NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 • ISSUE 19
Feeling and Painting
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ
Electric THE SPIRIT OF CHARM CITY
A LOOK UNDERNEATH THE BUN
JOSH DOUGLAS
PREPARATION MEETING OPPORTUNITY
TAP 42
THE MANY LAYERS OF CRAFT
PAPA’S RAW BAR
REMASTERS CEVICHE
Jupiter to Fort Lauderdale theatlanticcurrent.com
dive 2015
NOV.DEC
IN
WELCOME
Mural by Anthony Hernandez; Photo: Ben Hicks
TO THE ATLANTIC CURRENT
2 theatlanticcurrent.com
dive dive
IN CONTENTS
10
NOV.DEC 2015
10 19 22 28 35 45
Community Entrepreneurs, brush off your next big business idea, because Startup Weekend is hitting downtown West Palm Beach
Action Sports Preparation meets opportunity as local skater Josh Douglas looks to test his skills outside of South Florida
19
Arts Get a behind the scenes look at one of Jack Bates’ favorite images in this issue’s How I Got The Shot
Anthony Hernandez Meet one of the region’s most renowned artists and learn what has led to his continued success
22 28
M unch Take a look underneath the bun at one of South Florida’s most well know burger joints
S cene See how craft beer, food, drinks, and pure innovation layer together to deliver one of the best food and beverage experiences in our area
35 45
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 • ISSUE 19
Feeling and Painting
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ
Electric THE SPIRIT OF CHARM CITY
A LOOK UNDERNEATH THE BUN
JOSH DOUGLAS
PREPARATION MEETING OPPORTUNITY
TAP 42
THE MANY LAYERS OF CRAFT
PAPA’S RAW BAR
REMASTERS CEVICHE
Jupiter to Fort Lauderdale theatlanticcurrent.com
6 theatlanticcurrent.com
ON THE COVER
Anthony Hernandez and his ‘63 Lincoln Continental Location: Kennedy Mural in Downton WPB Photo: Ben Hicks
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
❘❘
Dustin Wright
Dustin@theatlanticcurrent.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danny Wright
❘❘
Dan@theatlanticcurrent.com
PUBLICATION DESIGN ID Creative
AD DESIGN Ivana Martin
PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Hicks ❘❘ bocaratonphoto.com Nathan Hamler ❘❘ nathanhamlerphotography.com Jack Bates ❘❘ jackbatesphotography.com Kelly Coulson ❘❘ kellycoulsonphotography.com Perrin James
❘❘
lastbreathfilm.com
SENIOR WRITER Cash W. Lambert
WRITERS Doug Fairall Savannah Sheehan Susanna Arntz Tom Greene
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.
8 theatlanticcurrent.com
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IN COMMUNITY NEWS & NOTEWORTHY
attorney with little technology background, launched her startup SmartCoos at a previous Startup Weekend in West Palm and is now generating revenue and working on her business full time. “Startup Weekend helped fuse the human element with the technology element and was instrumental in validating my idea,” says Mirta. “Over the course of the weekend, I was able to create a prototype and get tons of feedback.” It’s about solving problems that no one has solved and creating something new, starting from scratch. If you have an idea to launch a new venture or are interested in learning about entrepreneurship, this event is for you. Events spon-
STARTUP WEEKEND HITS WEST PALM BEACH By Chris Callahan
sors to date include Comcast Spotlight and the City of West Palm Beach. Media, public relations and legal sponsorship opportunities are available.
Entrepreneurship is a popular topic
build a team around it, then de-
sources from mentoring and
Startup Weekend will be held
of discussion these days; news
velop it over the weekend. This
funding to connecting founders
from November 20 through
headlines highlight multibillion
event is designed to help teach
with talent. Startup Palm Beach
November 22, 2015 in Downtown
dollar valuations of venture-backed
entrepreneurship, launch new
has contributed to this effort by
West Palm Beach. Startup Palm
companies that are disrupting old
ventures and connect aspiring
creating a platform that fosters
Beach (“StartupPB”) is an initia-
markets or creating altogether new
entrepreneurs with web and app
idea generation and validation
tive fostering entrepreneurship
markets with advanced technology
developers, potential co-founders,
while building a community in
in Palm Beach County through
and innovative business models.
service providers and investors.
which these entrepreneurs can
education, mentorship and
connect with one another.
funding initiatives.
Mirta Desir, a former civil rights
For more info, visit startuppb.com.
These startups’ success stories are fueling a fire of curiosity about how to become an entrepreneur and create the next billion dollar company. This fast rising popularity of startups and enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is causing a crisis; there are not enough resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Where do we begin? Behind every strong, successful
Startup Weekend is designed to help teach entrepreneurship, launch new ventures and connect aspiring entrepreneurs with web and app developers, potential co-founders, service providers and investors.
business, is a great idea. But how
South Florida is a thriving econo-
do you know if your idea is good
my with the potential to create a
enough to pursue as a new ven-
vibrant community of small busi-
ture? Startup Weekend is a 54-
nesses. Events like Startup Week-
hour accelerator where you enter
end help inspire people to start
with a fresh idea, pitch the idea,
new ventures and provide re-
10 theatlanticcurrent.com
SINCE 1968
4655 N. Ocean Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33435 561-272-2882
Happy Holidays W W W . N O M A D S U R F 1 9 6 8 . C O M
Custom Surfboar & SUP'S ds m great gif ake ts
dive
IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN
Pompano Beach Green Market
Bryan Smith and Mike M.
@ City Hall
@ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter
3rd Annual Fall Skate and Grind
The Congress
@ “505” Teen Center/ Hobbit Skate Park — Delray
7 Below—A Tribute to Phish @ Propaganda — Lake Worth
Delray—feat. The Motowners
The People Upstairs
The English Beat
@ Brogues — Lake Worth
@ Culture Room
Future Prezidents
An Evening With Yes
@ ER Bradley’s — WPB
@ Broward Center for the Performing Arts
7-8
You know and love this dude from his hilarious roles in Pineapple Express, This Is The End, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Office, and more. And now you can catch his standup act live at the Palm Beach Improv in West Palm. Visit palmbeach.improv.com for tickets and show times.
