GRASS ROOTS
HOW A SMUGGLER’S SON BECAME A CANNABIS CEO
PLANT POWER
GO PLANT-BASED (WITHOUT GOING HUNGRY)
NEXT-GEN LAUDY A CITY FORGES FORWARD
HOW A SMUGGLER’S SON BECAME A CANNABIS CEO
GO PLANT-BASED (WITHOUT GOING HUNGRY)
NEXT-GEN LAUDY A CITY FORGES FORWARD
A memorable Mother’s Day doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by appointment.
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Muralist
16 AROUND TOWN
The
18 PRIDE MONTH
Q&A with Mean Girls’ Daniel Franzese, plus three ways to celebrate Pride
EAT + DRINK
87 REINVENTIONS
Celebrating the return of Goodfellas glam at Anthony’s Runway 84
88 LOCAL BITES
Three ways to dine like a rock star at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, new gameday noshes at DRV PNK Stadium, Archibalds Village Bakery gets a national nod from Yelp, and more
Book your private event and receive 50% off your Banquet Room Rental and a complimentary upgrade to an Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite on your event night when you mention this offer. Events must reach qualified minimum revenue of $5,000 and occur before December 31, 2023. Restrictions may apply.
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LANDMARK TRAVEL
What does it mean to live your best life with health and with purpose? To fi nd answers, sometimes it helps to look to folks who seem to have it all fi gured out (or who are at least on the right path).
Brady Cobb—who graces the cover of this wellness issue of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated —is one of those people. As CEO of medical marijuana powerhouse Sunburn Cannabis, he has not only found his professional passion, but he’s using his platform to bring relief to Floridians who treat or support serious medical needs with cannabis. Cobb’s insight into the industry is truly unique. Turn to page 36 to read about his father’s illicit drug-running days in the 1970s and ’80s, and Cobb’s own work years later to help make medical marijuana legal in Florida.
Staying well as a community means taking care of those in need. May marks Military Appreciation Month, but the United Way of Broward County’s Mission United program is supporting local military veterans who face struggles of all kinds every day of the year. Don’t miss “Memory Serves” on page 22 to learn how the organization has been a lifeline to Army vet Carlos Torres and so many others.
If you’ve been thinking of giving your diet a little plant power (or if you’ve already committed to a plant-based lifestyle but are looking for some inspo to stick to it), check out “The Plant Eater’s Guide to the Galaxy” on page 42 for the best in vegan options across South Florida.
In need of a new doctor? This issue’s Physician Profi les section (beginning on page 56) offers a curated list of hundreds of Broward’s top docs in nearly every medical specialty imaginable, all chosen by their peers for their experience and trustworthiness.
Here’s to wellness, in all its forms—and to living your best Laudy life!
Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@fortlauderdaleillustrated.comRide PREMIUM to the hottest spots in town.
Check in to an upgraded experience. Wait for your train in style with wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres in the PREMIUM lounge, all included with your fare. Toast to your adventures ahead with cocktails on board in your extra-roomy hand-stitched leather seats, and let the magic of your journey unfold.
With stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, there are more ways than ever to explore South Florida. Scan the code to book your next ride today.
“The
Despite her love of painting, Annie Nguyen planned to become a dentist. But after a visit to Wynwood, where the colorful street murals opened her eyes to an art world that exists outside of galleries, her real passion took over. The Vietnamese-American artist— who goes by the tag Annie Nugget—now has works on display at Nova Southeastern University, the Alvin Sherman Library, Taco Love, Xpress Hookah Lounge, and a handful of Vietnamese restaurants around town. Through her work with the Ngon Restaurant Group, she’s also been given a platform to showcase the culture of the local Vietnamese community. Recently, she was invited to create a mural during the Avenue of the Arts Visual Arts Festival and to curate a Lunar New Year installation at the Broward Main Library. “There’s plenty of walls to continue painting,” she says. Here, she offers insight into her practice. (@artbynuggs) —Christiana Lilly
FLI: Where was your first mural?
Nugget: A bubble tea shop I worked at. I spoke to the owners and I was like, “Hey, do you want me to paint your wall?” It was the first time I got to work with spray paint. I already had the technical skills with traditional painting, but I wanted to apply that to a large scale. I was so inspired. Describe your artistic style.
I have a deep love for the street and anime-style kinds of art that are a lot more loose and very animated. I have a deep love for fine art as well, since that was where I was traditionally trained in. In my
aesthetic design, I like to combine the two—whether it’s in murals, sculptures, or canvases. What goes into planning a mural?
I try to look for things that are a little bit more about storytelling or that have a lot of Easter eggs toward different kinds of cultural references. For example, at the taco restaurant that I did in Davie, I ended up doing a mariachi-themed mural but it was a Día de los Muertos skeleton and he’s got a gold-leaf guitar and the flowers are all marigolds. Even [the way] they designed the arches where the mural resides, they’re inspired by the barrios of Mexico.
Jerry Beck has always been fascinated by old-school circuses, with their mishmash of conveyances emblazoned with signs promising out-of-this-world acts. So much so that they inspired him to create The Revolving Museum
“When I was in grad school, I was very interested in looking at carnivals as a vehicle for cultural revolution,” says Beck. “We believe art is for everybody and everybody has creative ability. We’re not interested in the hierarchy of the art world.”
He started the project in Boston 30 years ago, transforming buses, abandoned train
cars, airline baggage carts, and even a vintage ice cream truck into roving exhibits featuring interactive art. It was engaging, sure. But it also opened up the art world to underserved communities and artists who couldn’t easily access galleries and fine art museums.
In 2017, Beck helped kick off Art Basel by renting a plane to fly up and down Miami
SHOPPING
Beach displaying a trailing banner that read, “Materialism made my wallet grow fangs.”
The Hollywood, Florida, native returned to South Florida last year, with The Revolving Museum in tow. His current exhibit, “Word Play: Florida Road Show,” comprises a series of vehicles and the museum’s “Giant Head” mascot. It has been drawing crowds at the MASS District Art Walk and other cultural gatherings, with the help of The Revolving Museum’s marketing director, Mario Ruschel Burgoa, and education director, Coraly Rivera.
“When you do public art, it’s unpredictable,” says Beck. “One thing I do know is that people like to have fun, people are curious, and everybody has an opinion. Just being able to interact down in my hometown and around where I grew up is really meaningful.” (therevolvingmuseum.org) —C.L.
It’s one thing to get along with your mother, but it’s another to work alongside her every day. Thankfully, that arrangement suits Sarah Morse and her mother, Eva Michaels, the co-owners of Soul Society Boutique in Fort Lauderdale. The pair recently celebrated one year at their brickand-mortar store, where they curate trendy pieces for customers of all ages. “I honestly cannot do anything without her these days and it’s kind of a problem,” Morse says with a laugh. Follow their Instagram antics, and you’ll find the pair donning colorful rompers, faux-leather leggings, or even the same maxi dress to showcase how style can transcend age. (soulsocietyboutique.com) —C.L.
SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO MAY BE KNOWN FOR ITS WAGERS, BUT PLACE YOUR BETS ON A NEW KIND OF HORSEPOWER IN HOLLYWOOD. ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, THE VENUE HOSTS SUPERCAR SATURDAYS FLORIDA, SHOWCASING MORE THAN 200 HIGH-END WHIPS—WITH PRICE TAGS FROM $1.5 MILLION TO $6 MILLION. THINK: A 1967 TOYOTA 2000 GT, A MANSORY BUGATTI VEYRON, THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR, PLUS A HOST OF OTHER EYE-POPPING SPECIALTY SPEED MACHINES. (SUPERCARSSATURDAYFLORIDA.COM)—C.L.
You probably best know Broward boy Daniel Franzese from his breakout role as Damian in the 2004 cult hit Mean Girls (in which character Janis Ian deems him “almost too gay to function.”) Fastforward a few years, and Franzese is still gay and definitely still functioning—in everything from his one-man show, Italian Mom Loves
You, to his podcast, Yasss, Jesus!, not to mention his role on HBO’s Looking and appearances as both a judge and a queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race FLI caught up with the beloved hometown multihyphenate to find out about life after Mean Girls (@whatsupdanny) —C.L.
FLI: You’ve been on screen and now you’re touring on stage. What’s your favorite medium?
Franzese: I love a live audience. I think I’m just an entertainer. Even if I’m doing a television show or movie, I’m performing for the crew. I love hearing live reactions. I love when a crew has to stifle laughter while they’re working. That’s my sweet spot.
What’s in the works?
I’m working on a Chicken Soup for the Soul–type book called Prayers From a Drag Queen, which is a collection of all of these prayers that I’ve collected from drag queens. I think there’s so much going on right now between Christians and drag queens that it would be nice to hear what drag queens think that Christians should know about them, and what prayers a drag queen would have for a Christian. Why is advocating for the LGBTQ+ community so important?
I go to Washington, D.C., every year as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to speak on behalf of people who are living with HIV and AIDS. I’m negative, but I play an HIV-positive character on HBO’s Looking. I guess I know too much to not help, and there’s so much that’s going on. I might not be the smartest person
June marks Pride Month, a national commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that opened the floodgates for the LGBTQ+ equality movement. Here are three ways to celebrate and support Laudy’s LGBTQ+ community this month.
in the room, and I may not have the most knowledge, but being somebody who is celebrated in some circles and especially in the queer community … that just means I have a megaphone in my hand. June is Pride Month. What does Pride mean to you?
I think it’s an opportunity for us to be together in a safe space and be able to share in the joy of what it means to be fully yourself. A lot of queer people have to constantly be on edge or survey [things] every time we walk into a room, especially in our youth, to see if we’re in a safe place or if we’re welcome. Pride is a place where you’re safe, you’re welcome, and you can just be yourself and have a good time. That’s why our sacred spaces are really important and you need to protect them, especially after what happened in Orlando at Pulse or what happened at Q Bar.
The Stonewall National Museum and Archives in Fort Lauderdale will present “Pride and Prejudice,” an exhibit focusing on “the birth of an LGBTQ+ renaissance and liberation that started with Stonewall.” On display will be some of world’s best Pride billboards, plus a collection of Pride shirts from across the country. “Our community is everywhere, and we are part of every other group ... no matter how you define yourself,” says Robert Kesten, the museum’s executive director. (stonewall-museum.org)
Wilton Manors (nicknamed “the gayborhood”) is gearing up for Stonewall Pride June 17, a daylong affair with a parade and a street festival lining Wilton Drive. City Hall will also host a rainbow-flag-raising ceremony. “Pride certainly makes up the fabric of our community all year long,” says Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton. “You can see it proudly in our library, nonprofits, museums, businesses, and through our events and programming.” (stonewallpride.lgbt)
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will perform its newest program, Disney Pride in Concert, June 24-25 at The Parker Playhouse. Singers will belt out your favorite tunes from the Disney songbook; sing along if the spirit of Pride strikes you. (gmcsf.org) —C.L.
BY DR. BERTHA BAUM
BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCENOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
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Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Aventura, FL 33180
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Fort Lauderdale’s history hides in plain sight, tucked among downtown’s towering condos and restaurants. Take, for example, the New River Inn. The former hotel now serves as the headquarters of History Fort Lauderdale, which houses a collection of historic clothing, books, furniture, artwork, and other ephemera. The organization has also launched “Your Story is Our Story,” an exhibit showcasing belongings from pioneer families. “Every story is built off a family, and they all deserve to be remembered in some way, shape, or form,” says Ellery Andrews, the museum’s deputy director. Here, discover some cool facts and artifacts. (historyfortlauderdale.org)
HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE’S ARCHAEOLOGY ROOM IS GETTING A REVAMP LATER THIS YEAR TO PERMANENTLY SHOWCASE FORT LAUDERDALE’S AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY. THE MUSEUM IS WORKING WITH LOCAL GROUPS TO ENSURE THAT BLACK HISTORY ISN’T JUST INCLUDED IN THE MUSEUM, BUT THAT IT’S TOLD RIGHT. A NAME FOR THE ROOM IS STILL IN THE WORKS; AN OPENING IS PLANNED FOR OCTOBER.
The Curator’s Corner sits at the top of the stairs leading to the second floor of History Fort Lauderdale, welcoming visitors to the exhibition space. This summer, the museum will be showcasing a collection of dolls— from traditional Seminole toys to porcelain playthings owned by Ivy Stranahan herself. You might find the collection a bit creepy, but Andrews says that’s exactly the point. “The dolls creep everyone out,” he admits, laughing.
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If there had been social media influencers in the 1920s, Juliette Lange would have been rolling in followers. The mezzo-soprano performed in musical comedies throughout the United States and Europe, but she always returned home to Laudy’s Rio Vista neighborhood. Visitors can view a selection of her cocktail dresses, beaded purses, hats, makeup, and newspaper clippings at the museum. Now that’s a “get ready with me” worth watching.
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There’s no doubt that
Fort Lauderdale has some gangster history—Capone’s bar on Himmarsheem is named that for a reason. But a popular tall tale running through town is that a historic manse on the New River was onced owned by mobster Bugsy Siegel
Unfortunately for tourists, it’s simply not true, and the current owners have even put up a sign declaring the location “Not Bugsy Siegel’s house!”
Within the historic village on the Riverwalk is the King-Cromartie House, featuring interiors reflective of an authentic 1907 abode. However, the two-story house was not originally located there. In the late 1960s, the new owners planned to tear it down, but the Junior League of Fort Lauderdale stepped in and arranged for the 200-ton property to be moved across the river. Today, it sits safely next door to History Fort Lauderdale.
Wayne Huizenga—the man, the myth, the legend. The business magnate had stakes in local sports teams and businesses, including video rental chain Blockbuster. A section of the exhibit is dedicated to him, including a video case celebrating $150 million in Blockbuster stock circa 1993, plus a signed Miami Dolphins football from 1972’s “perfect season.”
At the core of the world’s #1 orthopedic care provider, HSS physicians know that better health comes from better care. That’s why they’re dedicated to providing the most personalized and innovative treatment options. The better choice is simple. Choose Better. Move Better.
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After serving four years with the U.S. Army in the 1980s, Carlos Torres returned to the Bronx a changed man: His wife had left him, a metal fragment had injured his eye while he was working with helicopters at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, and he had spent a fraught tour of duty facing artillery action at the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
“When I came back, things had changed; relationships with family and friends all felt different and restructured,” Torres says. “It was hard to adjust to life in the United States again.”
Thirty years ago, Torres moved to Broward County to be closer to his mother. Though he’s always eager to speak about his military service, Torres finds it harder to open up about the recent series of setbacks he’s faced—the death of his mother and his eldest son, a bad breakup, and the loss of his decades-long
work contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Port Everglades—all of which put him on the brink of homelessness.
About a year ago, Torres turned to United Way of Broward County’s Mission United, a critical program helping U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families acclimate to civilian life through employment services, education, legal assistance, financial stability, and housing support. The organization helped Torres apply for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), access unemployment benefits, and find housing. It also offered financial support for his first, last, and security payments, plus his utility bills.
“Sometimes I feel animosity from people for needing veterans help,” Torres says. “But if it wasn’t for United Way’s Mission United, I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve finally been able to
This year marks Mission United’s tenth anniversary, which coincides with the debut of a second outpost called the Veterans Resource Center, located at 320 S. 9th Street in Fort Lauderdale. According to Mission United’s senior director, James Heaton, veterans will be able to walk in five days a week to receive services or be connected with community partners.
“Whether it’s preventing a veteran family from experiencing homelessness or helping a recently separated veteran navigate the available resources in the community, the ability to have a positive effect on their lives fills me with pride,” Heaton says. “Having the opportunity to work directly with veterans and their families to provide crucial services has been nothing short of amazing.” (unitedwaypbc. org/mission-united) «
THE US FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968 WHICH MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO MAKE OR PUBLISH ANY ADVERTISEMENT THAT INDICATES ANY PREFERENCE, LIMITATION, OR DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, HANDICAP, FAMILIAL STATUS, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR MORE INFORMATION. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER. THE SKETCHES, RENDERINGS, PICTURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS ARE PROPOSED ONLY AND THE DEVELOPER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, REVISE OR WITHDRAW ANY OR ALL OF THE SAME AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION WITHOUT NOTICE. THE RENDERINGS ILLUSTRATE AND DEPICT A LIFESTYLE. HOWEVER, AMENITIES, FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL INFORMATION IS DEEMED RELIABLE BUT IS NOT GUARANTEED AND SHOULD BE INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED. NOTE: PLAN MATERIALS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ARCHITECTURAL AND OTHER REVISIONS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE DEVELOPER, BUILDER OR ARCHITECT, OR AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY LAW. FLOOR PLANS MAY NOT BE TO SCALE. ANY FURNITURE, APPLIANCES OR DECORATOR READY ITEMS DEPICTED HEREIN ARE SHOWN FOR ARTISTIC AND ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF THE RESIDENCE. STATED DIMENSIONS MAY BE MEASURED TO THE EXTERIOR BOUNDARIES OF THE EXTERIOR WALL AND THE CENTER LINE OF THE INTERIOR DEMISING WALLS AND, IN FACT, COULD VARY FROM THE
FASHION IS FUN AGAIN WITH THESE COOL FINDS FOR BABIES, KIDS, AND MOMS
BY KATHERINE LANDEby
,
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FRESHEN UP YOUR LOOK WITH BLOOMING FLORALS AND FLUTTERING BUTTERFLIES
MIRROR IMAGE
Marquetry butterfly earrings with diamonds and pink tourmaline ($4,180), Silvia Furmanovich, marissacollections.com
ETERNAL SUMMER
Multi-floral Alibi printed minaudière ($2,690), Oscar de la Renta, Miami, oscardelarenta.com
LADY IN RED
Ruby sandals with cut-out wing detail ($880), Sophia Webster, sophia webster.com
HERE COMES THE SUN Smoked emer-
ald sunflower sunglasses ($175), Lele Sadoughi, lele sadoughi.com
FLOWER POWER: Opt for prints with a mixed assortment of botanicals.
TAKE FLIGHT: Add a dash of whimsy with butterfly accessories.
NEW AGE: Finish your fit with an accent in an unexpected shape.
DOUBLE TIME
Two Butterfly between-thefinger ring with lapis lazuli and diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($23,000), Van Cleef & Arpels, Miami, vancleef arpels.com
BUDS OF MAY Small Flower Puzzle Edge bag in satin calfskin ($3,400), Loewe, Miami, loewe.com
STOMPIN’ STEMS
Patent leather sandals with floral embellishment ($2,495), Dolce & Gabbana, Miami, dolce gabbana.com
($4,200), Dior, Miami, dior.com
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JEWEL BOX4 8 10 9
CHANNEL YOUR INNER POSH PUNK WITH SAFETY PIN JEWELRY
BY MARY MURRAY1. REBEL GIRL Anita Ko safety pin earring with pink sapphires set in 18-karat rose gold, $1,050. The Webster, Miami (thewebster.com)
2. MARQUEE MOON Colette Oberon earrings with diamonds and lapis set in 18-karat white gold, $9,410. (colettejewelry.com)
3. TEENAGE ANARCHIST Ali Weiss safety pin earring with black diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $400. (aliweissjewelry.com)
4. WAITING ROOM Versace safety pin brooch finished in Tribute Gold, $225. (versace.com)
5. BASKET CASE Zoë Chicco safety pin medium curb chain bracelet with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $1,350. (zoechicco.com)
6. LUST FOR LIFE Aaron Basha safety pin and chain with diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $7,600. (aaronbasha.com)
set in 14-karat gold, $1,350. gold, $7,600.
7. I WANNA BE SEDATED
7. I WANNA BE SEDATED La Enovesé safety pin earrings in 18-karat vermeil, $168. (laenovesedesigns.com)
8. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN The Last Line safety pin ring with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $895. (thisisthelast.com)
9. ROCK THE CASBAH Provident Jewelry safety pin ring with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $2,500. Provident Jewelry locations (providentjewelry.com)
10. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER Jacob & Co. safety pin cuff bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $12,700. (saksfifth avenue.com)
Yorkshire picnic basket ($730), Williams Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com
For the ultimate “have basket, will travel” experience, this summer I plan to pack as many picnics as possible for out-of-home dining endeavors. Williams Sonoma’s handwoven wicker basket overflows with premium picnic accoutrements for four—including plates, wine glasses, silverware, a cheese board, and more— ensuring its starring role in all my upcoming excursions.
—Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editorICE ICE BABY Riviera bar ($998), Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com
Keep guests hydrated in style with this outdoor console that’s part bar, part cooler. Teak lids (which double as a prep space) hide two watertight bins that can be filled with ice to ensure your open-air entertaining stays cool all summer long. Highlight and share your favorite ingredients and tumblers on the shelf below.
—Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chiefSERVING LOOKS
Essential apron ($85-$105), Hedley & Bennett, hedleyandbennett.com
There’s a reason why the world’s culinary set—from professional chefs to aspiring home cooks—suit up in these simple yet iconic aprons. Not only are they crafted from durable cotton twill fabric to last a lifetime, but they’re loaded with pockets to store your gear, making them the perfect staple for grill masters, hosts with the most, and bar cart mixologists alike. —Abigail Duffy, web editor
BUZZ OFF
LIV Smart mosquito repellent system ($699 for three repellers), Thermacell, thermacell.com
I love everything about the South Florida outdoors, except the mosquitoes. Bug sprays and citronella are only marginally effective (and smell awful, to boot), so I have my eye on Thermacell’s LIV Smart mosquito repellent system, which comes with three to five repellers that form a barrier against the buzzing insects. The guaranteed protection is priceless.
—Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director
Laguiole grill set ($398), Terrain, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
LOW AND SLOW
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto ($30), barbecue sauce trio ($30), Franklin Barbecue, franklinbarbecue.com
—Karina Wensjoe, associate editorWhen it comes to grilling, I prefer to keep the utensils simple. Made by a renowned French knifemaker, Terrain’s set contains a grill fork, knife, and tongs made from Swedish Sandvik stainless steel and wood, all rolled in a leather case for elegant storage and travel. It’s an easy-to-use set for flipping, slicing, piercing, and more.
When my husband and I visited Austin, Texas, we waited in line for three hours to dine at Franklin Barbecue. I’m not proud to admit it, but it’s something I’d do again in a heartbeat. In the meantime, we settle for re-creating Aaron Franklin’s word-renowned brisket (to the best of our ability) using his cookbook and sauces. If all else fails, it’s now available to order via goldbelly.com too. —Mary Murray, executive editor
s the days get longer and steamier, fun in the sun is sure to beckon. Hit the beach, pool, or water with a beauty bag stocked with goodies that accentuate a sun-kissed glow, moisturize bronzed skin and salty locks, and excite those “ready for summer” senses: Yon-Ka Paris Huile Delicieuse, a nourishing body and hair oil with sunflower, sesame, and baobab oils ($64, shop.yonkausa.com); Ilia DayLite Highlighting Powder in Decades ($34, Sephora locations); Truly Barbie Whipped Body Butter, a light-
as-air cream with acai berries, matcha, and vegan collagen booster ($40, trulybeauty.com); Olita Beach Be Gone Sand Remover in Tangerine ($15, olitashop.com); Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Firming & Debloating Body Oil ($52) and Rio Radiance Perfume Mist with notes of solar tuberose and leite de coco ($38, Sephora locations); and Benefit Cosmetics Beach Vacay Butter Balm for lips ($19) and limited-edition Wanderful World Hoola + Shellie Cheek Duo ($24, benefitcosmetics.com). —Abigail Duffy
YOUR
DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE BIG EASY, WHERE NEW ADVENTURES AND TRIED-AND-TRUE FAVORITES AWAIT
BY MARY MURRAYDespite its historic reputation, New Orleans is a city in constant evolution. Part of the thrill of such a destination is the promise of duality, where you can plant one foot in the past and another in the future. Dine at a modern Mexican restaurant then catch a show at a jazz joint that dates to the 1950s. Discover the city’s cultural heritage via interactive displays at Vue Orleans before savoring a Sazerac at Peychaud’s cocktail bar and embarking on a ghost tour. Or simply post up on a veranda and soak in the sounds of the city as you scroll through social media to decide where to grab lunch (but hurry, because Turkey and the Wolf’s stoner-friendly sandwiches often sell out).
Such a veranda—and then some—can be found at Hotel Saint Vincent (saintvincentnola.com). MML Hospitality resurrected this circa-1861 building (which had its first life as an orphanage) and debuted the hotel in June 2021. From the red brick to the
wrought iron, many of the original exterior architectural flourishes remain. Inside, however, sophisticated Italian decadence commingles with mid-century furnishings and cool ’70s elements such as vintage Murano glass chandeliers. There’s a hint of hedonism across the 75 rooms and suites, all unique in their layouts but inclusive of retro-tiled bathrooms awash in a custom psychedelic wallpaper by Voutsa.
The Italian vibes continue at the on-site San Lorenzo restaurant, while the adjacent Elizabeth Street Café serves French-Vietnamese fare with a Creole tinge. Think: a fried shrimp banh mi with Cajun hot sauce, plus daily special macarons like orange Creamsicle and mint chocolate chip. You can also get your cocktail on—a beloved Big Easy pastime no matter the era—at the Paradise Lounge, Chapel Club, or poolside bar.
One of Hotel Saint Vincent’s draws is its location within the Lower Garden District. Not only is this neighborhood supremely walkable, but it’s far enough from the more touristy corners to remain insulated from the intense crowds. However, should the French Quarter call, it is just a quick Uber or trolley ride away.
Highlights within the Garden District itself range from gallery hopping to ogling nineteenth-century mansions and side-hall homes. Along the way, pop in and out of local watering holes like The Bower and
Barrel Proof before a dinner reservation at Lengua Madre (lenguamadre nola.com). This spot by chef Ana Castro has garnered an avalanche of accolades, including being named one of Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants in America and landing on The New York Times’ 2021 list of the country’s 50 most delicious and vibrant restaurants. Herself a 2023 James Beard nominee for Best Chef: South, Castro crafts multicourse tasting menus that change seasonally, reflect her Mexican heritage, and celebrate Southern ingredients. The meal is a surprise—with the menu only presented at the end—but recent highlights have included a traditional quesadilla with crawfish gobernador and trout roe, and octopus with salsa negra, little gem lettuce, and a coffee-forward aioli.
To get the full scope of Southern cooking, head to the nearby Southern Food & Beverage Museum (southernfood.org). Belly up to the circa-1850s bar pulled from one of New Orleans’ oldest restaurants, peruse the Galerie d’Absinthe, or learn about the city’s rich culinary history, from red beans and rice to Popeyes and beyond. The museum also hosts cooking classes that provide a hands-on introduction to such staples as jambalaya and gumbo.
One woman who is becoming synonymous with New Orleans cuisine—in the same vein as Emeril Lagasse, Leah Chase, and Willie Mae Seaton—is Nina Compton. A Top Chef finalist and 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, Compton operates two NOLA restau-
1. PRESERVATION HALL: Order your tickets early to attend an intimate jazz show at this historic venue, where an unassuming facade gives way to a living room–style performance space. These concerts truly feel like casual jam sessions between friends—that is, if your friends were some of the South’s foremost musicians. (preservationhall.com)
2. BLUE NILE: Accent an evening out on Frenchmen Street with a late-night visit to Blue Nile. Catch New Orleans native and trumpeter extraordinaire Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers at this hot spot every Friday. (bluenilelive.com)
3. RIVER CRUISE: For some jazz with a sweet breeze,
rants: Bywater American Bistro and Compère Lapin (comperelapin.com), which translates to “brother rabbit,” a figure in Caribbean and Creole folktales. This reference alludes to Compton’s playful marriage of the two cultures as seen in dishes such as hamachi tartare with jerk pineapple and fried okra, her signature curried goat served atop sweet potato gnocchi and garnished with cashews, and her addictive scialatielli, which eats like a Creole carbonara, dotted with crawfish and andouille.
Compère Lapin is part of the city’s Ware-
you cannot beat a river cruise. The New Orleans Steamboat Company hosts sailings along the Mississippi River, complete with views of the city, a jazz trio, and options for lunch, brunch, and dinner add-ons. (steamboatnatchez.com)
house Arts District, which is also home to attractions including the National World War II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Mardi Gras World, where you can check out the event’s famous floats year-round. For a more off-the-beaten-path stop, walk to the other side of the French Quarter to visit Studio Be (studiobenola.com). The resident gallery for artist Brandan “BMike” Odums, Studio Be covers some 35,000 square feet and boasts floorto-ceiling artworks that reflect the spirit of New Orleans and those who call it home.
Speaking of spirits, few American cities have as much ghost lore as New Orleans. If you have a penchant for spooky stuff and plan to explore the French Quarter, do so on a ghost tour. Given the destination’s association with hauntings, vampire sightings, and everything voodoo, there’s no shortage of companies offering these types of experiences both day and night. A standout is NOLA Historic Tours and its Haunted French Quarter Tour (tourneworleans.com). Start at the icon-
ic St. Louis Cathedral to hear the tale of Père Dagobert, followed by stories of the Ursuline Convent’s casket girls, the gregarious ghoul who demands his own table at Muriel’s restaurant, and the city’s most notorious murderess, Madame Delphine LaLaurie.
The LaLaurie Mansion, like much of New Orleans, has grown beyond its physical constraints to occupy a distinct place in the imaginations of travelers. The mansion’s insidious reputation has attracted tourists for generations, and the city’s promise of debauchery continues to entice. But should you choose to explore beyond Bourbon Street, you’ll find that New Orleans never plays anything the same way twice. (neworleans.com) «
HIGH SEAS
If it were any more Italian, Invictus Yachts’ brand-new flagship TT460 weekender would run on Chianti Classico, blast Andrea Bocelli from its speakers, and use spaghetti as mooring lines.
Built in Roccelletta di Borgia, this axe-bowed cruiser comes with the kind of handcrafted luxury features you’re more likely to find in a high-end boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. The sun pad cushions, for example, are held down with hand-stitched belts and engraved buckles that wouldn’t look out of place on a Prada handbag. Check the options box, and you too can protect your Invictus against that slimy, barnacle-encrusted dock piling with a set of fenders wrapped in cream leather. Even by the standards of such high-luxe Italian builders as Riva, Azimut, and Benetti, this Invictus stands out.
The TT460 excels in its impressive deck space, as well. Deep side decks make it a breeze to sashay from the cockpit to the sun pad on
the bow. In the cockpit, there are twin sofas with a pair of teak tables that join to accommodate groups of eight or so. Two fold-down terraces make for great dive boards and expand those water views from the dining table. On the back deck there’s another sun pad and steps that lead to the hydraulically lowering swim platform. At the push of a button, the sun pad rises to reveal a tender garage.
Should you want to spend the night, the TT460’s accommodations are surprisingly spacious. The beautifully finished cabin can be configured with the forward part either as a salon with a big sofa or as a sep-
arate master suite with a leather-wrapped double bed. Both layouts come with a second restricted-headroom cabin under the cockpit with twin beds that slide together, plus a bathroom with a separate shower and designer fixtures like a vessel sink.
This new Invictus also boasts a headspinning exterior from the drawing board of Christian Grande. Yes, there are plenty of blunt, axe-shaped bows out there. But the TT’s has added visual drama with contrasting colors and stainless-edged, three-quarter-length hull windows. The stainless-framed windshield and carbon-fiber hardtop that flows off it are gorgeous, and the wing-like panel in the top that rises to direct cooling air to the helm looks like something off a Lamborghini supercar.
Sadly, there are no screaming Lamborghini V12s spinning the props. The 460 comes with a pair of 650-hp Volvo D6 turbo diesels driving forward-facing IPS pod drives. With its smooth, wave-slicing, stepped hull, the 460 can lift on to the
plane in just 7 seconds and hit a top speed of close to 35 knots. Those 6-cylinder Volvos are economical too, especially at a relaxed 20-knot cruise speed.
As for pricing, this flagship TT460 (which made its debut at the recent Miami International Boat Show) starts at around $830,000, though those leather fenders will no doubt bump up the price. Want smaller? Invictus also offers a similarly sleek TT420 and TT280, along with an open-top GT series in 37, 32, and 28 feet.
But nothing can compare with the posh appeal of the new TT460. Take it for a couple trips around the bay, and you’ll be speaking Italian like De Niro in The Godfather Part II in no time. «
Brady Cobb is a cool boss. He’s the CEO of Sunburn Cannabis, and when he walks into his Fort Lauderdale medical marijuana dispensary on a weekday morning, he’s ditched the suit and tie for a whimsically patterned collared shirt and a black trucker hat emblazoned with the company’s shrimp boat logo. He greets budtenders with a fist bump or a “‘Sup?” There’s a custom-felted pool table and cushy leather couches for patients to enjoy while their orders are being filled. Lynyrd Skynyrd blasts from the speakers. A massive collage of babes, boats, and the beach dominates a far wall.
B Y J ESS S WANSON | P ORTRAIT P HOTOGRAPHY BY I AN J ACOBThe store looks unlike any of the other 25 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Broward County, which are known more for the homogeneity of their frosted glass and fluorescent lighting than their rock ‘n’ roll playlists. “They’re all the same thing—a Minute Clinic meets a Walgreens,” Cobb says wih a sigh. “I’ve always been a big fan of cannabis, and with this brand being everything surfing, everything on the water, and everything music, it got to be pretty fun pretty quick.”
Last November, Cobb debuted the first Sunburn dispensary in Fort Lauderdale, where he was born and lives with his wife and two kids. It marked an important milestone: Cobb’s father, Clyde Walton “Bill” Cobb, famously smuggled $300 million worth of marijuana for Pablo Escobar in the 1970s and ’80s. The company’s name is a nod to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) task force, dubbed “Operation Sunburn,” that apprehended Bill Cobb in 1983.
The Cobb family’s story represents how quickly the zeitgeist is changing. In one generation, they’ve gone from outlaws to entrepreneurs: from a father who operated the largest marijuana
smuggling ring ever prosecuted by the U.S. government to a son who runs a successful cannabis empire.
“Every kid wants to follow in their dad’s footsteps,” Cobb says. “I just wanted to avoid the whole prison part.”
It was sometime in 1976 or 1977 when a pickup truck belonging to a group of Colombians broke down near Bill Cobb’s home on Sugarloaf Key. They were smuggling marijuana and needed somewhere to stash their bales. Bill Cobb had a barn.
“They came back the next day and paid him $100,000 in cash,” Brady Cobb recalls. “He went, ‘Okay, how do I do this again?’”
The elder Cobb grew up a dirt-poor cotton sharecropper in a rural town outside Pensacola. He went from someone “who didn’t have shoes” as a kid to owning yachts, flying on the Concorde, buying mink coats, partying at Studio 54,
running a race team in Daytona, and buying Eric Clapton’s house on Golden Beach. One time, Cobb says, Colombians stole $1.5 million in cash, and his dad darted out of the house in just a robe to chase them down.
“He lived it all,” Cobb says. “He smoked it all the way down to the filter as far as life goes. He was larger than life until he wasn’t.”
Because the DEA had its sights set on South Florida, Bill Cobb went unnoticed transporting marijuana north from Cuba and Colombia through the Gulf of Mexico. He used shrimp boats—hence Sunburn’s current logo—and offloaded the illicit goods in
the Florida panhandle. But flashy Corvettes and Rolexes glinting in the rural swampland caught the attention of law enforcement, and it wasn’t long before the DEA opened a field office for “Operation Sunburn.” After being indicted, Cobb hired high-profile attorneys Johnnie Cochran, Alan Dershowitz, and F. Lee Bailey to represent him. In 1984, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released on appeal after serving 27 months.
It was a tough time for the younger Cobb. “When my father was arrested, and the full weight of the federal government and the Colombians was on [my mother], she sheltered
me from it and ensured I had as normal of a childhood as I could have,” he recalls. Later, he adds, his stepfather inspired his entrepreneurial vision. “He was [a] consummate dealmaker in the real estate and marine industries.”
One thing is certain: There’s no shame in the Cobb family game. “For me, it’s an immense source of pride to not only tell my dad’s story, but [that] of every smuggler in Florida who took a chance and saw the value of the plant,” Cobb says. “The joke my dad and I always had was that he was 40 years ahead of his time.”
When Bill Cobb was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Cobb says marijuana helped him
regain an appetite and brought mental and physical relief. Even so, he never wanted his son to follow in his footsteps.
Through surfing, Cobb acquired a fondness for marijuana (arguably as integral to the sport as boards and rash guards). Still, Cobb obeyed his old man’s wishes. He graduated from law school and began practicing as a business lawyer and lobbyist in Tallahassee. But when his father died at 67, his death presented a quandary for the then-30-year-old.
“I figured maybe I’ve got 35, 40 years left based on his math, so let’s get busy living or get busy dying,” he says. “That’s when I made the decision to go headlong into cannabis and really roll my sleeves up on legalization, both at the federal level and then here in Florida.”
When Cobb stepped down as director of
the Fort Lauderdale law firm Tripp Scott in 2012, marijuana was still illegal in Florida. He leaned on his political connections to educate legislators in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., about marijuana’s benefits for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, and more.
Even though Colorado and Washington state had legalized recreational marijuana and a dozen other states had legalized medical marijuana, Cobb never abandoned the Sunshine State. “My father’s story is here,” he says. “I want
to do it here. I want to vindicate my dad and everybody else who ended up in prison.”
Florida legalized medical marijuana via a constitutional amendment in 2016 with the caveat that each Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licensee must be vertically integrated and control each step in the production process from seed to sale.
By then, Cobb had quarterbacked the acquisition of the first MMTC license in the state for what later became Liberty Health Sciences (which now operates 56 dispensaries in Florida). As CEO of Bluma Wellness, Cobb also oversaw the process of opening eight One Plant Florida dispensaries across the state. In 2021, Chicago-based Cresco Labs purchased Bluma in a $213 million deal and rebranded those dispensaries to Sunnyside.
“We didn’t make that brand [Bluma Wellness] known as Sunburn because we didn’t control it,” Cobb notes. “If we had, the company that bought us [Cresco] would have my dad’s story and my story.”
Cobb tried to mesh with the new management, but within months, he and eight members of his original team stepped down. They took on consulting work in California, Colorado, and Arizona, but decided to return to Florida with the lure of the recreational marijuana constitutional amendment possibly passing on the 2024 ballot.
“We know how to win here. We’ve done it before,” Cobb says. “So, we decided to do it again and put the team back together.”
They formed Green Sentry Holdings, raised capital, and purchased MedMen for $63 million in August 2022. All of MedMen’s dispensaries have since been rebranded into Sunburn dispensaries in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
As it is, Cobb’s playbook is revolutionizing Florida’s medical marijuana industry. It’s not just the playlists, picture walls, and pool tables. Whereas Trulieve and Surterra each operate more than 45 Florida dispensaries, Sunburn has only opened eight stores, with plans to open 12 more by the end of 2024. Cobb’s competitors regularly offer appealing sales boasting big discounts, but that’s not his style.
“Why are you discounting something that’s federally illegal?” Cobb says. “I hear that as a consumer, and I think there’s something wrong with the product.”
Instead, Cobb would rather be known for the high-quality of Sunburn’s cannabis strains—even if that means he has to charge a little more. “I don’t compete against Trulieve or Curaleaf,” Cobb declares. “I compete against the black market: It’s eight to nine times as large as Florida’s legal market and largely outpaces all the major players in Florida from a quality perspective.”
Even though Cobb inherited 6,000 pounds of flower in the MedMen deal, he refused to sell it because it wasn’t up to Sunburn’s standards. “The comptroller wanted to shoot me,” Cobb says. When it came time to hire Sunburn’s growers, Cobb recruited the most renowned black market growers in the United States.
“I moved some of the best guys in the black market … because I promised them they wouldn’t have to grow crappy weed,” he says. “We are only going after the best.”
When President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession under federal law in 2022, he also called for an administrative review of the drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Given marijuana’s wide medicinal use in 37 states, Cobb and other supporters of marijuana reform expect the drug’s designation to soon shift from Schedule I to Schedule III.
In the meantime, Cobb isn’t afraid to tell his children—ages 11 and 12—what he does for a living. They’ve been to the farms and understand their family’s legacy (dating back nearly half a century) of providing Floridians with marijuana. More than anything, if they decide to pick up the generational cannabis torch, Cobb says he’ll support them.
