Fort Lauderdale Illustrated December 2022

The Downsview cabinetry collection is custom crafted in North America and available exclusively through select kitchen design showrooms

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To experience the Collections visit one of our flags hip s howrooms

DOWNSVIEW of JUNO

12800 U.S. Highway 1 - Suite 100,Juno Beach, FL (561) 799-7700www.downsviewofjuno.com

DOWNSVIEW of DANIA 1855 Griffin Road - Suite C-212,Dania Beach, FL (954) 927-1100www.downsviewofdania.com

DOWNSVIEW of BOSTON

One Design Center Place - Suite 241,Boston, MA (857) 317-3320www.downsviewofboston.com

DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS 2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, Ontario

12th Annual Grand Chef Throwdown presented by Creekstone Farms

Hosted by Jay Cashmere and Mo & Sally • $10,000 Local Charity Giveaway 50+ Restaurants • Wine & Spirit Tastings • DJ’s and Live Music

Special Celebrity Guest Judges

aioli

Akira Back

Almond Palm Beach

Angle

Asian Fin Sushi Lounge Avocado Grill

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila Bōken

Brandon’s Palm Beach

Breakthru Beverage Breeze Ocean Kitchen

Brick & Barrel Gastropub

Cactus Grille & Tequila Bar

Café Centro

Café Chardonnay Café Sapori

Grand Tasting Participants

Christopher’s Kitchen

Cigar City Brewing Coolinary Creekstone Farms Driftwood Earth and Sugar Echo El Camino

Ela Curry Kitchen Ember Grill Flavour Gallery Galley Ganache Bakery Grato Henry’s Isla & Co

Island Kitchen

Johan’s Joe

Laura Ashley Catering & Events

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine Meat Market Mizu

Mount Gay Rum Oceana Co ee Pistache French Bistro pizzaioli Polpo Prezzo Pumphouse Co ee Roasters Restaurant 44 Sassafras Savor

Seminole Reef Grill

Tabanero

The Ice Cream Club

The Palm Beaches

The Parched Pig The Regional The SoSo

Timpano Las Olas

Tommy Bahama VerTerra Dinnerware

Virginia Philip Wine Spirits & Academy AND MORE!

Maneet ChauhanRobert IrvineMarc Murphy

By Christie

CONTENTS

By

By

Mary Murray 58 URBAN

COWGIRL

Lasso up some style straight from the runways

Photography by Olivia Graham

OLIVIA GRAHAM

YOU CAN BE BOLD, LIKE PHILANTHROPIST MONA PITTENGER

“Partnering with the Community Foundation of Broward empowers me to make a BOLD impact for the community I love. As a longtime philanthropist and LGBTQ activist, my new endowed charitable funds at the Community Foundation are broadening the scope and amplifying the impact of my giving. Grants in my name develop future leaders, break down barriers to success and shape a community where everyone is treated with equity. I love that my endowed support is the gift that keeps on giving, long after I’m gone. With the Community Foundation as a partner, my BOLD impact never ends.”

Visit our website to learn more CFBROWARD.ORG/BE- BOLD

Audacy Music Festival returns to Fort Lauderdale Beach this month with a new VIP section and a heavy-hitting list of ready-to-rock headliners 20 LOCAL LOVE Our picks for a holiday shopping spree on Las Olas Boulevard, two chic new ways to fight fast fashion at Sawgrass Mills, and a first-of-its-kind spa focusing on women of color opens in Hallandale Beach

ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: JERRY RABINOWITZ

MODELS: CHEF TIMON BALLOO WITH WIFE MARISSA AND DAUGHTERS SOPHIE AND KIRIN LOCATION: PLANTATION

ASHLEY

COURTESY OF ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS

ROMANCE ON THE BEACH

Begin your stay with a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room. This package includes a five course private dinner for two with a bottle of house wine served just steps from the ocean. Also included is daily breakfast for two in ROI, the resort restaurant each night of your stay.

Reservations must be arranged 72-hours in advance for private dinner by contacting the resort sales department at info@Hillsbororesort.com

Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos

Editor in Chief

Kristen Desmond LeFevre Creative Director

Olga M. Gustine

Executive Editor

Mary Murray Managing Editor

Melissa Puppo Fashion Editor

Katherine Lande Automotive Editor

Howard Walker Travel Editor

Paul Rubio Web Editor Abigail Duffy

DESIGN Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer Art Directors

Craig Cottrell, Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza CONTRIBUTING

Fort Lauderdale Illustrated

Published by Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC, P.O. Box 3344, Palm Beach, FL 33480, 561-659-0210 • Fax: 561-659-1736

®Fort Lauderdale Illustrated is a registered trademark of Palm Beach Media Group North, LLC fortlauderdaleillustrated.com

Publisher

Terry Duffy

ADVERTISING

Sales Director Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com

Associate Publisher Melissa Zolin Schwartz, 561-542-3104, mschwartz@palmbeachmedia.com

Account Managers

Lourdes Linares, 561-472-2215, llinares@palmbeachmedia.com Steven Sumlin, 954-218-6514 ssumlin@palmbeachmedia.com Advertising Services Coordinator

Jacob Kodner, Managing Partner of Market Auctions

Jacob Kodner, managing partner of Market Auctions brings broad and extensive expertise to the auction industry. He is a Graduate Gemologist, GIA, a 4th generation antiques dealer/ appraiser and a 3rd generation auctioneer. This allows Jacob to properly vet and evaluate the lots taken for auction. Whether looking to dispose of, or purchase jewelry, paintings, antiques, silver, glass, bronzes, coins or collectibles, visit Jacob and see how his experience and integrity translates to making happy clients.

Market Auction offers services to banking institutions, museums, estate evaluations for trusts, private collectors and corporate accounts offering appraisal services, auction services, logistics and appraisals.

Judith Leiber Cupcake Clutch

Isaac Maimon “Gabrielle” L/E Bronze Sculpture

(1900-1971) Solid Oak Desk Scaccomatto Chess Set by Franco Rocco w/ Glass Board

19th annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert

Presented by Lynn University Friends of the Conservatory of Music

Featuring the Lynn University Philharmonia Orchestra and Conductor Jon Robertson

Get into the spirit of the season! Now in its 19th year of making the holidays merry and bright, Lynn University’s annual Gingerbread Holiday Concert welcomes grandparents, parents and children of all ages to the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center to enjoy the musical classics of the season. Plus, experience Santa’s Workshop and meet Santa Claus himself!

Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022

Pre-show holiday activities at 2 p.m. Concert begins at 3 p.m. Lynn University 3601 N. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 Tickets: $35

Plus, we’re raffling three Pine Tree Camp three-week sessions ($1,250 value). Raffle tickets: one for $20, three for $50 +1 561-237-9000 | lynn.edu/gingerbread

ADVISORY BOARD

PETER BARKIN FOUNDING AGENT

THE BARKIN GROUP | COMPASS

PHILLIP DUNLAP DIRECTOR BROWARD COUNTY CULTURAL DIVISION KIRK ENGLEHARDT

VP, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BROWARD

STACY RITTER

PRESIDENT & CEO VISIT LAUDERDALE

DURÉE ROSS

PRESIDENT & CEO

DURÉE & COMPANY

SHARON S. TURNAU, CTC LANDMARK TRAVEL

Exclusive magazine sponsor

X

BEHIND THE SCENES

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Talk about a chef’s table experience! FLI was fortunate enough to be invited into the home of one of South Florida’s favorite chefs—Timon Balloo of The Katherine—to meet his family and watch in wonder as he prepared a festive (and beyond delicious) family feast fit for this holiday season. Don’t miss Christie Galeano-DeMott’s feature, “A Very Balloo Christmas,” on page 42. (Warning: may induce hunger pangs.)

HAUTE HOLIDAYS

This season, it’s all about local vibes. Fortunately in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve got no shortage of chic and cheerful ways to celebrate the winter holidays. At a time when it seems like everyone is rushing around, why not slow down for a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard with our go-to gift guide of picks sure to please (page 20) in hand? When you’re ready to peep the magic of decorative lights or take in seasonal styles, turn to “Holiday Happenings” (page 24) for the all the details on five of Broward County’s best-loved holiday hot spots. And don’t forget the importance of philanthropy during this season of giving; starting on page 26, we highlight hands-on ways that you can give back to the greater Laudy community.

With the addition of Brightline’s new station in Boca Raton, take a day to ride the rails north for some adventure within reach. Skye Sherman’s “Book it to Boca” feature (page 48) has all the information you’ll need for a trip worth taking—from cultural experiences to coffee breaks, and even a holiday-themed Polar Express excursion sure to please the whole family.

Regardless of the month, great style is always in season. Our “Block Party” feature by Mary Murray (page 52) offers stunning jewelry in sparkling earth tones for anyone looking to add a little bling to their jewelry box. Or draw some down-home inspiration from the feminine silhouettes influenced by Western wear in our “Urban Cowgirl” fashion story photographed by Olivia Graham at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, beginning on page 58.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the year-ending holidays that this month brings, I wish you moments of true cheer as you cherish your traditions—whatever they may be.

Desmond LeFevre klefevre@fortlauderdaleillustrated.com

Kristen

THE CURRENT

COVETABLE FINDS, HOT HAPPENINGS, AND MUST-ATTEND EVENTS

HAPPENINGS

Rock ON

Everyone’s favorite alternative fest will return to the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach December 3-4. Now in its second year, Audacy Music Festival promises an all-star lineup ranging from day-one headliners Muse, Jimmy Eat World, The Maine, The Struts, and Yungblud to artists like Machine Gun Kelly, The 1975, Dashboard Confessional, and Mayday Parade the second day, among countless other acts. In addition to general admission tickets, several VIP packages are available, offering access to the newly designed and enhanced VIP-only area with a dedicated main stage viewing area, five complimentary drinks, daily happy hour in the VIP Oasis, lounge space to soak in all the vibes, and more. One dollar from every ticket sold will benefit Reverb, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to take action toward a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. (audacybeachfestival. com) —Melissa Puppo

SAMUEL BRADLEY

JIM GIANNATTI

Clockwise from top: Audacy Music Festival main stage; Jimmy Eat World; The 1975; Dashboard Confessional.

GIFT GUIDE

HAPPYSHOPPING

This holiday season, head to the stores on Laudy’s famed Las Olas Boulevard for all your gifting needs

BY MELISSA PUPPO

FOR THE TRAVELER

Fleetwood packing cubes ($118), Lilly Pulitzer, lillypulitzer.com

FOR THE ART COLLECTOR

Pietro & Riccardo Ferro Plate #33 Murano glass vase 2021 ($10,590), New River Fine Art Gallery, newriver fineart.com

FOR THE FASHIONISTA Feathered Soul rose moon pearl necklace ($488), Deborah James, deborah james.com

FOR THE HOSTESS Glass pineapple tray ($69.50), Tommy Bahama, tommy bahama.com

FOR THE COOL CONSERVATIONIST

Guy Harvey x Groove

Life Slammed Apple Watch band ($50), Guy Harvey Gallery and Shop, guyharvey.com

FOR THE FAMILY Birchwood travel backgammon set ($125), Tommy Bahama, tommy bahama.com

FOR THE TAILGATER Charcoal Wheeled Roadie 60 ($500), Yeti, yeti.com

TIMELESS TASTE

There’s nothing like the charm of a vintage tee. If you’re in search of vintage wardrobe vibes but trolling Goodwill racks isn’t your speed, then Sawgrass Mills’ Vintage Grails is your new nirvana. Fight fast fashion while shopping an expertly curated selection of iconic T-shirts, hats, and more from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Prefer to search for your preloved pieces? Visit the brand’s warehouse location, Thrift Vintage Fashion in Hialeah, where you can dig through bins to your heart’s content. (vintagegrails.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre

VINTAGE VIBES

Let’s Go Thrifting

TWO SPOTS TO SHOP PRELOVED PIECES AT SAWGRASS MILLS

ACCESSORY REFRESH

Interested in grow ing your collec tion or ready to part ways with a designer bag you no longer use?

Head to Rebag. The authority in buying, selling, and trading luxury accessories, Rebag has opened its doors at Sawgrass Mills. Shop pieces from more than 50 designer brands that have been vetted for quality and authenticity, trade in your item for credit, or sell your once-loved treasures and use the money toward a new Rebag purchase. (rebag.com) —M.P.

