SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 • ISSUE 18
6
CRAFT BEER BARS YOU NEED TO VISIT
e lif r m o G WITH
KEPA MENDIA
The Helm smen TAKE THE WHEEL
FOOD TRUCK
TAKEOVER
+
HOW I GOTITH W THE SHOTRUZA TONY AR
JUPITER TO FORT LAUDERDALE
theatlanticcurrent.com
FUNKY BUDDHA FLORIDIAN
14
dive dive
IN CONTENTS SEPT.OCT 2015
14 23 26 30 36
Community Grab your gloves and sunscreen and help Sea To Shore Alliance make a real difference on our beaches
23
Rhythm The Helmsmen take the wheel as they drop their indie-rock debut EP, The Homework
Action Sports Enter the gromlife of Kepa Mendia who is already making a name for himself in the surf world at 9 years old
30
Arts Go behind the lens with professional photographer Tony Arruza and see how he captured one of his favorite images
unky Buddha F Brewery Their journey to craft beer enlightenment
43 49
M unch Step up to four select food trucks and learn why they’re always a local favorite
S cene
36
Beer geek or not, these are six craft beer bars everyone should visit
43
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 • ISSUE 18
6
CRAFT BEER BARS YOU NEED TO VISIT
Gromlife WITH
KEPA MENDIA
The Helm smen TAKE THE WHEEL
ON THE COVER
FOOD TRUCK
TAKEOVER
+
HOW I GOT H WIT THE SHOT UZA TONY ARR
JUPITER TO FORT LAUDERDALE
theatlanticcurrent.com
8 theatlanticcurrent.com
FROSTY BEVERAGE FROM FUNKY BUDDHA
Funky Buddha Floridian Photo: Ben Hicks
49
26
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
❘❘
Dustin Wright
Dustin@theatlanticcurrent.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danny Wright
❘❘
Dan@theatlanticcurrent.com
PUBLICATION DESIGN ID Creative
AD DESIGN Ivana Martin Ian Jacobs
PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Hicks ❘❘ bocaratonphoto.com Kelly Coulson ❘❘ kellycoulsonphotography.com Jack Bates ❘❘ jackbatesphotography.com Nathan Hamler ❘❘ nathanhamlerphotography.com Perrin James ❘❘ lastbreathfilm.com Tony Arruza ❘❘ www.arruza.com
SENIOR WRITER Cash W. Lambert
WRITERS Doug Fairall Savannah Sheehan Tom Greene Ashley Zimmerman
ADVERTISING 561-383-0035 ext 101
❘❘
info@theatlanticcurrent.com
WEB MANAGER Trey Smedley
OUR CREDO We believe in the power of local business partnerships and the support of our community. We believe coastal South Florida is one of the most desirable locations in the world, and we consider it a privilege to highlight and promote everything and everyone that exemplifies our lifestyle. The amount of local talent is immense, from professional athletes to world class chefs, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This talent deserves recognition, and we make these people and what they do the cornerstone of our content at The Atlantic Current.
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Copyright 2015 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trademark of the Atlantic Current LLC.
12 theatlanticcurrent.com
dive
IN COMMUNITY NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
SUN, SURF, SAND AND GLOVES
HOW SEA TO SHORE ALLIANCE IS MAKING YOUR DAY AT THE BEACH BETTER by Cash W. Lambert You’ve seen the silver harbingers
The organization’s team seems to
that stand at every public beach in
spend more time in the field than
South Florida, and chances are
conducting administrative duties,
you’ve seen them so frequently
which is exactly what Executive
that you know their wording by
Director Dr. James “Buddy” Powell
memory. Like “don’t litter” or “pick
had in mind during the creation
up your trash” and even those that
of the non-profit in 2008. Powell,
threaten fines. And these signs,
who has quite the resume with
although necessary, serve as an
over 40 years of marine mammal
example of the ironic byproduct
experience, leads frequent re-
that an act of repetition can cre-
search expeditions to Cuba that
ate: overlooking that which is of
anyone can attend.
significant importance. The international team he’s surWhich is why organizations like
rounded himself with on such trips,
Sea to Shore Alliance exist: to
as well as those within the organi-
continue re-writing and commu-
zation, are a smooth combination
nicating the narrative of oceanic
of tenure and passion that collec-
pollution and the true effects of
tively aim to create reverbering
our sandy footprints.
effects within the research field.
“We have biologists in Belize, Cuba, Africa, and all over Florida and Georgia working with manatees, right whales, and sea turtles in particular, which are often entangled or threatened from ingestion of marine debris.” The non-profit organization
This passion is clearly evident
is run by “biologists working
when talking with Cucinotta. She
internationally to conserve the
recently created a program within
world’s endangered marine
the Alliance called H2O: Healthy
areas. On a recent hot August day,
clutter and show that although
animals and their habitats,”
Habitats & Oceans. Its aim? To
her team collected 130 pounds of
trash on the beach is today’s
according to Katelyn Cucinotta,
“bring light to the issue of marine
debris in only 2 hours.
norm, it doesn’t have to be.
who serves as a Conservation
debris, work on solutions, and to
Biologist on the non-profit’s
clean up the environment to pre-
She also enacted a social media
It’s a choice of either action or inac-
team. “We have biologists in
vent further threats to wildlife.”
campaign called #take4sea2shore,
tion, and she - along with the Sea to
which “encourages everyone to
Shore Alliance - is trying to help South Florida choose the former.
Belize, Cuba, Africa, and all over Florida and Georgia working with
She takes her last point quite liter-
pick up at least 4 pieces of trash
manatees, right whales, and sea
ally, too. She personally adopted
every time they’re hanging out at
turtles in particular, which are
Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton
the beach.” Prizes are awarded as
often entangled or threatened
Beach, and frequently enacts
part of the campaign, with the
from ingestion of marine debris.”
beach cleanups in the surrounding
goal to break through the digital
14 theatlanticcurrent.com
Follow The Cause @sea2shore #take4sea2shore
dive
IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN
18
Atlantic Current Party
Chasen’ Tailz 2nd Annual KDW Fishing Tournament
We were looking for an excuse to party, and we’ve found it. Our Sep/ Oct issue has hit the streets, school is back, and the Friday happy hour at the cove is in full swing. The event will be sponsored by A Stroke of Genius Tattoo and Naked Turtle Rum. Come out and enjoy drink specials, giveaways, shot girls, DJ Dutch and more from 6-8pm!