“It’s a big part of my life and I pride myself [on] my kids knowing exactly what I do,” Cobbs says. “I would absolutely love nothing more than to see both my kids working and running Sunburn.”
It’s been more than a decade since Cobb first entered Florida’s medical marijuana scene, and he can’t help but wonder what his dad would think about his choices. “He’d probably go, ‘You’re [effing] nuts. I told you not to do this,’” Cobb says with a smile. “My retort would be, ‘But I’m doing it legally.’” «
With locations across South Florida, Planta offers vegan versions of guilty pleasures such as pizza.
veganism has gone mainstream. Once relegated to the counterculture, the vegan lifestyle is gaining steam among the general public, with millions of Americans reporting that they eat a primarily plant-based diet and the market for plant-based alternatives to animal foods growing into a multibillion-dollar industry.
Everyone has their own reasons for embarking upon a plant-based path. While many vegans cite animal rights, another leading factor is the detrimental impact that meat and dairy production has on the environment. This industry accounts for as much as 60 percent of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, who tout following a vegan diet as the “single biggest way” to reduce one’s carbon footprint. From a health perspective, numerous studies have found that a vegan diet is a cost-effective and low-risk way to both prevent and alleviate high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
But not all vegan foods are created equal. Take Oreos, for example. Though they’re not made with dairy or meat, these treats are certainly not doing much to lower cholesterol or mitigate diabetes. This is one of the primary distinctions between vegan and whole-food, plant-based diets: While the former
Vegan: One who abstains from consuming food that comes from animals such as meat, eggs, fish, or dairy products, as well as using any products derived from animals (such as leather) or tested on animals.
Raw vegan: A subcategory of veganism that also involves eliminating foods that require cooking and highly processed foods. Raw vegans eat foods either completely raw or heated at temperatures below 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plant-based: A diet that either solely or primarily consists of plants such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Those who take a whole-foods approach to eating plant-based avoid highly processed foods.
can include highly processed imitations of meats and cheeses, the latter prioritizes eating minimally processed foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. And although vegans abstain from all animal products and byproducts, those who follow plant-based diets opt to primarily eat plants but may not eliminate animal products altogether. Whether it be for morality or to delay mortality, more and more Americans are vegan-curious. And while South Florida—with its sizeable Hispanic population and penchant for lechon—may not be top of mind when it comes to vegan utopias, the region is making headway, with restaurateurs creating more vegan menu items and new vegan eateries, bakeries, and delis opening to meet demand.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel the world and go to these vegan communities, and I would say South Florida ranks in the top 10,” says Sean Russell, who founded the vegan directory and app SoFlo Vegans in 2017. “What sets South Florida apart from anywhere else in the world—because of our geographic location and being the gateway to the Americas—is we have a lot of Latin-inspired vegan restaurants, and the Caribbean influences are felt in the vegan options down here as well.”
Read on to learn more about vegan cuisine and discover plant-based culinary highlights from across South Florida.
Vegetarian: One who abstains from eating meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. While there are subcategories within a vegetarian diet, most vegetarians (like vegans) do not eat products or byproducts of slaughter, but they will consume animal products such as eggs, dairy, and honey.
Flexitarian: A “flexible” approach to vegetarianism. A flexitarian will primarily eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, but might also eat meat on occasion.
Omnivore: Someone who eats animals, animal byproducts, and plants.
Protein: Substances made up of amino-acid residues linked together by peptide bonds, elements, and a variety of essential biological compounds such as enzymes, hormones, or antibodies. The National Academy of Medicine recommends adults eat 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight each day.
Amino acids: The primary components of proteins that are synthesized by living cells or obtained as essential dietary components.
Organic: Per the USDA, produce that is labeled as “certified organic” has been grown in soil free of prohibited substances including synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Have you recently embraced a plant-based diet? We demystify the lifestyle and spotlight where to go to satiate cravings while keeping vegan.
Ever since the Toronto-based vegan restaurant Planta and later its Asian-inspired sister, Planta Queen, entered the South Florida food scene, vegans and omnivores alike have been singing its praises with their mouths full of elevated plant-centric iterations of bao buns, udon noodles, truffle fries, pizza, carbonara, and even sushi. Currently, the restaurant group operates Planta locations in West Palm Beach and South Beach and Planta Queen locations in Coconut Grove and Fort Lauderdale.
“Our mission is to reinvent and revitalize the plant-based dining experience,” says executive chef David Lee. “Coconut Grove, South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach all have different demographics, but we’re really grateful to the community as a whole and the impact they’ve allowed us to make.”
For Lee, eating plant-based gives him “more energy” and allows him to “think sharper.” It’s not just a specific dish or menu, but a lifestyle he’s proud to promote and introduce to omnivore diners.
Demand quality produce.
“Ingredients are very important. They tell the story. If you buy crappy ingredients, you’re going to tell a crappy story. [At Planta] we obsess about vegetables for obvious reasons. I’m a firm believer that you have to be the fussiest client so that you get the best. When you buy a great ingredient, you can let it speak for itself.”
Experiment with new, seasonal ingredients.
“For instance, citrus in Florida tastes amazing. I can go to Canada, and it just doesn’t taste the same. So, the first step is to go to the farmers market. I have so much respect for all the little purveyors that are out there, and we try to support them as much as we can. Then buy the fruits and vegetables, cook them, and experiment with them. I have the greatest job in the world because I get to research, look for, and work with all these great ingredients. Bringing them to the table is really rewarding.”
Don’t rush the process.
Cooking vegan at home? Lee shares some advice to help you get started. (plantarestaurants.com) 1 3 2
“There’s a big misconception about the time it takes to cook [plant-based cuisine]. For instance, we have 10 ingredients in our burger, and they’re all natural. When you look at a regular burger, it’s just basically one ingredient: red meat. But we have to cook all 10 ingredients that we put inside, handle it, mix it. In the end, we get a great product.”
A resident of Pompano Beach, Geoff Palmer has led a plant-based lifestyle for more than 30 years. He is the founder and CEO of natural sports nutrition company Clean Machine, which presents the Vegan Health and Fitness Expo and the World Vegan Bodybuilding Championships at the Broward County Convention Center. Ranked by Plant-Based News as one of the 100 most influential vegans in the world, Palmer is a self-described “science geek” who takes to Facebook Live every week to debunk many of the misconceptions associated with a plant-based diet. Here, he offers insight into vegan nutrition. (cleanmachineonline.com)
Palmer: I know the typical response would be protein. Although protein is important, to be
honest, polyphenols are probably the most impor tant. Polyphenols are a class of phytonutrients. They exist only in the plant kingdom and include most of your antioxidants, catechins, and all these different things with very powerful healing properties. They’re also prebiotic, so they feed our bacteria and then break them down into other metabolites that do wonderful things for weight loss, brain health, and eye health.
There is no real protein deficiency in the United States. In fact, 95 percent of Americans are fiber deficient, and fiber only comes from plants. I understand a lot of people, when switching to a vegan diet, will want to try the vegan versions of their favorite comfort foods … but if you’re serious about your health and nutrition, and if you’re wanting to add muscle and lose body fat, it’s best to keep a wholefoods, plant-based diet as much as you can. You’ll cover your nutritional needs.
[For muscle gain] make sure you hit 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, I weigh about 180 to 190 pounds, so that’s about 120 grams of protein per day. That ends up to be about 30 grams of protein per meal if you’re consuming four meals a day. It’s so easy: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich
For concentrated forms of plant protein, Palmer recommends legumes, grains such as quinoa, nuts, and seeds. Among legumes, he cites lentils, white beans, and black beans as having the highest amount of protein per gram.
on whole grain bread is 30 grams of protein, a stir-fry easily has 30 grams of protein, a good-sized bowl of oatmeal with some nuts and pumpkin seeds is 30 grams of protein. It’s not as hard as most people think.
Do vegans build muscle differently than omnivores?
It has to do with the amount of inflammation. Plants are naturally alkaline. Proteins are naturally acidic. When you work out, you produce lactic acid. The acid has to be equalized by alkalinity. So, vegans recover much faster and can build stronger and healthier muscle than people on an omnivore diet. So [it’s] just the opposite of what people think that you can’t build muscle; you actually build it a lot better and stronger on a plant-based diet because of the alkalinity. Some bodybuilders who still don’t want to go plant-based are [consuming] baking soda because it’s super alkaline, to try to replicate or reproduce the effects of a plant-based diet.
Veronica Menin and Diego Tosoni run this bright and cheery café in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. From breakfast sandwiches to pizzas to hearty grain bowls, the menu is completely plant-based yet versatile enough to accommodate any eater. Just ask Payal Doshi, who runs the popular @vegansofmiami Instagram account. “I took my husband, who is a carnivore, and he loved it there,” she says. As for herself, Doshi recommends any of the café’s pizzas, which are topped with a Parmesan substitute and can be made with gluten-free crust. Regardless of what you order, save room for dessert. “They have the best carrot cake,” Doshi adds. (lovelifecafe.com)
Since 2016, this inconspicuous eatery inside the historic Alfred Dupont building in downtown Miami has been a staple among the neighborhood’s hungry workforce—regardless of their dietary restrictions—who are often looking for a meal that won’t induce a food coma yet will keep them full until dinnertime. It’s a fine line to walk, but Manna Life Food does it, offering a robust vegan and gluten-free menu with smoothies, bowls, seafood-less “ceviche” made with oyster mushrooms and coconut meat, and more than eight types of vegan arepas. “The peanut butter and jelly arepa is my favorite,” says vegan bodybuilder Torre Washington, who lives in Tamarac. “Everything there is super organic and just so good.” (mannalifefood.com)
The decadence of barbecued meat is hard to replicate. While the scent of The Rabbit Hole’s cuisine in Pompano Beach is enough to ruin anyone’s vegan streak, the good news is you won’t have to: Everything on the menu, from the Southern barbecue platter to the jerk chicken and the surf and turf dinner, is completely plant-based. When the cravings for comfort food staples hit (think: mac and cheese, cornbread, fried okra, and shrimp po’boys), The Rabbit Hole promises to quash them without compromising your plant-based beliefs. (therabbithole.life)
AFTER GETTING HIS START AS A KID IN HIS FATHER’S RESTAURANT IN ARGENTINA, CHEF JOSÉ PABLO LUQUE WORKED IN SOME OF THE MOST RESPECTED VEGAN KITCHENS IN SOUTH FLORIDA, INCLUDING PLANT AND HOLI VEGAN KITCHEN, BEFORE LAUNCHING PS GREEN VEGAN EXPRESS IN 2020. FROM THE OPEN KITCHEN AT HIS CAFÉ ON OAKLAND PARK BOULEVARD, LUQUE DOES IT ALL—INCLUDING WHIP UP BLUEBERRY AND LEMON ZEST PANCAKES, HEARTY LENTIL SOUPS, BARBECUE JACKFRUIT BURRITOS, CHIMICHURRI-MARINATED TEMPEH TACOS, AND HIS VEGAN TAKE ON THE CLASSIC BLT. (PSGREENVEGAN.COM)
NAMED IN HONOR OF THE OWNERS’ POODLE, DARBY, THIS WEST PALM BEACH RESTAURANT PANDERS TO PATRONS AND THEIR FOUR-LEGGED COMPANIONS. DARBSTER SERVES PLANT-BASED VERSIONS OF CLASSIC DISHES SUCH AS “CHICK’N” PARMIGIANA, AS WELL AS ELEVATED VEGAN ORIGINALS LIKE EGGPLANT “SCALLOPS.” SINCE 2009, THE RESTAURANT HAS COMBINED THE ARTISTRY OF A FRENCH TWEEZER KITCHEN WITH THE ETHICS OF AN ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, WITH ALL PROFITS BENEFITING THE DARBSTER FOUNDATION, WHICH FUNDS SPAY AND NEUTER PROGRAMS AND ASSISTS WITH OTHER ANIMAL ISSUES IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. “THEIR BRUNCH IS REALLY GOOD, AND EVERYTHING ON THEIR LUNCH MENU IS GREAT,” ALEXANDRE SAYS. “BUT I REALLY LOVE THEIR DINNER STAPLES, AND THE EGGPLANT SCALLOPS OVER MASHED POTATOES WITH BOK CHOY ARE REALLY, REALLY GOOD. I’VE ORDERED THAT MEAL MORE THAN ANYTHING—EVER.” (DARBSTER.COM)
South Florida has a sizeable Hispanic population, and when immigrants or first-generation Americans consider a strictly vegan lifestyle, letting go of the meaty platos tipicos reminiscent of home and family is no small ask. But chef Jennifer Rosa of La Chia Vegana doesn’t want you to. From her cozy café tucked inside the City Soccer indoor sports facility in West Palm Beach, she whips up plant-based iterations of Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, loaded arepas, and Mexican street corn, plus original creations such as a café con leche parfait and a Latino bowl packed with pico de gallo, black beans, and rice. Come November she offers “jacfurkey,” “shicken” pot pie, and mushroom gravy to order—a feat South Florida vegans can all give thanks for. “It’s this little hole-in-the-wall place, but everything’s perfect,” says West Palm Beacher Anuella Alexandre, who chronicles her plant-based lifestyle on her blog, The Green Goddess Diary (@lachiavegana)
Chef Dina Lauro is proof that while you can’t take the Philly out of the girl, you can certainly take the cheese and steak out of the Philly cheesesteak. Lauro is the granddaughter of a Philadelphia steak and hoagie shop owner, so serving an authentic Philly cheesesteak is part of her family legacy, but she also wanted to use clean and healthy ingredients. Though her Riviera Beach deli serves vegan Italian hoagies and Buffalo cheese fries, the Philly cheesesteak is the bestseller; it’s made with seitan “steak” and vegan cheese whiz, and topped with fried onions, hot peppers, and ketchup. “The Philly cheesesteak is the bomb, and their loaded fries are so good,” Washington says. Alexandre concurs: “I don’t believe in cheat days, but if I have a girlfriend in town who’s not vegan [and] we want to eat junk food and have a good time, this is the place where we always want to go.” (dinasvegandeli.com)
“United States Burger Service is a little vendor inside The Citadel food hall in Little River, and they make my hands-down favorite burger in Miami, but I love how their veggie burger [the Snail Mail] isn’t just an afterthought,” says Ryan Pfeffer, an omnivore food critic and senior editor at Infatuation Miami. “They make just about everything in-house, from the spectacular little potato bun to their beautiful cheese sauce. The veggie patty they use could probably fool me into thinking I’m eating beef if I wasn’t paying close attention.” (usbsmia.com)
Vegan Junkie has “a food truck at the Art of Coffee Café in Dania Beach, and they’re known for their plant-based burgers,” says Doshi of Vegans of Miami. “My favorite thing is their patty, which is made in-house. I really like the way they use beans to solidify the patty, and that makes it so delicious.” The Junkie burger is made with a “superfood” patty, melted cheddar “cheeze,” grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and the signature Junkie sauce. (veganjunkieburgers.com)
“Of course, you have a lot of restaurants that have [plantbased] burgers on their menu, but there are not a lot of [vegan] places in West Palm Beach that really only focus on burgers,” SoFlo Vegans’ Sean Russell says of the Dope Vegan. The Dope Burger is served on a brioche bun and packed with a plant-based patty, vegan cheese, vegan bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, and tomatoes, and dripping in their homemade Dope sauce. (eatdopevegan.com)
Anuella Alexandre of The Green Goddess Diary (@thegreen goddessdiary) shares a savory vegan recipe to whip up at home
1 butternut squash
Extra-virgin olive oil (amounts specified in directions)
3 tsp. sea salt (divided)
3/4 tsp. black pepper (divided)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
6 garlic cloves (2 minced, 4 whole)
8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. Trader Joe’s Umami
Seasoning (or similar product)
1/2 tsp. dry basil
1 lb. pasta (such as Whole Foods’ organic papillon)
3 cups basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 Hass avocado
1/3 cup Violife Shaved Parmesan
“Cheese”
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tbsp. chopped basil
Lightly oil a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and set aside. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, peel the outer layer of the butternut squash. Cut the ends off the squash and then cut down the middle lengthwise. Scrape the seeds out with a spoon and cut each half into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl and drizzle with 1
tbsp. olive oil before seasoning with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, garlic powder, and Herbs De Provence. Toss until cubes are evenly seasoned. Transfer cubes to the baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until squash is tender (25 to 30 minutes).
Meanwhile, prepare the mushroom base. In a large skillet, brown the minced garlic in olive oil on medium heat. Add in the mushrooms and red bell pepper. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, umami seasoning, and dry basil. Cover and simmer until tender. Let cool uncovered.
Add the pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water with an additional 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. olive oil to keep from sticking. Cook until al dente (about 9 minutes). While the pasta cooks make your pesto. In a food processor, add the basil leaves, pine nuts, whole garlic cloves, 1/2 cup olive oil, lemon juice, avocado, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Blend until combined. Drain your pasta in a colander and rinse. In a large serving dish mix your pasta, mushroom mirepoix, and pesto sauce well. Once evenly mixed, add in the squash and toss lightly. Sprinkle with Parmesan “cheese.” Garnish with cherry tomatoes and chopped basil before serving.
Butter, cream, and eggs are staples in many dessert recipes, but these South Florida bakeries are enabling vegans to indulge their sweet tooth
With two cafés in Plantation and East Boca Raton, Parlour Vegan Bakery serves vegan lattes, including a brown butter white chocolate latte with coconut whipped cream and caramel sugar bits, as well as “beef” empanadas, chocolate salted caramel and peanut butter doughnuts, carrot cupcakes topped with frosting and cinnamon crumbs, a chocolate chip cookie dough cookie sandwich, and guava and cheese pastelitos (parlourvegan.com)
Bunnie Cakes
IN A BUBBLEGUM PINK STORE IN DOWNTOWN DORAL, MARIANA CORTEZ WHIPS UP VEGAN THREE-LAYER AND BUNDT CAKES, PLUS MORE THAN 15 FLAVORS OF CUPCAKES, INCLUDING COOKIES NO CREAM AND DULCE NO LECHE. (BUNNIECAKES.COM)
From brownies and blondies to mini matcha-, rose-, and churro-flavored doughnuts, baker Pamela Wasabi’s array of vegan sweet treats can be found at more than two dozen retailers across Miami and as far north as Jupiter. Opt for the guava and rose cheesecake, avocado key lime pie, or her thin crisp cookies, which come in such flavors as Celestial Chunk, Lavender Heaven, and Majestic Chai.
(pamela wasabi.com)
WITH OUTPOSTS IN MIAMI BEACH AND OAKLAND PARK, THIS VIBRANT SHOP IS BRIMMING WITH POP ART, SINFULLY DECADENT DOUGHNUTS, “AND MORE” (CROISSANTS, EMPANADAS, BURRITOS). THOUGH THE VEGAN OPTIONS ARE MOSTLY LIMITED TO DOUGHNUTS, THE SELECTION DOESN’T DISAPPOINT. IMAGINE: VEGAN CHOCOLATE DOUGHNUTS TOPPED WITH SPRINKLES, OREOS, MARSHMALLOWS, OR SLICED ALMONDS.
(PINKLOVEDONUTSANDMORE.COM)
With its bounty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, this Palm Beach Gardens café has gained a local following for its plant-based sandwiches, pizzas, tacos, and more. But it is the kitchen’s two-page dessert menu that truly sets it apart from other vegan restaurants. Expect three types of ice cream sundaes, five flavors of ice cream shakes, two kinds of pie, 11 flavors of raw chocolates, and four types of dessert cups, not to mention doughnut holes, chocolate chip cookies, and brownie bites. (christophers kitchenfl.com)
Flocks of metal cranes tower over downtown, the eastbound lanes of Las Olas are blocked for construction, and new high-rises climb to the sky. So what’s in the works for the future of Fort Lauderdale? FLI sat down with some of the city’s movers and shakers to learn what’s next for the city.
Fort Lauderdale is renowned as a riverfront community, spring break hot spot, and snowbird paradise, but its next act might just be as a business boss. Case in point: The city ranked eighth among the best local economies in the nation on the “2023 Emerging Trends in Real Estate” report produced by the Urban Land Institute and PwC. That puts it ahead of Miami and West Palm Beach, as well more distant cities including Atlanta, Denver, and San Diego.
