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White Travertino
Your one stop boutique for the ultimate fashions in women’s contemporary resort, swim, activewear featuring designer pieces by Sandra Simone, and more.
Formal wear by Theia couture, ML Monique Lhuillier, Amur, Kay Unger, Halston, Mon Cheri, Posh couture, and more.
Personal shopper and stylist available by appointment.
Operating hours: Open 7 days a week Monday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Featured pieces by Baciami Couture
Sip back and relax
Pause. Play. Perfect. As you Savor the day(s) this summer at our Forbes Five-Star Spa with the Eau Spa Escape Package.
Begin your luxurious getaway with a glass of bubbly served on arrival. Take a dip in the sparkling waters of our two oceanfront pools and dive into our multiple on-property culinary offerings.
Enjoy 24-hour access to our Fitness Center and complimentary fitness classes during your stay. The ultimate indulgence: A $500 credit to Eau Spa and a $50 credit for our spa terrace café, Savor. Paradise awaits.
For reservations, call 877 616-0125
*A two-night minimum stay is required. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Business SPOTLIGHT
Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA Principal and Certified Financial Planner
6751 North Federal Highway, Suite 400 Boca Raton, FL 33487 561.210.7339 intercoastalwealth.com
Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary Beth Bennett has advice for business owners: Consider a business succession structure before you may encounter a problem. As in an article from the Conway Center for Family Business, Bennett stresses to her clients that there are two main reasons for considering such a plan.
The first being taxes, as upon the death of a business owner, there may be estate taxes due, and having a plan in place may shed light on how to manage them. Unfortunately, failure to properly prepare may lead to loss of control over the financial disposition of the company.
Second, without a succession plan, a decline in the value of the business may occur in the event of the death or unexpected disability of the owner.
Three basic steps for the process of business succession include: Identifying your goals to make it easier to fulfill them. Whether seeking future income, creating a family legacy, or establishing the values you wish to ensure, being aware of your objectives is key.
Pursue your objectives with a number of tools available, from gifting shares to establishing a trust or instituting an employee stock ownership plan. There are many options, says Bennett.
Lastly, implement the strategy and revisit it often to assure its relevancy in the face of life’s changes.
As with any financial endeavor, Bennett invites clients to seek her services before moving forward with a succession plan to assure that any questions are answered and that there is a comfort level in moving forward with the process.
18 editor’s letter
Say hello to Delray magazine’s new editor-in-chief, who has plenty to say about what makes our beachy enclave the place to be.
BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
21 hot list
See how the cookie crumbles at a new dessert shop, enjoy potions in motion at the annual Witches Ride, and visit a “Dande” downtown hot spot for alternative wellness. Plus, “Bounce” to the Delray Beach Market after dark, and discover the inspiring backstory of Room Eight Studio’s Ashley Catronio. BY
TYLER CHILDRESS
27 snapshots
The Fuller Center celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a green party, American Heritage student-entrepreneurs continued their cereal investment, a mobile pet service opened in Delray, and other recent happenings.
28 top 5/calendar
A TV sidekick steps into the leading role at Delray Beach Playhouse, legends of the U.K. indie underground tour West Palm, and a Norton exhibition doesn’t pull any punches. Plus, bamboo lights at the Morikami, blown-glass masterworks at the Cornell, “Mrs. Doubtfire” at the Kravis, and other A&E highlights. BY JOHN THOMASON
34 style
Whether indoors or under a harvest moon, these autumnal accessories from Delray retailers can enliven any tablescape.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON BRISTOL
september/october 2024
40 up close
A writer, poet, filmmaker and art collector brings rare and exotic palms to his west Delray paradise, and the founder of Eat Better Live Better combats the ever-pressing issue of food insecurity. BY CHRISTIANA LILLY AND JOHN THOMASON
44 dine
From its imaginative apps to its inventive desserts, Lantana’s recently renamed Ravish Off Ocean is a winner—complete with copious outdoor dining, a daily happy hour and coastal breezes.
BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
48 the wellness revolution
From infrared saunas to ice-cold plunges, nontraditional wellness modalities are trending nationwide. Meet six South Florida biohackers whose novel solutions to common ailments think outside the (pill) box. BY TYLER CHILDRESS
54 spilling the tea
It may be the Pepsi to coffee’s Coke, but America’s second-favorite morning beverage is more than a caffeine boost. We break down the varieties, health benefits and passionate culture of tea, with insights from a local expert.
BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
24 34 44 28
68 out & about
Savor the Avenue attendees enjoyed another starlit dinner at the city’s longest dining table, the Delray Beach Historical Society went back to the garden for its annual fundraiser, and motorheads revved up support for local organizations at this year’s Concours D’Elegance.
BY TYLER CHILDRESS
75 dining guide
Our review-driven dining guide showcases great restaurants in Delray and beyond.
BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
80 community connection
A library volunteer helps Delray’s senior population and other late adopters master their smartphones and other tech-forward gadgets.
BY RICH POLLACK
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 10 AM - 1 PM
Come learn about the outstanding learning experiences offered through our collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF
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publishers of Boca Raton magazine
Delray Beach magazine 1926 Worth Avenue magazine
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Delray Beach magazine is published five times a year by JES Media. The entire contents of Delray Beach magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Delray Beach magazine accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Delray Beach magazine reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for products. Please refer to corporate masthead.
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Delray Beach magazine is published five times a year, with bi-monthly issues in-season and combined issues in the summertime. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.
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Create a magazine tailored to fit the needs and character of your business/organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services and/or locations, etc. Contact Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com).
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[ calendar ]
Where to go, what to do and see in Delray Beach. Please submit information regarding fundraisers, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to managing editor John Thomason (john.thomason@bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming calendar section is three months before publication (e.g., to list an event in March/April, submit info by December 20).
[ dining guide ]
Our independent reviews of restaurants in Delray Beach. A fine, reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Christie Galeano-DeMott (christie@bocamag.com).
[ out & about ]
A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Delray Beach. 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. Email images to Tyler Childress at tyler@bocamag.com.
president/publisher
margaret mary shuff group editor-in-chief
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jeanne greenberg
customer services/video editor
david shuff
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Boca Raton, FL 33487
561/997-8683 bocamag.com
publishers of Boca Raton magazine
Delray Beach magazine
1926 Worth Avenue
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual Salt Lake magazine
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2024 CHARLIE AWARDS
charlie award (first place)
best overall magazine
best overall writing best custom publication (1926) best feature best department best column best photo essay/series best advertorial story or section silver award best feature best public service coverage best cover photo best use of photography best custom publication (Worth Avenue)
bronze award best overall design best department best public service coverage best advertorial story or section
2023 CHARLIE AWARDS
charlie award (first place)
best website (bocamag.com)
best custom publication (1926)
silver award
best overall magazine best editorial, opinion, commentary best department design best custom publication (Worth Avenue) best advertorial story or section
2022 CHARLIE AWARDS
general excellence
magazine of the year best overall magazine
charlie award (first place)
best overall writing best in-depth reporting best custom publication (1926) best advertising for a client silver award best feature best use of photography best advertising for a client bronze award best custom publication (Worth Avenue)
BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
A Treasure Trove of Hidden Gems
Clichés aside, Delray Beach is teeming with excitement
“Off the beaten path,” “under the radar,” “hidden gem”—all tired phrases to describe the whimsy of places like Delray Beach. But sometimes, clichés become clichés because there’s no better way to describe it. After all, where else can you find an arcade museum, Japanese gardens and a reconstructed 1840s British pub all in one city?
Delray is not any city’s little sister. It’s a city that stands on its own—a funky, bohemian, beachy enclave bursting with, ahem, hidden gems. Much like the rest of South Florida, the landscape of Delray Beach is changing, from businesses closing and making way for new ones to development. But for as long as I’ve been in South Florida, there are the standout moments that make this place what it is:
■ The 60-foot American flag draped from a construction crane for Fourth of July
■ Not to be outdone by the 100-foot Christmas tree, though
■ Endless popcorn options at The Original Popcorn House (a great baby shower favor, by the way)
■ Imagining what it would be like to live in those adorable historic beach cottages
■ Being transported to London (no passport needed) at the Blue Anchor Pub
■ Arriving on the doorstep of Japan at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, also sans passport
■ Somehow managing to be shocked, year after year, by the length of the dining table at Savor the Avenue
■ Hearing about another proposal at Sundy House (I’m counting down to its reopening)
■ Admiring the detailed murals around town
■ Pineapples, pineapples, pineapples
Then, of course, there are experiences I am crossing my fingers will return soon, such as Delray Beach Fashion Week and the Miracle Christmas pop-up bar (a petition to bring this back immediately, please).
As I take the helm of this magazine, I want to continue the tradition of filling the pages for readers to discover the people, places and things that make Delray Beach such an exciting place to be. In this issue of Delray magazine, a place for all things “hidden gem,” we take a walk with Mark Ford to explore Paradise Palms (pg. 40) and tour the food pantry of Eat Better Live Better (pg. 42). Plus, how much did you know about the intricacies of tea? Find out on page 54.
Happy reading!
The Morikami
CARINA MASK
Cancer Care.
hot list
NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH
Sweet Season
Delray has a sweet tooth. From trickor-treating on the Ave to two new dessert destinations, here’s where we’re packing on a few extra pounds— and where we’re shedding them.
By Tyler Childress
S’more cookie from Chip City Cookies
A (CHOCOLATE) CHIP OFF THE BLOCK
Coming to us hot and fresh from New York City is Chip City Cookies, Atlantic Avenue’s newest spot to get your sugar fix. Boasting a rotating assortment of more than 65 cookie flavors—from s’mores and blueberry cheesecake to cannoli and horchata—Chip City is adding some much-needed variety to the cookie scene which, let’s face it, is getting a little crowded. Chip City also sets itself apart from its cookie-cutter competitors with more bizarre (in a good way) offerings like the “crookie,” a croissant stuffed with cookie dough—a pairing on par with peanut butter and chocolate in terms of genius. 302 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; chipcitycookies.com
JUST DANDE
Dandelight Studios has made its Delray debut, and it is establishing itself as a one-stop shop for holistic wellness. The studio hosts a variety of classes across its two studio rooms, from Yin and Vinyasa yoga to Reiki healing, sound baths and meditation. The studio rooms share the sizeable space with a cafe that serves up coffees, matcha, cacao, golden milk lattes and locally sourced and house-made baked treats, as well as a gift shop for all your holistic needs, like teas and body lotions, and accessories such as jewelry and bags. Dandelight is also home to the Sound Alchemist Collective, a program that brings together novice and veteran sound healers from across South Florida to practice and learn more about the craft. 324 N.E. Third Ave., Delray Beach; dandelight.com
A VERY DELRAY HALLOWEEN
We’re breaking out our Halloween costumes a few days early as the city celebrates its 62nd annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 26. The festivities kick off at 7:30 a.m. with the witches of Delray mounting their brooms (bikes) for the annual Witches’ Ride, followed by trick-or-treating from shops along Atlantic Avenue. That afternoon, arrive at Northeast Fifth Avenue to claim a free ice cream (courtesy of the Delray Rotary Club) ahead of the parade, which will make its way down to the Old School Square Pavilion, where the family-friendly Kidfest awaits with games, arts and crafts, food trucks and assorted vendors. downtowndelraybeach.com/events/halloween-festivities
Sound healing at Dandelight Studio
Strawberry shortcake cookies from Chip City Cookies
Delray Witches’ Ride
GOODBYE LIONFISH, HELLO SUGAR FACTORY
Lionfish’s closing in April came as a shock to many, and as a heartbreak to all who wish they could have tasted that pan-seared snapper just one more time. But alas, out with the old and in with the new—the new being Sugar Factory, a San Diego-based dessert chain that specializes in Instagrammable confections and has garnered a celebrity following that includes Nick Cannon, Pitbull and Kevin Hart. Sugar Factory wasted no time setting up—a month after Lionfish’s closure it was already offering an expansive brunch menu that includes fried Oreo cheesecake buttermilk pancakes, strawberry cheesecake stuffed waffles, and more over-the-top selections. The menu has the usual suspects of casual fare—burgers, wings, salads, pastas, etc.—but takes an extra decadent step with its massive shareable goblet cocktails and fall-off-the-plate desserts. 307 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; sugarfactory.com/ delray-beach-fl
AFTER DARK:
BOUNCE SPORTING CLUB
The wait is finally over for Bounce Sporting Club’s debut at the Delray Beach Market. We’re glad to see the space finally getting some love since the market’s close in January of last year, and Bounce brings with it an energy that we hope can give the Delray Beach Market the jolt it needs to make a comeback. Bounce Sporting Club has all the hallmarks of your typical sports bar—wings, burgers, beer, big-screen TVs—but also has prime nightlife offerings of live music, DJs, and a bar that stays open until 2 a.m. The place is also huge—5,000 square feet and able to accommodate up to 400 guests between its indoors and patio—more than enough space to have some elbow room, which is hard to come by in Delray these days. 33 S.E. Third Ave., Delray Beach; bouncesportingclub.com
PURA VIDA OPENS IN DELRAY
With all the new dessert spots opening, we’re glad we can welcome a health food concept into the fold (and so are our arteries). Pura Vida has slowly been expanding outside its original Miami outpost, with new locations in West Boca, Jupiter and now Ocean Boulevard in Delray. Its menu has the obligatory health-conscious selections such as smoothies and açaí bowls, but also offers an all-day breakfast menu (too rare of a commodity) and sandwiches, wraps and bowls that taste great and will make you feel like you made at least one healthy choice for the day. 6 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; puravidamiami.com
JOSH ESCALANTE
Cheese fries and wings from Bounce
PIzza from Bounce
Cheetoburger from Sugar Factory
Açaí bowl from Pura Vida
SPOTLIGHT:
ASHLEY
CATRONIO
It was September 2018, the day of her son’s first birthday, when Ashley Catronio was diagnosed with breast cancer. The specific diagnosis had a long, technical name, but the gist was that it was invasive, spreading to her lymph nodes, and highly aggressive. Over the course of a year, she endured 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation, lost her hair, underwent a double mastectomy, and had her lymph nodes removed. “I was 29 years old, and my life came to a complete halt,” says Catronio. But not for long.