SPOTLIGHT BEAUTY for All

Maghan Morin believes in beauty accessibility; that’s why she’s made it her mission to develop a first-ofits-kind spa for women of color in Hallandale Beach. Launched in 2021, Melanated Beauty Spa caters to the different types of skin on the Fitzpatrick scale (which measures the amount of melanin in the skin, ranging from Type I to Type VII).

Morin has dealt with her own difficult skin journey. Dermatologist visit after dermatologist visit provided no relief for her severe acne, until she found a solu tion. “My parents spent so much money trying to figure it out,” she recalls, “but I found an aesthetician who really helped me understand how to take care of my skin.”

Morin now caters to her clients with an expansive menu of treatments, from facials and massages to body contouring, brows, and more, all with a focus on specially formulated products. “The Melanated brand is about inclusivity and people of color being seen as

taking care of themselves,” she says, noting that her business also provides a professional space for aesthe ticians of color. “I’ve been very intentional about mak ing sure that people feel seen when they come here.”

Clients can become a member of the “Self-Care Club” and receive two benefits per month; they can also book out the spa for events like bridal showers and birthdays. With the success of her South Florida locale, Morin plans to open a second spa in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2023. (melanatedbeautyspa.com) —M.P.

Maghan Morin (above) is behind the Melanated Beauty Spa brand, designed to provide skin treatments to women of color.

Introducing a singularly luxurious resort-inspired tropical community with a private beach and 7-acre lagoon

Turnberry and Carlos Rosso are delighted to introduce their inaugural real estate collaboration, ONE Park Tower by Turnberry, featuring architecture by Arquitectonica, interiors by Meyer Davis Studio, and landscaping by Enzo Enea. Set on 184 acres between Biscayne Boulevard and Biscayne Bay within the world-class SoLé Mia master-planned community, it o ers the ultimate resort-inspired tropical lifestyle. Luxurious residences with elegant contemporary interiors and private balconies all showcase breathtaking panoramic views over Oleta River State Park and Biscayne Bay. A rich collection of exclusive indoor and outdoor amenities includes a lushly landscaped garden and private beach with a 7-acre lagoon.

Exquisitely designed condominium residences starting in the $700Ks

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO’S WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE

FEELING FESTIVE

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

FIVE

FESTIVE

WAYS TO GET INTO THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON RIGHT HERE IN BROWARD COUNTY

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

Get ready for the kind of holiday event that only South Florida can offer. A beloved tradition since it first sailed Laudy’s waterways in 1971, the fifty-first Winterfest Boat Parade will take place December 10 with the theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea.” This 12-mile floating block party (with more than a million spectators along the route from Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterways to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach) showcases boats decorated and sponsored by national and local businesses as well as individuals, families, groups, and charities—all for the delight of the community. Don’t miss the floating stages featuring Miss Florida USA, Miss Florida Teen USA, and other celebs. “We are looking forward to having the largest number of private entries in history,” says Lisa Scott-Founds, president and CEO of Winterfest. “The parade is a time for families and our community to celebrate together, whether they’re watching online from home, applauding from their balconies, or being cheered on while sailing through the parade themselves.” (winter festparade.com)

A winter wonderland awaits as Fort Lauderdale Beach transforms into a hub of holiday activity December 9-18. Throughout the 10-day celebration, locals and visitors of all ages will be treated to a festive array of sights, sounds, special activities, and performances, including holiday market vendors, strolling characters, live music and dance performances, visits with Santa, holiday movies, and more. (theloopflb.com)

Winterfest parades its beau tifully illuminated boats of all sizes through Broward’s famed waterways.

Las Olas Oceanside Park (also known as the LOOP) is transformed this holiday season into a wonderland filled with exciting expe riences and larger-than-life vignettes.

Laudy’s Historic Stranahan House Museum will be decking the halls, the walls, and more in full Victorian-era splendor. “This is a favorite holiday tradition,” says Christine Yates, president of the Stranahan House board of directors. “The Victorian Christmas Tours are magical and take us back to the holidays in another era. The decor is truly breathtaking.” The house itself will be festively festooned to capture the grandeur and glamour of a traditional Victorian

Christmas, while tour guides in period costumes (think: fabulous gowns and natty waistcoats) narrate the origins of many holiday traditions and demonstrate how pioneers celebrated Christmas. For the shoppers in your crew, the museum’s gift shop will feature a treasure trove of unique locally made and commemorative items, perfect for every person on your holiday gift list. Hour-long tours are available December 16-18 and December 23. (stranahanhouse.org/events)

GULFSTREAM PARK’S SYMPHONY IN LIGHTS

Ring in the holidays at Gulfstream Park Village. Every night through December 31, families can stroll the grounds to peep the stunning seasonal light display, all set to the sounds of holiday favorites and popular music. Don’t miss the 10-minute light show that takes place at the top of every hour from 6 to 11 p.m. (gulfstreampark.com)

EVENTS ON TAP:

• HOLIDAY MAGIC

SOIRÉE: DECEMBER 2

• HOLIDAY MAGIC WHIMSICAL WONDER LAND: DECEMBER 3

• HOLIDAY MAGIC EVE NING EXPERIENCES: DECEMBER 7-9

• HOLIDAY ARRANGE MENT CLASSES WITH VICTORIA PARK FLOWER STUDIO: DECEMBER 7-8

The historic and whimsical 35-acre subtropi cal estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale will feature five nights of holiday magic this month. The house and grounds will be lit up and sparkling. (And if you want to go from inspo to installation in your own home, all the trees, wreaths, and centerpieces throughout the house are for sale.) Stop by for a self-guided tour of the house during this rare nighttime opportunity and be greeted by characters from the award-winning storybook and up coming musical Pomp, Snow, & Cirquem stance, created and directed by Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg. For the kids in your life (or the kid in you), Santa Claus will be in attendance each night and avail able for photos. (bonnethouse.org/ events)

Clockwise from inset: Stranahan House offers Victorian Christmas Tours; Santa visits Bon nett House; sights and sounds of the season abound at Gulfstream Park.

BONNETT HOUSE

STRANAHAN HOUSE

Presents with a PURPOSE

In this season of giving, consider donating to one of Laudy’s deserving nonprofits with your time, talents, or resources. Here, we highlight a few of the ways you can help local folks in need this holiday season.

BY MICHELE MEYER

MOTHER

HEAL THE PLANET

What they do: Heal the Planet is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to live a more abundant and sustainable life—and teach them about the power of their daily choices. “Children are the hope for our future,” says executive director Noelia Suarez. “Our flagship program, the SEED [Sus tainable Energy Education] Project, provides youths with life tools for living a more mindful and just life.”

How you can help: Join gardening projects and beach, reef, and waterway cleanups. You also can teach kids about the benefits and tools of a sustainable life and be a tour guide at Snyder Park’s organic edible garden, butterfly garden, and wetland boardwalk.

When and where: Garden tours, food demos, mindfulness lessons, and yoga are held at Snyder Park. Beach Sweeps are held from 8 to 11 a.m. on the second Satur day each month, starting at 300 S. Lauderdale Beach Blvd. (healtheplanet.com)

HUNGER HELPERS

THE PANTRY OF BROWARD

What they do: The Pantry of Broward serves nearly 600 seniors and child-raising grandparents on low and fixed incomes in Broward County. Each month, the organization receives fresh produce, dairy, and bread, plus canned veggies and fruit, potatoes, pasta, sauce, and rice, then packages everything up into 55-pound nutritional food parcels for distribution. “The pantry also assists clients applying for affordable housing and applying for legal custody of their grandchildren,” says Ashlie Rolfe, director of community relations.

How you can help: Volunteers ages 16 and up receive, weigh, inventory, and pack the parcels of food donations for delivery. “Volunteers are the heart of our operation,” Rolfe says. “They get a sense of pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment from working with a team of passionate people who want to make their community a better place.”

When and where: Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 610 N.W. 3rd Ave. in Fort Lau derdale. Those interested in volunteering can sign up for shifts online. (thepantryofbroward.org)

Left and above: Volunteers clean up Broward beaches during Heal the Planet’s monthly Beach Sweeps. Below: Gardening projects enhance the organic garden at Snyder Park in Fort Lauderdale. Bottom left: Volunteers pack food donations into a Pantry of Broward van.

AN INSPIRING TAIL

TOMORROW’S RAINBOW

What they do: Four-legged counselors serve this nonprofit, which offers horseassisted psychotherapy. The horses give kids ages 3-18 and their caregivers free and judgment-free support for grief, loss, depression, PTSD, and other traumas. In the process, participants can learn to laugh and commune with others experiencing the same trials.

How you can help: Raise bales, clean stables, and groom miniature horses at the farm of Tomorrow’s Rainbow in Coconut Creek. You also can set up or clean up after special events; run concessions, crafts, or games; paint faces; play music; and play with and comfort kids. All volunteers are trained beforehand, by Zoom and in person. “You learn effective communication skills to prepare you for a crucial, supportive role in providing hope and healing to grieving families,” says Mary Jo Vandervoort, volunteer and special projects administrator. “It’s so fulfilling to help a child through the process.”

When and where: 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and at special events at Tomorrow’s Rainbow, located at 4341 N.W. 39th Ave. in Coconut Creek. (tomorrowsrainbow.org)

From top: Children find creative outlets at Tomorrow’s Rainbow in Coconut Creek; working with animals is therapeutic for kids dealing with difficult emotions.

Goods That Give Back

Make a difference with your dollars when you put these locally produced wise buys in your cart. Every purchase made gives back to the Fort Lauderdale community.

HAIR RAISING

WHAT: Noble by Greg Young Matte Paste

WHY: Young and fellow hairstylists help the homeless, one haircut and backpack of hygiene supplies at a time. “That haircut and conversation can mean the world to someone who has no home, no faith, no self-esteem, nothing,” says Young, who was once homeless and is now the owner of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Noblemen’s Cut & Shave.

HOW: Direct donations and part of paste proceeds benefit the Backpack Barber Foundation, which provides haircuts, clothes, food, and hygiene needs.

BUY: $20 for 3.4 oz. (noblebygy.com)

JAVA JAMS

WHAT: Harmonies Brew Coffee and Java Shots

WHY: Your buzz can help budding performers make sweet music. A percentage of net profits goes toward Harmonies of Hope, a nonprofit that enables youngsters to tap into their talent, regardless of income level.

HOW: Proceeds grant access to after-school programs for youth ages 7 and up and also provide scholarships to future musicians, singers, dancers, actors, and other performers.

BUY: Shots, 12 bottles, 2.5 oz. each, $16; Jazzy Keys ground coffee beans, 16 oz., $11; and Jazzy Keys Box of Brews, 10 mini-drip individual packets, $10. (harmonies brew.com)

STYLE

CURATED FINDS, LUXE ACCESSORIES, AND RUNWAY REPORTS

ARM PARTY

DECORATE YOUR WRIST WITH THESE SPECIAL COLLECTIBLE ACCESSORIES

BY KATHERINE LANDE

reminiscent

fany lock bangle in gold and white gold with pavé

1. Re-edition Baguette handbag with crystals, pearls, beads, and paillettes ($4,600), color-block re-edition Baguette handbag with paillettes ($4,900), Fendi, fendi.com, these twenty-fifth anniversary Baguettes pay homage to the bag itself and its hometown of New York City. | 2. Artycapucines bag MM by Amélie Bertrand in embossed and sprayed gradient calfskin leather (price upon request), Louis Vuitton, us.louisvuitton.com, six contemporary artists reimagined the Capucines bag, and each will only be released in a limited edition of 200. | 3. A Century of Style clock clutch ($4,995), Judith Leiber, judithleiber.com, created in celebration of Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday, the bag was inspired by a vintage clock inside the fashion star’s home. | 4. Première Édition Originale watch with a leather strap, lacquered dial, and steel case coated with 18-karat gold ($5,500), Chanel, chanel.com, introduced in 1987, the Première watch features an octagonal shape reminiscent of the Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle and a leather strap that recalls Chanel’s beloved quilted bag. | 5.Tiffany lock bangle in gold and white gold with pavé diamonds ($13,000), Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com, featuring a padlock motif—an important image from the Tiffany archives that symbolizes togetherness and inclusivity—these bangles are designed to be collected and stacked.

|

6. Dior Lady Art limited edition in collaboration with Brian Calvin (price upon request), Dior Lady Art limited edition in collaboration with Ghada Amer (price upon request), Dior, dior.com, for the seventh edition of the Dior Lady Art project, artists from around the globe answered the call to transform this iconic bag.

