DELRAY Magazine Sept/Oct 2023

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO!

12 editor’s letter

Summer’s record-breaking heat wave has us jonesing for a mildly cooler fall—and the cultural bounty that awaits another Delray Season.

BY MARIE SPEED

15 hot list

A slice (or two, or three) of New Haven arrives in Delray, Lilly Pulitzer flowers at Atlantic Crossing, and a brewery’s trivia night has all the answers. Plus, we crack some spines at the Delray Beach Public Library, share Halloween festivities in the city, and more.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

21 snapshots

Local authors unveiled an eco-aware children’s book, Boca West donated bicycles to Delray students, a colorful art gallery celebrated its second anniversary, and Junior Leaguers donned their best “LBDs” for charity.

22 top 5/calendar

Delray cyclists plan their “broom service” at the annual Witches Ride, Willie Nelson spends his 90th year “on the road again,” and a flavorful jazz combo makes a rare Arts Garage appearance. Plus, performance art at the Norton, comedy at the Delray Beach Playhouse, a craft festival on the Ave, and much more.

BY JOHN THOMASON

28 style

Bid a blistering summer bon voyage and welcome a picnic-friendly fall, complete with fashionable denims, hats, belts and stylish totes in harvest-toned hues.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON

BRISTOL

34 up close

Meet the community redeveloper who is growing Delray from the ground up, and Palm Beach County’s tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ equality.

BY JOHN THOMASON

38 dine

From the décor to the dishes, the FrenchVietnamese outpost Le Colonial is a wondrous new addition to the downtown dining scene.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

42 a taste of asia

Once dominated by Chinese takeout and hole-inthe-wall sushi, Asian cuisine is now at the vanguard of global food culture. A few of the region’s most innovative chefs explore how the continent, 45 countries strong, is feeding their creativity—and stirring our palates.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

50 all natural

Fixing her camera on the last vestiges of wild Florida, Coconut Grove photographer Kirsten Hines marries breathtaking images with a paean to conservation.

BY JOHN THOMASON

59 home

From earthy light fixtures to botanically patterned cabinets, welcome a new season with sprucedup furnishings from nearby retailers.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

63 dining guide

Our review-driven dining guide showcases great restaurants in Delray and beyond.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

74 out & about

This past season, Savor the Avenue’s open-air foodie fête turned 14, Achievement Centers supporters teed off in Palm Beach, and Laugh With the Library tickled ribs—and raised six figures for its vital nonprofit.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

80 community connection

Whether it means supporting athletic facilities for children with disabilities or co-founding a men’s philanthropic organization, Stephen Greene is all about making an impact.

BY RICH POLLACK

An Iconic Club, A New Perspective

Tucked beneath the palms, discover a members club like no other. A private golden beach, world-class dining, a sublime spa – your home from sunrise to sunset and for generations to come.

We sell clothing from Paris, as well as accessories, hats, purses and gifts for every occasion.

Voyage Boutique might be off the Ave, but we are on top of fashion! From casual to elegant, cocktail or dinner party…you are sure to find your next favorite outfit in our large specialty shop.

If you are the mother or grandmother of a bride, you will find something very special too…if it doesn’t fit perfectly, our in-house seamstress will make sure it does. Weekly shipments arriving from Paris and Italy. Have some fun – come shop with us - and be sure to mention you saw us in Boca magazine!

group editor-in-chief marie speed

managing editor

john thomason

web editor

tyler childress

senior art director

lori pierino

production manager

rafael quiñones

photographer

aaron bristol

contributing writers

christie galeano-demott, margie kaye (promotional writing), rich pollack

director of advertising and marketing nicole ruth

advertising consultants

karen kintner, bruce klein jr., jenna russo

special projects manager

gail eagle

customer services/video editor

david shuff

561/997-8683 (ph) • 561/997-8909 (fax) 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103 Boca Raton, FL 33487 bocamag.com editor@bocamag.com (editorial)

publishers of Boca Raton

Delray Beach

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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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DIRECTORY

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.

[ subscription, copy purchasing and distribution ]

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Take advantage of Delray Beach’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in our award-winning publication. For more information, contact our sales department (nicole@bocamag.com).

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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 Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com).

[ story queries/web queries ]

Delray Beach magazine values the concerns and interests of our readers. Story queries for the print version of Delray Beach should be submitted by email to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com) or John Thomason (john. thomason@bocamag.com). Submit information/queries regarding our website to tyler@bocamag.com. We try to respond to all queries, but due to the large volume that we receive, this may not be possible.

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letters ]

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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 Marie Speed.

[ 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 people@bocamag.com. Or mail photos to:

“Out & About”

Delray Beach magazine

1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Hello, Delray!

president/publisher

margaret mary shuff

group editor-in-chief

marie speed controller

jeanne greenberg

customer services/video editor

david shuff

1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103

Boca Raton, FL 33487

561/997-8683

bocamag.com

publishers of

Boca Raton

Delray Beach

1926

Worth Avenue

Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual

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2023 CHARLIE AWARDS

charlie award (first place)

best website (bocamag.com)

best custom publication (1926)

silver award

best overall magazine

best editorial, opinion, commentary

best department design

best custom publication (Worth Avenue)

best advertorial story or section

bronze award

best in-depth reporting

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2022 CHARLIE AWARDS

general excellence

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charlie award (first place)

best overall writing

best in-depth reporting

best custom publication (1926)

best advertising for a client

silver award

best feature

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best advertising for a client

bronze award

best custom publication (Worth Avenue)

2021 CHARLIE AWARDS

charlie award (first place)

best public service coverage

best in-depth reporting

best feature

best service feature

best humor writing

best column

best photo essay/series

best advertorial

best overall: digital innovator

silver award

best overall writing

best public service coverage

best department

best use of photography

best social media

best custom publication (Worth Avenue)

We are the largest circulated magazine in Delray Beach with over 70,000 copies mailed and circulated annually.

The Summer of our Discontent

Lessons from a mean season are tempered by what comes next

It feels like months that we’ve been complaining about this summer’s stifling heat, bearing down with a heavy vengeance since June. Heat advisories, marine warming, thermostats that keep climbing. The uneasiness was there, too, that trapped feeling that we couldn’t really escape it—that it was everywhere, like the pandemic a few years ago.

And that it’s only going to get worse as climate change inches up, year after year. Living under that issue is even more real to me now; I suspect it is for many people around the world. And it’s big—Hollywood-movie big.

I believe we have much to do, especially here, at ground zero for sea level rise and other eventualities, subjects that will stay front and center in the media everywhere now, for years on end.

Today, it’s a small relief to write about ordinary life and small things—things like stone crab season starting October 15, or cheering on the SEC, most notably the Florida Gators, from a stool at Old Key Lime House. We have the GreenMarket on the horizon, and beyond that, the comforting rituals of our holiday season, like the tree lighting and the decorations downtown and the boat parade.

One day storm season will be over, the windows will pop open and we won’t be able to get a table two weeks out at half the restaurants. I will start walking again out at Loxahatchee, the wind blowing through the cypress and the live oaks. The light will be violet by dinnertime.

These are the things that I am clinging to now and that help keep us all looking ahead, and remembering why we love it here. It can’t come soon enough.

FIVE (MORE) THINGS I LOVE ABOUT DELRAY

[ 1 ] Trader Joe’s Steak and Stout pies

[ 2 ] Any and all Spirit Halloween stores

[ 3 ] The comeback of Art & Jazz on the Avenue (thank you, DDA)

[ 4 ] Andy DeVos for creating the Witches’ Ride

[ 5 ] The enduring height restrictions in downtown Delray

Heron at Loxahatchee

PAUSE. PLAY. Perfect.

Eau Spa is a wonderland of playful relaxation — devoted to you and everything you love most. Here, lounging and living come naturally with bespoke treatments, private villas, a bath lounge, a self-centered garden and endless Champagne and cupcakes.

Relax before, a er or between treatments at Savor, our brand new Spa Terrace, a serene outdoor café that’s a feast for the senses.

For appointments: 866 626 4193 or concierge@eauspa.com

IN THE CARIBBEAN, THE BEACH IS JUST THE BEGINNING

ISLAND-HOP LIKE NEVER BEFORE WITH EXCLUSIVE AND AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Experience the world’s most beautiful places on a Relaxed Luxury resort at sea. From verdant mountain peaks to dazzling coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, the Caribbean is a never-ending show of nature’s wonders. Every island has its own personality, from sleepy to bustling, and on a Celebrity Cruise, you can experience it all. This season is our most exciting yet with our next Edge® Series Ship, Celebrity Ascent SM, debuting in the islands for a total of eight stunning ships there. We have the Caribbean covered with 3–12-night sailings that include Belize, St. Lucia, Grand Cayman, the ABC Islands, Bahamas and Mexico. There is no better time than now to plan your escape to paradise!

561-483-4220

SCAN TO SEE CARIBBEAN CRUISES

©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

hot list

Fall Into Place

From trick-or-treating on the Ave and flexing your trivia knowledge to nightlife at Delray’s premier entertainment destination, here’s where you need to be this fall.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH

DELRAY CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN

Delray always goes big for Halloween, and this year is no different. Break out those Halloween costumes early and take the kids downtown for Trick-or-Treating on the Avenue on Saturday, October 28. Starting at 11:30 a.m., the shops and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue will be handing out candy as you make your way down to Northeast Fifth Avenue, where Delray’s 61st-annual Halloween Parade begins at 1 p.m. Attendees will be given free ice cream upon arrival courtesy of the Delray Rotary Club, after which the parade will proceed to the Old School Square Pavilion for KidFest, the yearly family-friendly celebration of all things Halloween. Parents aren’t left out, either, as there will be plenty of vendors, food trucks and live entertainment. Also returning this year is the famous Witches of Delray Ride (see page 23) to benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. downtowndelraybeach. com/events/halloween-festivities.

FALL FUN AT OLD SCHOOL SQUARE

Now that the Old School Square complex is back up and running, we’ll never take it for granted again. There’s always something going on at the city’s most beloved arts institution, but here’s a couple things you just can’t miss in September:

Mindful Mondays

We’re always looking for ways to make Mondays a little more zen, and Mindful Mondays at Old School Square might have finally cracked the code. On September 11 and 18, take a class in exorcizing bad vibes through yoga and soothing sound baths hosted by ATHA Yoga instructor Jessica Jyoti. Each class is hosted at noon, and while entry is free, pre-registering online is encouraged. Bring a mat and a water bottle and use that lunch break to introduce some much-needed serenity to your Mondays. To register, visit eventeny.com/events/mindfulmonday6020/?series=1815

Music at the Museum

Love music but hate outdoor venues? We’ve got the solution for you. Every Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the Cornell Museum plays host to local musicians who pop in and entertain guests as they make their way through exhibits. Currently on display is “The History of Old School Square,” an exhibit that takes you back to the beginning days of the cultural complex. Come in and enjoy the exhibit with some laid-back tunes!