“What that has taught me is, No. 1, there’s nowhere to go but forward. There’s no point in sitting in anything. Just keep moving. And No. 2, we’re just not here forever,” says Catronio, making it that much more important to “do as much as you can of whatever you want to do.”
For Catronio, that meant starting a business focused on what she had been in love with since childhood—fashion. Growing up, she rushed to get the latest issues of Vogue and Elle, not for looks to imitate, but to admire and be inspired by the wearable works of art. Fashion also runs in the family; her father was one of the early pioneers of multi-brand denim stores and to whom she credits for sparking her love of fashion retail.
Looking back, it seems inevitable to Catronio that she would open her own boutique, Room Eight Studio, in the Pineapple Grove neighborhood, where she invites visitors to “find their Pinterest board” from her curated selection of women’s apparel, jewelry, home goods and more.
“We really do like to focus on the lifestyle of [clothing],” says Catronio. “How is somebody going to take that and put it into their world? It’s got to somehow tell a story, so we try to find the story in which that customer is going to receive it.”
FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN DELRAY?
Part of what I love about Delray is raising my kids in Delray. It’s a good community to raise kids in today so that they can still go out and play street hockey and go out and ride their bikes around [the] neighborhood.
WHAT DOES ROOM EIGHT STUDIO ADD TO DELRAY?
Part of why I started this, why I wanted to make this a brick-and-mortar, was that I was ordering online. I wasn’t shopping locally, and I felt there really wasn’t a store with a point of view. ... We needed a store that felt like you could walk into a world and find your Pinterest board. … We needed a store that was elevated, curated and wearable.
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON THE AVE?
My favorite thing to do on Atlantic Avenue is grabbing brunch with my kids at [Gary Rack’s] Farmhouse.
ANY IN-STORE PLANS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH?
During the month of October, a portion of sales are going to go to the Young Survival Coalition.
Visit Room Eight Studio at 325 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 101, Delray Beach. To learn more about the Young Survival Coalition and to donate, visit youngsurvival. org. —Tyler Childress
Delray Beach won the prestigious Blue Flag Award for the second year in a row in recognition of its commitment to sustainability and environmental education and protection. The city’s beach is only one of two in the country to win the award. Pictured: Raising of the Blue Flag at Delray Beach.
The Fuller Center celebrated its 53rd anniversary with a huge birthday bash at PopStroke in Delray. In addition to recognizing more than a half century of community service, the event also raised funds for the Fuller Academy’s $200,000 playground for its K-4th grade students.
Pictured: Fuller Center team at PopStroke.
THRōW Social invited parents to bring the kids along to the family-friendly “Lil’ Flockers” brunches over the summer. Kids enjoyed dancing, games, live DJ music and more, while moms and dads kicked back with bottomless mimosas. Pictured: Connect Four at THRōW Social’s Lil’ Flockers Brunch.
Delray Beach-based Ed Morse Automotive Group celebrated its 30th Golf Classic to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The tournament was held at PGA National and raised more than $438,000 for the MDA. Pictured: The Ed Morse Automotive Group team.
National mobile pet service brand Woofie’s recently set up shop in Delray. Treat your furry friend to a spa day with Woofie’s mobile grooming and bath services, or take the day off and let Woofie’s pet-sit and walk your fourlegged friend. Pictured: Members of the Woofie’s team: Gina Presser, Natalie Charlson, Yvonne Lipari, Amy Addington, Liz Gibbs.
Luke, left, and Jett Justin, students at Delray’s American Heritage School, collected nearly 11,000 pounds of cereal at the spring cereal drive for their nonprofit, Cereal4All. All boxes of cereal were donated to Boca Helping Hands to aid in its mission of supporting families throughout Palm Beach County.
Top 5
From the art of boxing to comedy born behind bars, this season’s events run the gamut.
September/October 2024
Zac Harmon
A Night With Zac Harmon and the Drive
WHEN: Sept. 13, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach
COST: $40-$45
CONTACT: 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org
Like many second- and third-generation blues artists, William “Zac” Harmon was born into the genre often labeled “America’s classical music.” Hailing from the historic Farish Street district of Jackson, Mississippi—home of blues legend Elmore James—Harmon grew up in a musical household with a pianist mother and a harmonicaplaying father who worked with Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Ike and Tina Turner. Harmon initially made a name for himself as a back-ofhouse talent, writing songs for the O’Jays, the Whispers and other soul artists, and producing a Grammy-winning reggae album from Black Uhuru. When it came time for Harmon to strike out on his own, he combined his many musical interests and influences into his classically reverential but forward-looking sound, a crosspollination of soul, gospel, and blues-rock fusion he’s been honing since his 2002 debut. More than 20 years in, Harmon is fully in stride, winning Soul Blues Album of the Year at the annual Blues Music Awards in 2022, and making the cover of Blues Blast magazine this past March. See him at the intimate Arts Garage with his quartet, the Drive.
Ali Siddiq: I Got a Story to Tell
WHEN: Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
COST: $30-$125
CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org
Ali Siddiq isn’t kidding about the subtitle of his latest touring standup special. His life abounds in stories: from his youth, where he was raised by a single mother in the projects; as a teenager, when he was arrested for cocaine trafficking four days after his 19th birthday; as an inmate, for six long but eventful years in a state prison in Hondo, Texas. It was in this latter capacity that Siddiq would begin to develop his gift for standup comedy. While working at the prison laundromat, he would perform his material for a captive audience. Though influenced by Rodney Dangerfield, Siddiq’s comedy would take a divergent turn, one based on long-form storytelling and tart observations from his personal life. Two months after his release from prison, he made his comedy-club debut and hasn’t looked back: He’s since released 13 solo standup specials, developed a public-speaking venture, and hosted an R&B radio show in his native Houston. He’s even paid it forward as a featured entertainer at prisons, and has volunteered some of his time to educate juveniles in the penal system.
Playing an iconic recurring character is one of the double-edged swords of entertainment, both blessing and curse: Your career is pretty much set for life, but the role can be so overwhelming that it can all but define you, at the expense of other opportunities. That was certainly the case for Vivian Vance, an emerging Broadway talent and minor film actress who, in 1951, landed the part that would change everything: Ethel Mertz, landlady and BFF to the title character on “I Love Lucy.” Vance would be eternally associated with “Lucy” and its spinoffs up until her death in 1979. For her deft comic timing, in 1953 she won the very first Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy for the role. But we are all more than our most plum part. In the solo play “Sidekicked,” writer and longtime fan Kim Powers imagines Vance in her dressing room on the night of the final taping of “I Love Lucy,” in which she shares stories from her career and hopes to discover, as she puts it, “who I really am before I’m stuck being Ethel forever.” This production from Boca Stage and Delray Beach Playhouse will star acclaimed local actress Irene Adjan.
Ali Siddiq
“Sidekicked”
The Chameleons
WHEN: Oct. 28, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach
COST: $40
CONTACT: 561/832-9999
Emerging from the same late-‘70s/early ‘80s Manchester, U.K., scene that spawned the Smiths, Joy Division and many others, postpunkers the Chameleons never achieved the name recognition of their more successful peers. But in the emerging goth and dreampop subcultures, they quickly became the consummate musicians’ musicians, inspiring decades of artists who would adopt and adapt their formula of atmospheric guitars, brooding vocals and acerbic lyrics, from Oasis and the Smashing Pumpkins to Interpol and the National. In their original incarnation, the Chameleons only released three LPs, and this reunion tour will focus on that vital third album that precipitated their breakup: 1986’s Strange Times, a product whose mystery is only deepened by its unavailability on streaming services and its scarcity on physical media. A statement piece, from its surrealist album art to its sprawling and intricate songs—fan-favorites “Swamp Thing” and “Tears” among them— Strange Times is one of the still-unheralded gems of its genre. Catch the band perform it straight through at this rare Florida appearance.
“Strike Fast, Dance Lightly: Artists on Boxing”
WHEN: Oct. 26-March 9, 2025
WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
COST: $15-$18
CONTACT: 561/832-5196, norton.org
Boxing is considered to be the fifth-oldest sport in the world, with its origins dating back to antiquity. Boxers first appeared in Sumerian relief carvings in the thirdmillennium BCE, and the sport flourished amid the conquests of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. It’s been featured in the Olympic Games, in the early motion pictures of Thomas Edison, and in famous paintings by George Bellows and Edward Hopper. That’s a lot of history and cultural importance for a sport as violent as it is elegant, as mental as it is physical.
“Strike Fast, Dance Lightly” explores this long lineage through the artists who have defined, celebrated and critiqued boxing for generations and even centuries. Its more than 100 artworks span from the late 19th century to the present day, and are as varied and complex as the sport itself, from photorealism to surrealist fantasy. In turn, the exhibition explores issues that surface outside the ring, including psychology, storytelling, activism and social justice.
The Chameleons
“Muhammad Ali, St. Sebastian” from Samuel Fosso’s African Spirits series
September/October 2024
Through Sept. 15:
“A Chorus Line” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $45; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. Set on a barebones stage, composer Marvin Hamlisch’s 1975 meta-musical masterpiece chronicles a demanding choreographer’s attempt to cast a chorus line for his latest show. In the process, we discover the backstories of aspiring hoofers from a broad cross-section of modern life.
Sept. 27:
Free Sunset Concert with the Resolvers at Old School Square Amphitheatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; free; 561/2437922, downtowndelraybeach.com.