— Jupiter
Photo: Aaron Lurie
SEPTEMBER 1
Musician’s Showcase in the Round
3
Chris Brown @ American Airlines Arena
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Open Mic Night
2
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Motley Crue: The Final Tour
4
Rick Springfield, Loverboy, and The Romantics @ Hard Rock Live
All Arts Open Mic @ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca
6
An Evening With Zappa Plays Zappa
@ Palm Beach Curry Fest w/ Leroy Sibbles — Lake Worth
Uproot Hootenanny
Spred the Dub
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca
16 theatlanticcurrent.com
@ Respectable Street — WPB
@ Lafayette Music Room — WPB
5
@ Guanabanas —Jupiter
@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca
10
Uproot Hootenanny
@ Guanabanas —Jupiter
Telekinetic Walrus w/ Lucidea
Electric Kif + Progger
Pure Honey Magazine 4-Year Anniversary Bash
Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, and Sam Hunt
The Mantras
@ Old School Square — Delray
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Riverwalk Events Plaza
— Jupiter
1st Annual Food Truck Faceoff
Roxy Roca
@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca
Eastern Surfing Association Palm Beach District Surf Contest
@ Saltwater Brewery — Delray
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Jupiter Green and Artisan Market
UNRB
National Sour Beer Day
Herbal Krew
The Coppertones, Mylo Ranger
@ American Airlines Arena
12
Respectable Street’s
@ Culture Room
@ The Village Pump — Lauderdale By The Sea
11
FAU Owls vs Miami Hurricanes @ FAU Stadium
The Whiskey Wasps @ The Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Kevin Murphy @ The Duck Tavern — Boca
12-13
Ocean Warrior Challenge w/ Blueline Surf & Paddle Co. @ Jupiter Civic Center
13
Uproot Hootenanny @ Deck 84 — Delray
CHEESY 90’s Homecoming — WPB
Roots Shakedown
5 Seconds of Summer
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
9
Future Prezidents
Mark Telesca
@ Blue Anchor Pub — Delray
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Ed Sheeran @ American Airlines Arena
Pho
dive
IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN
OCTOBER
15
Van Halen and Kenny Wayne Shepherd
1
Collective Soul
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
@ Revolution Live
Musician’s Showcase In The Round
The Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival w/ Aziz Ansari and Amy Schumer
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
16
Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion
2
Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders Swimsuit Calendar Unveiling and Fashion Show @ Sun Life Stadium
30
The Heavy Pets at Guanabanas
The Heavy Pets are back in Florida for just a few dates with their “10th Anniversary Tour da Florida” and you can catch them at one of the best spots around for live music, Guanabanas. Hear your faves plus some cuts from their new Stolen Smile EP. 21 and over, no cover!
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
The Iguanas
William Kimball and the Hit Show
19
20
@ Guanabanas/Bluewater School of Surfing End of Season Bash!
@ FAU Stadium
@ Revolution Live
@ The Duck Tavern — Boca
C3: Coastal Cleanup and Concert
Leon Russell
26
17
Charity Event for Surfrider Foundation @ Saltwater Brewery
The Helmsmen
@ Funky Biscuit — Boca
FAU vs Buffalo
@ Seabreeze Amphitheater (Carlin Park) — Jupiter
Spred the Dub @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Blues Traveler
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
21
Billy Idol @ Hard Rock Live
23
@ Leftover’s Cafe — Jupiter
Uproot Hootenanny @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Fireside Prophets
Craft Brew Cartel’s Home Brew Competition
24
@ DADA — Delray
— Ft. Lauderdale
The Calm, Ratsmouth @ Respectable Street
18
The Atlantic Current Party @ 2 Georges at the Cove —Deerfield Beach
DADA Anniversary Party w/ Whiskey Wasps, Living Daylights — Delray
19-20
The Dead 27’s
Casey Raines Band
The Natty Bo’s @ Guanabanas —Jupiter
28
SHAM 69, The Attach, Die Trying & Menudo Death Squad @ Propaganda — Lake Worth
Ladies Reggae Night feat. LFTD LVLS and Rude Hecklers
29
@ Propaganda — Lake Worth
@ Barrel of Monks Brewery — Boca
25
Musician’s Showcase in the Round
Spred the Dub @ Square Grouper Tiki Bar — Jupiter
New World vs. Old World
@ Brewhouse Gallery —Lake Park
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
The Wailers @ The Culture Room
The People Upstairs @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana
3
Brad Paisley, Justin Moore, and Mickey Guyton @ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
Future Prezidents @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter
BOMB-TOBERFEST @ Respectable Street
2-3
7th Annual Bluewater Babes Fish For A Cure Tournament — Singer Island/Sailfish Marina
11th Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest @ Jacob Pastorius Park
4
Detox Yoga @ Twisted Trunk Brewing — PBG
JP Soars and the Red Hots
Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, and Dustin Lynch
Uproot Hootenanny— Benefit and Tribute to George Walker
30
The Heavy Pets
Uproot Hootenanny
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
@ The Irishman — Boca
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Briny Irish Pub — Pompano Beach
18 theatlanticcurrent.com
dive
IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN
5
Spred the Dub @ ER Bradley’s Saloon — WPB
6
Musician’s Showcase In The Round @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park (every Tuesday Night)
7
Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Royal Noise @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
8
Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night) and Mark Farner (Grand Funk) @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater
10-11
16
@ Propaganda — Lake Worth
@ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale
11
17
FAU vs. Marshall
Cheap Trick
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ FAU Stadium
@ Hard Rock Live
Eastern Surfing Association Palm Beach District Surf Contest
Warren Haynes
5th Annual ARToberfest
The Winery Dogs
Reggae On The River
Paws In The Park @ Carlin Park — Jupiter
— Boynton Beach
Uproot Hootenanny @ Deck 84 — Delray
15-18
Steve-O @ Palm Beach Improv
15
Buddy Guy @ Hard Rock Live
16-17
Jerry Seinfeld @ Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
17-18
28th Annual Las Olas Art Fair
22
Brad Live— Art Walk @ Boynton Beach Arts District
Detox Yoga
@ Twisted Trunk Brewery — PBG
27
Streetlight Manifesto @ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale
Taylor Swift
@ The Fillmore — Miami Beach
@ American Airlines Arena
23
28
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Tab Benoit
The Helmsmen
The Helmsmen
— Ft. Lauderdale
20
25
John Stickley Band
30
@ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale
@ Bamboo Room — Lake Worth
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Bonerama w/ special guests
21
@ Funky Biscuit — Boca
Viva Le Vox, Dirty Kid Discount, Bonnie Riot & The Talking Dogs
Musician’s Showcase In The Round
Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion
24
@ Propaganda — Lake Worth
Uproot Hootenanny
Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, & Cole Swindell
31
@ The Village Pump — Lauderdale By The Sea
@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
@ FAU Stadium
9
2nd Annual Feast of the Sea Seafood Festival
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Free Friday Concert @ Old School Square — Delray Beach
@ Flagler Dr. and Clematis — WPB
9-10
Fright Nights
Future Prezidents
@ South Florida Fairgrounds
@ Deck 84 — Delray
(also Oct. 15-17, 22-24, 29-31)
10
FAU vs. Rice @ FAU Stadium
Pastor Troy @ Propaganda — Lake Worth
Fuck Cancer II (A Benefit) @ Respectable Street — WPB
20 theatlanticcurrent.com
Photo: Jacob Studios
24
Feast of the Sea Seafood Festival
Bring your appetite and join your favorite Palm Beach County restaurants and chefs as they showcase their best dishes on the waterfront of downtown West Palm Beach. Over 35 seafood vendors, 60 art vendors, live music, and lots of cold beverages. More than 15,000 attended last year, so come join the fun. Visit feastofthesea.com for more info.