NOVEMBER 6
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion Delray — feat. Orange Sunshine (60’s covers)
Tinsley Ellis @ Funky Biscuit — Boca
12 theatlanticcurrent.com
7
ESA Palm Beach District Surf Contest — Jupiter
Leisure Chief @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
6-9
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Stand Up For The Cure Miami 2015 SUP Event @ Miami Yacht Club
Bachaco @ Stand Up For The Cure Event @ Miami Yacht Club
13
@ Square Grouper — Jupiter
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
@ Palm Beach Improv
@ Due South Brewing — Boynton
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion
Palm Beach County Flying Pigs BBQ Festival
27-29
Food Truck Thursday
Bushwood
7-8
Craig Robinson
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
4th Annual Delray Beach Wine and Seafood Festival
8
Detox Yoga @ Twister Trunk Brewery — PBG
8-22:
CANVAS Outdoor Museum Show @ WPB
Suenalo! @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
The People Upstairs @ Rhum Shak — Lake Worth
JP Soars and the Red Hots @ Bamboo Room — Lake Worth
14
FAU vs Middle Tennessee State @ FAU Stadium
Greg Hanson @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
11
The Congress
Badfish—A Tribute To Sublime
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Revolution Live
12
Uproot Hootenanny
Due South Brewery 50 Tap Takeover
@ Village Pump — Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
@ World of Beer — Wellington
Pho
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IN
EVENTS
22
WHERE & WHEN
Jupiter Farmer’s Market
Dubbest @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Harbourside Place — Jupiter
14-15
24
@ South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center
@ Due South Brewing — Boynton
Art in the Park
25
ARTNADO
15
Zac Brown Band @ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater
Bushwood @ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater Mazda VIP Lounge
17
18
@ 505 Teen Center — Delray
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
While it can be tough to track down your favorite food trucks at a time and place that works for you, the Food Truck Invasion makes it super easy to hit up a ton of your local favorites, all in one location. The event takes place from 5-9pm with a movie being played from 7-9pm. Visit pbc.gov for more info.
Brian Bolen @ Deck 84 — Delray
18
Food Truck Invasion and Family Night
20
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion —Delray—feat. B Street Band (Springsteen Tribute)
West Palm Beach Green Market
Spred the Dub @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
26
Dirty Bourbon River Show @ Lafayette’s Music Room—Jupiter
Dancegiving EDM Concert @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Daryl Hall and John Oates @ Hard Rock Live
28-29
16th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Thanksgiving Weekend Arts Festival @ Pineapple Grove
27
—Jupiter Beach
@ Due South Brewery
@ L.O.C.A.L.S. Party —JB’s on the Beach — Deerfield Beach
Vintage Iron Mororcycle Show, Jangle Leg
Spiritual Rez @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Bamboo Room — Lake Worth
19
Albert Castiglia
@ Abacoa Amphitheater — Jupiter
@ Pineapple Grove Arts District
Founders Brewhouse Spotlight—The Holidazed
The Helmsmen
28
29
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Pineapple Grove Tour
Craig Robinson
4th Annual Black Friday
ESA Palm Beach District Surf Contest Hope Fest 2015 feat: Dumpstaphunk, Fusik (playing James Brown), Boxelder, Uproot Hootenanny, and more
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
27-29
@ Waterfront Promenade & City Commons
Multi-cultural Fest
Food Truck Invasion and Family Night
@ Seminole Hard Rock
@ Palm Beach Improv
Ladies Day
@ Liberty Tree Park — Plantation
Daughtry
@ Brewhouse Gallery—Lake Park
@ Port St Lucie Civic Center
30-2
3rd Annual Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational
DECEMBER
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Treasure Coast Beer Festival
Resolvers
2
Old School Square — Delray Beach
Food Truck Invasion and Family Night
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
The Helmsmen
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
Machine Head
Nov 20-22:
@ Harbourside Place — Jupiter
Dank
Janiva Mangess
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
@ Downtown WPB
The Resolvers
@ Bamboo Room — Lake Worth
19-21
21
@ Eats n’ Beats — Parkland
Delray Beach Turkey Trot— 5K Run and Walk
@ Leftover’s Café — Jupiter
Spiritual Rez
Jeb Bush Florida Classic Sailfish Tournament 14 theatlanticcurrent.com
Startup Weekend
@ Anchor Park
3
The Helmsmen @ Leftover’s Café — Jupiter
Harper @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Culture Room
3-6
Damon Wayans @ Palm Beach Improv
100 Ft Christmas Tree Lighting—
4
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IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion
9
Delray—feat. Joel Dasilva and the Midnight Howl
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Fusik @ Guanabanas — Jupiter
Bobby McClendon
The Duppies
The Malah
Jamie Rasso
Uproot Hootenanny
@ Funky Buddha — Boca
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
@ Deck 84 — Delray Beach
18
Ladies Day
12
Hackensaw Boys w/ Uproot Hootenanny
ESA Palm Beach Surf Contest
@ Funky Biscuit -- Boca Raton
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion
— Lake Worth
Delray—feat. Wild Fire Band
Delray Beach Holiday Parade
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
9-13
5
Crest” Sailfish Series— Singer Island Sailfish Marin
22
@ Due South Brewing — Boynton
26
Zack Jones
West Palm Beach Green Market
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
@ Waterfront Promenade & City Commons
Bulletproof Stockings
Edwin McCain
Uproot Hootenanny
@ Culture Room
@ Funky Biscuit — Boca
@ Boston’s on the Beach — Delray Beach
Uproot Hootenanny
Pink Talking Fish
@ The Field — Davie
@ Revolution Live
27
14
Y100 Jingle Ball
@ Guanabanas — Jupiter
62nd Annual Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament
5-6
11
16
Food Truck Invasion and Family Night
19
—Veteran’s Park
Delray—feat. String Theory Band
@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater
@ Culture Room
17
Jason Soffer
@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB
@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
31
Pat Travers Band w/ special guests @ Funky Biscuit
The String Assassins @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
Moska Project
Delray Art League Artists in the Park
6
Operation Sailfish— 1st Leg of “Quest for the
10
Kung Fu w/ special guests Electric Kif @ Funky Biscuit — Boca
10-13
Free Friday Concert at the Pavilion—
Detox Yoga
Future Prezidents
@ Twisted Trunk Brewery — PBG
@ Blue Anchor Pub — Delray
Victor Wainwright
13
(Home Game)
Dolphins vs Giants
@ BB&T feat. 5 Seconds of Summer, Demi Levato, and more
(Home Game)
Leon Russell
Pineapple Grove Tour @ Pineapple Grove Arts District — Delray
Wonderama
Dolphins vs Ravens (Home Game)
Photo: Jim Arbogast
Sailor Jerry Presents: An Evening w/ Lucero @ Culture Room
Uproot Hootenanny @ Swank Farm Kickoff Dinner — Loxahatchee
8
Blue Man Group @ Kravis Center
Ladies Day @ Due South Brewing — Boynton
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29
JJ Grey & Mofro
@ Lafayette’s Music Room
Lafeyette’s Music Room has been putting on some great shows lately, and this one is no exception. Be ready to groove to the southern rock, soul, funk and blues that JJ Grey & Mofro does oh so well. And lucky for us, they’re playing two nights. Visit lafayettes.com for tickets.
