DELRAY Magazine MARCH/APRIL 2025 by JES Media

25 + LUNCH SPOTS

VOICES FROM DELRAY’S PAST

14 editor’s letter

A visit to the Florida Keys’ Hemingway House reminds the editor of the Delray pioneers whose names emblazon our own historic institutions—and whose inspiration can help us navigate troubled waters.

BY CHRISTIANA LILLY

17 hot list

Mosaic portraits reimagine celebs at the Cornell, the Concours D’Elegance revs its engines for another year, and an authentic pierogi joint opens in the Andre Design District. Plus, a wellness practice for the less claustrophobic among us, and the anticipated return of Savor the Avenue and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. BY TYLER

CHILDRESS

23 snapshots

Delray’s restored Train Depot rose from the ashes, local sorority sisters beautified our beach, Michael Jackson cosplayers thrilled attendees of Art & Jazz on the Ave, and other recent happenings around town.

24 top 5/calendar

An ‘80s sitcom star reinvents himself as a cabaret crooner, the Delray Affair brings 400-plus artists to our seaside village, and a play plumbs the rapacious world of vulture capitalism. Plus, a new exhibition at the Morikami, an indie-folk institution at the Kravis Center, a locomotive murder mystery at Delray Beach Playhouse, and much more.

BY JOHN THOMASON

28 style

From vases and porcelain to napkin rings and serving trays, everything the host with the most will need for their next gathering.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW MILLAR

34 up close

Meet a fashion designer whose swimwear empire has expanded to Atlantic Avenue and beyond, and a chess master who knows all the right moves. BY CHRISTIANA LILLY AND JOHN THOMASON

38 dine

march/april 2025

Lefkes Estiatorio anchors the revived Delray Beach Market with first-rate Greek cuisine—from the imported wines to the heavenly desserts. BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

42 the delray lunch guide

It’s high noon in Delray, and a world of flavor awaits. We spotlight more than 20 restaurants that specialize in mid-day munchies, from oysters and empanadas to superfood smoothies and street dumplings. BY TYLER CHILDRESS

50 storytellers

The Delray Beach Historical Society’s ongoing oral history project brings our earliest residents’ stories into a digital database. We explore the archives for insights into early Delray life.

BY RICH POLLACK

57 home

This spring, bring the seaside into the home with bright and bold coastal colors, and celebrate Earth Day with organic, Gaia-approved materials. BY AMANDA MESA

28 00 34

88 out & about

The Spady Museum toasted a centenary of Black history, FemCity’s women entrepreneurs enjoyed networking and charitable giving at their annual luncheon, a local foundation honored the “catalysts” driving change in Delray and beyond, and other highlights from the gala circuit.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

97 dining guide

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

BY TYLER CHILDRESS AND CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

104 community connection

As a teenager, Nancy King enjoyed a backstage pass to Beatlemania. Now, she balances her passion for the British Invasion with a local commitment to Delray’s Rotary Club and Sister Cities programs.

BY RICH POLLACK

MODERN EUROPEAN ELEGANCE FINDS ITS HOME IN WEST PALM BEACH

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La Tea Da boutique

Fashion

group editor-in-chief christiana lilly

managing editor john thomason

web editor

tyler childress

editor emeritus marie speed

senior art director lori pierino

production manager rafael quiñones

graphic designer james karpinen

photographer andrew millar

contributing writers christie galeano-demott, margie kaye (promotional writing), amanda mesa, rich pollack

director of advertising and marketing nicole ruth

account executives karen kintner, bruce klein jr., tania tomyn, jenna russo, skyler ruth

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 christiana@bocamag.com (editorial)

publishers of Boca Raton magazine Delray Beach magazine 1926 Worth Avenue magazine Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual

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.

SERVICES

Marcus Neuroscience Institute: Where Innovation Meets Compassion

At Marcus Neuroscience Institute, we recognize the profound impact neurological disorders have on our nation’s health, affecting more than 100 million Americans. These conditions remain the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. As the region’s first dedicated institute of its kind, we are committed to addressing these challenges directly, offering advanced brain and spine care that embodies innovation and excellence.

Over the past two years alone, we’ve expanded our clinical and research spaces and launched specialized programs, all to provide world-class neurological care to patients in the Palm Beach community. Our recent expansions include a Comprehensive Pain Center, a state-of-the-art neuro-interventional suite, translational research and infusion labs, and a pioneering robotic surgery program.

As we move into our second decade, Marcus Neuroscience Institute is positioned to be

at the forefront of neuroscientific discovery and care — and it’s already happening. Our spine surgeons, for example, use cutting- edge technology, such as augmented reality for precise surgical planning, to treat a full range of back pain and spinal disorders. Meanwhile, our neurologists and team members provide compassionate care for those affected by memory loss and other neurodegenerative diseases, using the latest treatments, including novel medications offered through clinical trials, to slow memory loss progression.

We are proud to hold numerous accolades, reflecting the positive outcomes and world-class care we provide to our patients. As one of only two healthcare organizations in Florida with the Joint Commission Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, and the first and only center in Palm Beach County with Level 3 Epilepsy Center accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, we continue to set the standard for excellence. Additionally, we are a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.

As the primary site for Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine’s Neurology Residency Program, we are also dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers.

Consider the young mother with epilepsy who can now live independently and care for her son because of the care she’s received here. Or the woman with Parkinson’s disease who continues to work and live tremor-free. These are just two examples of how our physicians and staff positively impact lives.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, visit BaptistHealth.net/MarcusNeuroscienceInstitute or call 561-955-4600.

Welcome to Comprehensive Brain & Spine Care.

At Marcus Neuroscience Institute, healing starts with humanity. That’s why we offer the most advanced treatments for neurological conditions, combined with the most compassionate care. From neurology to pain management and neurosurgery, we have everything and everyone you need to heal and get back to the life you love.

To learn more, visit BaptistHealth.net/MarcusNeuroscienceInstitute or call 561-955-4600.

Today Will Be History

How Delray is recording its history—literally

T5 MORE PLACES OF NOTE

his winter, my husband and I made our every-few-years pilgrimage to the Florida Keys, a place to decompress after the madness of the holiday season as well as the foreboding Sunday Scaries as we returned to work. It’s the best medicine; your blood pressure drops as you enter Key Largo and snake your way down through the Keys.

During this visit, we stopped by the Hemingway House. I hadn’t been since I was a kid and was eager to return as an adult, seeing the literary great’s home and his standalone writer’s studio (P.S., you can book “the writer’s experience” for a cool $1,500). Poring over Ernest Hemingway’s letters, books, photographs and tchotchkes, he comes to life as a living, breathing person—not just a name on a book cover.

You don’t need to be a literary legend to have a home named for you, though. Right here in Delray Beach, there’s Pompey Park, Sundy House, Cason Cottage. In the rush of day-to-day life, it can be easy to forget that these are named for people, pioneers who walked the streets of this city before it could even be called that. C. Spencer Pompey was a teacher and an activist who fought for higher wages for Black teachers and desegregation in public and educational spaces. John Sundy was Delray Beach’s first mayor, and his wife Elizabeth was one of the first teachers in the city. The Casons were a notable medical family, with Dr. Roy Cason, Jr. serving as the city’s first permanent doctor and the only one between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

As we navigate troubled waters in our country, a time where we seem to disagree more than we agree on anything, I imagine the leaders of our past are yelling out to us, “been there, done that—why have you forgotten the road we paved for you?”

We stand on the backs of these pioneers (and those are just three of many). In this issue, we explore the work that the Delray Beach Historical Society is doing to preserve these stories. When I wrote a story about the death of Roy Simon—a giant in the community with a family whose origins date back to the early days of Delray Beach—Winnie Edwards of the society shared that Roy had helped kickstart the oral history project for the city. Over the decades, historians have sat down with notable Delray residents to share what life was like for them—as children, as business owners, as women, as people of color, as the members of a founding family.

And they’re continuing this project with current leaders and activists, because one day, today will be history.

I encourage you to read Rich Pollack’s “Storytellers” on page 50, as he shares some anecdotes from a few people who were interviewed, as well as a newer project to preserve the history and stories of important buildings in the Delray Beach community.

What stories do you have to tell?

SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM: The former residence of activist and educator Solomon D. Spady; its centennial is in 2026.

ATLANTIC HIGH SCHOOL: Formed in 1970 during desegregation, bringing together white students from Seacrest High School and Black students from Carver High School.

CORNELL ART MUSEUM: Original home of Delray Elementary School, built in 1913.

LAKE IDA: William S. Linton, one of the founders of the city, named it for his wife, Ida Linton (this also explains the street name).

THE COLONY HOTEL: Visitors can find original wicker furniture and a telephone switchboard at this 1926-vintage hotel.

CARINA MASK

Ernest Hemingway’s writing studio

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hot list

NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH

IntoSpringDelray

From St. Paddy’s festivities and a dreamy dinner under the stars to Mediterranean-inspired nightlife, this is the best of the spring season in Delray.

By Tyler Childress

Savor the Avenue

Savor the Avenue

South Florida’s biggest dinner party returns for another unforgettable evening of dining under the stars. On March 24, make sure you have a seat saved at the five-block dining table spanning Atlantic Avenue, and prepare to be dazzled by dishes prepared by Delray’s top restaurants. And the four-course meal is only part of the fun, with each restaurant pulling out all the stops to create the most extravagant table designs. It’s great food and great fun that goes toward a great cause, with a portion of proceeds benefiting CROS Ministries, a local nonprofit that provides food for the homeless and food insecure in Delray Beach. downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheavenue

New at The Cornell

The piercing blue eyes of Leonardo DiCaprio’s ragged character from “The Revenant,” David Bowie’s heterochromic stare as Ziggy Stardust, Muhammad Ali holding a butterfly and a bee—these are just a sampling of the vibrant mosaic works now on display at the Cornell Art Museum. Presented in collaboration with the Italy-based nonprofit Naonis Cultural Association, “ICONS of ART: Italian Mosaic Portraits” features works by young, up-and-coming mosaicists depicting, well, icons of art. Visit the Cornell through June 15 to see the full collection of 30 hand-crafted mosaics, which also includes Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Lady Gaga and more. delrayoldschoolsquare.com/cornell

AFTER DARK:

LEFKES ESTIATORIO

Lefkes Estiatorio made a big splash when it debuted last year on Atlantic Avenue, and the hype hasn’t died down since. Foodies have flocked to Lefkes to sample its authentic Mediterranean fare, served up in an elegant setting that feels plucked straight from the shores of Athens. But the real fun starts after dark. On Fridays and Saturdays, Lefkes becomes a full-on nightclub with a party that kicks off at 9 p.m. and runs until close at 2 a.m. DJs spin tunes, guests dance, drinks flow, and napkins are tossed into the air in revelry; it’s an energetic scene that is sure to elicit an “Opa!” For best results, we recommend trying one of Lefkes’ craft cocktails like the Lefkes Delray, made with Volcan Blanco tequila, fresh grapefruit juice and ginger-infused honey, and finished with a rim of Hawaiian black salt. 33 S.E. Third Ave., Ste. 105, Delray Beach; lefkesgroup.com

A mosaic of Morgan Freeman from “ICONS of ART”

GO GREEN

Get ready to paint the town green when Delray’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns for its 55th year. The festivities kick off at noon on March 15 at the Intracoastal bridge, and the parade will make its way down Atlantic Avenue to Northwest Fifth Avenue. Expect festive floats, a sea of green, and plenty of bagpipes. Then, the party continues at Old School Square, where guests can enjoy live performances, food and art vendors, pipers, drummers and much more. As always, the parade will pay special honor to veterans and first responders in the Delray community. stpatsdelray.com

DELRAY CONCOURS RETURNS

More than 100 classic cars will rumble their way into Delray on April 27 for the return of the Concours D’Elegance, now in its fourth year. The celebration of automotive excellence will be hosted at Old School Square, where guests will be invited to peruse a wide selection of rare, historically significant vehicles. Expect live music, art displays and a grand showing from automobile enthusiasts vying for the myriad of “Best of” awards. Last year’s “Best of Show” automobile was a beautiful 1930 Duesenberg Series J, so the standards couldn’t be higher. As is custom for the event, a portion of proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits. delrayconcours.com

You Had Us At Pierogies

A restaurant specializing in fresh, made-to-order pierogies isn’t usually something we go out of our way to find, but we sure are glad we stumbled upon Baba’s Pierogies. The restaurant features Ukrainian-inspired recipes from the three generations—mother, daughter, grandmother (baba)—who run it. The tried-and-true staples are all here, including potato and onion, beef, chicken and more, handmade and fried, boiled or steamed. Vegan and gluten-free selections are also available, as well as dessert pierogies (try the banana and chocolate, trust us) and an assortment of pastries from croissants and cookies to macarons and cream puffs. 1880 Dr. Andres Way, Unit C, Delray Beach; babapierogies.com

Aerial view of Delray Concours

2024 Delray Concours Best of Show winning automobile, a 1930 Duesenberg Series J

Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Pierogies

TRY IT, YOU’LL LIKE IT FLOAT ON

We took a dip in the float tanks at Float8 in Delray for some soothing sensory deprivation

Idon’t know how long I was in the tank before I started to wonder if my eyes were open or closed. Floating in a solution of water and 1,000 pounds of epsom salt with no light or sound, the passage of time eluded me, I couldn’t tell if I was looking at the inside of the tank or the inside of my eyelids, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

My session at Float8 began with a quick overview by a staff member, who ushered me into a room with a showerhead and what looked like a vault door. I was told to shower before using the tank, given some earplugs to keep out the water, and offered advice on how to make the most of the float. It was suggested that for my first session I turn off the lights and music, which can be toggled inside the tank. So I opened the tank door, settled in, and did just that.

