place. Seafood. South county foodies need not drive to Miami for stone crabs. Jake’s is making a name for itself with delicious claws and excellent service. Crusty hash browns and nutmeg-y creamed spinach are fine accompaniments. Lobster and filet mignon surf ’n’ turf comes generously adorned. • Open at end of September.

Dinner nightly. 561/347-1055. $$$

josephine’s—5751 N. Federal Highway. Italian.

Familiarity breeds content with the soulful Italian cookery at this Boca favorite, where tradition trumps trendy and comfort outweighs chic. The ambience is quiet and stately but not stuffy, and the menu is full of hearty dishes to soothe the savage appetite, like three-cheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$

kathy’s gazebo café—4199 N. Federal Highway. Continental. This local stalwart smoothly rolls along with its signature blend of French and Continental dishes. The ornate, formal dining room and equally formal service are anomalies these days but are comforting nonetheless. Classic dishes like creamy lobster bisque, house-made duck paté, broiled salmon with sauce béarnaise and dreamy chocolate mousse are as satisfying as ever. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/395-6033. $$$ kee grill—17940 N. Military Trail. American.

The attraction here is carefully prepared food that is satisfying, flavorful and reasonably priced. The fist-sized crab cake is a good place to start, followed by sea bass with a soy-ginger-sesame glaze.

• Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$ la rosa nautica—515 N.E. 20th St. Peruvian.

Expect no ambience, no pretensions, low prices and food that satisfies on a very high level. Good starters include antichuchos, chunks of grilled beef heart,

and causa, a terrine-like layering of mashed potatoes and chicken salad. Ceviche and the lomo saltado are among the best in South Florida. • Lunch daily. Dinner Tues.– Sun. 561/296-1413. $$

la tre—249 E. Palmetto Park Road. Vietnamese.

For almost two decades, this elegant little spot has been celebrating the delicate, sophisticated flavors and textures of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. A house signature, shrimp tossed with coriander curry pesto, is an inspired riff on Vietnamese classics. Even better, service and wines match the refinement of the cuisine. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-4568. $$ la villetta—4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian.

This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas. Try the signature whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt, deboned tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$ legal sea foods—6000 Glades Road. Seafood.

This faux-New England-ish seafooder in Town Center mall may be a little short on fish shack romance, but it makes up for it with a full roster of fresh fish and shellfish, well prepared and competently served by an earnest young staff. The signature clam chowder is made in corporate kitchens but is still better than most, while crab cakes chock-full of sweettasting crab and hardly any binders have even fewer equals. There’s a selection of DIY fish and sauces too.

And for dessert, what else but Boston cream pie? • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/447-2112. $$

le rivage—450 N.E. 20th St. French. It’s easy to overlook this small, unassuming bastion of traditional French cookery tucked away in a strip mall off Federal Highway. 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. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/620-0033. $$ maggiano’s—21090 St. Andrews Blvd. Italian.

The concept behind Maggiano’s Little Italy is that of a neighborhood spot where families might congregate for great food, fun music and a good time. 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, two salads, two pastas, two entrées, two vegetables and two desserts. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$ may/june

For 29 years the family tradition continues...

r i s to r a n t e

DistinguisheD restaurant of north america

visit us on

new elegant outDoor Patio available perfect for After dinner drinks And cigArs

Authentic itAliAn cuisine for your dining pleAsure

Open daily for dinner and lunch (M-F) and special events for parties of 6-150. Live music nightly.

6750 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton | (561) 997-7373 | www.ArturosRestaurant.com

dining guide

matteo’s—233 S. Federal Highway. Italian. Like

ovenella—499 S. Federal Highway. Italian. Fer-

max’s grille—404 Plaza Real, Mizner Park. Contemporary American. Though its signature California-influenced cookery and “American bistro” ambience are no longer furiously trendy, this stylish restaurant is as popular as ever due to consistently tasty and well-prepared food. Dishes run haute to homey, from seared-raw tuna to meatloaf wrapped with bacon. And don’t miss the luscious crème brûlée pie for dessert. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/368-0080. $$

p.f. chang’s—1400 Glades Road. Chinese. There

morton’s the steakhouse—5050 Town

rary American. With a menu that seemingly lists every recent trendy dish to come out of modern American restaurant kitchens, you might think Piñon is a “been there, done that” kind of place. If the execution weren’t so spot-on, the portions so large and the prices so reasonable, it might be. But you can’t argue with grilled artichokes with a zippy Southwestern-style rémoulade, a pair of giant crab cakes with more of that good rémoulade or a chocolate-peanut butter pie that is the irresistible definition of lusciousness. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/391-7770. $$

the wheel, Matteo’s brand of 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 daily.

561/392-0773. $$

Center Circle. Steak house. There’s seemingly no end to South Florida diners’ love of huge slabs of highquality aged beef, nor to the carnivores who pack the clubby-swanky dining room of this Boca Raton meatery. The star of the beef show here is the giant bone-in filet mignon, which trumps the filet’s usual tenderness with unusually deep, meaty flavor. The side of Grand Marnier soufflé is a cloud of luscious, citrus-y beauty that says while beef may be what’s for dinner, I am what’s for dessert. • Dinner daily.

561/392-7724. $$$

new york prime—2350 N.W. Executive Center Drive. Steak house. There are several reasons why the steak house has flourished since the caveman roasted a hunk of woolly mammoth over a fire.

All of them are obvious at this popular Boca meatery, from the swift, professional service to the classy supper club ambience to the 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 daily. 561/998-3881. $$$$ nick’s new haven-style pizzeria—2240 N.W. 19th St. Italian. Cross Naples (thin, blistered crust, judicious toppings) with Connecticut (fresh clams and no tomato sauce), and you’ve got a pretty good idea of the pies coming out Nick Laudano’s custom-made ovens. The “white clam” pizza with garlic and bacon is killer-good; Caesar salad and tiramisu are much better than the usual pizzeria fare.

• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/368-2900. $ 144

[ bocamag.com ]

nando Davila’s modestly stylish ristorante promises “a new take on Italian classics.” Pizzas from the oak-fired oven are a joy, especially the Etruscan, laden with chicken, bacon, escarole and creamydreamy Stracchino cheese. Vegetarian lasagna is good enough to make the meat version obsolete.

Don’t miss one of the inventive cocktails, like a sweet-smoky-salty bacon-maple old fashioned. • Lunch Mon.– Fri. Dinner daily. 561/395-1455. $$

may have been no revolution if Mao had simply eaten at P.F. Chang’s—the portions are large enough to feed the masses—and the exquisite tastes in each dish could soothe any tyrant. We particularly like the steamed fish of the day, as well as the Szechuan-style asparagus. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/393-3722.

(Other Palm Beach County location: 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/691-1610) $$

piñon grill—6000 Glades Road. Contempo-

racks downtown eatery + tavern—402 Plaza Real. Contemporary American. Though the menu generally falls under the heading of modern American comfort food, that can mean anything from elegant dishes like wicked-good crab and shrimp-stuffed snapper with lobster mashed potatoes to homier offerings like burgers and pizza, fiery Buffalo-style calamari, succulent chicken roasted in the wood-fired oven and an uptown version of everyone’s campfire favorite, s’mores. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-1662. $$ raffaele—508 Via De Palmas. Italian. The highly evolved simplicity that is the glory of true Italian cuisine is on display in all of Raffaele Esposito’s dishes—from sea-sweet lump crab and earthy-tasting green beans lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to squid ink tagliolini with just a bit of delicate tomato sauce and shellfish. Oven-roasted quail wrapped in pancetta and stuffed with sausage, pine nuts and raisins is nothing short of exquisite. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. 561/392-1110. $$

neighborhood pick

Joy Noodles & Rice 2200 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, 561/655-5212

J

oy Noodles is a happy place.

The cheery staff makes you feel like an honored guest in their own living room. The hungry diners gladly chow down a large and diverse array of rice and noodle dishes. And the prices will make you glad you stopped by. Like I said, happy.

The rust-colored building just south of Okeechobee Boulevard has certainly been discovered by workers in the area, who crowd into the spare but comfortable dining room to slurp up more than a dozen kinds of noodles and half a dozen rice dishes that touch on Southeast Asian cuisines from Japanese and Chinese to Indonesian and Indian.

Rigorous authenticity and the kind of deep, lusty, sometimes challenging flavors that you might find at grittier, less-Westernized Asian eateries are not what Joy is all about. But for fresh-tasting, accessible fare that lets you mix and match protein to noodles/rice at a reasonable price (dishes range from $9.95 for chicken to $16.95 for the seafood combo), well, you’ll be happy with your meal at Joy. The menu also features a handful of soups, salads and starters—like thumbnail-sized chicken dumplings to, one of the highlights, vegetarian samosas. Some noodle dishes trend on the too-sweet side, but the Changmai noodle soup with spaghetti-like pasta in a mild coconut-curry broth was a soothing afternoon restorative, and the vegetable-laden Singapore noodles, which lace rice noodles with a blend of Chinese and Indian seasonings, was a hearty and satisfying midday meal.

Like seemingly everyone around me, I left happy.

—Bill Citara

may/june

The Italian Restaurant on the Beach

We believe that hard work, dedication, focus on quality products and service, along with the help of over 4,000 local loyal customers = winners of Boca Raton magazine and Delray Beach magazine Readers’ Choice Awards.

2012 Best Italian | Best Sunday Brunch | Best Wine List Runner Up Best Oceanfront | Runner Up Best Happy Hour Runner Up Best People Watching WE LOVE TO SERVE YOU THE ‘THE BEST’ GREAT FOOD, GREAT VALUE AND GREAT SERVICE FOR 19 YEARS

34 South Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach • 561-274-9404 facebook.com/caffelunarosa caffelunarosa.com • Open 7 days, serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch.

Live Entertainment. Valet Parking.

dining guide

the boca find

Bakery of france 635 N.E. Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, 561/361-4490

F

ederal Highway is not the most romantic of thoroughfares—with one small shopping center after another you might not expect to find a little French patisserie and dining space in the middle of all that mundane. But there it is—Bakery of France—and it might well be the best thing to happen to a shopping center since free parking.

The breakfast/luncheon spot, owned by the Gloahec family, offers a good-sized selection of salads, sandwiches, crêpes, quiches, “pizza breads” and little platters (charcuterie and cheese), as well as a case of desserts so lovely you want to wear them.

It’s small, casual and popular (every table was filled at lunchtime recently)—and for good reason. We tried the onion soup, and shared the amuse bouche of olive tapenade, pâté de Champagne and a few other goodies, served with excellent crusty bread. My dining partner went for the chicken cordon bleu sandwich, and I opted for the “Rustic Salad,” which involved more pâté (you cannot have enough) as well as mushrooms, prosciutto, caramelized onion, walnut and more. If it had not been so wantonly delicious, I might have described the lunch as civilized and a little sophisticated.

You can’t leave, of course, without arming yourself with a small box of assorted pastries. I told myself that I was going to take them back to the office to share.

I lied.

—Marie Speed

DiD You Know?

The popular French pastry Napoleon (also known as mille-feuille), one of many delicate desserts sold here, has nothing to do with the short emperor and his Waterloo.