Reviving a beloved Delray tradition of admission-free concerts under the stars, September’s performance features the Resolvers, a staple of Florida island music, whose selfdescribed “big band reggae” marries the genre’s Jamaican roots with New Orleans brass stylings.
Through Sept. 22:
“Take Akari: Bamboo Lights” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Bamboo craftsman and artist Akihiro Mashimo created this immersive installation of illuminated bamboo in the Morikami’s Yamato-Kan building as a radiant, aesthetically beautiful reminder of the importance of bamboo as a vital natural resource in Japan.
Sept. 28:
Hootie & the Blowfish at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $34-$309; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com.
Thirty years after their landmark 1994 debut Cracked Rear View one of the top 20-selling albums in music history—these industrious road warriors return to their poprock roots, with frontman Darius Rucker taking a brief break from his successful country career. Arrive early for Collective Soul and Edwin McCain.
Through Oct. 6:
“Musha-Ningyo: Avatars of the Samurai Spirit” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Musha-ningyo, or “warrior dolls,” served as a symbol for spiritual transcendence, self-development and self-sacrifice beginning in Japan’s historic Edo period. More than 50 such dolls are on display in this Morikami exhibition, representing both historic and legendary figures in Japanese culture.
Sept. 28-Nov. 24:
Carolina Caycedo: “Esto no es Agua/This is Not Water” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15$18 museum admission; 561/8325196, norton.org. The second installment in the Norton’s three-part “Surroundings: Video Encounters of Nature” series is influenced by climate change’s impact on the natural world. Caycedo’s video brings kaleidoscopic new life to Colombia’s famed and threatened Las Damas waterfall.
Sept. 7:
Dion Kerr at Arts Garage, 180 N.E. First St.; 8 p.m.; $35-$40; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. An artist and composer perched on the boundary of the jazz mainstream and avant-garde, Delray Beach native Kerr is an innovative bassist touring behind his latest and most ambitious project, “eko vizion meusik,” a series of groove-based instrumentals complemented by bespoke visual projections. Kerr plays with his quartet of two guitarists and a drummer.
Oct. 4:
“Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $45-$100; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Scenes from the three seasons of the cult Nickelodeon series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will screen on a full-size projection screen, while a live orchestra will perform the show’s sweeping score, complete with its cross-cultural fusion of Taiko drums and erhus with clarinets and violins.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert”
The Resolvers
Dion Kerr
ZDENKO
“Take Akari: Bamboo Lights”
Sept. 7-8:
Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival on East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free; 561/746-6615, artfestival. com. This 28th-annual tradition on the Avenue will feature artists offering their creations in mediums including glass art, mixed media, jewelry, wood, ceramics, furniture, fiber art, photography, metal and more, at prices to meet any budget.
Sept. 12:
Sunset Stroll at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 5:30 p.m.; $5-$10; 561/4950233, morikami.org. Enjoy the Morikami’s gardens after hours, at a discounted price. September’s Sunset Stroll features taiko drum performances, a “Pop Surreal” art show, and a kimono fashion show that celebrates modern adaptations of this traditional Japanese garment, alongside dining and shopping opportunities.
Oct. 4-March 12:
“Hot Glass” at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; free, with donations welcomed; 561/654-2220, downtowndelraybeach.com. Glass artists from both Florida coasts, plus their national and international counterparts, will showcase their glass art in three galleries and the atrium of the Cornell—including artists featured in the Netflix glassblowing competition series “Blown Away.”
Oct. 6:
Anthony Geraci at Arts Garage, 180 N.E. First St.; 7 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Perennial award-winning pianist, Hammond organist, vocalist and composer Geraci is among the most successful boogie-woogie piano players of his era, performing in the cherished style of Pinetop Perkins and recording with a who’s-who of blues luminaries, from Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry to Big Mama Thornton and Big Joe Turner.
Sept. 14:
Korn at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 6:30 p.m.; $32-$715; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre. com. The self-titled debut album from brooding California rockers Korn arrived like a blast furnace in 1994, all but inventing the numetal subgenre and appealing to a generation of alienated young listeners. The band will perform the album in its entirety, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, on a tour supported by Gojira and Spiritbox.
Oct. 24-Nov. 3:
“The Last Night of Ballyhoo” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $59-$69; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. The second entry in playwright Alfred Uhry’s Atlanta Trilogy (after “Driving Miss Daisy”), “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” is set among the city’s Jewish elite in late 1939, shortly after Hitler invaded Poland. Uhry’s coming-of-age drama captures the fractures between upper-crust and lower-income Jews at a perilous time of rising anti-Semitism.
Sept. 21:
Creed at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $40-$420; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com. Reuniting for the first time since 2012, Florida natives and postgrunge icons Creed will perform the hits that dominated rock radio at the turn of the 21st century, such as “My Own Prison” and “Higher,” with most of the original lineup intact. “Kryptonite” hit-makers 3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven will open the show.
Oct. 29-Nov. 3:
“Mrs. Doubtfire” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $TBA; 561/8327469, kravis.org. One of the latest ‘90s cultural touchstones to enjoy new life on the Broadway stage, this musical comedy adaptation of the hit Robin Williams movie features 16 new songs, and is centered on a divorced actor who impersonates a Scottish nanny in order to remain in his children’s lives.
Anthony Geraci Sunset Stroll
“Mrs. Doubtfire”
“Hot Glass”
ELI CECILIKEBANAS MANAMI
Barbara Bradshaw & Dan Leonard in The Chairs, 2008
Photo: Alicia Donelan
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2024-25 Season
Twenty-fifth anniversaries are traditionally commemorated with a gift of silver. But when Palm Beach Dramaworks embarks on its twenty-fifth anniversary season in November, what the company has in store for its audience is pure gold. PBD will celebrate this milestone occasion with an eclectic array of invigorating plays that epitomize the notion of “Theatre to Think About.”
The season features revivals of Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser and Mark St. Germain’s Camping with Henry and Tom, two compelling plays that were performed early in the company’s history; the world premiere of Gina Montet’s Dangerous Instruments, which continues PBD’s commitment to new plays; Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Lost in Yonkers; and Stephen Karam’s Tony Awardwinning The Humans
“When PBD was founded in 2000, we believed that there were local audiences hungry for challenging work, plays that illuminate the human condition and resonate in deeply personal ways,” said Producing Artistic Director William Hayes. “We were naïve enough to think, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ It turned out that we were correct. We are so grateful to the community for their steadfast support and encouragement as we have expanded and evolved.”
That evolution is exemplified by the company’s new plays festival. Launched in 2019, it
officially became the Perlberg Festival of New Plays last season. PBD’s goal is for the festival to become a leader in fostering the future of the American theatre canon. This popular annual event, which will be held from January 17-19, 2025, features professional readings of five developing plays, each one followed by a post-performance discussion. “Playwrights have told us again and again how nurturing, informative, and invaluable the festival is for them,” said Hayes. “And our audiences love the opportunity to offer feedback to the playwrights, as it gives them a part in the development process.”
Here’s a look at each of the season’s plays:
LOST IN YONKERS
By Neil Simon
November 1-17, 2024
Set during World War II, this funny and touching Pulitzer Prize-winning memory play is both an exploration of the wounds inflicted by family, and a testament to the power of familial love and resiliency.
THE DRESSER
By Ronald Harwood
December 20, 2024 - January 5, 2025
The co-dependent – if unequal – relationship between Sir, a renowned but fading actor, and Norman, his devoted, self-sacrificing dresser, is the heartbeat of this warts-and-all, tragicomic valentine to the transcendent magic of theatre.
PREMIERE
THE HUMANS
By Stephen Karam
February 14 - March 2, 2025
“A family play that is sort of infected by my love of the thriller genre,” is how the playwright once described this Tony Awardwinning comedy drama, in which the foibles, fears, and fragilities of an American family play out with great insight, humor, and compassion.
CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM
By Mark St. Germain
April 11 - 27, 2025
A work of fiction inspired by an actual 1921 camping trip taken by Warren G. Harding, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison – three men with starkly different personalities and world views – the play deals with issues and ideas that remain as relevant today as they were 100 years ago.
World Premiere DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS
By Gina Montet
May 23 - June 8, 2025
Laura, a single mother, finds herself thrust into a gripping battle against a broken system when her son, Daniel, spirals into darkness. She must confront a parent’s deepest fears and sacrifice everything to rescue Daniel from the brink of becoming America’s next tragic headline.
WORLD
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Autumnal Entertaining
Play host with earthy serving accessories
PHOTOGRAPHED BY AARON
BRISTOL
Tortoiseshell stemless wineglass, $18, tortoiseshell ice bucket, $68, bamboo dinner plate, $52, salad plate, $48, side plate, $32, napkin, $26, cabbage leaf place mat, $14, tortoiseshell cheese serving set of 3, $45; all from Snappy Turtle Home; flatware fork, $12, spoon, $12, knife, $14, candle, $95, marble cheese board, $30, bowl, $76, serving set, $64, platter, $110; all from Curated Home; serving tray, $1,729; from Clive Daniel Home
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Imagine a maintenance-free lifestyle in a resort-like setting. Enjoying a full breakfast in our well-appointed dining room before a day packed with meaningful adventures meant to stimulate your mind, body and soul. Taking a quiet walk along manicured paths to get a breath of fresh air, before dining with friends, enjoying a good book, or stopping by the salon for a fresh new ‘do.
Now, imagine having access to just the amount of support you need to make sure you enjoy each day to the fullest. At The Arbor, you will have all this and more.
JOHN THOMASON
Mark Ford
A Renaissance man and art aficionado carves out his slice of paradise in west Delray
For the past 11 years, Mark Ford has been building his personal Eden in western Delray Beach. Situated on secluded Half Mile Road, the 20 accessible acres of Paradise Palms contain 600 species of palm trees among more than 2,000 different specimens, organized in their own mini-biomes, from rainforest to desert.
Visitors wend their way through countless palms—exotic plants from New Guinea, Borneo, Thailand, Australia—and toward burbling fountains, a meditation garden framed by the creaking sway of bamboo, a koi pond and a hedge maze that’s so byzantine that visitors have reportedly lost themselves within it. There’s a children’s play area, an Asian tearoom, a yoga house, and a private residence with pool, hammocks and fire pit. Sculptures from Central and North American artists dot the prop-
Living in the Palm Beaches since 1980, when he took a job with a newsletter publisher in west Boca, Ford has written 24 books, including some best-sellers in the personal finance and development genres, and some not-so-best-sellers containing his short stories and poetry: “Total sales are almost breaking three figures,” he deadpans.
Ford has written and/or produced four movies, from the autobiographical coming-of-age comedy “Across the Rails” to the grindhouse horror of “The Uh-Oh Show,” the final feature from B-movie maestro and fellowFloridian Herschell Gordon Lewis. He’s also a three-time martial arts champion who earned his black belt in 2015. A 2010 profile of Ford in TheStreet. com called him “the most important person you don’t know.”
Perhaps most importantly, Ford is a philanthropist, whose “fortune has
“I prefer to keep it like a secret. Every week we have more people coming over, so it’s going to grow naturally.”
erty in strategic spots—metal and marble monuments from Ford’s extensive art collection.
Ford began acquiring the land in stages in 2013, and he considers it something like a perennial work in progress. In 2024 he finally opened Paradise Palms for public tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, in part to maintain its nonprofit status. But the gardens are still a hidden gem in Delray, which for Ford is by design, as he continues to navigate various regulatory and municipal protocols.
“There’s nothing I like better than to have people wandering in there, especially when they have kids,” Ford says. “But … I prefer to keep it like a secret. Every week we have more people coming over, so it’s going to grow naturally.”
The garden is one of myriad passions for Ford, who tends to have the resources and the drive to go for what he wants, no matter the audacity or timescale of the challenge: “‘Ready, fire, aim’ is my philosophy,” he says.