Dolphins vs Colts Resolvers @ L.O.C.A.L.S. Party @ JB’s on the Beach — Deerfield Beach
29-30
JJ Grey and Mofro
Billy Joel @ BB&T
@ Lafayettte’s Music Room — WPB
New Year’s Eve Celebration
FAU vs Florida State
@ Funky Biscuit feat. Albert Castiglia & John Ginty
—Men’s Basketball Sunrise
Saltwater Brewery Anniversary Party
20
Jupiter Farmer’s Market @ Harbourside Place
SS Francis @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park
The Dan Band: Unplugged and Up Close @ Palm Beach Improv
First Night In Downtown Delray Beach New Year’s Eve Party @ Respectable Street — WPB
New Year’s Eve Party @ Honey — Delray Beach
Innovators & entertainers that move our community
ACTION SPORT
ARTS ❘❘ THE BITE
JOSH DOUGLAS
Preparation Meeting Opportunity By Cash W. Lambert
j
osh Douglas has calculated the risk and he thinks that it’s a risk well worth taking: moving. Going for it. Betting on himself. At least for a month or two.
It’s a frequent pilgrimage conducted by South Florida action sport athletes: spending time in California to see first hand the industry on steroids. The competition. The cameras, the lights, the action. And how the skills you possess measure up. Which is why Josh is leaving the safe confines of home in South Florida. If you’ve never met him, you can find his presence frequently at local contests, Ramp 48, and the skate park in West Boynton Beach. And he’s made his name in the area, with sponsors such as Island Water Sports, Lakai, Ramp 48, Thundertrucks and Spitfire. And today, because I asked, 19-year-old Josh is looking back at the preparation that has led to this opportunity. But just for today, because the past is nostalgia and he’s too young and free to be thinking about such for too long.
Photos: Nathan Hamler
theatlanticcurrent.com 19
“I was born in Maryland and moved to Florida when I was around 9,” he says. “I didn’t skate in Maryland. Not too much of a scene there. When I did come down to Florida, to Boca Raton, it was kinda like culture shock, there’s this real good surf and skate culture and I wasn’t too familiar with that. So I wanted to take part in skating. I saw Lords of Dogtown, and was really hyped on it around age 10. I really wanted to skate. I found a good group of kids to skate with, and when I moved here everyone was better than me. I needed to progress to keep up with what they were doing. We started filming, that led into contests.” “It sounds like you found a core group of friends in the scene, and that can be hard to come by.” “Yeah, it’s not discriminatory,” he says. “Everyone gets along because we all share the same passion.” “What are some things you’ve taken away from contests in our area?” I ask. He begins without pausing: “To not stress over it, over contests. Normally skating…it’s really natural, it’s a feeling and you don’t have to think too much. It’s all based on muscle memory. If you go to contests and you’re stressed out, worried about the judges... it’s not going to help at all. The more fun you’re having, the more it will translate onto the board. You don’t have to stress and you usually won’t do good if you do stress. I have fun with friends, and just be free and loose. Not even worrying about where you finish too, because it will come down to who put in the most work when you’re not at the contest.” “It’s obvious that South Florida does have it’s limitations within the skate scene. Do you think these have hampered you, or in a sense made you?” I inquire. “Kids will get into it here and you’ll see who really likes it, you know? You can go to a skate park one year and come back the next year and see the ones who are actually passionate. Kids get
20 theatlanticcurrent.com
Currents
Action Sports
so many kids trying to go big. If you want to be professional, you have to really want it. There’s so many kids that are saying ‘sponsor me, sponsor me’ and because I care about it as much as I do, I want to make a living at it. So I like to skate switch, because when I was growing up my parents would see my shoes, and one would be super ripped up and the other perfect, so I would skate switch to make my shoes last twice as long. And my parents help out whenever they can, they’re supporters. They’ve been helping me save up all my contest winnings in order to do the trip.” Josh has seen and skated well in pressure filled situations, and he’s been west before. But this time, although it’s yet to be written what he will feel at select moments, he talks calm and he talks prepared. That’s why we’re talking about him, and why we can’t wait to see what comes of it.
I like to skate switch, because when I was growing up my parents would see my shoes, and one would be super ripped up and the other perfect, so I would skate switch to make my shoes last twice as long.
good in other places so quick be-
86 degrees but feel like 106.
cause the weather is incredible...
Whether you like it or not, it’s a lot
they can try for 3 years and be as
tougher to skate here.” He laughs.
good as someone here who tries
“I’m trying to film a trick and 6
for 4 or 5 years. And a lot of it de-
tries in I’m soaking in sweat.”
pends on drive. Kids here that are
passionate about it are going to be
“And all of this has now led to you
more driven to push themselves
heading out to California for a month
through adversity than other plac-
or two to size up that scene,” I say.
es where things are candy coated.
Here, skating in humidity...it’ll say
He continues: “Nowadays there’s
theatlanticcurrent.com 21
CURRENTS ARTS
HOW I GOT
WITH JACK BATES
THE SHOT
i
n an underwater natural environment the most
important factor to nailing the shot is visibility. The second most important factor is always lighting. My favorite photographs come in soft sunlight, eliminating harsh shadows and highlights. I wanted an interesting foreground and background to really bring drama to the image. On this particular day the sun was far from soft and there was not a cloud in the sky. We chose a bridge with underwater pilings that allowed me to manipulate the harsh light to my taste. I positioned my angle to shoot through the pilings under the bridge which allowed me to capture a direct light upon Crystal’s face at 15 feet deep. She was a natural in the water, holding
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Jack Bates began his career as a professional photographer 3 years ago, after graduating from the University of North Florida. Bates combines his love for nature, art, and people to create his Portfolio.
her pose for up to a minute. The fire coral along the walls of the pilings were not helping because the current was ripping and the only way to stabilize myself was to position my body up against
CAMERA BODY: NIKON D810 LENS: NIKON 24MM 1.4G WATER HOUSING: NAUTICAM W/8.5 INCH DOME SHUTTER: 1/2500TH SEC. F/2.5, ISO 50 LOCATION: JUPITER, FL
the piling. We tried for this shot at least 5 times until I saw this one through my frame.