The name is derived from “gâteau de mille-feuilles” (English: cake of a thousand sheets), referring to the many layers of pastry. The variant Napoleon appears to come from Napolitain, the French adjective meaning characteristic of the Italian city of Naples.

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renzo’s of boca—5999 N. Federal Highway.

Italian. Renzo’s is very Italian, very friendly and very family. The buzzword is fresh. Fish is prepared daily oreganata or Livornese style, sautéed in white wine with lemon and capers or grilled. Each homemade pasta dish is artfully seasoned, and Renzo’s tomato sauce is ethereal. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly.

561/994-3495. $$ ristorante sapori—301 Via de Palmas, Royal

Palm Place. Italian. Sapori features fresh fish, veal and chicken dishes imbued with subtle flavors. The grilled Italian branzino, the veal chop Milan and the zuppa di pesce served over linguine are especially tasty, and the pasta (all 17 kinds!) is available in full and half orders, with your choice of 15 zesty sauces. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/367-9779. $$

ristorante saporissimo—366 E. Palmetto

barbecued pork and cheddar cheese flatbread to salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/625-5852) $$

sushi ray—5250 Town Center Circle. Japa-

nese/Sushi. Sushi Ray offers all the comforts and ambience of an upscale “white tablecloth” restaurant while serving up impeccably fresh and exactingly prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties. The Nobu-esque miso sea bass gives a taste of this modern classic at a fraction of the price of the original, while the chef’s sushi assortment offers a generous assortment of nigiri and maki for an exceedingly reasonable $20. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. 561/394-9506. $$

rosario’s—145 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Italian. A

table 42—399 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Italian. A contemporary Amer-Italian osteria with pizza is as good a way as any to describe Gary Rack’s reborn Coal Mine Pizza. The menu is compact but offers many mix-and-match opportunities done with great attention to detail. The results are on your plate in the form of irresistible chicken wings spiked with lemon, scallions and Parmesan; linguine in deliriously rich and creamy pesto and tiramisu so good it transcends cliché. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/826-2625. $$

ruth’s chris steak house—225 N.E.

taverna kyma—6298 N. Federal Highway.

Greek/Mediterranean. Few present Greek cuisine better than Kyma. The menu is brimming with expertly prepared dishes that cover the spectrum of Mediterranean cuisine, from cold appetizers (dolmades; grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs) to hot starters (spanakopita, baked phyllo with spinach and feta cheese) to mouthwatering entrées like lamb shank (slow-cooked in a tomato sauce and served on a bed of orzo), massive stuffed peppers or a variety of kebobs. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily.

561/994-2828. $$

Park Road. Tuscan. This little restaurant is making culinary magic. Here, a taste of Italy is brought to life with rabbit cacciatorá (Tuscany style), veal ossobuco, homemade pasta with wild boar sauce, and a tasty elk chop. Homemade desserts, including tiramisu, panna cotta and zuppa ingles, will take your breath away. Service is out of this world. • Dinner nightly.

Outdoor dining. 561/750-2333. $$$

simple menu reading doesn’t reveal the quality of ingredients and the care and skill that go into the preparation here. The often fusty, rubbery clams casino is remarkably light and fresh-tasting. Perciatelli Amatriciana is hearty and meaty but no less finely crafted, while the signature chicken Rosario’s (with sausage, potatoes and peppers) is full of oldfashioned goodness. With effortlessly competent service and comfortable, unpretentious ambience, this is one book you’ll want to read all the way through. • Dinner daily. 561/393-0758. $$

Mizner Blvd., Mizner Park. Steaks. This Ruth’s Chris is a refreshing departure from the darkwood-and-cigar-crowded ambience common to many steak houses; the room is large and comfortable, and conversation is possible. Naturally, we come here for the steak (they are sublime), but the lobster and fish are great. All your favorite sides are here, too. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-6746.

(Other Palm Beach County locations: 661 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/863-0660; CityPlace, West Palm Beach, 561/514-3544) $$$

seasons 52—2300 Executive Center Drive.

Contemporary American. The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is first-rate, from

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 cozy dining room is a welcome respite from the outside world, and service is at a level not always seen in local eateries. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if it includes impeccably done softshell crab oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner daily. 561/393-6715. $$$

truluck’s—351 Plaza Real. Seafood. This stylish and sophisticated Mizner Park restaurant applies the steak house formula of classy, clubby ambience, formal service and an extensive wine list to may/june

seafood from across the nation, generally with success. Crab is the specialty here and there are myriad versions—stone, Dungeness, Alaskan, softshell and more. Crispy soft-shells stuffed with crab and andouille are very good, if served without a drizzle of ketchup-y sauce on top. • Dinner nightly.

561/391-0755. $$$

uncle julio’s—449 Plaza Real, Mizner Park.

Mexican. Taking Tex-Mex cuisine gently upscale with better-quality ingredients and more skillful preparation, this raucous, colorful eatery offers a bit more than just the usual Mexican culinary suspects.

You can get frog’s legs and quail (the latter quite tasty under a mop of chipotle barbecue sauce), as well as favorites like beef and chicken fajitas, and one of the only palatable tamales around. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/300-3530. $

uncle tai’s—5250 Town Center Circle.

Chinese. In an area with more cookie-cutter Chinese restaurants than cookies, Uncle Tai’s stands out for the elegance of its decor, the professionalism of its service and its careful preparation of familiar and less-familiar dishes, especially those from Hunan.

The “specialties’ section of the menu is where the most exciting dishes are, like the Hunan vegetable pie, finely minced veggies sandwiched between sheets of crispy bean curd skin, and Hunan-style lamb, whose seared and succulent meat shows off the kitchen’s skill in the use of wok qi. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/368-8806. $$$ villagio italian eatery—344 Plaza Real.

Italian. The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment, which opened in 2009, 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 opportunities given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561-447-2257. $$ vino—114 N.E. Second St. Wine Bar/Italian. A

globe-trotting wine list of some 250 bottles (all available by the glass) offers a multitude of excellent choices, especially among Italian and California reds.

The menu of “Italian tapas” serves up everything from tasty breaded and fried artichoke hearts to a trio of Italian sliders (topped with three different cheeses) to ravishing ricotta and fig-stuffed ravioli with prosciutto, balsamic syrup and brown butter.

• Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/869-0030. $

vivo partenza—1450 N. Federal Highway. Italian. On the heartier side of the menu at Tony Bova’s

when U want to know

eatery is an appetizer of three giant meatballs in a well-made San Marzano tomato sauce that could easily serve as an entrée. More delicate fare includes Alaskan halibut in an aromatic broth with plump clams, cherry tomatoes and the large couscouslike grain called frugula. Do the zabaglione with fresh berries for dessert. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561-750-2120. $$

west boca city fish market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood.

A multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house. The whole package is here: friendly and efficient service, lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with much care and little artifice.

Do sample the fresh oysters and the plump crab cake. Simply griddled fish is an honest, uncomplicated pleasure. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily.

561/487-1600. $$ phuket thai restaurant—Palms Plaza,

22191 Powerline Road. Thai. It’s nothing to look at—just another little restaurant in another west Boca strip shopping center. But appearances can be deceiving; this restaurant serves excellent and authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly.

561/447-8863. $$

tempted thai & sushi—21065 Powerline Road. Thai/Japanese. There’s more than sushi to lure you here, though the sushi is up to the caliber of local competitors. There’s an extensive menu of Thai dishes and Thai- and Japanese-style creations, among them spaghetti in a fiery green curry sauce with grilled shrimp; a sushi roll with sheets of seared-raw New York steak; and a zippy take on tuna tartare that gilds the fish with kimchee sauce. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/353-2899. $ tempura house—9858 Clint Moore Road,

#C-112. Japanese, Asian. Dark wood, rice paper and tiles fill the space. An appetizer portion of Age Natsu, fried eggplant, is a consummate Japanese delicacy. Don’t miss the ITET roll with shrimp tempura and avocado, topped with spicy mayo, tempura flakes and eel sauce. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/883-6088. $$

villa rosano—9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian.

Step into the dining room, and you could 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 excellent house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto, delicate

fillets of sole done a la Francese and one of the few versions of tiramisu to actually hold your interest. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner daily. 561/470-0112. $$

boynton beach bar louie—1500 Gateway Blvd. Eclectic. Attempting to split the difference between happening bar and American café, Bar Louie mostly succeeds, offering a variety of old and new favorites, from burgers and pizzas to fish tacos and a variety of salads, all at moderate prices and in truly daunting portions. Don’t miss the carrot cake bites dessertini.

• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/853-0090. $ china dumpling—1899-5 N. Congress Ave.

Chinese. This is a nice neighborhood restaurant where the food is the star. The dim sum basket is an absolute must-try. A choice of signature steamed dumplings are likewise spot on. The steak kew is delicious, and the clay pot casseroles are mighty enticing. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/737-2782. $

prime catch—700 E. Woolbright Road. Sea-

food. Fresh seafood, prepared simply and with care, is at the heart of this popular spot with a pleasant view of the Intracoastal. The simple pleasures soar— full-belly clams, fried sweet and crispy, or a perfectly grilled piece of mahi or bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish and shellfish. Don’t miss the Key lime pie; it’s one of the best around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$

sushi simon—1614 S. Federal Highway. Japa-

nese/sushi. Simon says this small, modest sushi bar serves some of freshest and finest raw fish around.

Local sushi-philes gladly jam the long, narrow dining room for a taste of such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi, tilefish and uni (when in season), as well as more elaborate dishes like the sublime snowy grouper Morimoto and opulent tuna tartare. Creative and even more elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$

delray beach 32 east—32 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. At a time when chefs and restaurants seem to be constantly shouting their own praises, Nick Morfogen and 32 East go quietly about their way of serving thoughtfully conceived, finely crafted dishes with a minimum of fuss and artifice. The menu changes daily, but recent examples of Morfogen’s culinary expertise include plump scallops given an elegant bouillabaisse treatment and fork-tender venison with a terrific Asiago-fig risotto. When the food is this good, you don’t need to shout. • Dinner daily. 561/276-7868. $$$ [ bocamag.com ]

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dining guide

atlantic grille—1000 E. Atlantic Ave. SeafoodContemporary American. This posh restaurant in the luxurious Seagate Hotel & Spa mines quality ingredients for maximum flavor. A light, chunky gazpacho with soothing cucumber cream is perfect warm-weather dining, and though braised short ribs with mashed potatoes is heartier fare, it’s hard to resist the gum-tender meat ringed by a silken potato purée. The butterscotch-white chocolate bread pudding with rum crème anglaise is pure wickedness. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/665-4900. $$ buddha sky bar—217 E. Atlantic Ave. Pan Asian. Don’t miss a meal at this stylish Asiameets-industrial chic spot with a view of the Delray skyline. Chinese-influenced dim sum is inspired, like the puffy-fluffy char sui pork buns, while rock shrimp tempura and Wagyu tenderloin skewers with twin chimichurri sauces touch the heart and the taste buds. Veggie fried rice is exemplary thanks to the kitchen’s application of wok chi. • Dinner daily. 561/266-9898. $$

bouillabaisse sauce and crab-stuffed shrimp in white-wine butter sauce. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$

cucina mio—16950 Jog Road. Italian. There are

many Italian restaurants in our culinary universe, most mining familiar culinary territory. This popular eatery does so, too, offering sturdy renditions of Italian favorites in enormous portions at correspondingly modest prices. The menu highlight is perhaps tiramisu, rarely made as well as it is here. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner daily. 561/499-9419. $$

cugini steakhouse & martini bar—270 E. Atlantic Ave. Steak house. The food is just as stylish as the room, from spicy chicken frascatana, served with black olives, onion, pepperoncini, Chianti wine reduction and julienne vegetables, to roasted sole roulade stuffed with crab. Save room for the hazelnut ice cream, which has a hazelnut fudge center and is coated with fresh hazelnut and dark chocolate.

• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-6244. $$

cabana el rey—105 E. Atlantic Ave. Cuban tropical. Little Havana is alive and well in Delray Beach. The menu is a palette-pleasing travelogue.

Mariquitas (fried banana chips) are a tasty way to start your meal. For dinner, seafood paella is a winner, with mussels, shrimp, conch, octopus, scallops and clams. And the churrasco is terrific. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-9090. $$

cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.

caffé luna rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd. Italian.

deck 84—840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary

This favorite is always lively, and alfresco dining is the preferred mode. Entrée choices are enticing, but we went with the penne alla vodka with pancetta, tomato and basil. Also delicious was the costoletta di vitello, a center-cut 16-ounce veal chop lightly breaded and served either Milanese or parmigiana.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the cheesecake imported from the Carnegie Deli. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-9404. $$

casa di pepe—189 N.E. Second Ave. Italian.

The welcoming staff, familiar Italian dishes done right and moderate prices for food and wine are almost as good as a hug at this cozy spot with a spacious outdoor patio. Two could share the fistsized meatball with fresh-tasting tomato sauce and dollop of milky basil, before moving on to housemade linguine with clams, tender veal Francese and one of the best versions of tiramisu this side of Veneto. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/279-7371. $$ 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 Chilean sea bass in a saffron

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Steak house. 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 ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner daily. 561/272-9898. $$$

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 remarkably light yet beefy meatball topped with ricotta and tomato sauce, thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey apple cobbler.

And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner daily. 561/665-8484. $

dig—5199 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Proprietor Robert Greenfield has turned the former Greenfield’s restaurant into organichealthy-sustainable DIG (“Doing It Green”). Luckily, diners don’t have to suffer in pursuit of gastronomic rectitude with dishes like plump pan-seared diver scallops with anchovy-olive dressing and luscious chocolate mousse cake. The four different greens mixes at the salad bar are crisp and pristinely fresh. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner daily. 561/638-0500. $$ fifth avenue grill—821 S. Federal Highway.

American. Since 1989, this upscale tavern has been a Delray favorite. The straightforward menu focuses

on entrées, especially the famed Allen Brothers beef; choose from numerous cuts and preparations—and add a lobster tail for good measure. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/265-0122. $$

gol! the taste of brazil—411 E. Atlantic Ave. Steak house. The classic churrascaria formula— grilled meats, served until you can’t eat another bite—is done efficiently and quite satisfyingly. Start off at the well-provisioned salad bar, which offers more than three dozen preludes to meat eating, among them well-made calamari and ham salads, rounds of smoky eggplant, and rich and delightfully old-fashioned four-cheese chicken. Meats with a bit of fat are the best choices, especially the garlicky sirloin, slices of medium-rare flank steak and hugely flavorful beef ribs. • Dinner daily. 561/272-6565. $$ greek bistro—1832 S. Federal Highway.

Greek. If you care more about well-prepared, generously portioned and fairly priced food than Opa!-shouting waiters, you’ll love this modest little restaurant. Flaky, overstuffed spanikopita and miraculously light and delicate beef meatballs should be at the top of your appetizer list, and though entrées don’t always reach those heights, both a long-braised lamb shank and grilled whole snapper are certainly satisfying. And the baklava is great. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/266-8976. $

henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual,

unpretentious restaurant from Burt Rapoport 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. $$

house of siam—25 N.E. Second Ave. Thai. The

normally riotous flavors of Thai cuisine are muted at this charming, family-friendly downtown spot, but that seems to suit diners just fine. Dishes, generally well-prepared and generously portioned, include steamed chicken and shrimp dumplings with sweet soy dipping sauce and crisp-fried duck breast in a very mild red curry sauce. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. 561/330-9191. $$

il girasole—1911 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. This South Florida classic is not trendy, but it offers a level of comfort and consistency that has been bringing people back for 30 years. The food is fine hearty Italian, with excellent service. Try the veal Kristy or the frogs legs. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$ j&j seafood bar & grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on the Avenue— may/june

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dining guide

owned by John Hutchinson (also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to entrées like fruits of the sea, pistachiocrusted snapper and jerked pork. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials— every night. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3390. $$

jimmy’s bistro—9 S. Swinton Ave. Eclectic.

Look up “cozy” and “charming” in the dictionary, and you’ll see a picture of Jimmy Mills’ tiny restaurant. Jimmy’s cheerily unpretentious atmosphere applies to the eclectic menu, which flits from China to Italy to New Orleans at will. Best bets are a lovely salad of ripe tomatoes and fresh, milky house-made mozzarella; a rich, elegant version of lusty Cajun etouffee; and caramelized bananas in puff pastry with silken vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. • Dinner daily.

561/865-5774. $$

la cigale—253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean.

It’s a pleasure watching the professionals here at work. That professionalism extends to the kitchen, which turns out gently updated and classically oriented dishes notable for the quality of their ingredients and careful preparation. Sweetbreads in chanterelle cream sauce are simply glorious; a barely grilled artichoke with mustardy remoulade is gloriously simple. And watching your server skillfully debone a whole (and impeccably fresh) Dover sole is almost as satisfying as eating it. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$

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 original Lemongrass and its three younger siblings some of the most popular eateries around. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge, as evidenced by impeccably fresh salmon, tuna and yellowtail sushi. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-5050. $

max’s harvest—169 N.E. Second Ave. Con-

temporary American. Restaurateur Dennis Max, instrumental in bringing the chef and ingredientdriven ethos of California cuisine to South Florida in the 1980s, is again at the forefront of the fresh, local, seasonal culinary movement. Max’s Harvest soars with dishes like plump Cedar Key clams with housemade tasso, savory bourbon-maple glazed pork belly, and crispy-skinned wild salmon with yuzu-truffle vinaigrette. The made-to-order donuts are pure decadence. • Dinner daily. 561/381-9970. $$

American. It’s a safe bet that your office is nothing like David Manero’s eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports red leather and cowhide chairs, more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that flits from burgers and fries to Maine sea scallops wrapped in Serrano ham. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-3600. $$

old calypso—900 E. Atlantic Ave. Island. The

restaurant is airy and wide-open, but the draw is the Intracoastal view. A popular happy hour takes place at the center bar, and during Sunday brunch, music is added. The food is reliable and consistent, from a rich roasted-corn and crabmeat chowder to real fried green tomatoes to crispy fried lobster tails.

• Brunch Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/279-2300. $$

prime—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Steak/Seafood.

DISCOVERY

Kitchenetta

2850 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954/567-3333

K

itchenetta looks nothing like what it is.

Sleek, chic and industrial, with exposed tubing for a roof and quirky multicolored chairs, it has the ambience of a happening American bistro. The menu, on the other hand, is a collection of Old World, pan-Italian recipes that have been served for hundreds of years.

The restaurant has developed a reputation among South Florida’s Italian population. It received a four-star ranking in an Italian-language publication, and subtitled Italian movies play on its wall-mounted television.

Owner Vincent Foti is proud to say that his restaurant has no signature dishes—they all sell with equal frequency—but the specials, which total in double digits daily, are always popular.

For starters, try Kitchenetta’s signature salad, a bitter, savory and vivifying combination of baby greens, arugula, endive, radicchio, fennel, tomato and roasted beets. Appetizers include steamed mussels, baby clams and fried calamari, but you cannot go wrong with the risotto balls— three standard-setting spheroids of cheeses, peas, onions and prosciutto in a spectacular cheesy tomato sauce.

Prime is aptly named for its heart of the action location, classy neo-supper club decor, extensive wine list and roster of designer steaks. Starters and desserts fare better than entrées, especially plump, crabby Maryland-style crab cakes and indecently luscious chocolate bread pudding. Service is a strong suit too, so with a bit of work this goodlooking restaurant will fully live up to its name.

• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5845. $$$

spoonfed—217 E. Atlantic Ave. Mediterranean. You need a shovel, not a spoon, to tackle the monstrous portions here. But flavors are equally big, as the kitchen executes a nouveau-retro Itali-terranean menu with the same aplomb as the staff working the dining room. Start with an entrée-sized disc of impeccably fresh tuna tartare or maybe a wood oven-baked pizza of equal flavor and dimension. All pastas are made in house, so an order of pasta is a must—as is a giant wedge of any of several house-made cakes. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-7557. $$$ Entrées include 10 pastas, 11 creative pizzas and a small variety of fish, chicken and steak dishes. I enjoyed the pappardelle San Pietro; offered as a special, this fettuccini-like pasta is served with porcini mushrooms and shallots in a thick and delectable cream sauce. The service is impeccable, and the restaurant offers free valet parking—but it all comes at a price. You and your companion will have a wonderful experience, but don’t expect to leave the restaurant for less than $75.

—John Thomason

What’s in a name?

For Vincent Foti, who created Kitchenetta in 2004, the clash between dishes and design was inspired by a 45-day trip to Italy. “The most impressive restaurants,” he says, “are nontraditional, with nontraditional names.” Kitchenetta, in turn, was named after an inside joke from his Italian-American family after they moved from a large apartment to a smaller one equipped with a kitchenette—or, as his Sicilian great-grandmother called it, in her heavy Italian dialect, a “kitchenetta.”

the office—201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary 150

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dining guide

sundy house—106 S. Swinton Ave.

Contemporary American. Everyone knows about the spectacular garden, home to hundreds of species of exotic plants. But the comforting-contemporary food deserves notice too, realized in such dishes as

expertly fried calamari with zesty Moroccan-style aioli, savory rack of lamb crusted with herbs, mustard and horseradish, and seared salmon with rich coarse-grain mustard sauce. Portions are enormous, so bring your appetite. • Lunch Tues.–Sat. Brunch Sun. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-5678. $$

PITA PARTy

tramonti—119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. With its

roots in New York’s Angelo’s of Mulberry Street, this venue is always packed. Homemade stuffed manicotti is aromatic and glorious. Tramonti’s platter for two, containing fillet marsala, veal cutlet with prosciutto, fried zucchini and potato croquettes, is terrific. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-1944. $$

tryst—4 E. Atlantic Ave. Eclectic. It’s tough to beat this hotspot with the lovely outdoor patio, well-chosen selection of artisan beers and not-theusual-suspect wines, and an eclectic “gastropub” menu of small and large plates. Try the crisp-fried rock shrimp with Thai-style dipping sauce. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. 561/921-0201. $$ vic & angelo’s—290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian.

