Lighthouse Point Magazine, May 2024

SMILES AROUND TOWN

local FLAVOR

DINING GUIDE

summer adventures

FESTIVALS, PERFORMANCES CLASSES AND MORE neighborhood

EVENTS

e s o r t

n e w M o d e R n i n t R ac oa s ta l e s tat e 4460 NE 31ST AVENUE, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL

$19 95 MILLION INFO: WWW 4460INTRACOASTAL COM

at the outset of 2024, I would be highly remiss if I did not express my deep gratitude to my esteemed clientele for your ongoing suppor t Thanks to all of you, my career sales now exceed $450 Million… including over $172 Million in sales since 2021 It is my extreme pleasure to act as your trusted advisor in the purchase or sale of million dollar-plus proper ties.

With the advent of the current buyer’s market, this year promises to be more challenging for sellers A market that necessitates my extensive buyer connections in feeder markets both at home and abroad, as well as my time-tested multi-media marketing program and proven negotiating acumen

Over the past decade I have helped countless affluent buyers, sellers and investors achieve their best result in all market conditions I invite you to be one of them…and look for ward to your call.

R e s p e c t f u l l y,

new FaRMhouse ModeRn deepwateR es tate | 2521 NE 48TH COURT, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL

$5 69 MILLION INFO: WWW 2521LHP COM

south GRand c anal deepwateR es tate 2811 NE 36TH STREET, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL

$4.395 MILLION INFO: W W W. 2

e xc e p t i o n a l d e e p wat e R e s tat e

2325 NE 28TH STREET, LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL

$4.295 MILLION INFO: WWW 2325LHP COM

Kevin R Kreutzfeld Lighthouse Point Resident

Kevin R. Kreutzfeld

VIEWS

50’X20’ BOAT SLIP INCLUDES

WILLIAM LEONE M.D.

Superior Results for Hip and Knee Surgery

Our Caring, Patient-Centered Practice

My practice combines world-class orthopaedic care in a warm and welcoming environment where every patient is treated with respect, the way I would want my family to be cared for. From the rst phone call, you will nd my team 100 percent engaged in addressing your needs.

I care for people in their 80s and 90s who refuse to relinquish their independence and opt for surgery to regain an active lifestyle. I also treat patients in their 20s and 30s who desire an improved quality of life and want to feel “normal” again.

Safely Going Home the Day of Surgery

My emphasis on preempting and preventing pain after surgery has been a game changer. Patients walk the day of surgery and the vast majority of my patients go straight home the afternoon of their hip or knee replacement surgery. This requires coordinated pre-operative planning and detailed communication between my staff and the patient.

Contact

The Leone Center for Orthopedic Care at Holy Cross Health 954-489-4575 | leonecenter@holy-cross.com 1000 NE 56th Street | Fort Lauderdale holycrossleonecenter.com

“After my successful hip revision, I introduced my best friend to Dr. Leone. She then had a hip and a knee replacement, when you find the best, you got to share him.”

— Felicia and Teresa, best friends and hip & knee replacement patients, January 2024

“My knee surgery with Dr. Leone was just wonderful, no pain at all.”

— Marta, 79-year-old who travelled from Guatemala for her total knee replacement, January 2024

3215 NE 28th Ave

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 4 BD | 3 BR | 3,443 SF | $1,750,000

Calming and convenient, 3215 NE 28th Avenue delivers tranquil living within the idyllic Lake Placid neighborhood of Lighthouse Point with tasteful design moments, a voluminous floor plan, and exclusive resident-only amenities including private tennis courts and a clubhouse. Freshly painted with a sun-lit palette and complemented with impact windows, a pool, and outdoor deck designed to fulfill even the most ambitious al fresco ambitions - no detail has been spared when it comes to this meticulously maintained 4 bedroom retreat. A rare turnkey opportunity nestled commandingly on a corner lot in a secure setting, you’ll also find yourself near Federal Highway shops, restaurants, parks, and more.

The Compass Advantage

At Compass, we’re shaping outcomes today with over $1.5B invested in tech over a decade and ongoing annual spending of over $100M on research and development.

With Compass, the #1 Brokerage by Market Share and Total Sales Volume in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, we have access to a dedicated in-house marketing and design agency of over 300 experts nationwide, ensuring effective reach to your buyer.

Megan Probst megan.probst@compass.com 954.999.2875

For your next home transaction, trust Compass, the #1 brokerage in the country, with a strong network. In 2023, 11% of Compass transactions came directly from referrals, showcasing our agents’ excellence in navigating markets.

Discover an unparalleled Point Lot treasure nestled on a private island, accessible only by bridge. This gem offers 270-degree panoramic water views from each room, heightened by a new 206’ concrete dock equipped with a 24,000 lb. boat lift and 400amp electric service. Perfect for the discerning yachtsman, with no fixed bridges and quick deep-water access to Hillsboro Inlet. Luxuriate in the vast open floor plan featuring a full-size glass elevator, a robust house generator, high-impact hurricane glass, dual master suites, dual staircases, and an embracing wraparound balcony. Experience Florida’s elite outdoor living on an expansive patio, where every sunrise and sunset paints your private paradise.

SUMMER ACADEMY PROGRAMS

Educating and empowering our future Chiefs!

Sessions:

1 - June 10-14

2 - June 17-21

3 - June 24-28

**Pricing is available on the website.

8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN A SUMMER ACADEMY AT CARDINAL GIBBONS

Expand Knowledge

Explore new subjects or deepen understanding in existing areas.

Skill Development

Hone academic, artistic, or athletic skills in a focused environment.

Social Interaction

Build frienships and collaborate in a supportive learning community.

Enrichment

Experience hands-on activities, field trips, and engaging projects beyond regular curriculum.

Fun & Enjoyment

Make learning enjoyable through creative and interactive approaches.

Exploration

Discover potential interests and passions in a variety of subjects.

Build Confidence

Develop confidence and independence in a positive and encouraging setting.

Be Part of the Gibbons Experience!

Offerings:

FAITH & MINISTRY

LEADERSHIP CAMP

MUSIC

(CHOIR AND BAND)

PHOTOGRAPHY

PAINTING

SPEECH AND DEBATE REGISTER

Attention all 6th-8th Grade Students:

www.cghsfl.org/Summer Academy

Register now for a Summer Academy program and embark on a summer engaging learning and fun at Cardinal Gibbons High School! Space is limited.

Lighthouse Point | 4011 NE 25th Avenue | $2,100,000 | 3 BR, 2 BA

Approximately 90ft of waterfront with no fixed bridges and minutes to Hillsboro Inlet. Web# F10403035

Lighthouse Point | 3150 NE 48th Court, 105 | $315,000 | 1 BR, 1.5 BA

$315,000 | Condo with Intracoastal views. Ready to move-in and enjoy the Florida lifestyle. Web# F10419083

Sold | Deerfield Beach | 644 Deer Creek Run

Closed for full asking price $1,367,000 | 4 BR 3.5 BA, Plus Office | Trophy lot in Deer Creek Country Club. Web# F10415412

Boynton Beach | 6407 Long Key Lane | $405,000 | 3 BR, 2.5 BA

Completely renovated villa in the Isles of Aberdeen. Web# F10426079

Under Contract with Multiple Offers! | Boca Raton | 800 SW 12th Terrace

$648,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA in the Addison Mizner school district. Web# F10426221

Sold | Represented Buyer | Deerfield Beach 1263 SE 8th Court | Closed for $820,000 3 BR, 2 BA, pool home in the Cove neighborhood. Web# R10956045

Connect with Julie today to receive a market update and start a conversation on how she can help turn what you love into where you live.

Julie Adler Mahfood

Executive Director of Luxury Sales Sales Associate

M 954.304.4424

julie.mahfood@elliman.com

Sold | Lighthouse Point | 2758 NE 30th Avenue, 3A Closed for $415,000 | 2 BR, 2 BA intracoastal front condo. Web# F10424949

Shining Through Darkness

Embark on a poignant journey through the depths of depression in this article, where the author bravely shares their struggles and triumphs. Delve into the diverse types and complex causes of depression while uncovering a spectrum of treatment options. Plus, discover invaluable local resources for support, offering a beacon of hope for those navigating similar challenges.

Summer of ‘24

As summer approaches and the snowbirds head north, it’s a great time to explore our own backyard. Whether you are looking for adventure, a little culture or even some retail therapy, South Florida is loaded with fantastic options to bust your boredom.

Dr. Jessica Wyatt

24 Creatively Speaking

Investing in a high-quality, luxurious shirt can make you feel confident and sophisticated and pretty fancy.

26 The Lowdown

Fun around town plus the Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course reopening.

34 Happy Snaps

The youth of Lighthouse Point search for Easter eggs and smiles from a night of live music and food trucks at Frank McDonough Park.

42 Personal Development

Selective listening will improve your relationships.

44 Legal Matters

If you own a home and have some equity built up in it, you might want to consider setting up a trust.

46 Financial Fitness

If your family has significant wealth, you’ll need to manage changes in estate planning.

50 Relationships

Why does a marriage change over time, and how to navigate through the changes?

52 Fish Tales

The ladies anglers are back — The Ladies Fish Off.

54 Creatively Cooking

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo (or any day) with pan-fried pork medallions topped with a fresh, sweet and tangy chopped salad.

58 Try the Wine

David Ehrenfried researches all sorts of wines so you don’t have to.

76 Local Flavor

When the mood strikes to go out to eat, consult our dining guide for inspiration.

80 Staff Pick

Peking Duck has reopened with new ownership — here is our review. Spoiler alert: yum.

Kimberly Blaker • David Ehrenfried

Gregory Edwards • Craig Haley • Michelle Hays

Mrs. Kossenfloffer • John Piotrowski

Martin Zevin

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Graves

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jay Petkov

WEBS IT E ADMINISTRATOR

Pavel Mohajon PUBLISHER

Richard Rosser

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Susan Rosser

Chris Peskar chris@pompanomagazine.com 904-881-1573

Sam Rosser sam@pointpubs.com 954-629-5163

Lisa Spinelli lisa@pointpubs.com 954-818-0266

Does your organization have an event you want people to know about? Has your event already happened? Send us your photos and we’ll put them in our upcoming issue! Email editor@pointpubs.com.

Please include the name and location of the event, the names of those pictured and a brief description.

c Come wat h the yachts go by

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WINE WEDNESDAY: SATURDAY

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• 311 SW 24th St (SR-84),

• 2019 SW 20th Street, #105, Fort Lauderdale,

• 2230 Broadway (US 1), Riviera Beach, FL 33404

• 1830 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994

• 7522 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 (Newest Location)

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circulation

Lighthouse Point magazine is published monthly by Point! Publishing and delivered free of charge to residents of Lighthouse Point and selected homes in Deerfield Beach. Copies of Lighthouse Point magazine are available at UPS in The Shoppes of Beacon Light.

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Coastal News is Point! Publishing’s complimentary semimonthly e-newsletter. Join the mailing list at pointpubs.com/newsletter. Like us on Facebook to receive hyper-local news on your feed.

letters to the editor

Drop us a line and let us know what you’re thinking. Lighthouse Point magazine is all about community. Your ideas and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for grammar and length. Send letters to:

Editor, Lighthouse Point magazine 2436 N. Federal Hwy. #311 Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 or email editor@pointpubs.com

Deadlines for camera-ready art and prepayment of ads are due on the first day of the preceding month of publication. All on-going ads must be canceled by the first day of the month preceding publication.

Lighthouse Point and Deerfield Beach! magazines are owned and published 12 times per year by Point! Publishing, LLC. Copyright 2024 by Point! Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Point Publishing, LLC. Requests for permission should be directed to: editor@pointpubs.com.

Cheryl Gomez - Owner & Lighthouse Point Resident

Bury Me in this Shirt

BY SUSAN ROSSER

When your husband drops the subtle hint that your wardrobe might need a bit of a revamp, it’s like a wake-up call to embark on a shopping spree. Here’s the problem: I have a knack for being frugal, yet my taste leans towards luxury. It’s quite the conundrum.