22 theatlanticcurrent.com
CURRENTS
THE BITE
t
he last few months
being goggle eyes, pil-
we’ve had a large,
chards, or bullet bonitas.
unusual migration
Fishing for sailfish is very
of bait fish; mullet, pil-
easy in South Florida and
chards, and sardines. The
you’ll find them in 80-120
tarpon run and the snook
feet of water and the best
fishing have been red hot.
bite will be early in the
The rainy season was late
morning or late afternoon.
this year so fishing moved back a few months. As of
The other thing that has
now, everything has
really increased over the
cleared up, the weather is
last five years is the
much better, conditions are
amount of wahoo that
better, and everything is
come here. It used to be
starting to look very good.
that people would believe we’d just catch wahoo by
In the November-January
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
accident, and now these
time of year we have a
same guys are wahoo ex-
eryone thought you had to
large number of sailfish
perts. For wahoo, watch
go to the Keys to catch wa-
and other small boat tour-
your moon---2 or 3 days
hoo; we know they’re here
naments from Stuart
before the full moon, on
now, and we know how to
down to the Florida Keys.
the full moon, and 2-3 days
catch them, so if you pre-
You have a large army of
afterwards, around the
pare correctly you can go
small boats going out to
inlets on an outgoing tide
out and get one almost any
catch bait at night and in
is very good, and go a little
day of the week.
the morning, preparing for
deeper as the wahoo tend
the Friday-Saturday fish-
to stay in 150-250 feet of
One final thing that happens this time of year is the
“
In the past year we’ve seen wahoo caught up to 90 pounds.
”
migration of the big, fat swordfish that move in during the nighttime and daytime, and we start to catch what we call pump-
ing tournaments. But for
water. If you go out and
kin swordfish that are
the weekend warrior it’s a
troll around and see bait
bright orange or almost
great time to go fishing. If
fish skipping you’re prob-
red. The meat is so good,
you work all day and can
ably seeing bullet bonitas.
and we believe it’s the
get out at 3:30 or so, head
If you see this you know
shrimp migration---the red
out of the inlet and anchor
you’re in the right area, and
and pink ones---and the
up in 40-60 feet of water
you can troll artificials, troll
swordfish gorge on that,
and bottom fish for king-
your lures, catch live mul-
and squid. Fishing is very
fish and snapper, and you
lets and put them back out
good in November and
can still find dolphin.
and it’s not uncommon to
December, so give us a call
catch 2-3 wahoo in the
and ask questions when-
But it’s the elusive sailfish
30-60 pound range. We’ve
ever you need assistance.
that everybody wants. For
seen in the past year wa-
sailfish, you see a lot of kite
hoo caught up to 90
fishing; drifting with live
pounds. The joke about
bait with the bait of choice
this is, 10-15 years ago ev-
WATERS ARE STARTING TO GET MORE CROWDED, AND TOM OFFERS UP THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS:
24 theatlanticcurrent.com
GETTING READY TO BUY A ROD AND REEL?
Tight lines and good fishing.
By Tom Greene
It’s starting to get dark a little earlier, so be careful coming in and out of the inlets. With an incoming tide, the inlets are calmer; outgoing tides the inlets are rougher. So, understanding the tides is very important. Coming into the inlet where you have large ground swells, be on the lookout for kayakers and small boats—on the backside of the waves these guys can be in the trough and you’ll never see them. If you are on a smaller boat, always have a blinking light and a flare. Photo: Perrin James
20,000+
POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ARE READING THIS ISSUE CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE theatlanticcurrent.com
info@theatlanticcurrent.com | 561-383-0035 ext 101
CURRENTS
Jypsea local x resilient apparel Q&A
THE MAHI COLLECTION
FIND US ON:
26 theatlanticcurrent.com
28 theatlanticcurrent.com
Feeling and Painting
Electric
You’ve seen ANTHONY HERNANDEZ’s paintings and you’ve seen his murals. Look close enough and you can even spot his Cuban roots. But what you can’t see is that his motivation is tied to a certain gratefulness, and here’s why that’s reflected in every work. It’s 1pm on a Friday, and I’m not sure who is
paintings without any interruption”.
dressed better: Anthony Hernandez or Robert
By Cash W. Lambert Photos by Ben Hicks
Plant. We’re standing in Anthony’s soon-to-
Anthony himself is dressed quite well: longsleeve
be-studio in the outskirts of West Palm Beach,
red shirt covering arm length tattoos, ironed
and there’s a handful of construction workers
jeans, a pure white wrist watch and clean Con-
laying down wood, machines and dust litter
verses. His full length beard is perfectly groomed,
the floor, and he’s casting me the vision: this
and his smile brightens the already sunlit room.
is a “getaway” where he can “work for days on
His smell even emits a sense of...class.
theatlanticcurrent.com 29
performance, mouth wide, electrified with bright, dripping colors. His long, curly hair is flowing down to his shoulders, where his unbuttoned shirt is hanging on his skinny frame. “This guy was a god-like figure, man,” says Anthony, smiling. “In the 80s, you have to understand that this music was illegal to hear in Cuba. These guys came out in what the 60s? 70s? It came out unWhen I first entered the house
derground that much later there…”
minutes ago, he apologized for the “mess”, and then apologized for
“So you’re originally from Cuba?”
not having many paintings on dis-
I ask.
play, because he had just “shipped off a batch of 16 to Los Angeles.”
“I lived there until I was 12 years old,” he responds. “I had fam-
But he does have a few in the
ily members become political
room. And towering in front of
prisoners, and my mom said ‘hey
us is a canvas twice our size with
we can no longer live here... no
Robert Plant — the famed lead
freedoms, no liberties’...I was 12
singer for Led Zeppelin known
and if I turned 14 there I’d have
for his rock-god status — crowing
to go into the military...so I left.
into the microphone during a live
Haven’t been back since.
“I lived there until I was 12 years old … and if I turned 14 there I’d have to go into the military... so I left. Haven’t been back since.
30 theatlanticcurrent.com
Yes, Anthony dresses as well as
successful real-estate agents in the
those you see in the pages of GQ
nation as well as West Los Angeles,
and yes, he does have a Latin
the brothers also lay claim to their
accent, but you’d never guess
own television show: HGTV’s hit
that he experienced oppression
‘Million Dollar Listing’.
for any amount of time given his warm personality.
Anthony says he is working on another batch of 24 - hence the
And I certainly didn’t guess the
rush to get his new art retreat
power of his connections. A few
prepared - but his work isn’t
days earlier, when I first contacted
isolated to Los Angeles; he’s a fre-
Anthony about an interview, he
quent in our South Florida scene
sent me a video of a gorgeous
for oil and acrylic paintings on
mansion for sale in the prestigious
canvas, along with murals.