If you’re over that $5 foot-long sandwich, but still want a healthy lunch, try swapping that tube of dough for a pita. Pita bread is thin, it’s light and it’s eminently stuff-able. Here are four spots right here in Boca perfecting the pita.

PITA PIT

PITA PRINCIPLE

the buzz: Pita Pit is new to Boca Raton but a staple in most college towns across the country. Select your pita bread (white or wheat), meat of choice (try the juicy chicken breast or Dagwood with turkey, ham and prime rib), and pack your pocket with everything from lettuce and spinach to red pepper hummus and pineapple chunks. If you choose to eat in, grab Connect Four or Jenga, and play while you eat. Pita Pit also serves smoothies.

the buzz: Open Monday through Friday, Pita Principle offers takeout, delivery and catering from an extensive menu of chicken, deli and vegetarian pitas—as well as unique options like meatball Parmesan, fried fish, turkey cranberry mayo, hamburger and pizza. Each order comes with a side salad: Greek, garden or Caesar.

BOCA PITA EXPRESS

the buzz: Within HotDog-opolis lives Pita-opolis, a pita menu created specially by respected chef Gary Wood (late of Aura and 32 East). Try the southwestern chicken pita, filled with black beans, cilantro, avocado, fresh lime juice and chipotle lime cilantro dressing, or the BLTita, topped in buttermilk ranch dressing. Any of the eight pita options on the menu also can be prepared as a salad.

—Cassie Morien

2200 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561/544-0810

7158 N. Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, 561/750-0088

the buzz: Commonly referred to as BPX, this kosher restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a full menu (including sushi and burgers), as well as six different pita options. Try the classic falafel, Moroccan kabob, or shawarma, a mix of turkey and chicken. If you are really feeling feisty, go for the chicken schnitzel.

109 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 561/367-7644

HOTDOG-OPOLIS 6020 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, 561/988-5959

God is in the details at the second outpost of this hugely popular upscale trattoria, and He doesn’t miss much. Wine and table service leave nothing to chance and no loose ends hanging. As for the food, ingredients like Buffalo mozzarella, house-made pastas and San Marzano tomatoes are first-rate, and execution is spot on. Try the “Old School” meatball to start, the whole-wheat tagliatelle with garlic and chili-infused olive oil and the perfectly cooked veal chop. Portions are substantial. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-9570. $$$

Lake worth couco pazzo—915-917 Lake Ave. Italian.

Despite the name, there’s nothing crazy about the cooking at this homey eatery. It’s the hearty, soulsatisfying Italian cuisine we’ve all come to know and love. Spaghetti Bolognese is a fine version of a Northern Italian classic; house-smoked mozzarella—breaded, fried and presented with a tangy tomato-basil fondue—is equally tasty. • Dinner nightly. (Mon.–Sat. May to Oct.). 561/585-0320. $$ fiorentina—707 Lake Ave. Italian. Though it may

seem like the last thing we need is one more Italian restaurant, this cozy spot fills a niche marked by modest prices, a menu with more than just the most familiar Italian culinary suspects, and an easygoing ambience that’s more like that of a familiar neighborhood bar. Burrata imported from Puglia is a luscious part of caprese salad. Giant shrimp with white beans is a fine rendition of a Tuscan classic. Chicken cooked under a brick and the signature rigatoni alla Bucaiola are worthy contenders too, as is the light, airy ricotta cheesecake. • Lunch and dinner daily.

561/588-9707. $$

paradiso ristorante—625 Lucerne Ave. Ital-

ian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining

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dining guide

room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The Mediterranean sea bass branzino is definitely a must-try. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$

safire asian fusion—817 Lake Ave. PanAsian. This stylish little restaurant offers food that gently marries East and West, plus a roster of more traditional Thai dishes and inventive sushi rolls. Menu standouts include tempura-fried rock shrimp or calamari cloaked with a lush-fiery “spicy cream sauce.” Expect neighborly service and reasonable prices. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/588-7768. $

The design that offers both intimate and energetic dining areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (Caesar salad, fried calamari, burger) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). But they’re all good. Dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/833-3450. $$

café boulud—The Brazilian Court, 301

LANTANA

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. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

561/655-6060. $$$

bar italia—210 E. Ocean Ave. Italian. Apicius

café l’europe—331 S. County Road. Current in-

was the perhaps the pre-eminent gourmand of ancient Rome, and while this Apicius is a good deal more contemporary, its gourmet take on the cuisine of Italy would make old Apicius proud.

The two open-air dining rooms are delightful, as is the extraordinary wine list and menu of Italian classics and modern interpretations. Vitello tonnato is superb beyond its generic description as “cold poached veal with tuna sauce.” Roasted duck cooked en confit with Grand Marnier sauce is fine too; as is the stellar cacuicco alla Livornese. • Daily 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., 5–11 p.m. 561/533-5998. $$$$

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 8 pounds) and are so reasonably priced that getting a taste of one without reservations is highly unlikely. • Dinner nightly. 561/547-9487. (Other location: 1544 S.E. Third Court, Deerfield Beach, 954/420-9314) $$$

ternational. 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 with a scallion potato cake, and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$

cha cha’s—150 Worth Ave. Latin/Tapas. A variety of small plates, from Mexican tacos and Argentine empanadas to Spanish potatoes and Cuban dulce de leche, make up the menu of this elegant yet casual and moderately priced panLatin eatery. Though not every dish is successful, the best ones—crusty-creamy papas bravas, savory shrimp and scallion crêpe, buttery cauliflower and fennel gratin, and indecently luscious dulce de leche pot du crème—will make your taste buds do a happy dance. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/833-8800. $$

bice—313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to

chez jean-pierre—132 N. County Road.

French. Sumptuous cuisine, attentive servers and a see-and-be-seen crowd are hallmarks of one of the island’s premier restaurants. Indulgences include scrambled eggs with caviar and the Dover sole meunière filleted tableside. When your waiter suggests profiterolles au chocolat or hazelnut soufflé, say, mais oui! • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/833-1171. $$$

buccan—350 S. County Road. Contemporary

cucina dell’ arte—257 Royal Poinciana Way. Italian. The wide range of items on the menu includes a sausage and fennel pizzette for one and Barolo-braised short ribs with white polenta. The great quality of Cucina’s cuisine, combined with its fine service, ensures a fun place for a casual yet delectable meal—not to mention being a vantage

PALM BEACH hold the title of favorite spot on the island for the see-and-be-seen crowd. The venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, sautéed chicken breast and stuffed rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily.

Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$

American. The casual elegance of Palm Beach meets the modern culinary sensibilities of Miami at the first independent restaurant by chef Clay Conley.

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point for spotting local celebs. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/655-0770. $$

echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam and is spec-ta-cu-lar. Crispy jumbo shrimp with soybean plum sauce is delectable, the Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the Mongolian beef tenderloin is perfection. Sake list is also tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$ leopard lounge and restaurant—The Chesterfield Palm Beach, 363 Cocoanut Row. American. This is British Colonial decadence at its finest.

The restaurant offers excellent food in a glamorous and intimate club-like atmosphere. In fact, it’s advisable to make early reservations if a quiet dinner is the objective; the place becomes a late-night cocktail spot after 9. The menu is equally decadent. • Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner daily. 561/659-5800. $$ nick & johnnie’s—207 Royal Poinciana Way. Contemporary American. Expect flavorful, moderately priced California-esque cuisine in a casual setting with affordable wines and young, energetic servers. Try the ahi tuna tacos or short-rib sliders as appetizers, and don’t miss the four-cheese tortellini as a main course. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/6553319. $$ renato’s—87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is comfortably buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist—like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly.

561/655-9752. $$$

the restaurant— Four Seasons Resort, 2800

South Ocean Blvd. Contemporary American. With a casual, yet refined ambience, The Restaurant is the premier dining venue at the Four Seasons Palm Beach. Savor fresh Atlantic seafood in a contemporary setting complemented by innovative cocktails.

Don’t miss the mouthwatering dessert selections.

Live entertainment is featured on Saturday nights. • Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/533-3750. $$$$

ta-boó—2221 Worth Ave. American. This

self-described “American bistro” is less typical “American” restaurant or classical French “bistro” than it is posh-casual refuge for the see-andbe-seen crowd in and around Palm Beach. The eclectic menu offers everything from spicy may/june

shrimp-crab cakes and roasted duck with orange blossom honey-ginger sauce to dry-aged steaks and an assortment of pizzas. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/835-3500. $$

trevini ristorante—150 Worth Ave. Italian.

Maitre d‘ Carla Minervini is your entrée to a warm experience, complemented by a stately but comfortable room and excellent food. We love the crispy fillet of herb-crusted sole in a rich, buttery sauce and the veal scallopini in a lemon caper Chardonnay sauce. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/833-3883. $$$

palm beach gardens cabo flats—11701 Lake Victoria Gardens

Ave. Mexican. Mexican cuisine often has more personas than Madonna. This highly stylized cantina adds another—that of California’s Chicano culture. All your favorite Mexican dishes are there, as well as enormous margaritas, but also niftier items like the terrific tuna ceviche in “tomatillo broth.” • Lunch and dinner daily.

561/624-0024. $

café chardonnay—4533 PGA Blvd. Contem-

porary American. This longtime stalwart never rests on its laurels. Instead, it continues to dish finely crafted American/Continental fare with enough inventiveness to keep things interesting. The popular herb-and-Dijon-mustard rack of lamb, regular menu items like duck with Grand Marnier sauce, and specials like swordfish with rock shrimp in shellfishfennel broth, reveal a kitchen with solid grounding in culinary fundamentals. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner daily. 561/627-2662. $$

WellIngTOn pangea bistro—10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Contemporary American. Add culinary influences from the tropics, Europe, Asia and Latin America to a trio of chefs from the Four Seasons Palm Beach, plus one Venezuelan designer-turned-restaurateur, and the result is this smartly modern bistro that’s bringing a real sense of gastronomic adventure to Wellington. Every dish sports an element that will tickle your taste buds, whether crunchy Asian slaw on ahi poke flatbread, inspired sweet potato-plantain gratin with savory grilled lamb chops or beguiling

lemongrass-kaffir lime vinaigrette with a slab of blackened mahi. • Lunch and dinner Mon. –Sat. 561/793-9394. $$

WesT palm beach b.b. king’s blues club—550 S. Rosemary

Ave. American. The restaurant at this club-dining spot won’t leave you singing the blues, but it will leave you wishing for more than a spoonful of the lusty flavors of its Southern/New Orleans cuisine.

Punch up the flavors of pan-fried catfish and shrimp with jambalaya sauce and chicken-fried chicken on a bed of mac ’n’ cheese, and you could let the good times roll. Buffalo wings, fried pickle chips and luscious banana bread pudding are good bets. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/420-8600. $

cabana las palmas—533 Clematis St. Nuevo Latino. With its bold, vibrant decor and flavors, this colorful restaurant is a treat for the palette and palate. Must-orders include mariquitas, thin, crispy plantain slices that are the irresistible Cuban answer to potato chips; cookbook-perfect ceviche of shrimp, octopus and calamari that shows how chili heat can

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1 w hsalonoasismakeover_brmmj12.indd en U want to know

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dining guide

Aloha Kakou.