Being somewhat claustrophobic, floating in a roughly 7-by-7-foot closed space in total darkness sounded like a recipe for a panic attack, so I was surprised by how quickly I acclimated to the tanks at Float8. I wasn’t aware of how small of a space I was in, because I was hardly aware I was in a space at all.

This mental trick is owed to the fact that there is zero external stimulus while in the tank. With no visual or audio cues, your mind sort of just, well, floats away. The water is kept at about 94 degrees—the average external temperature of the body—so you don’t feel hot or cold, either. The only thing you’re aware of in the tank is your own breathing and thoughts, and the feeling of muscles losing tension. It wasn’t long before I slipped into a relaxed, meditative state.

In all the loudness of today’s world, being able to completely tune out felt like my mind had finally gotten a chance to surface for air. But sensory deprivation is just part of the appeal.

“We spend about 20% to 30% of our energy just fighting gravity,” explains Float8 owner Matt Beck. “While you’re in there, you’re getting that 20% to 30% energy back for deeper healing. … [The] spine lengthens, body falls in natural alignment, tension lets go.”

Beck typically recommends tank users do three floats to really get the most out of the experience. The first float is all about learning what to expect, then in the second float you start to feel less tense and acclimated, and by float three, users tend to experience a “post-float glow” and lasting relaxation.

After my first float, I left feeling completely at ease, and noticed that the lower back pain that had been bothering me for a few days had gone away. While everybody responds differently to floating (which is why it’s recommended you check with your doctor first), it’s definitely an experience worth trying. 2237 Seacrest Blvd., Delray Beach; 561/404-0398; float8ion.com

—Tyler Childress

Float8 owner Matt Beck

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More than 40 sisters from Florida Atlantic’s Theta Phi Alpha sorority partnered with nonprofit The Coastal Stewards for a beach cleanup at Ocean Ridge. Pictured: Beach cleanup volunteers.

Atlantic Avenue welcomed thousands of visitors to celebrate Art & Jazz on the Ave. Guests enjoyed live music, flash mobs, and dancing and dining in the street. Pictured: “Thriller” dancers at Art & Jazz on the Ave.

Four years after Delray’s historic train station burned down, the building has been completely restored and has reopened as the city’s Health and Wellness Center and Human Resources Department. Pictured: the Delray Beach Train Depot.

Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children and Families (ACCF) partnered with United Way of Palm Beach County and LEXIS-NEXIS to deliver 300 Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Pictured: ACCF volunteers.

Mizner Country Club honored Palm Beach County’s Emergency Medical Services, Police and Fire Departments at the club’s eighth-annual First Responders Day. The local heroes were treated to a barbecue luncheon and a free round of golf. Pictured: A local child is given a closer look at the Palm Beach County Sheriffs’ Emergency Field Force vehicle.

Delray celebrated the holidays with its 31st-annual tree lighting, inviting the community to enjoy the magical holiday village and dazzling light displays.

Pictured: Visitors in the holiday village.

Top 5

An Affair to remember, a sitcom star sings, beastly sculptures from Japan and more springtime fun

March/April 2025

5 ]

Kelli Baker Band with Noé Socha

WHEN: March 16, 7 p.m.

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

COST: $40-$45

CONTACT: 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org

Kelli Baker represents a classic American underdog story. Moving to New York in 2012 with $500 to her name, the Phoenix native toured everywhere that would host her, from tiny clubs to amphitheater stages. Combining the guitar chops of a Susan Tedeschi with the charisma of a Robert Plant, Baker rose quickly from emerging star to marquee act, headlining blues festivals in New Mexico and Kansas. A child of polyglot musicality, she cut her first chops singing in her church choir, then fronted a hard rock band and a folk duo before finding her most definitive voice in the searing howl of the blues, penning both originals and successful covers; her rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feelgood” hit No. 1 on the Blues Rock charts. She visits Arts Garage with another ace guitarist, Noé Socha, in tow. The Italian-born axeman is a disciple of Jimi Hendrix and Muddy Waters; both are resurrected in his soulful improvisations.

4 ]

“Dry Powder”

WHEN: April 24-May 4

WHERE: Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth Ave., Delray Beach COST: $59-$69

CONTACT: 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com

Borrowing its wonky name from financialindustry jargon involving low-risk, highly liquid marketable securities, Sarah Burgess’ appropriately cynical deep dive into the world of vulture capitalism debuted in 2016 but will continue to feel fiercely relevant when professional company Boca Stage mounts it this spring at Delray Beach Playhouse. Its central characters are the rapacious CEO of a private-equity firm, who is trying to stave off a P.R. disaster; and two junior partners—an idealist and a shark—with different ideas in mind for a new company they’re poised to acquire. Having begun my belated viewing of Showtime’s icy series “Billions” last year, about this very clutch of sociopathic moneychangers, I’m poised to see the depravity bleed through the Wall Street argot.

3 ]

Tony Danza: Standards and Stories

WHEN: April 15-17

WHERE: Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth Ave., Delray Beach COST: $95

CONTACT: 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com

As Tony Danza revealed to a CBS interviewer last year, “One day I decided, I’m going to be a song-and-dance man”—skills that weren’t necessarily required in his day job as an Emmynominated actor on iconic sitcoms like “Taxi” and “Who’s the Boss?” Danza was quick to realize that transforming into a cabaret star wasn’t an overnight learning curve. After the first performance, Danza’s assistant called his act “almost not embarrassing.” By now, however, the longtime entertainer has perfected the craft to a science. In “Standards and Stories,” which he has performed at such nightlife paragons as 54 Below and Café Carlyle, Danza lends a Sinatraesque tone to such Songbook staples as “Angel Eyes,” “Love Potion Number 9” and “Love is Here to Stay,” while also tap-dancing, playing the ukulele and sharing amusing anecdotes from his life.

Kelli Baker

“Dry Powder”

Tony Danza NICOLE ROCHELLE

2 ]

The Delray Affair

WHEN: April 4-6

WHERE: Downtown Delray Beach

COST: Free

CONTACT: 561/279-0907, delrayaffair.com

As is customary in the Delray Affair’s historic 63rd year, expect up to 400 artists and crafters from around the corner and around the world to attend the self-described “greatest art show under the sun.” And don’t just take the festival’s own verbiage as praise; it’s won 10 international awards, eight state awards, and has been ranked as one of the top 13 Best Art Festivals in America. The Affair offers everything from fine art to funky tchotchkes, from human-scaled sculptures to paintings the size of postage stamps. Sprawling across seven city blocks along Atlantic Avenue, it’s a place to buy wildlife photography, abstract prints, colorful beachwear and local honey all in the same place. The Delray Affair is a social occasion as much as an art sale; begun at last year’s event, the Old School Square Beer Garden returns with live music and adult beverages on the venue’s centrally located front lawn, encouraging shoppers and passersby to stay while. Downtown can be a hectic place during these two days, but special parking accommodations and public transportation options are plentiful; visit delrayaffair.com/maps for more.

1 ]

“The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono”

WHEN: April 29 to Sept. 28

WHERE: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach

COST: $10-$16 museum admission CONTACT: 561/495-0233, morikami.org

Like the famous Bible passage about swords forged into plowshares and spears into pruning knives, the Japanese sculptures known collectively as jizai okimono are the result of wartime applications rerouted to the preferred machinery of peace. Translating as “articulated decorative objects,” jizai okimono flourished in domestic life and, soon enough, the tourist economy, during the country’s mid-Edo period in the 18th and 19th centuries, when decades of stability left the nation’s many armorers without jobs. So they channeled their skills into artistry, creating finely detailed, often life-sized sculptures out of resin and metals such as copper, iron, gold and silver. Typically focusing on animal and insect life, common jizai okimono subjects include butterflies, praying mantises, snakes, eagles and dragons with movable bodies, arms, legs and antennae. Drawn from a private collection, “The Art of Peace” gathers 19 examples of this remarkably realistic art form.

“Silver Dragon”

The Delray Affair

March/April 2025

Now-March 16:

“Sorolla and the Sea” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton.org. Joaquín Sorolla, an artist born in Valencia, Spain, found his muse in the Mediterranean Sea and the people, vessels and natural phenomena that swayed and danced upon it. Featuring approximately 40 works, “Sorolla and the Sea” is a rare survey of this master’s relationship to his central focus, divided into five subsections.

March 20:

Twilight Tribute Concert: the Freebirds at Old School Square Amphitheatre, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 6 p.m.; $10, or $50 for VIP; 561/243-1077, downtowndelraybeach.com. Classic rock with a southern accent will be featured at this performance by the Freebirds, whose charismatic musicians play the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, ZZ Top and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Now-March 23:

“certain silence: Fabiola Menchelli” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton. org. The Norton Museum’s artist-inresidence for 2024-2025, Mexican artist Menchelli presents her newly created camera-less photography: atmospheric captures of light on paper, created in complete darkness, that often suggest the streamlined angles of paper airplanes in flight.

Now-April 26:

“Akira: Architecture of NeoTokyo” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. This exhibition pays homage to the minds behind the 1989 box-office smash “Akira” by presenting 59 original production backgrounds, layout drawings, concept designs and image boards that have never been shown outside of Japan, including such definitive visuals as its kinetic motorcycle chase scene.

March 21-April 13:

“Murder on the Orient Express” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $45; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. 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 is brought to life by comic playwright Ken Ludwig.

March 25-30:

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $50-$115; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. This 10-time Tony Award winner retains its cinematic story about a bushy-tailed composer from the Midwest who moves to Paris’ bohemian Montmartre Quarter during the Belle Époque and falls in love with a glamorous cabaret star, told through a smorgasbord of anachronistic 20th and 21st century pop hits from Elvis Presley to OutKast.

March 8-9:

Miami City Ballet Winter Mix at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $40-$180; 561/8327469, kravis.org. This eclectic program features the world premiere of “Coincident Dances” from choreographer and Guggenheim fellow Pam Tanowitz, alongside two classics from the copious canon of George Balanchine: “Walpurgisnacht Ballet,” with an all-woman corps of 24 dancers moving to wild abandon; and “La Valse,” a meditation on mortality featuring 30 waltzing dancers.

March 28:

The Jimmy Vivino Band at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Impressively bearded blues guitarist Vivino spent 26 years as Conan O’Brien’s dedicated musical director, guitarist and bandleader. It was the most public facet of a nearly fivedecade career that has included collaborations with Bob Weir, Keith Richards, Elvis Costello and a laundry list of others. He brings his stellar blues-rock quartet to Arts Garage.

Miami City Ballet’s Winter Mix

“certain silence: auto2”

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical”

“Akira”

MATTHEW MURPHY

CHRISTIAN LOCKERMAN

March 11-16:

“The Book of Mormon” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $50-$115; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez’s subversive musical about Mormon missionaries bringing their message to a war-torn African village is still one of Broadway’s hottest tickets. This latest touring iteration will be full of classically crafted songs, irrepressible comedy and surprisingly nuanced reflections on the purpose of faith.

April 10 and May 22:

Sunset Stroll at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 5:30 p.m.; $5-$10; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Taiko drum musicians will perform their thunderous show three times each night in the first two Sunset Strolls of the 2025 season. Visitors are also invited to wander this cultural treasure of the Palm Beaches after hours and at a discounted price.

March 12-16:

“Tevye in New York” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; lunch at noon, performance at 1 p.m.; $69; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. This one-man show by Tom Dugan (writer and performer of “Wiesenthal”) imagines a future for the dairyman protagonist of “Fiddler on the Roof,” conceiving a sequel in which Tevye, still trying to balance tradition and modernity, arrives on Ellis Island with his family in 1914.

April 14:

Iron & Wine at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $39.50; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Initially a solo project for the poetic and rustic vision of singer-songwriter Sam Beam, Iron & Wine has since flourished as a large and cohesive group firmly entrenched in the Americana tradition. They support their seventh LP Light Verse, a selection of joyful, orchestral tunes written in response to the heaviness of the pandemic years.

March 16:

Delray String Quartet: “Masterworks 4” at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 3 p.m.; $TBD; 561/808-5084, delraystringquartet. com. For its fourth program of the season, the quartet performs composer/chemist Alexander Borodin’s “String Quartet No. 1 in A Major,” suggested by a theme from one of Beethoven’s late quartets; and Brahms’ “Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34,” often considered the crowning achievement of Brahms’ chamber music.

March 18:

Jon Meacham: “Lincoln in Our Time” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $50; 561/655-7226, fourarts. org. Author of five New York Times bestsellers—including his latest, The Call to Serve, about the complicated legacy of George H.W. Bush—this Pulitzer Prize-winning historian will discuss how the life of Abraham Lincoln can help transcend divisions and unite the country in our fractious time.

