The Best in Black

SCHOOL NEWS

The Best in Black

By Beverly Perkins

The Broward Center for The Performing Arts, in partnership with the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), kicked off a new Civics Through the Arts Program that focused on equity, diversity and inclusion and featured a virtual performance of Rhapsody in Black.

Harrowing, incredible, often hilarious, and always authentic, Rhapsody in Black is an impactful one-man show written and performed by New York City-based actor LeLand Gantt. The show explores his personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. The work, which made its debut in 2015, seemed tailor-made to address the racial distress that has come to the forefront this year.

Three local high schools were chosen to be a part of the unique opportunity including Hallandale High School where students from Theater, English, and Debate classes watched the educational version of the show and participated in a live Q&A with Gantt which was moderated by Neki Mohan. The students then participated in a workshop, led by Broward Center Teaching Artists, where they wrote and created their own autobiographical performance pieces focused on identity affirmation.

“My experience with the Rhapsody in Black program was nothing less than inspiring and motivating for not only myself, but for my peers, to be my truthful and speak on your passions. This program gave an outlet for individuals to face their darkness demons and admit their faults and secrets,” explained Hallandale High School student Jayson Morón.

The recent culmination of the special 6-segment program featured select students to perform their autobiographical performance pieces that they wrote during the series with another virtual visit from Gantt.

“Since this was the first original piece I was submitting, outside of class assignments, it was difficult. But getting it done and seeing it play for everyone gave me a confidence boost. Now, thanks to the program, I know that I can write something about myself and that I can make my sad stories funny,” exclaimed Hallandale High School student Nyla Daniels.

“To finally be able to be honest about topics I have kept inside for so long and express it out loud to a comfortable audience really made an impact on my life today, it lifted the weight I had on my shoulders for so long. That was the beauty of this program,” added Morón.

When you dine here you’ll be embraced by views of magnificent yachts cruising by and glorious sunsets along with flavors from a world class seafood & steak menu paired with a seven-time Wine Spectator award-winning cellar. Indulge in hand crafted cocktails and a raw bar with Florida Stone Crabs, Alaskan King Crab legs and briny crustaceans from around the world. This is living in a most special way. We invite you to savor the GG’s experience.

LUNCH | DINNER | HAPPY HOUR | WEEKEND BRUNCH

FEATURE STORY

The New Tiki Tiki Takes Off in Hollywood!

The family behind the popular GG’s Waterfront in Hollywood, acquired Jimbo’s Sandbar and over the past year it has undergone some major changes to the food menu, beverage program, and outdoor waterfront design and is now Tiki Tiki. Regulars and visitors have been able to see all of these changes – upgraded dining areas redecorated with pastel ocean colors, comfy new booths, loads of green plants including a Gumbo Limbo tree added under the large tiki hut that covers the outdoor patio. The space has retro chairs and reclaimed wood tables with nautical antique fixtures. The lighting was sourced from old ships and the vintage photos give a nod to the early days on Hollywood beach. The vibe is fresh, coastal, casual and this South Florida staple now makes visitors feel part of something special.

Dan and Lise-Anne Serafini, owners of GG’s Waterfront and South Florida restaurant veterans with concepts like East Side Mario’s and Big Tomato to their credit, have partnered with their son, Alex Serafini, who has managed for some of New York City’s top restaurant groups that include Danny Meyers’ Union Square Hospitality Group and Michael Stillman’s Quality Branded. Alex recently moved back home to South Florida to head up the new Tiki Tiki as managing partner. The family is now working together to create an environment that people want to be a part of.

“Tiki Tiki gives us the opportunity to offer another special and iconic waterfront dining experience,” according to Dan Serafini. “It’s a natural fit for the neighborhood and will extend our tradition of offering delicious, fresh food and great hospitality all with exceptional value.”