Delray Halloween Parade

Mindful Mondays at Old School Square

NO TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Tyrion Lannister’s famous “I drink and I know things” quote from “Game of Thrones” could easily be the mantra for Saltwater Brewery’s weekly trivia nights. Combining the brain boost from a few craft beers with a slew of irreverent questions is a winning recipe for the midweek blues, and Saltwater’s got the brews to deliver, with a rotating list of beers to complement its core year-round offerings, including the Screamin’ Reels IPA, LocAle golden ale and more. Hosted every Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m., trivia nights are free to play, with no RSVP needed, and winners always go home with a prize (see: beer). Be sure to get there early and grab a bite from the local food trucks that set up shop out front! 1701 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/865-5373; saltwaterbrewery.com

5 things to look forward to:

✔ Hurricane season ends November 30.

✔ Stone crab season begins October 15. You can find us celebrating at J&J Seafood.

✔ Finding that perfect pumpkin at Cason Pumpkin Patch.

✔ Spirit Halloween stores—Are they tacky? Yes. Will we be the first in the door? Also yes.

✔ Pumpkin spice everything— it may be cliché at this point, but the holy union of cinnamon and nutmeg should always be celebrated.

LILLY PULITZER ARRIVES IN DELRAY

Lilly has landed. A new bright and shiny Lilly Pulitzer store opened its doors in Atlantic Crossing in May, and has been a huge hit for women looking to add to their classic “Palm Beach” wardrobe. Specializing in chic, lightweight, brightly colored fabrics, Lilly Pulitzer epitomizes South Florida style with its vibrant collection of beachwear, casual R&R and dresses. Stop in and add a whole lot of color to your next downtown shopping spree. 601 E. Atlantic Ave., Suite 103, Delray Beach; 561/270-5996; lillypulitzer.com

DELRAY AFTER DARK: THRŌW DOWN

It’s been almost two years since THRōW Social landed in Delray, and we’ve yet to find a place that can check as many nightlife boxes.

Cocktails by the literal fishbowl? ✔ Giant Jenga? ✔ Live music from some of the top local DJs and bands? ✔ Whether you’re throwing axes or darts or just throwing a few back to unwind from the workweek, THRōW Social is the ultimate party playground that could make a Miami nightclub neon green with envy. PRO TIP: If you’re planning a party, rent one of THRōW Social’s cabanas for three hours and bring up to 10 guests for only $100 (plus food and beverage costs). 29 S.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 800/561-0755; throwsocial.com/delray

On tap at Saltwater Brewery

Dress from Lilly Pulitzer

THROW Social

SPOTLIGHT: MYKAL BANTA

As a second-generation librarian with almost 30 years in the business, Delray Beach Public Library Executive Director Mykal Banta could spend hours discussing the virtues of public libraries before even mentioning books. “We’ve become a real participant in the kind of social outreach that libraries should be doing more and more of,” says Banta, including feeding the homeless and providing free and critical resources to the community’s economically disadvantaged. “That’s our mission as a library, to bring a level playing field to all strata of economic [backgrounds].”

During Banta’s tenure as a librarian—all of which has been here in Delray—he has played an integral role in building up the library’s robust programming and outreach. “We’ve become more of a civic center, more of a center for programming and for events than ever before,” Banta says. These programs range from arts and crafts for kids and coding classes for teens to book clubs for adults and lessons in 3D printing. The library is also closely involved with a network of local organizations, including The Interfaith Committee for Social Services and Caring Kitchen, places at which Banta has personally volunteered.

“I consider a library a noble place,” says Banta, “and to have spent my whole career in a library has just been an incredible gift.”

On print vs. e-books: “There’s a reason that the printed book has been the preferred method of reading information since Gutenberg. The reason is because the format is extremely loveable, it’s warm, it’s sensual, it’s a beautiful thing to look at. It’s an object of art. No digital book can re-create that.”

Favorite book: “The Iliad. … It’s got grand adventure, the writing is beautiful, and I still love the characters to this day. … It’s just a perfect piece of storytelling.”

Book that should be required reading for everyone: “The Plague by [Albert] Camus. … It’s a very mature novel. ... There’s no giddiness about it, the excitement seems very real, and the final message of the book is so well-founded in reality.”

On what he’s looking forward to most at the library: “I’d say working with this staff and moving them into an era of prosperity. … What I’m hoping my legacy is, is that I leave this library in better shape than I found it.”

A SLICE OF NEW HAVEN

There’s a new slice in town. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana brings its New Haven-style pizza to Delray at its newest outpost on Federal Highway. The New Haven style of thin, crisp, coal-fired pies originated with Frank Pepe’s original store in Connecticut in 1925 and has since been lauded as the greatest style of pizza in America. The pizza joint has won countless awards including “Best Pizza on Earth” by The Guardian in 2009. Frank Pepe’s Delray location features a 104,000-pound coal-fired oven for baking its signature pies like the white clam pizza, original tomato pie and more. 1701 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach; 561/431-5601; pepespizzeria.com

Mykal Banta

Join your neighbors and support Bethesda Hospital.

When you donate to Baptist Health Foundation in support of Bethesda Hospital, a not-for-profit organization, your dollars are responsibly invested in recruiting outstanding doctors and nurses, developing leading facilities, providing cutting-edge technologies and more.

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your support of Bethesda Hospital. Your generosity is making a meaningful impact, benefiting patients and employees. I look forward to working together to provide world-class, compassionate care in Palm Beach County.”  — Jared Smith

Students at Orchard View Elementary School were able to experience the joys of summertime bike riding thanks to Boca West Children’s Foundation’s annual Bikes for Tikes program. Seventy kids were given bicycles and helmets as rewards for meeting and exceeding their reading goals for the year. Pictured: Students at Orchard View Elementary School.

The luxurious Seagate Hotel & Spa hosted the debut of the Junior League of Boca Raton’s JLBR “Little Black Dress Initiative” to benefit underserved women and children. Attendees wore the same black dress or outfit for five consecutive days to illustrate the restrictions poverty places on struggling families. Pictured: Meghan Shea, Jayme Smollar, Amy Hanson.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens debuted its “Witness to Wartime” exhibition, displaying the painted works of Takuichi Fujii’s experience as a Japanese American during World War II. Pictured: Self portrait of Takuichi Fujii.

Seagate Beach Club hosted authors Shaunna and John Stith to read their children’s book, Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day to promote awareness and respect for our planet’s natural resources. Pictured: Shaunna and John Stith.

Delray’s POSH Art Gallery celebrated two years of providing a space for artists to display their work and connect directly with art enthusiasts. The 4,000-square-foot gallery features a variety of art mediums including landscapes, abstracts, multimedia, photography and more. Pictured: POSH Art Gallery.

Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) hosted Palm Beach Youth Service’s “Community Conversations.” ACCF teens went toe-to-toe with adults from the Delray community in a “Family Feud”-style competition to address local issues including personal safety, mental health and availability of resources. Pictured: Ingrid Evans, Jess Hall, Shawnese Jolly, Nerlyne Blanc, Kaitlin Salzman, Kayla Floyd, Berthanie Pierre, Stephanie Seibel, Kerry Filippone.

Top 5

September/October 2023

“Lobby Hero”

WHEN: Oct. 13-29

WHERE: Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach

COST: $84

CONTACT: 561/514-4042, palmbeachdramaworks.org

Writer Kenneth Lonergan is known by most of us for his contributions to the movies—like his Oscar-winning drama “Manchester by the Sea.” But he’s written no less compelling works for the stage, including “Lobby Hero,” a fourcharacter moral minefield that premiered offBroadway in 2001. The play has aged well: Its themes of racial division and sexual harassment have only become more pronounced in the eras of #MeToo, systemic injustice and police reform. It’s set in the foyer of a drab, middleclass housing development in New York, where a security guard and U.S. Navy dropout looking to put his life back together; his exacting African-American supervisor; a swaggering police officer; and the female rookie cop he has taken under his wing all converge. Over the course of the tumultuous play, their uneasy conversation will expose nerves and secrets, keeping everybody on edge—including, hopefully, the audience.

“Past Lives: Performance Art Through the Camera”

WHEN: Now-Nov. 19

WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach COST: $15-$18 museum admission

CONTACT: 561/832-5196, norton.org

The wide-ranging genre of performance art, in which artists typically use their own bodies in a live and often confrontational setting, is one of the most slippery and hard-to-define mediums. But you tend to know it when you see it, whether it refers to the feminist body art of Ana Mendieta, the interactive provocations of Yoko Ono, or the groundbreaking—even self-harming—onstage experiments of pioneer Marina Abramović. Danger and unpredictability often have been central to performance art, along with a blurring of the distinctions between avant-garde theatre and the visual arts. While there’s nothing like attending an in-person performance-art “happening,” this exhibition at the Norton Museum offers a rare opportunity to explore work by prominent performance artists of the past 30 years that have been preserved on camera and on video. With a sub-focus on Asian and Asian-American artists in this niche field, “Past Lives” will including dynamic contributions from Yasumasa Morimura, Nikki S. Lee, Tokihiro Sato and others.

Oscar Peñas Quartet

WHEN: Oct. 13

WHERE: Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach

COST: $40-$45

CONTACT: 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org

October marks the Arts Garage debut for this eminent jazz guitarist, one of his only two performances in the Southeast this year. A Barcelona-born phenom rooted in the bebop tradition, Peñas mastered the craft of the foundational jazz guitar combo, only to spread his musical wings in new directions: performing on electric, rather than traditional acoustic guitar, spicing the formula with South American and Iberian Peninsula influences, and adding unusual lyrical color through the prominent use of classical strings. The result is an unpretentious, evocative path forged by Peñas and his worldly quartet. Having previously recorded with such jazz and crossover giants as bassist Ron Carter and pianist Esperanza Spalding, Peñas will support his sixth LP Chicken or Pasta on this intimate date alongside Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell, award-winning six-string bassist Motohito Fukushima and drummer Richie Barshay, who has performed on upwards of 80 albums.

“Witches” cast a spell in Downtown Delray, jazz guitar at Arts Garage, outlaws in West Palm Beach and more

“Portrait” by Yasumasa Morimura and “The Seniors Project” by Nikki S. Lee, both from the Norton’s “Past Lives”

“Lobby Hero”

Witches of Delray ride

WHEN: Oct. 28

WHERE: Downtown Delray Beach COST: Riders pay an entry fee, but spectators can watch for free. Donations support the Achievement Centers for Children & Families CONTACT: 561/266-0003, witchesofdelray.org

As far as we know, the hashtag #KeepDelrayWeird has never caught on, but if it did, events like this one would be central to the mythos. Always celebrated on the last Saturday of October, the Achievement Centers for Children & Families’ signature autumn fundraiser celebrates its 12thannual event, once again welcoming hordes of grown-ups who get to play whimsical dress-up just like their beloved offspring. Expect to see plenty of pointy black hats, brooms and maybe even some pale-green face paint as teams of cyclists propel their decorated bikes to the finish line. Some costumes take a liberal approach to witchy wear— favoring a Day of the Dead or kitschy flamingo theme—which is all in good fun. At the end of the course, which traverses A1A and Atlantic Avenue, prizes are typically awarded for Best Decorated Bike, Best Witch Costume and Best Witch Cackle. Visit the event’s website for details on additional Witches of Delray-themed get-togethers in the days leading up to the ride.