April 18-19:

Néstor Torres at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. The Latin Grammywinning flautist and South Florida fixture returns to Arts Garage for a two-night engagement ahead of International Jazz Day in late April. He’ll perform compositions by his influences in the genre—including Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker—as well as his own jazz-flute innovations.

April 27:

The Boneshakers featuring Jenny Langer at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Led by versatile guitarist Randy Jacobs—on loan from the Detroit dance-funk legends Was (Not Was)—the aptly named Boneshakers have been touring and recording body-moving music combining rock, funk and blues for more than 25 years. Their latest quartet features the soul and fire of vocalist Jenny Langer.

Sunset Stroll

Néstor Torres The Boneshakers

“The Book of Mormon”

Napkins, $96, for set of four; napkin rings, $32, for set of four; cheese board, $98; cheese set, $62; dinner plates, $78, for set of four; salad plates, $58, for set of four; fish eye tumbler, $54, for set of two; throw, $172; peony flower bundle, $78; all from Spice. Vase, $85; yellow bowl, $57; blue bowl, $55; from Casamare Home Interiors. Leaf tray, $32, from Vee Merklen. Rattan serving tray, $50; coupe glasses, $68, for set of two; flat bamboo flatware, $200, for service for four; all from Snappy Turtle Home.

PHOTOGRAPHED

ANDREW MILLAR

Vase, $76; bowl, $57; throw, $69; all from Casamare Home Interiors. Dinner plates, $66 each; blue wineglasses, $26 each; rattan tumblers, $24 each; salt and pepper shakers, $32; mini fish, $28 each; tiny bud vase, $24; napkins, $14 each; napkin rings, $10 each; starfish pillow, $54; all from Snappy Turtle Home. Blue tray, $25; mini plate, $8; round wooden tray, $165; all from Vee Merklen.

STYLIST/ART DIRECTOR: LORI PIERINO

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CHRISTIANA LILLY

Ali Grief

From selling bikinis from her apartment to a celebrity collaboration, this designer takes the next step on Atlantic Avenue

An oversized white button-up, baggy denim and a pair of Sambas—Ali Grief has the effortless “off duty model” style that you’d expect from a beachy fashion designer. Walking along Atlantic Avenue, these are her new stomping grounds now that the latest outpost of her swimwear line, Montce, has opened the doors to its first Palm Beach County boutique.

“I love Delray. I’ve always loved it. It’s always been so cute. I love the cottages, I love the Ave, it’s just adorable,” she says, adding that she ran into a fashionable woman at the airport who shared that she had stopped by the Delray Beach store during her trip.

Since she was a child, Grief has constantly been creating, from handmaking Christmas cards to designing jewelry. Though she graduated from the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, it was her frequent trips to Costa Rica— with its surf culture and pura vida attitude—that inspired her to take her design to the next level and explore creating swimwear.

to how it sounded a little French, but easy to pronounce.

“It sounded mysterious, like it could really become what I envisioned for the brand, from my inspiration to this imaginary girl, customer, that I was designing for,” Grief says. “I heard the name, and it just clicked and fit.”

The designer teamed up with her business-minded brother, Devin, and in 2013, Montce opened its first boutique in Fort Lauderdale. Six months later, she expanded to California for a short time. A Miami boutique followed in 2020, and the Fort Lauderdale location expanded to a larger space, doubling as its headquarters, in 2023. Montce has also expanded to wholesale arrangements with major brands and retailers like Victoria’s Secret, Anthropologie, Free People, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Everything But Water.

Next on the horizon was Palm Beach County, and in the summer of 2024, Montce opened a pop-up shop on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach before moving into a permanent space at the end of the year. The expansion came at the same time that Montce was riding a wave of newfound fans

“We’re always coming out with new designs for fit and flattery, and we’re redeveloping and perfecting...I want [customers] to find that piece and feel so amazing in it.”

“Every time I would travel to Costa Rica, I would be sketching and designing,” she says. “I’d just be designing or building out new ideas and plans if I was going to start my business. And just kind of like dreaming.”

There was something that was missing from all the brands selling bikinis and one-piece bathing suits, though—fit and flattery. Grief explained that with “old-school construction,” swimsuits would cut into a woman’s curves in all the wrong places, making them unflattering no matter the body type. Her inclusive sizing ranges from XS to curve 3.

Grief explored how to break tried-and-not-so-true guidelines of how to build swimwear, then played with prints, colors and textures. She hired local seamstresses to construct her designs (Lycra and other stretchy materials are notoriously difficult to sew), and she designed custom bikinis out of her one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale. And the name Montce? It came up while brainstorming the perfect brand name, and Grief was drawn

after collaborating with model Olivia Culpo, creating “denim” and blackand-white terrycloth bikini pieces.

Next up: stores in Coconut Grove, Miami Beach and West Palm Beach by the end of the year.

Grief describes her latest spring collection as “super sweet, girly, fun, delicate, kind of Delray Beach cottagecore.” Grief says she’s inspired by fashion from different eras and discovers ideas for prints at vintage markets. She’s upped the ante each season, and Montce has started introducing dresses and ready-to-wear looks.

“When you go on a vacation, you need a hat, you need a pair of denim, you need a cute top. You need a button-down to wear day to night, or throw over your bathing suit, a sexy dress for dinner,” she says. “[Montce is] kind of becoming this bigger picture lifestyle brand, which is really fun for me.”

Bryan Tillis

Bryan Tillis

This

Chess National Master gives his all to the game—as a player, coach and influencer

When conversing about chess, Bryan Tillis is full of metaphors. “You have to be constantly thinking of your game like a ship with holes in it,” he says. “And the repairs are never done, so you’re just constantly tweaking and working.” To look at it another way, “there’s a lot of parallels between bodybuilding and chess, where if you’re not working on all areas, it’s not going to look right for the overall picture.”

Then there’s the pugilist comparison: “Your job is to find the move that gives your opponent the most room to go wrong. … There are times where I move the knight away from the trade, keeping tension, prolonging the game, and giving more room. There’s a boxing analog, of just working the jab.”

And as a former chess instructor at Franklin Academy in Palm Beach Gardens, Tillis tailored his analogies to his captive audience. “I took a video from a major ‘Fortnite’ streamer and said, ‘OK, as soon as he enters a room, there’s three people in the room,’” Tillis recalls. “‘One person is looking at him; the other two have their back turned to him. Which one is more of a threat?’ And then to be able to take a chess position, and say, ‘OK, in

sive Queen’s Gambit Declined. (Sorry, Anya Taylor-Joy.)

“I take such passion in writing the books,” he says. “It’s much the reason I took the US Chess position. It’s a way for me to reach more people in a positive way with chess, which is the trajectory my life’s been on since I started.”

Tillis caught the chess bug during Spring Break as an eighth grader in his native Alabama. “This was before chess.com became the powerhouse that they currently are today, so I was playing on Yahoo Games,” he says. “I was playing game after game after game. My mother noticed and goes, ‘you’re getting kind of obsessive with this.’ She found a local club, the Dothan Chess Club, and I didn’t miss a meeting for, like, 13 years.”

Attending the 2005 Emory Castle Chess Camp, in Atlanta, set Tillis on a course that would define his life. He started playing competitively at 15, adding, “I had a lot to prove to myself when I was young and I was hungry.” His dedication and aptitude have taken him to the upper echelon of the game. With a peak U.S. Chess Federation ranking of 2274, Tillis holds the title of National Master, and is considered among the top 1% of chess players in the country.

“There are multiple ways to solve a given problem, and chess is the door to show you that for any problem, there are multiple solutions.”

the past, [Anatoly] Karpov only has one piece really threatening him, and notice what he does. He immediately deals with the most imminent threat first, and then goes from there.’ … So trying to find different ways to associate the content to their interest is huge.”

With a demonstrated ease for explaining tactics and strategy without digging too much into the weeds—though he can do that, too—Tillis, 36, has long been an informal ambassador for chess. But last summer he made it official by becoming the marketing and communications manager for the nonprofit US Chess Federation, the governing body for chess players and their supporters nationwide. He handles these duties from his home base in West Palm Beach.

It’s just one of his professions, all surrounding the business of blockades and sacrifices on 64 squares. He continues to teach chess, hosting afterschool programs, camps and individual lessons as part of Palm Beach Chess, which he started in 2018; Palm Beach Chess also hosts open play club nights most Tuesdays at Habit Burger Grill in Palm Beach Gardens. And Tillis is the author of more than a dozen books and courses, including Opening Oddities, Alekhine Defense: The Dark Knight Rises and The Aggres-

Tillis doesn’t compete much anymore, though. “I take so much more enjoyment from coaching,” he says. In addition to his myriad other chess responsibilities, he teaches the game at the Greene School in West Palm Beach, where his students have won or placed in 17 tournaments over just the past three years.

Wherever he coaches—from the classroom to YouTube, from clubs to books—Tillis is likely to continue spreading the transformative gospel of chess to any and all audiences. “There’s not many games I can think of that, regardless of your socioeconomic demographics, you sit down on equal terms with someone else, and there is no advantage,” he says. “At US Chess, we have Title 1 and at-risk youth programs, where all a school under those distinctions needs to do is contact us, and we provide memberships and boards to those communities.

“It can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life, because it is, at least to start with, a very cheap game that can be played at any point in time. It can get expensive with travel, and the prize money that you may win may not even cancel it out. But the benefits that you’re getting, especially with children, for how they’re going to perceive a problem and how to solve it, it’s hard to put a price tag on that for their future.”

LEFKES ESTIATORIO

33 S.E. Third Ave., Delray Beach; 561/908-2331

PARKING: Street and lot parking

HOURS:

Monday – Wednesday 4 – 10 p.m.

Thursday 4 – 11 p.m.

Friday 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PRICES: $16 – $80

WEBSITE: lefkesgroup.com

Tuna tartare

It’s All Greek

Lefkes Estiatorio brings Mykonos to Delray Beach

I’m not Greek in the traditional sense, but I’m a proud Greek by marriage. My aunt married Demetrios when I was 10, and our Latin family was quickly introduced to his family recipes, which he prepared with gusto every week for our Sunday family dinners. He’d spend countless hours “talking to Greece” over the years as he retold us at the table, chatting with his cousins, pad and pencil in hand, jotting down the recipes his family had perfected over the years so he could re-create them for us. This is all a long-winded way of saying I love Greek food, and I’ve perfected biting into a perfectly crisp spanakopita, or spinach pie, without burning my mouth. So I was excited when I heard a Greek restaurant would be taking over a part of the reimagined Delray Beach Market food hall.

Lefkes Estiatorio is a Greek import by way of New Jersey. Chef Anastasio Dumas and his cousin, Georgia Dumas, opened their Athenian restaurant in 2004 and opened a second location in Santorini in 2017. Georgia Dumas then ventured out on her own and crossed the Atlantic to expand the brand with a New Jersey outpost in 2019 before landing in Delray late last year. For those who remember the Delray Beach Market food hall, Lefkes is located at the south side entrance and looks nothing like the previous open-concept space lined with vendors. Now segmented by a wall with colorful flower projections, the interior is bright and vibey. Two bars, white flowy window drapes, floating greenery and a colorful resin fluid-like floor (definitely look down to admire) complete the design.

I was happy to see Greek wines on the menu. The service took quite a while to get out of first gear; once

seated, we waited to be greeted, waited to give our drink orders, and waited some more for them to arrive. Our server was lovely but seemed to be pulled in many directions.

I was also happy to see several traditional Greek classics on the menu. We started with the saganaki ($22) and grilled octopus ($28). Saganaki is fried kefalograviera (sheep or a mixture of sheep and goat) cheese flambéed at the table. While the blaze wasn’t as fiery as I’ve previously seen at other restaurants, it did the trick. The cheese was gooey with a crispy crust. The octopus, which can be hit or miss, was a hit here—tender with a great char and chopped peppers that gave each bite a nice crunch.

We ordered the lamb chops ($45) and moussaka ($32) entrees, and both delivered high notes. The moussaka’s eggplant and potato layers were tender, the braised beef ragu was juicy with wonderful hints of cinnamon, and the bechamel that topped it all off was creamy and rich. The lamb was simply prepared with salt and had a good char. Greek lemon potatoes, if done correctly, are dreamy, and the side that accompanied the lamb was roasted perfection.

We enjoyed all our selections, but we decided that the star of the show was the baklava ($15) dessert. Its thick, nutty center was sandwiched between papery phyllo, and every bite oozed with sweet honey. It came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that actually tasted like vanilla, the spice.

While we dined on a quiet weekday, I’ve seen its high-energy weekend parties online. So if you’re looking for a lively late-night Mykonos vibe complete with napkin throwing and pulsating tunes, Lefkes also delivers that. And while you can’t smash any plates, its well-executed cuisine will leave you just as satisfied. Opa!

Clockwise from top left: lamb chops, grilled octopus and Greek salad

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Nanci MonticelloQuinones

Owner SKIN BY NANCI

2499 Glades Rd, Suite 106A

Boca Raton, FL 33431

561.212.2531

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With passion, precision and a notoriously masterful facial massage technique, aesthetician Nanci Monticello-Quinones’s goal is to discover each of her clients’ aesthetic needs while making their experience a thoroughly pleasurable one.

“My overall approach blends clinical expertise with a luxurious touch,” she explains. At her intimate Boca Raton location, her motto exemplifies her practice in simple terms: Relax, Rejuvenate, Results.