The expansive painting that you can’t miss when exiting I-95 on Okeechobee Road: a baby holding a colorful puzzle piece, surrounded by multiple other puzzle pieces: his tribute to a family member with autism.
neighborhood surrounding the famed ‘Hollywood’ sign in Los An-
Like the one outside of Camelot
geles. The video pans from a blue
in downtown West Palm Beach of
lit pool to a green lit jacuzzi and
John F. Kennedy’s face, wearing
through decorated bedrooms built
sunglasses with the Palm Beach
for the 1 percent, and when it pans
skyline colorfully reflecting out of
through one of the main dining
his glasses. Or the expansive paint-
areas, there on the wall are several
ing that you can’t miss when exiting
of Anthony’s paintings.
I-95 on Okeechobee Road: a baby holding a colorful puzzle piece, sur-
He’s tight-lipped on who is interest-
rounded by multiple other puzzle
ed in the house, but it sounds like
pieces: his tribute to a family mem-
someone who has celebrity status
ber with autism. Even the Wine
in multiple industries. And the
scene on Fern Street in the same
real estate company showing the
area, and a “giant” mural “coming
house too is watercooler discus-
soon” on Datura and Olive.
sion. The company is none other than the Altman Brothers, who in
And countless other showings and
addition to being some of the most
exhibitions of his electric works.
theatlanticcurrent.com 31
32 theatlanticcurrent.com
We’re still standing in front of
“Got a water bottle, and I
Robert Plant’s live performance,
mimicked the rain.”
and the construction crew is getting rowdier. He raises the sleeve on one
He pauses to wince at the
arm, revealing a specific tattoo...
sound of a construction machine coming to life for
...“Is a picture my mom took of
a few seconds.
me. It was 1979. I was building a Cuban scooter made of wood. It
“I just stand on a ladder. Some-
was originally a photo she took of
times I’ll rush out into the rain if
me, and then I painted it. She didn’t
I don’t have water on hand and
want me to sell the painting... a
leave it out there, then I get the
48 by 60, so I tattooed it on.”
drips where I want them.”
“The color...the color comes at the moment, you know? It’s not planned. I love that tropical feel, I’m from Havana...it gives it life. “That Cuban history...puts the painting into a completely different perspective,” I say. “I had older cousins who had tapes and snuck in videos of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix,” he continues. “It was anti-communism. It was forbidden. A Canadian tourist one time
been something you’ve
and progress and grow as
gave me real cheap headphones
enjoyed?”
an artist. Some colors really calm me, you know? And
and I never had any before...I was young, but at the time I could lis-
“It’s always been there,” he re-
some say ‘hey you were
ten to something and nobody else
sponds. “When I was young, my
wrong about me…’”
could hear it. Crazy, man. These
mom says that I was wild, man
guys...these guys are inspiration.”
and the only thing that helped
Anthony winces again as
was when she would lay down a
another machine kicks up a hid-
I take a few steps closer to the
couple of pencils and paper on
eous noise, and after more talk
canvas.
the ground. I’d be there for hours
about his next batch of paintings
drawing and painting.”
to be sent West and Canvas WPB
“How do you decide which color “The texture…” Anthony roars
to use?” I ask.
back to life. “I love the texture on
(which he calls “a shot in the He pauses, still staring at
arm” for our art scene), I bid him
this. You’re not gonna damage it -
“The color...the color comes at
Robert Plant. Then continues:
farewell and step into the thun-
touch it, touch it!”
the moment, you know? It’s not
“I’m trying lately to stay away
dering South Florida afternoon.
planned. I love that tropical feel,
from black.”
I drag my hand across.
One thing about my paintings “See? It has body. It has texture…”
The door behind me closes and
I’m from Havana...it gives it life. “Why?”
humidity quickly fills the void where color, warmth, style and
like I said is that you can touch it, enjoy it. You can see all the
“In nature there is no black... it’s
creativity used to be. And on
There’s dried yellow and orange
drips…” he drags his hand across
a figure of us catching darkness.
my drive home, ebbing through
and blue and green water drops
Robert Plant’s stomach… “and
There is no true black in real life.
I-95 traffic and then through
that drip down the entire canvas.
here look it’s a bug that got
I’ve been substituting the black
downtown West Palm Beach, it’s
caught when it dried.”
for darker blues, trying to stay
impossible to miss three of his
away from that and use colors to
aforementioned murals electrify-
I look for myself, and he’s right:
create the whole image I want.”
ing the buildings of the area. But
“Thank you, man. Thank you so
a tiny bug is sitting in a coffin-
now knowing the story of their
much,” he responds.
like drip.
He continues: “And I was not a
creator, they each take on a mag-
big fan of blue for a long time.
nified importance and I have to
“I really like it,” I say.
“How did you get it to streak
“When did you start drawing
I’m constantly changing my style
stop and survey each one again.
like this?”
and painting? Or has it always
along with the way I do things
Chances are you will too.
theatlanticcurrent.com 33
Super freSh Super convenient
pApA hug hie ’ S S e A foo d w or ld
In 1976, Joy and Hugh Ganter opened Seafood World. After many years in the Bahamas, we had a clear ideal of the kind of restaurant we wanted and that focus has never changed. We serve the freshest seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where recipes are simple and tasteful. Sauces and spices enhance, but don’t overpower the seafood. That was 1976. Today, Joy and Papa Hughie’s still offers the same fresh seafood. Come join us as we start to celebrate the next 40 years.
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MUNCH A taste of our local food culture
RESTAURANT BIO ❘❘ DISH ❘❘ BITES
The Spirit of Charm City: A look underneath the bun By Savannah Sheehan
t
he Hillsboro Square shopping plaza immerses you in a
mouth-salivating aroma that quickly awakens your appetite. Following the smell to a small building puffing with smoke, you witness the flocks of people entering the deceptively limited area. Upon entering you see the line
Photos: Nathan Hamler
theatlanticcurrent.com 35
MUNCH
RESTAURANT BIO
forming out towards the front door and immediately wonder, “What am I missing out on?” Now you’re hooked, if not for the smell then for complete curiosity and bewilderment. You’ve entered a new world, filled with personified food and a local
a plethora of South Floridians and transients visit daily, dubbed Charm City Burger Co.
“
“
hot spot feel. A world
We wanted a look you couldn’t put a time period on in order to mesh worlds together. We wanted to create a make believe world within itself. A world that is edgy without offending anyone.