Fort Lauderdale has also drawn a multitude of new regional expansions and headquarter relocations. Massachusetts-based tech company Reveneer opened a South Florida office in the Tower 101 building, Icon International expanded its office space on Las Olas Boulevard to accommodate more than 100 new employees, and Manhattan investment bank Solomon Partners opened an office in downtown’s Bank of America building. And this year, New York
City–based IT solutions provider Future Tech relocated its corporate headquarters to the Broward Financial Centre.
Then there are the locally grown firms. Just nine months after its launch in January 2022, Fort Lauderdale–based Locality Bank surpassed $100 million in assets. As a digital-first community bank, Locality focuses on lending to small and local businesses, particularly in real estate.
“One of the big cruxes that we feel banks struggle with is they change or they grow or they iterate in years—we have to be able to move in weeks and months,” says Corey LeBlanc, chief operating officer at Locality Bank. “That’s where we really felt it was not only needed but absolutely necessary for us to start a different version of a community bank.”
Maybe it’s the tax incentives, remote-friendly working environment, or sunny skies that draw folks here, but Jay Phillip Parker, the CEO of Douglas Elliman’s Florida region and president of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing–Florida points to the recent luxury boom in Laudy’s real estate
market. In downtown, the two-story penthouse at 100 Las Olas was recently priced at a cool $6.3 million. On the beach, big brands continue to pop up: the Conrad in 2016, the Paramount in 2018, the Four Seasons in 2022, and The Edition, which broke ground this year.
“You distinguish yourself as a major market when you have a Four Seasons flag,” Parker says. “We’ve really seen a very significant evolution of the offerings [in] Fort Lauderdale to cater [to a] more disciplined, more discerning buyer.”
It’s an evolution that Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of the Fort
Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, says has been a long time coming. “We always had the good foundation and bones of a midsize, sophisticated city that could come into its own,” she explains. “A lot of pieces came together at the right time, at the right place.”
After 40 years, the vision of Riverwalk is finally complete, says Eugenia Duncan Ellis, president and CEO of Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. The last two available spaces on the Riverwalk interface are in the process of being claimed in a $1 billion investment by developer Asi Cymbal, an entrepreneur so drawn to Fort Lauderdale that he’s moving his company and his family from Wynwood to Laudy.
The Raintree Riverwalk Residences—the first of Cymbal’s two planned projects—is already in the works. But construction required the relocation of the city’s 100-year-old African rain tree (a move that cost $500,000). The second project, Nautica Residences and Hotel, is planned to rise as three towers housing condos, rentals, a hotel, a marina with a yacht valet, a restaurant, and public art. If all goes as scheduled, the Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Board will review the specs this summer. If given the greenlight, groundbreaking will begin in 2024, with completion set for 2026.
“This is our opportunity to take this billion-dollar, mixed-use district that we’re developing in downtown and bring Fort Lauderdale to an international scale and to a level that honors its marine history, its history as the boating capital of the world,” Cymbal says.
For Duncan Ellis, it’s all part of a carefully executed, decades-long plan that requires newcomers like Cymbal to adapt to the aesthetic of the Riverwalk. “Our quest is that our Riverwalk is consistent on both sides of the river,” she says. “Everyone wants it to blend into their property, and I say, ‘No, you need it to blend into the Riverwalk.’”
Huizenga Park is about to be more than just a lush, expansive green space for hosting festivals. “It’s not getting the use it should have to be an open park space,” explains Jodi Tanner, who serves on the board of the Huizenga Park Foundation and is the vice president of the Las Olas Association. “The foundation is raising money to reimagine the park to make it beautiful [and useful to] the entire community.”
The $15 million project will get underway later this year and add a dog run, a fountain, seating areas, public bathrooms, and improved lighting. The renovated park will be anchored by a 5,000-square-foot restaurant run by Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which operates the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne.
The only condition from the Downtown Development Authority? Huizenga Park will forever belong to the public. “It will never be lost, it will bever be sold, it will never be built into a condo,” Tanner says. “This is a huge plus to the park in this community.”
The heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas Boulevard, where the city comes together in the form of tree-lined streets, shopping, sidewalk cafés, bars—and traffic. The latter may soon be a distant memory, as the city makes much-needed improvements to the Henry E. Kinney tunnel and
WHEN WAYNE HUIZENGA WON HIS BID TO BRING A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY FRANCHISE TO SOUTH FLORIDA IN 1993, THE FLORIDA PANTHERS PLAYED THEIR FIRST FIVE SEASONS IN MIAMI. THE TEAM MOVED TO ITS PERMANENT HOME AT THE FLA LIVE ARENA IN SUNRISE IN 1998. BUT THE TEAM DOESN’T PRACTICE THERE, INSTEAD USING THE ICEDEN IN CORAL SPRINGS. THAT’LL ALL CHANGE THIS SUMMER, WHEN THE RENOVATION OF FORT LAUDERDALE’S WAR MEMORIAL IS UNVEILED, OFFERING TWO SHEETS OF BRANDNEW ICE FOR THE PANTHERS’ PRACTICE SESSIONS. WHEN NOT IN USE BY THE PROS, THE VENUE WILL BE
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY, COMPLETE WITH A RETAIL SHOP, RESTAURANT, AND CONCERT SPACE.
“IT’S REALLY GOING TO BE A MAGNIFICENT ADDITION TO HOLIDAY PARK IN FORT LAUDERDALE,” SAYS BRYCE HOLLWEG, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR THE FLORIDA PANTHERS. “IT ALSO GIVES US A FOOTPRINT IN THE EAST IN FORT LAUDERDALE TO HELP US GROW THE GAME, GET YOUTH ON THE ICE, AND GET PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT HOCKEY.”
WHEN FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS VISITED LAS VEGAS IN JANUARY 2021, HE WAS WOWED BY SELF-DRIVING TESLAS TAKING PASSENGERS FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION—ALL UNDERGROUND VIA SIN CITY’S LOOP. TRANTALIS AND OTHER CITY LEADERS COULDN’T HELP BUT IMAGINE HOW A SIMILAR TUNNEL (DESIGNED BY ELON MUSK’S BORING COMPANY) COULD TRANSPORT FORT LAUDERDALE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS BACK AND FORTH FROM DOWNTOWN TO THE BEACH WITHOUT A SINGLE TRAFFIC LIGHT.
SURE, IT’S AN OUT-OF-THEBOX IDEA ON THE PART OF THE MAYOR AND THE FORT LAUDERDALE CITY COMMISSION. BUT IT’S ONE THEY’RE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED, TO THE TUNE OF $375,000—THE AMOUNT THE CITY AGREED TO PAY BORING TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY. STAY TUNED FOR THE ANSWERS TO SOME BIG QUESTIONS, NAMELY: WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO BUILD A TUNNEL CONNECTING DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE TO FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH? AND, WOULD A BRIDGE ACROSS THE NEW RIVER BE A BETTER OPTION?
creates more green space in the form of Tunnel Top Plaza Park. Located opposite the historic Stranahan House, the $28.4 million project is scheduled for completion this year. “It’s a long time coming,” Tanner says. “It’s going to be a place where people can sit and really enjoy the river.”
As new businesses have made their way to Las Olas Boulevard (think: Lululemon, Rice Mediterranean Kitchen, and Carrot Express), the most anticipated is the Whitfield Hotel, expected to open by the end of 2024. “Change and growth is inevitable,” Tanner says. “There’s just so much more buy-in; there’s so much more of the community that wants to be a part of the growth of Fort Lauderdale.”
Progress can sometimes be a tough pill to swallow. Consider FAT Village (which, depending on who you ask, is either an acronym for Flagler Arts and Technology or Food, Art, and Technology). In 2014, Tim Hasse opened the inaugural location of his shared workspace, General Provision, in FAT Village and watched the neighborhood blossom from an industrial park into an arts and technology hot spot. Enter Urban Street Development, which partnered with Hines Development to buy up and
eventually demolish the buildings that made up FAT Village.
“We always loved this area; we knew that it was in the path of growth for downtown,” says Alan Hooper, partner at Urban Street Development. “It had that funky edge to it. I always wanted to do something that would make it a place.”
Hasse’s General Provision opened a second location downtown in 2019; it moved its operations there after its last day in FAT Village in June 2022. Demolition began a month later. Sometime in 2024, construction will be complete on a new iteration of FAT Village, which will include a town center with office space, restaurants, artist studios, retail stores, commercial parking, a hotel, and residential units.
“There’s some real bitterness about the way things
“
WE ALWAYS HAD THE GOOD FOUNDATION AND BONES OF A MIDSIZE, SOPHISTICATED CITY THAT COULD COME INTO ITS OWN. A LOT OF PIECES CAME TOGEHTER AT THE RIGHT TIME, AT THE RIGHT PLACE.”
—JENNI MOREJONURBAN STREET DEVELOPMENT URBAN STREET DEVELOPMENT
went down,” Hasse says. “Business is doing well, but we had to navigate a less-than-ideal circumstance when we left FAT Village.”
Hooper understands that it wasn’t possible for small businesses like Hasse’s to temporarily move during redevelopment and return to FAT Village once construction is complete. But he promises that the aesthetic of the old neighborhood is part of his firm’s plan for the area.
“There’s always contention with change,” Hooper admits. “What you hope you can do is bring back that culture to the neighborhood, and that’s what we intend to do.”
For years, Pier Sixty-Six (named for the Phillips 66 gas station first built on the site) served as a stopping point for Bahama-bound boaters. But it soon became a destination unto itself, thanks to its marina and rotating top-floor restaurant. Today, the Tavistock Group is working to bring the spot back to its glory days.
“Fort Lauderdale has a very understated elegance,” says Amy Ballon, Pier Sixty-Six’s director of sales. “Developers have seen a shift in terms of buyers, and buyers want something new.”
Perhaps that’s why Tavistock acquired the property in 2016 (plus another 10 acres of adjacent land in 2018). The company plans to keep the shell of the hotel intact while adding conference and ballroom space, 300 hotel rooms, seven restaurants, three pools, and 62 luxury condos and residences. The marina will get an overhaul, too, with 164 boat slips (some accommodating vessels up to 400 feet long), befitting the Venice of America. «
On the following pages, you’ll discover our carefully curated list of 522 Top Doctors as chosen by their peers. We profile some of the most trusted and experienced physicians across Broward and neighboring Palm Beach County, many of whom give their time and talents to make our community even stronger.
Fort Lauderdale Illustrated’sElba Iglesias
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-1460
Nicole Christine Akar-Ghibril Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3030
Hanadys Ale-Ghibril Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3030
Ves Dimov Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5813
Frank Eidelman
Cleveland Clinic - Coral Springs Coral Springs 877-463-2010
Shahnaz Fatteh Asthma, Allergy Care Center of Florida Plantation 954-723-0334
Yasmeen Rahman Khan Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5525
Sharlene Joan Llanes Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Pembroke Pines 954-437-3600
Arnaldo Perez Cleveland Clinic - Coral Springs Coral Springs 877-463-2010
Shahid Rasul Randhawa
Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Associates Oakland Park 954-717-1919
Kfir Shamir
Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care Weston 954-389-2599
Ricardo L. Ayala Cleveland Clinic - Martin Health
Sunrise 561-799-3552
Neal Bodner Broward Health Plantation 800-437-2672
Richmond L. Estacio Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-485-5666
Lauren Kimmel Memorial Healthcare System Plantation 800-437-2672
Alia Abdulla Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-848-8140
Jessica L. Burgers
Holy Cross Medical GroupSurgical Oncology
Fort Lauderdale 954-772-6700
Joseph J. Casey
Holy Cross Medical GroupSurgical Oncology Fort Lauderdale 954-772-6700
Erik A Beyer Steward Medical Group
Fort Lauderdale 954-739-2273
Steven Bibevski
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Michael Cortelli Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-6356
Eugene N. Costantini Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-462-4413
John Dentel
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Alexander G. Justicz
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-267-6770
John N. Melvan
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-267-6770
Juan Plate
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-6356
Frank Scholl
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Cedric Sheffield
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Jeremy J. Song
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-6356
I-wen Wang
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-7750
Felipe Albuquerque
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates
Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
William Alexis
Memorial Healthcare System
Pembroke Pines 954-688-4600
Juan Carlos Brenes
Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7900
Howard Bush
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5290
Michael A. Chizner
Broward Health Physician Group Fort Lauderdale 754-779-7150
Elias Collado
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
Laura D’Addese Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Max Dweck Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-438-9800
Lior U. Elkayam LE HEART CENTER LLC Hollywood 305-741-4278
Jerry Estep Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Kenneth Fromkin Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5290
Craig A. Hostig
South Florida Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Margate 954-884-0111
Joel Jancko Cardiology Consultants of West Broward Plantation 954-691-3061
Daniel Benhayon Lanes Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7900
Joshua M. Larned
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates
Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
Alexander Llanos
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
Alvaro Murcia Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-499-7878
Gian Novaro Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5290
Juan Pastor-Cervantes Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7900
David E. Perloff
Perloff Cardiovascular Care Fort Lauderdale 954-523-3422
Medical decisions are some of the most important choices our readers make. In an effort to provide the best medical information available, Fort Lauderdale Illustrated has enlisted a professional marketing company, Professional Research Services of Troy, Michigan, to identify the Top Doctors in Broward County. Together we surveyed licensed physicians, asking them to reveal the best medical professionals in our area. These Top Doctors have been scrutinized for the legitimacy of their licenses as well as their status with the Florida Department of Health. While there are outstanding professionals who aren’t listed here, we hope you’ll give these doctors special consideration when choosing a medical professional.
Paul L. Rondino Broward Health Pompano Beach 954-946-2570
Todd Roth Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-2243
Charles D. Russo Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
Neil A. Schultz Broward Health Margate 954-973-4555
Sunay Shah Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7900
Ethan Siev Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7900
Tiffany Sizemore Di Pietro Dr. Tiffany Sizemore Di Pietro Fort Lauderdale 954-523-4141
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 82
Pablo Alberto Urbandt Cardiology Consultants of West Broward Plantation 954-691-3061
Daniel Weitz
Holy Cross Medical GroupCardiology Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-772-2136
David Wolinsky
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Kenneth H. Zelnick
Kenneth Zelnick, M.D. Plantation 954 681-4088
Abhijit Basu
Holy Cross Medical GroupColorectal Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-772-4553
Astha Bhatt Steward Medical Group Fort Lauderdale 954-751-5400
Giovanna Da Silva Southwick
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Michael Dolberg Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-844-1617
Alan Herline Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-844-1617
David J. Maron
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Juan Nogueras
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Dana Sands
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5278
Laurence Sands
University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Plantation Plantation 305-243-9110
Elie Schochet
South Florida Colorectal Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-573-1499
Michael H. Tarlowe Michael H. Tarlowe MD PA Deerfield Beach 954-210-7127
Eric Weiss
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Steven Wexner
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Jerry Capote Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-776-8911
Juliana Cepelowicz Rajter Pulmonary and Sleep Consultants Fort Lauderdale 954-906-6000
Lance Cohen Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-6333
Sam Faradyan
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Luis Alvarez Gonzales Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-6333
Samuel A. Gurevich
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5450
Anas Hadeh
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5450
Felix Hernandez
Holy Cross Medical Group - Pulmonary Fort Lauderdale 954-491-8981
Frank P. Hull
Broward Health Plantation 954-522-7226
Each year, almost 400,000 cases of carotid artery disease are diagnosed in the United States alone. Dr. Sean O’Donnell, MD is hard a work at Hollywood’s Memorial Hospital, on a mission to lower this figure. He comes by the profession honestly: following in the footsteps of his grandfather who was a primary doctor in the medical corps during World War I, O’Donnell pursued a medical career and graduated from Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine in 1984. After completing his residency at the Letterman Army Medical Center in 1989, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during the Gulf War. Today, the retired colonel serves the people of Broward County as the medical director of vascular and endovascular surgery at Memorial’s Cardiac and Vascular Institute. “It is a pretty rapid response and rapid reward type specialty,” O’Donnell says.
Vascular surgeons tend to follow the gold standard—a carotid endarterectomy (CEA)— in treating coronary disease. But O’Donnell recently performed Broward County’s first TransCarotid Atery Revasculation (TCAR) procedure on a patient whose neck artery was almost entirely blocked by plaque, threatening blood flow to the brain. This minimally invasive procedure was designed to prevent strokes in high-risk surgical patients and works by temporarily reversing blood flow through the carotid artery via a tiny incision at the base of the patient’s neck. This ensures that any plaque fragments that break off as the obstruction is removed are guided away from the brain. “I have been following that technology for over 15 years,” O’Donnell says. “These technologies take a long time through the FDA to one, show safety, then show efficacy, and then get approved. After it’s approved, it needs some people that are interested and have been following it. I had been following it.”
O’Donnell anticipates an increase in the use of minimally invasive endovascular surgery in vascular medicine in the future. TCAR works best for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo a CEA, and results in fewer scars, post-surgical complications, and recovery time. “The best part of my job is seeing somebody relieved walking out a clinic and they aren’t anxious as they were coming in,” O’Donnell says. “Whether that means telling them they don’t have something or taking care of a problem. You can see the relief on their face.” —Karina
WensjoeSemaan G. Kosseifi
Holy Cross Medical Group - Pulmonary Fort Lauderdale 954-491-8981
Charles Lieber
Central Medical Group, P.A. Tamarac 954-720-6166
Nydia Martinez Galvis
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5000
Raciel Pintado
Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-9976
Franck Rahaghi
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Jean-Jacques Rajter Pulmonary & Sleep Consultants Fort Lauderdale 954-906-6000
Jose F. Ramirez Integrated Sleep Care Miramar 954-289-6106
Eliseo Rondon Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-9976
Laurence Smolley
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5450
Hector Y. Vazquez Saad
Holy Cross Medical Group - Pulmonary Fort Lauderdale 954-491-8981
Alvaro Visbal-Ventura
Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-265-9976
Moses Washington Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-9976
Douglas Weiner Central Medical Group, P.A. Coral Springs 954-340-1992
Charles A. Buchbinder Riverchase Dermatology Deerfield Beach 954-426-3494
Sari M. Fien Skin Center Fort Lauderdale 954-500-7546
Stacy Frankel Stacy Frankel, MD, PA Lauderdale Lakes 954-652-0246
Barry I. Galitzer Skin Center Fort Lauderdale 954-500-7546
Garry B. Gewirtzman Skin and Cancer Associates - Plantation Plantation 954-473-6750
Dan Ilkovitch ClearlyDerm Fort Lauderdale 954-500-3376
Shailee Patel Minars Dermatology Hollywood 954-284-0127
Will Forrest Richardson Jr. Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics Fort Lauderdale 954-537-4106
Richard Rubenstein Richard Rubenstein, M.D. Tamarac 954-720-7272
Evan Schlam Schlam Dermatology P.A. Plantation 954-741-5600
Michael S. Sofman
Sobel and Sofman, M.D., P.A. Hollywood 954-983-5533
Nadine Soro Skin Center
Fort Lauderdale 954-500-7546
Angela Weatherall ClearlyDerm Fort Lauderdale 954-500-3376
Khongruk Wongkittiroch Z-ROC Dermatology Fort Lauderdale 954-564-0040
Matthew Zarraga Z-ROC Dermatology
Fort Lauderdale 954-564-0040
Kathryn C. Zeoli
Holy Cross Medical GroupMedical Office
Fort Lauderdale 954-491-4304
Gilberto Alemar
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5786
Adrien A. Eshraghi
University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Plantation Plantation 305-243-3564
George Georgakakis Dr. George Georgakakis Fort Lauderdale 954-493-8773
Kendall L. Hanft
South Florida ENT Associates
Fort Lauderdale 954-799-5559
Sabine Hesse
South Florida END Associates Hollywood 561-621-4229
David Jassir
South Florida ENT Associates
Hollywood 954-799-3647
Paul E. Lapco
Dr. Paul Lapco, ENT Pompano Beach 954-942-6868
Sherry Levine South Florida ENT Associates Pembroke Pines 954-982-8441
Travis Lewis
South Florida ENT Associates
Weston 954-389-1414
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 67
Eamon McLaughlin South Florida ENT Associates Hollywood 954-284-1478
Michael Medina Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5786
Samuel Ostrower Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-1616
Sweeti Shah Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-1616
Ryan Sobel Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-320-3304
Eloy Villasuso III
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Camysha H. Wright
ENT and Allergy Associates of Florida Plantation 954-368-8519
Jacob W. Zeiders
South Florida Pediatric Otolaryngology Fort Lauderdale 954-888-8997
Dr. Ira Fox has dedicated more than 30 years to treating and alleviating chronic pain conditions. In 1996, he co-founded Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants (APCC) with Dr. Jay Lasner. He has treated all types of pain from disc herniations, spinal stenosis, chronic arthritic conditions, failed neck and lumbar spine surgeries, injuries, accidents, and cancer. Anesthesia Pain Care has seen more than 120,000 patients since its inception, and recently has partnered with DXTX to expand its ability to deliver specialized care more widely.