Recently, I found myself bombarded with online ads for Frank & Eileen. Although I think they’ve been around for a while, this brand was new to me. It’s as if the digital universe had conspired against my thrifty nature. Nothing at Frank & Eileen is inexpensive. The brand bombarded me with ads for months, although it is unclear what sort of vibes I put forth into the digital universe to attract such advertising. Like I said, I can be pretty cheap. Nonetheless, their collection spoke directly to my style sensibilities — effortlessly chic, timeless designs.

Then, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon a fresh arrival that screamed “South Florida.” I could envision myself sipping a crisp, perfectly chilled glass of sauvignon blanc with friends at some hipster spot with an ocean view. You know — a true catalog moment.

I timidly showed the image to my husband, who enthusiastically dubbed it the ideal garment for the Pompano Fine Food and Wine Celebration. It turns out that in addition to being quite handy, he’s also quite the persuasive rationalizer.

A wise friend once mused that having good taste is a double-edged sword — a blessing because you always turn heads, yet a curse because stylish taste can leave a dent (or crater) in your wallet.

I agonized over this shirt for about a week. Its price tag lingered dangerously close to triple my usual budget for casual attire — even with a 15% first-order discount. Then fate threw me a curveball - a cracked tooth demanding an expensive dental implant. Feeling pretty crushed and not to mention old, I sought a consolation prize in the form of a retail splurge. After all, practicality can only take you so far in life. Plus, it was just a casual linen shirt, not a string of sapphires and way cheaper than therapy.

So, if you spot me strutting around town in a vibrant pastelstriped top crafted from the finest Italian linen, don’t hesitate to throw me a compliment. We all deserve a little pick-me-up now and then. Y

4041 NE 27th Terrace, Lighthouse Point

Harry Pollack’s passion for South Florida’s waterfront lifestyle is readily evident. Growing up in Miami surrounded by water, boating and fishing with his family, Harry’s love for the water has only intensified when he moved to Lighthouse Point. He is involved in the offshore boating community, attending poker runs and fun runs with friends and clients. Harry is a pilot and enjoys flying around the Bahamas and South Florida. He has been a top 1% producer at Lokation for several years. What sets Harry apart is his authenticity. He is always himself, with no pretense or pompous flair. You’re likely to find him cruising around the Lighthouse Point community in his golf cart. Harry has quickly gained a reputation as the go-to agent for luxury waterfront properties in the area.

For Harry, real estate is about building lasting relationships. It’s not just about making a sale but rather spending time to show them the true lifestyle he enjoys. Often, the search for properties is followed by hosting clients at his favorite local eateries. Whether by land, air or sea, Harry provides a one-of-a-kind experience for his clients, finding properties that embody their lifestyles and make their dreams a reality.

THE LOWDOWN

Ocean Blues and Brews

WHEN Saturday, May 18 | 4 – 8pm (VIP starts at 3pm)

WHERE: Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach

COST: Free to attend. Craft Beer Festival tickets are required for sampling. Craft Beer Festival Tickets: $40/ general admission ($45 day of the event), $55/ VIP early bird, $60/VIP ($65 day of the event). Tickets are available on eventbrite.com – All Guests purchasing tickets must be 21 years of age or older.

DETAILS: Calling all craft brew enthusiasts! Spend a day at the beach for an exciting craft brew festival, where you can sample an assortment of beers from some of America’s best craft breweries while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. Along with the great brews and blues, there will be an assortment of local foods, cold beverages, and arts and crafts vendors. So, even if you are not a craft beer connoisseur, there will be plenty to enjoy.

Ladies Fish-Off

May 30 – June 2, 2024

See details and story on page 52

Please visit ladiesfishoff.com for details.

Deerfield Beach Pier Cleanup

WHEN Saturday, June 15 | 7:30am Check-in

WHERE: International Fishing Pier, Deerfield Beach

COST: $20

DETAILS: Help the local marine environment and join the fun at the annual Deerfield Beach Underwater Pier Cleanup. Enjoy a beautiful dive while helping protect marine life from plastic and debris.

Jeff Graves for Lighthouse Point magazine

Old Town Untapped

WHERE: Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA), 41 NE First St., Pompano Beach

WHEN: Friday, April 3 | 6 – 10pm

COST: Free.

DETAILS: Head to Old Town Pompano for a fun-filled Friday night. Patrons will enjoy live music from local bands and a DJ, art gallery openings at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, craft beer, food trucks, and vendors selling unique and artistic merchandise. This event, which takes place on the first Friday of each month, is free for all ages. The fun takes place in the heart of downtown Pompano Beach, at the intersection of NE First Street and N. Flagler Avenue.

Keep Laughing Spanx The Hog Comedy Night

WHERE: Spanx the Hog 147 South Cypress Road Pompano Beach

WHEN: Mondays | 8pm

COST: Free (food and drink available for purchase)

DETAILS: Enjoy a comedy show every Monday night all while devouring some savory barbecue treats. Some of the best comedians in South Florida work on their jokes in this fun, relaxed environment! Spanx offers a full bar, daily dinner specials, and the kitchen is open late! Get there early for the best seating! The show is free but donations are encouraged.

Bru’s Room Pompano Comedy Night

WHEN: Tuesdays | 8pm

WHERE: Bru’s Room Pompano, 235 S Federal Highway, Pompano Beach

COST: Free (food and drink available for purchase)

DETAILS: Enjoy some great grub in this fun, relaxed atmosphere and watch some of the funniest folks in South Florida hone their craft! The audience can enjoy a full bar, daily dinner specials, wings, burgers and more. Arrive there early for the best seating! The show is free but donations are encouraged.

Jeff Graves for Lighthouse Point magazine

T h e m a r k e t i s S T I L L S T R O N G ! C a l l t o d a y f o r a f r e e m a r k e t a n a l y s i s o f y o u r v e s s e l

Pompano Beach Golf Course to Reopen

BY SAM ROSSER

The Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course is set to reopen its signature course, The Pines, on Tuesday, April 2. The course was initially closed to the public on April 3 of last year. While the project was initially estimated to be completed by the end of 2023, heavy rains caused delays in construction.

The $1.5 million investment from the city into The Pines course came in the form of more than 1,600 bushels of Platinum Paspalum, a newer strain of grass specifically engineered to thrive in coastal environments. Previously, the fairways were comprised of the well-known Bermuda

grass, which wasn’t fairing as well as golfers hoped.

“There has been a pretty substantial difference” in how much better the paspalum has performed in the conditions,” said Robert Farina, owner of Country Club Services, Inc., the firm that provided the city with the re-grassing services. He added that “the paspalum has thrived.”

While the word “Bermuda” elicits the image of a pristine beach with perfect white sand, paspalum turf thrives in sandy soil and high-salinity water more than Bermuda grass does. The proximity of the course to the beach and the reclaimed salt water used for irrigation combine to create ideal conditions for the paspalum.

City officials said that this should reduce the burden on maintenance due to the turf thriving in the conditions and its robustness in the face of aggressive wear and tear exhibited by golfers. Although decreased costs and increased revenue might not be relied upon to keep the course operational, “a golf course in better shape tends to get more income,” Farina said.

The Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course Jeff Graves for Lighthouse Point magazine

LEGO Art has Staying Power

The artist Nathan Sawaya responded to a questionnaire sent to him regarding his artwork featured in “The Art of the Brick.”

BY SAM ROSSER

Nathan Sawaya’s “The Art of the Brick” has been extended until the end of May at the Olympia Theater in Miami. The world-renowned exhibit features more than 150 stunning LEGO brick sculptures.

After breaking free from the work of a corporate lawyer almost two decades ago, Sawaya now exclusively follows his artistic desires. He has studios in both New York and Los Angeles, where he has access to more than 10 million bricks to turn his imagination into a plastic reality.

Like many of us, Sawaya discovered LEGO Bricks as a child. And again, like many of us, he went off into the world, found a stable career, forgot all about LEGOs, and replaced it with talk of 401ks and interest rates. Eventually, Sawaya decided to make a change.

“I really followed my dreams to make this happen,” said Sawaya. The 80-hour weeks in corporate law were “just training for running my own business.”

After long days of tiresome work in law, Nathan turned to sculpture as a creative outlet and a respite from his daily routine. Eventually, he rediscovered LEGO bricks, and they became his calling card. Sawaya went on to build a website to showcase his work, and soon enough, he began receiving sales and commissions for his unique creations. He realized he might have something special going on when his website crashed from all the traffic. He took the leap and quit his job to “play with toys.”

He now has several traveling exhibitions and crisscrosses the globe with them, traveling far and wide, capturing inspiration in a trusty sketchbook as he goes. Sawaya’s creative process involves visualizing the final sculpture before he begins building. “I want to envision the final piece in my mind before I even put down the first brick,” said Sawaya.

Once he places a brick, he glues it in place. Mistakes require a hammer and chisel to correct. “It can be heartbreaking to be working on a piece, step back and realize it is not quite right, and then have to chisel apart hours, sometimes days worth of work.”

Still, he recognizes that he is privileged, agreeing that he has a “dream job.” However, he now works longer hours than he used to when he was working at his old law firm. Despite the longer hours, he finds himself happier doing what he loves. He added, “The worst day as an artist is still better than the best day as a lawyer.”

However, he still finds time to build LEGO sets straight from the box because some things don’t change.

HAPPY SNAPS

Easter Egg Hunt

Frank McDonough Park, Lighthouse Point

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

Easter Egg Hunt

Frank McDonough Park, Lighthouse Point

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

Food Trucks and Concert in the Park

Frank

BY JEFF GRAVES

McDonough Park, Lighthouse Point

PHOTOS

Nat, Julia, Lily, Catherine and Sawyer

Kathleen and George with their dog “Guzz”

Vincent and Christine

Yuval

Krush Party Band and Becky Word

Anya, Julia and Jasmine

Food Trucks and Concert in the Park

Frank McDonough Park, Lighthouse Point

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRAVES

Maggie, Richard, Janice, Eileen

Tony

Ben and Maggie (10 mos)

Michael, Marie, Allyson, Andrew with their children, Maddison, Maddie, Annie and Weston

Tony and Stephaine

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy of Selective Listening

Navigating Relationships with Wisdom and Empathy

BY CRAIG HALEY

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a remarkable woman. She was only the second female to be appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, a two-time cancer survivor, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people.

Simply put, she is a baller!

On top of all those accolades, she was married to Martin D. Ginsburg for 56 years until his death from testicular cancer in 2010. The couple had two children, Jane and James.

On her wedding day, Ruth’s mother-in-law gave her some good advice. She told Ruth, “In every good marriage, it sometimes helps to be a little deaf.”

Ruth learned that comments are powerless if you don’t react. If you are married, you have surely had arguments, disagreements, or tense moments because of a comment your spouse made. You may have misinterpreted the comment or misunderstood it completely. Either way, that moment and the moments right afterward were tense and uncomfortable.

Ruth later was quoted as saying, “Comments are powerless if you don’t react.” This is true in any relationship, not just marriage. In fact, Ginsburg said that as a Supreme Court Judge, she had to maintain collegiality (a cooperative relationship of colleagues) with the other members of the Supreme Court. She could only do that by using some selective listening at times.

She knew she had a responsibility as a member of the highest

court to do her job at the highest level. If she were angry or frustrated with another judge because of a comment they made, she would not be able to fulfill her responsibilities.

Ginsburg said that reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.” She needed her influence to make many important decisions as a Supreme Court justice.

In the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie, he writes, “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

Sometimes taking a deep breath and walking away is the best way to handle it.

Carnegie also writes about walking a mile in the other person’s shoes. A comment often angers us because we don’t fully understand a person’s point of view. We are only thinking about our side of the situation. When we take a moment to see a situation from another person’s perspective, we better understand why they said what they did. We may disagree, but we can empathize with them.