Fortunate Youth, Stranger, SensaMotion, LFTD LVLS @ Propaganda — Lake Worth
John Stickley Trio @ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca
FAU vs. FIU 23rd Annual Moonfest Halloween Party @ Downtown West Palm Beach
Halloween Costume Ball feat. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds w/ special Guests @ Funky Biscuit — Boca
Viva Le Box Reunion and Halloween Night Sideshow Spectacular @ DADA —Delray
The Moska Project
2nd Annual Delray Marketplace Art and Craft Festival
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Atlantic Ave — Delray
Open until 2 AM | Craft Beer $5
HOURS
MON. - SAT. 11 A.M.- 2 A.M SUN. - 12 P.M - 12 A.M
561-367-7227 www.bocasbestpizzabar.com
1 1 9 W. PA L M E T T O PA R K R O A D B o c a R at o n , F l o r i da 3 3 4 3 2
CURRENTS Innovators & entertainers that move our community
RHYTHM ❘❘ ACTION SPORTS ❘❘ ARTS ❘❘ THE BITE
THE HELMSMEN By Ashley Zimmerman
Drop Their Debut EP The Homework Island Indie rock coming to you from Jupiter
Although frontman Jesse Glendinning and
fers to as “a little homebrew”. This is due to
guitarist/vocalist Derek Campbell have been
the fact that it was created and recorded at
friends since they were in diapers, the guys
Campbell’s house before being mastered at
just put together their current full band last
Legacy Sound Studios in Wellington. The first
amed after their high school’s old
year. After playing covers at local joints for
track, “Get Back To The Sea,” is one that the
mascot, The Helmsmen, a group
two years and booking gigs as a party band
two founders have been holding onto for
of twentysomething guys from
while they looked for the missing musicians
some time now while the other two, “Coconut
Jupiter are bringing their own brand of what
to complete them, they finally found the right
Shuffle” and “Can We Dance,” followed natu-
they refer to as Island Indie to the local music
mix of guys to break away from the cover
rally thanks to the newfound inspiration
scene. Though the band’s inspirations vary
scene and start working on their own original
they’ve experienced as a well gelled group.
across the spectrum from folk all the way to
music. Jacob Constantakos on Electric Guitar/
hip-hop, the two genres they can all connect
Melodica, Micko Paparo on Bass and Samuel
As melody driven artists, Glendinning ex-
to are reggae and indie-rock. Another musi-
King on Drums/Vocals joined Glendinning
plained their processes always begin with the
cal inspiration they can all agree on is Jack
and Campbell to form The Helmsmen.
music and lyrics are something that come last,
n
Johnson, something evident when listening to
after the right sound is settled upon. The com-
their music and appreciating their similar
The Homework EP, the band’s first original
bination of ukulele, soulful vocals and lyrics
easy going vibe.
work, is what Glendinning affectionately re-
about the ocean breeze and bonfires give the
Photos: Jack Bates
theatlanticcurrent.com 23
CURRENTS
RHYTHM
EP the kind of islander vibe you’d expect from a
are enjoying the creative process and freedom
of from the bottom up. I think right now it’s
bunch of guys who live in a city well known for
that goes along with being an independent
really encouraging to be independent and to
surfing, fishing and an ocean based lifestyle.
band. “For now we’re just trying to stay as in-
know that it’s all up to you whether you’re a
dependent as we can until we get to that level
success or failure,” says Glendinning.
Following the trend of many local artists, The
where the next step is having to be on a label,”
Helmsmen released their entire EP on sound
says Campbell who’s in no rush to sign. But he
Touring on the other hand is a different story
cloud and they’re giving it away for free. Right
admitted the band wouldn’t pass up the oppor-
and the guys are diving right in and reach-
now the band is focused on getting it heard as
tunity if they stumbled upon a deal that would
ing out to as many people as possible in
opposed to worrying about bringing in money
allow them to retain creative control and a
hopes of lining up some out of town gigs.
by selling their music. “I think it’s really about
certain amount of freedom as musicians.
Recently they’ve been playing at some of their favorite local spots like Maxi’s Lineup
sharing our music with as many people who Even though the EP just dropped, more original
where the crew held their EP Release party.
music keeps flowing and new song ideas are
Easily their favorite event so far, the guys
While they would certainly entertain the idea
coming up on a weekly basis according to the
played to a packed room of friends and fans
of being signed by a label, the guys
guys. “We’re learning the music industry kind
who showed up to support the guys, hear
are willing to listen,” says Glendinning.
24 theatlanticcurrent.com
“
During their downtime you might spot the guys fishing, boating, surfing, or just enjoying the local music scene in their hometown of Jupiter.
”
them jam and receive a copy of The Home-
with the nonsense,” says Glendinning who isn’t
ing a listening ear and some love. The band also
work. “It was so much fun, just a bunch of
willing to spill any specific pranks but admits
shows their support for their tight-knit music
crazy people packed into a tiny room and we
to their regular occurrence.
community by bragging on other local bands
were just playing as loud and crazy as pos-
and posting videos on their Facebook page.
sible. That was my favorite gig ever,” Glendin-
During their downtime you might spot the guys
ning gushes while thinking back on that day.
fishing, boating, surfing, or just enjoying the
As far as future plans, this is a group of dedi-
local music scene in their hometown of Jupiter.
cated guys who are willing to “take it as far as it
The guys describe themselves as being similar
One of their favorite spots other than Maxi’s
goes” according to Campbell. With one EP un-
to a junior varsity basketball team in the way
Lineup is Guanabanas because of the kind of
der their belt they’re excited to play their music
their dynamic works. They’re pretty much al-
local talent they bring in. “I find myself sitting
for as many people as possible and build a fol-
ways messing with each other and playing
at a concert every night whether I’m playing or
lowing, taking a sort of grassroots approach by
pranks on one another but that’s what keeps
not,” Glendinning says with a laugh. Being a
doing it all themselves, from marketing to re-
them so tight as a group and keeps egos and
local band themselves they understand the
cording to booking. They’re excited about their
tensions in check. “I feel like that’s how we
importance of supporting other artists even if
newfound potential and can’t wait to see where
gain each other’s trust. Everybody can put up
that just means showing up to a gig and offer-
their music and passion takes them.
theatlanticcurrent.com 25
CURRENTS
ACTION SPORTS
GROMLIFE WITH KEPA MENDIA
by Cash Lambert
KEPA MENDIA IS 9 YEARS OLD. He likes Instagram, socks, GoPros and drones and he’s the son of renown pro surfer Peter Mendia. Which has many perks... like going on sponsored surf trips and scoring. Or having free professional surf instruction. But there’s one underlying advantage that’s cherished far above these, and Kepa - even at his young age - has already laid claim to it.
i
t’s 9:30 pm and the
fiddle with a fishing pole
Mendia house is buzz-
and Egan, the older brother
ing. All lights are on,
in the Mendia clan, also
illuminating the wet side-
within earshot, is playing
walk and before I reach
on an iPhone. Excitement
the door, I can hear chat-
is in the air.
ter that drones out the South Florida rainstorm.
So I ask. “Are you
After a single knock, the
guys headed
door swings open and
somewhere soon?”
t
inside the floors are terra cotta, the walls are plas-
“Yeah, Costa Rica in
tered with photos of Pete
two days” Pete says,
and company threading
only stopping to
stand up blue/green bar-
answer my question.
he “everyone will experience 15 minutes of
rels, there’s a half opened box full of leashes and
“Just you?”
fame” notion doesn’t
quite synonymize Peter
stickers in sight, and a
Mendia’s career because
handful of paper bags with
“Kepa, too!” says Ali.
the pro surfer is well
the Billabong logo are
“Right?
known in the global surf
lying on the living room
industry. And he’s espe-
table. After a quick but
Kepa looks up and shyly
surprised he’s up this late,
Kepa stays quiet. “It’s a bit
cially known in Palm
warm handshake, Pete
nods. The 9-year-old’s
but after all there is no
of a surprise” Pete says,
Beach. He defines surfing
continues fading back and
messy blonde hair is
school tomorrow.
coming back into the living
in the area as well as oth-
forth between rooms
creeping towards his
room. “Hey Kepa, you want
er Sunshine State meccas
while his wife - Ali -
shoulders and his eyes
“Do you know where
to show him your boards?”