Anesthesia Pain Care provides all types of minimally invasive techniques in treating pain, as well as physical therapy and medication management. It also offers regenerative medical therapies for patients suffering from joint and disc pain. APCC has been exclusively selected for studies involving the latest advances in spinal cord stimulation to treat patients with severe pain and has successfully used ozone injections.
• American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP)
• World Institute of Pain, Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP)
• American Board of Pain Medicine
• American Board of Anesthesiology & Certification in Pain Management
ADDITIONAL DISTINCTIONS
• President, World Society of Pain Clinicians
• Past honorary treasurer, World Institute of Pain
• Past chairman, World Institute of Pain advisory board
• Examiner for FIPP board certification and ABIPP interventional practical examination
• Inaugural executive examiner, Inaugural American Academy of Pain Medicine Ultrasonography
• Inaugural chairman of the committee on project development, World Institute of Pain
• 2018 Racz Award for Clinical Excellence, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
• Editorial board, Pain Physician and Pain Practice journals
Eric Bassan
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-3063
John W. Beach Jr. Holy Cross Emergency Physicians
Fort Lauderdale 954-496-5753
Hans Bez
HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital Tamarac 954-721-2200
Monica E. Breedlove Junco Emergency Physicians, LLC Plantation 954-939-5577
Sharon Hernandez Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-538-5102
Meena N. Hierholzer Broward Health Plantation 954-939-5422
Timothy Huber Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-518-2056
Bret L. Palmer Broward Health Plantation 954-939-5422
Alexandre Pierrot Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-5902
Gregory S. Schneider Holy Cross Emergency Physicians Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5753
Edward S Smith Broward Health Plantation 954-939-5422
Ryan M. Taube
Holy Cross Emergency Physicians Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5753
William Veloz Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-5902
Ana Cecilia Apaza Concha Chen Senior Medical Center Hallandale Beach 954-454-5777
Amy Aronovitz Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-7550
Jose Cabral Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5271
Allan C. Golding Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-0000
Vineeth Mohan Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5271
Ngina Muigai Chen Senior Medical Center Pembroke Pines 954-704-3300
Novelette E. Thompson Holy Cross Medical GroupEndo & Adult Fort Lauderdale 954-938-9966
Jannice Beckford Memorial Healthcare System Dania Beach 954-276-5552
Eric Schertzer
Plantation Family Practice Plantation 954-475-4000
Venis Wilder Sanitas Medical Center Fort Lauderdale 844-665-4827
Christopher J. Pappas
Holy Cross Medical GroupPappas Podiatry Fort Lauderdale 954-958-4800
Justin M. Weatherall
BocaCare Orthopedics
Deerfield Beach 561-955-6784
Jay B. Adler Gastro Health
Plantation 954-792-2220
Ronen Arai Gastro Health Coral Springs 954-721-5400
John D. Bloom Jr. Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-771-9920
Roger Charles Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5646
Elias E. Dabul Gastro Health Plantation 954-476-9350
Edward S. Deutsch Broward Health Coral Springs 954-721-5400
Tolga Erim Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5646
Mrinal S. Garg
Digestive Health Center of South Florida Coconut Creek 954-943-1133
Mayuri P. Gupta
Broward Health Lighthouse Point 954-428-2480
Brenda Jimenez Cantisano
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Jeffrey B. Kaner Gastro Health Cooper City 954-961-8400
Seth D. Kirschner Gastro Health Coral Springs 954-721-5400
Adam C. Lessne Gastro Health Cooper City 954-961-8400
Baaz Mishiev Gastro Health Cooper City 954-961-8400
Afonso Ribeiro Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-9520
Sandra Rodriguez Boca Raton Regional Hospital Homestead 786-500-4644
Barry S. Ross Gastro Health Coral Springs 954-721-5400
Alison Schneider Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5646
Jeffrey H. Schneider Gastro Health Coral Springs 954-721-5400
Herbert Shick Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-962-4700
Matthew J. Soff
Gastro Health Plantation 954-627-1617
Dr. Alan Bauman is a full-time board-certified hair restoration physician who has treated more than 33,000 patients, has performed more than 12,000 hair transplant procedures and more than 12,000 PRPs since starting his medical hair loss practice, Bauman Medical in 1997. Bauman Medical is a 12,000 square foot, state-of-the-art “hair hospital” located in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr. Bauman is one of approximately only 200 physicians worldwide to achieve the certification from the esteemed American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and is recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Bauman is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
Dr. Bauman is known for pioneering numerous technologies in the field of hair restoration including minimally-invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE ), VIP|FUE™ No-Shave Hair Transplant, Low-Level Laser
Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), PDOgro™, Eyelash Transplants and his latest needle-free, pain-free treatment for hair shedding and hair loss, TED (TransEpidermal Delivery).
TED is a revolutionary, non-invasive hair growth treatment for hair shedding, hair loss, and hair thinning. TED uses an ultrasound-based system that uses sound waves and air pressure to enhance the penetration of a powerful topical hair growth formula into the scalp. This combination is designed to increase blood flow, optimize scalp health, and stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker, stronger, healthier hair.
Dr. Bauman was voted “No. 1 Top Hair Restoration Surgeon” in North America by Aesthetic Everything for the 7th consecutive year, “Top Hair Restoration Surgeon of the Decade”, and received the 2022 “Lifetime Achievement Award in Hair Restoration”. He was also recognized by Forbes as a “Top 5 Transformational CEO” and one of “10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America.”
Gordon Souaid Memorial Healthcare System
Hallandale Beach 305-933-3170
Michael B. Sternthal Gastro Health
Coral Springs 954-721-5400
David Weiss Gastro Health Cooper City 954-961-8400
Wisam F. Zakko
Gastroenterology Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale 954-202-7850
Christopher Gannon Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-9520
Mario Gomez Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-491-0900
Gary S. Lehr
South Florida Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Deerfield Beach 954-574-0252
Jose S. Lozada Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-491-0900
Alexander G. Parr South Florida Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Fort Lauderdale 954-772-6740
Michael A. Perez
Holy Cross Medical GroupGeneral Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-351-7770
Roberto Puglisi
South Florida Pediatric Surgeons, P.A. Plantation 954-584-8500
Andrew Rosenthal Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-5969
Camil N. Sader
South Florida Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Deerfield Beach 954-574-0252
Christopher Seaver Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-844-4480
Ronald L. Stricoff South Florida Surgical Specialists, L.L.C. Deerfield Beach 954-574-0252
Samuel Szomstein Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Vangie Texidor Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-889-6223
Paul B. Wizman Broward Health MARGATE 954-969-1355
GENETICS
Kumarie Latchman
University of Miami Health System Weston 305-243-6006
Mark J. Copen Holy Cross Medical Group - FLIM Fort Lauderdale 954-938-0500
Gabriel H. Manzi
Holy Cross Medical Group - Rio Vista Fort Lauderdale 954-463-4383
Claudia Marcelo
Panacea Biomedical Institute Pompano Beach 786-422-1776
E. Jason Gates
Women’s Surgical Specialist, P.A. Fort Lauderdale 954-771-8888
Scott E. Jordan
Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-355-4345
Emery M. Salom
The Center for Gynecologic Oncology Miramar 954-602-9723
Matthew P. Schlumbrecht
University of Miami Health SystemSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Deerfield Beach 305-243-5463
David Friedman Cleveland Clinic - Coral Springs Coral Springs 877-463-2010
Harris Gellman
Broward Hand Center Coral Springs 954-575-8056
Sergio A. Glait
Orthopaedic Center of South Florida Plantation 800-556-7846
Tosca Kinchelow
The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center Plantation 888-908-9036
Ayisha E. Livingstone
South Florida Orthopedic Group Fort Lauderdale 954-839-6189
Andrew J. Lovy
Holy Cross Medical Group - Orthopedics Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Purnell Traverso
Broward Hand Center Coral Springs 954-575-8056
Diogenes Alayon-Laguer
University of Miami Health SystemSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Fort Lauderdale 305-243-5302
Ney Ricardo Ferraz Alves University of Miami Health SystemSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Hollywood 305-243-5302
Georges Azzi
Holy Cross Medical GroupOncology/Hematology Fort Lauderdale 954-267-7700
Lauren Carcas Boca Raton Regional Hospital Plantation 954-837-1490
David Z. Drew Holy Cross Medical GroupOncology/Hematology Fort Lauderdale 954-267-7700
Hugo S. Fernandez Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-265-4325
Chieh-Lin Fu Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5840
David Grossman Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5840
Mehmet F. Hepgur Broward Health Deerfield Beach 954-786-6660
Brian Hunis Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-4325
Atif Hussein Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-4325
Dr. Francisco Montamarta has been a full-time provider for 26 years, helping patients achieve oral health and preserving the foundation of the mouth with two locations of his practice, Dr. M Center. Whether it’s necessary to restore what is missing or keeping what patients already have, he has always stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and expertise.
As medical and dental research has proven more recently, oral diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, etc.) have an impact on overall health.
Dr. M is a graduate of NYU Dental and taught for NYU and NSU as an associate professor for 15 years. He loves sharing knowledge with fellow students as well as being challenged himself. Dr. M’s standing as a member of several associations (ADA, AAP) stimulates him to grow as a medical professional.
As one of the first practitioners to implement lasers as a cure to the loss of teeth, Dr. M has developed his own techniques, greatly improving outcomes. A former member of the surgical team at Baptist Hospital in Miami, he had the honor to be part of the first immediate
reconstruction of the mandible with dental implants for a cancer patient. This pioneering technique opened the field for popular options, such as “teeth in a day” or complete dental implant reconstruction surgery. However, other options are available to save teeth, which comes from innovation, research, and improvement.
Dr. M is a native of Spain, where he still holds licenses, and has traveled overseas to teach today’s techniques. At Dr. M Center’s locations, services include surgical and nonsurgical periodontal treatment, dental implant options of any kind, maintenance services via the advanced hygiene team, and all surgical services that teens (usually as part of orthodontic treatment) and adults require—all with the option of sedation. Dr. M’s motto is “everybody smiles in the same language.” His patients rave about his bedside manners as well as his excellent care. One thing is certain: No one leaves the practice feeling like a number or like their concerns are not heard, thanks to the professionally trained teams including the doctors.
David S. Lessen
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Deerfield Beach 954-571-0111
Neil Nagovski
Holy Cross Medical Group Fort Lauderdale 954-267-7700
Andrew M. Schneider
South Florida Oncology & Hematology Consultants Tamarac 954-748-2500
Zdenka E. Segota
Holy Cross Medical GroupOncology/Hematology
Fort Lauderdale 954-267-7700
Frederick Wittlin Memorial Healthcare System Hallandale Beach 954-265-4325
Jennifer Zikria Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-4325
Yemane B. Bahta Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-392-5696
Romina J. Bromberg Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-276-1616
Edison Cano Cevallos Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-276-1616
Paula Eckardt Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-276-1616
Margaret J. Gorensek
Holy Cross Medical GroupInfectious Disease Oakland Park 954-493-9752
Carlos O. Guerra
Holy Cross Medical GroupInfectious Disease Oakland Park 954-493-9752
Alejandro Isava-Quintero Broward Health Plantation 954-513-8324
Andrew R. Martin Broward Infectious Disease & Primary Care Margate 954-366-4910
Kenneth Poon Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-276-1616
Robert Reid Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-989-5010
Stephen A. Renae Infections Managed Inc. Fort Lauderdale 954-776-9992
Ricardo R. Reyes Ricardo R. Reyes MD Oakland Park 954-772-3544
Heysu Rubio-Gomez Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-276-1616
Lynette Sieracki Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-733-5991
Aldo Alamo-Echemendia Holy Cross Medical Group - Rio Vista Fort Lauderdale 954-463-4383
Gabriel Gavrilescu
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5867
Charles F. Halfpenny Jr. MDVIP Fort Lauderdale 954-463-3416
Christopher Lacross Broward Health Oakland Park 954-565-0875
Salvador Mora Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-276-5552
Alan M. Saitowitz
BocaCare Primary Care Physicians Deerfield Beach 954-420-0886
Darby Sider Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5867
Caren B. Singer Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-467-3878
Nabil Tadross Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Fort Lauderdale 954-487-2600
Rosa Tam
Memorial Healthcare System Cooper City 786-456-6149
Erica Wigdor
Holy Cross Medical Group - Rio Vista Fort Lauderdale 954-463-4383
Jeanine Carbone-Lazarus
Perinatal Center of Florida - Hollywood Hollywood 954-447-2704
Sasha Davidson
Signature Perinatal Center
Fort Lauderdale 954-603-3933
Amy Flick
Pembroke Perinatal Center
Pembroke Pines 954-416-2396
Jerry M. Gilles
Premiere Perinatal Associates
Margate 954-468-3080
Adolfo Gonzalez-Garcia
Premiere Perinatal Associates
Margate 954-468-3080
Jaime J. Rodriguez
Southeast Perinatal Associates - Miramar Miramar 954-431-7372
Letty Romary
Pembroke Perinatal Center Pembroke Pines 954-416-2396
Mesfin Afework Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-5830
Carlos Bejar Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-771-3929
Mauro Braun Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5148
Elie Ciril Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-966-3018
Emilian Cristea Kidney Health Specialists Hollywood 954-226-0121
Mohamad El Kassem
Dr. Mohamad El Kassem, M.D. Coral Springs 954-798-7114
Surafel Gebreselassie
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5148
Travis Lewis, MD, is board certified in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery and has been serving the Fort Lauderdale community for seven years as a comprehensive ear, nose, and throat surgeon treating both children and adults experiencing the full range of ENT issues and conditions. After graduating in the top five of his medical school class at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Lewis trained at one of the top ENT programs in the country at the University of Texas–Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas—where he obtained extensive training in a variety of ENT conditions including head and neck cancer, hearing loss, and ear pathology, sinus disease, pediatric infections, neck masses, sleep medicine, facial trauma, and voice conditions.
Dr. Lewis later went on to make South Florida his home and treats all ENT conditions including hearing loss and other ear issues, voice problems, head and neck cancer, and sinus disease. Dr. Lewis also sees adult and pediatric patients with allergies and is pleased to offer comprehensive allergy testing and immunotherapy including shot-
free sublingual drops in addition to traditional allergy shot therapy. His new location also conveniently features an in-office CT scanner and procedure suite where minimally invasive procedures not requiring general anesthesia can be performed.
Dr. Lewis loves helping patients live their best lives—whether it’s correcting hearing loss, helping with a hoarse voice, or allowing someone to breathe better—he loves coming to work every day and making a difference in a patient’s life. His moral and ethical guideposts are “to do what’s best for the patient at this moment.” Dr. Lewis is proud to be a part of the South Florida ENT group and looks forward to providing patients with an enjoyable patient-centric experience during their visit.
Dr. Lewis holds privileges at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital Miramar, Memorial Pembroke Hospital, Memorial Hospital West, Memorial Regional Hospital, and Memorial Regional Hospital South.
Faizul Hussain
Florida Kidney Physicians
Hollywood 954-989-9553
Marjan Vandevar Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-999-5919
Ameen Waheed
The Kidney & Hypertension Group of South Florida
Fort Lauderdale 954-771-3929
Zachary Yablon Florida Kidney Physicians
Fort Lauderdale 954-463-0112
Paige Kalika University of Miami Health System
Weston 305-243-3100
Sonia Kalirao
The Neurology Institute
Coral Springs 954-803-9002
Martin A. Lesser
Holy Cross Medical GroupNeuroscience Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-414-9750
Andrey Lima
Holy Cross Medical GroupNeuroscience Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-414-9750
Andrey Lima
Holy Cross Medical GroupNeuroscience Institute
Fort Lauderdale 954-414-9750
Ramses Ribot
University of Miami Health System
Plantation 305-243-3100
Efrain Salgado
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital
Weston 954-659-5000
Damon Salzman
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital
Weston 877-463-2010
Adnan Subei Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-9500
Nicholas D.A. Suite NDAS - Neurorehabilitation Service Cooper City 954-431-6884
Seth Tarras Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-9500
Aaron M. Brooking Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-763-6655
Jessica Okun Steward Medical Group Fort Lauderdale 954-653-3722
Guillermo A. Pasarin Steward Medical Group Sunrise 954-653-3722
Christopher C. Roberts Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-763-6655
Jon A. Kotler
Holy Cross Medical GroupNuclear Medicine
Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5748
Renee B. Alexis Broward Health
Plantation
954-452-4377
Angelle Brebnor
Holy Cross Medical Group - OB/GYN
Fort Lauderdale 954-229-6000
Hala Bunni Surgery Center at Coral Springs Coral Springs 954-341-5553
Guillermo H. Davila Holy Cross Medical GroupThe Women’s Center Fort Lauderdale 954-229-8660
Daniel Gomez Holy Cross Medical GroupInstitute for Women’s Health and Body
Coral Springs 954-341-8288
Stefan Novac
ACE OBGYN LLC
Pembroke Pines 754-201-3700
Jessica Ritch
Florida Center for Urogynecology
Hollywood 954-989-9998
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 69
Amy L. Sonnenblick
Amy L. Sonnenblick MD, LLC
Plantation 954-635-6243
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 75
Jerome L. Sturm Prestige Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hollywood 954-518-4100
Jose Luis Terrazas Surgery Center at Coral Springs Coral Springs 954-341-5553
Simon Weiss
Prestige Obstetrics & Gynecology
Hollywood 954-518-4100
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Guillermo Amescua
University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Plantation
Plantation 305-243-2020
Scott R. Anagnoste
Retina Group of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-776-6880
Scott C. Cardone
Eye Surgery Associates
Hollywood 954-925-2740
Albert Caruana
Eye Surgery Associates
Hollywood 954-925-2740
Mario del Cid
Retina Group of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-776-6880
Mandeep Singh Dhalla
Retina Group of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-776-6880
Mark S. Dorfman
Eye Surgery Associates
Hollywood 954-925-2740
Pooja G. Garg
Retina Eye Specialists Coconut Creek 954-633-8202
Gary Hopen Eye Physicians of Florida Hollywood 954-989-2800
Tirso Mark Lara Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute Plantation 954-741-5555
Nelson Preschel
Memorial Same Day Surgery Center Pembroke Pines 954-889-6223
David L. Rand
Rand Eye Institute Deerfield Beach 954-782-1700
Keith A. Skolnick
Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute Plantation 954-741-5555
Barry S. Taney
Retina Group of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-776-6880
The trusted team of Dr. Jennifer Pollak and Dr. Jessica Ritch return to the Top Physicians list in 2023. They lead the woman-centered Florida Center for Urogynecology (FCU), the only practice in South Florida to combine the expertise and experience of both a fellowshiptrained urogynecologist and minimally invasive gynecologist to deliver highly specialized, benign gynecology care. These expert surgeons combine the time-honored traditions of patient-centered care with innovative strategies and techniques to improve women’s lives. Their practice is enriched with outstanding pelvic floor physical therapists and physician assistants to ensure that every patient’s needs are met in a compassionate and timely manner.
FCU specializes in the treatment of benign gynecologic conditions including abnormal bleeding, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and complex pelvic pain. They offer telemedicine and in-office consultation, advanced medical treatments and office-based procedures, pelvic floor physical therapy, and continued advances in minimally invasive surgical approaches including vaginal surgery, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery. Dr. Pollak and Dr. Ritch are often sought out by their peers and residents
in training for their thoughtful and comprehensive approach to even the most challenging gynecologic problems, but the majority of their referrals come from the friends and family members of their satisfied patients.
Dr. Pollak has been the leading board-certified urogynecologist in South Florida for nearly two decades. After completing residency training at the University of Miami, she pursued a fellowship in female pelvic and reconstructive surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, Florida. Recognizing a need in the community, Dr. Pollak founded FCU to provide expert evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor disorders, combining the fields of gynecology and urology.