Born in Brooklyn to academic parents—his father was a Shakespearean scholar—Ford earned his fortune in the publishing industry, mostly in newsletters. He spent two years in the Peace Corps, teaching English and philosophy in Chad. As a real estate investor, his portfolio includes more than 100 projects and developments, including the signature Nicaraguan resort Rancho Santana.
mostly been distributed to the various nonprofits I’ve been involved in for the last 10 years,” he says. At 73, the Delray Beach resident is now more retired than he has ever been, after three or four unsuccessful attempts to call it quits dating back to age 39. “My partner’s son and my son are at the point where they’re running the business,” he says. “I didn’t want to be the old guy in the corner saying, ‘in our day!’”
But Ford keeps a busy current-events blog on MarkFord.net, and continues to amass what has become the largest collection of Central American art in the United States. And there’s Paradise Palms, perhaps the final largescale project of his life. “I’m just trying to get it done,” he says, with characteristic bluntness. “I’m in a phase of my life where I’m trying to tie up loose ends and not create a nightmare for my kids when I die.”
Paradise Palms’ long-term future is uncertain, but it’s currently paid for through an endowment, and it “may end up going to the county,” he says. For now, it’s the best Delray attraction you may not know about—and an occasional getaway for Ford himself, who hosts traditional family gatherings at its private cabin every Sunday. “And I usually stay over on Sunday night,” he says. “Once a week, I want to wake up in this beautiful place and walk around.”
Debra Tendrich
Healthy food wasn’t easy to come by growing up, so this nutrition advocate is making it accessible to others
An elder resorting to eating cat food, children skipping meals so their siblings can eat, a mother turning down a raise at work so she doesn’t lose Medicaid for her children.
Debra Tendrich sees food insecurity every day, and she’s on a mission to make a change.
“What we really try to do is fill in those gaps that people have, from the time they were born to the time they walked through our doors,” says Tendrich, the founder, executive director and “head apple” at Eat Better Live Better in Delray Beach. “We help them meet all their needs and get them to a place where they can be as independent as possible and make strides for themselves, their children and their families.”
Growing up with a single mother on a teacher’s paycheck, it was hard to put healthy food on the table. Tendrich remembers dining on fast food, microwaveable dinners, subpar cafeteria meals at school, and food-bank donations. By age 7, she started a battle with her weight that would carry into adulthood.
ing with community centers and doctors’ offices and giving them an opportunity to teach their patients about healthy eating. Each April, the charity hosts its Feeding the Hands of Hunger luncheon at Boca West Country Club. Earlier this year, Impact 100 Palm Beach County awarded Eat Better Live Better a $100,000 grant, which Tendrich plans to use to install a walkin refrigerator.
Tendrich not only provides people with healthy food, but also passes along healthy and economical eating habits. For example, a bag of chips and a bunch of bananas might cost the same, but the bananas produce multiple days of snacks and are more filling; your body naturally knows when it’s had enough water, as opposed to soda; and it takes just as much time to cook a meal at home as it does to drive out to get fast food.
“Education is the biggest equalizer. Education is the only way to break these barriers,” Tendrich says.
She also refers clients to other services, such as affordable pet food, se-
“Education is the biggest equalizer. Education is the only way to break these barriers.”
In 2012, she and her daughter relocated to South Florida from Atlanta to escape domestic violence. Thanks to organizations such as Dress for Success and Jewish Family Services, she received the tools she needed to get a job, find housing, and provide for her child. However, she still had her old southern cooking habits, and she treated her coworkers to casserole dishes of macaroni and cheese and fried foods. Tendrich realized this was only contributing to her weight, so for 30 days, she challenged herself to eat healthier and get active—and she “fell in love with … hitting milestones” and reversing her daughter’s medical conditions.
“I found new levels of happiness, because I was challenging myself differently, and I think my mind and my body appreciated it,” she says.
Tendrich developed a curriculum to teach children healthy eating habits. In 2020, when COVID made it difficult to meet with kids face-to-face, she created a healthy grocery assistance program, and Eat Better Live Better was born. She would hand-deliver as many as 100 bags of produce to those who needed it.
Today, the nonprofit’s programs have grown to include pop-up produce markets, a toy giveaway for parents and guardians to select and gift to their children, and surprising Palm Beach County teachers with a turkey at Thanksgiving. Eat Better Live Better also hosts Pharmers Markets, partner-
curing mattresses for families with inadequate beds, or providing for dental care, which leads to more job opportunities. While there are some who may be reliant on the charity for the long term, Tendrich’s goal is to help them find financial independence.
Since its inception, Eat Better Live Better has fed more than 200,000 people and educated more than 12,000 kids about healthy eating habits. On distribution days, more than 550 produce bags go out the door to those who need them.
Tendrich is often asked if she’s worried about being taken advantage of. She says no, and that food insecurity is a far bigger problem than people realize. There are elders who can’t find a job, families dealing with mounting medical bills, or the fact that food stamps often don’t cut it—the average monthly SNAP benefits for Florida households is $210, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“People see what they want to see,” Tendrich says, about food insecurity in the community. “They don’t really understand what their neighbor is going through.”
To donate, volunteer or host a food drive, visit eblb.org.
BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
RAVISH OFF OCEAN
210 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561/588-2444
PARKING:
Street parking, parking lot
HOURS:
Monday – Thursday: 4 – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 4 – 11 p.m.
Sunday brunch: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday dinner: 4 – 9 p.m.
PRICES: $14 – $38
WEBSITE: ravishkitchen.com
Ravish Off Ocean
210 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana; 561/588-2444
It’s all in the name. Ravish Off Ocean is a delightful dining experience less than a mile from the powdery sands of South Palm Beach. The name might sound familiar to some. Ravish opened in 2019, but when the pandemic hit, Chef/Owner Lisa Mercado decided to close up shop. Enter current Co-owner/Managing Partner Alexandra Dupuis, who had worked with Mercado and added “Off Ocean” to the marquee upon taking over the location.
The coastal vibes are evident here with sea-inspired options like local fish ceviche, tuna tartare, fish tacos and a daily catch. Leading the kitchen, Executive Chef Johnny Demartini has a playful sense of tackling the menu with items like bang bang cauliflower and Cuban sandwich empanadas (more on those later). And don’t sleep on its happy hour specials for several reasons. It’s available all week. Yes, even on weekends. Beer, wine and liquor are half off. Its shareable bites menu includes a few regular menu items at markdown prices, like the tuna tartare and Brussels sprouts, as well as happy hour-only dishes.
The Cuban sandwich empanadas ($14) called my name instantly. A warm Cuban sandwich and toasty empanadas are quintessential comfort foods for me. I figured combining them could only exponentially make them even better. And it did. Seasoned mojo pork, ham and melted Swiss cheese are stuffed into a warm pocket and served with pickle relish. Demartini
properly honored a Cuban sandwich’s DNA while also putting a fun twist on it. The second appetizer we tried was the bang bang cauliflower ($14).
An Asian take on cauliflower, the tempura vegetable had a lovely light batter and a lightly fried consistency, but I wish the spicy aioli was drizzled on all the pieces evenly. Only a couple had aioli on them, so little that I almost asked if the kitchen had forgotten to add it to the dish.
We ordered the lamb lollipops ($38) and the ricotta gnocchi ($38) for entrées. The lamb was extra tender and juicy. The chermoula marinade transported me to Morocco with its herbaceousness, which added so much flavor and yet allowed the distinctive lamb essence to come through. The gnocchi were fluffy pillows of Maine lobster topped with crispy bacon bites and melt-in-your-mouth leeks in a cream sauce that was thankfully light.
We ended the evening with a bread pudding ($12) unlike any bread pudding I’ve had. It looked like a baked Alaska when it arrived with its towering, browned meringue icing. Inside, it was a surprise each time my spoon came up for air—the warm pudding came with candied pecans, chocolate chips and a banana maple bourbon sauce as decadent as it sounds. I think that’s the overlying theme at Ravish Off Ocean: The dish names and descriptions on the menu sound appealing, and they deliver on their promise once they hit the table.
Clockwise from opposite page, lamb lollipops, bang bang cauliflower, ricotta gnocchi and bread pudding
The Wellness Revolution
Those looking to take their health into their own hands have more tools at their disposal than ever before
By TYLER CHILDRESS
dvancements in wellness technology have ushered in a brave new world for health-conscious people seeking an alternative to traditional medicine. “Biohacking”—the use of science and technology to enhance the body and mind—is a DIY approach to health that has gained mainstream attention in recent years as a new means to extend life, sharpen the mind, and turn the tide of aging. Dr. Branson Collins, Director of Integrative Health at Florida Atlantic University’s Marcus Institute, says that, for many, COVID served as the wake-up call that has triggered more widespread interest in biohacking.
“I think a lot of it stemmed from the aftermath of the pandemic,” says Dr. Collins. “I think a lot of people saw the reality of their own mortality and morbidity, and a lot of people decided to take action based on that.”
With a growing body of research and evidence, biohackers have more information at their disposal than ever to improve their health.
To learn more about some of the technologies powering this revolution in wellness, we reached out to local professionals who employ these unorthodox treatments to learn more about the science and application of them.
Dr. Branson Collins
Seeing Infrared
Aric Lemon had always been passionate about health and fitness, but those passions didn’t translate to his former career in the mortgage industry. The money was great, but he just
Aric Lemon
that sold organic wellness products before meeting iCRYO founder Kyle Jones and opening the company’s first franchise in New York in 2018. As business slowed during the pandemic years, he eventually migrated to South Florida and opened
wasn’t connecting with his work. “I just woke up one day…and I’m putting on my suit and tie, and I looked at myself, and I said ‘What are you doing?’” recalls Lemon, who decided it was time for a career change to something more aligned with his interests.
Lemon began his new career at a marketing company
Lemon, whereas an infrared sauna uses infrared wavelengths that can more deeply penetrate the skin. Instead of the air around you being heated as in a traditional sauna, infrared saunas heat your body directly. Infrared saunas also run at a lower temperature than traditional saunas (120-150°F versus 105-195°F) while still providing the same benefits of improved blood flow and circulation, as well as vasodilation of blood cells, which allows for oxygen delivery to tissue and organs, muscle relaxation and pain relief in joints and muscles. Another advantage of infrared saunas over steam saunas is that the dry heat makes infrared saunas particularly effective for those who suffer from respiratory illnesses. “People with asthma or COPD won’t last 30 seconds in a [steam] sauna because of the humidity,” says Lemon. “[An infrared sauna] brings more oxygen-enriched air to their lungs.”
the company’s Boca Raton location. Among the myriad services available by iCRYO, including cryotherapy, float tanks, and red light therapy, the spa also offers infrared saunas, a more comfortable alternative to traditional saunas.
“A regular sauna [uses] external heat … it’s just heating air around you,” says
says Collins. “When you’re in heat, you’re going to get some vasodilation, which means more blood flow to the muscles.”
Charged Up
For many biohackers, health starts at the cellular level. That’s the philosophy of Jessica Merlino, owner of Infinity Clinics in Fort Lauderdale. “All your cells work on a voltage, and if you correct the voltage, then the body is able to repair and regenerate itself,” says Merlino. Infinity Clinics offers a cutting-edge digital version of a decades-old treatment called Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy,
a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic fields to improve cellular function, which has been linked to the creation of new, healthy cells while extending the life of existing cells. This treatment is more difficult to explain, as it’s still being studied by researchers despite decades of application. It’s similar to stem cell therapy in its effect, but without the needles and at a tenth of the cost. The technology’s efficacy has been demonstrated in peer-reviewed studies, though scientists are still seeking to understand how it works.
“Most of the theories with PEMF go down to the formation of an energy
Lemon says that some of the most common reasons people use infrared saunas are for relaxation, improved cardiovascular health, and skin benefits from increased circulation (some users report a “glow”), but just about anybody can tell a difference after just one 30-to60-minute session. “You’ll definitely feel more relaxed, more rested,” says Lemon. “Your whole body will just feel more at ease.” This sense of “ease,” Collins says, can be explained by the dilation of blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. “Intrinsically it’s relaxing for the muscles,”
Jessica Merlino
"All your cells work on a voltage, and if you correct the voltage, then the body is able to repair and regenerate itself."