(think Sebastian Inlet,
is sitting on the couch
look red from an overex-
you guys will be
watching young Kepa
posure to saltwater. I’m Photo:
surfing?” I ask him. Aurelius Ordway
New Smyrna, Cocoa Beach); he’s also notorious
Photos: Mendia Family
26 theatlanticcurrent.com
for the power he displays
er backwards. Never swat-
someone sitting on a couch.
not been for a family cel-
averages “a trip or two a
when carving any Califor-
ting at the mosquitoes
This photo landed on Surfer
ebration” he wouldn’t
month”, now has an equally
nian, Hawaiian or Indone-
that lay eggs in the murky
Magazine’s cover, with the
have been in town for the
blonde travel partner.
sian wave. Photos consis-
waters called stagnation.
caption “Hell & High Water”,
best waves South Florida
discussing Pete’s wave at a
had seen in decades.
tently surface of his blue water strike missions.
But at the same time, Pete
break that rarely sees
has favorites. Favorite trips,
waves - Pumphouse - and
At the time, Egan was 10
And Pete, I think, would
favorite waves, and the
the devastation that was
and Kepa was 6 and they
agree that there’s always a
same goes for surf photos,
Hurricane Sandy.
both watched from the
better wave out there...
like the one where he’s
that next surf session can
standing tall while a furious
truly be better than the
dark lip curls over his head.
last. It’s what makes surf-
w
e’re standing
in Kepa’s room,
which is taken
safe confines of shore. But
up by surf posters, a bunk
I interviewed Pete follow-
three years later, Kepa is
bed filled with Dad’s surf-
ing the swell (for this bi-
taller, stronger, and has
boards, and 1st place tro-
The wave looks fast and
monthly magazine you’re
seen enough images and
phies. I’m crouched down
ing so special: consistently
expert only, yet Pete looks
holding in your hands),
videos and live sessions of
to Kepa’s level examining
moving forward and nev-
to have a resting heart of
and he said that “had it
Dad ripping. Pete, who
this impressive quiver of
theatlanticcurrent.com 27
CURRENTS
ACTION SPORTS
his, and Pete is standing in
in a print magazine, right?
ous answers, I’m realizing.
the background, beaming.
I can’t imagine starting off
Of course his dad is one of
in such a big…”
his favorite surfers. Earlier, Pete was telling me
“This one is a 4’ 4”.” “It was!” pipes in Ali. “It
about how Reef Road used
“What about the one you
was his first shot in a print
to break...before the sand-
showed me earlier?”
magazine.” Now at the
bars shifted. And when
dinner table, Pete reaches
talking about a fun, “per-
towards a stack of surf
fect” wave, Kepa stopped
magazines and pulls out
him mid-sentence, staring
Pete’s shaper - Todd Proctor,
the trophy: a copy of Surf-
him in the pupils.
of Proctor surfboards - has
er Magazine, which has a
made these boards for
photo of California’s Mav-
“You’re lying...” to which
Kepa, and given their size
ericks detonating into a
Pete smiled and responded
and weight, they resemble
golden but dangerous ex-
“nope. I’m dead serious”.
large, delicately crafted
plosion, with a hooded
“Oh that’s a 4’ 7”.”
I’m sure Kepa wants to surf like a pro, but he doesn’t
I’m sure Kepa wants to surf like a pro, but he doesn’t need that desire right now. Everything should be fun.
need that desire right now. Everything should be fun. I don’t want to give his subconscious reason to think about pressure, and his
kickboards, but with fins,
figure escaping through
favorite spot is wherever
leashes, stickers, wax and
the barrel on the cover.
his Dad is, wherever Mom
traction pads. Sponsors like
There’s identical issues
takes him, or some exotic
Nomad Surf Shop, Electric,
underneath it, and I notice
location that few his age
Freak Traction and others
that the stack is covering
have ever been to. Like
each have a space on the
up the cover of Pete’s own
Costa Rica.
foam, and one older look-
“Hell & High Water” photo.
ing board has a sharpie
I say goodnight to Ali and
drawn billabong logo
He flips to a creased page
Egan and bid safe travels
on the nose.
and there it is: an overhead
to Kepa and Pete, and
(for Kepa, double over-
step back into the night.
Kepa hands me a bright
head) blue barrel breaking
Instead of excitement,
yellow and newer looking
in sand with a tiny figure
humility fills the air.
board. This one has an
half covered up, half pok-
actual Billabong sticker
ing out the blue. The cap-
Two days later, I see on
planted on the right side
tion reads ‘Eight year old
social media that Pete and
of the nose.
Kepa Mendia, making the most of gromhood.’
“Tell him about the wave
Kepa are off to Costa. The take a before bed shower,
the lip, you’ll go end over
photo posted shows Pete,
Pete hands me the maga-
end and get a true taste
blonde hair and beard flow-
of the beach break.
ing, wearing a Billabong
you caught on that board,”
“That was Veteran’s Day. I
zine. “You see that? he says,
Pete says.
remember because he
pointing at Kepa’s hand
was off of school,” says Ali.
placement in the photo….or
Minutes later, Kepa is back
Shop hat, standing in front
“The wave that was in
Pete stands in the back-
lack thereof. “Look at that...
and his hair is wet and he
of the duo’s board bags.
Surfer Magazine...I was
ground, smiling.
no rail. I wasn’t doing that
looks even more tired. I
at 8 years old.”
wanted to ask him stan-
And beside him is Kepa,
dard journalist-like ques-
blonde hair alike and
riding this,” Kepa says shyly.
After this magazine photo
shirt and a Nomad Surf
hit the international news-
I wasn’t either, and I cer-
tions, like who is favorite
wearing a Billabong shirt
“You’ve seen the photo,
stands, Kepa scored yet
tainly don’t know if I’d
surfer is, if he wants to
with a Nomad Surf Shop
right? Pete asks, leading
another print segment in a
even paddle for the wave.
surf like a pro, and some-
hat. Of the many hashtags
me into the kitchen.
recent Eastern Surf Maga-
It looks like a typical Palm
thing about where he likes
written on the post, one
zine issue, and according to
Beach dredger: if you
to surf the most.
predictably sticks out of
“Absolutely! I say. “But that
Pete, there’s more on the
don’t drop in quickly and
wasn’t his first surf photo
way. When Kepa leaves to
immediately get under
28 theatlanticcurrent.com
the crowd. It reads: But all of these yield obvi-
#Billabongbloodlines.
CURRENTS ARTS
HOW I GOT
THE SHOT WITH TONY ARRUZA
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Tony Arruza is blessed to have a passion for his work and with this comes a commitment to perfection. While perfection is never attained the challenge remains and it is in this challenge that Tony blends his visual sensitivity, his compassion for humanity and his love for nature into images that captivate, motivate and inspire. There is nothing false about his images; rather they are true to the rhythm of life. Tony resides in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and has spent close to thirty years working professionally as a photographer for editorial and commercial clients. His fine art work is collected by both private individuals and corporate companies and has had numerous one-man shows at galleries throughout the region. He controls the entire print process from precise image capture to print making and framing. Nothing is spared in quality. Besides his devotion to photography Tony loves surfing, adventure travel, a good bottle of wine and working on his golf game and yoga. 30 theatlanticcurrent.com
r
ecently, while in
ers perspective, that is,
cans fly in as only my head
Southern California
from the water. More chal-
was above the surface of
working on a couple of
lenging, however, would be
the water but come they
surfboards for my 15 Surf-
to try and juxtapose them
did. It was then a matter of
boards by 15 Shapers proj-
with surfers and waves.