“The new name Tiki Tiki is meant to inspire a fun and lively energy. It reminds you of our great location on the water and the big beautiful tiki

hut that covers the outdoor space!” says Alex Serafini. “Existing regulars have been supportive and are excited about the updates we have made to better the quality of our food and drink menu.” Tiki Tiki dishes are fun, easy to share, and showcase flavorful seafood. The menu is focused on scratch cooking that highlights a fresh raw bar serving oysters, stone crabs, and a Corvina ceviche with fresh-cut yucca and taro chips. If you have trouble choosing, go for the Chilled Seafood Platter with a huge selection of lobster, shrimp, stone crab, oysters, clams, and ceviche all served over shaved ice. Daily specials include local whole yellowtail snapper and the “Tiki Tiki Chicken”, a grilled skewer layered with pineapple, peppers, and red onion over Asian fried rice with a yuzu vinaigrette. The sauces and dressing are made in-house and Tiki Tiki’s crab cake is loaded with lump crab over avocado mousse, topped with pineapple chutney and herb-chili oil. The newly built bar seats 20 and is right on the Intracoastal. It stands out with stunning sunsets over the water, boats passing by and views of the nature preserve across the way. The beverage program, developed by Alex Serafini, taps into the inspiration of warm weather. He features classic cocktails with a refreshing twist like the Mai Tai Martini, a combination of aged rum, cachaça, orange curaçau, orgeat, and bitters. “I really love when the experience of dining feels natural. People dining outside on the water can expect the food and drinks to match the experience,” says Alex. The Mangrove Margarita is a perfect example of this. A margarita with the addition of freshly juiced celery syrup creates a fresh and herbaceous cocktail, exactly what you want in the South Florida sun. The juices are freshly squeezed every morning and the syrups are made in-house. For the Spiced Pineapple Old Fashioned, Alex grills fresh pineapple until it is charred and caramelized, then combines that with chilies and brown sugar to make a rich syrup. The new menu offers a wide variety of seafood options that include Grilled Mahi Mahi, Fish and Chips, Grouper Tacos, and a popular Seafood Feast with snapper, shrimp, and scallops over herb rice, veggies, and lemon butter sauce. It also has a 10oz Skirt Steak with certified Angus beef, fries, and homemade chimichurri. The Half 20 / Our City Hollywood / April 2021 / OurCityMedia.com Pounder burger is popular with 100% Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tiki sauce as well as a Lobster Roll made simply with Maine lobster, celery, and mayo on a New England roll. There are salads and bowls for lighter, vegetarian options as well, including the Ancient Grains and Greens with baby greens, farro, quinoa, roasted carrots, cucumber, corn, almonds, and lemon vinaigrette. Other veggie options include the Veggie Burger, Zucchini & Tomato Pappardelle, and a rustic and tasty Charred Corn on the Cob with spicy mayo, parmesan, and tajin.

The restaurant features daily specials for lunch and dinner, a “Day Drinking Happy Hour” Monday - Friday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm with deals on cocktails, beer, wine, and a $5 bar bites menu. On Mondays, burgers are offered at $9 with fries and $5 Funky Buddha local brews, Tuesdays feature a Lobster Boil with whole Maine Lobster, shrimp, clams, corn, and potato for $29.95. Wednesdays Tiki Tiki shucks Oysters for a buck. The newest draw is the Saturday and Sunday Brunch with an a la carte menu paired with their morning cocktail list (Tiki Tiki Loaded Caesar, Matcha Shakerato, Spiked Cold Brew, and Irish Coffee Martini) or unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys for $20. Standouts on the brunch menu include Florida Grouper and Eggs with cajun spice, homefries, lemon butter sauce and multigrain toast; an Eggs Carbonara, with scrambled eggs, parmesan, black pepper bacon, homefries, and multigrain toast; and the Maple Bourbon French Toast with candied pecans and whipped cream. The regular menu is also available during brunch which starts at 10:00am and runs till 3:00pm.

“The guest feedback has been amazing as they’ve watched Tiki Tiki take form” says LiseAnne Serafini, who spearheaded the design and décor of the space. “What we value most is taking care of our guests. We want to create an experience that people feel they are a part of. A fun place where memories are made with friends and family.”

⊲ Tiki Tiki is located at 6200 N. Ocean Drive,

Hollywood, FL, 33019. For details or large party inquiries: please call 954-927-9560 or www.LetsTikiTiki.com. Open daily, Monday – Friday at 11 am and weekends starting at 10 am. The restaurant closes at 10 pm except

Friday and Saturday at 11 pm. Valet parking is available at the door.