Nanci brings more than two decades of extensive training to a wide range of advanced treatments, having earned certifications in modalities such as microneedling, HydraFacial MD®, dermaplaning, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and skin tightening techniques utilizing radio frequency and ultrasound technologies, all designed to minimize fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and refine pores for smoother skin texture and acne-prone skin.

“I truly care about my clients’ well-being, and create personalized treatment plans that deliver noticeable results while fostering long-term skin health. I never push products on my clients. I take the time to learn what you’re currently using, and if you’re happy with it, I encourage you to stick with it, or I can offer recommendations if you desire. Whether seeking glowing skin, corrective care or a much-needed escape for some Me-Time indulgences, my mission is to help you feel cared for and confident.”

Nanci adds, “My male clients almost always fall asleep within moments of starting their treatments. Even as I gently extract their pores, they drift off to a serene, happy place. The women, on the other hand, tend to be more conversational throughout our sessions. It’s all great—I’m here to provide care, connect and touch my clients’ lives in a meaningful way.”

Reclaim the lunch hour with our guide to the best Delray Beach restaurants to grab a midday bite.

By Tyler Childress

he lunch hour was once a sacred time during the workday. The clock would strike noon, and we would leave our desks, stretch our legs, grab a bite from our favorite local spot, and maybe take the scenic route back to the office. Now, the romance has faded from this once beloved meal as more workers opt instead to eat at their desks to squeeze in more productivity. But we believe a lunch break should never be wasted on work, especially in a place with as many great restaurants as Delray. We’ve come up with the official guide of local spots to get you out of the office and rekindle your love of lunching.

The Hidden Gem Lunch

Chef Suzanne Perrotto, the culinary mind behind Rose’s Daughter and Brulé, last year added a new concept to her roster of restaurants, The Pantry. Located next door to Rose’s Daughter, The Pantry specializes in breakfast and lunch, with freshbaked pastries and sandwiches served on house-made breads. Take your lunch to go or dine alfresco on the Rose’s Daughter patio. 177 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; rosesdaughterdelray.com

The Empanada Lunch

Portable, delicious and easy to reheat, empanadas are the ultimate grab-and-go fare, and no one does them better in Delray than The Gringo. Enjoy a savory pastry pocket stuffed with truffle mac and cheese, or the De Messi, filled with steak, caramelized onions, roasted peppers and provoleta cheese. Mix and match with The Gringo’s combo options, which include two empanadas with a drink, one empanada with a smoothie, a flight of five empanadas and more. 916 S.E. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; thegringodelray. com

The Waterfront Lunch

Pair your meal with sprawling Intracoastal views at Deck 84. This casual waterfront concept has a menu dominated by seafood and bar bite favorites like fish and chips, seared crab cakes, mussels tossed in fra diavolo or garlic and herb sauce, and much more. We recommend the Baja fish tacos, served with jalapeños pickled in-house, cilantro lime slaw, and charred tomato salsa. 840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; deck84.com

The Tapas Lunch

For a light lunch with a variety of adventurous dishes, head over to Papa’s Tapas This Spanish tapas-style concept features Iberian favorites like gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine and olive oil), pan tumaca (toasted baguette topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic and oil), and patatas bravas—crispy potatoes drizzled with garlic aioli. For those with a heavier appetite, opt for one of Papa’s Tapas sandwiches like the palomilla steak or shredded pork. 259 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; papastapasdb.com

Empanadas from The Gringo

Fresh-baked goods from The Pantry

The New England Lunch

“Rosé all day” is the mantra at The Hampton Social, which takes its aesthetic inspiration from the idyllic charm of summer days on the northeast coast. The chic restaurant has a seafood-forward menu, with favorites like lobster rolls, fish and chips, New England clam chowder and more. 40 N.E. Seventh Ave., Suite 100, Delray Beach; thehamptonsocial.com/delray-beach

The Haunted Lunch

With a history going back to the 1840s, there’s sure to be a few skeletons in the closet, or in the Blue Anchor Pub’ s case, upstairs. First constructed in London, the original pub was razed, but its facade and interior were shipped to New York City, along with the ghost of Bertha Starkey, who was murdered on the

upper floor by her husband. The bar was rebuilt in Delray Beach in the ‘90s, where it has enjoyed its status as a longtime favorite local haunt.

Visit for lunch for traditional pub fare like scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and more. Just don’t upset Bertha. 804 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; theblueanchorpub.com

The Raw Lunch

Seafood is at its best when it’s raw and fresh-caught, and City Oyster and Sushi Bar is our go-to destination for sea-to-table fare. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, a blackened fish sandwich or any one of a handful of different oysters, City Oyster has a fresh catch for you. Pro tip: Order the Fishing Chef oysters,

named in honor of the restaurant’s executive chef, Jordan Stilley, and served only at City Oyster. 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; cityoysterdelray.com

The Brunch Lunch

Lulu’ s had a simple yet brilliant idea: Why not offer Sunday brunch every day of the week? Get a weekend feel from your midday meal with menu selections like the smoked salmon eggs Benedict, avocado toast drizzled with chili oil, or the BLAT—bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato on toasted sourdough with a creamy pesto mayo spread. If you plan on clocking back in after lunch, maybe skip the bottomless mimosas. 189 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; lulusdelray.com

Lobster roll from The Hampton Social

Delray Beach Roll from City Oyster

Avocado toast from Lulu’s

The Farm-to-Table Lunch

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients make all the difference in a dish, and you’re unlikely to find another local restaurant that embodies the farm-to-table spirit better than Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen and Costa. Farmhouse Kitchen features a rotating menu that changes based on what produce is in season, so you’re always going to get a meal that’s both fresh and unique. Meanwhile over at Costa, chef Coton Stine prepares an eclectic mix of dishes using fresh ingredients from Swank Specialty Produce, and beef

and eggs sourced from Bio-Farms in Loxahatchee. Bonus: Both restaurants feature gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menu options.

Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen: 204 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; farmhousekitchenboca.com

Costa: 502 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; costabyokm.com

The Taco Lunch

Tacos are the quintessential lunch food—quick, simple and delicious even at their most basic. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate

it when a taqueria goes above and beyond in preparing this street food staple. At Rocco’s Tacos, enjoy traditional street-style tacos like the spicy chorizo, the birria (short rib and melted cheese), or the crispy chipotle barbecue pork belly with a side of tableside guacamole. Over in Pineapple Grove, El Camino offers a variety of taco options including fried fish and grilled octopus, served three per order with a hearty side of rice and beans.

Rocco’s Tacos: 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; roccostacos.com/delray-beach

El Camino: 15 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; elcaminodelray.com

The Bar Lunch

While we’ve spent many a happy hour at The Office, this local-favorite watering hole has more to offer than its wide selection of craft beers. Stop in for lunch and enjoy The Office’s bar bite offerings like the chicken and chorizo quesadillas, mac and cheese balls, massive pretzels and famous burgers. 201 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; theofficedelray.com

The Burger Lunch

Longtime Delray staple Granger ’s Grille has been perfecting its burger game for 30 years, and the results speak for themselves. Menu standouts include the After Five Burger topped with grilled onions, mushrooms and Swiss; the BCBB Burger with bacon and blue cheese crumbles; or our favorite, the patty melt—grilled onions and Muenster on grilled rye bread. 802 S.E. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; grangersgrille. com

The Seafood Lunch

The family-owned Mussel Beach on Atlantic Avenue takes seafood seriously. All of its mussels are imported daily from Prince Edward Island, and all of its other fish are sourced locally, so guests know that whatever they see on the menu is guaranteed fresh. Obviously, we recommend the mussels, which can be prepared in a dozen different ways, including French onion style with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese and croutons; Florentine style with spinach, shallots, roasted garlic cream, Parmesan and fennel; and many more. 501 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; musselbeachdelray.com

Fig flatbread from Costa

The Resort Lunch

Make your workday lunch feel like a vacation with a meal at Opal Grand Resort’s signature restaurant, Drift. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in a refined, coastal-inspired setting. Bring a coworker and start off with a shareable plate like the ahi tuna poke, with fresh tuna, locally sourced mango, crushed macadamia nuts, and crispy wanton chips

The Italian Lunch

No one could ever accuse Delray of running short on Italian restaurants, but unfortunately most of them don’t have lunch hours. Thankfully, these three do:

ELISABETTA’S

for dipping, or the sweet and savory maple and pomegranate-glazed Brussels sprouts. For an entree, you can’t go wrong with any of Drift’s salads, but we recommend the lobster Cobb, loaded with cold lobster salad, smoked bacon, tomato, cucumber and hard-boiled egg, then finished with a creamy tarragon dressing. 10 N. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; opalcollection. com/opal-grand/restaurants/drift

House-made pastas share the menu with pizzas, salads and a variety of authentic Italian favorites. For lunch, we recommend any of the hot sandwiches, particularly the prosciutto di parma with buffalo mozzarella, basil and aioli. Elisabetta’s also features daily lunch specials like the decadent lasagna Genovese with basil pesto. 32 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; elisabettas.com

TRAMONTI

An Atlantic Avenue staple for more than 20 years, Tramonti boasts an

elegant atmosphere and hearty lunch entrees—but you won’t regret staying on the lighter side, either. Tramonti’s selection of salads are every bit as tempting as the pastas, particularly the carpaccio di manzo, with sliced filet mignon, capers, shaved Parmesan and finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

119 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; tramontidelray.com

SAZIO

This more casual Italian concept has a specialty pizza to please any palate, and sandwiches served on fresh toasted baguettes. We recommend the mushroom and truffle pizza, with portobello mushrooms, roasted garlic, mozzarella, French Brie and a drizzle of truffle oil.

131 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; sazio.com

AARON BRISTOL

Maple and pomegranate-glazed Brussels sprouts from Drift

Pork belly tacos from Rocco’s Tacos

Clockwise from above: Mulberry Street salad with grilled salmon from Elisabetta’s, pizza from Sazio, carpaccio di manzo (beef carpaccio) from Tramonti

The Alfresco Lunch

What’s the point of living by the ocean if you can’t enjoy a meal in front of it? At Caffe Luna Rosa, take in sweeping Atlantic views over brunch, served daily. Menu highlights include the avocado toast topped with a creamy burrata spread, crispy loaded potato pancakes, and the cannoli cream Belgian waffle. Opt for lunch instead with Luna Rosa’s shrimp and lobster roll, fried fish of the day sandwich, or piled-high BLT. 34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; caffelunarosa.com

The Healthy Lunch

For a guilt-free lunch that doesn’t compromise on taste, head over to Pura Vida. This Miami import joined Delray’s dining scene last year and has impressed us with its varied menu of healthy dishes. Its sandwiches and wraps have gluten-free and bowl options, and its superfood smoothies will have you feeling revitalized and ready to tackle the second half of the day. Other menu options include salads and protein/veggie and acai bowls. 6 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; puravidamiami.com

The Street Food Lunch

Specializing in Asian street food recipes that have been passed down for generations, Hawkers has quickly become one of Delray’s most exciting lunch destinations. Dishes at Hawkers take inspiration from almost the entire southeastern Asian coast, including bao buns, dumplings, noodles, rice dishes, curry and more. Pro tip: Try the Seoul hot chicken bao buns. The chicken is brined for 24 hours before being fried and tossed in a spicy garlic gochujang sauce. 640 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; eathawkers.com

Spicy tuna bowl from Pura Vida

Seafood pasta from Caffe Luna Rosa

The Sandwich Lunch

Top-quality ingredients, house-roasted meats, fresh baked bread: Tony’ s Market & Deli checks all the boxes of what you look for in a local sandwich shop. While it’s got a wide selection of favorites like the classic Italian or tuna salad, we recommend the pastrami or Italian shredded beef sandwiches. The beef is slow-roasted for eight hours, then topped with grilled onions, banana peppers and provolone. 301 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; tonysmarketdeli.com

The West Delray Lunch

If you’re looking to venture west— or that’s your starting point—the offerings at Warren Delray are well worth the trip. Opt for handhelds like the classic burger made with a tantalizing bone marrow blend or the lobster roll stuffed with a pound-and-

a-half of Maine lobster, or go healthy with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Warren’s midday meals aren’t limited to lunch, either. The restaurant hosts brunch daily, with menu selections that range from the health-conscious acai bowl to the utterly decadent

Wayne’s Hangover Cure—a two-napkin burger with double patties, crisp pork belly, hashbrown, cheddar cheese, a fried egg and cherry pepper relish. Take it from us: Order this one on a slow workday. 15084 Lyons Road, Delray Beach; warrendelray.com

The Pizza Lunch

The run-of-the-mill pizza-by-the-slice lunch is given the Motor City treatment at Death by Pizza. This takeoutand delivery-only pizza spot serves up Detroit-style, deep dish pizzas slathered with their housemade sauces and loaded with premium toppings like Ezzo pepperoni cups, imported from Buffalo, New York, housemade meatballs, organic chicken, and more. We recommend the lunch special, which will get you two slices of pizza and a drink for $12. Pro tip: Bring a breath mint and try the Nosferatu, made with “sweet sauce” (Death by Pizza’s signature marinara recipe), pepperoni, mozzarella, and garlic puree. Downtown Delray: 528 N.E. Second St., Delray Beach; deathbypizzadelray. com

Noodles and dumplings from Hawkers

A Detroit-style pie from Death by Pizza PIER

From front:

Tri-color cauliflower, Caesar salad, and truffle burrata from Warren

Glenn and Sadie Sundy at the beach, c. 1920s

COURTESY OF THE DELRAY BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

storytellers

The Delray Beach Historical Society has been collecting voices from the past to preserve the city’s history

By Rich Pollack

Before there was the internet, before there was television, and even before there was the printing press, there was storytelling.