Welcome to The Maui Spa & Wellness Center.

be both fiery and subtle; and the signature “Coco Cabana,” a habanero and coconut milk-infused curry with a wealth of veggies, tubers and fat, succulent shrimp. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-4773. $$

mussels mariniere, coq au vin and steak tartare.

• Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily.

561/833-5090. $$

café centro—2409 N. Dixie Highway. Italian.

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. $$

There are many things to like about this modest little osteria—the unpretentious ambience, piano nightly after 7 p.m., the fine service, the robust portions and relatively modest prices. And, of course, the simple, satisfying Italian cuisine. The kitchen breathes new life into hoary old fried calamari, gives fettucine con pollo a surprisingly delicate herbed cream sauce, gilds snowy fillets of bass with a soulful Livornese. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner daily. 561/514-4070. $$

china beach bistro—407 Northwood Road.

Chinese. South Florida may not be a hotbed of fine Chinese cuisine, but anyone who loves the incredibly diverse, sophisticated food of the Middle Kingdom should be fired up about this chic restaurant. From exquisite dim sum (like steamed chicken and mushroom dumplings perfumed with kaffir lime leaf) to a superb version of Peking duck with impossibly crisp skin, tender meat and house-made pancakes, the food here is a revelation. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/833-4242. $

gratify—125 Datura St. American. This youthful

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American gastropub gratifies more often than not with friendly and efficient servers, a surprisingly sophisticated wine list and food that—when it clicks—is quite good. Try not to gorge on the addictive house-made potato chips so you have appetite to gorge on the pulled pork sliders and the blue cheese-dressed iceberg lettuce salad. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5300. $

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. Take your Turkish coffee to the patio for an arguileh (water pipe) experience. • Lunch Mon.– Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$

rocco’s tacos—224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big

Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome restaurant that dishes all your Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 150 tequilas. Tacos feature house-made tortillas and a variety of proteins, though all have the same garnishes. Made-to-order guacamole is a good place to start, perhaps followed by a grilled yellowtail with mango-pineapple salsa. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County location: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2133) $

umi fishbar + grill—2401 PGA Blvd.

Asian fusion/sushi. The tired Asian fusion genre is worked so carefully and sensitively here that it all seems new again. Choices abound on the fusion and sushi menus, but highlights include fluffy Chinese-style pork buns with heritage pig filling, terrific Mexican-style corn cooked on the robata grill and Nobu-esque sake-miso-marinated sea bass that’s a symphony of delicate and lusty flavors.

• Dinner daily. 561/472-7900. $$ top of the point—777 S. Flagler Drive.

Contemporary American. Life is good at this quietly luxurious restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal.

The food is not only good but surprisingly adventurous, and the service is exceptional. Though there are plenty of steaks for the more conservative of palate, the edgier offerings, like smoky grilled octopus with “Catalan salad” and remaking of the classic tart tatin as a savory dish with tomatoes and blue cheese gelato, are definitely worth going out on a limb for. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/832-2424. $$$

marcello’s la sirena—6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. Another top choice is the chicken breast, pounded thin and filled with fontina and prosciutto.

• Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$

deerfield beach

pistache—101 N. Clematis St. French. Pistache

brooks—500 S. Federal Highway. Continental.

doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as

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rhythm café—3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual

broward county

Brooks remains a reliable source for fine cuisine.

Guests may choose from an à la carte menu or the may/june

1/18/12 11:41 AM

more economical “complete menu,” which includes first course, entrée and dessert and a bottle of wine.

There also are plenty of alternatives to seafood, including duck, rib-eye or rack of lamb. • Dinner Wed.–Sun. 954/427-9302. $$$

tamarind asian grill & sushi bar—949 S. Federal Highway. Asian. Quiet and soothing, this multicultural venue serves sushi, sashimi, yakitori and wide-ranging Japanese appetizers, but Tamarind also presents a full menu of Thai classics and a sake lounge. Try the hot and spicy fish or the complex masaman curry. Share if you must, but finish with the red bean or green tea ice cream. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-8009. $$ 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. Start with a stone crab appetizer or oysters from the raw bar. Entrées come with a choice of soup, salad, a sorbet course and fresh breads. We love the tuna filet mignon and the prime rib. Finish it off with raspberry cappuccino tiramisu. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/763-2777. $$

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3030 ocean—Harbor Beach Marriott Resort,

3030 Holiday Drive. American. The menu is heavy on seafood and changes several times a week. We recommend the sautéed Florida red snapper or the indulgent butter-roasted Maine lobster. For dessert, try the popular roasted banana crème brûlée. • Dinner nightly. 954/765-3030. $$$

For an

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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, with everything from seafood chowder, burgers and pizza to cherry-glazed breast of duck. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

954/626-1701. $$

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bistro mezzaluna—741 S.E. 17th St. Italian.

The bistro is all Euro-chic decor—blond wood, 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. • Dinner nightly. 954/5226620. $$ bongusto ristorante—5640 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-kept secret, featuring dishes that will meet the standards of those who savor authentic Italian. Mussels with scallions, garlic and heavy cream sauce is an appetizer when U want to know

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dining guide

highlight. Involtini capricciosi—tender-rolled veal stuffed with spinach, prosciutto and fontina cheese—is equally satiating, while the yellowtail snapper oreganatta melts in your mouth. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 954/771-9635. $$

by word of mouth—3200 N.E. 12th Ave. Eclectic. It’s not just the words from the mouths of satisfied customers that make this obscurely located restaurant so consistently popular; it’s the homey, satisfying food that goes into those mouths. The menu changes, but you can always count on home cooking with a gourmet spin, like pork tenderloin with raspberry jalapeno sauce, or coconut-crusted snapper. Go all out with any of a dozen or so unique desserts, cakes and pies. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Wed.–Sat. 954/564-3663. $$ café martorano—3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd.

Italian. What’s the magic that has people lining up for tables? We pondered the question over crispy calamari in marinara sauce, tender meatballs and sweet-buttery scampi with huge shrimp, followed by intensely 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 daily.

954/561-2554. $$ café sharaku—2736 N. Federal Highway.

Fusion. Chef-owner Iwao Kaita’s Japanese-French restaurant may be modest in scale but is hardly modest in culinary ambitions. Its sophisticated offerings include an ethereal bay scallop soufflé with an unctuous sauce Americaine and roasted duck breast with a divine port-foie gras sauce that would be the envy of any classically trained French chef. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Fri. 954/563-2888. $$ canyon—1818 E. Sunrise Blvd. Southwestern.

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

casablanca café—3049 Alhambra St. Ameri-

can, 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.

Outdoor dining. 954/764-3500. $$

casa d’angelo—1201 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Complimentary bruschetta begins an adventure that runs from course to course to course. Many of

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the dishes are specials—gnocchi, risotto and scaloppine. The veal chop is grilled and blanketed in a thick layer of Gorgonzola. 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 distinctively perfumed porcini mushrooms. • Dinner nightly. 954/564-1234. $$

at the Broward Center. Fresh salads such as the nut-crusted goat cheese salad with apples and baby greens complement heartier appetizers like the butternut squash purses. Entrées are decent-sized portions of fresh fish, chicken and steaks. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 954/524-1818. $$

chima—2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

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. $

Steaks. The Latin American rodizio-churrascaria concept—all the meat you can eat, brought to your table by a succession of waiters—is done with high style, fine wines and excellent service. The prime rib, sausages, filet mignon, pork ribs and lamb chops are very good. So are the swordfish and salmon. • Dinner daily. 954/712-0581. $$$

china grill—1881 S.E. 17th St. Pan-Asian. “Less

is more” is not the mantra of this huge edition of Jeff Chodorow’s iconic nouveau pan-Asian eatery.

The food, too, is all about more—more of it, more flavor and more satisfaction with dishes like plum and sesame-glazed lamb spareribs and deeply savory Korean-style kalbi beef. • Breakfast and dinner daily.

954/759-9950. $$$

eduardo de san angel—2822 E. Commer-

cial Blvd. Mexican. Try master chef Eduardo Pria’s pan-sautéed Florida blue crab and yellow corn cakes.

As far as soups go, there’s the pasilla-chile-flavored chicken broth with fresh “epazote” (fried corn tortilla strips, sliced avocado, sour cream and homemade cheese) and the hearty Mexican minestrone. The pan-seared beef tenderloin filet mignon has so much gusto, it’s far too much to consume in one sitting. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 954/772-4731. $$$

emunah café—3558 N. Ocean Blvd. Kosher,

organic. Don’t let the New Age “spirituality” of this quaint restaurant throw you off. Instead, focus on the fresh, organic ingredients that are incorporated into inventive sushi, soups and salads and (mostly) Asian-influenced entrées. • Lunch and dinner Sun.– Thurs. Sat. late evening hours. 954/561-6411. $

hi-life café—3000 N. Federal Highway. American. Get ready to enjoy delicious food and excellent service in chef Carlos Fernandez’s unpretentious but pretty venue. Check out the Cajun kisses, jalapeños stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon. For the main course, we love the braised short ribs or the Hawaiian butterfish in a red curry sauce. Hi-Life has a nice contemporary wine list with good choices by the glass. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 954/563-1395. $$ himmarshee bar & grille—210 S.W. Second St. American. This narrow little gem is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner before catching a show

il mulino—1800 E. Sunrise Blvd. Italian. This

indigo—Riverside Hotel, 620 E. Las Olas Blvd.

Seafood. Enjoy delightful alfresco dining along Las Olas while sampling fresh seafood and exotic specialties. Dependable choices like ahi tuna and Florida grouper are joined by more intriguing dishes like sea bass and salmon, and landlubbers will enjoy a selection of steaks and chops. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 954/467-0045. $$ johnny v—625 E. Las Olas Blvd. American.

Johnny Vinczencz made his mark at Boca’s Maxaluna and Max’s Grille and (the former) De La Tierra at Delray’s Sundy House. Now in his own restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard, Vinczencz has evolved.

Don’t miss the red chili venison chop. As for the impressive wine list, Johnny V has more than 600 selections. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 954/761-7920. $$ rare—401 E. Las Olas Blvd. Steak house. Run by

the same folks who operate Boca’s New York Prime, this dramatically designed meatery (the former Bova Prime) has an impressive pedigree. For the most part, Rare, with its USDA Prime steaks, lives up to it.

One of the less-expensive cuts—the “steak” in “steak frites”—is one of the better cooked. And the thin, wispy frites are the legal definition of addictive. • Dinner daily. 954/527-3365. $$$$

sea watch—6002 N. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. For a right-on-the-beach, welcome-to-Florida dining experience, there’s Sea Watch. Decked out in a pervasive nautical theme, this is definitely tourist country, but it’s pretty and on the beach. The perfect entrée for the indecisive: Sea Watch medley, with lobster tail, jumbo shrimp and scallops broiled in butter, garlic and white wine. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/781-2200. $$ See our complete tricounty dining guide at bocamag.com.

may/june

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OurTown celebrating people from all walks of life who make our community proud

How Does It Feel?