Artist Amélie Bertrand

STYLE

THE LOOK

TROPICAL NIGHTS

DON YOUR RESORT BEST WHILE CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS UNDER THE PALMS

BY KATHERINE LANDE

PICK A PETAL Huahine Orchid earrings ($375), We Dream in Colour, wedreamincolour.com

WHITE OUT Kuni leather ankle-wrap sandals ($558), Cult Gaia, saksfifthavenue.com

OSCAR DE LA RENTA RESORT 2023 Evening goes organic with prints inspired by botanist Charles de l’Écluse.

ZEST FOR LIFE Slinky patent leather sandals in lime green ($895), Paul Andrew, modaoperandi.com

FLOWER POWER

Luzia Royal Cluster rivière ($15,000), Larkspur & Hawk, larkspurandhawk.com

FEELING KNOTTY

tie

Silk tie dangle earrings ($825), Versace, Bal Harbour, Miami, versace.com

XSTYLE NOTES

GREEN WITH ENVY: Accent your ensembles with this statement-making hue.

GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL: Floral prints and appliqués are popping up everywhere.

BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET: Opt for jewels with tropical flower and leaf motifs.

LEAF IT TO ME Gancini multicolor minibag ($1,250), Salvatore Ferragamo, Aventura, ferragamo.com

Bon Bon acid yellow satin bag with crystal mesh and crystal handle ($4,695), Jimmy Choo, Aventura, jimmychoo.com

MELLOW YELLOW

IN THE JUNGLE Mini Tro bag with mixed botanical print ($2,490), Oscar de la Renta, oscardelarenta.com

PATTERN PLAY

CHANNEL MODERN VIBES WITH PATTERNED JEWELRY IN CLASSIC MATERIALS

BY MARY MURRAY

1. X MARKS THE SPOT Nouvel Heritage medallion with black and white diamonds and black lacquer set in 18-karat gold, $4,900. (nouvelheritage.com)

2. LINES CROSSED Picchiotti earrings with diamonds, black ceramic, and 18-karat gold, $141,000. Carrazza Jewelers, Fort Lauderdale (carrazza jewelers.com)

3. FOLLOW THE LEADER Provident Jewelry necklace with diamonds set in gold, price upon request. (providentjewelry.com)

4. ROAD TO DAMASCUS Chris Ploof Damascus stainless-steel cuff with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $3,500. (chrisploof.com)

5. FAN THE FLAMES Hamilton Jewelers heritage fan earrings with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $10,500. (hamiltonjewelers.com)

6. ARCH OVER Davidor L’Arc de Davidor ring with Palais diamonds and black lacquered ceramic set in 18-karat rose gold, $11,400. Davidor, Bal Harbour Shops (davidor.com)

7. CONNECT THE DOTS Elizabeth Gage ring with a fire opal and black enamel set in 18-karat gold, $10,062. (elizabeth-gage.com)

8. TIME TO FLY Graff Classic Butterfly watch with diamonds set in steel and platinum, price upon request. Graff, Bal Harbour Shops (graff.com)

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4

5 8

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BOMBS AWAY

Hot cocoa bombs ($16 for three), Hoffman’s Chocolates, hoffmans.com

Hoffman’s has been a South Florida institution for the better part of 50 years, and while hot cocoa has long been a staple of the season, these bombs add some excitement to the experience. Drop one into your warmed milk of choice to savor an explosion of chocolatey goodness.

—Mary Murray, executive editor

THE EDIT

All Wrapped Up

THE EDITORS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE GIFTABLE CHOCOLATES THIS SEASON

RAW DEAL

Six-Pack of Spreads collection ($79.50), Fine & Raw, fineandraw.com

I discovered Brooklyn-based Fine & Raw by chance and have been obsessed since. Their chocolate hazelnut butter spreads—like next-level Nutella—are particularly giftable, because who doesn’t love a spoonful of choco late on, well, everything? If you can’t decide which of the vegan, organic, gluten- and dairyfree varieties to gift, choose this collection of all six. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

Robin’s Eggs ($68 for a box of 18), Flourish Chocolate, flourishchocolate.com

Chef Holly Peterson handcrafts these impossibly beautiful sweet treats, whose iridescent dark chocolate shells hide a core of white chocolate turmeric ganache enveloped by bursts of flavors inspired by cancer-fighting foods—including cappuccino, salted walnut, ginger, saffron, cinnamon, raspberry-strawberry, pomegranate, tangerine, and watermelon. The actual health benefits of Robin’s Eggs may be symbolic, but Peterson donates 10 percent of sales to the American Institute of Cancer Research. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief

PERFECT PAIRING

Champagne Truffle Box ($186 for 48 pieces), Teuscher, beverlyhillsteuscher.com This season, I’ll be gifting the chocolates I’d most like to re ceive: Teuscher’s dark and milk chocolate Champagne truffles made exclusively with Dom Pérignon. The timeless yet modern pairing wows during the holidays—and any other time! —Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor

GIFTING TREE

Orchard chocolate set ($56), Flamingo Estate, flamingoestate.com

SWEET TALK

Holiday gift box ($58 for 25 pieces), Norman Love Confections, norman loveconfections.com There’s much to love about Norman Love’s artisan chocolates; the simple sight is enough to make the mouth water. This season, the Fort Myers–based chocolat ier is rolling out 10 new holiday flavors including Cup of Cheer (Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, and rich coffee ganache) and Spiced Cranberry Or ange (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cranberry spiked with orange liqueur). I’ll be sure to gift these delights—and keep a box for myself! —Melissa Puppo, managing editor

Dark chocolate meets garden-fresh ingredients. These artisanal delights fea ture culinary couture ingredients like juniper berries, Alderwoodsmoked sea salt, Ecuadorian coffee beans, ginger root, and black mission figs. As an added gift, one tree is planted for every product sold. —Katherine Lande, fashion editor

BEST OF BRAZIL

Holiday Chocolate Truffle Creation Kits ($50-$65), TinyB Chocolate, tinybchocolate.com Making holiday treats with loved ones makes the season even sweeter. San Francisco–based Brazilian chocolatier TinyB Chocolate has something special up its sleeve—or stocking—this month: holiday chocolate truffle kits. The kits feature everything you need to roll and decorate the chocolatier’s iconic Brazil ian brigadeiros (a creamy relative of the chocolate truffle), including three sumptuous cream centers, a jar of brigadeiro spread, and green, red, white, and brown sprinkles. —Abigail Duffy, web editor

GOOD EGG

BEAUTY

Take “all aglow” to the next level with delightful pops of pink. Bring a flushed freshness to any look or go bold with these picks for eyes, lips, complexion, and beyond: Chanel Éclat Lunaire Oversize Illuminating Face Powder in Or Rose ($88, Chanel counters); Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum ($102 for 1.7 fl. oz., Ulta Beauty locations); Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Égérie ($39, Chanel counters); Róen Beauty Mood 4Ever Eye Shadow Palette ($49, bluemercury.com); Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Blush Classique ($32, Sephora locations); Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Pillow Talk Eyeshadow Pencil ($29, Sephora locations); Deborah Koepper Plumping Gloss in Pixie ($35, deborah koepper.com); Essie Expressie Quick Dry Nail Color in Trick Clique ($10, Ulta Beauty locations); and Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara in Pink Mystique ($32, patmcgrath.com). —Abigail Duffy

ASHLEY

JOURNEYS

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

EPIC Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Think of the Middle East and towering sand dunes and sweltering heat likely come to mind. While these stereotypes certainly apply to Oman, they form but one backdrop in a lesser-known country that surprises and delights with eclectic natural beauty. Case in point: Al Jabal Al Akhdar or “the Green Mountain,” a highlight of the Al Hajar Mountains range and a nexus of Oman’s dramatic canyons, shrub-speckled plateaus, and emerald wadis (ravines), located two hours southwest of the coastal capital city of Muscat.

At the core of this splendor rises Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, a property that takes full advantage of an unparalleled location—and a cool climate—to deliver once-in-a-lifetime experienc es. As the highest luxury resort in the Middle East (with an elevation of roughly 6,500 feet) and built along the edge of a massive precipice, the property

IMMERSE IN VIRGIN MOUNTAIN AND BEACH DREAMSCAPES AT ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR RESORT AND AL BALEED RESORT SALALAH BY ANANTARA, TWO EXPERIENTIAL PROPERTIES IN THE FAR REACHES OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA

BY PAUL RUBIO

From above: The lobby structure at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort; the Wadi Al Masdara Hike.

COURTESY OF ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS

claims endless vistas of sculpted rocky terrain recalling Arizona’s finest, augmented by rose and pomegranate orchards, mosques, and abandoned villages. All 82 guest rooms and most of the resort’s 33 private pool villas offer variations of this scene from a balcony or ter race, but it’s the thoughtful portfolio of ameni ties and activities that brands Anantara Al Jabal

To start, the gravity-defying infinity pool ranks among the world’s best, with sweep ing views of the rust-hued cliffs and impec cable poolside service to ensure your glass is never empty. With proper gear and under the tutelage of a skilled guide, traverse the rug ged landscapes along the Jabal Activity Wall, a

three-phase, multi-hour, white-knuckled ob stacle run of via ferrata courses and zip lines hewn into the cliffs. On firmer ground, embark on the intrepid Wadi Al Masdara Hike along side a mountain guru, scaling mammoth boul ders and imposing terrain by hand, stumbling across wild donkeys, and discovering spectac ular natural pools created by the surrounding ravines. For something less intimidating, book a wine-paired Dining by Design multicourse meal at the Royal Edge, a cantilevered platform opposite Diana’s Point, the famed cliffside spot where Princess Diana enjoyed a languid after noon reading while visiting Oman in 1986.

Beyond capitalizing on its geography, An antara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort promises rich cultural and locavore components. For ex ample, from late March to early May, guests can witness the harvesting of Damask roses and production of small-batch rose water. At the spa, treatments are rooted in this timehonored tradition and others. Try the seasonal Rose Rescue Ritual, consisting of a rose and milk cleansing foot ritual, a hydration facial us ing rose-scented products, and a stress mas sage with perfumed rose oil. Alternatively, go for the Revitalizing Pomegranate Journey, in

Al Akhdar Resort a bucket-list destination.

Scenes from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, clockwise from left: Typical villa with a view; Diana’s Point; scaling the Jabal Activity Wall; the resort’s infinity pool; the exclusive-use cantilevered dining platform.

COURTESY OF ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS

clusive of a fresh pomegranate and salt body scrub and choice of massage. At the resort’s four dining outlets, look forward to familiar international cuisine done right, but also take the time to fall in love with Omani gastron omy, savoring the likes of lightly seasoned grilled lobster and jumbo prawns at dinner and sweet vermicelli with raisins at breakfast.

(anantara.com/jabal-akhdar)

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Skirting the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea, Oman’s coastline cov ers a whopping 1,917 miles (compare that to Florida’s 1,350). Thanks to a small national population of around 5 million, much of this vast waterfront—and its surrounding land— remains untouched and unknown. However, there’s one Omani coastal city that manages to make waves across the entirety of the Middle East. Say hello to Salalah, a subtropical desti nation in the country’s southernmost reaches, where impossibly wide white-sand beaches

segue to high-rising mountains that change colors with the season—and camels roam freely just about everywhere in between.

Here, beachfront Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara reigns as the top luxury property, promising next-level fun-in-the-sun spiked with exhilarating cultural endeavors. Front ing both a private beach and a freshwater la goon, the resort’s architecture mimics Oman’s

coastal fortresses of yore, enhanced with pool villas and personality-driven amenities, all connected by verdant, palm-laced walk ways. The inventory spans 136 rooms, villas, and pool villas, the crown jewel of which is the three-bedroom Royal Beach Pool Villa, an estate-style accommodation marked by pro lific outdoor space, direct beach access, and a personal villa host catering to your every need.

Salalah’s popularity across the Middle East is due in part to its dual identity. Foremost, the beaches are exactly what subtropical dreams are made of. But a traditional city calls just be yond, along with lakes teeming with birds, des ert mountains that erupt with green from June

Scenes from Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, clockwise from left: The Arabian high-design spa; the waterfront infinity pool; seasonal summer waterfalls; private dining on the beach; a sprawling pool villa.

to September, archaeological ruins that speak to a remarkable history, and an underwater world of Technicolor tropical marine life. Depending on your preferences, days can be completely action-packed or delightfully slow. Thankfully, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by

Anantara facilitates both, the former through guided tours like the Beauty of Salalah, which focuses on natural sites, and the more interactive Dis cover Heritage and Traditions, plus the predictable beach resort excess of motorized watersports and dive activities. The resort fosters the latter with amenities such as a world-class spa, an infinity pool, multiple restaurants reflecting influences from across Asia and the Persian Gulf, and more.