Outlaw Music Fest

WHEN: Oct. 6

WHERE: iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach COST: $41 and up CONTACT: 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com

“Indefatigable” only begins to describe the nearly seven-decade career of Willie Nelson, prolific folk hero of country music who is both a guardian of its treasures and a subverter of its norms. Though he has recorded music since 1962, 2023 will be remembered as a signature year for Nelson: He celebrated his 90th birthday with a Grammy win for Best Country Album (for 2022’s eclectic A Beautiful Time), was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame—a testament to his crossover appeal—and released his 73rd album, I Don’t Know a Thing About Love, a tribute to the unsung traditionalist songwriter Harlan Howard. To cap off a momentous year, he’s bringing back the Outlaw Music Fest, originally a one-off concert in 2016 that has become an annual tradition. Stellar opening acts include the Americana standardbearers the Avett Brothers, the genre-traversing Southern jam band Gov’t Mule, and Grand Ole Opry favorite Elizabeth Cook.

Oscar Peñas

Willie Nelson

Witches of Delray ride

JOHN THOMASON

September/October 2023

Now-Oct. 6:

“Witness to Wartime: The Painted Diary of Takuichi Fujii” at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $9-$15 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. A Japanese American incarcerated in a detention camp after the outbreak of World War II, Fujii kept an illustrated diary of more than 250 ink drawings and more than 130 paintings, capturing detailed visions of the camps and the daily routines of his fellow-inmates.

Now-Oct. 29:

“Between Drawing and Painting: Pastels from the Collection” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15$18 museum admission; 561/8325196, norton.org. One of the most versatile mediums in the visual arts, pastels rose to prominence in the 18th century, as a way to combine the fine lines of pencil with the rich saturation of paint. This exhibition captures innovations in pastel through the ages, from old master portraits to contemporary abstraction.

Sept. 3:

Slightly Stoopid at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 5 p.m.; $36 and up; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com.

The party band Slightly Stoopid, with its feel-good fusion of rock, punk and reggae, headlines this quadruple bill of similarly minded acts to round out the summer. Arrive early for Sublime with Rome, hip-hop duo Atmosphere and reggae rockers the Movement.

Sept. 9:

Peace of Woodstock at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. With costumes to match the ‘60s counterculture vibe, Peace of Woodstock, a longtime Tampa Bay tribute band, will perform a theatrical concert re-creating Woodstock’s greatest hits in 90 minutes, from Richie Havens’ acoustic opener to Jimi Hendrix’s searing climax.

Sept. 30:

The Commodores at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $29-$129; 561/8327469, kravis.org. With founding member and multi-instrumentalist William King still leading and choreographing the band, the Grammy-winning Commodores will perform selections from their decades of eclectic and foundational funk and soul classics, from the ballads “Easy” and “Night Shift” to the roof-raising “Brick House.”

Oct.

6-8:

“Tuesdays With Morrie” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $39-$54; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. In this adaptation of Mitch Albom’s poignant memoir, a workaholic sportswriter learns that a former college professor has contracted Lou Gehrig’s disease. Sixteen years after graduating, he meets up with his former teacher, kindling a relationship that becomes a weekly, transformative pilgrimage.

Oct. 8:

Clay Melton at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $30-$35; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Young Louisiana-born prodigy Clay Melton, a rising star in blues rock, has lent his searing electric guitar riffs and gravelly vocals to originals and covers alike, topping the Roots Music Blues Rock charts in 2022 and opening for like-minded acts Robert Cray and Chris Daughtry.

Oct. 13-15:

Anthony Rodia: “Totally Relatable Tour” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m. Sun.; $49.50-$69.50; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. ItalianAmerican comedian Rodia left a career in auto finance in 2019 to explore his first love of standup. He’s since built a track record for his cutting humor on marriage, parenthood and human psychology.

Clay Melton

Peace of Woodstock

The Commodores

“Witness To Wartime”

Sept. 9-10:

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 27th-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. 10:

The Mission (UK), Chameleons and Theatre of Hate at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $35; 561/832-9999, sub-culture.org/respectable-street. In this embarrassment of goth and post-punk riches, Respectable Street has scheduled three landmark bands that seldom tour, all on one bill. Headliners The Mission (U.K.), formed by two members of the foundational British act Sisters of Mercy, has not performed in Florida in 24 years.

Sept. 22-23:

Blues Beatles at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. This unorthodox tribute band from Brazil is unafraid to transform many sacred cows of the Beatles’ catalog—“Yesterday” is a slow-burning but undeniable blues scorcher, and “Eleanor Rigby” is all but unrecognizable in parts—adding its genre-bending testament to the Fab Four’s pliable melodies and international appeal.

Sept. 29:

Dick Lowenthal’s Big Band at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/4506357, artsgarage.org. This eclectic program from Lowenthal, bandleader and founder of the Jazz Program at the Manhattan School of Music, will feature arrangements from such esteemed female composers and arrangers as Melba Liston, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Maria Schneider, Lil Hardin Armstrong and Mary Lou Williams, with Lisanne Lyons on vocals.

Oct. 20-21:

Nicole Henry at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Supporting her sensual and sun-dappled new album

Time to Love Again, the dynamic smooth jazz vocalist will showcase her sweet and powerful pipes with a slate of reimagined favorites from her range of influences, including the timeless love songs of James Taylor, Sade and Maria Muldaur.

Oct. 27:

Jason Aldean at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $42 and up; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com. The five-time Grammy-nominated country powerhouse will support his 11th album Georgia, a sprawling reflection on the city (Macon) and state in which he was raised. He’ll be joined by openers Mitchell Tenpenny, Corey Kent and Dee Jay Silver.

Oct. 29-Nov. 12:

“Murder on the Orient Express” at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; various show times; $68 and up; 561/5752223, jupitertheatre.org. A delectable whodunit conceived by the genre’s signature voice, Agatha Christie’s “Murder” offers a corpse and a bevy of eccentric suspects on a train barreling from the Middle East to London, with one impressively mustached detective tasked with solving the crime. The stage version will be brought to life by comic playwright Ken Ludwig.

Oct. 30:

Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; tickets TBA; 561/832-7469, kravis.org.

Virtuoso pianist Gabriela Montero will accompany this premier orchestra of Mexico, under the baton of conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, through a program that includes Gabriela Ortiz’s “Kauyumari,” Carlos Chávez’s “Symphony No. 2,” Montero’s own “Piano Concerto No. 1” and Silvestre Revueltas’ “The Night of the Mayas.”

Nicole Henry Dick Lowenthal’s Big Band Blues Beatles

Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival

Elizabeth Bennett, PRINCIPAL AND CEO

“Women need to be involved in their financial plans and have an understanding of where all of their assets are, and what they are used for,” says Certified Financial Planner™ Elizabeth Bennett.

As a woman who has reared a child, been through a divorce and is working toward her own financial future, she forges a relationship with her clients from her own personal experiences.

“You need be in control of your finances and not leave that responsibility to someone else,” she cautions. “Knowing the types of investments that you have, the log-ins for your accounts, and sharing that information with your spouse is very important. Being involved in reviews with your financial advisor and understanding how to access those assets is imperative,” Bennett says.

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

A division of:

Olivia James dress, $264, Charleston Shoe Company, suede mule, $135, hat, $55, all from Charleston Shoe Company; necklace, $55, from Voyage Boutique; Artesano small tote, $220, from One Door North

FALL-ING

Our summer slips into a fresh new season

Carla Kops Paris shirt, $139, Borse In Pelle leather handbag, $165, Zac & Zoe jacket, $159, and jeans, $129, all from Voyage Boutique; Veronica Beard sandal, $354, from Periwinkle; natural teak ladder, $199, Ripple Suar stool, $449, both available from Vee Merklen

PHOTOGRAPHED BY AARON BRISTOL

Simkhai dress, $395, belt, $96, necklace, $242, hat, $125, all from Periwinkle; espadrille, $69, jacket, $189, both from Voyage Boutique; Lorenza Gandaglia bag, $585, from Wish & Shoes

Artesano straw tote, $260, Kai Lassen hat, $635, Cotton Citizen sweatshirt, $225, all from One Door North; Willa Story skirt, $148, Fidelity coral jeans, $225, both from Wish & Shoes; Veronica Beard clog, $405, from Periwinkle; natural teak ladder, $199, Ripple Suar stool, $449, both from Vee Merklen

CHARLESTON SHOE CO., 1126 E. Atlantic Ave., 561/286-7600, charlestonshoeco.com

ONE DOOR NORTH, 253 N.E. Second Ave., 561/450-6535, 1doornorth.com

PERIWINKLE, 339 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/279-9699, periwinkleonline.com

WISH & SHOES, 16850 Jog Road, #112, 561/638-7700, wishandshoes.com

VOYAGE BOUTIQUE, 400 Gulfstream Blvd., 561/279-2984, voyageboutique.com

VEE MERKLEN INTERIOR DESIGN, 800 Palm Trail, Ste 3, 561/542-8848, veemerklen.com

STYLIST/ART DIRECTOR: LORI PIERINO

Gigi Moda linen shirt, $114, leather belt, $214, necklace, $54, all from Wish & Shoes; Citizen tank dress, $185, from One Door North

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Renee Jadusingh

In public and under the radar, the CRA’s executive director is making Delray a more beautiful and livable place

For Renee Jadusingh, executive director of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the “community” part of her title is always at the top of her mind.

“For our staff, I try to instill in them that you are the CRA; you have to go out knowing you are our face, our voice, our presence. But also, how can you help people? So if you see somebody, and you’re talking to them, what is their need? That is how I operate myself, and I tell everyone here: We’re here to serve.”

Jadusingh, 42, has been running the CRA since 2019 from its modest headquarters in a historic home adjacent to the old Doc’s on Swinton Avenue. It’s a position that allows the almost-Florida native—her family moved here from Connecticut when Renee was 3—to express her passion for service in a number of ways. At its heart is the core mission of the CRA, established in 1985 to eliminate slum and blight in its district of eight subareas, spanning 20 percent of the city proper.

While Jadusingh says “everyone likes what we we’re doing,” much of the CRA’s work can seem invisible to the community, with major improvements happening underground. Moreover, its projects span years, not months; hers is not a job for the instantly gratified.

“I think time is our friend and also our enemy,” she says. “We are only here for a certain amount of time. We have 21 years left, and then we sunset. We work ourselves out of business. … And a lot has happened up until now. So the tree, yes, it’s planted; you’re not going to see the results until later on. I think we’re seeing a lot of the growth in downtown. … and now it’s the Set neighborhood where we’ll see that next resurgence. It’s not going to happen overnight.

“For me, the fun part of the job is that we can buy a building, or see a piece of land, or think of a project, and yes, it’ll take time, but one day you’ll see this beautiful building.”

Jadusingh has enjoyed a relatively quick learning curve since accepting

Under the leadership of Jadusingh and her team of about 15 employees, the CRA plants trees, develops new alleys and roadways and sidewalks, installs traffic calming measures and neighborhood signage, and improves lighting and water mains. Osceola Park has been the most recent recipient of the CRA’s time and largesse, with $10 million infused into the neighborhood, in a redevelopment effort that is 80-percent complete as of this writing. Pineapple Grove owes much of its vibrance to the CRA’s efforts.

The CRA also oversees such community staples as the GreenMarket program and Arts Warehouse. And the organization buys land, which has been used for the construction of much-needed workforce and affordable housing, including both apartments and single-family homes.