—Jessica Merlino
molecule called ATP,” says Collins. “When a cell is going through its metabolism, the goal is to create ATP and energy. … The production of ATP is happening with PEMF, and also it’s helping to maintain the cell membrane. Cell membrane dysfunction or disruption is one of the primary ways a cell is damaged. If the membranes are intact, then that’s good for the cell.”
feel bad, they could feel a little tingle somewhere, but for the most part it just feels good,” says Merlino.
PEMF therapy has been approved by the FDA for treatment of non-union fractures (bone breaks that don’t heal naturally over time) and as a treatment for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Recent research has even shown promise for PEMF benefiting those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and cancer. “We see that people with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have dysfunctional [cell] membranes,” says Collins, meaning “the stuff that needs to stay in the cell to keep it working in an optimal way can’t stay in the cell.” With PEMF, these cell membranes’ repair systems are activated.
At Infinity Clinics, the treatment is simple and straightforward, with patients seated on a leather lounge chair through which pulsed electromagnetic waves are delivered. “It doesn’t ever hurt, they never
According to Merlino, the big three targets of PEMF are inflammation, oxygenation of the blood and increasing cell membrane function. Essentially, the therapy charges the cells and “puts the body in an optimal regenerative state so it can heal itself.”
Merlino says that PEMF works best when used in conjunction with other therapies such as cryo, red light or saunas, stating that PEMF works as an “accelerator” that boosts the effectiveness of other modalities.
“Anything that you’re trying to do to the body across all this new wellness technology and all of this regenerative stuff that’s taking off ... if you correct the voltage of the cell with PEMF and frequency therapy, all of the other things you’re trying to do to it are going to work even better,” says Merlino. “The whole system works together; if you tweak one part, that has a ripple effect of benefits that are going to come to you.”
Collins compares optimizing cell health through these technologies to winning a raffle. Any single treatment isn’t a panacea, and should be used in conjunction with other therapies as well as healthy habits. “The person
who usually wins the raffle isn’t the person that just bought one ticket,” says Collins.
Under Pressure
The thought of spending any amount of time in a small, pressurized chamber is enough to make any claustrophobe break out into a sweat. But for biohackers who can get past the faintness of heart, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers countless benefits for healing the body.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves lying in a small chamber that is then pressurized with compressed air before being flooded with pure oxygen. These intimidating machines can often be found in hospitals, where they’re used for everything from crushing body trauma to helping heal surgical wounds. But for those seeking a more approachable experience, Boca’s Restore Hyper Wellness offers a milder version of the treatment.
“Ours is not as intense as what a hospital grade might be,” says Restore Lead Nurse Mandy Dearman. The difference is in the pressure; hospital tanks run at the equivalent of 4 atmospheres of pressure, whereas the mild hyperbaric oxygen tank (mHBOT) runs at 1.9.
“You still get the same results, the same benefits from it; it’s just the difference in the pressures.”
The benefits come from the oxygenation of tissue and blood cells throughout the body. “You’re making [the blood] like an oxygen-rich formula that is going to the parts that you need,” says Dearman. “With that oxygen, it’s increasing healing, it improves muscle performance. It improves brain fatigue and mental clarity by just providing oxygen to areas of our body that normally wouldn’t have that much oxygen.”
The first mHBOT session typically lasts 60 minutes, but proceeding sessions can span up to 90 minutes. Dearman says the first session lays the foundation
for further treatments by oxygenating the blood and helping form new vessels. To get the most out of the therapy, she recommends 10 sessions, at which point new vessels will be formed, granting blood access to the parts of the body that need it most. “You start noticing a drastic difference with the pain and the inflammation and the mental clarity at the 10-visit mark,” says Dearman, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the benefits of just one session, especially after a workout.
“You’ll feel the pressure on your body, [and] you feel your body just kind of relax and let loose,” says Dearman. “When you come out, it’s almost instant; the muscles have already recovered, so they don’t feel as sore.”
Mandy Dearman
Cool Off
When it comes to beating the heat, it doesn’t get much colder than a cryotherapy session. At West Palm-based health spa MedHouse, the cryotherapy chambers can get all the way down to a brisk -175°F (with light to heavy winds via fans), which can sound intimidating to South Floridians who break out the parka when the thermometer hits 60. But, according to MedHouse
ed in recent years to their latest location, which boasts a vast array of treatments ranging from cryotherapy and sensory deprivation tanks to ice plunges and halotherapy (salt therapy, which is said to benefit respiratory conditions).
Cryotherapy at MedHouse has four different levels that range in temperatures from -140°F with light winds to -175°F with extreme winds, with sessions lasting three to five minutes. The cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, which reduces inflammation. “Systemic inflammation is really what it’s targeting,” says Rintrona. “It reduces inflammation in your body, so it’s kind of like freezing you in time—that’s the whole point of cryo.”
submerged for longer (up to 30 minutes). Because of the shock of the cold temperatures, it’s suggested that those with heart conditions consult a physician before trying either cryotherapy or polar plunges.
“With both of them, you’re getting the anti-aging benefits,” says Rintrona— benefits such as a more youthful complexion by way of the cold temperatures constricting blood vessels, which tightens the skin.
“The differentiating factor is that you’re plummeting your core temperature quicker with a cold plunge,” says Rintrona. “You’re going to enjoy the benefits if you even do just one session.”
Put on the Red Light
Whereas many tools of biohackers will thrust you far from your comfort zone into subzero temperatures or sensory deprivation chambers, all you need for a photobiomodulation session is a pair of specialty goggles and 20 minutes to spare. Photobiomodulation, more commonly known as red light therapy, is a noninvasive practice that involves exposing the body to wavelengths of red light. It sounds basic, and it is, but Ornela Rothermel, co-founder of Deerfield’s Five Elements Medical Spa & Wellness, is a firm believer in the basics when it comes to self-care.
co-founder Nicole Rintrona, the benefits are worth the discomfort.
“The consensus that we see is a big energy boost [from cryotherapy]; it’s kind of like getting a high,” says Rintrona.
Rintrona and her husband, Joe Radich, started with a small one-bedroom medical practice where they offered IV and hormone therapy and other treatments in the holistic medicine realm. They’ve upgrad-
The reduction of inflammation can lead to a whole host of other benefits, including relief from chronic pain, muscle recovery, and tightening the skin to give a more youthful appearance. Cryotherapy also stimulates the release of endorphins, the brain’s “feel good” chemicals, which provides a burst of energy when exiting the chamber. “A lot of people who are getting off coffee or trying to reduce their caffeine intake will go in there because it’s an energy booster,” says Rintrona.
For those looking for some next-level cold, Rintrona suggests the polar plunge, which she says is “more of a mind over matter” experience than the cryo chamber. The temperature is more forgiving, at 59°F, but you’re
Ornela Rothermel
Nicole Rintrona
“It’s allowing your body to deal with what's going on in a way it doesn't get to while you're stressed."
—Matt Beck
“I think people are going back to the simplicity of health,” says Rothermel. “I don’t think they’re trying to pump themselves with medications.”
Red light therapy is one among many services provided by Five Elements, and it’s a technique she’s seen more and more clients come around to appreciate. “I think people started off thinking it’s really like a gimmick thing, but the more and more research that comes out of this is amazing,” says Rothermel.
this energy boost, because that’s not really what it does,” says Rothermel. “It’s definitely more subtle; I would say you just feel extremely relaxed.” For the best results, Rothermel suggests doing red light therapy before bed.
“The best time to really do red light therapy is at night,” she says. “It’s going to help you sleep better, it really helps relax you, it reduces inflammation of your muscles so you feel better when you’re going to bed.”
benefits of float therapy.
Each float tank at Float8 is described by Beck as “basically a big bathtub” that is 10 inches deep and filled with a solution of water and 30% Epsom salt. “It’s similar to the Dead Sea in mineral content, so you float effortlessly,” says Beck. “[The] spine lengthens, the body falls in natural alignment, and tension lets go.”
The therapy activates the mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for energy production. “If you look at the physics of molecules, certain wavelengths actually make the molecules vibrate at a certain frequency,” says Collins. “Mitochondria seem to be activated by this red light.” The activation of mitochondria produces the energy that is used to power cell functions. “It’s like playing a C-note on a piano. For some reason the mitochondria love the frequency of that note,” adds Collins. This increase in mitochondrial activity has been linked in peer-reviewed studies with anti-aging benefits, a reduction in skin blemishes and wrinkles, and more. Unlike other, more intensive therapies like cryo, you won’t get that same “rush” when a red light therapy session ends.
“I don’t think you’re going to pop out of there feeling
Float On
Matt Beck, owner of Float8 in Delray Beach, knows firsthand the benefits float tanks can have on mental and physical health. After spending years in the music industry organizing performances and festivals, Beck was burned out. Desperate for relief, he decided to give float tanks a shot after hearing about them on “The Joe Rogan Experience.”
Beck says his first float was underwhelming, the second was better, but by the third, “I just got into this relaxed state where [I thought], ‘This is the way I’m supposed to feel.’” Since his experience in 2013, Beck has been an avid floater, and left the music industry to focus on health and wellness, culminating in the opening of Float8, where visitors can discover for themselves the
The experience, Beck says, is akin to “floating in space.” The room is dark, the water is the same temperature as the body’s surface, and there’s no sound (unless you opt to enjoy a playlist during your float). “That lack of stimulation pretty much induces a meditative state,” says Beck. The tanks also provide a reprieve from a much overlooked stressor—gravity.
“We spend about 20% to 30% of our energy just fighting gravity,” says Beck. “While you’re in there, you’re getting that 20% to 30% energy back for deeper healing.”
Because of these enhanced healing benefits, float tanks are a go-to for biohackers seeking relief from chronic pain. The induced state of relaxation allows the body to reduce its tension and break down stress that has built up over time.
“It’s allowing your body to deal with what’s going on in a way it doesn’t get to while you’re stressed,” says Beck.
Today’s wellness technologies offer more choices than ever for finding what works best for your own health, but it’s important to biohack responsibly. Those with chronic conditions, machine implants or heart issues should always check with a physician before experimenting
with new therapies. As Collins advises, “do a consultation with a health care practitioner that is credentialed—somebody that can evaluate, come up with a plan, and also adjust that plan over time to make sure they’re getting the outcome that they’re looking for.”
Matt Beck
A local who’s steeped in all things tea shares knowledge and insights about America’s second-favorite caffeinated beverage
WRITTEN
BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
People have been drinking tea for centuries, from its Chinese birthplace to India, the Netherlands, England and, finally, the United States. And while tea has gained traction here, many don’t truly understand how to experience it properly. Mike Ortiz, the owner of South Florida-based JoJo Tea, is sharing his invaluable insight about tea and his journey to understand what this ancient tradition is about.
Born and reared in Miami to Cuban parents, Ortiz grew up around the vibrant coffee culture. But after becoming a certified yoga instructor, he yearned to learn how to meditate, and found a willing mentor at his local Buddhist temple. That’s where he was introduced to the tea ceremony, and his curiosity was piqued.
With $2,000 and a desire to never run out of tea, he launched JoJo Tea in 2011. Today, he has 300 businesses as clients, including Virgin Cruises. He also has a tasting room for private classes and appointment-only tea ceremonies. His intention with JoJo Tea is to give a snapshot of the world’s tea cultures, which begins with a look at what tea is.