As one of the only fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologists in South Florida, Dr. Ritch has broadened gynecologic treatment in the community. After residency at Columbia University, she completed advanced fellowship training at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Ritch is a pioneer in performing incisionless fibroid surgery and was the first to offer this procedure to women in South Florida. She specializes in the treatment of abnormal bleeding, fibroids, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and other complex gynecologic conditions.
Eduardo Uchiyama
Retina Group of Florida Fort Lauderdale 954-776-6880
Russell M. Wolfe
Eye Physicians of Florida: Hopen & Wolfe MDs Hollywood 954-989-2800
Randolph Cohen Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Coral Springs 954-265-6300
Eric Eisner Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-6300
Jeremy Frank Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Coral Springs 954-265-6300
Gregory J. Gilot Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5430
Andrew Gupta Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-6300
Marc Hammerman Broward Institute of Orthopaedic Specialties Hollywood 954-963-3500
Marc N. Ialenti Joint Replacement Center Hollywood 954-961-3500
William A. Leone Jr. Holy Cross Orthopedic InstituteThe Leone Center for Orthopedic Care Fort Lauderdale 954-489-4575
Jonathan C. Levy Levy Shoulder Center at Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute Boca Raton 561-373-4142
Andrew J. Lovy
Holy Cross Medical Group - Orthopedics Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Jorge Manrique-Succar Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Kevin J. Mccarthy Broward Health Hollywood 954-963-3500
Steven E. Naide East Coast Orthopaedics Pompano Beach 954-942-4433
Preetesh Patel Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 877-463-2010
Ashish K. Sahai Spine & Orthopedic Center Plantation 888-409-8006
Marvin K. Smith Memorial Regional Hospital Hollywood 954-265-7700
Niall Smyth Cleveland Clinic - Coral Springs Coral Springs 954-659-5430
Kenneth W. Taylor Broward Institute of Orthopaedic Specialties Hollywood 954-963-3500
Ross Wodicka Holy Cross Orthopedic Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-542-4160
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 84
Christopher Wong
Orthopaedic Associates of South Broward Hollywood 954-961-3500
Chad E. Frank
The Non Surgical Center for Physical & Sports Medicine
Plantation 954-316-4905
Neel Amin
Advanced Relief Institute
Fort Lauderdale 954-458-1199
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 78
Jackson Cohen Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-518-2424
Lowell S. Davis Florida Spine & Pain Center Miramar 954-932-3853
Ira Fox Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants Tamarac 954-720-3188
LEARN MORE ON PAGE 61
Anthony Giuffrida
The Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute - Cantor Spine Center Fort Lauderdale 954-567-1332
Neil Isaac Kirschbaum Florida Spine & Pain Center Miramar 954-447-5206
Hicham S. Merheb
Spine & Orthopedic Center Deerfield Beach 888-409-8006
Phung Pham
Comprehensive Pain & Wellness Plantation 954-998-6359
Paul A. Rodriguez
Dr. Paul A. Rodriguez, DO Lighthouse Point 954-941-0484
Pascual Abenoza
Dermpath Diagnostics South Florida Pompano Beach 954-633-3363
Maria Gonzalez-Morejon
Holy Cross Medical Group - Pathology Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5728
Elena R. Ladich Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-276-1850
Mandolin S. Ziadie Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-276-1850
Jaime Alkon University of Miami Health System Weston 305-585-6683
Steven Bibevski Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Maryanne Chrisant Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Laura D’Addese Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Javier Gonzalez Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-3437
Peter Guyon Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-3437
Dr. Matthew R. Moore is a leading neurosurgical specialist in South Florida for complex neck, low back, and brain problems that may ultimately require surgery. He has been honored as a “Top Doctor in Neurosurgery” every year since 1999.
An honors graduate of Harvard College, Dr. Moore later earned his doctor of medicine from Yale School of Medicine and received an honor and award for his thesis on neuroregeneration. Following Yale, he completed his training through Harvard Medical School’s neurosurgery residency program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where he served as a Harvey Cushing fellow and chief resident.
Dr. Moore has expertise in a variety of benign and malignant brain and spine tumors. He also performs the latest microscopic surgeries for neck and lower back pain caused by herniated discs and arthritis. Using these techniques, Dr. Moore has found that most neck and back surgery patients are up and walking the same day without pain.
Dr. Moore has offices on Hillsboro Boulevard in Broward county
and is director of Integrated Neurosurgical Service, also at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton. He was also the founding director of the first Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations–approved spine care center in South Florida and served as the “team physician” for the Miami Dolphins and the local NHL Players’ Association for 10 years.
In addition to his clinical surgical practice, Dr. Moore frequently provides expert witness consultation, testimony, and independent medical examinations for accident and malpractice cases throughout the U.S through his consultation company, Florida Neurosurgical Experts.
Dr. Moore carefully evaluates treatment options with his patient and strives to choose the most appropriate plan for each individual guided by question this in mind: “What would I do if this patient was my family member, my mother, father, or child?”
Orhan Kilinc
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Larry Latson
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Robert Pearson-Martinez Pediatric Heart Center Clinic
Pembroke Pines 954-447-7774
Tarah Popp
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Todd Roth Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-2243
Frank Scholl
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Svetlana Shugh
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3437
Jeffrey W. Skimming Memorial Healthcare SystemWeston Cardiology Clinic
Weston 954-385-5545
Teresa Duncan
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6301
Gerald J. Lavandosky
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6301
Sarah Hart-Unger
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6984
Robin Nemery
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6984
Lital Reitblat
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6984
Bethel Steindel-Spargo
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Miramar 954-265-6984
Martha Taboada
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6984
Amber Hamid Langshaw
University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Weston Weston 306-243-4000
Miguel Saps
University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Weston Weston 305-243-3166
Carmen Ballestas
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2234
Brian Cauff Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2234
Deborah Kramer
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2234
Anne Marie Schaefer Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-2234
Ashraf Beharrie
AAGA Medical Services Plantation 954-587-0631
Alexandru Constantinescu
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-9344
Reem Raafat Qbeiwi
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-9344
Monica Arroyo
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2423
Areeba Basit
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Miramar 954-265-2423
Stefanie J. Berry
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2423
Tatyana Dubrovsky
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-2423
Suzanne E. Hagler
Nicklaus Children’s Pediatric Specialists
Weston 954-385-6276
Diana Martinez
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Miramar 954-265-2423
Syndi Seinfeld
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-2423
Dean Hertzler
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3500
Daxa Patel
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-3500
Diana Glaccum-Gavagni Dr. DIANA GLACCUM-GAVAGNI, MD Fort Lauderdale 305-558-7400
Juandalyn Peters
Juandalyn Peters, M.D., P.A. Davie 786-255-0347
Juan Martinez
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6333
Galia Napchan Pomerantz
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6333
Carolina Miranda Torres Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-6333
Noor Kassira
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-0072
Oliver Lao
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Hollywood 954-265-0072
David Lasko
South Florida Pediatric Surgeons, P.A. Plantation 954-584-8500
Dr. David Jativa is a renowned aesthetic and cosmetic specialist who has been providing exceptional procedures for a decade. He is considered an innovative leader throughout the industry, and he is especially known for creating his own surgical and nonsurgical techniques.
Dr. Jativa (@jativamd) is an artist and an advocate of whole-face and body rejuvenation, with a strong emphasis on achieving naturallooking results. Besides being a doctor, he is the founder and CEO of New Face MD (@newfacemdplasticsurgery and @newfacemd), an aesthetic clinic that provides whole-face and body rejuvenation services such as face surgery, breast enhancement, smile design, and even weight loss guidance; everything needed to enhance people’s appearance.
As a board-certified doctor with specialty in aesthetics, Dr. Jativa has revolutionized the industry with his innovative approach to nose
reshaping. His technique known as “Rhinotiva” has taken the cosmetic world by storm for its capacity to offer immediate, visible changes without surgery. Nevertheless, he believes the key to success relies on working closely with patients to create tailored treatment plans that meet their individual needs and desires.
His achievements go beyond his capabilities as a doctor. David Jativa is a visionary and successful businessman who also leads New Face MD clinics, created not only to enhance patient’s appearance but also to train health providers on latest techniques.
New Face MD offers top-notch facilities and the latest technology to train other healthcare providers in aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. Some of the most skilled professionals in the industry were trained by Dr. Jativa, who believes the key to success relies on working closely with patients to create tailored treatment plans that meet their individual needs and desires.
Tamar Levene
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-0072
Michele Markley
South Florida Pediatric Surgeons, P.A. Plantation 954-584-8500
Holly Neville
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-0072
Jill Whitehouse
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-265-0072
Mona Amin Pediatric Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-315-5784
Teresa Anaya
Holy Cross Medical GroupGallagher Pediatrics Fort Lauderdale 954-351-5840
Maria Del Carmen Barrueco-Casariego
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center Fort Lauderdale 954-728-8080
Rachel Cyrlak Children’s Medical Center Hollywood 954-989-6000
Howard S. Gill
Holy Cross Medical GroupGallagher Pediatrics Fort Lauderdale 954-351-5840
Deborah Ingram
Holy Cross Medical GroupIngram Pediatrics Plantation 954-321-1591
Meena A. Jhatakia Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-759-6636
Jose M. Leon Northwest Broward PediatricsLeon Pediatric Center Margate 954-974-4414
Juan Carlos Millon Worldwide Pediatrics Group Plantation 954-581-3100
Jordan Mussary Sawgrass Pediatrics Coral Springs 954-752-9220
Amberpet Rathnam Sunshine Pediatrics Sunrise 954-572-7755
Lisa-Gaye E. Robinson Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-728-8080
Lisa J. Sirota Children’s Medical Associates, P.A. Plantation 954-473-1101
Sam Skaff Memorial Healthcare System Miramar 954-255-7827
Edwin Rdolfo Cruz-Zeno Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Hollywood 954-276-1600
Jose Juan Diaz
Integrative Spine & Sports Fort Lauderdale 954-271-5641
Mark S. Fishman
South Florida Spine & Sports Specialists Miramar 954-438-7000
Anthony Giuffrida Cantor Spine Center at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-567-1332
Jeremy Jacobs
Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-518-2424
James Salerno
Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-518-2424
Andrew L. Sherman University of Miami Health SystemUHealth at Plantation Plantation 305-243-6605
Raul Rolon Torres Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-518-2424
Dellene E. Troy Holy Cross Medical GroupSports Medicine Oakland Park 954-958-4800
William B. Ward Jr. Holy Cross Medical GroupSports Medicine Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Yoav Barnavon Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida Hollywood 954-987-8100
Christopher Brooks Brooks Plastic Surgery Hollywood 954-501-0505
Michael Chun Fai Cheung
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida, PLLC Fort Lauderdale 954-533-8029
Louise Ferland Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-883-8014
James W. Fletcher
Vanguard Plastic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-563-4500
Michael Frederick Le Spa Plastic Surgery Fort Lauderdale 754-277-4120
Michael L. Glassman Eye Surgery Associates Hollywood 954-925-2740
Kan Hwee Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida Hollywood 954-987-8100
Lisa J. Learn Dr. Lisa J. Learn Fort Lauderdale 954-380-8411
David J. Levens
David J. Levens, M.D. Plastic Surgery Coral Springs 754-702-6867
Jason Evan Levine Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida Hollywood 954-987-8100
Christopher J. Low Cosmetic and Reconstructive Specialists of Florida, PLLC Fort Lauderdale 954-533-8029
Kevin Mosca Mosca Plastic Surgery Lauderhill 561-213-9693
Martin Newman
Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5220
Humberto Palladino
Humberto Palladino MD, FACS Oakland Park 866-624-7874
Dr. Amy Sonnenblick is a board-certified OB/GYN who has practiced obstetrics and gynecology in South Florida for more than 10 years. She has been a pioneer in the emerging specialty of office-based preventive and innovative healthcare.
Her practice focuses on treating individuals throughout all stages of life, offering general and specialty gynecology services. Her expertise includes menopause, hormone replacement therapy, contraception, cancer screening and early detection, abnormal Pap smears, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, adolescent/teen medicine, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), sexual function and libido, wellness, and preventive care.
Dr. Sonnenblick did her undergraduate work at Northwestern University in Chicago and graduated from Weill Cornell University
Medical School in New York. She completed her OB/GYN residency at George Washington University in Washington, DC. She has been an OB/GYN consultant for the local news and lectures regionally. She is board certified in OB/GYN and a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a member of the Florida Medical Association, Broward County Medical Association, and Fort Lauderdale Surgical Society.
Dr. Sonnenblick provides the highest level of compassion and care to her patients. She emphasizes an inclusive collaborative approach to help them develop an individualized strategy to promote health and wellness. Her staff is professional and friendly and shares her commitment to outstanding personalized patient care.
Mesfin Afework, MD
Neonatal Perinatal Medicine
Nicole Akar-Ghibril, MD
Pediatric Immunology & Allergy
Hanadys Ale, MD
Pediatric Immunology & Allergy
William Alexis, MD
Interventional Cardiology
Amy Aronovitz, MD
Endocrinology
Monica Arroyo, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Yemane Bahta, MD
Infectious Disease
Carmen Ballestas, MD
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Areeba Basit, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Eric Bassan, MD Emergency Medicine
Jannice Beckford, MD
Family Medicine
Stefanie Berry, MD
Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy
Steven Bibevski, MD, PhD
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery & Heart Transplant
Mark Block, MD
Thoracic Surgery
Bruce Braffman, MD
Diagnostic Radiology
Juan Carlos Brenes, MD Cardiology
Romina Bromberg, MD Infectious Disease
Brian Cauff, MD
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Edison Cano Cevallos, MD
Infectious Disease
Maryanne Chrisant, MD
Pediatric Heart Failure & Heart Transplant
Elie Ciril, MD
Nephrology
Jackson Cohen, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation & InterventionalPain Medicine
Lance Cohen, MD Critical Care Medicine & Cystic Fibrosis
Randolph Cohen, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Alexandru Constantinescu, MD Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Transplant
Michael Cortelli, MD Cardiac Surgery
Edwin Cruz-Zeno, MD Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Laura D’Addese, MD Pediatric Heart Failure & Heart Transplant
John Dentel, MD Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Michael Dolberg, MD Colon & Rectal Surgery
Tatyana Dubrovsky, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Teresa Duncan, MD Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Max Dweck, MD Cardiology
Paula Eckardt, MD Infectious Disease
Eric Eisner, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Louise Ferland, MD Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
Hugo Fernandez, MD Hematology & Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
Geden Franck, MD Sports Medicine
Jeremy Frank, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Christopher Gannon, MD Surgical Oncology
Allan Golding, MD Interventional Endocrinology
Luis Alvarez Gonzales, MD Critical Care Medicine & Cystic Fibrosis
Javier Gonzalez, MD Pediatric Cardiology
Andrew Gupta, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Peter Guyon, MD
Pediatric Interventional Cardiology
Sarah Hart-Unger, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Alan Herline, MD
Colon & Rectal Surgery
Sharon Hernandez, MD
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Dean Hertzler, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Timothy Huber, DO
Emergency Medicine
Brian Hunis, MD
Hematology & Oncology
Atif Hussein, MD
Hematology & Oncology
Elba Iglesias, MD
Adolescent Medicine
Jeremy Jacobs, DO
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Noor Kassira, MD
Pediatric Surgery
Orhan Kilinc, MD
Pediatric Electrophysiology
Lauren Kimmel, MD
Anesthesiology
Deborah Kramer, MD
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Elena Ladich, MD
Clinical Pathology
Daniel Benhayon Lanes, MD Electrophysiology
Oliver Lao, MD
Pediatric Surgery
Larry Latson, MD
Pediatric Interventional Cardiology
Gerald Lavandosky, MD
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Tamar Levene, MD
Pediatric Surgery
Diana Martinez, MD
Pediatric Neurology
Juan Martinez, MD
Pediatric Pulmonology & Pediatric Sleep Medicine
Top doctors are independently selected from among a prestigious group of local physicians chosen by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated’s Top Docs. Memorial Healthcare System proudly sends congratulations to all physicians who have been named Top Doctors in 2023.
Salvador Mora, MD Internal Medicine
Alvaro Murcia, MD Cardiology
Robin Nemery, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Holly Neville, MD
Pediatric Surgery
Sean O’Donnell, MD
Vascular Surgery
Samuel Ostrower, MD
Pediatric Otolaryngology
Arthur Palamara, MD
Vascular Surgery
Juan Pastor-Cervantes, MD
Interventional Cardiology
Daxa Patel, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Alexandre Pierrot, DO Emergency Medicine
Raciel Pintado, MD Critical Care Medicine
Juan Plate, MD
Cardiac Surgery
Galia Napchan Pomerantz, MD
Pediatric Pulmonology & Cystic Fibrosis
Kenneth Poon, MD
Infectious Disease
Tarah Popp, MD
Pediatric Cardiac Imaging
Nelson Preschel, MD
Ophthalmology
Reem Raafat Qbeiwi, MD
Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Transplant
Stefanie Torres Ramirez, MD
Critical Care Medicine
Robert Reid, MD
Pediatric Infectious Disease
Lital Reitblat, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Afonso Ribeiro, MD
Advanced Endoscopy & Gastroenterology
Eliseo Rondon, MD Critical Care Medicine
Andrew Rosenthal, MD Trauma Surgery
Todd Roth, MD Adult Congenital Heart Disease & Pediatric Cardiology
Heysu Rubio-Gomez, MD Infectious Disease
James Salerno, MD Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Anne Marie Schaefer, MD Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Frank Scholl, MD Pediatric Cardiac Surgery & Heart Transplant
Christopher Seaver, MD Surgery
Syndi Seinfeld, DO Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy
Sunay Shah, MD Interventional Cardiology
Sweeti Shah, DO Pediatric Otolaryngology
Blane Shatkin, MD Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
Herbert Shick, MD Gastroenterology
Svetlana Shugh, MD Pediatric Heart Failure & Transplant
Ethan Siev, MD Cardiology
Sam Skaff, MD Pediatrics
Jeffrey Skimming, MD Pediatric Cardiology
Marvin Smith, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine
Bethel Steindel-Spargo, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Adnan Subei, DO
Neurology & Multiple Sclerosis
Martha Taboada, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Seth Tarras, MD
Neurology
Francisco Tarrazzi, MD
Thoracic Surgery
Carolina Miranda Torres, MD
Pediatric Pulmonology & Cystic Fibrosis
Raul Rolon Torres, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
William Veloz, MD
Emergency Medicine
Alvaro Visbal-Ventura, MD Critical Care Medicine
Aaron Wagner, MD Vascular Surgery
I-wen Wang, MD
Cardiac Transplant Surgery
Moses Washington, MD Critical Care Medicine
Jill Whitehouse, MD
Pediatric Surgery
Frederick Wittlin, MD
Hematology & Oncology
Mandolin Ziadie, MD Pathology
Jennifer Zikira, MD
Hematology & Oncology
Eduardo Rodriquez Zoppi, MD Vascular Surgery
Dr. Neel H. Amin is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. He leads the highly skilled team at Advanced Relief Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Aventura, and West Palm Beach. His goal is to provide comprehensive and innovative treatment plans for chronic pain utilizing exceptional customer service and outstanding results.
Dr. Amin completed his medical school training and anesthesiology residency at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He pursued his pain fellowship at the country’s leading program at University of Washington in Seattle.
Dr. Amin has a passion for providing a multidisciplinary approach to treat chronic pain so his patients can feel their best physically and emotionally. He understands that pain management procedures combined with other minimally invasive modalities must be complemented by dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Amin has a vision of helping people lead more fruitful lives through comprehensive pain management, employing the latest regenerative medicine techniques such as stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies as well. He provides targeted therapies for low back, neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, occipital neuralgia, shingles, neuropathy, and many other conditions.