The resort truly succeeds in crafting extraordinary experiences that speak to this dreamy location. It’s possible to start the day by consummating the fan tasy of a floating, Champagne-spiked breakfast in your villa pool. Next up is an Anantara Signature Massage with Frank incense Fusion, using frankincense products made in Salalah (aka the perfume capital of Arabia). Later, sit down to a candlelit dinner on the beach under a canopy of billowing white curtains without another human around—Sa lalah’s desolate beaches allow for such inti mate time with the Arabian Sea. Overall, the sheer beauty of the destination and the exalted hospitality of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by An antara unite for an epic vacation worth travel ing halfway around the world for. (anantara. com/al-baleed-salalah) «

From far left: Indulge in the spa’s hammam and Michelin-caliber plates at restaurant Mekong at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS

Dutch MASTER

BY HOWARD WALKER

Can a boat be a rock star? It can if it’s a Van Dutch. Celebs such as Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, and most of the Kardashian clan have, at one time or another, been spotted lounging on one of the boat’s cushy sun pads.

And like a good rock star, it hangs out in all the cool places. Head to Monaco, Palma, or Saint-Tropez, and seemingly every few min utes a racy-looking VanDutch 40 or 48 will burble serenely into the harbor to offload or pick up some tragically hip party crowd.

The newest epicenter of VanDutch coolness is Miami, where the boatbuilder has just set up its latest VanDutch Center in the River District. As you’d expect, there’s a fancy sales office and a lineup of demo boats. But you’ll also find a

private owners’ lounge serv ing up cocktails, plus an event space for a waterfront soiree with private, compli mentary mooring. Brett Da vid, who owns supercar mega-dealership Pres tige Imports on North Miami Beach, is heading up the center—a move that only ups its rock star status since any local celebrity or proathlete in need of a new Lamborghini, Pagani, or pre-owned Ferrari is guaranteed to have Da vid on speed dial.

As the name suggests, VanDutch was founded in Holland back in 2008. It launched its first model (the successful VD40 designed by famed Dutch naval architect Frank Mul

der) the following year. In 2020, the Italian marine powerhouse Cantiere del Pardo ac quired the brand and moved production to the yard’s sprawling facility in Forli. The VanDutch lineup now spans five Russian doll look-alike models, from the entry VD32, to the 40, 48, 56, and flagship 75. Each comes with that stunning, minimalist, almost spartan Mulder design featuring a near-vertical bow, huge wraparound windshield, flat and open foredeck, and oversize swim platform.

The showstopper of the range is also the smallest: the new VanDutch 32. Introduced last year, it was the first to benefit from Cantiere del Pardo’s design and boatbuilding expertise. Replacing the original VD30, it features a modified hull that’s longer, wider, lighter, and even more sea-friendly.

Sporty day or weekend boats don’t come more versatile than this. There’s room aboard for up to eight in a party-ready cockpit with L-shaped seating for six and spots for the captain and first mate at the helm. A huge pad at the stern can accommodate a trio of sun worshippers.

The cockpit also comes with a compact galley with a sink and a fridge, plus access to a small, unimaginatively designed cabin below decks. It offers a forward head with a wet shower and twin sofas-cum-single berths. However, at 6 feet, 6 inches, the headroom is impressive.

Everything is all about wipe-down, hoseout simplicity, with the decks, cockpit, and

PRICE: UPON REQUEST LENGTH: 32

FEET BEAM: 9 FEET, 6 INCHES ENGINES: VOLVO V6 280 POWER: 2 X 280 HP

TOP SPEED: 45 KNOTS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT’S JUST ABOUT THE COOLEST DAY BOAT YOU CAN BUY.

cabin floors finished in easyto-maintain synthetic teak. Same goes for the durable Silvertex upholstery and quickdry foam cushions.

As for power, VanDutch gives buyers plenty of choices, though all from the Volvo-Penta catalog. The base engine package is a single 430-hp Volvo V8 gas motor with stern drive, with an upgrade to a pair of 280-hp Volvo V6s. For more economical diesel power, you can get a single 380-hp Volvo D6 six-cylinder, or twin, compact, 300-hp D4 four-cylinders. You’ll need the twin gas motors to punch the VD32 to its top speed of around 45 knots.

Joystick steering is standard on the twinengine 32s. While this simplifies docking, the crew will still need to take plenty of care shuffling up to the foredeck, where form over function does away with any handrails that might compromise the cruiser’s sleek lines.

With the opening of VanDutch’s Miami Center, expect to see plenty of these headturning runabouts on Florida’s waterways. They certainly bring a new meaning to the term “Going Dutch.” «

Inset: Timon and Marissa Balloo share a holiday story with their daughters, Sophie and Kirin.

Opposite page: A neutral palette allows Timon’s food to be the star of the Christmas dinner table.

A VERY BALLOO

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ

FOR THE HOLIDAYS, YOU CAN'T BEAT HOME SWEET HOME— ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FESTIVE FEAST IS PREPARED BY CHEF TIMON BALLOO AND SHARED WITH HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTERS IN THEIR PLANTATION HOME

This is a love story. A tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, they fall in love and conquer the world together. But this is also a story about self-discovery, family dynamics, and entrepreneurial drive. Timon Balloo, a first-generation kid from a multicultural, single-parent home dedicated his life— with the unwavering support of his wife, Marissa—to achieving the American dream. Now he has returned to Fort Lauderdale, on his terms, to share his exemplary devotion to food.

Everything Timon does exudes passion, from the dishes he puts out at his restaurant, The Katherine, to the holiday dinners he prepares at home for Marissa and their daughters, Kirin and Sophie. His soul shines when he’s cooking, and it sparkles extra bright when he’s in the comfort of

his home, on his grill, and among his family. In his kitchen, the family’s culture is ever-present, with Thai, Colombian, Chinese, and Caribbean flavors all sharing the stage.

Timon exploded onto the Miami dining scene in 2010 with Sugarcane, his global small plates restaurant. He’d trained under such notable Miami chefs as Allen Susser and Michelle Bernstein and had stints in New York City and Europe. But Sugarcane was his darling, his masterpiece. For 10 years he built the brand, received a slew of awards, and opened outposts in Las Vegas and Manhattan (the latter closed during the pandemic). Timon poured himself into the NYC venture, even moving his family to Midtown to live above the restau rant in order to eliminate a commute. After a decade, the ebbs and flows of life, including the birth of their youngest daughter, Sophie, prompted the couple to take a pause and reevaluate.

They knew the next chapter would involve cooking, but in what form? Having grown up in the Bay Area, Timon’s influences come from his Chinese mother’s weekday stir-fries, as well as the Caribbeaninspired dishes—like curry chicken and brown stew chicken—that his Jamaican stepfather would make. Farther down the California coast, Marissa’s father, a Thai chef, prepared their meals at home with the help of her Colombian grandmother. Her childhood food memories are flooded with sancocho, a typical Colombian soup, and rad na, a Thai rice noodle dish.

Above: Consistency is key in any kitchen. Whether chef Timon Balloo is at The Katherine or at home, he rules his kitchens with passionate flair and bold flavors. Op posite page: A Balloo holiday feast is com plete with prime rib, pumpkin soup, roasted potatoes, and Agua de Jamaica (hibiscusinfused iced tea).

The couple’s multicultural mashup of bold flavors and traditional spices and herbs only expanded as they traveled the world from Asia to Latin America. But their globe-trotting adventures and professional pursuits almost didn’t happen. Serendipitously, Timon and Marissa’s families moved to South Florida, and they met at the Sawgrass Mills Mall as teenagers. Timon, following his mother’s wishes, was on track to go to college and then work on Wall Street when Marissa intervened and convinced him to follow his culinary dreams instead. After 28 years, she’s still his No. 1 fan.

“This isn’t a career, it is a full lifestyle,” Timon explains. “I pulled this woman into this life and she’s living it with me. When you devote yourself to this, you drag your family into it.”

As the family’s decade-long Sugarcane chapter closed, the Balloos decided to open their namesake restaurant in downtown Miami in 2019. After years of being told what to cook, Timon created Balloo as an ode to the couple’s multicultural heritage, to the flavors they grew up with and the dishes they loved eating at home. The 28-seat concept was personal; it was a peek into the Balloos’ home, com plete with family photos on the wall and their eldest daughter, Kirin, greeting and seating guests. The opening also coincided with Timon reconnecting with his birth father and discovering his Indian heritage through food.

“I was cooking a lot of European food for many years, but I never cooked my culture and heritage—I was always embarrassed of it,” Timon says. Reminiscing about both his and Marissa’s childhoods in

California, he explains, “We hid our cultures because growing up first generation in these cities, they are melting pots but they are also seg regated in ways, so you have to play the part.”

With Balloo’s opening, Timon found his soul as a chef, claiming his space within the culinary world. Praise from the cognoscenti fol lowed, including a James Beard Best New Chef in the South nomina tion for his Caribbean/Southeast Asian cuisine. Then the pandemic hit. And when social distancing regulations forced the restaurant to downsize to 12 tables, it wasn’t viable for it to stay open.

Timon and Marissa took a moment to recenter, yet again. As long time Broward residents, the couple had been considering local spaces for their next venture. When Balloo closed, they decided I95 commutes were overrated and looked to open a concept closer to their Plantation home. The Katherine (an homage to Marissa’s middle name) debuted earlier this year, in troducing Timon’s new American table concept to Fort Lauderdale. The global small plates restaurant (see a trend here?) is vibey without being pretentious, and the old-school playlist with the likes of Lisa Lisa, New Edition, and Prince sets a chill mood.

“We like to be off the beaten path, worth a little ex ploration,” says Timon. “We want to be the quintessen tial upscale neighborhood restaurant.”

What does his new American table represent? It hon ors the country’s patchwork of cultures through food. “We’re more diverse than ever,” Timon notes. “We’re more open and aware of each other’s cultures. We’re eat ing each other’s cultures. People in middle America have sriracha in their pantries, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

The menu is a nod to Timon’s America, with plates like clam chowder fries (Marissa’s favorite) and a juicy double-patty burger alongside jerk chicken and Thai cabbage salad. Dishes are meant to be shared and come out as they’re ready—a standard practice these days—so order a few and get ready to embark on a cu linary journey. The menu is limited and changes regu larly. But staples like pasta and something in between bread, like a burger or sandwich, are always present.

The Katherine occupies the former Foxy Brown space—a larger venture that the Balloos undertook with out any investors. And while the corner building on Bro ward Boulevard is signless, who really needs one when people are already taking notice? Residents are excited for a feted Miami chef to plant his flag close to home, and the Miami New Times recently recognized The Katherine as the 2022 Best New Restaurant in Broward.

The restaurant also marks Marissa’s foray into man aging the daily operations of a restaurant. And thanks to its name, Marissa says it’s the first time people have come into one of Timon’s concepts asking to see her.

“

WE’RE MORE DIVERSE THAN EVER. WE’RE MORE OPEN AND AWARE OF EACH OTHER’S CULTURES. PEOPLE IN MIDDLE AMERICA HAVE SRIRACHA IN THEIR PANTRIES, AND THAT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING.” —Timon Balloo

“We want to show our daughters, two little brown girls, that you are powerful, you are strong, you own your talent,” Timon says. “In this beautiful country, you’ll get what you give.”

At home, time with their children is precious, especially during the holidays. For Marissa, this season means being with family and eating. The Balloos throw a big Christmas party complete with matching pajamas. Marissa sets the table and entertains guests while Timon mans the kitchen and grill.

Traditionally, Timon says he cooks a variety of meats that can in clude a fried turkey, a leg of lamb, or on-the-bone prime rib. His eyes light up when he talks about the Publix holiday prime rib special he stalks every year. He salts it and lets it dry age in the refrigerator for three weeks, which reduces the moisture and amps up the flavor, he explains. It’s a kitchen hack he uses for meat in general. The day of the festivities, he smokes it for two hours on his Kamado Joe and serves it with homemade horseradish. Timon also whips up a calabaza or pumpkin soup—Thai style—with coconut cream, sauteed garlic and shallots, and vegetable stock, garnished with pumpkin seeds. “It’s rep

resentative of us,” he says, adding that pumpkin and soup are a part of both his and Marissa’s cultures.