lining up the surfers and
ect, I kept noticing flocks of
One clear morning with
pelicans in one shot or,
pelicans flying over the
glassy head high waves at
even more difficult, lining
surf zone. Their graceful
Carlsbad beach I swam out
up a surfer on a wave with
glide over the surface of
to the breaking zone. I car-
the pelicans. Eventually a
the ocean using wind cur-
ried with me a Nikon D3s
few opportunities present-
rents and pressure gradi-
camera body with a 35mm
ed themselves and I was
ents has always mesmer-
f/2.0 Nikkor lens encased
able to capture them. Tech-
ized me and thought it
in a custom made SPL wa-
nically I shot on aperture
would be beautiful to pho-
ter housing. It was hard
priority with the aperture
tograph them from a surf-
seeing the flocks of peli-
set at f/6.3 and the ISO set at 200. Shutter speed, set by the camera, was 1/800 of a second. This is a beautiful image to me because it shows the three elements: surfer, wave and pelicans, demanding equal attention from the viewer though gladly letting the others bask in the moment. It’s about beauty, fun and coexistence. Â
CURRENTS
THE BITE
“
Offshore, on days with southeast winds it’s a great time for swordfish — go out to 1500-1800 feet of water and put your bait down on the bottom with a bonita belly or dolphin belly with a 150 foot leader and literally drag the bait along the bottom and the swordfish are very thick.
t
”
he months of Septem-
lot of people believe drift
out around 4 in the after-
Offshore, on days with
ber and October are
boats don’t catch many fish
noon, head down to the
southeast winds it’s a great
great times to fish in
— if you go where the drift
inlet and grab some
time for swordfish — go
South Florida. We
boats come in every day at
chum—some sardines
out to 1500-1800 feet of
finally get rid of the after-
12 and 5 o’clock and again
or ballyhoo and go out
water and put your bait
noon rain storms and we’re
at 9 or 10 o’clock at night
of the inlet into 60-90 feet
down on the bottom with
starting to get a lot of king-
you’d be shocked to see
of water and drift. You can
a bonita belly or dolphin
fish, the dolphin are defi-
how many fish they bring
catch several days’ worth
belly with a 150 foot leader
nitely still here, the blackfin
in. You can drift and catch
of meals for very little
and literally drag the bait
tuna are around and reef
yellowtail and mutton
money since the cost of
along the bottom and the
fishing is excellent. You
snapper, some mangrove
fuel is down about 50%.
swordfish are very thick.
have a wide variety of
snapper, and cobia, usually
choices of how to fish; most
around the full moon.
of the folks going out early
It’s also the time of year Also this time of year we
when we catch what we
start to see the annual
call a pumpkin swordfish
in the morning either catch
A lot of our customers here
migration of mullet and
which is a pink meat fish
or have live bait, and you
at Custom Rod and Reel go
bait fish on the beach. You
and we think they’re pink
can go out and catch a sail-
can stand on the beach
because they have a diet
fish in 90-120 feet of water
and see these mammoth
of squid and pink shrimp..
any day of the week. Mixed
GETTING READY TO BUY A ROD AND REEL?
schools of mullet heading
It’s important that you get the right rig, right line, and right gear in your tackle box. Visit Custom Rod and Reel and get expert, local advice. Call, email, or stop by. 954-781-5600 1835 NE 25th St., Lighthouse Point anreels@bellsouth.net www.antiquereels.com
in with the sailfish is a large abundance of kingfish and this time of the year you’ll find what we call smoker kings, anywhere from 20-40 pounders. They will bite goggle eyes, blue runners, bullet bonitas, and pilchards. But remember, you don’t have to live bait. You can go out and drift sardines, just like the drift boats. A
32 theatlanticcurrent.com
down the coastline and all
Snook season will be back
of a sudden they start to
open and you can keep one
shower –I call it “the great-
to eat. The mullet and bait
est show on earth”. You’ve
fish will also get up into the
got tarpon going through
canals and you can fish in
them and you can watch
your back yards; use your
the sharks literally surf
dock lights and you’ll see
down the waves with their
there’s plenty of fish around.
mouth open. Mixed in
It’s a great time of year for a
you’ll find jacks, and snook
wide variety of fish.
right at the edge of the surf, the barracuda are
Tight lines and good fishin’!
thick, and there’s also some bluefish.
By Tom Greene
THE REEL DEAL DO THESE THINGS TO KEEP YOUR REELS HUMMIN’ 1. When you come in, don’t wash your reels off heavily. SLIGHTLY MIST YOUR REEL AND ROD, WIPE THEM OFF,
and just let them dry.
2. Your reel handles, and your bale related parts tend to corrode the worst, so PUT A LITTLE BIT OF OIL OR CORROSION BLOCKS ON THOSE MECHANISMS. Do
not over-oil.
3. On spinning reels, take the spool off, reach inside and ADD A FEW DROPS OF OIL ON THE REEL SHAFT AND WIND IT and let the oil
go inside the reel. This will help prevent corrosion.
4. Try to avoid running with your rods and reels on the gunnel when it’s rough–raise them up to your overhead rod holders. If you have to keep them in the gunnels, USE ROD AND REEL COVERS UNTIL YOU GET TO YOUR FISHING DESTINATION. Photo: Perrin James
CURRENTS Q&A
Resort/Spring Collection Coming This December
www.poemaswim.com @poemaswim
Andrea de Abreu Photographed by Alessandra Fiorini
34 theatlanticcurrent.com
By Doug Fairall Photos by Ben Hicks
Five years ago, a brewing renaissance was born in a little tea and hookah bar in Boca Raton. Ryan Sentz, along with brother KC Sentz, moved their years old college-age-oriented lounge down the street a few blocks to formally begin the Funky Buddha Lounge and Brewery. “I still go back there and I’ll still help them brew
beer drinker it always bothered me when some-
on certain days,” Ryan tells me during an after-
one said a beer was going to taste like something
noon at their current 40,000 square foot Oakland
and then you had to really search for it. If we say
Park production brewery. “I’m not fully removed
we are brewing a ham sandwich beer, we want
from it, but it’s definitely weird to think that there
you taste the ham, rye, and mustard!”
are days here where we’ll brew the same amount that we brew all year there. If we’re lucky, we’ll
There has yet to be a ham sandwich beer from the
hit 200 barrels there, but we’ll do 180 barrels in a
brewery, but what has flowed out is nothing short
day here...it’s... mind boggling.”
of influential. Beers like Key Lime Berliner, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Randy’s Old Fashioned,
In 2010, Sentz and his brother opened up in
Veruca Snozzberry Gose, and Blueberry Cobbler
that small Boca Raton location with a 55 gallon
homebrew-like system. Back then his staff was
form just a small percentage of what the brewery
small and his customers were just getting into
experiments with in the recipe department.
craft beer. The explosive growth that we see today was just in its infancy in South Florida,
“My favorite thing is the recipe creation,” Sentz
and generally only the bigger craft beer brands
explains. “That’s my favorite part about it. Concep-
were readily available in the marketplace.
tualizing, and then seeing the end product. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s awful.”