A local “freedom climber” tells Boca Raton what it’s like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro—and make a difference along the way in the fight against human trafficking.

Madison Baczewski age: 18 college: Palm Beach Atlantic University; studies nursing The Back sTory: In January, the Boca resident was the youngest of 47 women to climb Mount Kilimanjaro as part of a new faithbased initiative called the Freedom Climb.

Among those who hiked Africa’s highest peak were victims of human trafficking, the Freedom Climb’s powerful cause. At press time, when U want to know

Madison Baczewski on the path to Mount Kilimanjaro

they’ve raised $450,000 to assist in education, micro-loans, skills training and protection from exploitation. With other events slated throughout the year, the organization hopes to meet its goal of $1.4 million. in her own words: “It’s hard to believe you’re in Africa when you’re on Kilimanjaro.

[From the] summit, [you see] glaciers everywhere, and there’s this huge crater that’s filled with snow. You forget where you are. It’s so strange and weird, but beautiful.

“I brought much more than I needed. I had extra food, some pills, some toiletry stuff.

You don’t use anything more than your sleeping bag and the clothes that you’re wearing for [the six] days.

“The weather we experienced was really warm during the day and very cold at night.

Usually you’re too exhausted to notice that

you’re sleeping on rocks in the middle of nowhere, but some nights it gets to you. You do have to get up and use the bathroom seven times a night because the Diamox that you take for altitude sickness makes you go every 45 minutes.

“We faced normal problems. We got bacteria from the water. There was exhaustion from lack of sleep and a little bit of altitude sickness; only two women had serious problems.

“I think everyone should climb [Kilimanjaro]. You find out a lot of things about yourself. You see what you’re made of because you discover how little you really need. I found myself identifying with third-world poverty on a whole new level, because you get the sense of not having those creature comforts. Learning how to step outside myself was my favorite part.” [ bocamag.com ]

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OurTown The 30-Minute Interview

Here are eight things we learned about the reigning Miss Boca Raton—Ieschia May—during a conversation at Mizner Park. [ 1 ] Prior to moving back to South Florida in 2005, May spent six years in Oahu living with her father. “The lifestyle in Hawaii is so much more relaxed,” says the 25-year-old.

“I went to the beach every morning with my surfboard and caught my wave.” [ 2 ] According to May, Ieschia means “love” in African, and “sunshine” in Egyptian. [ 3 ] May and her cousin operate a home-based importing/exporting business called Just Gorgeous that involves special-occasion dresses (think christenings, weddings) for young girls from toddlers to age 13. [ 4 ] In addition to acting (her credits include extra work on “The Vampire Diaries” and “Burn Notice”), modeling and commercial appearances, May was a cheerleader this season for the Palm Beach Makos minor-league football team. [ 5 ] May tried out for the Miss Boca crown two years ago on a dare from her friend without knowing anything about pageants. “There are girls who’ve done these for years; they’re studying their walks and turns and waves,” she says. “I just went out there—and I completely bombed. I stuttered during my interview question, I stumbled while walking in my bathing suit. I didn’t even place.” [ 6 ] Last summer, the business major at Palm Beach State College captured the crown—in a competition that featured only three contestants. She’ll represent our city this July at the Miss Florida pageant.

aaron bristol

[ 7 ] Her duties include appearances at festivals and local charity events, as well as community outreach—all of which May mostly organizes on her own. “It’s not easy to get people to respond; some people think [being a pageant winner] is a joke,” she says.

“But I try my hardest to do what I can.” The responsibility she takes most seriously?

Setting an example for young girls interested in the pageant world. Her advice to would-be contestants: “Be confident—you can see it from a mile away. Always smile.

And don’t be afraid to be yourself; people will see right through you if you’re not.” [ 8 ] Though she turns her share of heads, May says some men seem a little shy about approaching her. “I may look intimidating, but I am the sweetest person you will meet,” she says. “Just come up and say hi. I won’t bite.”

Boca BaRgaIns CheCk out these three great Finds—only in our baCkyard.

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Complimentary Wine and Cheese tasting priCe: Free Where: the Cheese Course (305 Plaza real, 561/ 395-4354) What’s the deal? stop by this European-style cheese shop in Mizner Park for a delicious evening treat. Held on the first Friday of every month, the bistro offers sips of wine and bites of cheese from 6 to 8 p.m. a staff member is on hand to explain the specific offerings.

the Floriade World hortiCultural exposition priCe: Call for pricing or visit reidtravel.com Where: reid travel (326 E. Palmetto Park road, 561/395-6670) What’s the deal? the Floriade is a unique floral exhibition in the netherlands held roughly every 10 years. the event, which draws nearly 2 million visitors, runs from april 5 to oct. 7. Experience themed flower worlds, music, dance and more.

surFing lessons priCe: Free Where: island Water sports (1985 n.E. second st., Deerfield beach, 954/4274929) What’s the deal? Every saturday from 7 to 9 a.m., learn to surf, skim and standup paddleboard. register online, sign the waiver and wear your best board shorts. boards are provided.

may/june

Slice of

Florence Seidelman

life

Screenwriter, producer What comes to mind when you hear the term “multimedia franchise?” Probably big, splashy blockbusters like “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” and “Spider-Man”—popcorn projects that have found life in multiple entertainment outlets. By contrast, “Boynton Beach Club”—the locally shot, independently financed sleeper film from 2005 about seniors in a bereavement club who find new romance—doesn’t exactly scream “cross-market cash cow.”

But this little-film-that-could has become just that.

Written by Boynton resident Florence Seidelman and directed by daughter Susan, an industry veteran, the movie was adapted into a stage musical in Lake Worth earlier this year. It also is the subject of a novelization, “The Heart of the Boynton Beach Club,” which Florence co-wrote with psychologist Phyliss Shanken. It’s a story that, apparently, springs eternal.

“Boynton Beach Club” was Seidelman’s first screenplay credit. She couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of her longtime husband, Michael, who suggested the basic idea and whose death in February 2011 prompted Seidelman, 80, to conceive the book version. “Instead of joining a bereavement club, I wrote a book,” she says. “That was my outlet. I said I had to do something, and that’s what I did.”

It turns out she’s done a lot more. She shared some of her experiences with Boca Raton.

The Kids Are All righT Florence Seidelman has been blessed with talented offspring.

In addition to directing “The Boynton Beach Club,” Susan Seidelman has directed 21 titles for film and television, including 1985’s “Desperately Seeking Susan,” three episodes of “Sex and the City” and her latest feature, “Musical Chairs,” which premiered at the Miami International Film Festival in March.

Florence’s son richard, a pulmonologist at Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach, also plays drums in Replay, a local cover band that performs at CityPlace in West Palm Beach, Boston’s in Delray Beach and other venues.

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■ When the movie was scheduled [for release], we all went to different locations opening night. I went to Movies of Delray and the Boynton Cinema. I went early in the day and saw cars stopping at 2 in the afternoon; people were running in and coming out—they were buying tickets for the night screenings. It was big excitement for the people down here.

■ My three children, because they’re all unusual, helped me do that. When I first got married, I was a typical kind of mother. My children said, “Come on Mom, come do this, come do that.” In return, I taught them to never be afraid to try new things, to reach out, to expand their education and their growth in all aspects of life.

They all have.

■ After the movie came out, I would get manuscripts for books, and I never refused to read what people sent me. I was sent scripts for movies, and in fact I went to a reading and was asked to produce a play called “Millions of Miles” that came out a couple of years ago in Delray Beach. I was very proud of that. I wouldn’t do anything that I wasn’t proud of.

■ I also had a very unusual husband. He was much less typical than I was. Aside from being a dynamic businessman, he had a great sense of humor, and he was extremely affectionate. He would always hug and kiss me. At his memorial service, that’s what everyone would say: “His eyes would light up when Florence entered the room.” When we were at a restaurant, and I went to the ladies room, he would see me coming back and his eyes would sparkle. I don’t think I could ever find anyone that would do that for me again.

■ People should not be afraid, at any age, to try to make changes and improve themselves. [Don’t] stagnate.

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OurTown Behind the Business

Community Spotlight

DeAnnA WArren

John Antonini

The executive director of Genesis Community Health and her devoted staff bring quality, affordable health care to those in need.

Genesis Community HealtH Where: 564 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach ContaCt: 561/735-6553, gencomhealth.org ServiCeS: Preventative health for men and women; pediatric care; immunizations; some gynecological procedures; diagnostic laboratory work; screenings for elevated blood levels, communicable diseases; health education.

CoSt: Genesis charges based on a patient’s income structure

AARon BRISTol

[ ] After working with the Michigan Primary Care Association, helping to set up community health centers in economically devastated parts of Detroit, Warren “grew tired of being on the outside, when I really wanted to be on the inside.” She landed in South Florida on the ground floor of a project born out of a 2009 feasibility study that targeted Boynton Beach for additional primary care services. Thanks to an initial grant from Quantum Foundation (an ongoing funder) to build its office, Genesis opened its doors in June 2010 with Warren as its executive director. [ ] Though her family had the means to visit mainland physicians, DeAnna Warren still believes that the best health care in and around St. Helena Island, S.C.— the rural area north of Hilton Head where she grew up—was the lone on-island facility. Known locally as “the clinic,” it provided affordable medical services to the low-income population, including members of her extended family. [ ] She re-emphasizes that point when discussing her brother, who died at age 7 from kidney failure after a series of illnesses. Warren, still in elementary school at the time, recalls feeling helpless—and angry. “My dad was a farmer, and my mom was a teacher; we had insurance and access to what was perceived as ‘great’ doctors,” says Warren, who has two daughters (ages 5 and 3) with husband Ronny. “But the quality of my brother’s care was not great; they could have done more. From then on, I wanted to be in a field where I could help others access quality care.” A little more than 20 years after her brother’s death, she is doing just that in Boynton Beach.

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[ ] In two years, Genesis and its staff of 11—including a medical director, nurse practitioner and two part-time physicians—already is providing much-needed health care to more than 1,500 patients. Warren hopes to double that number by the end of 2012. [ ] “There are stereotypes to overcome about a center like this—the quality of care isn’t high, patients are treated poorly, that it’s free,” Warren says. “We’re not free, but we are affordable. And I think our quality is actually better. It’s not just about coming in, getting a test and leaving. We become vested in our patients.” [ ] “There was a man who sold real estate; he was injured and couldn’t work—and he lost everything,” Warren says. “His home, his wife. He was living on someone’s couch. It brought me to tears. ... We see a lot of these cases—people who are unemployed, in foreclosure. ... I have to wear a lot of hats here, and sometimes I do feel overwhelmed. But the reward is when a patient comes in and says, ‘Thank you.’”