After all, when dealing with people, remember that you are not dealing with a logical creature. You are dealing with a creature of emotion. In fact, in sales, they say that 100% of all decisions are made emotionally and justified logically.

We must remember this when we disagree with our significant other or anyone we care about.

Here is a challenge for you, and I am working on it myself. Look for comments, actions, or slights that might otherwise cause you to react in anger or defense. Instead, keep your mind calm and choose to be deaf.

There is a martial arts term called KAIZEN. Kaizen stands for constant and never-ending improvement. Relationships and communication are areas I am working on. I have made countless mistakes; however, as the old saying goes, “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement!”

No one is perfect – we all make mistakes. By letting things go, we will be happier, less stressed, and enjoy much better relationships in every regard.

Master Shihan Craig Haley is the Seventh Degree Black Belt instructor at Elite Force Martial Arts, eliteforcemartialarts.com.

If You Have Equity in Your Home, Consider Doing a Trust

BY MARTIN ZEVIN, ATTORNEY

In 2012, I wrote an article recommending against doing a revocable living trust if you were “underwater” with your mortgage. I wrote that article before the housing market in South Florida began to recover.

The last five years have seen significant increases in property values. This has resulted in many homeowners now having positive equity. In the third quarter of 2015, 322,701 homeowners in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties owed at least 1/4 more than the market value. However, according to a recent article in the Sun Sentinel, most homeowners now have equity in their home.

In the article I wrote in 2012, I advised clients to live long enough to see their properties increase in value to exceed the amount of the mortgage; at that time, they could come back to me to discuss a revocable living trust. That time is now here.

Without equity in your home, it does not make sense to pay an attorney the fee and costs involved in creating a trust, since you would be burdening your heirs with a property that has a negative equity. However, once that equity turns positive, you are doing your heirs a favor by eliminating the time and money involved in going through probate. Remember also that the trust is called a “revocable living trust.” This means that, as long as you are alive,

the trust remains with you. You can always sell your home and buy a new home as trustee of your trust. You do not need to change the trust unless you want to change the beneficiaries for the new property. You can also buy additional properties, in Florida or out of state, as trustee of your trust. Therefore, if you now have equity in your home, you should seriously consider creating a trust. Transferring your home to the trust will not change your homestead or your real estate taxes.

In addition, regardless of the equity in your home, it is extremely important to have current advance care directives to protect you if you are incapacitated. These include the Durable Power of Attorney (which must specifically include the address of your property) as well as the Designation of Health Care Surrogate and Living Will. New Florida laws could mean that your current documents need to be revised.

Martin Zevin is available to discuss any issues pertaining to wills, trusts, deeds, probate, power of attorney or health care surrogate. He is also available for free consultation regarding personal injury claims or car insurance coverage. For more information call 954-569-4878. or visit martinzevinpa.com or email martinzevin@netzero.com.

Navigating Changes to Estate Planning

Protecting Your Family’s Legacy

BY GREG EDWARDS

As the end of 2025 approaches, significant changes loom on the horizon for estate planning, particularly concerning the unified credit/estate tax exemption. For families with substantial assets, understanding these alterations is crucial in safeguarding their legacies and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth to those they cherish most with the least amount of estate tax as possible.

The Unified Credit/Estate Exemption: What You Need to Know

The unified credit, also known as the estate tax exemption, has long been a fundamental aspect of estate planning. It represents the threshold at which individuals can transfer assets to their loved ones without incurring federal estate taxes. However, as we near the close of 2025, this exemption is set to undergo a reduction, signaling a significant shift in estate planning dynamics. If no action is taken, the exemption amount will revert from the current $13.61 million per individual or $27.22 million per married couple, to its pre-Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts level of somewhere in the $6-7 million range per person or $12-14 million per married couple. Amounts over that amount passing to your heirs will be taxed at 40%.

Implications for Your Family

The impending reduction in the unified credit/estate exemption carries profound implications for families across the nation. With a decrease in the allowable amount of tax-free asset transfer, the impact on your family’s financial future cannot be overstated. Now, more than ever, strategic planning is essential to protect your family’s wealth and ensure it passes seamlessly to future generations.

We Are Your Trusted Quarterback in Estate Planning

In navigating these changes, think of us as your trusted quarterback in estate planning. Our role goes beyond simply recommending legal maneuvers; we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, offering personalized strategies tailored to your family’s unique needs and aspirations.

The information above has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but no representation is made as to its completeness, accuracy or timeliness. All information and opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Information provided in this report is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, investment, legal or tax advice; and does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or sell any security, investment or other product. Representatives offer products and services using the following business names: Lawless, Edwards & Warren (LEW)-insurance and financial services | Ameritas Investment Company,

investments | Ameritas Advisory Services (AAS) - investment advisory services. AIC and AAS are not affiliated with LEW

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Putting Your Family First

At the heart of estate planning lies the desire to provide for and protect those we love most. Whether it’s securing your children’s and grandchildren’s future, supporting aging parents, or leaving a lasting legacy, your family’s well-being is our utmost priority.

Strategic Considerations for Protecting Your Family’s Legacy

In light of the impending changes, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s legacy. Here are some key considerations:

1. FAMILY-CENTRIC PLANNING: Center your estate planning efforts around the well-being and aspirations of your family. Consider their individual needs, aspirations, and long-term goals when crafting your plan.

2. EXPLORING STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES: With the reduction in the exemption threshold, explore strategic alternatives to minimize tax implications and maximize the preservation of wealth for your family’s benefit prior to the reduction in the exemption at the end of 2025.

During this time of social distancing, I have been consulting with clients via phone, e-mail and regular mail. In the past, my free initial consultation would normally be a personal meeting.

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You may obtain free information regarding our qualifications and experience by writing or calling during regular business hours.

3. EMPOWERING YOU TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS: We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your family’s financial future. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

4. SUPPORTING YOUR LOVED ONES: Beyond financial considerations, estate planning is about providing support and security for your loved ones. From healthcare directives to guardianship arrangements, we’ll help you address all aspects of your family’s well-being.

Conclusion: Helping Your Family’s Future

As we navigate these changes together, rest assured that your family’s future is in capable hands. By prioritizing your family’s needs and leveraging our knowledge as your trusted advisor, we’ll work tirelessly to protect and preserve your family’s legacy for generations to come. Together, we’ll help so that the ones you love and care for most are provided for and protected, no matter what the future may hold. Also, this type of in-depth, holistic planning takes time to develop and implement. Do not wait as the various advisors (attorneys, accountants, valuations experts) necessary to implement this planning will get busier and busier. We encourage our friends and clients to act now and start the process. Y

Please contact Greg at 561-361-8140 x229 or gwe@lawlessedwardswarren.com or other members of our team to further discuss next steps in your estate planning process.

Why Does Marriage Change Over Time?

BY MICHELLE HAYS

Have you ever wondered why marriage changes over time?

No one expects their relationship to change after we get married, and oh boy, were we all wrong. All those fun and exciting memories we shared with our partner in the early years will always be a part of who we are as couples. But things inevitably change after years of “togetherness.”

The reason marriages change is because it’s supposed to! Yup! There is no way around it. When we get married, we automatically begin thinking differently. Then reality sets in, many of us begin taking our partners for granted, and we somehow believe that we don’t have to do anything else. We believe that marriage is the end-all, be-all and that we no longer need to pursue and romance our partners.

And so, it goes. Our marriages continue to change, and this may come as a shock, but it’s not always for the best.

Did you know that the number one reason marriages change is because there is ineffective communication? In other words, we stop talking to each other after years of routine, and then we end up feeling disconnected. Sure, we talk, but we stop being curious about each other. Why do we stop wanting to know anything and everything about our partners like we once did? There is still so much to discover! The truth is we all change. I know I have changed. Chances are that you and your partner are somewhat different than when you first met.

When was the last time you asked your spouse what their current hopes and dreams are? Showing interest in your partner can instantly reconnect the two of you. We must never assume our spouses should “know” our thoughts because we’ve been together for many years. The key is to express ourselves openly and honestly in our marriages long enough for love to expand.

Another reason marriage changes is that many of us have families. You know those little miracles we call children that seemingly

consume us? Let’s face it. Children very often become the focus of our lives. We all love being devoted parents, but that doesn’t mean we should stop being loving, devoted spouses. Being intentional and spending quality time alone with your spouse is crucial. Your marriage depends on it. Believe it or not, you will be helping your children by setting an excellent example of a good marriage.

We all know that romance fades after we get used to being together, but romance doesn’t have to die. We can rekindle a little bit of romance at any time. Pick up your partner’s favorite treat when you go to the supermarket. Did you know that they also sell flowers and cards? The supermarket also carries bubble bath and candles. Get the picture? Being romantic and thoughtful is not difficult. We all know how to be loving. Let go of the resentments and fears that are suppressing the love within you. Have the courage to love first.

All marriages change, and all marriages have challenges. Marriage is complicated and sometimes messy, but it doesn’t have to be. If we want the loving, healthy, and fulfilling marriages we all crave, we’ll need much more than romance, physical attraction, and shared interests. We all need realistic expectations, a steadfast commitment, a lot of patience, and a willingness to love unconditionally through the years. Embrace the inevitable changes of marriage, and don’t give up on each other. The best is yet to be.

Comfort Reimagined

Christine A. Guarino RDH,CMF, CFm

The Ladies of Lighthouse Point Hit the Water for a Good Cause

BY JOHN PIOTROWSKI

It is truly remarkable to witness the rise of the fishing community and the various organizations that promote this sport. Since the inclusion of lady anglers in the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman Association (LHPSSA) organization a few years ago, there has been a significant increase in fun, growth and competition. One of the charitable tournament events that the members of

LHPSSA actively participate in every year is the Ladies Fish Off. This is an exceptional event that brings together a number of organizations and contributes towards a good cause.

In 1986, ten enthusiastic lady anglers organized the Ladies Annual Fish-Off to raise funds for a local children’s charity. The first ladies-only saltwater tournament was held at the Sands, with 72 boats and 125 anglers. The tournament raised $5,000 in its inaugural year.

In the second year, the tournament grew to 127 boats and 237 anglers, and Kim Burgess caught the heaviest fish: a blue marlin. Most recently, the 34th Annual Ladies Fish-Off had 40 boats and 152 anglers participating.

The Ladies Annual Fish-Off tournament is a remarkable event that showcases the fishing community in Southeast Florida. It includes women anglers who love

The Season

April, May, and June are probably the peak of our fishing season. There are still some sailfish around, the swordfish are still biting, large dolphin usually start to show up, and tuna usually start chewing in the evening. The wahoo bite has been pretty solid all year so far, so get out there and wet a line.

Ladies Fish-Off

May 30 – June 2, 2024

KICK-OFF PARTY

& CAPTAIN’S MEETING

Thursday, May 30 | 6pm - 9pm

Galuppis in Pompano Beach

FISHING TOURNAMENT

Saturday, June 1

Lines in after 7am

Weigh-in 3pm - 6pm, Location TBD in Pompano Beach

AWARDS LUNCH

Sunday, June 2 | 11am – 1pm

Location to be announced. Please visit www.ladiesfishoff.com for details.

fishing and care about their community. The tournament is organized and executed by volunteers, and it’s amazing what a community can achieve when they come together. Over the years, the tournament has donated over $560,000 to its beneficiaries.

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all proceeds from the tournament go directly to The Flite Center and The Billfish Foundation. Additionally, the Ladies Fish-Off contributes $1,500 to the Freedom Fighters Outdoors.

For more information about the tournament or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Ladies Fish-Off via email at ladiesfishoff@ gmail.com.