Most people think of tea as any plant material— from a root to a petal—that’s steeped in water for any amount of time. Wrong. “That would be like calling any starch, rice,” he explains. Tea describes only one bush, the camellia sinensis, where green, black, white, yellow and oolong teas all come from. Tea is categorized based on how it’s processed once
the leaves are plucked and, like wines, there are different varietals. One category, the pu-erh tea, is similar to Champagne. It’s a region of origin, so it can only come from trees in the Yunnan province of southwest China and must follow a few other rules. The older the tree, the more expensive the tea—some fetching upwards of $200,000 or more per pound.
Spilling the Tea P
For Ortiz, tea’s most satisfying and ultimate quality is the moment of the sip, which has been refined over 6,000 years by tea masters throughout history. “If you drink tea for the health benefits, that habit never catches on. But when you discover a tea you love and selfishly want to enjoy, all the health benefits come as an unintended consequence. It’s the refinement of delicious just for the sake of deliciousness.”
While Ortiz drinks coffee every day and says it can be “friends” with tea—not enemies—tea is not like coffee that yells at you, saying, “I taste like this, I make you feel like this.” On the other hand, when you’re looking for a moment of peace, he says tea will always be there for you. In the meantime, tea is not going to shove itself down your throat, begging for your attention.
“I strongly believe that every sip of tea is a moment of peace, and every moment of peace is a better chance to make better decisions,” he says. “I think we desperately, desperately need that in our culture.”
Ortiz's Tips
AN AFFORDABLE LUXURY
If you’re willing to pay $5 for a serving of tea at a shop, you can drink some of the best tea in the world at home.
EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY
Come to an “Up All Night” pop-up event Ortiz hosts once a month at the shop from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Experience what the hang is like when tea heads get together.
UNDERSTAND THEIR USE & FLAVORS
Caffeine in unoxidized teas (yellow, white and green teas) will take two hours to hit your system, so drink them when the sun is out. They are clean in flavor, and refreshing.
Oxidized oolong and black teas are more complex in flavor and sip more like an aged rum or whiskey, so sip on these when the sun sets.
Pu-erh tea has even more depth and nuance of flavor.
TEAWARE
Ortiz suggests using a small clay unglazed pot or a gaiwan when
brewing tea. The pot will highlight the mouth feel and flavor of the tea, while the gaiwan will accentuate the aromas of the tea.
HOT OR COLD?
While iced tea has a history rooted in the American South that he respects, Ortiz says tea should always be served hot. It’s the steam that maximizes its aromatic finish.
TO MIX OR NOT TO MIX
As a purist, Ortiz states that tea shouldn’t be mixed with anything else—no milk, sugar or honey.
“That would be like putting ginger ale, apple juice and blueberries in a 1990 Barolo,” he exclaims.
“How do you explain to someone the deliciousness of a Barolo when they think they know wine, but they’ve only tasted sangria? There are some tasty sangrias, but it’s a different category. Chinese tea is a different category.”
STEEPING
If you only have time for a cup, cover the bottom with one layer of loose whole-leaf tea, add
water, and steep for five minutes, waiting for the leaves to open and sink to the bottom.
If you want to brew the same tea back-to-back and excel at brewing tea, take your chosen vessel (teapot, cup), fill it 25% with loose tea, add water, and then take five breaths watching yourself inhale and exhale. Finding the balance between your breaths will help you integrate tea brewing with meditation.
STORAGE
Always store tea in a dark and cool location—and never in glass jars. When light penetrates, it heats the cells in the leaf, and when put away in a dark place, it cools. Those changes in temperature will accelerate its pace
at turning stale. Pu-erh and most white teas will improve with age. Ortiz has tasted an 1888 tea that cost $2,000 per gram. For green teas, fresh is king, so consume those posthaste.
FOLLOW YOUR CURIOSITY
Book a session at JoJo Tea or browse YouTube videos.
THERE’S ENOUGH TEA IN THE TEMPLE
Start tasting and playing. Get messy. It’s fun, beautiful, romantic and sexy. You will mess up, but don’t be afraid. It’s the only way to learn anything.
For more information and to purchase teas, visit sipjojo.com and @sipjojo.
“My goal is to get the best quality product I can get to revolutionize American tea culture,” Ortiz says. “We are obsessed with deliciousness, and I think that delicious tea makes it very easy to cultivate a habit and a practice that’s going to make your life more beautiful.”
Mike Ortiz
Tea Shops
If you’re looking to make your tea time a bit more social, head to one of our local tea houses where you can indulge in a high tea service among friends or simply relax with a good book among other tea lovers.
TEALICIOUS TEA HOUSE
Specializing in high tea service, this tea house offers guests more than 30 varieties to sip on while enjoying finger sandwiches, mini quiches and dainty desserts. 4995 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/638-5155; tealiciousteahouse.com
SERENITY GARDEN TEAHOUSE & CAFÉ
Feel your stress melt away as Serenity’s cozy ambiance envelops you. Savor a warm quiche or verdant salad for lunch or opt for the historic garden cottage’s high tea that comes complete with a charming tablescape and tiers of delicacies. Feel free to don your favorite fascinator. 316 Vallette Way, West Palm Beach; 561/655-3911; serenitygardentea.com
KUNG FU TEA
If you want to change your tea game, try bubble (or boba) tea. This Taiwanese drink, made with freshly brewed tea that’s then mixed with milk or fruit and topped with tapioca pearls, has exploded onto the scene. 481 N.E. 20th St., Boca Raton; 561/245-8647; kungfutea.com
TEA CLASSES
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens teaches weekly classes on Thursdays and Sundays where you can learn about sado, or the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The two-week sessions are $60. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 561/495-0233; morikami.org
A few things to know
KINDS OF TEA
BLACK: Fully oxidized tea, which means leaves are plucked and then rolled, causing their veins to burst and the oil and sugar in the veins to bleed into the leaves. After 12 to 24 hours (depending on heat and humidity), leaves reach full oxidation and are roasted to caramelize their sugar and remove any water.
Important note: Tannins, which carry the caffeine and flavor components, are broken down when the leaves are oxidized and roasted, so this tea is less bitter than green tea, and the caffeine will hit your system within minutes.
GREEN: Unoxidized tea, which means once the leaves are plucked, they are cooked and dried as quickly as possible.
Important note: Due to its minimal manipulation of the tannins, don’t drink this tea with boiling water (Ortiz suggested 185 degrees for Chinese tea and 170 degrees for Japanese tea), because the heat will over-extract the tannins, which could cause stomach pain, indigestion and headaches, and will make the tea bitter.
HEALTH BENEFITS
It is rare to find something that both stimulates and relaxes you. It’s even rarer to find something that the more you ingest, the healthier you become. Both are true with tea.
Caffeine stimulates, while L-Theanine, an amino acid, promotes relaxation and focus. All tea also has oils and tannins that help to break down fat in the body and help with digestion as well as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in our bodies, helping to lower the chances of developing certain illnesses; plus, they’re great for our skin. Different expressions of tea will highlight some of these over others. Unoxidized (green, white) teas tend to have more antioxidants and fewer oils/tannins to help with digestion, while oxidized (black and oolong) teas have more oils and fewer antioxidants.
BAG OR NO BAG?
While tea bags are easy, Ortiz explains that the run-of-the-mill options can’t have quality tea in them, because the tea just doesn’t fit in them. Tea must be chopped up for it to fit, and as a unit, a leaf’s tip, stem and edge all offer different notes. He compares it to steak versus ground beef—a steak has different textures and flavors throughout, while ground beef is uniform and has a general beef taste. “The more you chop the leaf, it’s like folding sheets over a speaker. The sounds become more and more muffled. You can still hear the song, but it’s not very clear.”
That being said, JoJo Tea does sell soy-based nylon sachets that don’t release microplastics and offer the leaves enough room to open and infuse. “As long as you’re tied down to a tea bag, the person deciding the ceiling of the quality you can play with is whoever stuffed the bag.”
mental wellness starts
NeuroStar treatment uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target key areas of the brain that are underactive in people with depression. It is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). While the exact cause of depression is not known, the leading scientific theory is that it is caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that send signals between brain cells. Please visit NeuroStar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER IN BOCA RATON, FL
With over 15 years of practice, Dr. Mustafa Pirzada, the lead psychiatrist at Lotus Psychiatry and Wellness, brings extensive experience in evaluating and treating children, adolescents, and adults for a range of disorders. Under his leadership, Lotus Psychiatry and Wellness has assembled an interdisciplinary team capable of addressing both the physical and mental aspects of well-being. Recognizing the vital mind-body connection is central to their highly successful holistic approach to mental health. Dr. Pirzada, licensed in
Florida and California, specializes in diverse disorders and employs psychopharmacology, therapy, and other modalities to address general psychiatric issues. His research, presented at national conferences, reflects a dedication to advancing mental health knowledge, particularly in the realm of eating disorders. Dr. Pirzada’s mission revolves around providing compassionate, patient-centered care, evident in his monthly editorials and community service.
MUSTAFA PIRZADA, M.D.
S OUTH F L ORIDA’ S MEDICAL EXPERTS
Now more than ever, protecting our health has become one of our biggest concerns.
Sit back, relax and take advantage of the knowledge and advice gathered from some of the area’s top medical experts. Whether you are a tele-call away, or merely exploring ways to improve your well-being, the answers are here for the taking. Stay well and informed....and read on!
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI
Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry; Fellow, ITI
LILIANA ARANGUREN, DDS, MDSc
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, AO, ITI; Fellow, Diplomate and Member of the Board of Directors, Academy of Osseointegration
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI
ANDRÉ DE SOUZA, DMD
JEFFREY GANELES, DMD, FACD
SAMUEL ZFAZ, DDS
FREDERIC J. NORKIN, DMD
OVADIA CHOCRON, DMD
Board Eligible- American Board of Periodontology (ABP)
SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Periodontal and Implant Dental
Care
3020 North Military Trail, Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 912-9993
Flsmile.com
The South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is comprised of a team of highly skilled, board-certified professionals utilizing the most advanced, state-of the-art technology to treat their patients. The practice holds the distinction of being the first in the world to offer YOMI® robotic-assisted surgery, the only FDAapproved robotic system designed for dental implant surgery. In addition, the dentists utilize minimally invasive gum and bone regeneration, Piezosurgery® bone surgery, LANAP® laserassisted gum surgery, digital intraoral scanners, 3D printing, dental implant patient education software and T-scan® digital bite analysis. The doctors also provide cosmetic/esthetic procedures, including minimally invasive gum grafting, crown lengthening, lip repositioning and gummy smile correction.
Q: What is the TEETHTODAY® method that you created?
A. Our doctors pioneered and honed TEETHTODAY® more than 25 years ago. Our most popular treatment option for replacing teeth with dental implants, it is a practical solution to immediately replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth in a single visit. We also remove failing teeth and place implants, with patients leaving our office with teeth that same day.
Q: Why is it so important to treat gingivitis?
A. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, special “under the gum” cleaning by our periodontal hygienists may be enough to reverse the infection. If gum disease progresses, our doctors can treat it and help you manage the disease, so it doesn’t get worse. Special cleanings, antibiotic therapies, laser treatments, gum and bone grafting and other regenerative procedures may be suggested.
Q: To what do you attribute the long-term success of your practice?
Member, International Associate of Dental Specialists (iADS)
Member, American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
A. Since 1963, patients at our practice experience thoughtful personalized treatment options based on a comprehensive evaluation, resulting in comfortable, predictable and lasting results. Our specialized facility has state-of-the-art equipment for periodontics and implant dentistry and will continue to attract and retain the very best doctors and team members, including our newest addition, Periodontist Dr. Ovadia Chocron.
JONATHAN AKER, MD Cataract Surgery and Refractive Surgery
Dr. Jonathan Aker knew he had a calling for the medical field from an early age. The middle child born to physician parents, he charted his own course towards his chosen profession as an eye surgeon, fueled by his innate passion to help people.