“We add rice because we’re ethnic so there has to be rice,” Marissa says with a laugh. “There are certain things that you have to have. Like there has to be a banana—whether it’s a sweet banana or patacon.”

Another staple always on the table are potatoes. This year, Timon roasted them with thyme and sea salt. To end the holiday meal, he lets his daughters decide on dessert; this holiday season it’s coconut flan alongside good old American apple pie.

With The Katherine, the couple hopes to help elevate Fort Lauder dale’s culture and dining scene, as the city is demanding more. “They want a story, they want quality, and they want to be intrigued,” Timon says. The Balloos’ way is simple: share their love for each other, their family, culture, and travels with the city they now call home.

“To know you’re received by your community, and they accept who you are, that’s what makes you feel like you’re at home. That means the world in this endeavor,” says Timon. “It’s our love, it’s who we are and a look into our home. We are Fort Lauderdale. We are South Flori da. We’re America and we’re proud and we’re excited.” «

Above: Chef Timon cooked prime rib on his Kamado Joe. Opposite page: Timon carved out a pumpkin to use as a serving dish for the soup.

BOOK IT

Brightline’s Boca Raton station officially opens this month. With it, South Florida’s high-speed rail service has added this ritzy, culturally refined city to the mix, expanding our backyard to include its many attractions.

There are numerous hot spots, museums, restaurants, and more within a rideshare radius of the station—and quite a few within walking distance. Here, find all you need to know, see, eat, and do for the ideal day in Boca, no car required.

BY SKYE SHERMAN

JEREMIES

The Symphonia

Attend a concert by The Symphonia, whose current season is themed around the Earth’s elements; catch Boca Raton’s worldclass chamber orchestra in action December 4 (with clarinetist Kinan Azmeh, pictured left) at Roberts Theater at Saint Andrew’s School, with spring concerts slated for March 26 and April 30. Bring the next gen to Meet the Orches tra, a program for children held during dress rehearsals prior to each concert on Saturdays. It’s an opportunity to hear a live orchestra play, learn about the instruments, interact directly with the conductor (thesymphonia.org)

Karaoke @ Kapow

The recent reopening of Boca favorite (and Subculture Group darling) Kapow Noodle Bar across the street from its original location in Mizner Park is exciting not just be cause of the expanded 5,175-square-foot space—it’s the three private, fully automated karaoke rooms that have locals abuzz. With wireless mics, LED TVs, full control over the song selection, and a food and beverage menu that you can order from via an iPad, the rooms are “fun night out” defined. (kapownoodlebar.com)

Mane Coffee

At the recommendation of trusted caffeine-connoisseur friends, this writer has personally driven 45 minutes for

LIUDMILA

TO BOCA

a memorable cuppa at Mane Coffee—and now you don’t have to. While the artisanal brews, made from beans sourced from all over the world, are enough on their own, the sweet-and-savory, thick-slice toast options are the millennial-inspired pairing you never knew you needed. And for true coffee snobs, there’s a menu dedicated entirely to pour-overs. (mane.coffee)

The Boca Raton Museum of Art

The Boca Museum has been a community staple for more than 70 years. The “Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls” exhibit, on view through January 22, tells the history of nearby Pearl City and its generations of residents, while “Art of the Hollywood Backdrop,” also on view through January, is an ode to the art of scenic backdrops made between 1938 and 1968. (bocamuseum.org)

Above, from left: Mizner Park; Mane Coffee. Left: Ms. Gladys Bettis, Reginald Cunningham, part of “Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls” at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

REGINALD CUNNINGHAM

The Boca Raton

Staycation options don’t get better than The Boca Raton, where you’ll see first hand just what $200 million in renova tions can get you. A “new golden era” has arrived at this storied resort, which first opened in 1926 as a 100-room inn. A luxurious creation of architect Addison Mizner, with his touches still evident in every nook and cranny, The Boca Raton is now a 200-acre, five-hotel property with 14 restaurants and bars, a racquet club, a 34-slip marina, and more. It’s a slice of para dise so impressive, you’ll have to see it to believe it.

(thebocaraton.com)

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Many would be surprised to learn that the personal computer, the “secret weapon that won World War II,” and other innovations have their roots in Boca Raton. That’s the kind of information you’ll glean at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum by the Boca Raton Historical Society, located in Boca’s Historic Town Hall. In addition to permanent “History Alive!” exhibits that tell the story of Boca Raton—from the Pioneer Era to the contributions of Addison Mizner to present day—there are temporary displays, such as the current one dedicated to the city’s first re sponders through the ages. (bocahistory.org)

Hit the Beach in Boca Boca Raton’s 2-mile stretch of lifeguard-pro tected beaches is less than 2 miles east of the station, so if your beach days need a change of scenery, head here. Boca’s sandy shores are pristine, with sand dunes, sea oats, and sea grapes adding to the coastal ambience and the Lake Boca Raton waterway abutting the beaches from the west. In various parks along the shoreline, picnicking facilities are available (we recommend picking up a bite, like the cold sesame noodles from Mr. Goode’s Chinese Takeout), and there’s even a recreational snorkel trail at Red Reef Park if you want to sink beneath the surface of Boca’s glittering seas.

RIDE THE POLAR EXPRESS

THE BRIGHTLINE EMBRACES THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH THE RETURN OF THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE. FROM DECEMBER 3-29, FAMILIES WILL EXPERIENCE THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC COME TO LIFE, COMPLETE WITH GOLDEN TICKETS, HOT CHOCOLATE, MUSIC FROM THE MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK, AND A VISIT WITH SANTA. THE HOUR-LONG, ROUND-TRIP TRAIN RIDE DEPARTS AND RETURNS THROUGH BRIGHTLINE’S MIAMI CENTRAL STATION. (MIAMITHEPOLAR EXPRESSRIDE.COM)

MICHAEL STAVARIDIS

CITY GUIDES

Two Boca locals share their FAVORITE SPOTS IN TOWN

ANDREA VIRGIN is the president and chairman of the board for downtown Boca’s planned performing arts center, The Center for Arts & Innovation, which is slated to break ground in 2025. (bocaratonartscenter.org)

• Hidden gem: “Cosa Duci Italian Bakery, run by the most amazing Italian family, is a must. The next best thing is a meal physically in Italy.” (cosaduci.com)

• Date night: “I love the romantic and elegant yet intimate feeling I get while eating at Il Mulino New York. What started as a pop-up of the popular NY restaurant ended up being in such demand that it became a permanent feature in our downtown.” (ilmulino.com)

• Expect the unexpected: “Redcon1, the world’s largest dietary supplement company, has its headquarters here and [operates] one of the coolest gyms ever. People from all over the world travel to Boca to work out there. If you’re into fitness, it’s a must-see.” (redcon1gym.com)

• Get active: “Take a stab at learning salsa, the hustle, or tango at Fred Astaire Boca Raton. It’s located right next to the station, so you can hop off, work up an appetite, then head to dinner.” (fredastaire.com/boca-raton)

• Favorite way to spend a Saturday: “Our family enjoys spending our Saturdays at the new Harborside Pool at The Boca Raton.” (thebocaraton.com)

• Best brunch in town: “Saquella Café in Royal Palm Place has an incredible brunch. The croissants are a must.” (saquellacafe.com)

• Don’t leave Boca without: “Grabbing a deli cious cup of coffee and pastry at The Seed.” (theseedboca.com)

ERIC BAKER is the chef and restaura teur behind Boca favorites Rebel House, Uncle Pinkie’s Deli, AlleyCat, and Mr. Goode’s Chinese Takeout. (instagram. com/chefericbaker)

• Hidden gem: “At Sunset Sushi, an omakase restaurant in a nondescript strip mall on Federal Highway, you will [have] a worldclass sushi experience.” (sunsetsushi.com)

• Touristy but worth it: “Mizner Park may be touristy, but it’s that way for a reason; it has everything from great restaurants to shops, an outdoor amphitheater, and an art museum. You can’t miss it.” (miznerpark.com)

• Grab and go: “For amazing pizza, I go to How Ya Dough’n, a small family-owned pizzeria that really raised the bar in the Boca pizza scene.” (howyadoughn.com)

• Rainy day go-to: “See a movie at the iPic in Mizner Park.” (ipic.com)

• Outdoor oasis: “A must-visit in Boca is Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, [where you can] get out and enjoy the natural surroundings while helping protect our region’s sea turtles.” (gumbolimbo.org)

• Best brunch in town: “Rebel House, with its unique spin on classic brunch dishes, craft cocktails, and selection of deli fare from the adjoining deli, Uncle Pinkie’s—all served up while listening to the resident weekly brunch DJ on Sundays.” (rebel houseboca.com)

• Shopping spree: “Alene Too in Royal Place. Lizzie, the owner, is amazing. She’s always keeping Boca dressed to the nines.” (alenetoo.com)

• Get active: “The Boca Raton Tennis Center is a great way to get active. The courts and facilities are very well maintained.” (myboca.us)

• Don’t leave Boca without: “Sampling a fantastic beer from Prosperity Brewers.” (prosperitybrewers.com)

Clockwise from opposite page, far left: The Boca Raton; Redcon1; Gumbo Limbo Nature Center; blue crab crispy rice at Sunset Sushi; Brightline Polar Express.

Cartier High Jewelry [Sur]

Naturel necklace with gray mother-of-pearl, coral, and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, Cartier, Miami, cartier.com; vintage earrings with rubellite and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Bulgari, Provident Jewelry, providentjewelry.com; eternity band with orange sapphires set in rose gold, Provident Jewelry, providentjewelry.com.

BLOCK

By

Mary Murray

Digital Illustration

By Leonor Alvarez-MazA

Elsa Peretti Bean design necklace with green jade and gold, Tiffany & Co., multiple locations, tiffany.com; Serpent Bohème bracelet with mother-of-pearl and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Boucheron, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour, boucheron.com; ring with a cognac diamond, orange diamonds, and yellow diamond pavé set in 18-karat gold, Lugano Diamonds, luganodiamonds.com

India necklace with snakewood beads and pendant, turquoise beads, and 18-karat gold, Tamara Comolli, tamaracomolli.com; earrings with carved cocobolo wood and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Fred Leighton, fredleighton.com; classic large link bracelet in multi wood with 18-karat gold, Seaman Schepps, seamanschepps.com

Golden Brown collection pendant with a chocolate baroque Tahitian pearl, a yellow sapphire, and natural cognac diamonds set in 18-karat gold, and Savannah Collection bracelet with natural fancy diamonds and white diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Yvel, yvel. com; Hortus Deliciarum Gucci High Jewelry collection solitaire ring with an opal and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Gucci, by special order, gucci.com; Talas ring with Madeira citrine and red diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Misahara, misahara.com

Xpandable

bracelet with hand-cut snakewood and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold and white gold, Picchiotti, Carrazza Jewelers, Fort Lauderdale, carrazzajewelers.com; Sous les Etoiles collection Eclipse Solaire necklace with morganite, red spinel beads, pearls, onyx, and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold and white gold, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bal Harbour, Miami, vancleefarpels.com; vintage 1970s butterfly pin with polished carved wood set in 18-karat gold, Van Cleef & Arpels, Yafa Signed Jewels, yafajewelry.com

South Sea Pearl Lavalliere with South Sea pearls and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, Patricia Robalino, patriciarobalino.com; hoops with cultured South Sea pearls and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, Hamilton Jewelers, hamiltonjewelers com; G-One collection twin ring with Mandarin garnets and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, Goshwara, Greenleaf & Crosby, greenleafcrosby.com; vintage 1980 manchette cuff with pearls and diamonds set in gold, Van Cleef & Arpels, Spectra Fine Jewelry, New York, spectrajewelryny.com

URBAN

COWGIRL

Max Mara dress, belt; House of Clyde hat. For buying information, turn to page 83.

Fashion editor: Katherine Lande

Feminine silhouettes and Western-inspired details feel at home on the range

Photography by Olivia Graham

Shot by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated on location at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Valentino shirt, maxi skirt

Opposite page: Dior dress, cuffs; House of Clyde hat. For buying information, turn to page 83.

Alexander

Opposite page: Gucci jacket, midi skirt, boots, gloves; House of Clyde hat. For buying information, turn to page 83.

McQueen dress, harness; Miron Crosby boots.