Follow the LHPSSA on Instagram and Facebook for fishing updates and tips. Y

Fiesta Fusion

BY MRS. KOSSENFLOFFER

Tacos are a popular dinner choice in my home. However, when I needed to come up with a special meal for Cinco de Mayo, I wanted to try something different. I drew inspiration from a classic Italian dish veal Milanese, which is breaded veal cutlet topped with a tomato and arugula salad. I decided to give it a Mexican twist and created a version of my own. Using pork tenderloin, I infused it with classic Mexican flavors. It turned out to be a delightful departure from the norm (although I have nothing against tacos!)

Pork Milanese with Tomato-Mango Salsa

Ingredients

For the Pork

1 pork tenderloin

2 cups bread crumbs or panko

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Kosher alt and freshly ground black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tomato-Mango Salsa

2 tomatoes, diced

1 mango, diced

1 white onion, diced

1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped

Fresh corn kernals from 1 ear of corn

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 -2 garlic cloves, grated

1 teaspoon honey

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

CREATIVELY COOKING

Preparation

Slice the pork tenderloin into about 1/2-inch slices. Place each slice between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet. If you don’t have a mallet, you can use a rolling pin or a heavy pot. Pound each piece of pork until it is 1/8 of an inch thick.

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes or plates. You’ll use one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. Line them up in this order: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs. This creates an assembly line for easy breading. Add the garlic powder, onion powder and oregano to the dish with the breadcrumbs and stir to combine.

Season the pork cutlets generously with salt and pepper.

Take a cutlet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured cutlet into the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s completely coated with egg wash. Finally, place the egg-coated cutlet into the breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the surface evenly. Flip the cutlet and repeat on the other side, ensuring it’s fully covered with breadcrumbs. Repeat for remaining cutlets. Let the breaded cutlets rest on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the fridge while you make the tomato mixture. Letting the cutlets rest helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.

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To make the tomato-mango salsa, add the tomatoes, mango, white onions, cilantro and jalapeño to a large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey and salt and pepper to taste. Add to the tomato mixture and toss to combine. Taste to see if it needs more salt and pepper. Set aside. You might have extra tomato salad, but it is great with tortilla chips the next day. Cover the bottom of a skillet with about 1/8-inch oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded cutlets to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side for thin cutlets. You will probably have to fry in batches or use two pans.

Transfer the cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Place the cutlets on a serving platter or individual plates and top each cutlet with a bit of the tomato salad. Y

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What’s in Wine?

More Than Most of Us Know But May Soon Find Out

BY DAVID EHRENFRIED

Have you ever wondered what’s in a glass of wine besides fermented grape juice? Perhaps you appreciate transparency regarding the things we eat and drink. If so, you may be interested to learn that some new and important developments may soon lead to Americans getting more information about what’s in the wines we buy.

This past December, new wine labeling laws were enacted in the European Union (EU). The new laws apply to all wines made, released, or sold in EU countries. The first wines subject to these will

be those made from the 2024 vintage. The new requirements affect not only EU countries such as Italy, Spain, and France, the world’s three largest wine producers. They also apply to wines imported to the EU from other countries, like the United States, Argentina, and Australia, whose wines have found markets in Europe. Because many wines, especially reds, aren’t released until one, two, or more years after their vintage, consumers in EU countries won’t start to see many new ingredient and nutrient lists on wines until 2025 and later.

Changing labeling to provide more information about what’s

in a bottle of wine is a significant change for the wine industry and consumers. Today, winemakers and distributors are required to put little more on a wine label than net fluid contents, alcohol content, the presence of sulfites, and the region from which the wine’s grapes originated. The new EU wine labeling laws will require adding information about calories per serving (standardly 5 ounces or 150 milliliters), other nutritional content, and possible allergens. Various additives will also be listed, such as those used to modify taste, aromatic, texture, and visual characteristics, like acidity, tannins, and color. Additionally, labels must include more precise information regarding substances added to enrich or stabilize wine or to help preserve or make it less prone to oxidation. That’s a lot of new information to put on a wine bottle’s back label. The print there is already pretty small. So, the EU will give winemakers the option of putting QR codes on bottles. Those will enable consumers to immediately scan and read this information on their smartphones or with scanners that some retailers might provide.

As the EU finalizes regulations to implement these new laws, the wine industry, regulators, and lawmakers in the United States are also closely studying this topic. Many industry experts expect that the United States and other countries will adopt similar ingredient and nutrient labeling requirements shortly. Ingredient labeling has been required for nearly all packaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages sold in the U.S. for 30 years. It’s not surprising that the agency that regulates the wine industry in the U.S., the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), started holding public sessions early this year to discuss this very topic and get public and industry feedback.

What’s In Wine?

In preparing this column, it surprised me to learn how poorly informed many consumers are regarding what’s in the wine they’re drinking. Consumer surveys done over the past several years by the Wine Market Council found, for example, that most consumers overestimate the sugar content in wine while understating the caloric impact of its alcohol. The reality is that most table wines contain little or no sugar since all or nearly all the sugar in

the original grapes was converted to alcohol by yeast during the wine’s fermentation process. Most survey respondents also overstated the average number of calories in a standard five-ounce wine serving, believing alcohol was not a significant source of calories. (When we drink any alcoholic beverage, our bodies turn the beverage’s alcohol into sugar, an inevitable source of calories.)

Consequently, many people think the average glass of dry table wine is more fattening than it is. Respondents said such a fiveounce glass of wine averages about 200 calories. The average is around 120 calories. Remember, though, that the precise caloric count for any wine can vary significantly based on its type and alcohol content. Riesling, for instance, often has a bit of residual sugar but low alcohol content (sometimes as low as 7% or 8% alcohol by volume). Cabernet sauvignon, by contrast, has virtually no sugar but much higher alcohol content (sometimes as high as 15.5%). More detailed labeling should help consumers who want more information about its sugar and caloric content.

Providing more ingredient and nutritional information for wine is not to scare us any more than such information might on a yogurt container or package of hot dogs. Wine is overwhelmingly considered safe to drink in moderation. Indeed, many wines are made purely from grapes, natural yeasts and other natural ingredients, such as the substances imparted to wine by oak barrels. And more and more wines are being made with grapes grown organically, biodynamically, or sustainably. Even then, winemakers add substances to fine-tune or adjust wines. Tartaric acid, for example, is a naturally occurring substance in grapes that is especially critical to white wines’ brightness and tart flavors. When it falls short, winemakers may add a bit of powdered tartaric acid.

However, many wines, especially mass-produced wines, contain ingredients that winemakers add to manipulate their wines’ color, taste, smell, texture, shelf life, and other characteristics significantly. In fact, more than 70 different substances are permitted by federal and state regulators to be added safely to wine. Even though many of the wines made with additives are safe and delicious, it would be nice to know more about which ones are used.

Why Knowing Ingredients Matters

If you’ve shopped for wine, you’ve noticed that certain inexpensive wines are available nearly everywhere wine is sold. And if you

go to a different town or state, you’ll likely see those same wines on store shelves there, too. Some people call these “supermarket wines,” probably because that’s where most consumers purchase them. Many have famous brand names like Barefoot, Cup Cake, Josh Cellars, Woodbridge, and Sutter Home, among many others. The supply must be extensive to be sold year-round in numerous retail locations, as well as bars and restaurants. Indeed, annual production for mass-produced wines often counts in the millions of bottles for each kind of wine, such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and other popular grape varietals or their blends. That requires vastly more low-cost grapes than even the largest vineyards can provide. Mass-production winemakers, therefore, source grapes or grape concentrates from many places that usually have different soils, weather conditions, and other growing conditions. Simply blending all these grapes won’t usually produce consistent tasting wine from bottling to bottling, year-to-year, or winery to winery if the wine is made in multiple locations.

Making millions of bottles of low-cost, good-tasting wines that have consistent flavors, smells, texture, and alcohol content requires winemakers to rely on a combination of highly efficient industrial techniques, a variety of additives, and winemaking science. If a particular batch of grapes lacks enough sugar to make the amount of alcohol desired, sugar and yeast can be added. If the resulting wine is not tannic enough, powdered tannins can be added. Gum Arabic can reduce astringency and make it velvety if it’s too tannic and harsh. If exposure to oak is needed to add toasty vanilla and other flavors, contact with oak chips or grinds can substitute for costly barrel aging. Adding pectic enzymes and complex proteins to a problematic wine can speed up aging, perk up aromas, improve clarity and even alter colors. These wines, consequently, are less likely to reflect the unique character and qualities of the grapes and the vineyards they came from. Less critical, as well, is the individual winemakers’ ability to naturally coax the best out of a given lot of grapes, one of the things that makes many smaller production wines so exciting from place to place and vintage to vintage. Instead, mass-production wines are more likely to have predetermined tastes and other characteristics that may have been designed in a laboratory to match specific consumer preferences. Like popular beers, sodas, apple juice, and hard liquor, each mass-production wine brand or label is usually made to taste reliably and predictably the same, regardless of when or where it’s purchased.

I’m not disparaging mass-production wines. They’re obviously popular. Countless consumers like how these wines taste and consider them fair values. Usually retailing in the $5-20 range, they’re in the sweet spot for most wine sales, and many also are cleverly marketed. So, there is no doubt that these wines are essential for helping to make wine broadly accessible to more and more consumers. They take some of the chance and mystery out of picking wine and make buying wine quicker, easier, cheaper, and more convenient for consumers. The success and many of the methods of mass-production winemakers are influencing smaller production winemakers. And that makes it even more important to see and better understand what’s in a glass of wine. Perhaps then, we consumers can truly make more informed decisions about the wines we choose to drink and enjoy. Y

SHINING THROUGH DARKNESS

A Journey of Hope and Healing

Iwas first diagnosed with major depression at the age of 31. I was married, had two beautiful kids ages 7 and 3, and owned a thriving business. Yet, despite having so much to live for, my mood plummeted into despair. I lost all motivation to do anything. Simple, everyday tasks suddenly required an extraordinary effort. At night, I’d lie awake ruminating over every minor thing I had ever said or done wrong — or less than perfect. My life felt utterly worthless, despite all evidence to the contrary, and I became engulfed in sorrow and hopelessness.

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

As days turned into weeks, I continued to spiral downward. I became increasingly focused on death. I wasn’t suicidal, per se – though thoughts of the least painful methods of ending my suffering swirled around in my mind. I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and never wake up again.

Unable to endure the pain and emptiness any longer, and terrified by my thoughts, I finally sought help. My doctor prescribed an antidepressant, and within a few weeks, the darkness lifted. I was once again, my usual happy, energetic self.

But this was only the beginning of a lifelong battle with depression. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve had far too many bouts of depression to even count. Some are mild and short-lived, having minimal impact on my functioning, despite the bleak outlook that looms over me. Other episodes are major and impact all areas of my life.

People with one depressive disorder often suffer from various forms. I’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and either cyclothymia or bipolar II (hypomania, rather than mania), with the depression component being the more severe problem for me.

WOMEN ARE PARTICULARLY AT RISK FOR DEPRESSION

Depression does affect both women and men. But, women are twice as likely to experience major depression, according to Harvard Medical School. Women also experience higher rates of dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and the depressive side of bipolar disorder.

Depression, unlike the normal sadness everyone experiences from time to time, is a soul-sucking darkness that’s debilitating. It causes feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. Depression can affect every aspect of life, from work and school to parenting, friendships and the very basics of living.

For most women who’ve been diagnosed with depression in the past, the feeling is unmistakable when it begins to set in. But those who suffer from milder forms of depression, and sometimes, even those suffering from a first major depressive episode, don’t immediately connect all the dots. So, some people can experience depression and not realize they’re suffering from a treatable illness.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Not everyone experiences every symptom, but several symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis of depression. The exact criteria for specific types of depression vary slightly. But the following are all indicators.