His prestigious medical education includes degrees from Boston University School of Medicine, and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU. He then completed his ophthalmology training at the renowned Storm Eye Institute in Charleston. Dr. Jonathan Aker joined Aker Kasten Eye Center in 2023, bringing a wide range of diagnostic and surgical expertise in the treatment of ophthalmic disorders.
Q: What advancements in cataract surgery do you provide?
A. Each patient is unique, and we tailor treatment options accordingly. We use the latest technologies in cataract surgery, such as laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens implants, to meet each patient’s specific goals. Our surgical facility is uniquely in-house, which allows us to provide unmatched quality in patient care.
Q: What is the benefit of the Light Adjustable Lens for patients?
A. The Light Adjustable Lens is probably the most exciting advancement in premium lens implants in decades. After cataract surgery, we can adjust the prescription of your new lens implant while it is in your eye. This provides for precision customizability and allows us to guarantee the best possible result for our patients.
Q: What kind of refractive procedures do you provide for younger patients?
A. We provide comprehensive treatment options for younger patients wanting to get rid of their glasses. An exciting advancement in refractive surgery today is the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). With ICL, we can provide superior quality vision without altering the shape of your cornea. This allows us to avoid the unwanted side effects of traditional laser procedures, such as dry eye.
Photo by Michael Connor Photography
AVIANNE HOSPEDALES, MD
Internal Medicine
Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Avianne Hospedales was deeply inspired by her father’s belief that the most important thing one can do is make a difference in the lives of others. Guided by this philosophy and a passion for science, she pursued a degree in medicine and fulfilled her dream of becoming a board-certified internist.
As the founder of Curated Care, a concierge primary care and longevity practice, she is dedicated to helping patients live longer, healthier lives through compassionate, innovative and personalized care.
Q: How did losing your mother to colon cancer influence your practice philosophy?
A. Losing my mother to colon cancer had a profound impact on my approach to medicine. My mother had a deep distrust of doctors and the health care system. If she had experienced a trusting relationship with a physician and felt safe, she might have been more open to essential testing, which likely would have saved her life.
Q: How is your practice different?
A. At Curated Care, we aim to be a sanctuary of health and longevity. We prioritize proactive health care over traditional “sick care.” By incorporating lifestyle interventions based on the six pillars of health, we aim to balance hormones, improve gut health, correct micronutrient deficiencies and reduce medication needs. Evidence supports this approach.
Q: What special services do you provide?
A. Our patients are family. We dedicate time to thoroughly address their health concerns using advanced diagnostics such as comprehensive blood panels including hormones, Whole-body MRI, advanced body composition analysis and liquid biopsies. By examining the whole picture, we create individualized treatment plans, striving for excellence in every aspect of care.
JANET ALLENBY, DO Cosmetic Dermatology
Dr. Janet Allenby is an artist dedicated to harmonizing medical prowess with an aesthetic touch. With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades in South Florida, Dr. Allenby’s approach continues to go beyond traditional dermatology, with a focus on sculpting timeless beauty that enhances both the physical and mental well-being of her patients.
“My passion lies in helping patients actualize their aesthetic goals using cutting-edge technology in injectable products, devices and skin care. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment, leading to a personalized treatment plan targeting specific concerns. Our most sought-after services include skin rejuvenation, facial balancing and structural correction, with the aim of minimizing downtime and delivering efficient, effective results,” explains Dr. Allenby.
Q: What is the new weight loss solution you offer?
A. We’re excited to provide patients with semaglutide and tirzepatide—a safe, effective and affordable weight loss solution that is the compound version of Ozempic and Mounjaro. While not FDA-approved, it has helped patients lose weight utilizing hormones that turn off the “brain chatter,” erasing the thought pattern of eating excessively. It works to curb the appetite, making you feel full more quickly.
Q: What are the latest developments in laser skin treatments?
A. Data is reflecting that CO2 ablative laser treatments are “waking up” the cells and rejuvenating the cells to act younger, thereby preventing some pre-cancer and skin cancers, making the skin appear more even and less wrinkled, diminishing brown spots, and tightening the tissues by building up collagen.
Q: How do you treat the “Bar Code Lines” of the lips?
A. I use a special technique with SKINVIVE™, an injectable hyaluronic acid, typically for hydrating skin. This involves finely coating the skin under the upper lip, which fills in the vertical lip lines and brightens the skin by buffering light penetration from the skin to the muscle.
Photo by Michael Connor Photography
RAFAEL C. CABRERA, MD, FACS Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera is board-certified in general surgery and plastic surgery. He has been practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery in Boca Raton for over two decades and is on staff exclusively at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Dr. Cabrera received his BA with Distinction from Cornell University in 1985 before graduating from New York University School of Medicine in 1989. He completed his Surgery Residency and Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the New York University Medical Center Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Cabrera also completed the Research Fellowship in Scarless Wound Healing at New York University Medical Center.
Q. What defines a good facelift?
A. A good facelift means you look beautifully natural without anyone knowing you’ve had work done. Tightening the muscle layer and ligaments are often necessary to get a more youthful contour. Adding volume with natural tissue, like your own fat and stem cells, will augment and rejuvenate your face by replacing facial deflation associated with aging.
Q. How do you achieve natural looking results?
A. No chipmunk-cheeks or duck-lips allowed! Using the correct technique ensures natural-looking results. A multitude of tools are used to regain a more youthful appearance. Over-lasering the face or over-filling the cheeks and lips to hide every last wrinkle is not flattering. Ultimately, patients rely on my expertise, esthetic judgement, trust and integrity.
Q. What procedures are popular for men?
A. Since men now work longer, retire harder, and can maintain muscle mass by exercising, it is important to have their face match their body. Droopy eyes and a sagging neck is a stark contrast from their otherwise sharp, on-the-ball appearance and physique. An eye and neck lift can greatly improve their appearance.
Photo by Carlos Aristizabal
825 Meadows Road, Suite 111 Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-961-3005 Conciergemedicineofbocaraton.com
CAITLIN PRICKETT, DO JARON SCHAUMBERG, DO Internal Medicine
Dr. Caitlin Prickett is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the founder of Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, providing highly personalized and proactive health care. Her approach focuses on health, wellness and longevity, utilizing unique tools to optimize patient success.
Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton is pleased to welcome a new addition to the practice, board-certified internal medicine physician Dr. Jaron Schaumberg, who shares her philosophy of a proactive approach to health and wellness. “We are excited that our practice is expanding and to announce that Dr. Schaumberg is currently accepting new patients.”
Q: Why offer advanced lab testing?
A. Advanced cholesterol panels look at more than just cholesterol by utilizing biomarkers to assess the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We also offer advanced cellular micronutrient assays to look at the six-month nutritional status of your cells with 75 different micronutrients. Micronutrient deficiencies can cause various health issues, so identifying and addressing them is crucial for optimizing your health.
Q: How do you utilize whole-body MRI?
A. The whole-body MRI option is a proactive way to assess the structures inside your body. It can detect things like early-stage cancers, aneurysms and asymptomatic issues that we need to take care of earlier, rather than waiting later for symptom development.
Q: What are other innovative tests available at the practice?
A. We are proud to offer a wide range of tests designed to provide comprehensive insights into health, including the Galleri early-cancer detection test, the PSE prostate test to differentiate benign conditions versus cancer, and the BrainCheck cognitive and brain health test.
Photo by Carlos Aristizabal
INTERCOASTAL WEALTH PLANNING, LLC
Intercoastal Wealth Planning is a financial planning firm that focuses on guiding clients through challenging markets, understanding their risk and other Life transitions. Working with clients who are accumulating wealth as well as business owners who need to understand how to turn their life‘s work into their retirement income stream. We have a new location at 6751 North Federal Highway, Suite 400 • Boca Raton, FL 33487. Call us for an appointment at 561.210.7339.
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CARON FLORIDA GALA
WHERE: Opal Grand Resort
WHAT: More than 200 supporters of nonprofit Caron Treatment Centers enjoyed a lavish gala celebrating recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and raised nearly $300,000 to benefit Caron’s various treatment and recovery scholarship programs. At the welcome reception, guests bid on coveted auction items like tickets to the MLB All-Star Game, VIP James Taylor tickets, a summer vacation in Jackson Hole, Wy., and more. After host Craig Robinson kicked off the evening’s festivities, guests enjoyed a performance by Ricky Byrd of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, whose moving song “I Come Back Stronger” reminded the audience of the life-changing power of recovery. Attendees also were able to honor the Casey Family, who was presented with the Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence for its continued support of Caron as well as for setting up a recovery scholarship fund. Sponsors included Steve Wall and Julie Uebler, Jane Casey, Michael Tornvall, Sharon and Dennis Hanson, and many more.
Dr. Barbara Krantz and Javier Ley
Pam Feinberg-Rivkin and Dustin Feinberg
Sean Lavelle, Ariella Jonas, Ciaran Tracey
Douglas and Laura Dick
Mark Skibbie and Claudia Arriaga
Craig Robinson and Alan Shurr
Caron CEO John Driscoll and Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss
Stephen and Camilla Linebaugh
Richard J. Caron Award of Excellence recipients Jane and Richard Casey
Christine Storm and Ricky Byrd
Irini Lygnos and Macy Foley
Dennis and Sharon Hanson
SAVOR THE AVENUE
WHERE: Atlantic Avenue
WHAT: Savor the Avenue returned for its 15th year for another unforgettable evening of dining under the stars at South Florida’s largest dining table, spanning five blocks of Atlantic Avenue. Restaurants along the avenue pulled out all the stops in decorating the tables on which diners enjoyed specially crafted four-course meals. The decadent dining affair benefited Eat Better, Live Better, a Delray Beach-based nonprofit that provides healthy and balanced food to local families. This year’s table decor contest winners were Lemongrass Asian Bistro in first place, and Rocco’s Tacos and Rose’s Daughter running up in second and third, respectively. The event was hosted by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Delray magazine.
Rocco’s Tacos table
Michelle Marra, Marusca Gatto, Diane Wood, Kyla Adams
Rocco’s Tacos owner Rocco Mangel (center) with guests
Actors at The Wine Room table Vic & Angelo’s table
Eat Better Live Better Family Coordinator Michelle Reed
Cabana El Rey staff
Actor at Salt7 table
Savor the Avenue diners
Lemongrass Asian Bistro table
Guests at this year’s Savor the Avenue
DDA Executive Director Laura Simon and DDA Director of Marketing Suzanne Boyd
DELRAY BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
WHERE: Old School Square
WHAT: Delray’s Concours D’Elegance celebrated its third year, bringing together thousands of car enthusiasts to peruse more than 150 historically significant vehicles. Standouts included the gorgeous 1931 Cadillac that won the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours, and the winner of this year’s “Best of Show Automobile,” a 1930 Duesenberg Series J. Billy Himmelrich of Old School Bakery served as honorary chair for this year’s Concours, and all proceeds benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Delray Citizens for Delray Police, Delray Fire Benevolent and the Community Classroom Project.
1967 Lamborghini Miura
Pebble Beach Concours-winning 1931 Cadillac
Aerial view of the Concours
“Best of Show” winner, 1930 Duesenberg Series J
Delray Beach Concours board members: Josh Abrams, Kerry Filippone, Mark Grimes, Maxwell Zengage, Nicole Grimes, Christopher Nicotra, Alex Berry
Ralph Papa and Ramesh Bachan
TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN PARTY
WHERE: Delray Beach Historical Society
WHAT: The Delray Beach Historical Society’s (DBHS) annual “Twilight in the Garden” fundraiser welcomed more than 360 guests for a night of live music, cocktails, unlimited food tastings, and sunset strolls through the garden of the Historical Society’s downtown campus. Chaired by DBHS board members Kristin Finn and Terri Donten, the event raised nearly $65,000 to benefit the organization’s mission of preserving Delray’s history as well as its year-round educational programming. The party was a delight for foodies and local history buffs alike, with bites from Caffe Luna Rosa, City Oyster, Rose’s Daughter, Jimmy’s Bistro, DADA and more, and tours of four historical exhibits provided for guests.