Throughout the ages, the past has been recounted by elders gathered around a fire and by grandparents telling stories of their experiences that are etched in their memories but, most likely, nowhere else.

“Storytelling is the oldest form of communication,” says Winnie Edwards, executive director of the Delray Beach Historical Society.

In Delray Beach, storytelling is the key ingredient in oral histories tucked away in the archives of the historical society. Here, you can read or listen to Addie and Sadie Sundy, daughters of the town’s first mayor, talk about boarding a hand-drawn barge across the East Coast Canal—now the Intracoastal Waterway—to arrive at their summer home on the barrier island.

You can hear another founding-family member, Ethel Sterling Williams, describe how the horrific 1928 hurricane blew the roof off a neighboring home and how a gentleman caught her as she was blown off her feet by the wind sweeping the family-run hotel.

Found also in the archives is a taped interview with Alfred “Zack” Straghn conducted for the 2004 Race and Change project, in which the Delray Beach native talks about the schools for Black students only getting second-hand books from the schools for white children.

To help you learn more about Delray Beach growth, there’s an interview with Roy Simon, who provides a unique perspective of how Delray Beach evolved from a quite small town to a thriving and vibrant community.

“Oral history will always be a critical part of how we document our town’s history,” says Edwards, also a Delray Beach native. “It often produces surprising and important information.”

In all, the Delray Beach Historical Society has about 90 oral histories in its archives on a variety of mediums including cassettes, compact discs and video. All are digitized, and most—about three quarters—are transcribed. Efforts are underway to make it all searchable.

Those oral histories are among the more than 150,000 items in the historical society’s archives that include newspaper clippings, photographs, legal documents and much more. There are about 500 drawings and even diaries from some of the early settlers.

The oral histories, however, bring a unique perspective to the history of Delray Beach.

“It’s a different kind of memory that they’re sharing,” says Kayleigh Howald, the society’s archivist. “The oral histories fill in a lot of gaps, and you get a sense of what it was like living in Delray.”

From the oral histories, Howald says, listeners can come to understand the hardships that came with living in Delray Beach in the early years, going all the way back to the early 1900s and into the pre-World War II years.

“It was hard compared to other places like Miami,” she says. “You get a sense of how rural it was.”

Sometimes the oral histories provide surprising information that hadn’t been uncovered.

“There’s things that are locked in people’s memories, and when you ask about them, they start telling amazing stories,” Howald says.

“Oral history will always be a critical part of how we document our town’s history.”

Winnie Edwards, executive director of the Delray Beach Historical Society

Kayleigh Howald, archivist at the Delray Beach Historical Society, goes through cassettes of interviews with locals of note

Winnie Edwards AARON BRISTOL

Among the oral histories are four interviews with longtime Delray Beach residents who grew up in the town. Although they have all died, their stories live on, told in their own voices.

Addie and Sadie Sundy

Daughters of Elizabeth and John Sundy—Delray Beach’s first mayor—sisters Addie and Sadie Sundy grew up in the city in the early 1900s and watched as it evolved from a sleepy town where pineapple fields surrounded their home to a vibrant community. Addie, the eldest daughter in the family of eight children, died in 1988 a little more than a year after Sadie. In an undated recording—possibly made in the early or mid-1980s—that is now part of the Delray Beach Historical Society’s archives, the sisters talked about the early years while looking over old photographs.

The two recalled a parade after the armistice that ended World War I in 1918, and they remembered taking a hand-drawn barge across the canal that would become the Intracoastal Waterway. They spoke of the offices above the Arcade Tap Room that would house famous cartoonists during the World War I era and reminisced about the cistern near their summer home on the beach that was near the Orange Grove House of Refuge, built to provide aid to sailors who survived shipwrecks. The sisters recounted how the first sidewalk on Atlantic Avenue was paid for by the Ladies Improvement Association so women could avoid sandspurs on their long dresses.

Ethel Sterling Williams

The daughter of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Sterling, Ethel Sterling Williams was almost 5 years old when her parents left their home in Pennsylvania and moved to what was then known as Linton in 1896, with Henry Sterling seeking adventure and fortune. Sterling became an entrepreneur opening hotels, including Casa Del Rey, on what is now Worthing Park on Atlantic Avenue, in the town’s core. His daughter Ethel came back from Wesleyan College for Women in Macon, Georgia, in 1909 and became the town’s most popular teacher.

In a recorded oral history, probably made about the same time the Sundy sisters shared their memories, Ethel spoke about the town’s growth in 1910. “We were getting to be quite a town,” she said. “My wedding in 1910 was the first church wedding in town.” Her husband, Dr. William C. Williams Jr., would later become a leader in the creation of Bethesda Hospital in Boynton Beach. In her oral history, Ethel recalled the hurricanes of 1926 and 1928 and the devastation that came with the latter storm. She shared how the chimney in the Casa Del Rey collapsed, with debris coming down right where she had been standing a moment before. “One of the men said, ‘Lady, you must have been saved for something.’”

Alfred “Zack” Straghn

A fierce fighter for equal rights, Zack Straghn saw many changes during his 92 years in Delray Beach—and in some cases he was a driving force behind them. A longtime leader in the Black community, Straghn was instrumental in integrating Delray’s public beaches in the early 1960s and led other changes. In 2003, almost 20 years before his death, Straghn spoke on tape about growing up in Delray Beach when segregation still existed and about the tight-knit Black community he recalls fondly. “Community life, oh my gosh, it was great. In this community, if you hurt, I hurt; if you were hungry, I fed you.”

Addie Sundy and Catherine Strong with stray cats and kittens outside Sundy Feed and Fertilizer, c. 1950s

Ethel Sterling Williams, c. 1910s

Backroads

While many of the oral histories in the archives date back to the 1980s or earlier, the Delray Beach Historical Society has a newer oral history project, Delray Beach Historical Backroads, which tells the story of several historical buildings narrated by those familiar with the structures.

Started in 2021 as a partnership with Matt Sturgess of 4th Avenue

Photography & Video, the Historical Backroads series—combining oral history, storytelling, still images and film into episodes—became an extension of the historical society’s oral history project.

The goal in creating the series, according to archivist Kayleigh Howald, was to “explore Delray Beach’s treasured locales, historic sites and fascinating untold stories of Delray’s families, iconic buildings, neighborhoods, historic markers, influential people and lesser-known destinations.

“Historic structures inform our history,” she says. “They tell the stories not just of the people who lived, owned, worked or attended school in them, but of what the city was like when they were constructed.”

The Hunt House: Located in the Old School Square District, the Hunt House was built in 1908 and relocated from North Federal Highway by the historical society in 2007. It is now known as the Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center on the society’s campus. “The history of the Hunt House is the history of Delray Beach,” according to the historical society. The episode is narrated by historical society supporter Chiara Clark.

The Spady House and the Williams Cottage: Both located on the campus of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, the stories of Spady House and the Williams Cottage are told by Charlene Farrington of the Spady Museum. The Spady House episode shares details of the 1926 house and gives a glimpse into the life of early educator Solomon D. Spady. The Williams Cottage episode tells the story of Susan Williams, a Bahamian immigrant who came to Delray in 1898. A nurse practitioner in the Bahamas, Williams was often called upon for medical emergencies until the nearest doctor, based in West Palm Beach, could arrive. The Spady Museum also has oral histories that are being digitized.

The Cathcart House: Built in 1903, the Cathcart House is the third-oldest house in Delray Beach and was built by John R. Leatherman, an early settler who built two other historic buildings, the Sundy House and the Rectory. Built in the French Colonial Revival style, the house features its most iconic characteristic: a wraparound porch. The house, which would later become the home of reporter and private investigator Virginia Snyder, was sold to W.J. Cathcart, a traveling salesman, in 1910. The episode is narrated by Jaime Mayo, a local architect.

Carver High School: Told by Paula Newman-Rocker, a 1966 graduate of the school, the episode shares the story of Carver High School, the last legally segregated school in Delray Beach. Through her presentation, Newman-Rocker shares the experience of segregation and education in Delray Beach beginning in 1895, when the school for the city’s Black community opened. It closed a few years later due to lack of attendance. It was later reopened, and Carver’s first graduating class, in 1939, had five students. Carver closed in 1970, and students were integrated into Seacrest High School, now Atlantic High School.

The Historical Society is planning an episode on Cason Cottage in recognition of its 100th anniversary in 2024.

Cathcart House

The Hunt House moved to the historical society’s campus

Growing up in the 1930s, Delray Beach was still rural, and there were times when Straghn was called upon to tend to his grandfather’s crops. During the interview, he was asked about the changes he saw in Delray and talked about being in the middle of it. “Let me tell you about the changes, because I was a part of many of the changes. I was part of integrating the beach. I was part of integrating the restaurants in this area. I was a part of integrating the laundromat.” Still, he said, the relationship between the white and Black communities at the time was acceptable to most. “Through it all, I believe the whites and the Blacks in Delray got along pretty well, although we had our racial differences; but I believe we got along pretty well,” he said.

Roy Simon

Few people have had the privilege of seeing Delray Beach’s evolution the way Roy Simon did. As an architect, he saw the changes with an eye for function and aesthetics. As a native of Delray, he viewed the changes with a nod to history and toward preserving the small-town feel he grew up in beginning in the 1930s and ‘40s. Simon, who died in August 2024, had a chance to share his thoughts about the town and its growth in an undated recording kept in the archives of the Delray Beach Historical Society, an organization he helped found. “Roy was such a fantastic resource,” the historical society’s Howald said. “He knew so much about the town. Having those memories and having them come directly from him is incredibly important.”

Throughout his oral history, Simon expressed his deep love for the community he grew up in. “Delray is such a beautiful little city,” he said. “It still has that rural feeling I grew up with.” Simon recalled the efforts by community leaders to maintain that feel and the creation of organizations such as the Downtown Development Authority—another organization he helped create—which discouraged the construction of large shopping malls downtown in the 1960s and ‘70s. He recalled a countywide building moratorium that ended in 1982, which he says was the beginning of revitalization. “I’ve been privileged to serve on many committees and boards,” he said.

The Delray Beach Historical Backroads Series can be accessed at delraybeachhistory.org. Other oral histories can be accessed by calling the society at 561/274-9578 and scheduling an appointment.

Roy, Ernie, Linda, Alex, Charlie and Sandy Simon, c. 1950s

Alfred “Zack” Straghn

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Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

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MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Jackie Feldman

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Award-winning portrait artist LuAnn Warner-Prokos is a Master-Accredited fine art portrait professional specializing in headshots/ branding, corporate headshot sessions, families, women, beauty and boudoir images, dancers and pets. Her unique studio in Boca Raton has been serving families and businesses in Southeast Florida for 14 years.

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OWNER

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Rachel Sherman is in the business of providing volume photography services and timeless memories with TSS Photography, her locally owned and operated women-owned business.

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Animal lover Barbara Ratner’s cat, Cuddles, died from renal failure in 2006 due to a recall of the food it was consuming prior to Barbara opening Holistic Pet Cuisine. Devastated but driven, Barbara made it her mission to help others learn and protect their pets from what she went through. Her favorite quote is “Food is medicine.”

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CHAIRS:

Find answers and inspirations behind a select group of local experts who took the time to share their insights with us.

Learn the latest from some familiar faces you’re sure to recognize, and be introduced to some new ones; all eager to shed light on what they do best.

While the scope of their services varies, their professions and passions provide us with food for thought and new resources to embark upon, page by page.

Frederic J. Norkin, DMD

André De Souza, DMD

Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDSc

Jeffrey Ganeles, DMD, FACD

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“As the new year is upon us, it’s prudent to make sure your financial house is in order and you have your assets allocated correctly,” explains Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary Elizabeth Bennett. “You want someone with experience to get you to the next level to grow your portfolio with quality investments and mitigate risks,” she says. “I help clients navigate their finances with sensitivity, understanding and professional advice.”

Why is now a good time to invest?

There are times that are better than others, but you shouldn’t wait for those times to invest on a regular basis. If you are truly dollar costs averaging in the market, you’re going to get the highs and you’re going to get the lows. It’s better to consistently invest instead of trying to time the market.

Why is compound interest the greatest secret of smart investing?

Compound investing of compound interest is really what growing your wealth is about. For example, if you had $250,000 invested at an average rate of 6 percent a year, at the end of the 20 years, the account value would be worth about $800,000. In contrast, if you postponed investing for 10 years, it would only be worth about $440,000.

How do you go above and beyond for clients?

We have a strong client focus. We actually return phone calls and “meet” with our clients on a regular basis, whether that be in person, on the phone or video conference. Additionally, I bring in the clients’ CPAs and attorneys to coordinate efforts when life events happen, such as the sale of a business or the loss of a loved one.