Russel Palmer Palmer Cosmetic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-989-5001
Jorge A. Perez Perez Plastic Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-351-2200
Pamela Rosen Coral Springs Plastic Surgery Coral Springs 954-341-8907
Robert E. Rothfield Weston Plastic Surgery: Robert E. Rothfield, MD Weston 954-389-7999
Rainer E. Sachse Broward Plastic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-202-9898
Russell F. Sassani Take Shape Plastic Surgery, P.A. Plantation 954-324-2329
Blane Shatkin Memorial Healthcare System
Pembroke Pines 954-883-8014
Bernard A. Shuster Bernard A. Shuster, MD Hollywood 954-961-5500
Eric J. Stelnicki Atlantic Center of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-983-1899
Tracey H. Stokes
eSSe Plastic Surgery Fort Lauderdale 954-800-2163
John Michael Thomassen
Thomassen Plastic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-771-0200
Jeremy B. White Skin Center
Fort Lauderdale 954-500-7546
Essie Yates
Yates Institute of Plastic Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-463-5208
Jennifer L. Boeri
Holy Cross Medical Group - Podiatry Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Nina L. Coletta Nina L. Coletta, D.P.M., P.A. Plantation 954-452-4590
Dean Dorfman East Ocean Podiatry Deerfield Beach 954-481-3525
George F. Jacobson
Broward Podiatry Associates PA Hollywood 954-987-0550
Alan A. MacGill Spine & Orthopedic CenterFlorida Foot & Ankle Coral Springs 888-409-8006
Edgar H. Nieter Pompano Podiatry Group Pompano Beach 954-941-1200
Christopher J. Pappas
Holy Cross Medical GroupPappas Podiatry Fort Lauderdale 954-958-4800
Dominick Sansone East Ocean Podiatry Deerfield Beach 954-481-3525
Steven M. Spinner
The Center for Foot Surgery Plantation 954-370-2400
Dr. Mike believes that every person deserves to look as good as they feel. Le Spa Plastic Surgery’s motto, “Be You. Be Beautiful” aligns with Dr. Mike’s goal of making each patient feel beautiful inside and out. Every patient is special and treated with loving care to tailor their cosmetic surgery to fit each patient’s specific goals. Throughout the process, Dr. Mike and his staff hold each patient’s hand along the journey to their best self.
Dr. Mike has exceptional education and training including graduating Summa Cum Laude from UCLA, followed by medical school at the prestigious University of California, San Francisco. He trained in plastic surgery at Harvard University where he learned the most advanced techniques in aesthetic surgery for face and body. He was selected by the faculty to serve as the first chief resident at the renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
Among other recognitions for his exceptional work, he is proud to have been recognized by his peers and awarded the Top Doctor in Fort Lauderdale Illustrated in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Nathan D. Vela
Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA Tamarac 954-722-8080
Gary Ways
Lauderdale Foot Care Center Lauderhill 954-791-7474
Warren Windram Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-767-5214
Sergey Litvinov Sergey Litvinov, MD Hallandale Beach 954-362-7570
Ana Cecelia Botero Boca Raton Regional Hospital Plantation 786-596-2000
Christopher T. Chen GenesisCare Plantation 954-370-7555
Lav K. Goyal Holy Cross Medical GroupRadiation Oncology
Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5764
Hoke T. Han Precision Radiation Oncology Hollywood 954-322-7200
Edward J. Kaplan GenesisCare Coconut Creek 954-379-4848
Thomas J. Klein
Advocate Radiation Oncology Tamarac 754-205-0099
Evan M. Landau
GenesisCare
Fort Lauderdale 954-355-5365
Marshal E. Lieberfarb
GenesisCare
Fort Lauderdale 954-355-5365
Vivek N. Patel
Holy Cross Medical GroupRadiation Oncology
Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5764
Alan Perlmutter Mark E Pomper MD PAHorizon Medical Services Homestead 954-730-2333
Robin G. Smith Horizon Medical Services Tamarac 786-687-8001
Aaron H. Wolfson
University of Miami Health SystemSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Deerfield Beach 305-243-4200
Amisha Agarwal
Holy Cross Medical GroupSouth Florida Medical Imaging Fort Lauderdale 954-492-5797
Bruce H. Braffman Memorial Healthcare System Pembroke Pines 954-265-7052
Priyanka Grover Wiin Health Sunrise 954-998-1887
Marcelo J. Barrionuevo
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates Margate 954-247-6200
Kenneth M. Gelman IVFMD Hollywood 954-433-7060
David I. Hoffman
IVF Florida Reproductive Associates
Margate 954-247-6200
Steven J. Ory IVF Florida Reproductive Associates
Margate 954-247-6200
Vanessa N. Weitzman IVF Florida Reproductive Associates
Dr. Tiffany S. Di Pietro is a quadruple board-certified cardiologist and internist. Merging her passion of medicine with her love of people, she established a boutique concierge practice in East Fort Lauderdale in 2012. Her goal is to not only treat disease but prevent it from ever occurring when possible.
Dr. Di Pietro completed her medical school training at Nova Southeastern University graduating the youngest in her class at 23 years old. She believes that a physician is and should always be the captain of a healthcare team. Her patients will always see her as she does not utilize the assistance of nurse practitioners nor physician assistants.
Dr. Di Pietro serves as the chair of the Board of Osteopathic Medicine for the State of Florida and has been featured on multiple media outlets including Fox Business, CNN, Fox News, The Doctors, and The Today Show to educate the public about health and wellness. She has been named Top Doctor in concierge medicine for many years and has received many awards for her outstanding patient care.
Margate 954-247-6200
Ellen Wood IVFMD Hollywood 954-433-7060
Mathew C. Farbman
Holy Cross Medical Group - Rio Vista Fort Lauderdale 954-463-4383
Richard S. Glick
Richard S. Glick, MD Fort Lauderdale 954-772-3660
Aviva C. Hopkins
Holy Cross Medical GroupRheumatology
Oakland Park 954-542-2100
Charles Kahn South Florida Rheumatology Hollywood 954-961-3252
Amarie M. Negron-Rodriguez Center for Rheumatology, Immunology and Arthritis
Fort Lauderdale 954-229-7030
Trumane J. Ropos
Ropos Rheumatology Association
Fort Lauderdale 954-358-1325
Christine N. Savage
Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists
Plantation 954-476-2338
Stefanie Torres Ramirez Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-9976
Isaac Talmaciu
Pediatric Pulmonary and Allergy Associates
Plantation 954-583-1056
Carlos A. Torre
Sleep, Snoring & Sinus Clinic of Florida Plantation 305-432-3440
George Caldwell Jr. Caldwell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Fort Lauderdale 954-358-9414
Geden Franck Memorial Healthcare System Fort Lauderdale 954-265-7700
Fernando J. Manalac Jr. Holy Cross Medical GroupSports Medicine Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Joel D. Stein
Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics Fort Lauderdale 954-466-9350
Dellene E. Troy
Holy Cross Medical GroupSports Medicine Oakland Park 954-958-4800
Martin Weaver
Orthopedic Specialty Institute
Fort Lauderdale 954-866-9699
Ross Wodicka
Holy Cross Orthopedic Institute Fort Lauderdale 954-542-4160
Erol Yoldas
Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-866-9699
At GenesisCare, we use cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to provide the best possible life outcomes. We’re proud of our physicians being selected as 2023 Top Doctors in their specialty.
This is a better world of care, close to home. This is GenesisCare.
Dr. Ross Wodicka is the chief of orthopedic surgery at Holy Cross Health. He uses cutting-edge surgical techniques to treat sports-related injuries and other shoulder, hip, and knee problems. His patients include athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and UFC. His practice in Ft Lauderdale has become a referral center for complex shoulder and sports injury cases, including revision cases.
Performing thousands of procedures over the last seven years, Dr. Wodicka has become recognized as one of the top orthopedic sports medicine and shoulder surgeons in Florida. He is an expert in minimally invasive surgery, which often allows patients to recover faster.
Dr. Wodicka’s practice specializes in arthroscopic rotator cuff and labral repair, as well as anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement. In addition, he is one of the only surgeons in South Florida who performs a high volume of hip arthroscopy, which is among the newest and most innovative techniques in orthopedic surgery. He has been able to treat many patients that previously would have had hip replacement as their only option.
Dr. Wodicka completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Miami and a fellowship in arthroscopic surgery and shoulder reconstruction at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute. He is actively involved in clinical research and is helping medical device companies design the latest shoulder replacement implants.
5597 N. Dixie Hwy. • Fort Lauderdale 954-542-4160 • rosswodickamd.com
Mark Block
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-1125
Frank P. Catinella
Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-355-4665
Wael Z. Tamim
Wael Z. Tamim, MD, PA Fort Lauderdale 954-616-1916
Francisco A. Tarrazzi Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-1125
Richard Brian Antosek
GenesisCare - Uro-Medix Coral Springs 954-748-4771
Eric S. Chenven Broward Health Fort Lauderdale 954-463-6408
Daniel Ead
GenesisCare - Ead Urology Plantation 954-472-4072
James J. Garner
Holy Cross Medical GroupMedical Office Fort Lauderdale 954-229-9560
Paul Kahn Uro-Surg Associates Plantation 954-474-2929
Jason D. Perelman
GenesisCare - Uro-Medix Pembroke Pines 305-466-9111
William L. Pintauro
GenesisCare - Uro-MedixCrescimano & Pintauro Associates Fort Lauderdale 954-491-0030
Ishai S. Ross
Holy Cross Medical Group - Urology
Fort Lauderdale 954-267-6780
Ralph M. Zagha
Ralph M. Zagha, M.D. Lauderdale Lakes 954-652-0246
Michael B. Gordon Broward Health
Fort Lauderdale 954-839-8080
Pablo De Los Santos Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute Pembroke Pines 954-844-4664
Susan B. Fox
Fox Vein & Laser Experts Hollywood 954-289-3002
Mark Grove Cleveland Clinic - Weston Hospital Weston 954-659-5230
Sean O’Donnell Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-4664
Arthur Palamara Memorial Healthcare System Hollywood 954-265-4664
Handel R. Robinson
Holy Cross Medical GroupGeneral Surgery
Fort Lauderdale 954-351-7770
Eduardo Rodriguez Zoppi Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood 954-265-4664
Aaron Wagner Memorial Healthcare System
Pembroke Pines 954-844-4664
Year after year, Cleveland Clinic Florida physicians are included in Fort Lauderdale Illustrated’s list of Top Doctors. Recognized as some of the best in their fields, they don’t just care for your health conditions, they care about you. Get the care you need from the name you trust at locations across South Florida.
Allergy and Immunology
Ves Dimov, MD
Frank Eidelman, MD
Arnaldo Perez, MD
Cardiac Surgery
Cedric Sheffield, MD
Cardiology
Howard Bush, MD
Jerry Estep, MD
Kenneth Fromkin, MD
Gian Novaro, MD
David Wolinsky, MD
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Giovanna da Silva, MD
David Maron, MD
Juan Nogueras, MD
Dana Sands, MD
Eric Weiss, MD
Steven Wexner, MD
Concierge Medicine
Nabil Tadross, MD
Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Disease
Sam Faradyan, MD
Samuel Gurevich, MD
Anas Hadeh, MD
Nydia Martinez Galvis, MD
Franck Rahaghi, MD
Laurence Smolley, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Jose Cabral, MD
Vineeth Mohan, MD
Gastroenterology
Roger Charles, MD
Tolga Erim, DO
Brenda
Jimenez Cantisano, MD
Alison Schneider, MD
General and Bariatric Surgery
Samuel Szomstein, MD
Hand Surgery
David Friedman, MD
Hematology and Oncology
Chieh-Lin Fu, MD
David Grossman, MD
Internal Medicine
Gabriel Gavrilescu, MD
Darby Sider, MD
Nephrology
Mauro Braun, MD
Surafel Gebreselassie, MD
Efrain Salgado, MD
Damon Salzman, MD
Orthopaedic Surgery
Gregory Gilot, MD
Jorge Manrique-Succar, MD
Preetesh Patel, MD
Niall Smyth, MD
Otolaryngology
Gilberto Alemar, MD
Michael Medina, MD
Eloy Villasuso III, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Martin Newman, MD
Vascular Surgery
Mark Grove, MD
Anthony’s Runway 84 , the circa-1982 South Florida juggernaut synonymous with Italian American dining decadence, has reopened following a yearlong, $4 million renovation. Its return ushers in a new era of Goodfellasinspired glam. Miami-based, awardwinning interiors firm Bigtime Design Studios has transformed the entire space, which now includes a new bar and piano lounge adjacent to a dining room that screams 1930s supper club chic. Regulars will be relieved to see items like the baked clams oreganata, classic meatballs, stuffed artichokes, rigatoni cauliflower, and lasagna Neapolitan have made triumphant comebacks. Among the new selections are the tableside
Caesar, swordfish “runway style” (in fresh garlic, basil, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil), chicken “vodka” parmigiana (think: the original plus spicy vodka sauce, crispy prosciutto, and peas), and a selection of Prime steaks and chops underscored by a dry-aged, 40-ounce Prime porterhouse. With Italian American extravagance currently having its South Florida moment (thanks, Mario Carbone), Anthony’s revival couldn’t be better timed. (runway84.com) —Paul Rubio
Hedge your bets on living—and dining—like a rock star at The Guitar Hotel and the greater Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. This larger-than-life, Las Vegas–style showmanship spans beyond the casino and live entertainment to include several worldclass restaurants that stand as some of Fort Lauderdale’s finest. Here are three of our favorites. (seminolehardrockhollywood.com)
BY PAUL RUBIOReopened in 2023, this dinner-only restaurant marries the flavors of North and South America over live fire, a Josper coal oven, and an ingredientsdriven menu that includes bone-in beef rib with guava jam, a grilled shrimp cocktail, and “fire water” scallops, a modern take on Mexican aguachile. Dinner begins with a basket of piping hot cheddar and chive biscuits, brushed with hot honey and typically delivered with the first—of many—Florida-inspired cocktails. (We recommend starting with the Las Olas, a sublime balance of Aperol, vodka, cachaca, and watermelon puree served in a martini glass.) The attention to detail and craftsmanship that follows is exceptional. Even the roasted hearts of palm salad features fresh palm cores flown in from Hawaii, which are then prepared two ways: julienned raw or sliced into circles and quick-roasted in the Josper oven. The combo is accompanied by the freshest of avocado, Florida grapefruit, and heirloom cherry tomatoes and topped with crispy Peruvian quinoa and a tangy tamarind dressing. Similarly, the Maine lobster feast features a 2-pound stunner cooked to perfection over the wood-fire grill and served with house-made chimichurri and lime-mustard butter. In short, you can’t go wrong with any plate at Abiaka. It’s a memorable, multisensory journey into bold flavor combinations that will entice you to come back for more.
This tried-and-true American steak house proves its chops (pun intended) with the best in Prime cuts and seafood. It’s a welcomed departure from South Florida’s predictable chain fare, boasting a sleek, multilevel design with its own bustling open kitchen, an in-house butcher shop, and a menu rich in USDA dry-aged Prime steaks, certified Wagyu beef, and steak house classics like jumbo shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, and lobster bisque. Beyond the mouthwatering cuts and shellfish delights, Hard Rock’s style set and old-money spendthrifts swoon over decadent sides like the duck fat hash browns and lobster mac and cheese. Factor in a wine cellar with more than 350 offerings, dreamy desserts (hello: dulce de leche–filled beignets and dark chocolate souffle), plus prime views of the Guitar Hotel’s electrifying light show, and it’s easy to see why Council Oak is widely regarded as Fort Lauderdale’s ultimate steak house experience.
This contemporary Japanese restaurant remixes tradition to create bold taste sensations for today’s palate. Balance the delicate Hokkaido scallop sashimi (dressed in yuzu gel, young ginger, and sea salt) with the rich lobster tempura dusted in Wagyu snow (beef-tinged, powdered garlic butter). Choose from six nigiri, the highlight of which is the madai (Japanese sea bream) finished with tsukudani nori, avocado, and ginger gel. Then, fill up on more familiar maki-like spicy tuna and soft-shell crab rolls, which stand out for freshness and deliver perfection in every bite. Pair these dishes with mixology-forward cocktails, each designed to underscore one of the five dominant flavor profiles: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
HEADED TO DRV PNK STADIUM
TO SEE DAVID BECKHAM’S BOYS IN BLACK AND PINK TAKE THE PITCH? BRING YOUR APPETITE; NEW FOOD OFFERINGS ARE AVAILABLE WHETHER
YOU’RE IN THE SUITES OR THE CHEAP SEATS. MINI CUBAN SANDWICHES FOLLOWED BY CHURRO BITES (DON’T FORGET THE DULCE DE LECHE DIPPING SAUCE)
ELEVATE THE CONCESSION EXPERIENCE. IF YOU’RE HEADED TO THE NW CLUB OR MIDFIELD CLUB, PICK UP A CHORIPÁN, A HANDHELD FILLED WITH CHORIZO, CHIMICHURRI, AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS ON AN ARTISAN ROLL, OR A PLATE OF THE GUAVA-GLAZED RIBS. (INTERMIAMICF.COM) —KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
The Broward County dining scene has something for everyone, from funky Fort Lauderdale gastropubs to iconic waterfront restaurants dotting the county coastline. Here, find a listing of area standouts, organized by cuisine type, with descriptions, contact information, and price details for each. What the icons mean:
$ Dinner entrees under $25
$$ Most entrees $25-$40
$$$ Most entrees $40 or more
While not all-inclusive due to space limitations, our dining listings may vary every month and are constantly updated to showcase the culinary diversity of the area. Find more information on local dining options on fortlauderdaleillustrated.com.
NOTICE TO RESTAURATEURS: The establishments listed and their descriptions are printed at the discretion of the editors of Fort Lauderdale Illustrated They are not a form of advertisement, nor do they serve as a restaurant review. For more information, email editorial@palmbeachmedia.com
AMERICAN
5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE BAR & GRILL This rustic indoor-outdoor dockside bar located on the Intracoastal serves bar bites and creative drinks with a side of live entertainment. 1111 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood (margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com) $
AMERICAN SOCIAL A cool atmosphere and elevated comfort food classics are the hallmarks of this Las Olas hot spot. 721 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (americansocialbar.com) $
ATLAS COCKTAIL LOUNGE The Conrad’s sophisticated lobby bar offers a selection of signature cocktails, wines, and bar bites, like the duck confit tostada and ratatouille pizzetta. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (conradfortlauderdale.com) $
BANG SHACK The creators of the Shark Tank famous Bang Shack chicken dip own this kiosk where three different versions of their dips are sold to go. 120 S. 20th Ave., Hollywood (thebangshack.com) $
BIG BUNS Order a “damn good burger” and enjoy the river views from this Las Olas joint. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a shake or beer. 221 S.W. 1st Avenue Fort Lauderdale (eatbigbuns.com) $
BLUE MARTINI Live entertainment pairs well with one of the bar’s quintessential martinis and a margherita flatbread or luscious brie baked in puff pastry to share. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2432 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bluemartini.com) $
BULEGREEN CAFÉ YARD Head to this Oakland Park outpost for all-day brunch favorites (think: smoked salmon sandwiches and the OMG Waffle) and signature, old-fashion-style coffee. 3299 N. Dixie Hwy., Oakland Park (bulegreen.us) $
BURGERFI This eco-friendly burger joint has something for everyone. 1465 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (burgerfi.com) $
CHICK’NCONE Located in the MASS District, this fast-casual spot offers freshly baked handheld waffle cones piled with crispy chicken bites available for pickup and delivery. 920 N. Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale (chickncone.com) $
DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT Founded in Dallas, Dickey’s brings the joys of Texas barbecue to South Florida. 23 S. Pointe Drive, Dania Beach (dickeys.com) $
FLORIDIAN RESTAURANT This classic diner has served an extensive selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner comfort food favorites since 1937. 1410 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thefloridiandiner.com) $
FRESH FIRST Gluten-free breakfast and lunch dishes make this casual eatery a favorite among conscientious diners. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, 1637 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (freshfirst.com) $
GEORGIA PIG BBQ RESTAURANT Live oak wood and North Georgia–style sauce are the flavor focal points at this family-run, open-pit barbecue joint. 1285 S. State Road 7, Fort Lauderdale (georgiapig. com) $
Everything blossoms in May, thanks to those unsung garden heroes: the pollinators. These birds, insects, and reptiles flutter, buzz, and linger from bloom to bloom, feasting on nutritious nectar and taking with them the pollen that fertilizes our favorite plants. In honor of May
flowers and more, savor the Fructus et Flores cocktail. With fresh plums, peaches, apricots, and loads of citrus, this easily batched sipper makes for a delicious crowd-pleaser. As an added ode to pollinators, this inviting punch boasts a base of Flora Adora, the newest of the Hendrick’s limited-release gins that master distiller Lesly Gracie created by watching nectarloving pollinators at play and identifying the botanicals they gravitated toward most.