Louis Vuitton dress, shirt, boots; House of Clyde hat. Opposite page: Zimmermann shirt, maxi skirt, belt bag; House of Clyde hat. For buying information, turn to page 83.

Hair

Digital

Photography

Cowgirl:

FLI would like to extend a special thanks to the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo for their generous hospitality. (westgateresorts.com)

Model: Catharina Zeitner, One Management

and makeup: Kateri Giehl, Intellectual Property

tech: Dayvid LeMmon

assistant: Juan Hernandez

Meredith Dutchess

Michael Kors gown Opposite page: Johanna Ortiz dress; Miron Crosby boots; House of Clyde hat. For buying information, turn to page 83.

Fresh Tastes Best

Aneto tastes like real broth because it’s made the way broth is supposed to be. We start with the best fresh, bone-in proteins, local vegetables, fresh water, and sea salt. These ingredients are simmered for hours to extract rich flavor and nutrients.

We do not use preservatives to extend the shelf life nor do we use extracts, sugars, or flavor enhancers.

EAT+DRINK

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

OPENINGS

Timpano 2.0

They say sequels are never better than the original, but the reboot of Timpano in downtown Fort Lauderdale proves otherwise. The aesthetic of an old-school, Italian-American dining hall has been replaced by a sleek space commingling elements of Art Deco and mid-century modern design, bejeweled in tasteful gold trim, dramatic chandeliers, and statementmaking custom wall coverings.

An elevated menu of contemporary Ital ian cuisine matches the new look. While a selection of prime cuts still speaks to Timpano’s roots as a Tuscan steak house, the revamped menu peaks in a thought

ful selection of handmade pasta dishes and creative seafood offerings. The “Parm to Table Experience” combines the best of both: It’s an elaborate performance of fresh fettuccine dressed tableside in butter of Parma, tossed in a wheel of pecorino Romano cheese, and then presented on Versace dinnerware, crowned by a fillet of fresh uni (sea urchin) and caviar.

Equally impressive are dishes like the pistachio- and almond-crusted branzino, the mafaldino cacio e pepe, and the truf fle arancini in charred tomato sauce. Add to this mixology-forward cocktails, rare whiskies, fine wines, and epic desserts (hello, bombolini !) to collectively arrive at a sophisticated sequel of a Las Olas main stay that is far superior to the original. (timpanolasolas.com) –Paul Rubio

Timpano’s “Parm to Table Experience” features fettuccine, pecorino Romano, butter of Parma, caviar, and uni.

RICARDO MEJIA

HOT SPOTS

New on the Scene

BY MELISSA PUPPO

A downtown Fort Lauderdale favorite has planted roots in Plantation. Helmed by Handcrafted Hospitality founder Marc Falsetto, Taco Craft slings Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails inside West Broward’s luxury dining and shopping complex, Plantation Walk. Enjoy made-fromscratch dishes, such as a guacamole flight featuring flavors like Classic, Tropical, Sweet Potato, and Taco & Corn. Other best sellers include the mouthwatering tacos, which range from Korean short rib and tuna poke, to Exotic Shroom and key lime grouper. (tacocraft.com)

Sink your teeth into some seriously good pizza—with some serious history behind the brand. The iconic Connecticut-based eatery Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana recently opened at Plantation Walk, offering New Haven–style “apizza” (pronounced “a-beetz,” a nod to the dialect of the Neapolitan immigrants who first brought pizza to the region), characterized by the crispy yet chewy, slightly charred crust that Frank Pepe originated in 1925. Enjoy specialty pizzas like the White Clam, a Frank Pepe classic featur ing fresh clams, pecorino Romano, a propri etary oil blend, garlic, and oregano, or the Amanti Della Carne, with crushed Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, meatballs, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and pecorino Romano.  (pepespizzeria.com)

This locals’ favorite cookie shop debuted in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village in 2019, offering over-the-top cookies from pastry chef Max Santiago. Blueprint Cookies has since launched a West Broward locale at The Fountains in Plantation and an outpost in Boca Raton, too. “We are not just a cookie shop,” says co-owner Adam August. “We are a hospitality company that makes amazing and unique cookies.” Options range from the mainstay chocolate chip to rotating fla vors like Funfruity, Peanut Butter Chip, and ChurroDoodle. Follow along on Blueprint’s Instagram account (@blueprintcookies)  to discover more tasty creations.  (blueprintcookie.com)

Oldie But Goodie

The names Julian and Lisa Siegel are synonymous with craft beer in Laudy, so it makes perfect sense for the own ers to spread their love of brews and bites farther west. Check out Riverside Market at Cypress Square in Plantation, home to an assortment of beer, wine, and more than 50 gourmet sodas, teas,

and specialty waters. When cravings hit, the market boasts an array of salads, sandwiches, and more. Be sure to order Riverside’s famous barbecue chicken pizza or the North Folk hoagie piled high with meats. (theriversidemarket.com)

RIVERSIDE MARKET

FROM AN INVENTIVE COOKIE SHOP TO A CRAFT BEER HANGOUT, THERE’S PLENTY TO LOVE IN PLANTATION

TACO CRAFT

BLUEPRINT COOKIES

FRANK PEPE PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

COURTESY OF TACO CRAFT

RECIPE

All Eyes on THE SIDES

This holiday season, whip up a side dish sure to please. John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse, located at The Walk at University in Coral Springs, is behind this delicious Southern green beans recipe that has become a favorite at his barbecue empire. (4rsmoke house.com) –M.P.

Ingredients

1 smoked ham hock, weighing about 8 oz. 8 oz. salt pork, cubed (or 6 slices thick-cut bacon)

1 cup diced onion 4 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus

more if needed 32 oz. frozen green beans 1 1/2 tbsp. coarse salt 1 1/2 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp. sugar 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the ham hock for 10 minutes, until it begins to release its juices. Remove from the oven and set aside, taking care to reserve juices in the baking pan.

Meanwhile, sauté salt pork over mediumhigh heat in a Dutch oven or large skillet until it begins to release grease and the fat becomes slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Add onion and continue cooking until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, stirring to loosen browned bits from bottom of pan, and bring to a rolling boil. Add beans, salt, pepper, sugar, and ham hock. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 and a half hours.

Add more chicken broth as needed and butter. Continue to cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until beans are dark green and tender.

A selective guide to Broward County restaurants

AMERICAN

THE LISTINGS

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 stand outs, organized by cuisine type, with de scriptions, contact information, and price details for each. What the icons mean:

$ Dinner entree under $10 $$ Most entrees $10-$25 $$$ Most entrees $25 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

4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE A chain eatery featuring Texas-style barbecue, homestyle sides, and sweet treats. 2660 N. University Drive, Coral Springs (4rsmokehouse.com) $$

BATCH NEW SOUTHERN KITCHEN & TAP A casual dining restaurant and bar featuring scratch-cooked and locally sourced meals plus garden-to-glass cocktails. 525 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (batchsouthernkitchen.com/ftl) $

BEACH HOUSE POMPANO This upscale surf-andturf restaurant offers a fresh menu you can enjoy with a view of the beach to complement the meal. 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (beach housepompano.com) $$

BIG CITY TAVERN The aroma of house-made breads, pastas, and desserts combined with rustic, tavernstyle interiors evoke an inviting atmosphere in the sprawling dining room. 609 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bigcitylasolas.com) $$

BLUEPRINT COOKIES Inventive cookies made fresh daily by chef Max Santiago in flavors such as FunFruity, Churro Doodle, and more. (blueprint cookie.com) $

CANYON The bold flavors of Southwest, Asian, and Latin American cuisines blend in Canyon’s famous prickly pear margarita, shrimp tostada, tuna tartare, and white chocolate bread pudding. 620 S. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (canyonfl.com) $$$

COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT The dishes on the menu are all crafted to pair perfectly with one of the 60 wines bottled for the restaurant. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, 2568 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (chwinery.com) $$

DELICIOUS RAW KITCHEN & JUICE BAR This nu trition hub offers a variety of nourishing superfood bowls, juices smoothies, and other specialties de signed with customers’ well-being in mind. 2276 S. University Dr., Davie (delraw.com) $$

DUNE BY LAURENT TOURONDEL A stunning wa terfront restaurant that hosts imaginative dishes like crispy Parmesan souffle to grilled colossal prawns and grilled Australian lamb chops. 2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (dunefl.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) $

THE FOXY BROWN Offering nouveau American cui sine at its finest, Foxy Brown has a neighborhood-like feel with big-city taste. Enjoy bites like a patty melt and milkshake 476 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderd ale (foxybrownftl.com) $$

FUNKY BUDDHA

BREWERY CRAFT FOOD

COUNTER & KITCHEN South Florida’s largest craft brewery features an in-house kitchen that specializ es in made-from-scratch favorites like bratwurst and a roasted portabella stack sandwich. 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park (funkybuddhabrewery.com) $$

SOUTHERN GREEN BEANS

FRANCESCACOVIELLO

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

‘TIS THE SEASON

GREET GUESTS WITH THIS ELEGANT DRINK INFUSED WITH THE DELICATE SCENT OF SPRUCE

BY JULES ARON

Is there anything more welcoming than the fragrant aromas of the holidays? While the classic Italian Negroni is wonderful on its own, this low-proof riff on a white Negroni boasts spruce-infused Lillet Blanc, making it a natural choice for yuletide celebrations. Maintaining the balance with flowery Lillet and bitter Suze but replacing the high-proof gin with a decidedly lower-ABV Shochu, this version also gets a frosty winter makeover with a touch of blue spirulina.

First Frost Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Shochu

1 oz. spruce-infused Lillet Blanc

3/4 oz. Suze

1/2 tsp. blue spirulina

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into your desired vessel. This recipe makes 1 serving, but you can easily multiply it to batch the drink. Without sweeteners and citrus components, it will last through the holidays.

Spruce-Infused Lillet Blanc Ingredients

1 750-ml bottle of Lillet Blanc

1 cup spruce or Douglas fir needles

Combine the ingredients in a glass jar and let sit in the refrigerator for 4-8 hours, or longer depending on your taste. Shake periodically to distribute flavors. Strain the mixture into a clear glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

GREEN BAR & KITCHEN Plant-based sustainability is the focus of this modern eatery that embraces fresh, vibrant, and wholesome food. 1075 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (greenbarkitchen.com) $$

HERE & NOW Located in Historic Downtown Fort Lauderdale, this tapas bar and restaurant offers fla vors from around the world in a family-friendly en vironment. 433 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale (here andnowfl.com) $$

THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWNER An evening out along the waterfront is perfectly complemented by a casual meal at this New River–adjacent land mark. 10 S. New River Drive E., Fort Lauderdale (thehistoricdowntowner.com) $$

LUCKY FISH A casual tiki-centric outpost featuring a menu of tropical, handcrafted drinks and quick eats. 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach (luckyfishpompano.com) $$

MITCH’S DOWNTOWN Inspired by a New York–style deli, this outpost serves up fresh bagels, stacked French toasts, piled-high sandwiches, sweet treats, and more. 540 N. Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale (mitchsdowntown.com) $$

PLANTA QUEEN Enjoy dining as an unguilty pleasure inside this 100-percent plant-based dining concept on Las Olas. 1201 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderd ale (plantarestaurants.com) $$

PURA VIDA This fast-casual concept believes in offer ing fresh, simple, and sustainable food to Lauderd ale locals. 221 SW 1st Ave. Suite 3, Fort Lauderdale. (puravidamiami.com) $$

RIVERSIDE MARKET Fort Lauderdale’s official craft beer hangout. 608 SW 12th Ave., 3218 SE 6th Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 6900 Cypress Road, Plantation (theriversidemarket.com) $$

SHOOTERS WATERFRONT In step with the everevolving city since 1982, this dockside icon serves brunch, lunch, and dinner to legions of faithful pa trons and epicurean travelers. 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (shooterswaterfront.com) $$

SPINNAKER POOL BAR & GRILL Refreshing cocktails, grilled kabobs, and crisp salads comple ment days spent poolside in a chaise lounge under the sun. Conrad Fort Lauderdale, 551 N. Fort Lau derdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (conradfort lauderdale.com) $$

TOP HAT DELICATESSEN This old-school deli offers everything from knishes, Reubens, and reinvented dishes alongside decadent desserts. 415 NE 3rd St., Fort Lauderdale (tophatftl.com) $$

TRP TASTE This 26-seat venue by The Restaurant People centers on a rotating, ever-evolving schedule of multicourse culinary experiences. 1 W. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, (trptaste.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) $

YONUTZ Get your sweet fix on at Yonutz, home of the Smash Doughnut. In addition, enjoy ice cream, milkshakes, and other dreamy concoctions. 121 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise (yonutz.com) $

TO TRY 2

MARTINIS & OYSTERS

Not sure where to go for happy hour on Thurs days? YOT Bar & Kitchen has you covered with its new Martinis & Oysters deal. Enjoy $3 oysters while sipping on $8 Grey Goose martinis that complement the oyster’s briny flavor and buttery texture. Live reggae music rounds out the experi ence at this dockside favorite in Fort Lauderdale. (yotlmc.com)

SIPS & SUSHI ON THE SAND

Helmed by Michelin-star chef Laurent Tourondel, Dune by Laurent Tourondel has launched its Sips & Sushi on the Sand happy hour, taking place only on Tuesdays. Experience the menu at the restaurant’s “on the sand” seating or mingle at the oceanfront bar while enjoying the exclusive Caribbean Dragon Roll (only available during this happy hour), which features avocado, eel, toasted almond, and coconut. Other rolls include hamachi, salmon, spicy tuna, and Japanese sea bream. (dunebylt.com) —M.P.