The Expert in Best Whiskey at Warren Delray

John “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick, Spiritual Advisor and Whiskey Expert WARREN DELRAY –WARREN WHISKEY LIBRARY

John Fitzpatrick, known to South Florida locals as “Fitzy,” has been redirecting dispositions in Delray Beach for over two decades. Fitzy’s resume includes a 22-year run as bar manager in Delray Beach with memorable stops at 32 East, Sopra, The Wine Room and Fitzy’s Lounge, as well as beverage director at Amsterdam Billiard Clubs in Manhattan, part-owned by comedian David Brenner. When Fitzy relocated to Kansas City for family reasons in 2009, he was hired at Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and his whiskey journey truly began. Throughout the last decade he has been known for his fun and informative whiskey classes and has become one of the leading brown spirit scholars in South Florida.

Q Can you describe the Whiskey Library experience at Warren Delray?

AThe vision of Jeff John and his partners at Damn Good Hospitality (DGH) was to create a dinner and tasting experience immersed in an intimate four-seat bar. With the library approaching nearly 1,200 whiskeys, I was invited by the partners nearly four years ago to be the curator of that collection and the person who delivers that experience for our guests.

Q Do you travel across America to taste the best whiskeys and bring them back to Delray Beach?

Traveling across the country in search of the finest barrels of whiskey is something that is truly a team effort at DGH and our unparalleled passion. Along with our very whiskey-savvy partners, I am tasked to help lead groups often composed of Warren regulars and our Warren Club members to the distilleries (Sazerac and Buffalo Trace, among others) and taste through several barrels at each until we find the finest example of each brand. I’ve also been working with one of the leading blenders in Kentucky to create a new whiskey.

Q When you’re not serving the best whiskeys, what piques your interest?

A I am a student of history and love to read. The day after I took a job with Maker’s Mark to open a bourbon-themed restaurant, I bought every book on whiskey I could find. I also love to spend time with my significant other, our new puppy, exploring new restaurants and the salt life. Surfing and the ocean are my Zen.

561.455.4177

warrendelray.com

The Expert in Achieving Aesthetic Balance

Janet Allenby, DO ALLENBY COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 30 years of expertise. Globally recognized for her innovative injection techniques, she expertly places and distributes products to lift and tighten the face and body, enhancing each individual’s natural beauty.

Dr. Allenby’s practice embodies her dynamic, energetic personality and professionalism, offering cutting-edge treatments and advanced device technologies that rejuvenate the skin, leaving patients with a youthful, radiant glow.

At Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology, the focus is on achieving balance. “Looking better feels better” is a guiding mantra, reflecting how harmony in appearance and overall wellness influence every aspect of life. This philosophy drives Allenby’s commitment to creating solutions for her patients.

Q How do you help patients avoid the “Ozempic Face” look?

Weight loss, whether from Ozempic, exercise or other factors, can result in a hollow, gaunt appearance due to fat loss. To restore balance, we take a proactive approach, incorporating skin care, devices, fillers, and collagen-boosting solutions like Sculptra. These treatments work synergistically, encouraging the body to naturally rebuild volume for a healthy look.

Q What’s the secret behind your success with fillers?

AWith over three decades of experience in aesthetic medicine, our practice is renowned for delivering balanced and natural-looking results. We prioritize using the right products with precision along with devices to subtly enhance and maintain beauty. When administered by skilled professionals, concerns about fillers not dissolving are unfounded. Fillers can be a safe and transformative option, offering remarkable aesthetic benefits.

Q Tell us about the new toxin membership.

We now offer access to five leading neurotoxin brands through a convenient monthly membership starting at just $50 a month. Members enjoy treatments at half the regular price. One of our most popular options is Evolus by Jeuveau™, which temporarily softens moderate to severe glabellar lines, helping patients achieve a smoother, refreshed appearance.

The Expert in Assisting Persons With Visual Impairments

Lisa Stella, Executive Director LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF THE PALM BEACHES

The mission of the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, founded in 1946, is to assist persons with visual impairments to develop their capabilities to the fullest and utilize them in life’s pursuits—a right and privilege of all. Executive Director Lisa Stella, longtime partner and friend of the Lighthouse, began her career with the nonprofit in 2024, and has worked tirelessly to be an advocate for its life-changing services. She possesses excellent leadership skills, having previously served as Director of Development at The Learning Center, Director of Development at Opportunity Early Childhood Education and Family Center, and as an Executive at IBM Corporation.

Q Why is an organization like Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches so important to a visually impaired person?

AThe Lighthouse for the Blind serves individuals of all ages from 0 to expiration, meeting clients where they are in their vision loss journey. We teach essential independent living skills and provide the technology needed to navigate the world, such as iPhones, iPads, and smart eyewear that reads aloud and describes surroundings. These devices are particularly vital for tasks like grocery shopping and dispensing medication, enabling clients to read labels and maintain autonomy.

Q How can the visually impaired become more a part of the community in which they live?

With the right training and devices provided by the Lighthouse, the visually impaired can navigate everyday life and fully engage in their communities. By planning ahead, they can participate in activities like attending shows at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, going to the movies, playing golf or having a rewarding and fulfilling vocation. The visually impaired can do nearly everything, except drive a car or fly a plane.

Q What are the things that a sighted person can do to dispel the misconceptions about the visually impaired?

Visually impaired individuals strive for independence, meaningful work, and opportunities. Sighted people can help dispel misconceptions by offering and asking if assistance is needed, rather than assuming it. The Lighthouse team provides sensitivity training to address these issues. The Lighthouse serves five counties—Palm Beach, St. Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. We offer free personalized services to individuals of all ages with visual impairments, tailoring our support to meet their unique needs.

561.586.5600

lhpb.org

The Expert in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Rafael Cabrera, MD, FACS, Founder PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS OF BOCA RATON

For more than two decades, Rafael Cabrera, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, has dedicated himself to the art and science of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck and eyes. Renowned for his artistry and compassion, Dr. Cabrera is a recognized expert in cosmetic elective procedures, as well as in melanoma and skin cancer reconstruction. He earned his medical degree and completed his surgical residency at New York University School of Medicine and has authored more than 20 textbook chapters and research articles.

Q What defines a good facelift?

AA good facelift means you look beautifully natural without any evidence of cosmetic intervention. Strategic tightening of the muscle layer and ligaments is often necessary to get a more rejuvenated contour. Additionally, the augmentation of natural tissue, such as with one’s own fat and stem cells, will counteract facial deflation associated with aging.

Q What procedures are popular for men?

AIn an era when men now work longer, play harder, and maintain muscle mass, the synchronization of their appearance with physical vitality becomes paramount. Procedures like eye and neck lifts are popular choices to refresh and enhance their aging visage. Success, from Dr. Cabrera’s perspective, is when friends and family are unable to pinpoint why one looks so good!

The Expert in Revolutionary Advancement in Diabetic Care

Richard Conlen, MD, FACOG INNOVATIVE DIABETIC SOLUTIONS

It’s concerning that one in three adult Americans is pre-diabetic. In response to this alarming trend, Dr. Richard Conlen, a physician in Boca Raton, has founded Innovative Diabetic Solutions to provide state-of-the-art treatments for diabetes management. At Innovative Diabetic Solutions, Dr. Conlen provides therapies shown to reduce neuropathy by 95 percent and improve at least one complication associated with diabetes, such as vision changes due to retinopathy or poor wound healing following major surgery. Dr. Conlen also addresses the cognitive decline associated with type 3 diabetes. At Innovative Diabetic Solutions, Dr. Conlen uses the latest in diabetic technology and diabetic nutrition to provide diabetic care and treatment for prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, associated neuropathy and retinopathy, poor kidney function, poor wound healing secondary to diabetes, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity secondary to diabetes, fatty liver, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Q How does precision infusion therapy work?

Through precision infusion therapy, Dr. Conlen targets insulin resistance by resetting the pancreas and enhancing cellular receptors throughout the body, which facilitates better sugar absorption and energy production. Diabetes is a relentless condition that drains patients of their vitality, hindering them from reaching their full potential. Our patients report significant improvements in energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being, along with better glucose control.

Q Why is it important to focus on preventive care for diabetes?

Diabetes can lead to various related complications, including impaired kidney function, slow wound healing, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, fatty liver disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our treatments are both FDA and Medicare approved. We offer customized treatment plans and affordable financial options to ensure that all affected individuals have the chance to regain their health and vitality.

Q What is your focus at Innovative Diabetic Solutions?

A At Innovative Diabetic Solutions in Boca Raton, Dr. Conlen focuses on combining advanced diabetic technology with nutritional strategies to tackle a range of conditions, including prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. I encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific health concerns—let’s work together to help you reclaim your life! The consultation is complimentary.

561.334.2038

PHOTO: MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPY

The Expert in Personalized Care for Lifelong Wellness

Jaron Schaumberg, DO CONCIERGE MEDICINE OF BOCA RATON

Dr. Jaron Schaumberg, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician at Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, specializing in concierge medicine with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive care. His philosophy emphasizes long-term wellness, balanced living, and longevity, ensuring each patient receives a personalized plan tailored to their unique needs. Known for his compassionate attention to detail, Dr. Schaumberg prioritizes building lasting relationships with patients, solidifying his role as a trusted partner in their health journeys.

QWhy should middle-aged and older adults see their internist regularly for disease prevention and overall wellness?

AThe heart attack at 50 begins at 20; dementia at 70 starts at 40. The aging you want tomorrow begins with the choices you make today. Regular visits to an internist are vital for ensuring disease prevention and overall wellness. These visits facilitate the early detection of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease— conditions that often progress silently without symptoms. Internists offer preventive care through comprehensive screenings, actionable lifestyle guidance, and strategies to lower the risk of severe illnesses. We focus on addressing age-related changes, managing medications to minimize side effects, and promoting emotional well-being alongside physical health. Timely care is also critical; having rapid access to your internist allows for swift responses to concerning symptoms, personalized treatments, and proactive care plans that optimize health, enhance quality of life, and promote longevity.

AQWhich of the latest tools are you using in your practice for detection?

At Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, we remain at the forefront of preventive healthcare by using advanced diagnostic tools that redefine early detection. Our practice features Coronary CT angiograms combined with an AI-powered platform that analyzes atherosclerosis with precision, enabling us to create life-saving, individualized treatment plans for cardiovascular health. We also offer the Prenuvo Whole-Body Scan, a groundbreaking non-invasive imaging technology capable of detecting tumors as early as stage 1, identifying metabolic disorders, brain aneurysms, and more. This innovative tool provides invaluable insights into a patient’s health. Additionally, our advanced liquid biopsy tests screen for over 200 tumor-based cancers at early stages, transforming cancer detection and enabling timely, life-saving interventions. By combining these innovations with our patient-focused approach, Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton ensures unparalleled care tailored to every patient’s health journey. 561.961.3005

The Expert in Detoxification, Behavioral, and Mental Health Care

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez MD, DABPN, DABAM, MRO PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Raul Rodriguez and his multidisciplinary team have become South Florida’s premier mental health treatment center by mastering the fusion of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interventional Psychiatry, and Psychopharmacology in a comprehensive outpatient program format. Dr. Rodriguez provides cutting-edge care for Treatment-Resistant Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, OCD, Addiction, and Eating Disorders.

Q What sets your practice apart from others?

The Delray Center follows a predominantly clinical model, all services and programs are developed with the goal of delivering best results first and foremost. We heavily invest time and financial resources into the Center, year after year, to try and further improve what we can offer our patients. The result of this perpetual state of evolution is a world class outpatient treatment program that even few residential programs can compare to. With over 20 years in the field now, I’m most proud of our extraordinarily effective outpatient program that has saved so many lives of patients that had previously given up all hope. Nothing is more rewarding than to see a family embrace their now well son or daughter that they had once feared was lost forever.

Q How does your integrative medical model of a holistic approach, personalized care and behavioral therapy result in successful patient outcomes?

Our personalized integrative model allows us to adapt to the unique needs of each and every patient to create the treatment plan that works best for them. Everyone is different and trying to use the “cookie cutter” approach that most other places use does not work well. This adaptability has allowed us to routinely handle incredibly complex and difficult cases with a very high rate of success. The broad scope and high quality of the services we offer also allow us to do more things for each and every patient to achieve the highest possible response rates in the shortest amount of time.

Q What comes next?

Next, is the launch of our neurocognitive training program, which will target depression, early stages of dementia, and overall cognitive performance enhancement and a new online platform to facilitate access for patients to mental health experts globally and in multiple languages.

private education camp guide 2025

The following section presents helpful information provided by prominent private schools and camps in Palm Beach County.

All listings include a brief synopsis of the programs’ achievements, curriculum highlights, and many more important details families look for when choosing the best fit for their children.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions at a glance.

gymnastics • games • bounce house arts & crafts and more for kids ages 5+

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

SURF ACADEMY

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide 2025

DONNA KLEIN JEWISH ACADEMY

ADVENT SCHOOL

- Grades: Infants - 8th - Tuition Range: $5,000 - $15,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies by class

- Students: 450

- Denomination: Christian

At Advent, your child will become a CONFIDENT, CAPABLE, CHRISTIAN LEADER making a difference in the world! New innovative programs include our Ocean Studies focused STEM curriculum for K-8th grades. Advent combines rigorous academics with leadership development in a safe environment and provides opportunities in spiritual growth, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Aftercare and camp programs offer engaging extra-curricular activities such as martial arts, dance, soccer, and more. Our award winning Early Childhood School, for infants 6 weeks old to PK, will set your child up for success! We accept state scholarships (FTC, FES-EO, and FES-UA) and offer need-based financial assistance for K-8th grade. Call today for a personal tour. You can grow with us!