Jadusingh wears a lot of hats, in other words, but she wears them with charm and enthusiasm, whether presenting monthly CRA updates to its five-member board (aka the city commissioners) or relating such projects to the public in quarterly YouTube videos. Transparency, she says, is vital to the CRA’s values, whether through analog means—mailed newsletters to local residents, which Jadusingh re-instituted—or digital ones, like a CRA Instagram page, which didn’t exist before Jadusingh’s tenure.

her initial position at the CRA, when her experience in Delray Beach was essentially limited to one visit—a dinner at Dada, steps from where she now works. At the time, she was staff counsel for the Southeast Overtown/ Park West CRA in Miami. Indeed, in another life, she was ensconced in the legal world, earning a Master of Law degree in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law in Miami Gardens. She served as managing attorney of her own firm, Jadusingh Law, P.A., for a little more than a year before the Overtown CRA position sent her on a different course.

Still, she says, “though I’m not a practicing attorney, I end up using the skills that I learned every day, either in looking at real estate contracts, looking at development agreements, knowing how to navigate the property appraiser. I think it helps train your brain in a certain way to analyze things.”

Just don’t expect her to return to the grind of the legal profession. “I really enjoy working with CRAs,” she says. “Delray has been such a welcoming and kind place to me, and I truly enjoy it. I look forward to many, many years of redevelopment.”

“The fun part of the job is that we can see a piece of land, or think of a project, and yes, it’ll take time, but one day you’ll see this beautiful building.”

Julie Seaver

The CEO of Compass Community Center finds hope amid turmoil

Julie Seaver grew up in what she describes as a “very rural, strong Catholic community” in the town of Ilion, in upstate New York: meetings at the Elks Club, Friday night fish fries at the VFW, Wednesday night spaghetti dinners. Her high school graduated a class of 40.

“I always felt different when I was younger; I just didn’t have any role models at the time,” she recalls. Gay people were all but invisible until Seaver’s family moved to Fort Lauderdale in the mid-1980s, and suddenly she was one high schooler in a class of 3,500. Her world opened up. And Compass Community Center was with her every step of the way.

“I first came into Compass in the early 2000s to attend the coming-out

lending library—where, Seaver says, “we have all of the banned books.”

Seaver acknowledges that for many of Compass’ visitors, the past few years have been an increasingly perilous period for LGBTQ people both in Florida and across the nation. “A lot of folks are scared right now,” she says. “There are over 400 anti-LGBTQ bills and laws coming down from all of our state capitals. The original ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation, that went through June 1 of 2022, affected our school districts from K through third grade, and we knew that that was going to be just the start. I don’t have a list of all the House bills that are being watched right now that prevent us from using the bathrooms of our gender identity, and removing gender-affirming care from trans youth as well as trans adults. Bans on gay reparative therapy have been removed.

support group,” she says. “Then I saw that there was a job posting in 2006. I applied for it, and again in 2007, and I guess you could say I came in, and then I came out. And there’s no place I’d rather be than with this team.”

Seaver has been an integral part of Compass ever since, graduating from development associate to capital campaign manager to chief development officer, chief financial officer and, since 2018, its executive director and CEO. She spoke to Delray magazine from the “Great Hall” of Compass’s two-story building in downtown Lake Worth Beach, a gathering space with artwork and inspirational quotes on the walls. Panels project beautiful blue skies from a drop ceiling, suggesting the illusion of a skylight. The atmosphere is serene, welcoming and, for some visitors, surprising.

“I always laugh—when people first come into the building, they’re expecting drag queens and disco balls,” Seaver says. “We do have those at our events like Palm Beach Pride, but we don’t have those every day. This is a professional organization. We have been providing life-saving services to the LGBTQ community and those impacted by HIV and AIDS for 35 years.”

Compass began in 1988 as the Stop AIDS Project of South Florida, Inc. The organization received its first building, then known as the Gay & Lesbian Community Center, in 1992. In 2007, thanks to a $3 million capital campaign, the nonprofit moved into its current space, a former restaurant/lounge on North Dixie Highway, as part of a public-private partnership with the City of Lake Worth Beach.

Today, it ranks among the largest LGBTQ centers in the country, with more than 25,000 visitors patronizing the facility for its health clinic, its cyber center, its town halls and workshops, its mental health services and support groups, its annual Stonewall Ball gala and Equality Prom, and its extensive

“Years ago, I would have said, I have executive privilege, and I’m white. But now, being a part of a marginalized population, I am seeing not just the lasting effects COVID has had on our communities but the trauma that our own staff is currently [experiencing]. It’s starting to take its toll. We just got a resignation letter from a trans staff member who does not feel safe in the state of Florida.”

Under Seaver’s leadership, Compass has found ways to resist. At the time of this writing, drag performers were still invited to Palm Beach Pride, despite the passage of an anti-drag bill in the state legislature that has led to the cancelation or modification of other pride events in the state. “That was our choice,” Seaver says. “It’s made me angry, because drag queens and the trans community, they were the first ones to throw the first fist against the status quo at the Stonewall riots. And our local drag queens, the Melissa St. Johns and the Velvet Lenores, have been fundraising for the LGBTQ community, the youth population, the HIV community, for years. So drag is a part of our history. … And I think it’s very dangerous to pre-comply with a bill that has not been penned into a law” [as of this writing]. Despite speaking in often-dire terms about the state of affairs for the minority populations Compass serves, Seaver holds out hope. Her organization, after all, is a beacon of positivity—an oasis in what can feel like a desert of exclusion.

“The voices of the few extremists are so loud that it does feel like we are on the losing end of things, but I really don’t believe that that’s true,” she says. “People don’t like when there is mass genocide of our rights. Whether they’re afraid to speak up and be an upstander versus a bystander remains to be seen. I think it might get a little bit worse before it gets better. I do have hope that this legislation and this rhetoric is temporary. Because we are not temporary.”

“I’m not really sure what the gay agenda is. It sounds super fun. But as part of the alphabet mafia myself, I have never seen a gay agenda. I would like to; I feel like I’m being left out. Wherever this gay agenda is happening, they’re having a lot more fun than I’m having right now.”

Julie Seaver

CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

LE COLONIAL

PARKING: Valet (on Northeast Seventh Avenue) Parking garage (also on Northeast Seventh Avenue)

HOURS: Lunch Sat.-Sun, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dinner Sun.-Wed., 5-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 5-11 p.m.

PRICES: $14-$95

WEBSITE: delraybeach.lecolonial.com

Above, Le Colonial Banh Cuon; opposite top, shaking beef; bottom, beet salad

Le Colonial

Downtown’s newest fine dining spot brings Old Saigon romance to Delray

Le Colonial’s opening this past February was highly anticipated, and that’s an understatement. Its debut soiree attracted hundreds of glitterati, all eager to experience Le Colonial’s French-Vietnamese cuisine at the new Atlantic Crossing. 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-squarefoot restaurant, vibrant wallpaper and artwork adorn the walls, stunning floor tiles add pops of color, and relaxed wicker chairs or cozy banquettes invite you in to stay a while. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that’s as sophisticated as it is comfortable.

The brand opened its first location 30 years ago, and Delray’s outpost is its fifth, with several other cities in the pipeline, including Naples and Scottsdale. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences (France ruled the country for decades), Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates.

Settling into our corner booth, we started with a lychee martini ($15) and the First of the Last gin cocktail ($15). For someone who adores lychee, especially when it’s drenched in vodka, this drink was disappointing. To start, it appeared that there was no actual lychee juice present. It’s made with a lychee liqueur that tasted like an overpowering lychee perfume that was then doused with lime juice. I hoped the second cocktail would redeem itself. It didn’t. Too much lime and bitters overrode the gin’s soft juniper notes.

As the appetizers arrived, I was sanguine. The Banh Uot ($16), or sesame beef ravioli, is a signature dish shaped as sizeable rice noodle pillows stuffed with grilled beef. I loved how the softness of the ravioli and beef played off the crunch of the cucumbers and lettuce that top it. The basil and the lime garlic sauce with hints of sweetness and spice tie the dish’s flavors up nicely for a satisfying opening to our meal. Our waitress quickly glossed over the soup section, and I’m here to tell you: Don’t sleep on the curry. I’m certainly glad we didn’t. We shared the Cari Ga ($29), or yellow chicken curry, and it was the star of the evening. Creamy, flavorful and well balanced, it delivers everything you want in a curry. Plus, the jasmine rice we ordered with it was perfectly cooked.

Our two entrées were the Ca Chim ($36), or halibut with “La Vong” scent, and Bo Luc Lac ($45), or shaking beef. The former, cured with galangal, a Southeast Asian root in the ginger family, is a beautiful saffron hue on the outside and snowy white, soft and flaky on the inside. It’s bright and citrusy with delicate spicy notes and topped with dill, mustard seed and red peppers. The beef has hints of sweetness, and again I enjoyed the balance of its tenderness with the crunchiness that came from the pickled onions and snow peas. We ended with la noix de coco ($14), Le Colonial’s take on a traditional Vietnamese frozen banana dessert. It is a dainty chocolate cup filled with banana and coconut cream and topped with coconut flakes and toasted peanuts. It was a wonderful way to finish the meal in Delray’s new swanky tropical oasis.

NEIL JOHN BURGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Broke the record with the highest sale to date at

Originally from Connecticut and New York City, Julia began working as a professional stage actress and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with an MFA. Throughout her career she has traveled extensively, from South Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, the United States, Canada, the Islands, and to most of Europe. She credits her empathy and understanding of people to the many journeys she has experienced in life.

Her business is based on trust, communication, understanding, dedication and determination. She represents buyers and sellers on a day to day basis. She always goes the extra mile and thinks outside of the box. She will find you your home or sell it, no matter what. She takes chances and does not miss opportunities. Her strong negotiating skills are an asset to her clients. Each day is a day to make it happen. She has a deep respect and appreciation for the clients she works with. Julia’s real estate transactions include

Julia is driven by the love for her husband John, family and friends. Her goals and interests include living a healthy lifestyle, swimming, the beach, boating, gym, cooking, reading, writing, learning, the outdoors and self improvement. Julia speaks fluent Polish, yet she was born in Connecticut. She taught herself how to read and write Polish at the age of 5. Her passion is Real Estate.

Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin Counties.

10031 Vestal Place in Coral Springs - Broke the record with the highest sale to date at $1,800,000.

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Julia Amsterdam

A Taste of Asia

By Christie Galeano-DeMott

As Asian cuisine sweeps the country (and South Florida), we talk to a few of the chefs who are bringing it home

Papaya salad from Le Colonial

behemoth in land size and population, Asia and its countries, cultures and cuisines span far and wide. Our world’s largest continent is home to more than 4.5 billion people and more than 45 countries, and yet its food woefully at times has been vaguely defined by mainstream dishes like fried rice and sushi or condiments like soy sauce.

While some may shy away from the term “Asian fusion,” in a way isn’t all American food some sort of mash-up? Immigrants have been bringing their cuisines to the States for centuries. Over generations, flavors, spices and techniques began to blend together to create new experiences. Still, honoring traditions and family heritage—while also maintaining a clear culinary vision—is as important as innovating.