The classic burger joint--
years, offering an urban-
was solid—an epic propri-
fed through advertisements.
ing but not limited to, the
an American sentiment,
style venue to the beach
etary blend created by Chef
“We wanted to do every-
unfrozen meat, produce,
but to owners Evan David
community. The E&M duo
Mike Saperstein consisting
thing the grass roots way,”
ice cream and dairy prod-
and Mike Saperstein,
sought to offer an experi-
of Chuck, short rib, and
Evan shared. “We didn’t
ucts, and of course, the
Charm City was purposed
ence where all walks of life
beef brisket. With an award
want who we were up for
local artisan buns. Fresh
to be much more. Center-
could resonate with the
winning burger heeding
interpretation.” In order to
has an over-played feel to
ing their focus on being
atmosphere in their own
the dream, the develop-
accomplish this ideal, every-
it. Everything is fresh, but
specialized to a contradis-
individual way. In other
ment of Charm City’s motif
thing in the store had to be
what does that mean? For
tinctive caliber, the objec-
words, (Evan’s words) “We
became a gradual and con-
quality, locally sourced, and
Charm City, it’s the purest
tive was to create and em-
wanted a look you couldn’t
stant work in progress.
made to order; the adage
ingredients prepped,
body an authentic burger
put a time period on in
Mike and Evan knew their
being “slow food fast.” Seems
cooked, and presented to
joint that could not be eas-
order to mesh worlds to-
vision could not be fabri-
paradoxical… quick service
you with hard-working
ily defined. One that em-
gether. We wanted to cre-
cated instantly or spoon
with made to order burgers
hands of familiar faces.
braces the local Deerfield
ate a make believe world
that are each cooked to cus-
Upon speaking with Evan,
Beach vibe integrated with
within itself. A world that is
tomer specifications in just
he stated “everything is
pop culture trends, innova-
edgy without offending
five to eight minutes? All
made for us by us, nothing
tive food culture, as well as
anyone.” The foundation
doubts aside, that is the op-
is a generic product,” this
eration, and it thrives.
being the attention to de-
historical trends that have
tail Charm has continu-
permeated through the Working with a scratch
ously consummated since
kitchen calls for an exuber-
it’s opening in 2008.
ant amount of prepping
36 theatlanticcurrent.com
along with fresh ingredi-
A restaurant cannot ad-
ents delivered daily, includ-
equately adopt a persona,
The ‘Redneck’ gives the ‘Cowboy’ a run for your money, by consisting of similar ingredients with a different twist. The ‘Redneck’ is accompanied with smokey BBQ sauce, honey mustard, thick cut peppered bacon, cheddar cheese, and an Onion ring topper.
theatlanticcurrent.com 37
MUNCH
RESTAURANT BIO
or become a lifestyle without reaching the first line of customer-- local South Floridians. One angle Evan and Mike approached was acquiring a staff that could relate to the customer. Such a character would know or reside in the community, be able to develop connections with customers, and represent the unique framework that is Charm City culture. In order to become “the community’s restaurant we needed to embrace the community.” Embracing the local community rendered Charm City the opportunity to unleash an entirely new way to dine in the area. Upon entering Charm City, you are rushed with a warming confusion of surrealism. There are murals on the walls, placing each foodrelated character in a world of their own. It takes a moment to digest ( no pun intended) all of the small details that bring this alternate world to life. The subtleties from the innuendos in the menu to the old school signage emanate a whimsical sensation, as if you were entering a restaurant that had never experienced the flux of time. The effort put forth into the setting translates into the food. Each item on the menu has an identity and a coinciding cartoon, for instance a fan favorite deemed the ‘Cowboy Style’ comes toppling with cheddar cheese, thick cut peppered bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms, and of course, charm sauce. The ingredients compli-
38 theatlanticcurrent.com
ment the persona. The
been liquefied and poured
other business conquests.
Burger Beast—a South Flo-
humble ‘hippie’ burger is
into a sixteen ounce cup
Having studied at Johnson
ridian food blog and
house-made out of black
ready for the taking.
and Wales in Miami, Chef
founder of ‘The Burger
Saperstein has honed
Battle.’ Charm City has
beans, oatmeal, and mushrooms, a purest ideal
Charm City is one of three
years of experience at a
won Best Burger in the
matched with a hearty
concepts within the busi-
multitude of restaurants
Burger Battle for years
including, Café Maxx in
2009, 2012, and 2014. In
Pompano Beach, FL. There
2012 Charm City also
he worked his way to head
gained the title of Best
Chef. All burger creations
Burger in the River Walk
have been actualized by
Burger Battle III. One year
Chef Saperstein, but the
later, Charm added Best
core formula to Charm’s
Burger Joint to their award
rate of success and con-
collection, which was re-
tinuous growth lies in the
ceived from the River
quality of the food and the
Walk Burger Battle IV. The
ness group E&M Munchies
speed in which it is deliv-
aforementioned awards
ents. With such emphasis
Corporation. As Charm
ered. Although there are
only scratch the surface of
on every other facet of the
developed and became
some distinctions in each
the honors and praise
establishment, Evan and
sustainable, Mike and
of their roles, both owners
Charm City has received.
Mike did not want to limit
Evan ventured out and
conduct their businesses
Although Charm City is
the menu to solely burg-
subsequently opened El
as a full partnership.
the name everyone knows,
ers. They decided to create
Jefe Luchador and later,
a little drama within this
The Rebel House. Charm
Nearing its seventh year in
are afforded to Evan, Mike,
world by introducing
City was their “low risk”
business, Charm City has
and the incredibly devout,
chicken sandwiches that
endeavor. Given neither
accrued many accolades, a
hard working staff; who
pack some heat. The ‘Red-
Mike nor Evan had previ-
number of which have
uphold the essence of any
neck’ gives the ‘Cowboy’ a
ously owned a quick ser-
been awarded by The
burger joint, the food.
run for your money, by
vice restaurant; they were
consisting of similar ingre-
able to build Charm with
dients with a different
creative freedom, afford-
twist. The ‘Redneck’ is ac-
ing them the opportunity
companied with smokey
to “think outside the box,”
BBQ sauce, honey mustard,
and observe the course it
thick cut peppered bacon,
took. Given the flexibility
cheddar cheese, and an
to experiment and grow
Onion ring topper-- con-
with the restaurant, they
sisting of two onion rings
later paved the way to
Embracing the local community rendered Charm City the opportunity to unleash an entirely new way to dine in the area. Upon entering Charm City, you are rushed with a warming confusion of surrealism. round-up of ingredi-
these accomplishments
stacked atop the sandwich. The options are vast, and can all be washed down with a lil’ piece of heaven-a hand spun milkshake. The American dream has
theatlanticcurrent.com 39
MUNCH
DISH
[PAPAS RAW BAR [
Remastering Ceviche: Go for the food and stay for the party.