Twilight in the Garden Chairs Terri Donten and Kristin Finn Seafood station from City Oyster
DBHS board members Megan Knott Mignano and Christian Mignano, Tracy and John Backer
Kendall and William Gillis, Kim and Pete Dweye
John and Karen Miller, Monica Llobet, Charles Kropke
Maria Ellingsworth and DBHS President Mike Cruz
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dining guide
Your resource for Greater Delray Beach’s finest restaurants
STAFF PICK
The Fishing Chef Oysters
At City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Executive Chef Jordan Stilley is shucking his own brand of oysters
Even on his days off, City Oyster & Sushi Bar Executive Chef Jordan Stilley’s world revolves around seafood. As the owner (and captain) of Reel Contender Fishing, Stilley is out on the water at least twice a week, taking out charters of anglers to catch everything from wahoo and kingfish to snapper, mahi and more. His reputation both on the sea and in the kitchen hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. This year, Virginia-based Rappahannock Oyster Company (ROC) honored Stilley with a brand of oyster named after his Instagram moniker, The Fishing Chef, available exclusively at City Oyster & Sushi Bar.
Stilley says that ROC gave him his pick of which oysters that would bear his Instagram handle (@thefishing_chef), and after the enviable task of taste-testing the selections, he landed on a breed that came from the deep blue waters just outside the Chesapeake Bay. “The oysters that I really go after have more flavor, more kick, more bang—and The Fishing Chef oyster delivers that,” says Stilley. “It has a nice, clean, salty, briney flavor, like more of a northeastern oyster.”
The Fishing Chef oysters are available year-round, along with a rotating, specially curated selection of oysters ranging from Long Island (Blue Points) and Maine up to Prince Edward Island. Diners can have them prepared Casino (with bacon and breadcrumbs) or Rockefeller (spinach, crab dip and cheese), but for Stilley, raw is the way to go. “I’m a raw oyster guy,” he says. “I prefer them in their natural state. If anything, some mignonette—just a little drop.”
What makes a good oyster?
Depth of flavor. I’m an East Coast oyster guy. I know there’s people who love West Coast oysters. … I love the flavor of them, but for me, an East Coast, cooler water oyster with a nice salinity to it, some good flavor profile, some depth of flavor—that’s what makes a good oyster to me.
How many oysters do you sell in a day?
In season, on a Saturday, we’ll sell 1,500 oysters a day.
Where do you get your love of seafood?
I grew up in South Florida; I grew up on the water. I had my first little jon boat when I was 12 years old, and my father owned a seafood restaurant in Boynton called Snappers, which was very famous.
What’s a little-known oyster fact?
Every oyster on the East Coast is the same oyster. … They’re all
the same, as a Blue Point seed; they’re all the same strain of oyster. Wherever they’re grown gives them the difference in flavor.
– Tyler Childress
City Oyster Executive Chef Jordan Stilley
DINING KEY
$ Inexpensive: under $17
$$ Moderate: $18 to $35
$$$ Expensive: $36 to $50
$$$$ Very expensive: $50+
DELRAY BEACH
50 Ocean—50 S. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. The former Upper Deck at Boston’s on the Beach is now the more upscale, seafood-oriented spot. The menu ranges from familiar to slightly more inventive, from a classic lobster bisque and crisp-tender fried clam bellies to rock shrimp pot pie and baked grouper topped with blue crab. The cinnamon-dusted beignets are puffs of amazingly delicate deep-fried air and should not under any circumstances be missed. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/278-3364. $$
800 Palm Trail Grill—800 Palm Trail. American This contemporary space is serving up American fare
and classic cocktails. The menu has a steak-and-seafoodhouse feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find dishes that entice the palate, like the loaded baked potato eggrolls and Wagyu boneless short rib. • Lunch and dinner daily, with patio dining. 561/865-5235. $$$
Akira Back—233 N.E. Second Ave. Japanese. Chef Akira Back’s Seoul restaurant earned a Michelin star a few years ago, and now he’s showcasing his talented take on Japanese cuisine at his namesake restaurant inside The Ray hotel. Born in Korea and raised in Colorado, Back blends his heritage with Japanese flavors and techniques he has mastered to deliver dishes that are unique to him. With plates made to be shared, the menu is divided into cold and hot starters followed by rolls, nigiri/sashimi, robata grill, mains and fried rice. Dinner nightly. 561/739-1708. $$$$
Amar Mediterranean Bistro—522 E. Atlantic Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/278-3364. $$
Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas— 16950 Jog Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modCern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chickenturkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthy-pungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $$
Avalon Steak and Seafood—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. The enticing reasons we all go to a steakhouse are present here—boozy cocktails, a diverse wine list, dry aged steaks, prime cuts, rich accompaniments, decadent sides and more. The menu is then enhanced with a selection of seafood like a raw bar medley of oysters, shrimp and crab alongside the customary octopus, fish, scallops and lobster. Don’t miss Avalon’s signature dish, the Angry Lobster. • Dinner nightly. 561/593-2500. $$$$
Bamboo Fire Cafe—149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. A quintessential Delray gem. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $
Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$
Brulé Bistro—200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The regular menu of this Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$
Burt & Max’s—9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar trufflescented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$
Uni pasta from Beg For More Izakaya
Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. Open since 1993, and a success since then, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561-274-9404. $$
Casa L’Acqua—9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Diners can expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed staff and attentive service at this fine-dining restaurant. The wine list is Italian-focused but does offer a variety of bottles from around the world, and each dish is expertly prepared with sizable portions. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-7492. $$
City Oyster—213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar—25 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 208. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/926-9434. $$
Costa By OK&M—502 E. Atlantic Ave.. Contemporary American. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/ owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Dinner nightly. 561/5016115. $$
Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-
house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$
Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turned-restaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$
Deck 84—840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Burt Rapoport’s ode to laid-back tropical dining is like a day at the beach without getting sand between your toes. Though the restaurant is casual, the kitchen takes its food seriously, whether the stellar flatbreads, the thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey seasonal cobbler. And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/665-8484. $
WHO SAID YOUR GOLDEN
YEARS HAD TO BE BORING?
The Volen Center was made with the active and social senior in mind, offering a jam-packed schedule of things to do every week. From live music and dancing to themed parties, art classes, games, exercise classes, discussion groups and local trips and outings, your only problem will be finding enough hours in the day to do it all!
Eathai—1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai chicken French toast or crispy duck breast with lychee curry sauce or oxtail basil fried rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. 561/270-3156. $
El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican. This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$
Elisabetta’s—32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/650-6699. $$
The Grove —187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove District for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well-thought-out. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/266-3750. $$$$
The Hampton Social—40 N.E. Seventh Ave. American. The Hampton Social is known for its “rosé all day” tagline, but it doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. It does a standout job of incorporating its casual coastal aesthetic into not just its décor but also its menu, from its seafood-centric dishes to its droll cocktail names like the vodka-forward I Like It a Yacht. Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/404-1155. $$
Henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/206-1896. $$
Il Girasole—2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. If you want Northern Italian in a low-key
atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$
J&J Seafood Bar & Grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina— serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$
Jimmy’s Bistro—9 S. Swinton Ave. International Jimmy’s Bistro is a casual neighborhood concept serving consistently delightful dishes from a diverse menu that can transport diners to Italy with house-made pasta or Asia with its delicate dumplings and tender duck. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$$
Joseph’s Wine Bar—200 N.E. Second Ave. Mediterranean-American. Joseph’s is an elegant, comfortable, intimate nook in Delray’s Pineapple Grove, and an ideal place for a lazy evening. This family affair—owner Joseph Boueri, wife Margaret in the kitchen, and son Elie and daughter Romy working the front of the house—has all tastes covered. Try the special cheese platter, the duck a l’orange or the rack of lamb. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-6100. $$
La Cigale—253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$
Latitudes—2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$
Le Colonial—601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians and everyone in between. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and
palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-square-foot restaurant. • Lunch (on weekends) and dinner. 561/566-1800. $$$
Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. PanAsian. Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/5670442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $
Lulu’s—189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $
MIA Kitchen & Bar—7901 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$
The Office—201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-3796. $$
Papa’s Tapas—259 N.E. Second Ave. Spanish. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel welcomed, and its cuisine will satisfy your craving for Spanish tapas. Start with a few shareable plates and then enjoy a hearty paella that’s bursting with a selection of seafood, chicken or vegetables. • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/266-0599. $
Park Tavern—32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the fish and chips, one of six burgers, fish tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$
Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar—5 S.E. Second Ave. Seafood. Gary Rack, who also has scored with his spot in Mizner Park, certainly seems to have the restaurant Midas touch, as evidenced by this updated throwback to classic fish houses. Design, ambience and service hit all the right notes. Oysters are terrific any way you get them; grilled fish and daily specials are excellent. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-6718. $$$
Rose’s Daughter—169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian
While not your traditional Italian trattoria, it is a place to find new favorites and revisit old standbys updated with delicious ingredients and high standards. Try the Monetcolored lobster risotto, or housemade pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/271-9423. $$
Sazio—131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$
Taki Omakase—632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, is
pricy but worth it, so long as you love eating raw fish. Every night is different, because it prides itself on importing fish, meat and seasonal ingredients from Japan that arrive daily. So, if you do pine for the delicacies of the sea, buckle in and get ready for the talented chefs at Taki Omakase to guide you through a culinary journey unlike anything else. Dinner nightly, lunch hour Fri.Sun. 561/759-7362. $$$$
Terra Fiamma—9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$
Tramonti—119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity
that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$
Veg Eats Foods—334 E. Linton Blvd. Creative Vegan. This is comfort food for everyone; the dishes will impress carnivores, too. Smell the fresh coconut vegetable curry soup, which tastes as good as it sounds. Try the grilled brawt sausage, the Ranch chixn, the banh mi and a Ruben—all from plant-based ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $
Vic & Angelo’s—290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Thincrust pizzas are family-friendly, but you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and a tiramisu. • Dinner nightly, brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$
WEB EXTRA: check out our complete dining guide
Jody Mindell
Volunteer Instructor at Delray Beach Public Library
THEN: A native of Long Island, NY, Jody Mindell, 70, began his career in hospitality, working for one of the most well known companies in the hotel business before transitioning into the real estate and mortgage industries, spending most of his career in New Jersey. When his daughter finished high school in 2009, Mindell and his family packed up their belongings to settle down roots in Delray Beach, where family members had lived. Mindell stayed in the real estate business for several years, but at the same time was looking for something more. He searched for volunteer opportunities and landed at the Delray Beach Public Library’s reference desk, becoming a go-to guy when it came to helping visitors with technology tasks, such as printing a letter or scanning a document.
NOW: COVID quickly spelled the end of Mindell’s work at the reference desk, but as the world rebounded, he returned to volunteering at the library. This time, his focus was teaching classes that he started prior to the pandemic on how to use iPhones and iPads to mostly older folks who knew the basics—how to make a phone call—but may not have known all that the iPhone could do to make their lives easier and, in some cases, better. “I had people who came in and said, ‘My daughter gave me her iPhone. I can email, but what else can I do with it?’” he says. The free classes at the library, held three Fridays each month from October to May, are the perfect fit for Mindell, a people-person who enjoys helping others. “I’m opening doors for people to use their iPhones differently,” he says. In addition to teaching the iPhone and iPad classes, Mindell also helps people with Apple Car Play, limiting those classes to four people so he can provide more one-on-one interaction. “I enjoy being able to share with others what I taught myself,” he says. In addition to teaching at the library, Mindell also leads a similar class at a local country-club community and volunteers at the front desk of Delray Medical Center. He also was recently appointed to the Palm Beach County Library Advisory Board.
“If I can make someone’s day better by teaching them something they didn’t know, then my day will be better as well.”