• Feeling depressed (sad, empty, or hopeless) nearly every day for at least a couple of weeks

• Unusual irritability or difficulty controlling anger

• Ongoing trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual

• An increase or decrease in appetite or significant unexplained weight loss or gain

• Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most activities

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of fatigue or loss of energy

• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Visible psychomotor slowing down or agitation

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, with or without a plan, or attempted suicide

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

There are quite a few classifications, or types, of depression. The following are a few of the more common.

In any given year, major depressive disorder affects nearly 7% of the U.S. population, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). During a major depressive episode, almost all aspects of a person’s life are affected. Someone suffering from major depression may lack the motivation to do

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, DESIGNATED TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. HERE ARE SOME LOCAL AGENCIES THAT ARE THERE TO HELP.

Center for Individual & Family Counseling

With a mission to help people live their lives to the fullest potential, CIFC provides a range of psychological services to families, adolescents and adults. 1401 SW First St., Miami. 305-400-8998 cif-counseling.com

Healing Arts Institute of South Florida

The Institute’s Awesome Kids Program assists youth between the ages of 3-22 with social, emotional, behavioral and anger management issues. healingartssfl.org

Henderson Behavioral Health

Case management for children who are experiencing mental health problems. hendersonbh.org

Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida

Prevention programs, community education, advocacy and opportunities for empowerment of persons with mental illness. Programs include services, support, mentoring, art and music therapy and more. 7145 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill. 954-746-2055 www.mhasefl.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness Support, advocacy and education for people with mental illnesses, their families and friends. nami.org

NSU Pediatric Mental Health Care Services

A full range of psychological services and programs to assist families with emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral difficulties. Nova Southeastern University, Maxwell Maltz Building, 3151 College Ave., Davie. nsuhealth.nova.edu/services/mentalhealth/pediatric-mental-health.html

SEDNET (Severe Emotional Disorders)

Multi-agency effort dedicated to improving services to children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. sednetfl.info

anything, including such necessities as taking a shower. Because of the impairment, both work and personal life suffer. In addition to the symptoms noted above, 20% of those with major depression will also experience psychosis (hallucinations or delusions).

Dysthymia is diagnosed when someone experiences depression for most of each day and on most days for at least two years. It’s often a lower level yet enduring depression, but those with major depression who are treatment-resistant can also meet the diagnosis of dysthymia. So, impairment from dysthymia can range from mild to severe. Women, according to HealthFundingResearch.org, are three times more likely than men to suffer from dysthymia.

Those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) become depressed only or primarily during a particular season. For most with SAD, it’s during the fall and winter months resulting from the shorter days and reduced sunshine. But some people experience SAD during the summer months instead. The onset of SAD is typically around the age of 20 and affects 10 million Americans each year.

for women. During pregnancy and for several months following pregnancy, women are especially vulnerable. Menstruation cycles and menopause can also trigger depression.

Bipolar disorder affects 2.6% of American adults, according to the NIMH. This treatable, but lifelong disease typically develops in women in their mid to upper 20s. For men, the onset is usually in the teens to the early 20s. Bipolar is signified by its bouts of both mania (or hypomania) and its opposite extreme, depression. Though an individual with bipolar will experience both sides of the spectrum, in women, depression is often the most problematic. For men, it’s the mania. Those with bipolar often experience psychosis during bouts of mania and sometimes with depression.

Postpartum depression will affect 10 to 15% of women, according to the NIMH. Postpartum depression shouldn’t be confused with the “baby blues,” which is milder, short-lived, and related to the worry and fatigue of parenting a new baby. Instead, postpartum depression results from hormonal changes. During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels increase. Then immediately following childbirth, hormone levels rapidly drop to normal levels. This ultimately results in depression in some women. Like other forms of depression, it can be mildly to severely debilitating.

CAUSES

The exact cause of depression is unknown, however, several factors likely contribute to the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, those with depression have physical changes in their brains. These changes in the brain may eventually help researchers determine the exact cause of depression.

Depression is also genetic. A higher incidence of depression has been found in those with blood relatives who suffer from the condition.

Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters play a role in depression. The Mayo Clinic explains that the way neurotransmitters function and their effect on the neurocircuits involved in mood stability plays a significant role both in depression and its treatment.

Hormonal changes can also play a role in depression, particularly

TREATMENT

In some cases, depression results from an underlying medical condition such as thyroid problems or low vitamin B levels. For this reason, it’s essential to visit your primary care physician for blood work to rule out other causes. If the cause of depression is an underlying medical condition, treatment for that condition is likely all that’s needed to cure the depression.

If medical causes have been ruled out, then it’s best to consult with a psychiatrist. Although primary care physicians can treat depression, psychiatrists have specialized training in diagnosing the various forms of depression and experience in treating them. Psychiatrists often know which medications will work best for a particular patient based on a variety of factors. In fact, depending on the type of depression and the specific set of symptoms, some people with depression require a combination of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers. Psychiatrists know how to tailor treatment to each individual for optimal results.

For those who are treatment-resistant, look for a psychiatrist with the special ‘psychopharmacologist’ designation. Psychopharmacologists have gone through additional specialized training in how drugs affect the mind and behavior.

In addition to medication, many psychiatrists recommend cognitive therapy with a psychologist or behavioral therapist in conjunction. This can help people cope with the effects of depression as well as deal with any underlying trauma or events fueling the depression.

Finally, for those with SAD, sitting under a light therapy box is often recommended and can be helpful. You can order one online, and depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you can sit under it for 20 to 40 minutes each day.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer.

With summer approaching, folks of all ages are on the lookout for ways to make the most of the season and avoid those inevitable cries of, “I’m bored.” But fear not! We’ve got you covered. Here’s a lineup of fantastic adventures right in your backyard. Whether you’re hanging out with real-life sea turtles or taking leisurely strolls through lush botanical gardens, there’s no shortage of excitement to be found. Dive into heart-pounding escapades in the Everglades or immerse yourself in captivating explorations at science and art museums; there’s something for everyone’s interests. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to create unforgettable memories!

LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation with more than 145,000 acres of land where visitors can unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Loxahatchee, fws.govloxahatchee

EVERGLADES

HOLIDAY PARK

An airboat ride through the Everglades — it’s like a wild rollercoaster designed by Mother Nature herself! You’re zooming through those marshy waters holding on for dear life and praying you don’t get launched into the swamp. And the noise — you can’t hear yourself think (in a good way), let alone carry on a conversation, but who needs words when you’re flying through one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth? It’s worth every heart-pounding moment. The Everglades are like nothing you’ve ever seen — so vast, so mysterious, so utterly magnificent. 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, evergladesholidaypark.com

LOGGERHEAD MARINELIFE CENTER

Ever wanted to meet some real-life sea turtles? Well, these guys are the real deal. The folks at Loggerhead all about saving sea turtles, which is pretty heroic. Plus, you might even get to see some turtle power in action. Juno Beach, marinelife.org

FLAMINGO GARDENS

Picture this — it’s 1927, South Florida’s just doing its thing, and along comes Flamingo Gardens, strutting onto the scene like it’s the bee’s knees. Now, what’s Flamingo Gardens all about? They’re all about depicting, preserving, and educating folks about the natural and cultural heritage of the area. It’s like a crash course in South Florida and Everglades 101, but way cooler. Stroll through those gardens, and it’s like stepping into a whole other world with greenery, vibrant flowers, and, maybe even a flamingo or two strutting their stuff. And let’s not forget the wildlife sanctuary part – it’s like a mini safari with all sorts of critters roaming around, doing their thing, while you just stand there in awe, trying to remember if you fed the cat this morning. Davie, flamingogardens.org

A LITTLE HISTORY

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN

If you’re looking for a an oasis amidst the chaos, Fairchild is like stepping into a tropical dreamscape. With a vast amount of winding pathways, it’s like they wanted you to get lost among the foliage, forever wandering in a maze of palm fronds and orchids.

It’s a wildly impressive place, with gorgeous orchids, towering palms that make you feel like you’re in some sort of Jurassic Park sequel, and let’s not forget about the butterfly conservatory. There’s a friendly charm to Fairchild Botanic Gardens. It’s like a microcosm of Miami itself – vibrant, slightly unpredictable, and always ready to surprise you when you least expect it. Just make sure to bring a bottle of water and some bug spray. Coral Gables, fairchildgarden.org

MOUNTS

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Mounts Botanical Garden is tucked away behind the airport like it’s playing hide and seek. Who knew there was a 20-acre tropical wonderland just chilling back there. They’ve got 25 display gardens jam-packed with over 7,000 species of plants. They’ve got everything from Florida natives to exotic fruit trees, herbs, roses, cacti, succulents—you name it, they’ve probably got it growing back there. West Palm Beach, mounts.org

BUTTERFLY WORLD

Butterfly World, it’s like stepping into a parallel universe where butterflies rule the roost. There’s literally butterflies everywhere — delicate creatures flitting around, living their best lives, totally unfazed by the chaos of the outside world. And they’ve got attitude — they know they’re the stars of the show, and they’re not afraid to flaunt it. Coconut Creek, butterflyworld.com

VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS

This place is straightup majestic, with gardens that scream European elegance and a museum that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fancypants palace. It’s like Versailles except it’s in South Florida.

Miami, vizcaya.org

BONNET HOUSE

MUSEUM & GARDENS

Picture this: you’re strolling through this swanky historic estate, surrounded by art that’s fancier than your grandma’s best china, and the gardens? They’re so lush, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale. Fort Lauderdale, bonnethouse.org

DEERING ESTATE

HISTORIC STRANAHAN HOUSE MUSEUM

One could say the Historic Stranahan House Museum is the OG of Broward County. This place is like a time capsule, offering guided tours that’ll make you feel like you’re walking through history. It’s like stepping back in time, but knowing air conditioning is never too far away.

Fort Lauderdale, stranahanhouse.org

Imagine exploring this historic gem with its scenic grounds and bayfront views – it’s like living in a postcard. Plus, it’s in Palmetto Bay, so you know it’s got that extra touch of tropical paradise. So, if you’re looking for a taste of South Florida history mixed with some seriously stunning scenery, the Deering Estate should be on your summer bucket list. Miami, deeringestate.org

MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS

Stroll through lush gardens adorned with vibrant flowers, trickling streams, and tranquil ponds, all meticulously designed to evoke the peaceful landscapes of Japan. At the Morikami, every step is a journey into the heart of Japanese tradition and beauty. Inside the museum, you’ll discover a treasure trove of Japanese art, history, and culture waiting to be explored. From exquisite ceramics and textiles to captivating exhibitions that delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese life. And for those looking to dive deeper into Japanese culture, the Morikami offers a variety of workshops, classes, and cultural events throughout the year. Delray Beach, Morikami.org

NORTON MUSEUM OF ART

You stroll into this place, and it’s like stepping into a treasure trove of creativity with an impressive collection that spans many styles and contemporary pieces that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about art.. The Norton is a crash course in culture, served up with a side of sophistication and a sprinkle of Palm Beach flair. West Palm Beach, norton.org

SUMMER BRAIN BOOST

FLAGLER MUSEUM

If you’ve got a hankering for a taste of the Gilded Age, then the Flagler Museum is your ticket to paradise. We’re talking about Henry Morrison Flagler’s swanky mansion here – the man practically defined opulence back in the day. It’s palatial wonderland. You’re hit with a blast from the past, a time when excess was the name of the game and luxury was the only currency worth trading in. Palm Beach, flaglermuseum.us

PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI (PAMM)

Alright, picture this: you’re strolling along the waterfront in Miami, minding your own business, when suddenly you come across the Perez Art Museum. The Perez Art Museum is like a modern art playground, with funky architecture and bold, contemporary pieces. Plus, there is the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay, like nature’s masterpiece. It’s like a visual feast for the senses, with the Miami skyline adding its own little touch of flair. Miami, pamm.org

NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE

With it’s modern and hip vibe, the museum feels like a giant art gallery, but with way more variety. They’ve got everything from classic stuff to the abstract that make you scratch your head and think, “What’s the deal with that?” Fort Lauderdale, nsuartmuseum.org

As the summer sun beckons, parents seek engaging activities to prevent their kids’ brains from going into hibernation. Look no further than these vibrant local Children’s Museums! Packed with interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and endless fun, these museums are the perfect remedy for summer brain drain. From exploring science wonders to unleashing creativity in art studios, there’s something to ignite every young mind’s curiosity.