n
by Savannah Sheehan
and be Local,” but with the Raw Bar, the word “local” is not simply a description of the clientele. Everything that is brought into and goes out of the restaurant is locally sourced. The Ganters own fishing boats in the Bahamas; this supplies the restaurants with fresh, overnight Conch and Stone Crab. Christopher Ganter (Troy’s brother) traverses to Miami
estled along
interchangeably. With
every day to acquire whole
the bustling
such an ideal location, the
fish. “We do not buy filets.
fish-literate-- Wahoo is a
derness of the fish is made
Federal High-
Ganters did not waste any
We buy whole fish. We like
prize game fish, found in
notable by the simplicity in
way in Lighthouse Point,
time, thus legitimizing
to see the eye color, the
tropical and subtropical
the sauce while the subtle
Papa Hughie’s Seafood
their new business, Papa’s
bloodline. Each fish has to
seas. Wahoo can be used
spice is indicative of tradi-
World stands out as a bea-
Raw Bar. The menu started
be an A+,” states Troy. The
for all three styles of cevi-
tional ceviche. By imple-
con for delicious, quality
small, allowing room for
integrity of the seafood is
che the Raw Bar has to of-
menting these non tradi-
seafood. Entering their
growth. Quickly, however,
of paramount significance
fer, which include: ‘Carla’s
tional dishes, Papa’s Raw
40th year in business, Sea-
Papa’s Raw Bar adopted a
to the Ganters and they go
Peruvian, Jess’ Jalapeno, or
Bar is able to maintain a
food World’s popularity
wide-ranging clientele,
to every extent in order to
Skip’s Wahoo. The latter
fun, innovative, and cre-
continues to grow. A short
and fan base consisting of
uphold these standards.
dish is the featured ceviche
ative environment that
year and a half ago, Owner
new guests as well as die-
style, named after Skip—a
transcends the typical res-
Hugh “Papa Hughie” Gan-
hard Seafood World regu-
Although the menu at the
long time customer and
taurant experience. Like
ter partnered with his son,
lars. Papa’s Raw Bar be-
Raw Bar is vast, including
friend in the community.
many business’s, the suc-
Troy Ganter, to devise an
came its’ own entity.
cuisines from a multitude
Skip’s Wahoo ceviche—also
cess weighs heavily on the
of cultures, the Wahoo cevi-
known as ‘Wahoo Wahoo’-
team. Executive sushi chef,
adjacent “local hangout” where guests of Seafood
Today, Papa’s Raw Bar is
che is getting all the press.
deviates from traditional
Tabo or “the fish judge,”
World could drink and eat
the place to “Eat, Drink,
For the readers who are not
ceviche in that the Wahoo
receives and fillets all the
sauce has a Japanese influ-
fish that comes into the
ence. The Wahoo itself is
restaurant. Tabo ensures
marinated in lime juice,
that the seafood is consis-
“
“
We do not buy filets. We buy whole fish. Each fish has to be an A+.
kimchee, and adorned with
tently up to par, so that each
scallions. It is then served
visit upholds the same
over shredded lettuce and
quality. This is the unifying
sliced cucumbers. The ten-
goal of the entire staff. Executive Chef Chad Wyrosdick runs the kitchen whilst designing menu items, one example being the aforementioned Peruvian ceviche. These are the culinary heroes we can thank for bestowing our taste buds with blissful fare. Skip’s Wahoo Ceviche has given a new and exciting identity to the traditional ceviche dish.
40 theatlanticcurrent.com
Photos: Ben Hicks
MUNCH
BITES
[HOW TO BAKE IT IN AMERICA[
Bianca’s Brazilian Bites
Make A Splash in South Florida’s Health Focused Food Markets by Susanna Arntz
“Can I help? Mom, I want to bake with you!” Bianca asked years ago.
l
matching whole and natu-
Bianca’s Brazilian Bites
suspicious.” That being
be available at more than
ral ingredients to create
are all natural, gluten-
said, they still successfully
100 locations in South
the perfect cookie here in
free and non-GMO. What
bake and prepare the
Florida. The goal at heart
America. Leveraging her
makes the cookies &
products for retail and
is to make their scrump-
strategic degree in Hospi-
treats so special, besides
online sales. Currently,
tious and healthy cookies
tality Management and
their great taste, is the
Bianca’s Brazilian Bites
& treats available to all.
focusing on her passion
fact they don’t use any
are on the shelves (but
While their focus today is
for healthy foods, Bianca
preservatives or additives.
don’t stay there for long)
the South Florida market,
was determined to turn
They are all baked and
at shops like Tri Bike Run
they are super excited to
ittle did she know
her love of baking into a
prepared daily in the
Sports, 3 Natives, Oceana
see orders from distant
that as she grew up,
business. She persistently
heart of Jupiter, FL. Bianca
Coffee, Modern Juice Co,
locations like Maine, Colo-
her love of baking
experimented and
explains, “Our shelf-life is
Loggerhead Fitness, Te-
rado, and New York propel
“
would never grow old.
tweaked her recipes until
When Bianca came to
it was the ultimate prod-
America back in 2000, she
uct. Her all-good-for-you,
says she had no idea she
yummy treats started off
was going to be elbow
as gifts of love for friends
deep in cookie dough. She
and family and were big
immediately fell in love
hits during the holidays.
with this country and our
In no time, they became
culture. While embracing
orders and special re-
cultural differences here,
quests because they were
much shorter than your
questa Fitness, Breathe
them to thinking about
she kept her love of enjoy-
that good. In January of
regular baked goods and
Salt & Yoga, Brewhouse
future markets across the
ing an active, healthy life-
2014, Bianca’s Brazilian
treats and this is definite-
Gallery, PGA National
country. A few years from
style alive. Coupling her
Bites was born as a proud
ly a plus.” She points out,
Resort & Spa Health &
now, Bianca’s Brazilian
love of healthy living with
family-run local small
“For us, less is more — af-
Racquet Club and Fresca
Bites projects that they
her love of baking, she
business and today they
ter all there is something
Juice & Smoothie Bar. The
will be shipping products
started mixing and
are growing rapidly.
to say about foods that
online store is up and
to all 50 States, fresh from
last for months to a year…
running 24/7 and ships to
their oven to their custom-
anywhere in America.
ers’ homes. As they con-
Her all-good-for-you, yummy treats started off as gifts of love for friends and family and big hits during the holidays. In no time, they became orders and special requests because they were that good.
“
tinue to grow rapidly, Bi-
42 theatlanticcurrent.com
What’s on the horizons for
anca tells us, “We never
this healthy and yummy
want to lose the local
company? Bianca’s goal is
small and family business
to continue to grow and
touch, because we truly
expand. By December
care about the communi-
2016, Bianca projects Bi-
ties we serve” — the proof
anca’s Brazilian Bites will
is in the Brazilian Bites.