Profession: Vice president and general manager, Saks Fifth Avenue, Town Center at Boca Raton BaCkGround: An assistant general manager of merchandising at the Boca Saks from 2007 to 2009, Antonini spent two years in New York City as the VP/GM of that Saks store. Upon his return late last year to Town Center, Antonini wasted no time adding to Saks’ local reputation as a prominent partner in the community. did you know: In February, Saks launched a corporate initiative that directed 5 percent of a store’s cardholder sales to local charity partners. The Boca Saks ranks No. 1 in the promotion, generating charitable dollars for Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Spirit of Giving Network, Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and Saint Andrew’s School.

Quote: “Charity partnerships have long been part of our DNA at Saks. ... Charity is something that we as a store focus on every day here in Boca.

We are always looking for ways to be involved in the local community. ... It’s exciting for me to be back in a community with such active groups.”

may/june

Family Promise

An interfaith Delray nonprofit gives hope to struggling families in their time of need.

I

n the same way it takes a village to raise a child, a local organization believes that sometimes it takes a community to rescue a family.

Hidden behind St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Delray Beach is the headquarters of Family Promise, an interfaith charity that provides shelter, food, necessities and life skills for homeless families in our area. To serve those in need, the organization relies on some 1,100 volunteers representing more than 20 host and supporting congregations in Boca and Delray—from Advent Lutheran to St. Paul’s Episcopal to Temple Beth El.

“They know when they come in that it’s not a free ride. It’s a group effort. We’re here to empower you. We’re not here to do it for you.

We’re going to do this together.” —KoKIe DInnAn “Our goal is to keep our families together,” says Kokie Dinnan, executive director of Family Promise, which launched locally in 2008 (the national organization began in 1988). “In a time of crisis, they need one another more than ever.”

Most shelters separate men and women, but Family Promise’s unique program keeps families intact by calling on hosting congregations (churches and synagogues with enough room and staffing) to house the families.

Congregations alternate to provide families with private rooms and meals for a weeklong stretch; no more than four guest families are in the program at a time. The location change is a minor inconvenience for those receiving when U want to know

everything from transportation to school to access to a Day Center facility (with computers and phones) to strategy sessions for becoming self-sufficient.

“We strive to give our families life skills that, in some cases, were never even introduced,” Dinnan says. “We offer parenting classes. We have financial advisers that come in and do budgeting with our families.”

Each family must outline weekly goals and, with the help of a personal caseworker, work to meet them.

“The structure empowers them,” Dinnan says. “It [allows] them to do what they need to do to take care of themselves. That’s our goal: not to enable, but to empower.”

In addition to working with families from low socioeconomic backgrounds, the organization has seen a proliferation of former middleand even upper-class families suddenly in need of help. Dinnan says that Family Promise receives an average of 70 new inquiries a month.

After a family is referred to the organization, a preliminary phone call is made to collect basic questions about the family’s history.

“One thing that we ask is what their goals are,” Dinnan says. “If a person has goals, that shows motivation—and that makes them a high candidate for us.”

Candidates for the program are required to provide a background check from the sheriff’s department; there also is drug testing. Families are screened for domestic abuse, violence and mental illness.

“We are a volunteer-based organization,” Dinnan says. “We are not a halfway house. We are not a shelter. We have to be cautious.”

As selected families continue to get back on their feet, they can receive assistance for up to a year after graduation.

Dinnan is thankful for the congregations and volunteers; she is continually looking for new agencies to help community members.

AAron Bristol

Hometown Heroes

Kokie Dinnan

“Without one piece, the rest of it wouldn’t work,” she says. “We all come together as a community and make a difference in people’s lives, that’s what I love the most.”

For more information about the organization, visit familypromisespbc.org.

InsIde the numbers

90 days

AverAge length of stAy for A fAmily

12

locAl hosting congregAtions

4 times Per year

times A congregAtion cAn host

1,100

number of volunteers

80%*

nAtionAl success rAte

85%*

locAl success rAte * Based on families that are sustainable for more than a year after graduation.

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Boca Raton

spotlights

the most exciting

events in the

tri-county aRea

people

[1]

GREATER BOCA RATON Caribbean Cowboy ball

The George Snow Scholarship Fund’s annual Caribbean Cowboy Ball and Auction kicked off the 30th anniversary of the George Snow Scholarship Fund by attracting more than 580 “cowpokes” for a foot-stompin’ good time. The event raised about $137,000 toward higher education scholarships and programs to assist worthy students in our community. Ball guests were treated to a gourmet buffet dinner and evening festivities.

Alex Romano and the Band provided live music and the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Boca Raton taught guests line dancing. Since the inception of the scholarship fund, more than $4.9 million has been awarded to more than 1,200 worthy recipients. [ 1 ] Charles and robin Deyo, and Mike arts

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people [1]

Caribbean Cowboy ball (ConT.)

[2]

[3]

[ 1 ] ingrid, Kendra and Fred Fulmer [ 2 ] Jean-Marc Casanave, Karla Sordo, Kyle and Kate Stewart, and eddie Sordo [ 3 ] Fred astaire Dance Studio of boca raton [ 4 ] Marie and Frank occhigrossi [ 5 ] Susan Kaplan and Michael Kridel

[5]

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may/june

[1]

[3]

[2]

ShoeS at SakS FiFth avenue

George Malkemus, president of the shoe empire Manolo Blahnik, made a personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center at Boca Raton. The man behind the Manolos spoke with guests at an exclusive luncheon before meeting with shoppers on the floor.

[ 1 ] teresa velasquez and Shauna Graham Mcnellis [ 2 ] Gail Wasserman, George Malkemus and Connie Loftus [ 3 ] Martha Schiltz and Sandra aboud [ 4 ] Margie kovens, Betsey Rhinehart and Donna Sessa [ 5 ] Cindy Dunay and Lori Goldstein

[4]

[5]

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people [1]

[2]

YMCA prAYer BreAkfAst

More than 500 guests attended the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 10th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Boca Raton Resort & Club to see keynote speaker Regis Philbin. The daytime TV celebrity shared personal anecdotes of his own struggles and successes. Philbin’s talk was followed by a VIP book signing for sponsors and donors. David Cassidy, star of the 1970s series “The Partridge Family” and a longtime Y supporter, also made an appearance at the event. The breakfast benefits the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s financial assistance program, which ensures that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.

[ 1 ] regis philbin, and Mary Jo and richard pollock [ 2 ] Yvonne Boice and susan Whelchel

[2]

sAint AndreW’s AnniversArY

More than 250 business leaders and community members came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Saint Andrew’s School at the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce’s membership breakfast. More than 50 students entertained the crowd with great renditions of popular songs. After the breakfast, Congressman Allen West presented the school with an American flag to honor the anniversary.

[ 3 ] saint Andrew’s school’s lower school chorus [ 4 ] lise orr and Holly kreisman [ 5 ] Constance scott, penny Morey and Jayne scala

[3]

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may/june

[1]

[2]

Cartier reCeption

Cartier at Town Center closed early to host a top-shelf, private cocktail reception.

Guests were served Cartier champagne and wine was served. Ms. Florida International, LauRen Merola Strager, made a special appearance. A portion of the night’s proceeds went toward the American Heart Association.

[ 1 ] Marc Stegmaier and elizabeth Belkin [ 2 ] Mason Slaine, Colleen Hanson and Michael Weinberg

[3]

[4]

SWeetneSS and LaugHter

The Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation celebrated its 13th anniversary with “An Evening of Sweetness & Laughter” at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton. More than 200 guests were educated about Tay-Sachs disease and other genetic disorders; attendees had an opportunity to meet some of the families and children affected. During the event Dr. Florian Eichler and Rabbi Dan Levin were recognized, both of whom have made outstanding contributions in pioneering and delivering genetic testing and education programs and moving research forward to eventually find a cure.

[ 3 ] Kevin and Lisajane romer, and dan Levin [ 4 ] Florian eichler with the ogden family

SoMeWHere over tHe rainBoW

[5]

The Greater Boca Raton Cancer Chapter of The Pap Corps raised more than $170,000 for cancer research at their annual galaluncheon fashion show. “The Wizard of Oz”-themed event was held at The Polo Club in Boca Raton. The luncheon featured an exciting and colorful fashion presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue, an exquisite violin performance by Lynn University’s Ann Fontanella, and a dramatic drawing for a gorgeous citron and diamond ring from Gregory’s Fine Jewelry in Delray Beach.

[ 5 ] Barbara Kallen, Marilyn Swillinger and gregory Friedman when U want to know

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people [1]

[2]

Building Hope gala

Thanks to the compassion of 375 South Florida residents at Food For The Poor’s Building Hope Gala at The Polo Club of Boca Raton, enough money was raised to construct 100 houses, a community center and an animal husbandry project involving 20 cows in Olivier, Deuxieme Plaine, Haiti. The gala coincided with Food For The Poor’s 30th anniversary. Shaggy, a 2012 Grammy nominee and award-winning reggae artist, performed at the nonprofit’s charity gala. As the gala’s name implies, attendees gathered to create a legacy by pledging to build critically needed houses during the charity’s live house rally.

[3]

[ 1 ] Julie Mahfood, Kara Seelye, natasha Singh, Ronda ellis ged, david gluck, Ronda gluck, abdol Moabery, Cathy Moabery, Francis Mahfood, Rene Mahfood, pamela Matsil, patricia Wallace, Becky Carlsson, allison Venditti and Traci Wilson [ 2 ] abdol and Cathy Moabery [ 3 ] Shaggy and Robin Mahfood

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[5]

lyMpHoMa ReSeaRCH FoundaTion’S lunCHeon

To raise critical funds for blood cancer research, the Lymphoma Research Foundation held its sixth annual South Florida Luncheon at Saint Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton. The fashion luncheon was attended by a soldout crowd and raised more than $150,000. To date, the luncheon has raised some $800,000 to support the organization’s mission of eradicating lymphoma.

Luncheon guests enjoyed a fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue as well as a shopping boutique, high-end raffle prizes and an exciting live auction.

[ 4 ] Judith Bronsteen, Mitzi oreman, gladys Cook, ellen liebman, Jane yudell and elisabeth dalfen [ 5 ] Richard and lois Werner, and Florence and Robert Werner

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may/june

[1]

Vintner Dinner Announcement

The Boca Bacchanal Committee proudly announced the chefs participating in the 2012 vintner dinners at the Bacchus Beckons party at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Vintner dinner hosts, event partners, committee members and patrons enjoyed appetizers and a variety of wines at the event. Chefs and vintners are welcomed to private residences on the first night of Bacchanal weekend to create memorable evenings of food and wine that help to boost the fundraising efforts of Boca Bacchanal.

[ 1 ] Steve and Stephanie miskew, and Kate and ted toomey

[2]

[3]

country club chefS fAce off

Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation hosted its first Country Club Chef Showdown at Boca Raton’s Broken Sound Country Club. The evening was packed with food and hundreds of guests. The night began with a sold-out VIP reception for supporters. Guests sipped on cocktails and enjoyed delicious delicacies as they prepared to watch the competition. Chefs went head-to-head in an “Iron Chef” style cook-off, using the same main ingredient, hoping to impress the judges. Boca West Country Club’s Roger Brock walked away with the win.