Japanese native Nobu Matsuhisa, who launched the iconic Nobu brand in the early ‘90s alongside actor Robert De Niro, merged his Japanese training with his love for Peruvian ingredients. Another chef who helped usher America’s love for contemporary Asian flavors was first-generation American David Chang, who used his Korean culture as inspiration for Momofuku, launching a noodle empire that debuted in New York City in the early aughts. Other trailblazing chefs include restaurateur and TV personality Joyce Chen, Miami restaurateur and James Beard semifinalist Niven Patel, Iron Chef Anita Lo (whose New York restaurant Annisa garnered a Michelin star and three stars from the New York Times) and “Top Chef” champ and TV host Kristen Kish.

Chef Eric Baker of AlleyCat attributes the evolution of a cuisine to a chef’s lineage, both ancestrally and professionally. Home cooking and traditions are passed down from generation to generation, and chefs turn that knowledge into professional careers; their skills are handed down from chef to chef, micro-changes occurring with each person. Nobu, for example, has a line of people who worked and learned under him and helped him execute his vision. Those chefs, like notable Nobu alum Masaharu Morimoto, moved on and opened their own empires. “It spreads through the hands of the people who create it,” Baker says.

Recently we’ve seen a greater growth in our American palates. We’re hungry to taste even more cultures, and no longer pigeonhole cuisines. Asia’s vast assortment of dishes, from Japanese ramen and Indian curry to Korean barbecue and Vietnamese bahn mi, are having a moment these days globally but also closer to home, thanks to local chefs who are sharing their cultures with us through their curated menus.

We sat down with a few of our local leading chefs to discuss how they’ve thoughtfully created menus that masterfully weave their heritage and distinct life journeys together to bring innovative dishes straight to our dinner table.

NEIL JOHN BURGER

Chef Danny Kou

KOUSINE PERUVIAN ASIAN

anny Kou’s life goal is to share his culture’s flavors with the world. Peruvian-born of Chinese descent, his life has always been a blend of cultures and flavors. His grandfather immigrated to Peru from China in the 1940s and established one of the first Chinese restaurants in Lima. By the time Kou was born, his father owned and operated six restaurants, so continuing the family business was second nature to him. But before opening his two South Florida restaurants, Kou cut his teeth in California kitchens and refined his skills at Gastón Acurio’s esteemed La Mar restaurant in San Francisco as its executive chef.

Five years ago, when Kou was ready to open his own concept, he decided to equally spotlight his Peruvian and Chinese heritages with Kousine Peruvian Asian, his take on both cuisines. He opened his first location on Fort Lauderdale Beach and chose Boca for his second location, a city he was very familiar with thanks to childhood vacations to visit family and friends who lived here. Peruvian Chinese cuisine, known in Peru as chifa, has a tumultuous history of Chinese immigrants arriving to Peru as inexpensive laborers after slavery was abolished in the mid-nineteenth century. They brought their food with them and cemented it into the Peruvian culinary scene with ingredients like rice, soy sauce and ginger. They also introduced the wok to Peru. These days, many dishes are prepared on

TIPS

• Find the best quality fresh fish—sushi-grade for ceviche.

the deep cooking pan, including classic dishes called the lomo saltado, or stir fry, and arroz chaufa, or fried rice.

“The two cultures, they go very well (together),” he explains. “So, it’s been natural for me to develop my dishes.”

• Invest in a wok to develop the technique. To make a stir fry: Make sure it’s very hot, add a little oil (sesame or canola), sear the protein (one minute each side for beef). Vegetables always go at the end. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock, red wine vinegar and finish with butter.

• Watch the heat; don’t get burned.

• Go to a Latin grocery store and check out the products for yourself.

Kousine’s signature dishes include the causa, similar to a layered terrine, made with whipped potato prepared in a yellow pepper and lime juice sauce and topped with avocado, tuna tartare mixed with sesame oil and Peruvian rocoto pepper sauce and finished off with jumbo shrimp. Another dish he’s proud of, the Kam Lu Wantan, is a stir fry dish made with barbecue pork, shrimp, beef and chicken mixed with Chinese vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, snap peas and pineapple that’s then tossed in a homemade tamarind sauce served with fried wontons. The sauce, a secret recipe that was passed down to Kou from his grandfather, has been a staple in all the family’s restaurants since Peru.

Kou’s favorite dish: ceviche. “I could eat classic ceviche every day. I feel like I have more energy, and it’s so light.”

Chef Danny Kou and his kam lu wantan

Chef Akira Back AKIRA BACK

kira Back is all about change. When creating dishes for his international portfolio of restaurants, he seeks to open people’s ideas of his modern Japanese cuisine. Lucky for us, he opened his namesake restaurant at The Ray hotel last year, bringing his interpretation of Asian cuisine to the sands of Delray Beach.

Born in Seoul, Korea and raised in Colorado, Back’s first career was as a professional snowboarder. But he would moonlight at a Japanese restaurant, and that’s where his passion for cooking started to blossom. Throughout the years, he’s traveled, worked and eaten around the world, opening his eyes to endless culinary possibilities. His concept of Asian cuisine is always evolving—into a melting pot of much more than just Asian dishes and ingredients. While he uses hints of local influences or Korean flavors to enhance his childhood favorites (like his favorite, Korean fried chicken), his cooking style is traditional Japanese, an undying nod to his masterful training.

When bringing his cuisine to Delray Beach, Back’s goal was to bridge the gap between Miami and West Palm Beach. Back wanted to showcase what he could do at a boutique hotel that would allow him to focus on the food, its ingredients and stellar service. Signature Akira Back dishes include the AB tuna pizza, a paper-thin wafer topped with tuna and drizzled with umami aioli, white truffle oil, micro shiso, marinated masago, or roe, and chojang, a sweet and spicy Korean sauce.

These days, Back doesn’t have to be in Asia to enjoy amazing Asian food. He attributes this to society’s craving for healthier, light cuisines—like Japanese and Korean—that are still packed with flavor.

“The idea that someday we as a collective can grow to a point where we all share the same love for one another’s traditions and food shows me just how open we all can be to new ideas and new flavors,” he says. “I can’t wait to see the next 50 years.”

Chef Akira Back; left, king crab legs and right, tuna “pizza”

GLOSSARY

While some readers may already know these terms, to some this list might be unfamiliar. So test your Asian culinary lingo or continue reading to learn a few key words.

BÁNH MI

Baguette sandwich

BAO BUN

Fluffy, sweet, flour bread

DAL

Lentil stew

DIM SUM

Chinese meal made of small plates, like Spanish tapas

GHEE

Clarified butter

HOISIN

Sweet, savory, tangy Chinese condiment— can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzled over a dish

KOFTA

Minced or ground meat rolled into a meatball with onions and other spices

KOREAN BARBECUE

Thinly sliced beef prepared on a grill in the middle of the table

MASALA

Broad term for any spice mix in Indian cuisine

MOCHI

Rice cakes with different fillings, like ice cream or peanuts

NAAN

Leavened flatbread

NORI

Dried seaweed, can be used in making sushi

NIGIRI

A type of sushi where rice is molded by hand, and fish (or other topping) is pressed on top

OMAKASE

A Japanese phrase that means “up to you,” so in a restaurant setting diners allow the sushi chef to curate the dishes they will eat, like a tasting menu

PANEER

A non-melting fresh cheese that’s cubed

PHO

Vietnamese soup made of broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat

ROTI

Unleavened round flatbread, also known as chapati

SAMOSA

Pyramid-shaped dumpling stuffed with a variety of items like potatoes, onion, peas, lentils and ground meat, and then deep-fried

SPICES TO HAVE ON HAND

PUSHKAR:

Lemons or limes

CHEF NICOLE & CHEF HUY:

SASHIMI

Fresh fish or meat sliced into thin pieces

TANDOORI

A dish made in a tandoor, or cylindrical clay or metal oven heated with charcoal or fire

TORO

Fatty part of a tuna found in the belly

UNI

Considered a delicacy, it’s a sea urchin’s sex organ that produces roe and has a consis tency of firm custard

VINDALOO

Classic curry dish known for being spicy

YAKITORI

Grilled or barbecued skewers (chicken or meat)

Sugar

Salt

Thai chili (fresh or dried)

Onion

Garlic

Mustard seed

Curry leaves

Fish sauce

Lemongrass

Thai spice powder

Star anise

Garlic

Sprouts

Lime leaves

Chef Pushkar Marathe

STAGE & ELA CURRY KITCHEN

ushkar Marathe says Stage has its roots in India, but the flavors are from all over, a menu that reflects a global map, whereas Ela Curry Kitchen focuses specifically on India’s map. Born in India, trained in Switzerland and with a résumé that spans the world from the Middle East to the Caribbean, Marathe tributes all those cultures and people he worked with as influences that helped him create his own cooking style and his interpretation of Asian cuisine today.

“My heritage will always be with me; that’s a part of me,” he explains. “So marrying that knowledge and my upbringing with the global cultures is really what America is about. The real sense of the new American restaurant is that there should be no cultural boundaries.”

Marathe used a butter chicken tomato sauce base with cumin and turmeric to make mac and cheese, an American dish with his twist. He uses spices to add dimension to dishes, to enhance flavors without changing their integrity. The skill comes in balancing each flavor, like his bang bang cauliflower, for example. The dish is spicy, tangy, sweet, salty and with a slight crunch that will make all your taste buds happy. His famous chicken liver pâté is a testament to this as well; Marathe took inspiration from a north Indian dish called liver masala and added his take to the renowned French dish by adding yogurt, cardamom and cumin and then torching brown sugar to add sweetness.

As the second-most-populated country in Asia (and the world), India’s food is often overlooked in terms of Asian cuisine, he says, and so his goal is to take patrons on a journey of flavors they have never experienced before. He notes the impact Asia had on the global food scene dating back to the Silk Road spice route that introduced the western world to spices like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and nutmeg—all ingredients featured on his menus.

“This is an art; I love what we do,” he says. “I love watching people eat. The smiles on their faces are the biggest accolades I can ever get.”

Marathe’s favorite dish: chapati, or unleavened Indian bread that’s eaten with curry. He says when you’re making this fresh, you don’t keep count—you just eat until you’re satisfied. It’s made from simple flour ingredients, but it’s a magical experience. “It represents my upbringing, my childhood”—so his mom trained the cooks at Ela to perfect this craft.

TIPS

• Start small and simple.

• Indian cooking is not about recipes; it’s really a practice, and it’s all about simplicity.

• Start to use Indian spices by adding them to dishes you already know, like tomato sauce. That will help you get used to those ingredients.

• Go to Indian grocery stores and get better acquainted with ingredients.

Chef Pushkar Marathe, butter chicken, bang bang cauliflower

Chefs Nicole Routhier and Huy Hoang LE COLONIAL

o one is happier to see American audiences becoming more adventurous eaters than Nicole Routhier. More than 30 years ago, when she moved from Vietnam to the States to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, she says Vietnamese food was a tough sell because people didn’t know what it was—even though it’s a cuisine rooted in traditions that date back centuries. Although we are familiar with banh mi and pho, Vietnamese cuisine is delicate and sophisticated, with a much larger repertoire.