He began brewing and focusing on interesting culinary-inspired beer styles. When Ryan com-
Sometimes it creates an international sensa-
mented to the Daily Beast earlier this year at the
tion. Take the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, a
Extreme Beer Festival in Boston, he said, “As a
beer that defines the brewery for a lot of
36 theatlanticcurrent.com
theatlanticcurrent.com 37
38 theatlanticcurrent.com
people. Created in the then primary brewing
distribution model to one with core bottled
facilities of the Lounge, MBCP (as it’s short-
flagship beers and a rotating seasonal selec-
ened to by the beer-geoisie) was created at
tion of some of those famously flavorful
just the right time in the exploding craft
brews. Though the new and improved Hop
beer movement in America. In an instant,
Gun IPA and Floridian Hefeweizen are solid
MBCP became the number one rated porter
in their style in their own right, the beer
on the beer rating site BeerAdvocate, while
geeks of the world will be gunning for the
the brewery itself was launched to the num-
seasonals, which will include the highly
ber 27 best ranked brewery in the world
rated Last Snow, a white chocolate and
according to commenters on RateBeer. No
coconut porter, as their winter beer.
small feat for a small brewery that wasn’t even open for 12 months.
Funky Buddha is a fluid place as well, and I’m not talking about the fact that they make beer, but the fact that the beer they make will change over time. “We’ve had guys here say ‘I think this [beer] would be better’,” Sentz admits. “[And] we’ve changed it. We’ve changed Hop Gun, and I think have made it better. We always look at it like, let’s taste it and see if can we make this better and how. There’s nothing that’s ever set in stone here. I want the best beer. It doesn’t matter if I made it 10 years ago or just made it now.” “Right now, I think the Hop Gun is tasting better than it ever has. It’s just... I love it.” Towards the end of 2014, the brewery entered into their next phase of evolution, transitioning from a strictly keg-only
theatlanticcurrent.com 39
One of the brewery’s most recent collaborations had the team work with craft beer royalty Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery, joining forces in brewing a beer that contained, among other ingredients, salt from the seashores from both brewery locations. The porter, previously called ‘NanoNano’ (an ode to each brewery’s small origins), is now called Cabotage, a term for inter-coastal trading between cities. “Someone on their side came up with that great name,” Ryan shared. ”Plus it sounds like Sabotage from the Beastie Boys, so we’re like, ‘Yep, that works too’.” This will be their second time brewing this beer with Sam from Dogfish Head, but Ryan still feels humbled to be a part of the big brewers in the industry. “You almost feel guilty sometimes. You see these guys who’ve been around for 20 years… it’s crazy that I’ve become friends with [them]. You definitely don’t feel worthy to be talking to these people, and you also feel like, these guys have put in work and did this before craft really was booming. We’re getting invited to a lot of these festivals and getting the notoriety, and a lot of it is because of those websites like BeerAdvocate and RateBeer that really weren’t as popular before, so they had a much more grassroots approach. We got heard about when we were on a 30 gallon system—that’s stupid. We’re like the Arctic Monkeys of craft beer. They didn’t even play a show and they had a million albums sold.”
40 theatlanticcurrent.com
As for the facility itself, there’s been a lot of growth, seemingly every week, when new multi-barrel fermenters get installed at breakneck speeds to keep up with demand. Still, there are avenues of growth in which the brewery wants to expand beyond simply beer capacity. When the brewery first opened, a lot of people were curious about why they didn’t have food, Ryan explained. It was because they wanted to concentrate, firstly and solely, on the beer. “Having a restaurant and doing food, especially if you wanted to be good, was a completely separate business.” He compared it to going to a really good restaurant and seeing a terrible wine and beer menu. It was something he wanted to avoid until the time was right. “It’s still a very casual place; you see people come in here dressed up, and people in shorts and sandals. And we didn’t want to change that,” he said. “Let’s make it a craft food counter, where it’s very casual too... We want to work out something where people can order from their phone, order from a kiosk. Good food, but hopefully more things that are more shareable. A permanent food truck inside.” If there’s one thing beyond food, beyond expansion, and beyond the fame that comes with creating such highly rated beers that Ryan wants to get back into, it’s moving away from the minutia of the day-to-day operations and “get back to being able to play around with it a little more, with recipes and trying to come up with some more stuff. That, and working hand-in-hand with Kevin at the Lounge and making that truly what we wanted it to be, which was a test kitchen. So it’s good for me, I can get back into creating again.”
theatlanticcurrent.com 41
HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY From 4-7pm and 9pm-close
A taste of our local food culture
TRUCKIN’
Parabas Grill
The k c u r t d o fo s i r e v takeo
P.S. 561
Out Of Many Photos: Kelly Coulson
[ STOMACHS, MEET YOUR MAKER: [
acos BC T
. W NO By Savannah Sheehan
theatlanticcurrent.com 43
MUNCH
TRUCKIN’ dogs attributes his initial
ery” which makes the nec-
success to taking a leap of
essary, traditional New
faith and introducing his
England style roll. This is
gourmet dogs to the gen-
not your basic Oscar Meyer
eral public at “the right
wiener. At P.S. 561 tradition
time.” At that time there
meets ingenuity with such
were only a few food
signature hot dog creations
trucks, mostly in Miami.
as the “Principal Ron”—
“We were one of maybe
named after Aaron’s friend
three gourmet trucks in
Ron— a choice of a stan-
the Palm Beach area,” says
dard ‘dog, turkey ‘dog, or
Aaron. But, P.S. 561 totally
veggie ‘dog, topped with
impressed patrons at the
goat cheese, bacon, and
first food truck event in
sweet BBQ sauce. The
2011 at the Boca Raton
“Doug E Fresh” parallels the
Boomers. Four years later,
aforementioned hot dog
“
His cuisine doesn’t require a mastery of kitchen skills, but Aaron has a PHD in hot dogs and simply knows what tastes great in synergy.
“
with bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, and 561 sauce. No detail goes unthought of when it comes to this food
P.S. 561
T
The hot dog
wheels devoted to the hot
stand, once an
dog. Born in New York
American tradi-
and living in the New
truck. The essence of the 80’s old school hip hop era
P.S. 561 can be found at
tion found on street cor-
England area until he was
the “Food Truck Invasion”
envelopes you upon ap-
ners throughout New
eighteen, Aaron moved to
on has a PHD in hot dogs
or sitting outside a local
proach. “It’s grass roots. It’s
York City, never seemed
South Florida with no
and simply knows what
office building.
not fancy, it’s fun,” Aaron
to translate well to the
conception that he’d one
tastes great in synergy.
tropical Floridian metro-
day own a food truck. But
Initially acquiring skills in
Aaron prides himself in
different hot dogs, which he
politan areas. That is un-
apparently he missed this
the food management
sourcing local, authentic,
creates on his own with no
til Aaron Merullo took
popular ball park, street
industry for ten years,
fresh products. One of his
plan of slowing down.
matters into his own
corner treat. His cuisine
Aaron, with the support of
secrets is his blissfully but-
hands and created P.S.
doesn’t require a mastery
his wife, along with his
tery buns that are bought
@ps561
561-- a 16 foot kitchen on
of kitchen skills, but Aar-
nostalgic interest in hot
daily from “Old School Bak-
www.ps561.com
44 theatlanticcurrent.com
states. P.S. 561 offers eleven
T
“To look into
Gaining his knowledge of
Scoti optimistic. There
lifted. He attributes his
me.” The menu, comprised
someone’s
the food industry from
were umpteen times when
success to “delivering
of what Scoti dubs “con-
twenty years of experi-
he shared that he had a
quality food and service.”
temporary street food,”
bite into something you
ence with Carmine’s, as
“plan B.” Despite the strug-
made for them, well, that’s
well as a Food Manage-
gle, Scoti chose to not be
With a foot in the door,
tion from crabcake sliders
very important,” beams
ment degree from
defeated in a drought of
and a grip on the industry,
and cheesesteak tacos to
food truck owner Scoti
Florida State, Scoti ulti-
popularity for food trucks.