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Miami, frostscience.org

Miami Children’s Museum miamichildrensmuseum.org

Museum of Discovery and Science mods.com

JUPITER INLET LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime history. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views or explore the museum below, learning about the area’s seafaring past. Jupiter, jupiterlighthouse.org

HILLSBORO INLET LIGHTHOUSE

Sign up online to take a tour of the Hillsboro Lighthouse which includes a boat ride to and from the grounds, a tour and the opportunity to climb to the top. Hillsboro Beach, hillsborolighthouse.org

BOCA CHITA LIGHTHOUSE

Accessible only by boat in Biscayne Bay, the Boca Chita Lighthouse beckons adventurers to its remote shores. Islandia, nps.gov/bisc/planyourvisit/ bocachita.htm

CAPE FLORIDA LIGHTHOUSE

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium coxsciencecenter.org

Young at Art Museum youngatartmuseum.org

This lighthouse is temporarily closed for renovations. It’s not easy — being a lighthouse. Check the website for more information. Key Biscayne, floridastateparks.org

RETAIL

CITYPLACE

A vibrant shopping and entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and live entertainment. West Palm Beach, westpalmbeach.com/cityplace

LAS OLAS BOULEVARD

A charming boulevard dotted with boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, offering a diverse shopping experience. Fort Lauderdale, lasolasboulevard.com

LINCOLN ROAD

An iconic pedestrian mall lined with shops, cafes, and galleries, perfect for people-watching and browsing. Miami, lincolnroad.com

MIZNER PARK

A stylish outdoor shopping center with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Boca Raton, miznerpark.com

WORTH AVENUE

Worth Avenue, nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. This illustrious strip beckons with its exclusive boutiques, chic restaurants, and renowned art galleries. From iconic fashion labels to exquisite jewelry designers, Worth Avenue offers an unparalleled shopping experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life. But Worth Avenue is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a lifestyle. It’s where the elite gather to see and be seen, where culture meets couture, and where every moment is infused with elegance and sophistication. Palm Beach

SAWGRASS MILLS

If your’e looking to get your steps in while avoiding the soup-like summer air, Sawgrass Mills is your best bet. Beat the heat by exploring one of the largest outlet malls in the United States. With over 350 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, you can spend hours indoors without breaking a sweat. Sunrise, simon.com/mall/ sawgrass-mills

DELRAY BEACH’S PINEAPPLE GROVE ARTS DISTRICT

Get lost in a kaleidoscope of creativity in this vibrant neighborhood, brimming with art galleries, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes. Delray Beach, visitdelraybeach.org

WYNWOOD WALLS

Let the colors pop and the creativity flow as you explore this open-air gallery, showcasing larger-than-life murals by world-renowned street artists.

Plus, there are plenty of places to grab a bite Miami, thewynwoodwalls.com

TALK TO THE ANIMALS

PALM BEACH ZOO & CONSERVATION SOCIETY

The Palm Beach Zoo is like a melting pot of over 550 animals from all over the globe. They’re big on two things: wildlife conservation and education. You stroll in, and bam, you’re face to face with jaguars, tigers, koalas — real showstoppers. And they’ve got interactive stuff, like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours, where you can get up close and personal with the critters. Plus, they’re big on teaching you about the environment and all that jazz. The Zoo also hosts special events; they’ve always got something cooking. It’s like a wildlife party down there. West Palm Beach, palmbeachzoo.org

MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT

The Miami Design District is renowned for its luxury boutiques, galleries, and design showrooms. It attracts visitors with its dynamic fusion of culture and commerce. Miami, miamidesigndistrict.com

LION COUNTRY SAFARI

Buckle up for a wild ride through Lion Country Safari! Picture this: you’re cruising through the heart of Florida’s savannah, but hold on tight because there’s no boring tour guide here — it’s just you, your car, and a whole bunch of safari animals! Lions? Check. Giraffes? Check. Rhinos? Double-check! Imagine looking out your car window and being greeted by a towering giraffe looking for a snack — talk about a close encounter! And don’t be surprised if a curious ostrich decides to give your car a once-over. It’s like a real-life safari adventure, except you’re not in Africa, you’re in sunny Florida!

Loxahatchee, lioncountrysafari.com/

ZOO MIAMI

Zoo Miami has over 2,500 animals from all corners of the globe. You name it, they’ve got it: lions, elephants, gorillas, and even komodo dragons. And let’s talk about the setting — lush, tropical vibes everywhere you look. And they’re all about conservation and education too. Plus, they’re not shy about hands-on experiences. Book one of their animal encounters or a tram tours. Also check out their special events from themed nights to seasonal festivals, they know how to keep the party going. Miami, zoomiami.org

LOCAL FLAVOR

IN THE NORTH BROWARD BEACHES WITH MRS. KOSSENFLOFFER

Email us with any additions, closings, or corrections at editor@ pointpubs.com. We try to be accurate, but it’s always a good idea to call first before heading out on your dining adventure.

KEY

$ Inexpensive (under $25)

$$ Moderate ($26-$50)

$$$ Expensive ($51-$75)

$$$$ Pricey (over $75)

Lighthouse Point

Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grill AMERICAN Bar food and a wide array of televised sports games with a game room for kids. 2002 E. Sample Road, 954-960-2477 $

Cap’s Place SEAFOOD Lighthouse Point’s own hidden seafood joint dating back to prohibition. Take the short boat ride over to the restaurant. 2765 NE 28th Court, 954-941-0418 $$$

Fetta Republic GREEK Traditional Greek offerings close to home. 2420 N. Federal Highway, 954-933-2394 $-$$

Fish Shack SEAFOOD This restaurant used to be a “best-kept secret.” But now that they have moved into the Shoppes at Beacon Light, the word is out. The Fish Shack keeps it simple, serving fresh fish prepared in several ways. There is more to the menu, but it is called The Fish Shack. 2460 N. Federal Highway, 954-586-4105 $$

Le Bistro CONTINENTAL Classically-trained chef Andy Trousdale serves up classics and inventive new dishes at this little neighborhood gem. Fresh and local produce is always used, and vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free menu items are available. A note to the wise; the porcini mushroom soup is worth every calorie. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and wine tasting dinners. More than worthy of a special occasion. Reservations are recommended. 4626 N. Federal Highway, 954-9469240 $$$

Lighthouse Thai Sushi THAI

• SUSHI This casual spot in the Shoppes of Beacon Light hits the spot when you seek a casual sushi or Thai dinner. The rolls are fresh, fun and tasty and the various Thai curries will leave you craving more. 2476 N Federal Highway, 954-532-6342 $$

The Nauti Dawg Marina Café AMERICAN Nestled at the Lighthouse Point Marina, the Nauti Dawg is a local favorite. Start with the tuna wontons—crispy fried wonton wrappers topped with tuna tartare, seaweed salad, red pepper mayo, wasabi and a hit of sriracha. You can’t go wrong with the fresh fish sandwich—ask what the catch of the day is. They are a dog-friendly restaurant. 2830 NE 29th Ave. (at the Lighthouse Point Marina), 954-941-0246 $$

Papa’s Raw Bar SUSHI • SEAFOOD While the fresh food is the real star, the Keys-inspired decor accounts for part of their charm. The menu goes beyond typical raw bar offerings with inventive tacos and sliders. Papa’s also offers an impressive array of sushi and sashimi. And to wash it all down, they have about a zillion craft beer options and a good wine list too. 4610 N. Federal Highway, 754-307-5034 $$-$$$

Rocca Trattoria ITALIAN This classic and cozy Italian trattoria exudes warmth and charm. The menu showcases authentic Italian cuisine, with a focus on traditional recipes. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, from pasta dishes bursting with flavor to pizzas topped with fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether you’re savoring a leisurely meal with friends or simply stopping by for a quick pizza, this charming Italian restaurant offers a taste of la dolce vita in every bite. 2014 E Sample Road, 954-876-1733 $$

Deerfield Beach

Baja Cafe MEXICAN Locals flock to this long-established favorite for a Mexican dinner or just drinks. They are known for their margaritas and entrées, including their bandito honey bean burritos and many taco options. You’ll also enjoy their endless fresh chips served with two types of salsa. 1310 S. Federal Highway, 954596-1304 $$

Barracuda Seafood Bar & Grill SEAFOOD • BRAZILIAN This spot by the sea serves seafood with a touch of Brazilian flare, such as the bobo de camarao — shrimp sautéed in coconut milk, saffron, palm oil and yucca cream baked in a cast-iron skillet. 123 NE 29th Ave., 954531-1290 $$

Casa Maya MEXICAN Start with a margarita, and it only gets better from there. This is not your typical Mexican joint — it’s better. Try gobernador tacos: a combination of shrimp with diced poblanos, onions, tomatoes and cilantro on a crispy corn tortilla topped with melted cheese. 301 SE 15th Terrace, 954-570-6101 $$

Chanson at the Royal Blues Hotel SEAFOOD • SEASONAL Chanson offers fine dining with an ocean view. 45 NE 21st Ave., 954-8572929. $$$$

Deer Creek Grille AMERICAN Enjoy the club atmosphere with gorgeous views of the lush gardens and waterfall. The restaurant offers daily lunch and dinner specials, a Sunday breakfast buffet and covered patio dining so you can dine al fresco. 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd., 954-421-5553 $$

JB’s on the Beach SEAFOOD The restaurant boasts glorious beach views and a private glass room perfect for business or family affairs. 300 N. Ocean Way, 954-571-5220 $$$

Le Val de Loire Restaurant FRENCH • STEAKHOUSE The menu at this cozy French bistro includes many classics. So next time you crave sole meunière, filet mignon au poivre or beef bourguignon, you don’t have to go further than the Cove. The steakhouse menu includes a New York strip and a rib eye, among other cuts. Le Val de Loire is a French restaurant, so they offer three sauces with the steaks — including a mushroom cream sauce. Classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach are also available. 1576 SE Third Court, 954-427-5354 $$$

Little Havana CUBAN Little Havana has fantastic lunch specials, and most of their dinner plates will feed two. Their masas de puerco frita and their Little Havana steak are two of the standout menu items, aside from their zesty chimichurri. 721 N. Federal Highway, 954-427-6000 $$

Luigi di Roma ITALIAN The atmosphere is always lively at Luigi di Roma — mainly if you arrive during happy hour! Naturally, you will find all your favorite Italian dishes on the menu, with everything from eggplant Parmesan to shrimp scampi and everything in between. You can also order take-out online. 718 S. Federal Highway, 954-531-6151 $$-$$$

Bo n App et it !