YOT BAR & KITCHEN A 360-degree view of the New River inspires the locale’s nautical interiors, fresh menu, and adventurous cocktails. 2015 SW 20th St., Fort Lauderdale (yotlmc.com) $$

ASIAN

CHRISTINA WAN’S MANDARIN HOUSE Christina Wan continues her family’s legacy of bringing tradi tional Chinese cuisine to South Florida, some with unorthodox flair. 664 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderd ale (christinawans.com) $$

KURO The Seminole Hard Rock’s nouveau Japanese darling serves up inventive dishes with ingredients imported from the Land of the Rising Sun and local offerings from the Sunshine State. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood (seminolehardrockhollywood.com) $$$

POKE OG This customizable poke bowl joint has all the toppings and condiments you could dream of adding to your favorite Asian dish. 115 NW 6th, St., Fort Lauderdale (pokeog.com) $$

SUSHI GARAGE A casual neighborhood Japanese concept offering everything from dynamic sushi rolls to noodles to Koren dishes. 500 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (sushigarage.com) $$

TAKATO The sleek, waterfront restaurant at The Con rad features a fusion menu of sushi, Korean-influ

enced appetizers, fresh fish, and meat. 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (takato restaurant.com) $$$

CAFÉ / COFFEE

THE ALCHEMIST Sit amongst lush foliage and enjoy an avocado slider paired with The Alchemist’s sig nature iced coffee made with condensed milk and coffee ice cubes. 2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors (thealchemist.cafe) $$

ANN’S FLORIST AND COFFEE BAR The unique com bo of a florist, cocktail and coffee bar can host many high-class events while also keeping the casual vibe of a classic coffee shop. 1001 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (annsfloristlasolas.com) $$

CREMA GOURMET ESPRESSO BAR Indulge in breakfast all day plus fresh cups of coffee inside this South Florida favorite. 701 N. Federal Hwy., Hallan dale Beach (cremagourmet.com) $$

LA BONNE CRÊPE This charming alcove serves the heavenly dish in savory and sweet renditions. 815 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (labonnecrepe.us) $$

THE MODERN ROSE The café offers locally roasted coffee and a menu that changes seasonally, giving customers something new to try year-round. 331 SE 15th Terrace, Deerfield Beach (auniquecafe.com) $$

EAT+DRINK

OSOM CREPES This crepe-focused place offers a va riety of sweet and savory crepes to fit every mood. 115 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale (osomcrepes.com) $

ITALIAN

ANGELO ELIA PIZZA, BAR, & TAPAS Chef Angelo Elia’s eponymous eatery extends the Casa D’Angelo family, featuring small plates and Italian-style pizza that celebrate old-world technique. 4215 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (angeloeliapizza.com) $$

BLUE STEEL PIZZA CO. Detroit-style pizza and inven tive cocktails in chic digs. 2460 E. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bluesteelpizzaftl.com) $$

BISTRO MEZZALUNA This treasured establish ment boasts an impressive wine selection and savory house favorites like lamb chops and bistro seafood pasta. 1821 SE 10th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (bistromezzaluna.com) $$$

CASA D’ANGELO At this Italian fine-dining institution, owner-chef Angelo Elia’s meticulous care for ingre dients is evident down to the spices in the marinara and flour in the house-made bread. 1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (casa-d-angelo.com) $$$

FRANK PEPE PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA Hailing from up north, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana offers New Haven–style pizza distinguished by its thin, chewy crust. 341 N. University Drive, Plantation (pepespizzeria.com) $$

HERITAGE Bringing a New York vibe to Fort Lauderd ale, this restaurant puts upscale twists on old Italian classics. 903 NE 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (heritage ftl.com) $$

PATIO BAR AND PIZZA Stop by for brick-oven pizzas and creative cocktails in a trendy indoor-outdoor bar. 901 Progresso Drive Unit 114, Fort Lauderdale (patiobarpizza.com) $$

PIZZA CRAFT The pizzeria’s “00” flour, imported charcuterie, house-made mozzarella, and sizeable bar selection are the stars of the wood-fired show. 330 Himmarshee St., Fort Lauderdale (pizzacraft pizzeria.com) $$

LATIN AND MEXICAN

BAR RITA This eclectic Mexican and Latin spot is known for two floors of tasty tacos and tequilas set against a splashy facade. 1401 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale (barritaftl.com) $$

BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA Enjoy fast-casual dining with atypical renditions of Mexican dishes. Stop by for Taco Tuesday or post up in the lounge for a spicy marg. 21 W Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (bodegataqueria.com) $$

EL CAMINO Margaritas and Mexican soul food are a sure bet at this resto, where patrons can choose be tween two happy hours. 817 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (elcaminoftlauderdale.com) $$

EL VEZ This ocean-view space boasts Mexican fare and Baja-style cooking. 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (elvezftlauderdale.com) $$

BAR If the 400 te quila varieties aren’t enough to hook patrons, the de licious tacos de casa and fresh guacamole make this expansive cantina-style resto irresistible. 1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (roccostacos.com) $$

TACOCRAFT TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR This tacofocused Mexican joint offers fun bar seating and classic Mexican favorites. 510 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (tacocraft.com) $$

TIMPANO LAS OLAS The modern-classical menu fea tures new riffs on Italian favorites, plus an impressive craft cocktail list and rare whiskey program. 450 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (timpanolasolas.com) $$$

TULIO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR The Wilton Man ors bar and restaurant combination boasts a menu handcrafted by chef Tulio. 2150 Wilton Dr. Suite A 113, Wilton Manors (tuliostacos.com) $$

MEDITERRANEAN

CASABLANCA CAFÉ A cozy dining room with an Ara bian Nights feel, Casablanca serves a variety of cui sines ranging from Moroccan to Japanese to Cuban that will please any palate. 3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale (casablancacafeonline.com) $$

EVELYN’S Set inside the Four Seasons Hotel and Resi dences Fort Lauderdale this swanky new restaurant offers coastal Florida cuisine intertwined with East ern Mediterranean flavors. 525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (fourseasons.com) $$$

GREEK ISLANDS TAVERNA The spirit of the Aegean is alive and well at this gem that serves traditional Greek dishes rooted in bright flavors and savory spices. 3300 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (greekislandstaverna.com) $$

THE HUMMUS HOUSE This Middle Eastern-Israeli counter doles out amazing vegan- and vegetarianfriendly fare. 900 NE 20th Ave., Fort Lauderdale (thehummushouseftl.com) $$

YA MAS Nestled along Las Olas, Ya Mas! transports guests to the Mediterranean through fresh, chefdriven dishes. 1103 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderd ale (yamastaverna.com) $$

SEAFOOD

15TH STREET FISHERIES & DOCKSIDE CAFE OldFlorida charm is palpable at this Lauderdale Marina favorite that features spiny lobster tail, seared diver scallops, and a host of delicious desserts. 1900 SE 15th St., Fort Lauderdale (15streetfisheries.com) $$$

AND FISH KITCHEN + BAR This ocean-adjacent din ing room embraces the town’s affinity for the beach, boating, and diving in its sea-inspired menu. Marri ott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa, 1200 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach (marriott.com) $$

BOATYARD Come for the “Hook to Table” seafood and vegan-friendly selections, but stay for the photo-worthy lofted ceilings, oar chandelier, and natural light. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale (boatyard.restaurant) $$$

EVEN KEEL FISH & OYSTER The menu changes daily, but everything from the day’s selection of chilled oysters to pan-seared scallops are prepared to per fection. 112 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-By-TheSea (evenkeelfish.com) $$$

LOBSTER BAR SEA GRILLE An artful concept from the inspired culinary creations to the ultra-chic coastal contemporary dining room, this luxe expe rience is one to remember. 450 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (buckheadrestaurants.com) $$$

ROCCO’S TACOS & TEQUILA

Rivertail’s crispy chicken sandwich

COURTESY OF RIVERTAIL

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB Finery comes naturally to this Intracoastal-hugging dining room, where guests can enjoy sea spoils among luxurious interiors or alfresco. 3000 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (maestrosrestaurants.com) $$$

NAKED CRAB A picturesque beachside view sets the tone for all things surf and turf at the B Ocean Resort’s upscale jewel with an undercurrent of eclectic Mediterranean flair. 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (nakedcrabftl.com) $$$

PIRATE REPUBLIC SEAFOOD & GRILL Situated on the New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Historic District, Pirate Republic serves an incredible menu of original seafood dishes along with an array of tropical cocktails. 400 SW 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale (piraterepublicbar.com) $$

POINT BREAK POKE HOUSE Nestled inside No Man’s Land in the Victoria Park Shoppes, this fastcasual option is known for its chef-driven poke bowls and buns available for pickup and delivery. 666 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale (thepoke house.com) $$

RIVERTAIL James Beard–nominated chef José Mendín demonstrates his renowned culinary prowess with the Rivertail raw platter, a perfectly spiced Brazilian seafood stews, and the day’s fresh catch.

305 S. Andrews Ave., Suite 123, Fort Lauderdale (rivertailftl.com) $$$

SEA WATCH ON THE OCEAN A nostalgic nod to Old Florida, this landmark eatery has been serving some of Broward County’s finest fruits de mer for more than 45 years. 6002 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (seawatchontheocean.com) $$

WILD SEA OYSTER BAR & GRILLE A stellar raw bar and responsibly sourced seafood are the mainstays at this luxe-meets-nostalgic dining room. Riverside Hotel, 620 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (wild sealasolas.com) $$$

STEAK HOUSE

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Renowned for dry-aged cuts, elevated steak house trimmings, superb wines, and attentive staff, this high-end chain offers a luxurious dining experience. 2430 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (thecapitalgrille.com) $$$

CHIMA BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE Brazilian rodízio finds its place on Las Olas, with fountains and flamebearing lamps welcoming diners. 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (chimasteakhouse.com) $$$

COUNCIL OAK STEAKS & SEAFOOD A signature raw bar, a wine room boasting more than 400 labels, and

an open kitchen complement the Hard Rock favorite’s famous USDA-certified cuts. 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood (seminolehardrockhollywood.com) $$$

DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE A sophisticated chophouse serving up bold renditions of steak and fish alongside modern cocktails. 501 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 150, Fort Lauderdale (delfriscosgrille.com) $$$

FOGO DE CHÃO Hailing from Brazil, this full-service churrascaria features an array of proteins and the famous caipirinha cocktail. 201 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale (fogodechao.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 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek (nyysteak.com) $$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Specialty cuts of Prime beef, an impressive wine portfolio, and New Orleans–inspired cocktails set a luxurious scene for any special occasion. 2525 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale (ruthschris.com) $$$

STEAK 954 This uber-chic coastal alcove’s menu is studded with decadent dishes, while the dining room features a hypnotizing jellyfish tank. W Hotel, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale (steak954.com) $$$

HOME

FROM CITY TO SHORE, THE FINE ART OF LAUDY LIVING

DESIGN

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH

Inspired by the feel of what interior designer Raymond Nicolas describes as “an old Chicago library or warehouse,” this 2,127-square-foot Harbor Beach vacation home became a bespoke combination of masculine elements and theatrical whimsy. “My client for this project is a Chicago native, so my inspiration for the design was based on a ‘Chicago meets Fort Lauderdale’ concept,” Nicolas explains.