Fructus
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1/2 cup Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. pressed lemon juice
1/2 cup apricot nectar
1 cup sparkling wine
1-2 peaches, sliced
1-2 plums, sliced
1-2 apricots, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 grapefruit, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1-2 limes, sliced
1/4 cup edible flowers (optional)
Add gin, honey, lemon juice, apricot nectar, and sparkling wine to a pitcher or punch bowl with ice. Top with sliced fruit and flowers. Stir and serve, preferably in the garden.
HARBORWOOD URBAN KITCHEN One of the Hyatt’s restaurants with locally sourced ingredients in downtown Fort Lauderdale. 100 E. Las Olas Blvd. Hyatt Centric, Fort Lauderdale (hyatt.com) $
HARD ROCK CAFÉ Grab a bite between shows at the Hard Rock’s diner-inspired dining room, where great music is always playing. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood (seminole hardrockhollywood.com) $$
J. MARK’S Casual decor, a bustling bar, and crowd-pleasing plates make this an ideal dining experience to share with friends. 1245 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (jmarks restaurant.com) $$
KALUZ This upscale modern restaurant has lunch and dinner options along with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Sit back and relax with views of the Intracoastal. 3300 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (kaluz restaurant.com) $$$
MARTI’S NEW RIVER BISTRO A favorite among theatergoers, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ resident waterfront bistro also serves one of the best brunches in the city. 201 S.W. 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (browardcenter.org) $$
REDLANDS GRILL BY J. ALEXANDER’S Wood-fired fare from steaks to grilled artichokes are on the menu at this modern American spot. 2415 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (redlandsgrill.com) $$
While Fort Lauderdale celebrates Gay Pride in February, Icebox Café rocks the fierceness all year long with its LGBTQ-positive Rainbow Cake, a six-tiered, multicolored marvel layered with a whipped cream filling and topped with whipped cream frosting. The statement-making treat began as a June Pride special in 2022, but high demand resulted in its perennial café presence. Find the Rainbow Cake at both Icebox Café locations in Hallandale Beach and Miami Beach, available by the slice or as a whole cake. (iceboxcafe.com) —P.R.
Since taking home the bronze in Yelp’s roundup of the top 100 U.S. restaurants of 2023, Archibalds Village Bakery in North Beach Village has gone from a quiet neighborhood hangout to a national, must-try attraction. Opened in 2021, the venue specializes in scratchmade pastries, pies, quiches, and sandwiches crafted with love by co-owners chef Justin Mathys-Archibald and his husband, Christopher, plus their charismatic crew.
An American-British duo, Justin and Christopher tapped into their cultural backgrounds to open a bakery offering treats uncommon in South Florida. “We wanted people to try things they were not accustomed to but that we knew and loved,” says Christopher. So, Justin developed his own recipes for U.K. favorites like jam-filled or blueberry scones and sausage rolls, as well as lesserknown American goodies like the morning glory loaf (a bread-cake
ROCK BAR This bustling space perfectly captures Fort Lauderdale Beach’s vibrant nightlife. 219 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (itsbetter onthebeach.com/rock-bar) $$
ROOFTOP @1WLO Head to this tapas bar overlooking Las Olas for views of Fort Lauderdale’s skyline while enjoying special cocktails and small apps. 1 W. Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale (rooftop1wlo.com) $$$
ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL This alfresco eatery captures patrons’ hearts with adventurous menu items, festive decor, and a warm staff. 2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors (rosiesbng.com) $
ROYAL 350 This gastropub tantalizes patrons with elevated American classics for lunch and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. 350 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (royal350.com) $$
S3 Nouveau American cuisine is prepared with care in this inventive resto that embraces the three pillars of Florida life: sun, surf, and sand. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (s3restaurant.com) $$$
SEA LEVEL RESTAURANT & OCEAN BAR This seaside eatery serves fresh seafood and “Garden to Glass” cocktails, made using ingredients from the chef’s organic plot. Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale (marriot.com) $$
SOBEVEGAN A modern vegan pivot on typical Ameri-
hybrid packed with carrots, pineapple, raisins, walnuts, and more). He also looked to the past for inspiration. “A number of recipes I use are my grandmother’s original, handwritten recipes from back in the day, with slight modifications,” Justin sys. This includes the colossal chocolate chip cookie, while the heavenly cinnamon rolls are, in fact, his mom’s recipe.
Given the bakery’s small-scale operation and the high demand for Justin’s sweet and savory delights, many items tend to sell out early in the day. But even if you arrive around noon and there’s not a single scone to be had, you’ll still find something delectable— and get a taste of the heartfelt hospitality that makes Archibalds so special. (archibaldsvillagebakery.com) —P.R.
can cuisine that even meat-eaters will crave. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (sobev.com) $$
STEELPAN KITCHEN & BAR Steelpan strikes Caribbean-American fusion gold with the callaloo artichoke dip, jerk chicken and dumplings, grilled skirt steak, and pineapple rum cake. 999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (steelpanftl.com) $$
TAP 42 Rotating daily drink specials, live music, and a diverse menu with everything from burgers to grilled salmon make this taproom-restaurant an ideal place for a gastronomical rendezvous. 1411 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale (tap42.com) $$
THE KATHERINE This neighborhood gem offers a representation of chef Timon Balloo’s travels and at-home favorites in a cozy setting. 723 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thekatherinerestaurant.com) $$
TOWER CLUB The Tower Club’s Trade Bar and Dining Room offer an exclusive setting for a business lunch with views of the bustling port and city skyline. 100 S.E. 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (clubcorp.com) $$$
UNION KITCHEN & BAR This neighborhood restaurant is inspired by South American and Northern Italian cuisines. 2309 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors (unionkb.com) $$
VALE FOOD CO Build your own bowls with tasty and flavorful ingredients at this fast-casual outpost. 2420 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (valefoodco.com) $
BOMBAY DARBAR Intoxicating spices perfume the air and rich Indian masalas, curries, and kormas beset the tables at this Las Olas jewel. 1521 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bombaydarbar.com) $
CHRISTINA WAN’S MANDARIN HOUSE Christina Wan continues her family’s legacy of bringing traditional Chinese cuisine to South Florida, some with unorthodox flair. 664 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (christinawans.com) $$
EVE ON THE WATER This elegant, riverfront dining destination offers Japanese and Thai dishes plus creative sushi rolls. 1111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (evelasolas.com) $$
MAMA ASIAN BISTRO Patrons can satisfy their sushi, ramen, and Thai noodle cravings at this modern Pan-Asian eatery. 4437 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek (mamaasianbistro.com) $$
SUSHI BY BOU A hidden gem for Japanese cuisine plus an elegant omakase-style dinner. 500 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (sushibybou.com) $$$
THAI SPICE No tour of South Florida’s culinary triumphs would be complete without a meal from this delightful Pan-Asian destination. 1514 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thaispicefla. com) $$
CYTH & CO. This café with many special seasonal drinks and baked goods has an inclusive menu for vegans and gluten-free eaters alike. 3446 NE 12th Ave., Oakland Park (cythco.com) $$
STORK’S BAKERY & COFFEE HOUSE This Wilton Manors coffeehouse satiates patrons’ espresso, homemade pastry, and sandwich kicks until late. 2505 NE 15th Ave., Wilton Manors (storksbakery.com) $
CAFÉ MARTORANO Known as a top Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale for the past 27 years, Café Martorano doesn’t disappoint with its take on Italian classics. 3343 E. Oakland Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (cafemartorano.com) $$$
CAFÉ VICO Owner Marco Vico Rodrigues knows there’s no better way to welcome his guests than with a kind smile and to-die-for pasta. 1125 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (cafevicorestaurant.com) $$
CAFFÉ EUROPA A go-to spot for lunch or dinner, Caffé Europa’s Calabrian-inspired fare is perfect for sharing with friends and family. 910 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (caffeeuropalasolas.com) $$
IL MULINO CUCINA Luscious saffron-infused pasta is a standout on this menu of classic Italian favorites. 1800 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (ilmulinofl.com) $$
SCOLAPASTA BISTRO Family is at the heart of this farm-to-table Italian bistro that puts a contemporary twist on its old-world heritage. 3358 N.E. 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale (scolapastabistro.com) $$
SERAFINA TRATTORIA ITALIANA Candlelit views of the Middle River, toothsome pasta dishes, and a spectacular vino selection promise a romantic evening at this Victoria Park nook. 926 N.E. 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (serabythewater.com) $$
SETTE BELLO RISTORANTE Settle into a seat at chef Franco’s fine-dining locale, where delectable Italian fare makes patrons feel right at home. 6241 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (settebellofla.com) $$
AIDA This Mexican-seafood fusion serves classic tiraditos, corn-crusted seabass, octopus, and more. 911 NE 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (aidarestaurant.com) $$
CARLOS & PEPE’S Authentic Mexican-American fare has made this eatery a staple since 1979. South Harbor Plaza, 1302 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (carlos andpepesfl.com) $$
CUBANO’S BY MARIO Owner Mario Flores shares the comforts of his childhood at this stylish restaurant, where Cuban-Spanish goodness is served. 1611 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (catalinarestaurant.net) $$$
EATAPAS An authentic Spanish menu is available with plenty of tapas to accompany a great atmosphere with live music and Flamenco dancing. 4140 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (eatapasfl.com) $$
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to get acquainted with the best new tequilas to hit Florida shelves. Try Lalo (lalospirits.com; $50 per 750ml bottle) , a mild blanco tequila that stems from premium handpicked agave of the Jalisco highlands and backed by Eduardo “Lalo” González, grandson of the father of premium tequila, Don Julio. While pure and dynamic enough to enjoy as a sipping tequila, Lalo also works beautifully in cocktail recipes. For something more premium, go for the extra anejo expression of Patsch (patschtequila.com; $350 per 750ml bottle) , a 100 percent organic Blue Weber agave sipping tequila that is aged seven years in American whiskey barrels and bottled in handblown pieces by designer Martin Schapira. —P.R.
LA BAMBA Sampling the best from cuisines across Latin America, this multifaceted eatery’s savory and filling dishes are a hit. 4245 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale; 1901 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale; 5452 W. Sample Rd., Margate; 10169 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation (labamba123.com) $$
FERDOS GRILL Authentic Mediterranean fare meets local Florida ingredients at this neighborhood favorite, featuring staples like gyros, shish kabob, and “everyone’s favorite” hummus. 4300 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (ferdos-grill.jimdosite.com) $$
ILIOS Panoramic ocean views and seasonally inspired Mediterranean dishes are on the menu at this sixthfloor dining room. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (hilton.com) $$
JAFFA Enjoy fresh Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine by chef Yaniv Cohen. 701 N. Federal Hwy. Suite 101, Hallandale Beach (jaffamiami.com) $$
MOREA This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar offers small plates to taste, explore, and enjoy with friends and family. 701 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (moreadining.com) $$
3030 OCEAN Chef Adrienne Grenier’s intuitive and masterful approach to upscale sea fare shines in this sophisticated beachside dining room. Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale (3030ocean.com) $$$
ARUBA BEACH CAFÉ The magic of Caribbean flavors meets the idyllic Florida coastline at this beachside seafood shack. 1 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (arubabeachcafe.com) $$
BILLY’S STONE CRAB Stone crab is king at Billy’s, but guests can also enjoy lunch or dinner featuring the day’s fresh and locally caught Florida seafood. 400 N. Ocean Drive, Hollywood (crabs.com) $$$
BLUE MOON FISH CO. Chef-owners Baron Skorish and Bryce Statham dream up Louisiana-inspired interpretations of locally caught seafood at their upscale dining room along the Intracoastal. 4405 W. Tradewinds Ave., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (bluemoon fishco.com) $$$
BURLOCK COAST SEAFARE & SPIRITS Offering modern-coastal fare with a local undercurrent, Burlock Coast is an innovative restaurant-café-marketbar that channels the creativity of Prohibition-era rum runners. The Ritz-Carlton, 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (ritzcarlton.com) $$$
OCEANIC The Pompano Beach Pier provides ample ambiance with its bright seafood-filled menu. 250 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (oceanic pompano.com) $$
CHIMA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Brazilian rodízio finds its place on Las Olas, where fountains and flamebearing lamps welcome diners. 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (chimasteakhouse.com) $$$
COUNCIL OAK STEAKS & SEAFOOD A signature raw bar, an expansive wine room, and an open kitchen complement this Hard Rock favorite’s famous USDA-certified cuts. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood (seminolehardrockhollywood.com) $$$
NYY STEAK Located in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, NYY Steak presents five-star seafood and steak offerings in an atmosphere that honors one of baseball’s finest teams, the New York Yankees. 5550 N.W. 40th St., Coconut Creek (nyysteak.com) $$$
Palm Beach Media Group is a renowned publishing company with print publications representing a mix of proprietary titles and custom magazines, along with digital solutions, serving the entire state of Florida and more.
art&culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Time and Treasure: Guide to Better Giving Florida Design Southwest Florida Relocation Guide Florida Design Miami Edition Florida Design Annual Sourcebook
Florida Design Naples Edition Fisher Island Magazine Club Braman Magazine Advances: Tampa General Hospital
Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club
This is not Meredith Marlow’s first time at the home design rodeo. When a repeat client bought a new Intracoastal home in Fort Lauderdale’s Seven Isles neighborhood, the founder of Marlow Interiors was already top-of-mind to make the new spot feel like home. “The client is a super busy public figure and needed a design firm that could really take over and get the job done,” Marlow says. “We put together the entire team based on their needs.”
The goal, Marlow explains, was to create a retreat perfect for entertaining. She took inspiration from the residence’s mid-century modern architecture. A focal point was the parlor adjacent to the home’s entry. “The client wanted it to be a showstopper and a place to greet and entertain guests,” Marlow says. Built-in cabinetry holds a working bar with a Sub-Zero wine fridge and a Miele coffee maker. The kitchen stands nearby with ample storage space for the client’s impressive wine collection and beautiful
bottles of spirits. Low-slung furniture maintains clean sight lines, allowing views of the connecting rooms and pool beyond.
In the dining room, Marlow kept things sleek and functional, creating a space that can be used for work or dinner parties. The brightly colored art was a find that the homeowners asked Marlow to incorporate. “We thought the linear nature and mix of wood and saturated colors would work perfectly on the wall next to the dining table,” she says.
For Marlow, the project reflects the nature of the client-designer relationship. “We really love working with this client because they inspire us and trust our vision,” she notes. Their third collaboration, she adds, might be even more charming; when the clients saw the finished space, they were “super excited … and quickly bought another property with even larger challenges and set us to work on that one.” (meredith marlow.com) –Kristen Desmond LeFevre
The arrival of spring means gearing up for spring cleaning, and decluttering your closet is a great way to start. Here are some of my favorite tips for a tidier and more organized closet. (alenacapradesigns.com)
XTHE MORE WE STORE IN OUR CLOSETS, THE HARDER IT IS TO SEE WHAT’S INSIDE. TO BEGIN YOUR DECLUTTERING PROCESS, REMOVE ALL OF THE CONTENTS FROM YOUR CLOSET AND ARRANGE EVERYTHING IN PILES. MAKE AN INVENTORY OF THE CLOTHES AND SHOES YOU WANT TO KEEP AND THOSE YOU WANT TO LET GO OF. IF YOU HAVEN’T WORN THE ITEM IN MORE THAN TWO YEARS, IT MAY BE TIME TO TOSS OR DONATE IT.
To maximize closet functionality, section things off fi rst by the type of clothing and then by color according to ROY G BIV—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Then add in neutrals like tan, brown, black, gray, and white. Not only does this look beautiful, it truly makes it easier to fi nd things when you need them.
Shelving arranged with one shoe facing forward and the other facing backward can increase storage space. Clear shoe boxes (often for special pairs that you don’t wear daily) are another way to stack shoes, keep dust away, and still have everything in view.
A beautifully organized closet starts with hangers. Use the same style and color of hanger consistently throughout your closet for a clean look. Nonslip velvet hangers are elegant and come in a variety of colors. Plus, because they’re sleek, they can double your hanging space. For heavier garments such as coats, sturdy wood hangers are an ideal choice.
For a boutique-like feel, display special bags, shoes, hats, and accessories prominently. There are many varieties of stands on which to hang purses or hats, risers to display shoes, and a myriad of options for showing off key items like sunglasses, ties, and belts.
Larger bins are great for jeans, T-shirts, or workout gear. Medium and smaller bins are perfect for wallets, clutches, swimwear, or jewelry. Flip-flops and sandals often work well when stored in a basket or bin—they’ll stay confined in one space, and you can fit many pairs.
FINE FEATHERED FRIEND
Let your tablescape take flight with Kim Seybert’s parakeet napkin ring ($64 for set of four). Destry Darr Designs, Fort Lauderdale (destrydarrdesigns.com)
CABANA COUTURE
Add a pop of color to your white couch with Laura Park’s pink cabana pillow ($195). Grove Gallery & Interiors, Miami (grovegalleryinteriors.com)
BEADED BEAUTY
Although neutral in color, this wood bead and abaca rope lamp ($1,916) from Palecek is anything but bland thanks to a textured facade. Farrey’s, North Miami, Coconut Grove (farreys.com)
ARRIVE IN STYLE
For this grand entrance, creative director Ivonne Ronderos and lead interior designer Anahi Carrillo of DKOR Interiors ushered in an air of conviviality. “We wanted the foyer area to be that first glimpse into the lively and colorful personality of the home starting right at the front door,” says Carrillo. “Thanks to the curated furniture selections layered into the space, the result is a foyer area packed with colors, organic texture, and accent pieces.” North Miami (dkorinteriors.com)
ON THE FRINGE
SHELL RAISER
Hand-applied shells in a motif reminiscent of spouting ocean movement take center stage in the Cecilia mirror ($2,340) from Currey & Company Monica James & Co., Miami (monicajames.com)
Rizzoli’s India Hicks: Island Style ($50) goes behind the scenes of the British designer’s world to reveal her bohemian decorating aesthetic. Barnes & Noble locations (barnesandnoble.com)
RETRO ACTIVE
Interior designer Maggie Cruz’s home pieces, such as the Habanera console ($3,410), are inspired by Cuban architecture, her Miami childhood, and her appreciation of Old Florida refinement. Maggie Cruz Home, Miami (maggiecruzhome.com)
Enhance your tropical dining endeavors with fringed raffia placemats ($32 each) from Deborah Rhodes Lakeview Home Accessories, Aventura (lakeviewhome accessories. myshoplocal.com)
WHO: Beaux Arts Fort Lauderdale WHAT: Flappers & Feathers WHERE: NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale HIGHLIGHTS: Dressed for the roaring ’20s, luncheon attendees raised nearly $100,000 to support art museum initiatives.
WHO: Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) WHAT: Twentieth anniversary celebration of Huizenga Park WHERE: Rooftop
@1WLO HIGHLIGHTS: DDA chairman Steve Hudson announced with his cousin Wayne Huizenga Jr. a $2 million contribution toward reimagining the park.
WHO: The Our Fund Foundation WHAT: Fourth Annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards
WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
HIGHLIGHTS: Chuck Nicholls was honored with the Dick Schwarz Lifetime Achievement Award for his work supporting those living with HIV/AIDS in South Florida.
KAREN PRESCOD, NIK HARRIS, STEPHEN FALLON, GHENETE ‘G’ WRIGHT MUIR, MONA PITTENGER JOE AND JANE MAHONEY, MIKE MASSEY, GREG KABEL, OSCAR PASTOR NORMA AND BERNARD HAMPTON, ANGELIQUE GRANT, HAKI HALISI JEFF OLIVERIO, TONY MENDOZA, MICHAEL OLIVERIOForget snagging museum exhibit tickets to admire a display of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art. The city of Deerfield Beach recently unveiled a new outdoor fitness court wrapped in reproductions of the late artist’s paintings, thanks to a grant from the National Fitness Campaign. Deerfield Beach is now one of 10 U.S. locations to boast an art-themed fitness park like the one located in Pastor Willie James Ford Sr. Linear Park. The court boasts QR codes that provide workout instructions, or stop by for weekly in-person classes led by local fitness ambassadors. (deerfield-beach.com)
—Christiana Lilly