Ocean’s 234 SEAFOOD Amazing views of Deerfield Beach and the pier with gluten-free options are available. 234 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-4282539 $$$

Patio Bar & Grill CONTINENTAL Enjoy cocktails just feet from the sandy beaches of Deerfield. This relaxed spot at the Wyndham serves casual fare. You can stick to the classics like wings or a shrimp cocktail. Or be more adventurous and enjoy an order of volcano spring rolls stuffed with crab and served with sriracha mayo and wakame slaw. They also serve burgers and plenty of fresh salads and savory entrees. There is often live music contributing to the energetic vibe. 2096 NE Second St., (at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort) 954-596-8618 $$

Patrizio of NYC ITALIAN At Patrizio, you will find all the classic Italian dishes we all love. The vibe is lively and the food is tasty. What more do you need? 1544 SE Third Court, 954-751-9797 $$

Tijuana Taxi Co MEXICAN Perhaps it’s the all-day happy hour (Mon.-Fri., 11am-7pm) with $6 El Jimador margaritas, but as soon as you enter, the day’s weight lifts off your shoulders. There is outdoor patio seating available and a large U-shaped bar inside. The portions are generous — certainly enough for a doggie bag. And for the little ones there is kids night on Sunday: kids eat for $1.99 from the $6.99 kids menu. 1015 S. Federal Highway, 954-708-2775 $$

Whales’ Rib SEAFOOD Locals know it well, and tourists know it from “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” Whatever you do, don’t skip the whale fries. 2031 NE Second St., 954-421-8880 $$

Pompano Beach

And Fish Kitchen + Bar SEAFOOD Located at the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, diners will enjoy a modern take on fresh seafood. The restaurant sports a contemporary and breezy ambiance. 1200 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-782-0100 $$

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza ITALIAN • PIZZA • WINGS You can credit this place with bringing the whole “coal-fired pizza craze” to South Florida. Pizza and chicken wings — do you need any more? Try the cauliflower pizza — good and good for you. 1203 S. Federal Highway, 954942-5550 $$

Aromas Del Peru PERUVIAN With several South Florida locations, the folks at Aromas Del Peru are bring Peruvian favorites to Pompano Beach.1 N Ocean Bvd., 954-354-2323 $$$

The Beach Grille AMERICAN Delicious eats near the beach with the capability to order online. 3414 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-6000 $

Beach House AMERICAN • CRAFT COCKTAILS This is the perfect place to take out-of-town guests. Snag one of the stadium seating style booths overlooking the Atlantic. Enjoy the casual and relaxed ambiance with a rooftop deck on the second floor. 270 N Pompano Beach Blvd. 954607-6530 $$

Briny Irish Pub IRISH • BAR FOOD At the end of East Atlantic Boulevard stands Briny Irish Pub. There is a large beer selection plus the regular and, dare we say unique mixed drinks. The kitchen offers an array of bar food and some classics like bangers and mash and fish-n-chips. The ca-

Lunch: Mon – Fri 11:00am - 2:30pm

Dinner: Mon – Sun 4:00pm - 9:30pm

sual atmosphere is created by an immense array of nautical artifacts and oddities that fill every inch of the pub. Music plays constantly, often live with a dance floor if one is inclined. 3440 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-3159 $

Calypso Restaurant and Raw Bar CARIBBEAN Since they opened their doors in 1990, Calypso has been a local favorite. This gem of a restaurant is known for its fresh, wild caught fish, Bahamian conch dishes, Jamaican jerk and American favorites all served with an island flair. Try the house special cutter (sandwich) — sautéed shrimp with garlic butter, mushrooms and cheddar all stuffed into a hollowed-out kaiser roll. For island comfort food, don’t miss one of their curries or rotis. Fresh oysters and clams are also available. Wash it all down with a draft beer, a glass of wine or choose from over 40 different bottled beers. 460 S. Cypress Road, 954-942-1633 $$

Checkers Old Munchen GERMAN For a traditional German meal, try the wiener schnitzel — it’s divine — a lightly breaded veal cutlet sautéed in lemon butter and topped with homemade brown gravy. The spaetzle (German noodles) are a real homemade treat and not to be missed — throw a little of that brown gravy on them, and they could be a meal unto themselves. Imbibe to your heart’s content with their vast assortment of German beers. 2209 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-7565 $$

Chef Dee’s SUSHI

• SEAFOOD A small neighborhood place with plenty of charm. Impressive sushi rolls and a varied menu with something for everyone. 3919 N. Federal Highway., 954-5824444 $$

Dangerous Minds Brewing

Co., BREWERY • ARTISANAL PIZZA This spot at Pompano Citi Centre offers artisanal pizzas made from scratch. Their specialty is a Scotch egg, a soft-boiled egg wrapped in homemade sausage and then fried until crispy on the outside. But back to the brewery — all the beers are brewed on-site, and owners Adam and Andre hale from Germany and England — two countries steeped in beer tradition. 1901 N Federal Highway, 954-657-8676 $-$$

Darrel & Oliver’s Cafe

Maxx INTERNATIONAL This restaurant is an anchor of the South Florida fine dining scene. 2601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782$$$$

Deep Oceanfront Dining & Bar AMERICAN Beach front dining at the Beachcomber Resort — go for the view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1200 S. Ocean Blvd. 954-941-7830 $$$

Deccan Spice INDIAN Enjoy the contemporary decor and take your pick from classic dishes like chicken tikka and biryani and curry dishes to some Indo-Chinese twists like crunchy stir-fried noodles. There are plenty of vegetarian options on this menu and many variations on naan — Indian flatbread. 1149 S. Federal Highway, 954-366-1847 $$

Di Farina Pasta Factory & Restaurant ITALIAN We all know that fresh-cut pasta is superior to dried. But making pasta from scratch is a process. But what if you could just pick it up nearby or even have it

delivered. Dreams do come true. Di Farina offers a variety of freshly made pasta to go. And if you can’t be bothered to make a sauce, they’ve got 19 from which to choose. The restaurant also has a full menu of Italian favorites. 1915 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-953-6771 $$

The Foundry AMERICAN Known for its artfully crafted dishes, The Foundry offers a fusion of contemporary flavors with a happening dining experience. 2781 E. Atlantic Blvd., 754-205-6977 $$

Galuppi’s AMERICAN What could be more entertaining than watching golfers swing and blimps ascend as you sip a drink at an outdoor bar? 1103 N. Federal Highway, 954-785-0226 $-$$

Gianni’s Italian Restaurant ITALIAN Gianni’s is practically a Pompano Beach landmark. Enjoy traditional Italian fare at this family-owned and operated establishment, serving everything from pasta to specialties like Chicken Gianni’s and fresh seafood. Don’t skip the romaine salad with the blue cheese. Pair your dish with a bottle of wine or cocktail from their full bar. They also offer daily lunch specials Monday – Friday. 1601 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-942-1733 $$$

Greek Taverna Ammos MEDITERRANEAN All of your favorite Greek foods, plus a few burgers for good measure. 2201 E. Atlantic Blvd., 718-600-2236 $$

Houston’s AMERICAN Enjoy this contemporary eatery for lunch or dinner. An outdoor bar and seating on the Intracoastal are available. 2821 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-9499 $$$

J Mark’s AMERICAN A relaxing, modern restaurant and bar with food and service to match. 1490 NE 23rd St., 954-782-7000 $$$

Kin Asian Street Food ASIAN • SUSHI Enjoy everything from inventive takes on ramen soups with pork belly and a jammy egg to rice bowls and dumplings. We swooned over the shiitake buns, mushrooms with pickled sour mustard, ground peanuts and cilantro, all on a steamed rice bun. The gyoza was also a star — the dough was light and tender with a flavorful pork and vegetable filling. The restaurant has a comprehensive sushi menu, but this is a place to order outside your comfort zone. After all, isn’t sushi the new pizza? 143 SW Sixth St., 954-532-4567 $$

La Perla Di Pompano ITALIAN This small and intimate Italian eatery offers a wide selection of Italian dishes, including four different risotto dishes alone. 420 N. Federal Highway, 754-222-9174 $$$-$$$$

La Veranda ITALIAN The atmosphere is elegant, yet comfortable and warm. Inside or out, one can enjoy a special evening in the Tuscany-inspired surroundings. There is an extensive selection of pasta, entrées and traditional dishes, with new favorites to be discovered that the wait staff will happily explain. Taste the love in their homemade desserts. If you’re looking to celebrate, La Veranda is an excellent choice. Reservations are suggested. 2121 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-943-7390 $$$

Las Orquideas COLOMBIAN For an authentic Colombian meal, you don’t need to go any further than Atlantic Boulevard. Not only can you find all of your Colombian favorites, but the restaurant has a full bar with fun cocktails. 900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-772-7272 $$-$$$

Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill AMERICAN It’s places like Lucky’s that make you happy you live in South Florida. This tiki bar by the sea (just south of the pier) offers simple eats, some top-notch people watching all with an ocean view. The menu includes classic snack foods like coconut shrimp and fish dip to tuna poke nachos. There are also salads, sandwiches and smash burgers. You can also order to go for a picnic on the beach. 222 N Pompano Beach Blvd. $

Miami Masala INDIAN Enjoy classic Indian dishes and a few more modern ones with an Indian twist. While not being a classic Indian dish, the stuffed Hungarian peppers appetizer had all the flavors fans of the cuisine crave. Try the Indian crepe — crazy good. A daily lunch buffet includes traditional, vegetarian and vegan choices. 900 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-317-1371 $$

The Lobster Roll from The Lobster Bar at The Bite Eatery in Pompano Beach

Mora Grill MEDITERRANEAN This cozy yet modern spot is open for lunch and dinner. The menu includes a range of Mediterranean favorites, from kebobs to gyros. They offer lunch specials and family-style platters for six people served with appetizers, salads, kebobs, rice and vegetables. 3428 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-933-2003 $$

Nonna’s Bistro & Cafe ARGENTINEAN • BAKERY • CAFE Some of Nonna’s offerings include pasta frola cake, American keto salad, and a charcuterie board for two. Carryout and delivery are available. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-532-9920 $$

Oceanic AMERICAN • SEAFOOD Along with stunning ocean views, the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu emphasizing seafood. If you are looking for a standout salad, the watermelon arugula salad with grilled shrimp is a perfect choice. The shrimp and grits were prepared traditionally and packed with flavor. The baby back ribs were melting off the bone, and there was enough for a doggy bag. The restaurant boasts dazzling architecture inspired by the great ocean liners of years past. 250 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., 954-366-3768 $$-$$$

Peking Duck CHINESE Peking Duck is back and under new ownership with reimagined traditional homestyle Chinese cuisine. See Staff Pick on page 80. 1200 E Atlantic Blvd, 954-946-0436 $$

Pho Ocean VIETNAMESE If you have never had Vietnamese food, you are missing out. This spot will delight you. Everything is so fresh. Go and have some pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), you’ll thank us. 3321 N. Federal Highway, 954-280-8709 $$

Ruby’s by the Sea ITALIAN Tucked away in a small strip mall near the Hillsboro inlet is Ruby’s, serving classic Italian fare. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-933-7154 $$

Rusty Hook Tavern AMERICAN Located on the Pompano Intracoastal, sit inside or outside; just keep in mind that the word tavern means a local place to gather around the table. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-941-2499 $$

Saito Japanese Steakhouse JAPANESE This Japanese steakhouse offers a wide variety of entrees, including teriyaki dishes, tempura and sushi. Diners can choose to sit at the sushi bar, or they can enjoy hibachi-style dining. The restaurant has a comprehensive cocktail menu and 20 different kinds of martinis. 2101 N Federal Highway, Suite 208, 954-945-8888 $$

Sands Harbor Patio Restaurant AMERICAN Located in the Sands Harbor Hotel and Marina on the Intracoastal, you can dine poolside or waterside; either way, you better know how to swim. 125 N. Riverside Drive, 954-942-9100 $$

Seaside Grill SEAFOOD • AMERICAN Enjoy a view of the Atlantic while enjoying fresh seafood and an icy cold cocktail. Don’t worry if you’re not a fish lover — there are plenty of entrée choices from the land. Located at Lighthouse Cove Resort on the ocean. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-783-3193 $$

Shishka Lebanese Grill MIDDLE EASTERN It’s not easy to make a good falafel, but the ones at Shishka are worth every calorie. There are plenty of other choices, too, from the classic hummus to baba-ghanouj to chicken and meat shawarma. 1901 N. Federal Highway, 954-943-2999 $$

South Bar & Kitchen CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN South Bar & Kitchen offers an array of Southern comfort foods with a heavy Louisiana influence. 165 NE First Ave., 954-890-2000 $$-$$$

Spanx the Hog BBQ BARBECUE Spanx uses natural ingredients and offers dine in, take out, and custom catering. 147 S. Cypress Road. 954-590-8342 $