In the entry, Nicolas used a trompe l’oeil wallpaper that gives the look of stacked vintage mailboxes, as a large chandelier cascades overhead. Distressed, wide-plank wood floors set an industrial mood, while wood and thick velvets in the living room

create layers of texture and comfort. Light and dark wood tones intermingle throughout, from the dining table and buffet to the re claimed wood coffee table. By continuing the use of natural woods from the dining room to the living room, there is a constant flow of space, allowing for adaptability of form and function. Quirky design accessories—includ ing a faux deer head wall mount cast out of steel and a gramophone-inspired speaker— are thoughtfully positioned across the room.

“The overall vibe is something high-end yet rough, distressed, and textured,” Nicolas says. “It is a space that fully embodies the persona of our client.” (raymondnicolas.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre

BARRY GROSSMAN

BARRY GROSSMAN

ELEMENTS

CLEAR

WINNERS

MAKE YOUR INTENTIONS TRANSPARENT WHEN IT COMES TO INTERIORS

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

LIGHT BRIGHT

This Tube Top lamp ($195) from Pablo Designs comes in a range of brightly hued bases that add a dynamic boost to an already illuminating piece. Scan Design, North Miami Beach (scandesign.com)

BOLT UPRIGHT

Just like colorful jewelry on a fashionable outfit, Alexandra Von Furstenberg’s Bolt dining rings in multi-neon ($425 for set of six) are the perfect finishing touch for your styled table. Casa Gifts, Miami (casa18gifts.com)

UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT

Mario Luca Giusti has built a reputation for marrying colorful elegance and durable design with chic options such as the Dolce Vita acrylic water goblet ($33). Yacht Next, Fort Lauderdale (yachtnext.com)

SEATING SITUATION

This chic seat (price upon request) from Worlds Away is at home at a dining table, in a living room, or even as a luxurious vanity chair in a primary bathroom. Alicia Weaver Design, Fort Lauderdale (aliciaweaver design.com)

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

A modern interpretation of rustic slab furniture, Villa & House’s Cristal coffee table ($1,687) features an organically shaped, clear acrylic top with sleek and structured legs in a gold-leaf finish. Retro Interiors, Wilton Manors (retrointeriors.net)

HAUTE STUFF

Designer Joe Fava of Fava Design Group created a dynamic, modern space so this vacation residence could serve as a warm winter respite for the Baltimore homeowners. “They requested a contemporary design, emulating some of the boutique hotels they had frequented in Miami,” Fava says. “Choosing a bright color palette of greens, yellows, and white, the bold decor proved to be spot-on. The breakfast room, with its geometric wallpaper, provided the perfect backdrop for the modern, green acrylic chairs. Surrounding a classic marble-topped table, the blown-glass accessories in green and yellow complete the look.” Miami (favadesigngroup.com)

BURNING DESIRE

Pigeon and Poodle’s hurricane with chartreuse acrylic base ($588 for large; $468 for small) gives a South Beach vibe to a space that deserves a little Art Deco accent. Loom Luxury Linens, Dania Beach (loomlux.com)

GAME FACE

Everything old is new (and cool) again with Jonathan Adler’s tictac-toe set ($250) in purple and turquoise orbs. Jonathan Adler, Miami (jonathanadler.com)

INSPIRED LIVING

RAISE THE BAR

INVEST IN INNOVATIVE COCKTAIL TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR AN UPGRADED MIXOLOGY EXPERIENCE DURING HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

Infuse cocktails and bar bites like cheese, nuts, and dips with Crafthouse by Fortessa’s cocktail smoking cloche ($250). Simply connect the handheld smoker filled with wood chips to the cloche’s sustainably sourced walnut base, and the smoke remains contained under the glass dome. Williams Sonoma locations (williams-sonoma.com)

POURING REIGN SMOKE SHOW CHILL OUT

Rabbit offers a cool option for the South Florida heat with its freezable cocktail maker ($40). Fill the silicone carafe with cocktail ingredients—anything from a margarita to a piña colada, Moscow mule, or frosé—cover with the lid, and place in the freezer overnight. When you’re ready to drink, wrap the carafe with the neoprene sleeve and squeeze the sides with your hands until the desired consistency is reached. Sur La Table locations (surlatable.com)

SECOND NATURE

Give fruits and herbs a second life with Salut’s botanical drink infusions ($32). Each bottle contains a curated combination of 100-percent natural functional dried fruits, flowers, and herbs known to have health benefits—without any added sugar. Add liquor, wine, or water to the container and infuse for one to five days in the refrigerator. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh before serving and add mixers to create a clean cocktail. (lovesalut.co)

The Barsys coaster ($95) takes the guesswork out of cocktail creation. Place your glass on the coaster surface, select your preferred drink on the app, and follow the instructions. The coaster will change colors to indicate when to start and stop pouring each ingredient. When the drink is complete, remove the glass from the coaster and start sipping.

(thebarsys.com)

STICKS & STONES

Don’t let melting ice dilute your spirits. Anna New York’s handcrafted Vida gemstone whiskey cubes ($145 for set of six) can be placed in the freezer for four hours in the included pouch before adding them to your drink of choice. As an extra benefit, amethyst is said to provide strength. Saks Fifth Avenue locations (saksfifthavenue.com)

XWhile a celery stick may be the most traditional garnish for a Bloody Mary, many bars are going in innovative new directions with everything from pickled vegetables to antipasto ingredients and even bite-size sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches. If you want to get creative with this cocktail’s co-stars, plant a stainless-steel Raw Rutes’ Tree Brunch gourmet cocktail pick ($18 for two) in your glass and load its branches. (rawrutes.com)

URBAN COWGIRL

BUYING INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Resort top (price upon request), skirt (price upon request), Max Mara, maxmara.com; Roadrunner boots ($840), Fraulein Boot Company, frauleinboots.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGES 58-59

Resort dress ($2,290), belt ($335), Max Mara, maxmara.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGE 60

Button-down shirt ($1,800), gold maxi skirt ($21,000), Valentino, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, valentino.com

PAGE 61

Dress (price upon request), D-Renaissance cuffs (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGE 62

Dress ($3,990), harness ($990), Alexander McQueen, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, alexandermcqueen.com; Dana turquoise boots ($2,395), Miron Crosby, mironcrosby.com

PAGE 63

Long-sleeve wool crepe sable jacket with detachable shearling collar ($8,500), high-waisted heavy-wool crepe sable midi skirt ($3,900), mid-heel boots in leather with stirrup detail ($1,690), driver gloves in napa leather ($650), Gucci, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, gucci.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGE 64

Embroidered dress (price upon request), shirt (price upon request), Donna high boots ($2,490), Louis Vuitton, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, us.louisvuitton.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGE 65

Hide Tide eyelet cropped shirt ($895), Hide Tide eyelet maxi skirt ($1,850), wicker mini belt bag ($475), Zimmermann, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, zimmermann.com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com

PAGE 66

Cutout midi dress with fringe hem ($1,750), Johanna Ortiz, johanna ortiz.com; Meredith coral boots ($895), Miron Crosby, mironcrosby. com; felt hat ($1,275), House of Clyde, houseofclydehats.com.

PAGE 67

Hand-embroidered sequin stretch-jersey cutout gown ($8,990), Michael Kors Collection, michaelkors.com

SOCIAL STUDIES

SEEN ON THE SCENE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

40 UNDER 40 WHO: Commercial Industrial Association of South Florida (CIASF) WHAT: 40 Under 40 WHERE: Bar Rita, Fort Lauderdale HIGHLIGHTS: Top commercial real estate professionals came together to network and discuss trends in the tri-county market at the 40 Under 40 event.

OCHO MAS DIEZ

WHITNEY MENDEZ, RYAN SHARPE, TRACI MILLER

JAIME HAGAR, BUSTER SHERIDAN

ADAM TALBOT, SANDER SMITH, YANDY VIERA

JERALIN FELIPE, JAMES MALKASIAN, DANIEL RIMADA, SHAWNA SIMCIC

WES CIECIWA, CRYSTAL SCAVUZZO, JAIME HAGAR, PAUL MINOFF

NAKEITHEYA SMITH, SHERRY OVERTON, JAIME HAGAR, CRYSTAL SCAVUZZO

ERIN BYERS, JOHN MEJIA, MICHAEL ORETSKY

RELATED ISG REALTY OFFICE

OPENING

WHO: Related ISG Realty WHAT: Office Grand Opening WHERE: Related ISG Realty, Fort Lauderdale

HIGHLIGHTS: South Florida brokerage Related ISG Realty celebrated the launch of its downtown Fort Lauderdale office. The event continued next door at The Wilder with hand crafted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment.

VALENTINA RIQUESES, CAT CANCELA, CLAUDIA MONTENEGRO, DAYANA ENRIQUEZ, TOMAS SULICHIN, ETHAN SULICHIN, LIZ LOPEZ

SOFIA MASRI, SANDRA ARGUELLO, GIZEL VALENCIA

JENNI MOREJON, ALEX SAIZ

ROBERT ESPOSITO, CRIAG STUDNICKY

FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS, CRAIG STUDNICKY, ROBERT ESPOSITO

BRENDA AVILA, MARIA LILLY FERNANDEZ, ELIZABETH LAVERDE, CRISTINA ODZE, CATHERINE GEARY

VIVIANA GONZALEZ, ALFREDO CANAVERA, BRYN CROWELL

FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS

SOCIAL STUDIES

SLATE GRAND OPENING

WHO: Slate Hallandale Beach WHAT: Grand Opening WHERE: Hallandale Beach HIGHLIGHTS: South Florida’s top-producing luxury real estate agents came out to expe rience the brand new Slate Hallandale Beach, a 26-story luxury rental community with 250 modern residences and high-end amenities.

KOBI KARP, LESLIE WOLFSON, CYNTHIA BOICH, ARI PEARL, MARICARMEN

RODRIGUEZ, MIRIAM UNGAR, THAYS AND DREW EPSTEIN

KRISTIA ROJAS, AUGUSTO TAYLHARDAT, MIRIAM UNGAR

SOPHIA LOPEZ, TATIANA KENNEDY

RICHARD FERNANDEZ, JOE AZAR, SANTOS QUINONES, ANDRES DUQUE, WALTER GOMEZ, JESSE LEHMAN

LUCI BERMAL, ELINA STOLYAR

MERIDETH BIDNER, THAYS EPSTEIN

ARI PEARL, KOBI KARP

ROMAELLO D’FRANCO, CARSA CRAIGHTON

ART & STROLL

WHO: Business for the Arts of Broward WHAT: Art & Stroll WHERE: East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale HIGHLIGHTS: Guests flocked to the lobbies of buildings 401, 301, and 201 on East Las Olas Boulevard for a re laxing afternoon with food, drinks, live entertainment, and artwork by local artists. The event awarded $5,000 in prizes to the top three artists, with Susan Hanssen winning first place for her piece Living in Oblivion

TIM BRYANT, FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR

DEAN TRANTALIS, JARETT LEVAN

ALEX LYTLE, ALEJANDRA GOTERA

JIM DONNELLY, RANDALL VITAE, MATT KATZ

CATHY DONNELLY, CAROL HENDERSON

CANDICE ERICKS, KELLEY SHANLEY

DARIUS V. DAUGHTRY

SUSAN HANSSEN, ELIZABETH REED, ROBYN VEGAS

JODI JEFFREYS TANNER AND PAUL TANNER

PARTING SHOT

South Floridians might not be able to experience chilly temperatures and a winter snowfall like our friends up north, but there’s still excitement to be had this holiday season. Make the most of it by scouting out some cheerful photo opps that are fun for the whole family. Over at the beach, find “Olas,” a 20-foot-tall beach snowman in all his glory at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Previous renditions have featured Olas windsurfing, paddleboarding, and riding a Jet Ski. While there, enjoy more than 50,000 holiday lights along Fort Lauderdale’s

picturesque beachfront. (lasolasboulevard.com) —Melissa Puppo

Treat yourself and a special someone to the perks of a PREMIUM fare. Start the night off right. Toast to your adventures ahead with cocktails on board and in-station with premium lounge access. Book in advance and let one of our Brightline Teslas sweep you off your feet and bring you to and from the station, with pick up and drop off available within 5 miles. See where Brightline can take you. Scan the QR code to book your next ride.