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
SCENE ➼
Nightlife, events and more
BAR BIO ❘❘ SNAPS
The Many Layers of Craft Tap 42 Brings Proven Concept To Boca Raton
b
By Doug Fairall
oca Raton is
the shuttered English
known across
Tap & Beer Garden at
the country as a
5050 Town Center Circle
retirement getaway, a place
in Boca Raton.
where Jerry Seinfeld’s fictional parents move to during his iconic sitcom. But beyond the stereotypes of Hollywood lies a vibrant city full of diverse demographics, a wintry influx of transplants and seasonal residents, and fresh young professionals all vying for a slice of Boca pie. Enter Tap 42, which opened the doors to its second location this past June in the ‘City of All Seasons’, taking over for
Photos: Ben Hicks
theatlanticcurrent.com 45
SCENE
➼CHEF PROFILE
location in Fort Lauderdale,
described as a bar-steraunt, sits
Tap 42 boasts a rotating array
across from Rocco’s Tacos in the
of just about 50 different craft
Shops at Boca Center, a decidedly
beers served on draft, with a
‘Boca’ shopping center complete
level of selection that can satisfy
with valet, an expensive steakhouse, and a towering hotel. Tap 42 brings a more modern and trendy, in the best sense possible, feel to the space -- one
“
“There are some craft beers that you have to have, for example Sierra Nevada,” Lee Hunter, Tap 42’s Craft Beer Director says. “They’re great.”
“
The gastropub, though more aptly
While what’s on tap creates a buzz, the cocktail program here is taken very seriously.
“However, when we craft the beer menu, we look to work hand in hand with local brewers like Barrel of Monks
that occupies over six thousand
any taste or fussy beer drinker in
square feet. Having grown out of
the area. These run the gamut
are committed to building a
the number of beer taps that
from mass distributed craft to
relationship with breweries;
originally occupied their first
the smallest of beer releases.
we support each other.”
46 theatlanticcurrent.com
and Due South Brewing... We
SCENE
BAR BIO
➼
than IPA alongside their UFO Pumpkin Ale, and Due South Brewing’s Category 3 IPA alongside their decadent Barrel Aged Mexican Standoff. It’s why this autumn they’ve had Cigar City Brewing’s Good Gourd on nitro and Lagunitas Chicago Fusion XXX, a beer brewed with Muscat & Sauvignon Blanc grapes, fermented with a De Dolle Belgian yeast strain, then dryhopped with Nelson Sauvin hops. “There’s a big difference between beer enthusiasts and beer snobs,”
“
When we craft the beer menu, we look to work hand in hand with local brewers… We are committed to building a relationship and we support each other.
“
he says, explaining that the enthusiasts will be interested in learning more of the nuances of the beers, and to treat coming to the restaurant as an experience, rather than simply chasing the latest and greatest. “A big part of the brand is bringing people in to teach them what they like. Though these customers have to want to be educated, and we have to know what we’re talking about.” Education is such a pervasive Hunter’s goals when formulating
theme from everyone at Tap 42,
what beers to put on the menu
it’s one of the first things that
comes from a lot of factors. First, he
comes out of their mouths when
aims to build up relationships with
conversing about any of the food
the breweries of the beers that he
or beverage programs.
puts on tap. This allows him to sell the right beers for his market,
While what’s on tap creates a
which increases sales and overall
buzz, the cocktail program here is
customer satisfaction. That in turn
taken very seriously. Beverage
gives Tap 42 some clout when it
Director and Mixologist Lea
comes to purchasing one-off kegs
Marando takes the approach of an
that beer nerds clamor over.
artisan by heading out into the world to conduct what the busi-
This is what allows him to offer
ness world calls market research.
Harpoon’s massive imperial Levia-
“Before I craft cocktails, I go out to
theatlanticcurrent.com 47
SCENE
➼BAR BIO
“
The same effort goes into the food as cocktails. The process involves everyone trying it. A lot of thought and opinions go into making the menu.
what to expect from the different departments and that refinements can occur before items even reach customer’s lips. Culinary Director Andrew Balick puts it succinctly. “We
“
are straightforward American local bars and see what sells, look
Those ingredients can be
fare,” he says, where they “cook
out for trending flavors. When I’m
as innocuous as local farm-
with beer as much as possible.”
here, I’m listening to the guests.”
grown herbs in the Blazin’
That means mussels steamed
Cucumber, a drink of Bulldog
with Funky Buddha Floridian,
For example, “Right now, lychee is
Gin, fresh cucumber, organic
or New Belgium Fat Tire beer
trending… people here are big into
basil syrup, and lime, to the
battered fish and chips.
organics, anything natural, any-
edible gold flakes in the How
thing that seems healthy. For our
To Marry A Millionaire cocktail,
“The things we choose to take
cocktails, so many different parts
complete with Effen Vodka,
on, we do it with quality… we’re
go into them, we have to educate.”
Aperol, grapefruit, lime, and
a ‘from scratch’ kitchen. There’s
There’s that word again. The
hopped grapefruit bitters.
nothing gimmicky.”
which brands of liquor are being
That same amount of refinement
Without the gimmicks, it’s simply
poured, but on the way in which
and craft goes into each layer
straight up quality that brings
the bar utilizes ingredients that
of the Tap 42 experience, from
the hipsters, the yuppies, and the
might take people by surprise.
the bar to the cocktail program,
power lunchers together under
to the kitchen.
one roof to share in the univer-
education isn’t limited to simply
“I do a lot of prep work myself, so
sality of the well crafted.
there’s not as much premade
“The same effort goes into the
[mixes] that goes on here. Right
food as cocktails,” Marando
If there were only two words to
now, I make our own pumpkin
explains. “The process involves
sum up an experience at Tap 42,
puree for the cocktails, or for
everyone trying it. A lot of thought
it would be ‘layered complexity’.
the Grasshopper, we use real
and opinions go into making the
From the depth of the cocktail
mint and avocado for flavor
menu. There’s constant feedback
menu to the playful takes on
and color. The avocado surprises
from the chefs for cocktails and
gastropub food, the final result is
people. As much as I can, I make
bartenders for food.” This back
almost certain to land on a level of
it in house. You’re paying for
and forth between the staff en-
being layered but well balanced.
the quality of ingredients.”
sures that everyone knows
Every dish, across the board.
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SCENE
âžźSNAPS
Release Party 2 Georges at The Cove Photos: Carl Dawson
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