When Routhier was asked to create Le Colonial’s first menu decades ago for its debut location in New York, she started with traditional Vietnamese classics and modernized them with French ingredients and beautiful presentations. Le Colonial’s fifth location opened in Delray Beach this past February, with several more cities in the pipeline.

Le Colonial’s menu respects tradition, Routhier says proudly, and avoids modern techniques like foam or sous vide. “At the end of the day it comes down to flavors. If you blend your flavors in harmony with each other, then you don’t need to wow people with some obscure technique,” Routhier says.

TIPS

• Always have fresh herbs available.

• Buy a rice cooker.

• Freshness is everything. If you start with fresh ingredients, you’re 90 percent there.

When owners Joe King and Rick Wahlstedt, alongside Routhier, were looking for an executive chef to oversee the Delray outpost, they found the perfect match in Huy Hoang, a Vietnamese native who most recently ran the celebrated Katsuya brand’s concept at the SLS South Beach. His hometown of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) had been ruled by France for nearly 100 years, and thus its cuisine was heavily influenced by the colonists. Hoang says he grew up eating French food with Vietnamese flavors without even knowing certain dishes drew inspiration from the French. Historically meat was a luxury, so while the French wanted a steak and a starch, Vietnamese chefs interpreted the dish by slicing steak, cooking it on the wok and presenting it with a generous serving of greens and herbs to make the dish seem more abundant.

• Marinate meat first with fish sauce, garlic, lemongrass, shallots, Thai spice powder and sugar. Let it sit for 15 min. Slice the meat before it hits the wok.

Both Routhier and Hoang underscore the cuisine’s attention on fresh vegetables and herbs.

Huy Hoang

Nicole Routhier

Goi-Cuon

NEIL JOHN BURGER

Chef Eric Baker ALLEYCAT

ne of Eric Baker’s first memories of Asian food was trying sushi with his parents when it hit New York City’s dining scene in the early ‘90s. So, although Asian food has been pervasive in our culture for decades, he says it’s the recent elevation of these cuisines into the realm of fine dining, alongside French and Italian gastronomy, that has shifted society’s perception and thus contributed to the increased demand for Asian restaurants, whether that’s Japanese, Korean, Thai or Indian.

“At the end of the day, what dictates American cuisine are the restaurants commanding a high price point, that are bringing in a high revenue,” Baker explains. “Now that those (Asian) cuisines are commanding a higher price point, that’s why they’re exploding all over the country.”

A testament to this is Baker’s decision to close Rebel House this March, one of Boca’s iconic restaurants for a decade (he owned it for the last four years) to give the much larger space to AlleyCat, his Japanese izakaya restaurant he started with David Bouhadana of Sunset Sushi and Sushi by Bou in late 2021. Baker has been a student of Asian culture for his entire career, traveling extensively throughout the continent. When he was thinking about his next concept, he landed on Japanese izakaya because of its fun atmosphere, where food is paired with cocktails or sake and shared amongst loved ones. That sense of community and the opportunity to taste different types of food in small plates spoke to him.

TIPS

• Go to a local Asian market, wander around, familiarize yourself with the products. This will also be helpful when reading a recipe.

He says there’s a beauty to its simplicity, which he thinks is palatable to our chaotic minds. In a sense, the food is calming. Baker also has seen a shift in diners’ perception of value. No longer looking for value in portion size, we’re now looking for value in the quality of products and their preparation.

• Be a student first: Read and learn about ingredients and vocabulary.

One of his most interesting takes is the pastrami sando, a Western-inspired Japanese sandwich (see, fusion works both ways!) usually made with Wagyu that’s lightly breaded and fried. The meat reminded him of pastrami, so he went with it. “That’s what I think is great about AlleyCat; I can bring in my off-the-wall ideas, and they fit. You don’t feel like they’re forced or that they don’t belong. That’s what I search for and stay true to.”

Baker’s favorite dishes: AlleyCat’s spicy scallop roll and Big in Japan’s Wagyu beef tartare with Asian pear and barbecue brisket that’s smoked for 16 hours.

Trending Now: “Korean food is having its moment. It’s very cool for that to happen, because I think their cuisine is very exciting.” He also hopes that as Boca grows, we see more homegrown concepts, and that operators flourish.

CARLOS JOSE GALLEGO II

AARON BRISTOL

WRITTEN

BY KIRSTEN HINES

In Kirsten Hines’ prizewinning wildlife photography, a conservation message is always a part of the story

BY JOHN THOMASON • PHOTOGRAPHY

Left, great blue herons court one another in a regal cypress nest in the Circle B Bar Reserve; above, the sunset through the pines at Blue Springs State Park

irsten Hines always knew she wanted to work around animals. But it took four years of graduate school in biology at Florida International University for her to realize the hard science approach wasn’t for her.

“I didn’t love statistics, and I didn’t like having all my animals reduced to data points,” says Hines. “But even more than that, I get really excited about stuff, and I want to go explore it, and when you’re being a scientist, you’re not supposed to be really excited. You’re supposed to be very pragmatic about it. And also, you’re supposed to choose your one field that you know really, really well. And that didn’t fit for me so well.”

After graduate school and three years globetrotting between potential careers—she taught English in China, and worked on a sailboat in the Bahamas—it was a sojourn in Australia and New Zealand, with their lush natural areas teeming with wildlife, that convinced her that photography would be her connection to the animal kingdom.

Since 2012, Hines has received 16 awards for her photographs and been honored with a dozen solo exhibitions, most recently at Daggerwing Nature Center in Boca Raton. She has traveled around the world photographing wildlife in its natural habitat, but for the Coconut Grove-based photographer, Florida continues to be a wellspring for creativity. All seven of her published books are set here, including her latest collection, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey, due out in November from the University Press of Florida.

As she explains in the following pages, Hines’ photography is inextricably linked to her passion for ecology. She is a conservation associate of the Institute for Regional Conservation and a member of the board of Audubon Florida.

Left, a great white heron preens its plumes in Everglades National Park; above, a green tree frog clings to a cattail leaf built for wildlife in Kirsten’s Coconut Grove yard

Kirsten Hines

HER TYPICAL PRACTICE ON A SHOOTING DAY:

“I prefer to work with diurnal species, and most animals are active right at dawn and dusk, which is good for photography, because it’s also the best lighting. Depending on what I’m shooting, I’ve often had to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning in order to drive a couple hours to get where those animals are.

“A lot of times when you’re working with wildlife, it’s important to get there before the wildlife arrives so that you can already be hidden. That doesn’t necessarily mean in a blind; people think of those proper blinds, and those are great, but often you’re going to places where those don’t exist. Often, I end up using my jeep as a blind, and just rolling down the windows and sitting quietly.

“If I’ve driven that far, I’m not going to just do that and call it a day. If I’m working locally, sometimes I can get away with just going out for

a couple of hours in the morning and then back out in a couple of hours in the evening. But if I’ve driven all that way I tend to stay out all day. I was [recently] gone for 10 days, and of that I was out the door by 6:30 every morning, and wasn’t back until 8:30 or so after dark.”

ON READING THE SIGNS:

“I can’t tell you how many mornings I sat waiting for panthers and saw nothing. You can’t control wildlife, so you look for the signs, and sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes you’re not. And you get really good at looking for signs. One afternoon I was hiking, and I saw a ton of vegetation at a reserve near Naples, and I thought, that looks like an animal’s been coming and going. And so, early the next morning I took myself to the vegetation opposite that hole, and sure enough, an otter emerged.”

Clockwise from above: Florida black bears wrestle in a love match in a forested yard in the Golden Glades Estates, South Florida’s native gray fox perches in the arms of a live oak tree in the historic Miami Cemetery, and a young American crocodile basks in the shallows of Florida Bay

Clockwise from above: Black vultures vie for pilings in the fog at Manatee Springs State Park, a ruby-throated hummingbird pauses atop a hibiscus flower in Kirsten’s wildlife-friendly yard, and a pair of wood storks settle in for the night at Wakodahatchee Wetlands

ON OUR RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER SPECIES:

“From a biological standpoint, animals are always aware of our presence. Even urbanized animals that are very accustomed to people will let you get near if they think you’re not paying attention. But the second you stop and look at them, they’re gone. So they’re definitely aware. I think they are far more connected to us than we are to them.”

ON THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY:

“I think of photography as a form of storytelling. And you can send powerful conservation messages through pictures. In some ways it’s the best way to do it, which is part of why conservation photographers don’t want to add or take away elements from their pictures, because you want people to believe in what they’re seeing. So much of photography nowadays is cleaned up and glitzed and glammed, but with conservation photography, it’s a story, and you want it to be a believable story, so you want to make sure it’s accurate.

“My coffee table book Wild Florida is very much a conservation book. The idea is to try and lure people in with the pictures, teach them about the red widow spider and the Everglades mink, all of these animals they may not have even known were out there, and then give them the opportunity to connect, to make things that were either unknown or unfamiliar and maybe scary—make them more intimate and familiar. Once people know things, they tend to want to protect them.”

Designer SPOTLIGHT

Lori Hoyt Owner and President California

Closets of Broward/Palm Beach

954.946.2218

californiaclosets.com

The closet is one of the first rooms you visit each morning, which is why Lori Hoyt of California Closets says it’s essential for the space to elicit a sense of serenity. “You don’t want to walk into something where your clothes are falling all over, your shoes are underneath your clothes and you can barely see anything,” Hoyt says.

Achieving a calming closet isn’t just for aesthetics; it can save you the headache and time it takes to get dressed in a disheveled space. The key to organization is creating designated places for everything—hampers for dirty clothes, built-in storage for jewelry and customized shelving with specific sections for short sleeves versus long sleeves.

Hoyt doesn’t just know a thing or two about beautifying closets—she’s a business woman throughand-through. Since she stepped in as president 25 years ago, the company’s yearly rev-enue has grown from $1 million to $12 million.

A true family affair, Hoyt works alongside her brother Scott Schiff and sister Patti Schiff.

With a staff of about 40 designers and installers, California Closets also extends its expertise into garages, offices and pantries alike. Projects range from $2,500 to upwards of $400,000, depending on each client’s budget and vision.

Photography: Bristolfoto

Autumn Trends

Sometimes a new season invites a clean sweep of dated decor and an infusion of fresh palettes, contemporary upgrades and imaginative pops of color and fun. Here are some ideas for on-point home decor.

Rope-wrapped dining table, price upon request, Clive Daniel, Boca Raton, clivedaniel.com.

BACK TO NATURE

Bring the outdoors into your home with neutral shades in brown, beige and cream as well as botanical patterns and pieces crafted from wood, wicker and rattan.

1. Butterfly Ginkgo Cocoon Lamp, price upon request, Clive Daniel, Boca Raton, clivedaniel.com. 2. Gustav 92-inch marble dining table, $3,999, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com. 3. Silver Leaf credenza, price upon request, Clive Daniel, Boca Raton, clivedaniel.com. 4. Celestine cashmere outdoor pillow, $535, Hive, Palm Beach, hivepalmbeach.com. 5. Ibiza pendant, $995, Jayson Home, jaysonhome.com. 6. Pacifica outdoor sconce, $298, Serena & Lily, Palm Beach, serenaandlily. com. 7. Asher cane and beech wood upholstered bench with pillows, $2,299, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com.