300 E. Yamato Road • Boca Raton • 561.395.3631 • AdventSchoolBoca.org

COCOPLUM NATURE SCHOOL

- Grades: K-5 - Tuition Range: $11,000 - $17,600 - Students: 54 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

- Denomination: Non-denominational

Cocoplum Nature School is Palm Beach County’s only nature-based private elementary school. Cocoplum fuses evidence-based curriculum in core academics with play-based and nature-based methods. Located just blocks from downtown Delray Beach, students enjoy weekly immersive learning through experiential trips to community gardens, nature preserves, museums, parks, and more. Cocoplum is known for individualized attention to each child and for balancing holistic wellbeing, academic progress, and stewardship for the community and environment. Additional programs include parenting support, caregiver-and-me classes for 12 months to 5 years, aftercare, and camps. Discover more at an Information Session, held on campus the first Saturday of each month. 324 N. Swinton Ave • Delray Beach • 561.563.4679 • cocoplumnatureschool.org

- Students: 758

- Grades: K - 12th - Tuition Range: $29,190 - $33,075 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1

- Denomination: Jewish

Donna Klein Jewish Academy (DKJA) is proud to be ranked among the top Jewish schools in the nation, offering an education of extraordinary power and purpose. Through a rigorous, individualized curriculum, DKJA meets the needs of a diverse student body while fostering personal growth and academic excellence. Students engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from JV and Varsity sports to an extensive fine arts program that includes music, dance, drama, and visual arts. DKJA equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in college and beyond.

GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL

- Grades: Early Chilhood 3 - 12th - Tuition Range: $17,700 - $29,700

- Students: 400 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1

- Virtual Classes: Yes - Denomination: Non-denominational

Grandview Preparatory School is an independent private school committed to the philosophy that education is a personal endeavor. At Grandview, we are not simply preparing students to be great students - but rather extraordinary individuals who are curious, confident, and have the social and emotional skills to navigate the modern world in a healthy and enriching way. Our students have ample opportunities to engage in real-life experiences on and off campus that prepare them for college and life beyond.

336 Spanish River Blvd.

LEVIS JCC MARLEEN FORKAS CAMP AT THE J

- Ages: 2-16 (entering 10th grade)

- Price Range: $609 - $7,560

- Counselor/Camper Ratio: 1:5

- Dates: June 9 - August 1

The Levis JCC has been providing children of all ages with unforgettable summers since 1986. Our dedicated, caring team is committed to making the camp experience the best it can be for every child, every summer. Our full-day camp program offers exciting activities, convenient schedules and experienced staff. We provide kids the freedom to learn and grow while developing skills that prepare them for future success. With a culture built on universally accepted moral ideals as well as strong Jewish values, we incorporate respect, honor, good sportsmanship and teamwork into all that we do. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome.

PINE CREST SCHOOL BOCA RATON

- Grades: PreK - 8 - Tuition Range: $37,150 - $43,510

- Students: 875

- Virtual Classes: No

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

- Denomination: Independent

True to tradition and inspired by innovation, Pine Crest School offers a research-based, challenging curriculum complemented by arts and athletics. We believe that building social and emotional competencies in a safe, secure and inclusive learning environment is fundamental to our students’ success. Pine Crest classrooms foster creativity and innovation, giving students opportunities to practice ethical thought leadership and to become curious, adaptable learners. Our goal is to send our graduates out into the world as leaders who know their strengths and who have the courage to challenge norms, break barriers and move forward with confidence. #PCFutureReady

pinecrest.edu

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY

THE APPLESEED PRESCHOOL AND NURSERY

- Grades: 6W–VPK - Tuition Range: $220–$320 a week

- Students: 600

- Grades: 9th - 12th - Tuition Range: $16,250 - $17,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

- Denomination: Catholic Based

Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and in life. Our faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of tolerance, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.

4001 N. Military Trail • Boca Raton • 561.314.2100 • sjpii.net

SLAM BOCA RATON

- Grades: 6th-12th - Tuition Range: Free (admission through application and lottery process) - Students: 1,000 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1

SLAM! Boca Raton offers an innovative, sports-infused education for students in grades 6-12. Our school emphasizes sports-related majors like Sports Medicine, Media, Marketing, and more, preparing students for college and beyond. We foster a community where students excel academically and personally, with a focus on empowerment and lifelong learning. SLAM! provides real-world experiences through partnerships, mentorships, internships, and dual enrollment opportunities. Accredited by Cognia, SLAM! is committed to excellence and empowering students to succeed in a global job market. Apply today for the 2025-2026 school year at www.slamboca.com and follow us on Instagram @slambocaofficial.

22500 Hammock Street • Boca Raton • 561-299-6969 • slamboca.com

SPANISH RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

- Students: 90–100 - Denomination: Christian

- Student-Teacher Ratio: Infants 2:8, Toddlers 3:12, Twos & Threes 1:10, VPK 1:11

The mission of the Appleseed is to glorify God through the training and nurturing of each child in their spiritual, academic, physical, emotional, and social development. Through Christian principles we will lovingly guide each child to reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners. At the Appleseed we are committed to providing a safe, clean, loving, Christian environment for the children in our care. We know that we have a profound responsibility in the eyes of God to reflect his love and “train his little ones in the way they should go.”

1300 NW 4th Ave • Boca Raton • 561.391.2177 Ext. 213 • coanboca.com/appleseed

TRINITY DELRAY LUTHERAN SCHOOL

- Grades: Age 1 – 8th - Tuition Range: $6,800 - $13,450 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies

- Students: 475

- Denomination: Lutheran

Trinity Delray, Excellence in Christian education since 1948. For over seventy years, Trinity Delray Lutheran School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Trinity Delray is committed to providing the best instructional environment for students. Trinity Delray is a Cambridge International School. Cambridge International helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged, and ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world, capable of shaping a better world for the future. We offer class sizes that give students the opportunity to have curriculum differentiated to their needs. Trinity Delray students develop critical thinking skills that are needed to be successful after elementary and middle school.

400 N Swinton Ave • Delray Beach • 561.276.8458

TWISTERS GYMNASTICS BOCA RATON

- Ages: 5 - 10

- Pricing: From $503/Weekly

- Students: 540

- Grades: PreK3 – 8th - Tuition Range: $5,244 - $13,881 - Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

- Denomination: Presbyterian

Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Academic program K-8th with high quality, challenging academics enhanced by robust technology innovation in the classrooms; leadership skill building; strong fine arts and performing arts programs; critical thinking and project based learning. High school-level honors Algebra 1, Geometry, and Spanish I for middle school students. Accredited by CSF and MSA. Before and after-school programs. Interscholastic Sports program. After school enrichment. State-of-the-art technology, including 3-D printing, video productions, coding. Competitive robotics. Stanford Achievement Test. Lunch program. Clinic with full-time nurse. Uniforms required. Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Summer Camp. New STEM Lab, Art Studio, and Dance/Exercise room opening at the start of the 2025-26 school year.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

- Dates: Beginning June 2nd

- Denomination: Gymnastics

Whether your child joins us for a day, a week, or the entire summer at Twisters, their time will be packed with fun and excitement! Our professional, safety-certified staff will guide them through gymnastics lessons, games, organized activities, fitness, arts and crafts, and supervised play—all in our clean, safe, and fully air-conditioned facility! Dates may vary at each location.

WAVES SURF ACADEMY

- Students: 425

- Grades: PS3-8th - Tuition Range: $5,429 - $14,448 - Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies

- Denomination: Lutheran

Since 1962, St. Paul has been an accredited traditional Christian school in East Boca Raton. We offer leveled reading and math groups, art, music, band, advanced technology, physical education, Spanish, as well as STEM in grades 6-8. Our nurturing Early Childhood Program is developmentally appropriate and offers flexible days and times. After care and summer camp are available. Our Parent Teacher League offers many opportunities for parents to be involved. Contact us for a tour or for more information.

- Camp Type: Surf Camp - Camp Rate: $350 Weekly M-F / $100 Daily - Camp Times: 9:00 A.M -2:30 P.M.

- Camp Ages: 5-15

- Camp Dates: Spring Break Mar. 24th - 28th • Summer Break Jun. 2nd - Aug. 22nd

Waves Surf Academy offers exciting surf camps in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach for kids ages 5-15. Activities include surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, beach games, dodgeball, and more. All staff are lifeguard certified, background checked, and screened for safety. The camp runs daily M-F from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, with indoor shelter and games for weather days. Join the fun and make waves this summer!

Delray Beach & Boynton Beach • 561.843.0481 • wavessurfacademy.com

Thank You

David

SPADY HOUSE’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY PREVIEW

WHERE: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

WHAT: The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach kicked off its 2024-2025 season and shared a sneak peek of what visitors can expect during the Spady House’s 100th anniversary in 2026 during a lively ceremony hosted at the museum. Members of the Delray Beach business community and supporters of the museum were joined in attendance by descendants of early Delray pioneer Solomon D. Spady to enjoy the evening’s festivities, as well as the unveiling of a portrait of Spady by artist Serge Strosberg that will be added to the museum’s galleries. Museum leaders also invited the community to contribute toward its ambitious goal of raising $100,000 or more by 2026 to ensure funding for another 100 years.

Elizabeth Burrows

Jessica Ross Cash; Brent Cash, Jr.; Patti Spady Ross; Serge Strosberg; Michelle Morgan Spady; Amanda MV Ross, Ed.D.

Robert Hayes, Stephanie Immelman

Lucinda Bratini, Ph.D., Shaun Natto

Clarence Vaughn, Nancy Chanin, Jane Toliver

Charlene Farrington, Debby Coles-Dobay

Price Patton, Carolyn Patton

Amanda McMaster, Elizabeth Burrows, Lynn Van Lenten Rona Tata, Lori Martel, Allison Turner, Steve Martel

DESANTIS CATALYST AWARDS

WHERE: Farmer’s Table

WHAT: Delray Beach-based nonprofit Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation celebrated local nonprofit leaders at the Catalyst Awards luncheon hosted at Farmer’s Table in Boca Raton. Now in its second year, the Catalyst Awards are presented to nonprofits that have been a driving force for change in the community. Honored at this year’s luncheon were Julia Kadel of the Miracle League and Ted Hoskinson of Roots and Wings, who were each awarded $40,000 grants to their organizations. Other organizations that received funding include the George Snow Scholarship Fund, Boca Helping Hands, Taking Stock in Children, and more. Since its inception in 2023, the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation, named in honor of the late local philanthropist, has donated more than $5 million to South Florida charities.

Audrey Schofield, Lidia Vargas

Shana Ostrowitz, Sarah Lucas

Dupree Jackson, George Snow

Damon DeSantis, Debbie DeSantis, Bill Milmoe

Maritza Benitez, Ted Hoskinson, Julia Kadel, Jeff Perlman

Adriene Tyne, Mark Cassini

Mark Sauer, Nancy Stellway

Maritza Benitez

Ann Paton, Kirsten Stevens

JoJo Hall, Stephanie Seibel, Todd L’Herrou

Konstantina Gugudi, Dr. Michael Dobbs, Dr. Caryn Blair

Jay Brandt, Andrew Holmes

TASTE OF RECOVERY

WHERE: American German Club in Lake Worth Beach

WHAT: Taste of Recovery returned for its sixth year, delivering yet another savory can’tmiss foodie event to raise funds for Delraybased nonprofit The Crossroads Club, a vital resource for those suffering from substanceabuse disorders for more than 40 years.

Co-chaired by Christopher and Joan Finley, the festival brought together top local chefs who crafted delectable bites while competing for the coveted People’s Choice and Critics’ Choice awards for Best Bites—with both going to City Cellar. The event raised more than $150,000 for The Crossroads Club, and sponsors included Lauree and Phil Vasta, the Buzz Agency, Caron Treatment Centers and more.

Phil Vasta, City Cellar chef Justin Carr

Sydney Lewis, Rocco’s Tacos Executive Chef Ross Demelio

City Cellar General Manager Kevan Slater

James Irving

Marion Oats, Steve English

FEMCITY BOCA DELRAY LUNCHEON

WHERE: Aloft Delray Beach

WHAT: Ladies from the Boca Delray chapter of FemCity gathered for a lavish celebration of the group’s 13th anniversary. Nearly 50 local Fems dressed to impress in all-white attire and enjoyed wine and lunch at Aloft Delray Beach while reconnecting and discussing networking opportunities. The Fems also showed their support to local nonprofit Wayside House with donations of soap bars for women in need. Since its founding in 1974, Wayside House has provided critical care to women in recovery.