Scoti and the
Sabatino. The tenacity and
mately sought an inde-
After being in business for
Parabas Grill
passion he has invested in
pendent lifestyle where he
three years, his morale has
attend food
Parabas Grill is apparent
could find solace in cook-
in the versatile, constantly
ing intimately for face-
evolving menu. There is
to-face customers. Business
no one genre Parabas falls
partner Tony Gutierrez
into. “I can do whatever I
funded Scott’s dream with
want,” Scoti shares, that
the purchase of their truck.
being one of the reasons
Even with the initial feat
he entered the business
out of the way, Parabas’s
— culinary freedom.
first year did not render
offers a wide-range selec-
PARABAS GRILL
truck gatherings anywhere from Miami to Port St. Lucie, as well as a medley of cater-
fish ‘n chips, as well as
ing opportunities. Parabas
sweet treats like coconut
Grill menu can change
rice pudding. This “arti-
drastically for their cater-
sanal project” is main-
“
There is no one genre Parabas falls into. “I can do whatever I want,” Scoti shares, that being one of the reasons he entered the business — culinary freedom.
“
eyes when they
ing events, including but
tained and executed by
not limited to shrimp and
Scoti Sabatino with kitch-
grits, bangers and mash,
en-aid from volunteers
and eggs benedict. Influ-
that maintain other pro-
enced by popular demand,
fessions in the field.
Scoti primarily delegates what to cook based off of
@parabasgrill
“fun stuff, that is fun for
www.parabasgrill.com
theatlanticcurrent.com 45
MUNCH
TRUCKIN’
O
Out of many? Out of what? Popular ques-
tions for food truck owner,
OUT OF MANYCAFE
Haiz Miller of Out of Many variety of customers to
bean twist” is the slogan
enjoy. Two worlds com-
for this Jamaican truck.
bine with entrees like cur-
The thought provoking
ry shrimp, jerk chicken
name is the “motto” of
with french fries, BBQ
Jamaica, “Out of Many,
wings, oxtail, and more.
One people.” The name
Oxtail is a very tough meat
allows Haiz to speak to the American-Jamaican community along with the general public. To initiate something unfamiliar does not always come with ease. The name serves as a hook for inquisitive peo-
“
“
Cafe. “Food with a Carib-
The thought provoking name is the “motto” of Jamaica, “Out of Many, One people.” The name allows Haiz to speak to the American-Jamaican community along with the general public.
to stray from the food truck get togethers, although they did participate in their early days. In like manner of the aforementioned food trucks, Out of Many Cafe caters upon request. Social me-
ple, and once their atten-
that Haiz braises for hours
became a chef at the Four
their fourth year in busi-
dia and word of mouth
tion is directed to the food,
until incredibly tender.
Seasons, but had an eye on
ness, when asked if he felt
incite this family owned
the food truck scene. He
fulfilled, Haiz responded,
business, and is the best
the transition becomes easier. The unknown is
Originally born in Jamaica,
noticed the surrounding
“When I cook for people
way to track down their
often a weary place to
Haiz moved to the UK to
trucks did not offer what
and they come to me and
enticing cuisine.
venture, and knowing this,
serve in the Army as a chef
he could, and so he and his
tell me it was good, I feel
Haiz has constructed his
until he found residence in
wife paved the way for Out
a high. I’m buzzin’ right
Facebook: Out of Many
menu to be versatile for a
Florida. In the States Haiz
of Many Cafe. Working on
now.” Out of Many tends
Cafe
46 theatlanticcurrent.com
A
America…the
his culinary skills. Starting
tinuously offer unique
and other local breweries.
would find on the truck,
land of fast
with a career in Food and
options. BC Tacos still ap-
They also frequent the
this location offers a more
Beverage management,
pease the masses with the
“Food Truck Invasion” as
extensive menu with inno-
net and fast food. But “fast
the incredible flavor of
familiar steak and chicken
well as other mega food
vative twists on mac n
food” has gotten a bad rap.
a fish taco sent Brett
tacos, but one of the pre-
truck gatherings.
cheese, grilled cheese, and
The word on the street is,
on a different vocational
mier sellers is the fried
“it is not healthy for us.”
path. He became infatu-
avocado taco, which Brett
BC Tacos boasts a perma-
the beloved American
New discoveries have been
ated with creating and
states “gets all the press.”
nent residence, dubbed
cookbook. Headed by Brett,
made that may say other-
preparing tacos. This fas-
Diving into its fifth year,
the “BC Café,” in Davie, FL.
the BC empire plans to
wise. Wow! Wake up,
cination fueled the inspi-
BC Tacos patrols the
On weekends it trans-
continuously grow.
America and smell the
ration for the BC (a clever
streets of South Florida.
forms to a culinary desti-
tacos! Sheknows.com says
combination of Brett’s own
They can often be found
nation. Alongside the
@BC_Tacos
B.C Tacos is “one of the
initials and his simplistic
outside of Funky Buddha
infamous staples one
www.bctacos.com
“
healthiest food trucks in
many more dishes from
approach) food truck.
B.C Tacos is “one of the healthiest food trucks in the US.” All for just three bucks a taco.
“
the US.” They roll out to the
These tacos do not resem-
streets and provide fast-
ble “traditional” Hispanic
food that tastes delicious
cuisine. BC Tacos diversi-
and is made with quality
fies themselves with their
ingredients. Plus, all for
“modern American twist.”
just three bucks a taco.
Their “gringo” style taco
“
cars, fast inter-
BC TACOS
menu was originally creHaving two chefs as par-
ated by Brett, but he con-
ents, BC Owner Brett Chia-
stantly collaborates with
vari “was raised in the
his team of twelve to con-
kitchen.” While most kids played with GI Joes and Legos, he quickly honed
theatlanticcurrent.com 47
SCENE ➼
6
Nightlife, events and more
BAR BUZZ ❘❘ SNAPS
CRAFT BEER BARS You Need To Visit by Doug Fairall
[ LASER WOLF ]
Situated in an older off-
and full of beer enthusi-
white stuccoed building
asts. Hipster? No, that
Chris and Jordan Bellus
with a clay tile roof, from
word’s retired now. These
have been slinging beers
the outside the place looks
are regular folk looking for
off Progresso Drive in Fort
straight out of Southern
some damn good beer,
Lauderdale since 2011,
California. On the inside, a
and that’s happening
where the brothers, along
cozy angled space with
at Laser Wolf.
with Pat Rothblatt, have
prominent bar and glass
managed to create some-
blocks give rise to an
The owners are notorious
thing special.
atmosphere that’s jerk-free
for coming up with an
Photos: Kelly Coulson
theatlanticcurrent.com 49
SCENE
➼BAR BUZZ appropriate spread of local and regional wares including Cigar City’s Cubano Espresso Brown, Stone’s Enjoy By, and Founders Devil Dancer. Don’t be fooled by the gleam of beers that are all the rage; they’re not afraid to show some of the PBR love either. While there is no kitchen on site, food trucks make it a frequent stop, so there’s usually an excuse to just hang out into the wee hours.
On the inside, a cozy angled space with prominent bar and glass blocks give rise to an atmosphere that’s jerk-free and full of beer enthusiasts. Hipster? No, that word’s retired now. Over the years they’ve won numerous awards, including nabbing a highlight on Draft Magazine’s list of America’s 100 best beer bars for 2015, a feat that put them in the company of only one other Florida bar. Even all of that national attention won’t change how things are done here, which is a good thing. Drink good beer, don’t be a jerk, enough said.