[ 2 ] cathy Quinn, Greg leach and bill Quinn [ 3 ] Julian and Sue epstein [ 4 ] fred Daub, bob lewis and Sue Daub [ 5 ] roger brock [4]

[5]

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boca roundtable CONTINuED FROM PAgE 103

Steele: Palm Beach is a town based on social climbing. You cannot social climb if you’re being an antagonist; they’re not going to welcome you to these exclusive selfselecting groups that are “special” if you’re too uppity. The same people who don’t want to make waves will come up to me privately and say, “We can’t thank you enough for what your group does ... Just don’t ask us to [help with the cause].”

her from personal experience that until the bullies realize that they’re not affecting you, they’re going to continue to peck away like vultures. ... They weren’t sending her personal messages and notes, but on their own Facebook profiles they were making comments. So it gets around in the social circles; it gets to the point where she doesn’t want to walk past these kids in school.

As her mom, of course, I want to charge in there with guns blazing. But in the end, kids don’t want that because, “Mom, you’ll just make things worse for me.” ... Things are going to be fine, and it’s dying down. It’s my hope that she gains enough courage and perspective that, when she’s standing in the popular group and they start teasing the girl who’s different, she’ll stand up and say, “That’s wrong.”

good news is that it is changing. But there will always be hate; if it’s not based on sexual orientation, it will be something else.

can you Share With uS a recent experience that haS made you particularly proud of the gay community?

Seaver: One of my jobs at Compass is to organize our largest outreach event, PrideFest of the Palm Beaches. Last year, we received such a huge influx of teenagers. I remember being at preSS time WaShington WaS onstage and seeing several youth with tears in about to become the Seventh their eyes. I thought something had happened, State to alloW Same-Sex couso I immediately went up to them. pleS to marry. hoW cloSe or Instead of being upset, they were tears of hoW far iS a marriage equality joy. One young man, who had come out of bill from paSSing in florida? a bad situation at home with unsupportive Steele: (laughs) parents, said, “This is my first Seaver: Do you need a glass PrideFest. I had no idea there of water? were so many people who “People [think] that coming out is something that Steele: It’s not going to hapwere either just like me or acpen anytime soon. We’ll be one cepted me for me.” It brought happens one day—like you have a big party of the last states, unless we have me back to our mission at and get your gay card. ... Every time an LGBT a change in political parties at the Compass and why I’m there. person meets a new group of people ... they governor level. Even then, I don’t Steele: We’re trying to get have to come out all over again.” —Lauren Walleser see it happening because of the the city of West Palm Beach legislature. The votes are not there. to [stop hiring] contractors The reason the Human Rights with non-inclusive policies.

Council is comprised of so many lawyers is It blows me away that there are these goodthat we can accomplish more by appealing hoW doeS it make you feel old-boy contractors that always get the conto the judicial system to bring about change perSonally to be part of a tracts—and they’re some of the most hateful, rather than going through the legislature—or community that can engender nasty people you can imagine. ... We just got the population at large. It’s easier to convince Such blind hatred? the word that, after the elections, it’s probfive out of nine justices than it is to convince Seaver: Well, it’s taught us how to orgaably going to happen; the city will require 200 legislators that an issue violates the connize [as a community]. contractors to sign a pledge, and there will be stitution.

WalleSer: I was showing a documentary greater reporting prior to hiring. to my class about hate crimes. You have the WalleSer: With all of the struggles that hoW haS bullying impacted primary victim, but really the target is an entire we’ve talked about, and all the progress that your liveS—and hoW doeS it afgroup—so the hate crime doesn’t just affect still needs to be made, I must say that coming fect the gay community today? the person who is beaten up or killed; it creates to work every day is joyous. I feel extremely WalleSer: I was bullied severely as a child a climate of fear for an entire community. blessed and honored to work with the students because I was a more theatrical kid. This was That’s why there is specific hate-crime I work with. Watching their growth in spirit before I was even out to myself, but I think legislation. You’re not just getting mugged and confidence just makes my whole life. that kids just know when someone is differbecause someone wants your money, you’re ent. I was kicked, I was spit on, I had to eat my getting beaten up because of an integral part May/June 2012 issue. Vol. 32, No. 3. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of JES Publishing Corp., and any lunch in the bathroom. It wasn’t related, from of who you are. So, yes, that leads to anger use of these trademarks without the express written consent my perspective, to my sexual orientation—but and frustration—and organizing. of JES Publishing Corp. is strictly prohibited: Florida Funshine there were kids who were bullied for their acSteele: I think people hate because they and Florida Style. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published seven times a year (September/October, November, December/ tual or their perceived orientation. can. The LGBT population isn’t unique; January, February, March/April, May/June and July/August/) Today, I know that kids are starting [sopeople have hated various groups throughby JES Publishing Corp. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 5455 N. Federal Highway, Suite M, Boca Raton, cial networking] groups: So-and-So is Gay, out the years because they feared them. UnFL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all edior I Hate So-and-So. Also, people are outing less you stand up for who you are and what torial and advertising correspondence to the above address.

Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional other people. You don’t out people, you let you believe in—and you say, “That’s not acmailing offices. Subscriptions: $14.95/7 issues, $19.95/14 isthem come out when they’re ready and to ceptable”—the haters will get away with it. sues. Single copy $5.95. No whole or part of the content may whomever they’re ready to come out.

For far too long, members of the LGBT be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles Seaver: I’ve just had a bullying experipopulation just let it happen. If you don’t and photographs. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ence with my daughter. I’m always telling fight back, it’s not going to change. The Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.

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may/june

speedbumps [ by marie speed ]

Do It Yourselves Incompetence can be Its own art form.

W

e’ve just come off that time of year when everyone goes to spring art festivals, and more recently, the “indie” craft festival circuit. The indie shows are retro arts and crafts shows with lots of 20-year-olds inked with turquoise butterflies selling 1950s aprons and record album art and resin skulls covered in sequins. These kids are making things right and left like there’s no tomorrow—and I am always impressed.

I have always prided myself on being self-sufficient and independent. I take care of the yard, replace the light bulbs, get the dog groomed, take my vitamins, pay the bills, vote, get the oil changed—all the normal everyday things that you’re supposed to do as a functioning, fully employed adult.

But I can say with all certainty that I am not remotely interested in Doing It Yourself, and this bothers me a little. My eyes glaze over when someone starts talking about sewing something or making a bracelet or scrapbooking or going to craft stores for fun. And that’s just the little stuff.

I have a friend, Onsie Bruin, who built her own log cabin—and I am not talking the Ted Kaczynski kind.

Hers is a two-story regular house; she even picked out and stripped the logs herself. Another friend, Sarah Hiers, just ripped off the floor of her house so she could restore the terrazzo underneath. That’s after she started a hydroponic garden and painted every wall in sight. Now she’s replacing her kitchen countertops while the rest of us are watching “The X Factor.”

And what about my old friend Brian Black, who used to tell me he “didn’t do anything” all weekend?

That is, he didn’t do anything but build massive pieces of mahogany furniture in the garage from scratch— without plans, just eyeballing it. Just another Saturday morning in the Black household. And what

when U want to know

about Juan Plaza? Talk about annoying—here’s a guy who raises bonsai trees, makes his own wine and builds a kayak every now and then just to keep things interesting.

I seem to be surrounded by people who are undaunted by painting, repairing, assembling, redoing. They do things every day that challenge my abilities: like changing the ink cartridge in a printer, setting a ladder up, replacing smoke detector batteries. I know what “lefty loosy, righty-tighty” means, but I am being honest when I say I only learned that about five years ago. I do not change tires, own a sewing machine or make cookies. I am terrible at painting anything and I do not, to this day, understand how anything works, including a spark plug. If it had been up to me, we would still be trapped in the ice age with no wheel, no fire, no pointy tools. I know this about myself, and I am resigned to it.

But that doesn’t make it any easier, not with all this sheer competence engulfing me, like my friend Mary Branch making neck scarves out of old T-shirts or laying down a pallet of St. Augustine sod. Barb Freda whipping up some homemade mozzarella between tango lessons. Or Wilson Eick doing perfect scale models of Everglades fishing boats. After a while, you start to wonder what you contribute, or how long you’d survive after the apocalypse.

Still, I suppose we all have our place in the grand scheme of things; I just know mine will never be in the aisle of Ace Hardware, or behind a booth at an indie craft show. Nope, I’ll be the one holding the directions upside down or using duct tape to hem her skirt.

Which is, I might suggest, a form of creativity in its own right.

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The author (right) with his brothers and mom.

Springtime Memories Here’s to tHe season of love, flowers, Hopes and dreams— and marketing 101.

L

ike death and taxes, spring always arrives—even here, in South Florida, when you think things can’t get much better than our winter season.

When I was growing up in Cincinnati, the first signs of spring were the tiny buds on our magnolia trees in the backyard, the patches of green grass struggling to emerge from underneath the melting snow, the smell of mom’s apple cobbler cooling on the sill of her open kitchen window.

Spring is my brothers in the driveway with no shirts on, holding the garden hose, washing winter away from the family’s Buick Roadmaster. Raising hell was turning the hose on one another as we danced through the cool spray. (And yes, we drank the water from it—not from a bottle—and no one got sick.) I can still see my brothers climbing the leafless trees in the woods in the back of our home. We had a few sprained ankles, and a variety of cuts and bruises.

We wore no helmets or arm pads and somehow [ by john shuff ] we all survived.

Spring was my dad buying bags of peat moss and fertilizer for his soon-tobe-reawakened rose garden. It was returning to South Bend from spring break to be with my girl, Margaret Mary Scanlan, an undergrad at St. Mary’s College. I was nuts about her and loved her company—still do. We met almost every evening, meandering everywhere hand-inhand. I snuck a kiss or two and dreamed of the day when we would be together forever.

By spring break my cash flow was usually depleted, so I would apply my Marketing 101 course—“How to

myturn

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Hitchhike”—and “thumbed” it from South Bend to Cincinnati to save money. The trip wound through the beautiful state of Indiana and usually took seven hours. I took 31 South to Indianapolis from the Notre Dame campus to the Route 100 bypass and headed for home.

I picked this route because there was a hamburger stand that bragged they had sold “over 1 million burgers.”

It was my first encounter with McDonald’s, and since 1958 my affinity for their burgers has continued.

Hitchhiking is pretty much impossible today, but even in those days it was tough. There were no interstate highways in the late ’50s, just two-lane country roads. Therefore, I had to make it easy for someone to pick me up and not feel threatened. In order to merchandise myself, I made a huge sign that read “Notre Dame to Cincinnati,” and I wore a shirt and tie. It really worked! Drivers who picked me up always commented on my sign and appearance. It never failed and speaks to the validity of the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Spring is here again, and it’s a season I still love, even though the hormones no longer rage with the intensity and passion of youth. The independence and freedom represented by those carefree springs has now been superceded by the same beautiful days embroidered with the challenges and complexities of adult life. But there are lessons from those wistful spring days that can energize your spirit—and bring a smile to your face.

Promise me to dream this spring. Dream like you did as a kid. Dream the impossible. Visualize your thoughts and make them live. Dream big and have the courage to fail—it will be good for your soul. And then sneak a kiss, maybe two. I promise it will rekindle an old flame that has long been burning.

may/june

the date just

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