FemCity Boca Delray board members, past presidents and attendees

Pattie Goldenberg, Reba Larney, Melanie De Vito

Aimee Vitek, Jenny Dangerfield, Loni Markman, Denise Cestone, Lindsay Muntz, Jamie Wegweiser

Natalie Hatjes, Jessica King, Michelle Olson-Rogers, Dawn Burke, Melanie De Vito

Michelle Balaun, Denise Cestone, Maru Acosta

Anthea Walker, FemCity Boca Delray President Reba Larney

DIGITAL VIBEZ INAUGURAL GALA

WHERE: Loggerhead Marinelife Center

WHAT: Palm Beach-based nonprofit Digital Vibez hosted its first-ever gala to celebrate a decade of empowering local youths through dance, technology and art. More than 150 supporters enjoyed an evening of live and silent auctions, live music and dance, raising $130,000 to benefit the organization’s year-round programs and events like the KidFit Jamathon, the country’s largest fitness concert. The event was emceed by WPBF’s Steven Graves and Yasmine Julmisse, and special recognition was given to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for its years of support.

Lynn Rosario, Rhonda Rogers, Jessica Cecere, Colette Beland, Lisa Russo, Christine Raymond, Kendra Wilhemly, Deborah Feinsinger, Krystal Campi, Jana Hernandez

Yasmine Julmisse, Wil Romelus, Steven Graves

Christine Raymond, Chris Shea, Erica Linguanti, Heather Emerson, Wil Romelus, Ana Rodriguez, Rony Michel, Lynn Rosario Digital Vibez DJs Neff, Millz, Nova and Astro

Nikki Perez and Mai Bui

Carly and Scott Schulman, David and Maru Acosta, Alexia and Ebon Savage

Delray Beach Restaurants:

Caffé Luna Rosa

Avalon Beach House & Campi

Le Colonial

Elisabetta’s

Lemongrass

Rocco’s Tacos

Roses Daughter & Brulé

City Oyster

Vic & Angelos

Table 165

Lulu’s

DELRAY COMMONS

5054 W ATLANTIC AVE, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33484

OPEN DAILY 7AM TO 2:30PM

Breakfast · Lunch · Cocktails · Catering

dining guide

Your resource for Greater Delray Beach’s finest restaurants

STAFF PICK

Le Colonial

Celebrate a bygone era of luxury and the bold flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine

Le Colonial at Atlantic Crossing wastes no time in sweeping you off your feet. Upon entering, there’s a feeling of being whisked away to a tropical paradise in the heart of 1920s Saigon. Palm fronds hang over tables and cozy alcoves, vintage black-and-white photography and canvases painted with lush foliage line the walls, and wicker lanterns bathe the dark wood of the bar in a soft, welcoming light. The setting is more than just opulent; it’s comfortable, like slipping into an old dream.

While its rustic, sultry charm stuck with us throughout our visit, the vibe is just part of the allure of Le Colonial, which excels in blending the exacting standards of fine dining with the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine fused with a slight French flair—owing to Vietnam once being a French colony. Dishes are given exquisite presentations, like the tuna tartare—an island of layered avocado and fresh yellowtail covered with tiny black caviar pearls swimming in a sweet soy sauce and topped with a delicate white rice crisp.

The first look at Le Colonial’s menu can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine, but the affable wait staff are a handy resource for getting a crash course. During our visit, we split our order between the familiar and the exotic, with safe selections like the tuna tartare and ceviche and more adventurous choices like the tom xao sate (shrimp stir-fried in

IF YOU GO

a spicy chili sauce), and the bo luc lac (shaking beef).

Each dish delivered in a unique way, from the tangy, citrus-y punch of the ceviche in an aji amarillo sauce to the semisweet and perfectly tender caramelized beef of the bo luc lac. The entrees were elevated when paired with a side of garlic noodles, a suggestion from our waiter that more than hit the mark.

Dessert is where Le Colonial is at its most French, with offerings like the vanilla crème brûlée, lit aflame tableside, and the vanilla peach coconut mille-feuille, a caramelized puff pastry layered with coconut cream and topped with vanilla poached peach. For those that prefer to sip their dessert, Le Colonial also offers an impressive craft cocktail menu. Give your meal a bold, sweet finish with the Hanoi Coffee, made with dulce de leche vodka and French Quarterfavorite coffee Café du Monde.

601 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/566-1800

PARKING: Valet and parking garage

While we were seated in a corner nook that proved to be a prime vantage for people watching, I couldn’t help but wish we had opted for seating on the expansive outdoor patio, made more intimate with a high wall and plants that block views from the street. But whether you’re dining al fresco, in the comfort of its rattan chairs, or at the bar with its Casablanca vibes, you’ll want to ease in and bask in the ambiance for long after the meal is finished.

HOURS: Sun.-Wed., 4-9 p.m.; Thurs., 5-9 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 5-10 p.m.

PRICES: $14-$95

WEBSITE: delraybeach.lecolonial.com

—Tyler Childress

Tuna tartare

Bo luc lac (shaking beef)

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—25 S.E. Sixth Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/278-3364. $$

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas— 16950 Jog Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modCern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chickenturkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthy-pungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $$

Avalon Beach House—110 E. Atlantic Ave.Seafood. The enticing reasons we all go to a steakhouse are present here—boozy cocktails, a diverse wine list, dry aged steaks, prime cuts, rich accompaniments, decadent sides and more. The menu is then enhanced with a selection of seafood like a raw bar medley of oysters, shrimp and crab alongside the customary octopus, fish, scallops and lobster. Don’t miss Avalon’s signature dish, the Angry Lobster. • Dinner nightly. 561/593-2500. $$$$

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

Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates. The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$

Brulé Bistro—200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The regular menu of this Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$

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

Chicken and waffles from Burt & Max’s

Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. Open since 1993, and a success since then, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561-274-9404. $$

Casa L’Acqua—9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Diners can expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed staff and attentive service at this fine-dining restaurant. The wine list is Italian-focused but does offer a variety of bottles from around the world, and each dish is expertly prepared with sizable portions. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-7492. $$

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

Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar—25 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 208. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/926-9434. $$

Costa By OK&M—502 E Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/ owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Dinner nightly. 561/5016115. $$

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

house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$

Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turned-restaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$

Deck 84—840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Burt Rapoport’s ode to laid-back tropical dining is like a day at the beach without getting sand between your toes. Though the restaurant is casual, the kitchen takes its food seriously, whether the stellar flatbreads, the thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey seasonal cobbler. And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/665-8484. $

WHO SAID YOUR GOLDEN YEARS HAD TO BE BORING?

The Volen Center was made with the active and social senior in mind, offering a jam-packed schedule of things to do every week. From live music and dancing to themed parties, art classes, games, exercise classes, discussion groups and local trips and outings, your only problem will be finding enough hours in the day to do it all!

Eathai—1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai chicken French toast or crispy duck breast with lychee curry sauce or oxtail basil fried rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. 561/270-3156. $

El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican. This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$

Elisabetta’s—32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/650-6699. $$

The Grove —187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove District for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well-thought-out. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/266-3750. $$$$

The Hampton Social—40 N.E. Seventh Ave. American. The Hampton Social is known for its “rosé all day” tagline, but it doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. It does a standout job of incorporating its casual coastal aesthetic into not just its décor but also its menu, from its seafood-centric dishes to its droll cocktail names like the vodka-forward I Like It a Yacht. Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/404-1155. $$

Henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/206-1896. $$

Il Girasole—2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini

Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$

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

Jimmy’s Bistro—9 S. Swinton Ave. International. Jimmy’s Bistro is a casual neighborhood concept serving consistently delightful dishes from a diverse menu that can transport diners to Italy with house-made pasta or Asia with its delicate dumplings and tender duck. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$$

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

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

Latitudes—2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American

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

Le Colonial—601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians and everyone in between. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-squarefoot restaurant. • Lunch (on weekends) and dinner. 561/566-1800. $$$

Henry’s

Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. PanAsian. Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/5670442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

Lulu’s—189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $

MIA Kitchen & Bar—7901 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally

executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$

The Office—201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-3796. $$

Papa’s Tapas—259 N.E. Second Ave. Spanish. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel welcomed, and its cuisine will satisfy your craving for Spanish tapas. Start with a few shareable plates and then enjoy a hearty paella that’s bursting with a selection of seafood, chicken or vegetables. • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/266-0599. $

Park Tavern—32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes

deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the fish and chips, one of six burgers, fish tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$

Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar—5 S.E. Second Ave. Seafood. Gary Rack, who also has scored with his spot in Mizner Park, certainly seems to have the restaurant Midas touch, as evidenced by this updated throwback to classic fish houses. Design, ambience and service hit all the right notes. Oysters are terrific any way you get them; grilled fish and daily specials are excellent. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-6718. $$$

Rose’s Daughter—169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian

While not your traditional Italian trattoria, it is a place to find new favorites and revisit old standbys updated with delicious ingredients and high standards. Try the Monetcolored lobster risotto, or housemade pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/271-9423. $$

Sazio—131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt

Voyage Boutique has been sharing authentic French Fashion with South Florida for over 20 years.

400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach FL 33444

Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm

561-279-2984

Voyage Boutique may be tucked away from the bustling Avenue, but it stands out as a pinnacle of fashion. Whether you’re in search of casual wear, attire for a special occasion, or an elegant ensemble for a soiree, you’re guaranteed to discover it within our unique boutique.

When embarking on international travels, setting sail on a cruise, or preparing for the holiday season, your search ends here. Allow us to elevate your wardrobe with style and a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi.’

Voyage Boutique also serves as your European haven for handbags, belts, shoes, gifts, and more. We cater to all sizes, ranging from XS to 3X, and offer in-house alterations for a perfect fit.

Come join us for a shopping experience that transcends the ordinary and when you do, don’t forget to mention that you found us in Boca Mag

Josie’sRistorante

steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

Taki Omakase—632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, is pricy but worth it, so long as you love eating raw fish. Every night is different, because it prides itself on importing fish, meat and seasonal ingredients from Japan that arrive daily. So, if you do pine for the delicacies of the sea, buckle in and get ready for the talented chefs at Taki Omakase to guide you through a culinary journey unlike anything else. Dinner nightly, lunch hour Fri.Sun. 561/759-7362. $$$$

Terra Fiamma —9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$

Tramonti—119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$

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

This is comfort food for everyone; the dishes will impress carnivores, too. Smell the fresh coconut vegetable curry soup, which tastes as good as it sounds. Try the grilled brawt sausage, the Ranch chixn, the banh mi and a Ruben—all from plant-based ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $

Vic & Angelo’s—290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, but you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and a tiramisu. • Dinner nightly, brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$

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). 561/8024222. $$$

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 small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onionParmesan dip with fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas 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. $$

WEB EXTRA: check out our complete dining guide

Nancy King

Board Member of Sister Cities of Delray Beach; Member of Rotary Club of Delray Beach

THEN: As a 16-year-old growing up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Nancy King had the experience of a lifetime that seemingly every teenage girl in America could only dream of at the time. A fan of the Beatles, King convinced her mother to take her to Vancouver to see the Fab Four, where they booked a room in the same hotel where John, Paul, George and Ringo were staying. One thing led to another, and a columnist from a Liverpool newspaper invited King into the hospitality suite, where she hung out with the band and their manager—she even got her paperback copy of A Hard Day’s Night autographed. “It was amazing,” she recalls. Back in Grand Forks, word spread about her visit, and before long she and a friend had a half-hour show on the local radio station called “British Pop Shop,” where they focused on bands making their way through the British Invasion. That led to King meeting many popular bands, including three members of the Zombies, whom she and her friend drove to their concert. After high school, King found jobs on Capitol Hill working for two senators, got married in 1975, started a family and moved to Toronto, where she earned a college degree. After 13 years in Canada, she and her family moved to Florida. Soon, King found work as the publications editor for the city of Delray Beach.

NOW: King, 76, wore many hats while working for the city. She produced a couple of newsletters, coordinated awards, and even organized the annual city employee picnics. When word got out that a delegation from Japan was coming to town to help with the expansion of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, King’s job was to roll out the red carpet for the dignitaries. That led to her introduction to the Sister Cities of Delray Beach program, and soon she was tapped to serve as a chaperone for students from the area that were selected to visit Miyazu, the Japanese sister city, on an exchange program. After a bout with breast cancer in 2006 and 20 years with the city, King retired but has remained active in both Sister Cities and the Rotary Club of Delray Beach, where she coordinates distribution of 1,500 dictionaries to third graders in 11 schools, and chairs the scholarship program. Since becoming the chaperone for the Sister Cities program, King has brought a total of 69 students with her. She also helps coordinate visits by students from Japan. Through it all, her connection with British musicians has come full circle—still a fan of the Zombies, King has reconnected with band members and stayed in touch. She has written their fan newsletter for nine years, attended numerous performances, and recently visited their hometown for a “Zombies Began Here” festival. She has also written a book about her experiences.

“I’ve loved Delray Beach over the years, and I am so grateful to have been part of its renaissance. That’s why I want to continue giving back through the Sister Cities program and through Rotary.”

ANDREW MILLAR

BY MICHELIN STARRED CHEF, MICHAEL MINA

DELRAY Magazine MARCH/APRIL 2025

25 + LUNCH SPOTS

VOICES FROM DELRAY’S PAST

14 editor’s letter

17 hot list

23 snapshots

24 top 5/calendar

28 style

34 up close

38 dine

42 the delray lunch guide

50 storytellers

57 home

88 out & about

97 dining guide

104 community connection

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