TUESDAYTHURSDAY

SOCIAL HOUR 4PM-6PM

50% Off Wines By The Glass

50% Off Signature Cocktails

Social Hour Bites Menu

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

50% Off Bottles of Wine Up to $300 Only Eligible with purchase of entrée*

THURSDAY SPECIAL

THURSDAY

50% Off Giant Grilled Prawn with Green Garlic Scampi Sauce & Shoe String Potatoes

UNLIMITED BRUNCH

SUNDAY BRUNCH

$25 Unlimited Mimosa's, Bellini's, Bloody Mary's & Spicy Watermelon Margarita's. Brunch available from 11:30am- 2:30pm. Only Eligible with purchase of entrée*

SUNDAY

DINNER

SUNDAY SUPPER MENU

$49.95 per person, fixed menu,choice from 3 appetizers, 3 entrees &2 desserts

AVALON LOUNGE

PRIVATE DINING

The Avalon Lounge is a hidden gem in Delray Beach. With more than 1,500 Sq ft of event space, the lounge is available for meetings, specialty events and private dining. Call to book today!

Restaurant Hours of Operations

dining guide

Your resource for Greater Delray Beach’s finest restaurants

La Condesa

3320 Airport Road, Boca Raton; 561/931-4008

What was once a dimly lit, stark Irish pub near the Boca airport has been revamped into a contemporary, bright space with subtle Mexican details—and debuted its take on Mexican fare about a year ago.

Our first stop into our Mexican food journey was the margaritas. Tequila lovers will find an impressive variety for every palate, from fruity and sweet to spicy and refreshing. When I’m not drinking wine, I’m drinking tequila—usually neat, but I do love a spicy cocktail—so I started with the jalapeño margarita ($14.99). It brought the heat but didn’t linger, and finished with refreshing citrus notes, which I enjoyed. Non-tequila enthusiasts have plenty of options, including mojitos, beers, wines and other specialty tropical cocktails,

The menu is sizable, with a wide selection of popular dishes like nachos, street tacos and burritos—but I opted for Mexican plates that perhaps haven’t made it mainstream yet. So, we traded taquitos and guacamole for goat cheese jalapeños ($12) and La Condesa tostadas ($12) and entrees like fajitas and quesadillas for the mole cazuelitas ($18.99). I did see that the guac is prepared tableside, allowing you to customize exactly what you want in it and how much heat you prefer.

The moment we sat down, a basket of warm, crispy tortilla chips hit our table with a spicy salsa that enthusiastically sneaked up on our palate. The tostadas (two per order) are handmade corn tortillas with melted Oaxaca cheese that are then topped with tender steak, pico de gallo,

avocado and lettuce.

The meat was bursting with flavor, and the avocado gave the dish a creamy texture that complemented the tortilla’s crunchiness. The jalapeños, which were hollowed out and devoid of their spicy white seeds and ribs and then sauteed until blistered, were then stuffed with creamy goat cheese. The mellowed-out peppers still have a hint of spice, but the cheese, balsamic glaze and cilantro garlic salsa do an excellent job of softening it.

Mole, considered Mexico’s national dish, can come in many variations. Mainly consisting of nuts, seeds, chili peppers, dried spices and even dried fruit, it is sold in markets in massive mounds of grounded powder that can then be made into the thick sauce. It’s usually used to dress meats, and in the mole cazuelitas it’s generously poured all over chicken strips, giving the dish layered notes of smokiness, sweetness and a light spice.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Parking lot

HOURS: Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

PRICES: $10.50 – $42

WEBSITE: lacondesamexican.com

We ended the meal on a sweet note with a typical Mexican dessert: the churro ($6.99). Warm and crispy, it was dusted with cinnamon and sugar and drizzled with honey and chocolate. Its name, which is a chic and stylish Mexico City neighborhood, also translates to “countess,” and La Condesa’s friendly staff definitely gives its patrons the royal treatment.

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

STAFF PICK

Pescado Baja

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. $$

Atlantic Grille—1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/ Contemporary American This posh restaurant in the luxurious Seagate Hotel & Spa is home to a 450-gallon aquarium of tranquil moon jellyfish and a 2,500-gallon

shark tank. Savor inventive cuisine that takes the contemporary to the extraordinary. Bold flavors, inspired techniques and the freshest ingredients make every meal a culinary adventure. • Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch Sat.–Sun. 561/665-4900. $$

Avalon Steak and Seafood—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. 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. $

Bar 25 Gastropub— 25 S.E. Sixth Ave. American Taking inspiration from the Northeast, the menu boasts staples like Philly cheesesteak, Rhode Island clams, pierogis, Old Bay fries and plenty of mootz (aka mozzarella). Loyal to its gastropub DNA, dishes here aren’t complicated or complex but satisfying, interesting takes on the familiar without being boring. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/359-2643. $

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

Tacos from 50 Ocean

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. $$

Cabana El Rey—105 E. Atlantic Ave. Cuban Tropical. Little Havana is alive and well in Delray. The menu is a palette-pleasing travelogue, including starters like mariquitas (fried banana chips) and main courses such as seafood paella (think mussels, shrimp, clams, conch, scallops and octopus). • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-9090. $$

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. 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. 561/908-2557. $$

Costa By OK&M—502 E. Atlantic Ave.. Contemporary American. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steakhouse 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. $$

EVERYDAY FAVORITES

The Bridge Café—814 E. Atlantic Ave. American. True to its name, this favorite brunch spot is just to the west of the bridge on East Atlantic Avenue. It offers both traditional favorites and unique spins on brunch cuisine, and dishes like the sunrise crabcake will help you get out of bed in the morning. Frozen cocktails like the Orange Creamsicle are a particular favorite on hot days, and affordable snacks are available for canine guests joining outdoor diners. Breakfast and brunch daily. 561/403-5581. $

Flybird—335 E. Linton Blvd., #B-13. American. Celebrity Chef Michael Salmon (yes, that’s his real name) has cooked in fine restaurants in New York (and for people like Jackie O), starred on the Food Network and more—and it shows in this low-key chicken place that specializes in char-grilled chicken (and chicken pot pies on occasion) as well as downhome sides like mac and three cheeses, mashed potatoes and gravy and Peruvian corn. A hit since it opened, Flybird is still soaring. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/243-1111. $

Ramen Lab Eatery—25 N.E. Second Ave., # 114. Asian. Offering traditional Japanese ramen dishes alongside more contemporary favorites like poke bowls and bao buns, this sister restaurant to the Boca location of the same name has become an Asian food staple just off of Atlantic Avenue. Don’t miss happy hour from 3-6 p.m. every day, with half off all drinks and select appetizers. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/455-2311. $

Sandwiches by the Sea—1214 E. Atlantic Ave. Deli. Without a website to tout its menu, this definition of a hole-inthe-wall deli has nonetheless built a 40-year word-of-mouth reputation on the quality craftsmanship and lightning-speed service of its subs, hoagies and burgers. Pop in after a beach day for an unsurpassed potato salad or Italian combo. Breakfast and lunch daily. 561/272-2212. $

Sazio Express—1136 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian/American. This baby sister restaurant to the popular Sazio in central downtown Delray has a loyal following for casual lunching and early bites from a menu designed to dangle your favorites before your eyes. Pizzas by the slice or whole (including grandma pizza), heroes (roast beef and gorgonzola, anyone?), wraps, salads, wings, cheese fries, chicken tenders. OK, just stop. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-2657. $

Veg Eats Foods—335 E. Linton Blvd. Vegan. This is delightful sanctuary for plant-based foodies has generated a loyal following for its seasonally changing menu of locally sourced comfort-food favorites, which work meatless magic on your taste buds. Try the smothered mushroom burger and the banh mi, made with pea protein-based sausage. Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $$

Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steakhouse 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. $

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 in-

gredients 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. $$

Ember Grill—233 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Ray Hotel’s modern bistro is helmed by Joe Zanelli, who has created a variety of globally inspired dishes. Seafood, steaks and house specialties like the duck pancakes share the menu with delectable desserts like the baked Alaska ablaze on your table or refreshing frozen pineapple. • Dinner nightly. 561/739-1705. $$

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. $$$$

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

Il Girasole—2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian

If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue— owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

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

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

La Cigale—253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$

Latitudes—2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$

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 Viet namese 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. Pan-Asian. Casually hip ambience, friendly service, mod erate 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. 561/2785050. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

Lionfish—307 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. Focusing on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Lionfish’s menu is diverse while its coastal décor is both stylish and comfortable. Choose from oysters, octopus, specialty sushi rolls, fresh catches and, of course, the namesake white flaky fish in a variety of preparations, including whole fried and as a bright ceviche. Make sure to save room for the Key Lime Pie Bombe dessert. • Dinner nightly. Brunch weekends. 561/639-8700. $$$

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. $$$

Burrata and vegetable salad from Elisabetta’s

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. 561/276-3600. $$

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. $$

Salt7—32 S.E. Second Ave. Modern American. All the pieces needed to create a top-notch restaurant are here: talented chef, great food, excellent service. From the pea risotto to the crab cake to the signature steaks and a lot more, this is a venue worth the money. Thanks goes to Executive Chef Paul Niedermann, who won TV’s notorious “Hell’s Kitchen” show, and his talent is displayed here on the plate. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Brunch Sunday. 561/274-7258. $$$

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

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. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and a tiramisu. • Dinner nightly, brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$

LAKE WORTH BEACH

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

PALM BEACH

Bice—313 Worth Ave. Italian. This venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$

Buccan—350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary Miami at this hot restaurant by chef Clay Conley. The design offers both intimate and energetic dining

areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (wood-grilled burgers) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). • Dinner nightly. 561/833-3450. $$

Café Boulud—The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard (not available during summer), the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$

Café L’europe—331 S. County Road. Current international. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like Wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$

Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$

HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with house-made fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$

Imoto—350 S. County Road. Asian Fusion/Tapas. Clay Conley’s “little sister” (the translation of Imoto from Japanese) is next to his always-bustling Buccan. Imoto turns out Japanese-inspired small plates with big-city sophistication, like witty Peking duck tacos and decadent tuna and foie gras sliders. Sushi selection is limited but immaculately fresh. • Dinner nightly. 561/833-5522. $$

M.E.A.T. Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse “Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steak house but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-nturf to a new level. Cast your diet to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$

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

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

Trevini Ristorante—290 Sunset Ave. Italian. Expect a warm experience, complemented by a stately but comfortable room and excellent food. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/833-3883. $$$

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Café Chardonnay—4533 PGA Blvd. Contemporary American. This longtime stalwart never rests on its

laurels. Instead, it continues to dish finely crafted American/Continental fare with enough inventiveness to keep things interesting. The popular herb-and-Dijon-mustard rack of lamb, regular menu items like duck with Grand Marnier sauce, and always superlative specials reveal a kitchen with solid grounding in culinary fundamentals. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/627-2662. $$

WEST PALM BEACH

Café Centro—2409 N. Dixie Highway. Italian. There are many things to like about this modest little osteria— the unpretentious ambiance, piano Thursday through Saturday during season, the fine service, the robust portions and relatively modest prices. And, of course, the simple, satisfying Italian cuisine. The kitchen breathes new life into hoary old fried calamari, gives fettucine con pollo a surprisingly delicate herbed cream sauce and gilds snowy fillets of grouper with a soulful Livornese. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$

Grato—1901 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. “Grato” is Italian for “grateful,” and there is much to be grateful for about Clay Conley’s sophisticated yet unpretentious take on Italian cookery. Anyone would be grateful to find such delicate, crispy and greaseless fritto misto as Grato’s, ditto for lusty beef tartare piled onto a quartet of crostini. Spinach gnocchi in porcini mushroom sauce are a revelation, so light and airy they make other versions taste like green

library paste. Don’t miss the porchetta either. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/404-1334. $$

Leila—120 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. Flowing drapes and industrial lighting complete the exotic decor in this Middle Eastern hit. Sensational hummus is a must-try. Lamb kebab with parsley, onion and spices makes up the delicious Lebanese lamb kefta. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$

Marcello’s La Sirena—6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$

Pistache—1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak tartare. Plus, guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$

Rhythm Café—3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/833-3406. $$

Rocco’s Tacos—224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 200 tequilas. Tacos feature house-made tortillas and a variety of proteins. Madeto-order guacamole is a good place to start. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Also at 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100.) $

Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/8552660. $$$

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

Various dishes from Cafe Centro

AARON BRISTOL

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!