Sushi Lab JAPANESE • AMERICAN Don’t be fooled by the name, Sushi Lab, offers plenty of options for the sushi averse. But if you are a fan, the restaurant has a plethora of rolls and sashimi. Plus the omakase experi-

ence where the chef chooses. Also, be sure to try one of the hand-crafted cocktails. 1350 N. Ocean Blvd., (inside the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach/Oceanfront) 954-937-7366 $$-$$$

Take Sushi JAPANESE • SUSHI Fresh, authentic Japanese fair delivered to your door? Yes, please. 2714 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-2442 $$

Valentino’s Italian Cuisine ITALIAN • PIZZA An abundance of Italian fare served for lunch or dinner. If you can’t make it over to dine in, fret not; they offer free delivery. 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-943-5387 $$

Wings N’ Things WINGS • BARBECUE It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but it’s worth trying. 150 S. Sixth St., 954-781-9464 $ Yamu Thai JAPANESE • THAI A small spot by the sea with your favorite sushi and Thai and Japanese dishes. 2608 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-532-7901

Zoyuz by Talay Thai SUSHI • JAPANESE BOWLS Zoyuz offers sushi and inventive ramen-inspired bowls. Plus, they have an innovative drink menu. 2515 E Atlantic Blvd. 954-951-6068 $$

Zuccarelli ITALIAN • PIZZA This place is more than just a pizza joint. From eggplant Parmesan to shrimp fra diavolo, you will leave quite satisfied. The portions are generous and come with a house salad. Bring your breath mints because their garlic rolls are on point. 1340 N. Federal Highway, 954-941-1261 $

FAST & CASUAL

Lighthouse Point FAST & CASUAL

Jugo Boss SMOOTHIES • WRAPS Take a break with cold pressed juices, acai bowls, wraps and sandwiches. The menu is all-natural. 2438 N. Federal Highway, 954-586-4037

Offerdahl’s BAGELS • SANDWICHES • SALADS If you are in search of a decent bagel, this is the spot. But the menu goes far beyond bagels with tasty, inventive and healthy salads, satisfying sandwiches, and entrees. 2400 N Federal Highway, 954-788-3464

Packy’s Sports Pub SPORTS BAR If you are looking for a local spot to watch the game, Packy’s always pack them in. 4480 N. Federal Highway, 954-657-8423

Red Fox Diner DINER Treat yourself to one of the daily specials and you just might be able to skip dinner. But if you are in the mood for some comforting diner food, Red Fox never disappoints. Breakfast and lunch are served daily. 2041 NE 36th St., (Sample Road) 954-783-7714

Whit’s Frozen Custard ICE CREAM If you’re looking for a sweet treat close to home, Whits is serving up frozen custard made fresh daily. Quarts and pints available to go. 4850 N Federal Highway, 954-531-6950

Deerfield Beach FAST & CASUAL

Charm City BURGERS From the moment they opened their doors, Charm City became a local favorite. If burgers aren’t your jam, fear not — they have plenty of options for non-carnivores. Try the emperor — an American Kobe beef patty with aged Swiss, truffled aioli and sautéed mushrooms — a burger fit for a king. And of course the fries are totally addictive. 1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd., 954-531-0300

El Jefe MEXICAN For a genuinely inventive take on Mexican street food, this bright and cheery taco joint is full of surprises. There is a plethora of proteins

Hair by Inessa

from which to choose. Pick one and have it in a taco, a bowl, a salad or even a burrito. The vegetarian salad is one of the best salads in town — perfect for a satisfying lunch. 27 N. Federal Highway, 954-246-5333

Gelateria GELATO Gelateria offes more than 26 flavors of gelato. Take a stroll on the beach with a cone. Open daily. 2096 NE Second St. (at the Wyndham Hotel), 694-428-2850

Olympia Flame DINER With a traditionally huge diner menu, you can’t go wrong at the Olympia Flame. For a real treat, try the turkey pot pie. The friendly staff makes you feel like a regular — even if you aren’t — but you should be. Open for breakfast and lunch. 80 S. Federal Highway, 954-480-8402

The Sticky Bun DELI • BAKERY Everyone will find something to munch on, whether their flourless chocolate cake or a short rib panini with fontina cheese and pickled red onions… yum. We’re still dreaming about the BLT. 1619 SE Third Court, 754-212-5569

FAST & CASUAL Pompano Beach FAST & CASUAL

Anne Marie’s Pizza and Wine Co PIZZA • ITALIAN Whether you are looking to grab a quick slice or enjoy a much-needed date night, Anne Marie’s fits the bill. Enjoy a cheesy slice of New York-style pizza, bruschetta or classic chicken Francese. 2313 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach 954-590-2100.

Athena Greek Street Diner DINER Formerly known as Jukebox Diner, this spot offers classic seating, jukeboxes, and that old-school diner feel. 2773 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-960-5882

Bakery Fusion CAFE • BAKERY This spot at Pompano Citi Centre is a handy spot to grab a coffee and a fresh-baked good. The menu also includes many different sandwiches, soups, salads and smoothies. You can also find fresh bread such as baguettes, ciabatta and other daily selections and a wide selection of coffee drinks, from cappuccino to an affogato 1901 N. Federal Highway (Pompano Citi Centre), 954-532-7383

Cafe Brie SANDWICHES • SALADS A little gem of a place that serves fantastic sandwiches, salads, quiche and desserts. 2765 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-532-7800

Cannoli Kitchen ITALIAN • PIZZA The Cannoli Kitchen has been a staple for fast-casual Italian fare in Boca Raton since 1996. Now, lucky for the folks in Pompano, they are open at a new Pompano Beach Fishing Village location. Try one of their many pasta dishes, calzones, subs, stromboli and other Italian classics like shrimp fra diabolo, chicken or veal marsala, and many more. 255 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., 954-737-3737

Carlucci’s Brick Oven Trattoria & Pizzeria ITALIAN Italian favorites and brick oven pizza at the beach. Open lunch and dinner Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm. 3420 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-946-3150

Chez Cafe COFFEE • BAKERY A warm and cozy place to grab breakfast, lunch or a latte. 1631 S. Cypress Road, 954-933-3453

Chill-N ICE CREAM The folks at Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream blend and flash-freeze your custom ice cream or frozen yogurt right in front of you. Enjoy a bowl of made-to-order frozen goodness with about a zillion mixin options for maximum imaginativeness. 1170 N Federal Highway, 754 205-7222

Dandee Donut Factory BAKERY • PASTRIES From the classic old-fashioned sour cream to Boston cream, these babies are just begging

to be dunked. Bagels, breakfast and lunch are also available. 1900 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-785-1461

Jet’s Pizza PIZZA Try one of the specialty pizzas such as Philly cheese steak with Alfredo sauce or the BLT. 437 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-782-5387

Lester’s Diner DINER American comfort fare in a retro setting. 1924 E. Atlantic Blvd., 954-783-2109

Lighthouse Cove Tiki Bar AMERICAN Seaside eats and happy hours. 1406 N. Ocean Blvd., 954-784-2804

Mini Pita MEDITERRANEAN The comprehensive menu includes plenty of salads, pita melts, sandwiches, gyros, shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and entrees that include lamb chops and mousaka. 2555 E. Atlantic Blvd. 954-532-9595

Nelson’s Diner DINER Nelson’s diner is a cute, hole-in-the-wall 50s diner with Elvis memorabilia on the walls, baseball flags on the ceiling, friendly servers and classic red vinyl booths. 438 S. Cypress Road, 954785-3646

Pascal & Cathy French BAKERY • CAFE For fresh French baked goods, you can’t beat Pascal & Cathy. In fact, you can watch through a window as the croissants, eclairs and baguettes are prepared and baked right on the premises. The small shop also offers breakfast, sandwiches, salads, coffee and more. The croque monsieur was positively sinful and worth every calorie. 998 N Federal Highway, Suite 4-5, 954-756-1496

Rocket at Valentino’s PIZZA This family-owned pizzeria is an excellent alternative to the big chains. Order an authentic Italian pizza and taste the love! 427 S. Federal Highway, 954-943-5387

The Bite Eatery FOOD HALL This European style food hall is the perfect spot when your group can’t decide where to go. Whether it’s Mexican, deli, pizza, Italian, Cuban, lobster rolls, ceviche or burgers, you can find it at the Bite Eatery. Plus there is a full bar in the center. 2715 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-361-7702

The Chicken Box & More SOUTHERN This small spot with just a couple of tables serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and does a robust take-out business. Have your fill of southern comfort food, including shrimp and grits with scrambled eggs, fried pork chops, classic potato salad, meatloaf and collard greens. The greens were stellar — they were juicy and perfectly seasoned with bits of pork supplying a pleasing heft. 204 N. Flagler Avenue, 954-781-7400

The Gyro Joint MIDDLE EASTERN Eat in or carry out. It’s all Greek to me. 165 S. Cypress Road, 954-946-9199

The Poké Company POKÉ Build your own bowl by choosing a base of rice or greens, then add a protein such as ahi tuna or steamed shrimp, then go to town with the mix-ins and sauces. Then top your bowl with everything from pickled ginger to tempura flakes. There are an infinite amount of choices. If bowls aren’t your thing, you can build your own poké burrito. 1154 N. Federal Highway, 754-220-8933

The Rabbit Hole VEGAN This small spot serves up elevated vegan comfort cuisine. If you are trying to eat less meat, but still crave chicken wings, The Rabbit Hole serves boneless and meatless chicken wings in a plethora of flavors. Other dishes include shrimp po’ boy sandwich, a southern barbecue platter, hot dogs, stir-fry and more. Remember, it’s all vegan. 2659 E Atlantic Blvd., 954-419-4899

Tortillería Mexicana MEXICAN If you’re looking for a taco that goes beyond ground beef and toppings? Not only will they supply you with fresh, unique tacos, but the corn tortillas are made from scratch daily. Who does that? 1614 E. Sample Rd., 954-943-0057

Reimagined Chinese Classics

Peking Duck, Pompano Beach

BY SUSAN ROSSER

My love for Chinese cuisine faced a challenge when I moved to Florida in 1993. Despite the presence of Chinese eateries in South Florida, they couldn’t quite match the caliber of those in New York. So, when I got wind of Peking Duck reopening under new ownership in Pompano Beach, my anticipation was palpable.

We embarked on our culinary adventure with a spirited group of eight. Unanimously, we decided to partake in communal dining, a tradition that heightens the pleasure of Chinese cuisine by allowing for a wide variety of flavors in one meal.

Our dinner started with the resurrection of a beloved childhood memory: crispy Chinese noodles served with hot mustard and duck sauce. This nostalgic treat set a promising tone for the evening.

The meal unfolded with succulent bone-in spareribs, with an ir-

the main course, but the pièce de résistance was the Peking Duck.

Peking Duck, a culinary marvel, exemplifies the essence of indulgence. It is crafted with meticulous care to render deliciously savory meat with ultra-crispy skin. Served alongside delicately steamed pancakes and an array of accompaniments — slivered cucumbers, scallions, pickles, and delectable hoisin sauce — the dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Don’t skip it.

The other dishes we sampled exuded freshness and robust flavor profiles. The Mongolian beef vanished within moments—a true sign of scrumptious food. Meanwhile, the Kung Pao shrimp, with a fiery kick and crispy cubed veggies, provided a delightful contrast of textures.

The lobster pineapple fried was a visual show stopper — served in a hollowed-out pineapple adorned with flowers and crowned with lobster, this dish goes way beyond what one may think of as ordinary fried rice. But this gal still prefers the traditional roast pork fried rice without

Along with an updated menu, the new owners have revamped the interior with a blend of modern and traditional Chinese elements. Peking Duck’s reincarnation under new ownership is a welcome addition to the Pompano Beach dining scene. We’ll be back. Y

Peking Duck is located at 1200 E Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-946-0436 or visit pekingduckpompano.com.