[ LION & EAGLE ]
not such a rare occasion that you’ll find patrons with their dogs enjoying a pint or two.
The decor is decidedly British, the televisions are always showing a match of association
Lion and Eagle also seeks to supply one of
football, and the beer is always flowing. That’s
the most robust can-centric lineups in the
the way things have been done at the Lion and
area, which, for fans of fresh beer, means
Eagle Pub for years. Nestled in one of east
that the good stuff will stay good for longer,
Boca’s many strip malls just north of 20th
and the risk of a light- struck bottle is out
Street, Lion and Eagle has slowly emerged
the window. Cans are cool.
In addition to the plethora of alcoholic beverages, the kitchen works day and night to pump out traditional pub favorites, which are welcome when tackling the sometimes all-too-high alcohol beers that breweries are putting out these days. as a craft beer haven after focusing on
In addition to the plethora of alcoholic beverages,
traditional pub beers for years. Now, Magners
the kitchen works day and night to pump out
and Guinness sit side by side with Funky
traditional pub favorites, which are welcome
Buddha Nib Smuggler and Oskar Blues Pinner
when tackling the sometimes all-too-high alcohol
Throwback Session IPA.
beers that breweries are putting out these days. Fish and chips, scotch eggs, and the all important
50 theatlanticcurrent.com
The change is welcomed by the local crowds
Full English Breakfast are a must-have when
who run the mix of European ex-pats to
faced with the quandary of filling your stomach
university students to local dog lovers. Yes, it’s
with something other than alcohol.
SCENE
CHEF PROFILE
RIVERSIDE MARKET ]
everyone’s an equal under the umbrella of a
If you aren’t looking for it, you’d never find it.
Food is available as well, from a surprisingly
What was once a run down convenience store in
well-stocked kitchen, and runs through the
the middle of the Riverside neighborhood in Fort
typical cafe-style menu items of sandwiches,
Lauderdale is now the epicenter of the craft beer
tacos, and some pretty badass pizzas.
[
enthusiasts world. Hundreds and hundreds of beers are stacked in over a dozen floor to ceiling refrigerators with every beer style imaginable in stock. From hefeweizen to gose to IPA to stout to barrel aged to fruited. It’s all there. And if it’s not, it’s probably super rare, and owners Lisa and Julian Siegel have it stashed away for a special release event. The open concept establishment, with tables
➼
good glass of well crafted beer.
Rich lawyers mingle with college-aged musicians who mingle with doctors who mingle with restaurant workers: it’s a vibe where everyone’s an equal under the umbrella of a good glass of well crafted beer.
and sofas taking up most of the space, is frequently jam packed with people making
And the kicker to all of this? It’s based on the
their way off the main streets of Las Olas and
honor system. You just grab your beer out of
Broward to find a bit of comforting solace.
the cooler, pop it open from one of the many
Rich lawyers mingle with college-aged musi-
hanging bottle openers, and swig away. At the
cians who mingle with doctors who mingle
end of the night, collect your empties and cash
with restaurant workers: it’s a vibe where
out. It’s almost like being at home.
“ theatlanticcurrent.com 51
➼
[ BREWHOUSE GALLERY ]
The bar itself features dozens upon dozens of taps (52 at last count) for beers ranging
When it’s time to relax and get slightly funky in
from traditional wheat beers like Bell’s Oberon
Lake Park, there’s no better place than Brew-
and blonde ales like Wynwood Brewing’s
house Gallery. The art gallery-slash-live music
La Rubia, to sour winter warmers like Jolly
venue holds its own as a source for incredible
Pumpkin’s Noel de Calabaza and special
craft beer in central Palm Beach County.
releases from all over the world such as Italy’s Brewfist Italian Ales. A vast majority
Described as “part eclectic hipster lounge, part
is sourced in-state, with some impressive
modern New York art gallery,” by owner and
showings from both Miami and Tampa
artist AJ Brockman, Brewhouse Gallery opened
Bay area.
to acclaim in 2014, helping to transform the arts district of Lake Park into a destination for
To complete the performance art piece, for
those seeking a bit of bohemian outside the
those who want a preview of what kind of
regular drags of West Palm Beach. It’s the place
crowd to expect when you travel out there,
to have a great beer and soak in an artistic vibe
the Brewhouse features a couple of live
without a wall of televisions, an atmosphere
cameras scattered about the space where
that is sorely lacking as of late.
digital voyeurs can get their thrills.
Photos: Nathan Hamler
52 theatlanticcurrent.com
SCENE
BAR BUZZ
➼
veterans in the food biz, having opened Gratify Gastropub in West Palm Beach, while having experience working for the Breakers in Palm Beach and Goose Island Brewing in Chicago. It’s this mix of experience that has put them to work to create somewhere that seems to come straight out of Asheville, North Carolina. There’s as much seating inside as there is out, in true South Florida fashion, and ends up
[
BEER TRADE CO. ]
being a gathering spot for locals about town. The selection is always on point. Recently featured beers included Terrapin Maggie’s
Half a block north of the main strip of ‘The
Blackberry Cobbler and Points Unknown IPA
Ave’ in Delray Beach, on NE 4th Avenue, lies
from Stone Brewery, Ecliptic Brewing, and
an unassuming building that houses a hot
Wicked Weed Brewing.
gathering place for beer drinking locals in
It’s a gathering spot in Delray Beach that won’t break the bank, especially for the 20-somethings that seem to call it home. It’s a perfect addition to the area that was much needed in Delray Beach.
southern Palm Beach County. The Beer Trade Company, which opened in 2014, serves up grab-from-the-cooler beer following the honor system code perfected by southern neighbors The Riverside Market, alongside decadent pub grub like the beer-marinated chicken wings, house-made roasted and stuffed jalapeños, and pulled pork sliders with
[ COFFEE DISTRICT ]
jalapeño red cabbage slaw. It’s a mix to whet
It’s a gathering spot in Delray Beach that won’t
anyone’s after work appetite.
break the bank, especially for the 20-somethings
Just north of Atlantic Avenue in eastern Delray
that seem to call it home. It’s a perfect addition to
Beach is a small 1,600 square coffee shop that
the area that was much needed in Delray Beach.
doubles as a craft beer bar. The coffee and tea
Owners Gene Playter and Chris Sanchez are
make up the bulk of the daytime operations, and when the sun sets Coffee District pours forth out of 18 curated taps and dozens upon dozens of bottles ranging from the simple 12 ounce bottle to bombers to 750 milliliters. Run by the charismatic Chung, who loves to share his knowledge and educate those willing to sit down and enjoy a glass of beer, Coffee District is a worthy stop on the beer trail of Delray Beach. For the longest time, Chung was one of the only establishments with a dedicated sour beer tap, rotating in and out of lambics, goses and other sour beers. He continues on that tradition in keeping an incredible array of uncommon kegs ready at a moment’s notice to replace another that kicks. With beers like J Wakefield Symbiote Black IPA, Barrel of Monks S’Tart, Lost Coast Great White, and Great Divide Chocolate Oaked aged Yeti, they’re bound to kick quick. It’s at Coffee District that locals seeking both kinds of buzz can easily transition from beer to coffee and not have to even leave their couch. It’s this unique atmosphere that sets Coffee District apart from every other bar on the Ave.
theatlanticcurrent.com 53
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➼SNAPS
Chef vs. Chef Weeks 9 & 10
Presented by Max’s Harvest
54 theatlanticcurrent.com
Photos: Kelly Coulson
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8/25/15 11:28 AM