ALAN J. BAUMAN, MD, ABHRS, IAHRS, FISHRS

Hair Restoration Surgery

Since opening Bauman Medical in 1997, Dr. Alan J. Bauman has transformed the appearance of more than 33,000 men and women and performed upwards of 12,000 hair transplants. He has recently been voted the No. 1 Hair Restoration Surgeon in North America for the seventh consecutive year.

Along with pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration, he performs minimally invasive follicular unit extraction (FUE), VIP|FUE™ no-shave hair transplants, low-level laser therapy, PRP (platelet rich plasma), PDOgro™, eyelash transplants and others. He is one of approximately 200 physicians worldwide to achieve certification from the esteemed American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).

Q: I don’t want anyone to know I’ve had a hair transplant. What should I do?

A. VIP|FUE™ is a no-shave, minimally invasive hair transplant procedure that offers patients all the advantages of traditional, minimally invasive FUE (follicular unit extraction), including no staples, no stitches, no linear scar, and a more comfortable and less restricted downtime, when compared to outdated invasive linear FUT “strip” harvesting. It’s also the only transplant that doesn’t require ANY trimming or shaving of the donor area. This means NO dramatic change in your hairstyle with the VIP|FUE™ transplant!

Q: Is a hair transplant painful?

A. Not at all! Today’s FUE hair transplants are minimally invasive with little downtime, and all are done under local anesthesia. At Bauman Medical, we also have some high-tech, leading-edge technologies to make your procedure 100 % comfortable and pain-free, including PRO-NOX™ nitrous oxide to calm anxiety, and Dentapen, a robotic syringe to control the extremely low speed and pressure of local anesthetic for a completely pain-free injection.

Q: Are hair transplants just for your scalp?

A. While hair transplants for the scalp are the most common, hair can also be transplanted into eyebrows, eyelashes, beard and pubic hair. All of these transplant procedures are virtually pain-free with little downtime using the minimally invasive FUE method.

Photo by Jason Nuttle

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

CAITLIN PRICKETT, DO Internal Medicine

Aboard-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. Caitlin Prickett attended the University of Alabama, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in chemistry and biology.

Dr. Prickett then completed a postgraduate program in Biomedical Sciences at Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in the top 15 percent of the medical school class at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma center and regional stroke center, provided Dr. Prickett with the skills and expertise needed to confidently diagnose, manage and treat a wide array of complex medical conditions.

Q: What sets you apart as a primary care physician?

A. At Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, I practice whole-body medicine, meaning I take into account all factors that affect a patient’s health—lifestyle, family history, etc. It is so much more than sick care. The beauty of concierge medicine is that I spend time with patients and actually listen to them.

Q: What benefits does your concierge practice provide?

A. My concierge practice offers unlimited appointments, guaranteed same-day visits and 24/7 direct access via phone/ text. I also utilize innovative testing, including early-cancer detection testing, whole-body MRIs, genetic testing and expanded biomarker panels. Our goal is to optimize your health and wellness! I also advocate for my patients, helping them navigate through the challenging health care system.

Q: What advice do you give patients?

A. Invest in your health now, for the future. It’s much easier to prevent disease and stay on top of your health as opposed to chasing your health once you are sick. We achieve this by developing an action plan; I personalize health and wellness plans for every single one of my patients.

Photo by Carlos Aristizabal

CP GROUP’S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING AT BRiC

CP Group presents the first free and open-to-the-public community tree lighting in nearby Boca Raton at Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), with WPTV’s Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle as emcee. The popular yuletide event includes Santa meet and greet, live reindeer, LED Cirque acrobats, community performances such as “The Nutcracker,” holiday bounce house, food trucks, an abundance of free parking, and more. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Spirit of Giving and Junior League of Boca Raton.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Alternate Rain Date: Friday. Nov. 17; same time) Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) 5000 T-Rex Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33431 workatbric.com/events

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.

THE NEW BOCA RATON FITNESS CENTER

Come experience the new 25,000 square feet upscale Boca Raton Fitness Center today! Conveniently located in the East Boca/Delray area, you will find Indoor Cycling, CrossFit, brand new cardio equipment, and so much more! Feel welcomed by our friendly staff and be inspired to join our premier facility with everything you need to meet your fitness goals right on site.

7561 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487

561.278.7111

bocafitnessgym.com

DELRAY BEACH HOME TOUR

WHAT: Nine homeowners in Delray Beach’s beachfront North End neighborhood opened their doors to more than 750 visitors for the 20th-annual Delray Beach Home Tour. The tour attracted visitors from all over South Florida who enjoyed a catered lunch and a trolley service that taxied them along to each of the exquisitely designed homes. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships benefited Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families in its goal to “nurture a collaborative community where children are inspired to reach their full potential.”

WHERE: Delray’s Beachfront North End Neighborhood

Nicole Silver and Katie Salzman Julia Corliss

Kerry Filippone and Achievement Centers for Children & Families CEO Adamma DuCille Morgan Martin, Wendy and Lenny Felberbaum

Chelsea Eaton, Kirsten Finn, Amy McCabe

Jill Schifferli, Lynn Noack, Kimberley Trombly-Burmeister

Hali Ross, Janet Meeks, Diane Darsch, Susan Modica, Christine Olson

SWING TO ACHIEVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

WHAT: More than 75 golfers hit the links at Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course for the Achievement Centers for Children & Families’ Fourth-annual Swing to Achieve Golf Tournament. Teams battled it out to win the tournament’s first prize, with golfers Steven Murphy, Greg Meyers, Ian Sauer and Eric Stauffer emerging as the winning foursome. Other victors included Joan Hicks and Leon Teske, who won the Closest to the Pin challenge. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Miller served as reception sponsors, the Crocker family and Mr. and Mrs. Michael FitzSimons served as the contest sponsors, and Stuart and Shelby Development and Jetsmith served as the event’s cart sponsors. All proceeds benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

WHERE: Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course

Joan Hicks and Julia Corliss

Susan Beil, James Reynolds, Brad Levine and Melissa Friedman-Levine

Steven Murphy, Henry Murphy, Greg Meyers, Ian Sauer, Eric Stauffer

Glen Neadley, David Katz, Craig Mitchell, Doug Mitchell

Leon Teske, Diane Wood, Steve Clawson, Jerry Kanebel

SAVOR THE AVENUE

WHAT: Delray Beach’s signature foodie event returned for its 14th year, featuring a four-course, one-of-a-kind culinary experience spread across Florida’s largest dining table—spanning five blocks of Atlantic Avenue. It was a night of Dionysian delight for a sold-out crowd that enjoyed bites and cocktails catered by Delray’s biggest restaurants, including Avalon, Rocco’s Tacos, Salt7, Lionfish and more. Each restaurant competed for the coveted “Best in Show” award for table decór, staging unique themes to dazzle diners. Salt7 snagged first place in this year’s contest with its vibrant pink display, with Rocco’s Tacos ranking second and Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen earning third. This year’s Savor the Avenue was presented by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (pictured opposite page, bottom right) and Delray magazine, and benefited Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

WHERE: Downtown Delray Beach

LAUGH WITH THE LIBRARY

WHAT: The Delray Beach Public Library’s signature side-splitting affair celebrated 16 years with a night of hilarity headlined by comedian and “Saturday Night Live” player James Austin Johnson. The packed crowd of nearly 400 enjoyed laughs over cocktails and supper at the beautiful Lake Ida home of Angelo and Mari Bianco. Co-chairs Chiara Clark and Mari Bianco were joined by a committee that included Annie Helmke, Lynsey Kane, Amanda Perna and more who helped plan this year’s event, which raised more than $330,000 from more than 60 sponsors. A portion of funds raised from this year’s Laugh With the Library will go toward renovation of the library’s Teen Room, a vital resource that provides local teens with a place to study and socialize.

Lindsay Hays Saraj, Mari Bianco, Chiara Clark, Lynsey Kane, Jacqueline Owen

Alysia Richardson, Leeann Cavell and Emily Roberts

WHERE: Home of Angelo and Mari Bianco

Kim and Scott Beckett

Carline and Pierre Delton

Carly and Wally Yoost

Melissa and Fred Levinson

James and Dr. Jennifer Muir, Nancy and Paul Zarcadoolas

Tru Rodriguez, Gina and Mitch Sinberg, Laura Schoenberg

Anna Glennon, Kristin Douglass, Katherine Malinosky, Jenny Streit

Bobby, Caron and Robert Dockerty

Amy Snook and Noreen Payne

Stephen Greene

Founding member, Impact 100 Men Volunteer, Miracle League of Palm Beach County

THEN: When it comes to supporting the community around him—whether through volunteerism or philanthropy—Stephen Greene draws inspiration from his grandparents. “All of the charity started with my grandparents,” he says. Although he grew up throughout Long Island, Greene went to Colorado for college, earning his business degree at the University of Denver. His other focus was on skiing. “I went skiing every weekend for four years,” he says. After graduating, Greene traveled the world working for a company that sold insignias to the military before entering the financial services and insurance industry. Coming to Florida in 2007 to be closer to family, Greene entered the commercial real estate world before retiring in 2018 so he could spend more time on the golf course. He also found more time to help those in need.

NOW: Soon after arriving in South Florida, Greene served on the board of the locally based CJ Foundation for Children in Need before discovering the Miracle League of Palm Beach County, which provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to play baseball on a specially designed field. He is now the official volunteer photographer for the nonprofit and a strong supporter. In 2016, after attending an Impact 100 Palm Beach County event—a women’s organization—Greene teamed up with friends Chuck Halberg and Ted Hoskinson to form Impact 100 Men, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving children in south Palm Beach County. Past recipients include the Miracle League and the Florence Fuller Child Development Center. Greene has also been a member of the Delray Beach Initiative and a supporter of several organizations including Delray Beach’s Arts Garage. An artist who discovered his talents as a painter during COVID, Greene also donates paintings to organizations for use in silent auctions.

“I love to give back, because if you can help one person, you’re showing them that there’s kindness in the world and always someone there to help, no matter what the circumstances.” ”

AARON BRISTOL

TIME