SFGN Mirror June 2019 Part 2

FASHION Quesada played.

School worked out well, because he thought he’d be a writer and he’d always performed — so he organically became a songwriterperformer.

“My family is all performers; it’s just what we do. But it’s different being a music-gay than [a] performance[-gay],” he said, cracking another Budweiser.

Thomas cites Miami drag performer Queen Latina as someone he feels “super friendly” with.

His grandfather is British comedy actor Cardew Robinson, who died in 1992. His father is George Orr — a Florida-area Rod Stewart impersonator in the Hot Rod Band.

Thomas’ mother died when he was 12 and his sister was 10.

“We come from a lot of broken homes and people with good intentions,” Thomas said.

Queer voice Thomas was already performing in middle school — a magnet school for broadcasting. He said he didn’t know he was gay.

“I was like the only one to come out in my high school,” he said.

“Man it’s been a long journey. Now you can be gay and popular in the world in the mainstream. It’s great to see.”

He’s got a radical spirit when it comes to LGBT rights.

“When they tell you that you’re wrong when you’re five or six years old — there’s a world of suspicion with that,” Thomas said.

“I’ve had really supportive people around me. My gripe is still just ideological. I have my views about ideological enemies of gays.”

Day-to-day gay life and the LGBT rights struggle isn’t necessarily the same thing all the time anymore, he said.

“I truly don’t believe I’m going to hell or anything like that,” Thomas said. “I try to really just speak to the positive stuff now. I try to take it a little lighter.”

Yet there is an urge for activism, music and performance.

“I don’t think that LGBTQ Miami musicians are bound to any specific genre, but there is a call to representing our queer scene; as our rights are threatened we assemble despite genre,” Thomas said.

“People are looking for queers doing it themselves.”

He said that in the past, queer punk has been considered an underground movement. Today it’s more politically viable. It’s one reason why Thomas and others identify as queer — so they can fight for those particular causes.

‘Artist’s artist’ Thomas is now immersed in getting “Fantasma Tropical” out to the public.

“Switching gears has taken work,” he said. “Finding the diligence to create an album, editing, recording; the balance of getting publicity and creating studio work.”

Even in music-saturated Miami, he said he doesn’t feel like he’s competing.

“Sometimes I might have a moment, a spark of what other people are doing,” Thomas said. “I don’t feel creatively jealous, I just don’t see it. I’m going to say what I’m going to say.”

He loves to play in diverse venues; different styles of shows.

He doesn’t worry about being a part of one particular scene over another.

“I know a lot of tips and tricks to help other musicians,” he said.

“Royalties to perform live, MusiCares from the Grammys, musician resources to make sure you stay afloat. It’s all about making sure you have your business stuff in check — copyright, revenues from every source available to you.”

Thomas openly shares his experiences and knowledge with other artists.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m an artist’s artist. [I’m] acclaimed amongst my peers — the people who latch on are curators themselves. Hippiecurator types who are into different stuff and have an appreciation of music that goes beyond genres,” he said.

He still goes to bars and shows to connect with people in the scene.

Now that the cover art is out, he’s considering different options for a release party.

“We want it to be fun and don’t necessarily want to perform at it — but do something where it’s more of a celebration,” Thomas said.

To connect Everything Thomas, including where he’s performing, is at HeyJayThomas.com. He’s @heyjaythomas on all social media. “Fantasma Tropical” can be found on Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes and Bandcamp.

Thomas recently filmed a performance for Fordistas and Wynwood Radio, which can be accessed at youtu.be/ N0l0v1hekWk. You can catch Thomas on the airwaves through local NPR station WLRN June 9 at 2 p.m. He’ll perform acoustic versions of his songs.

You can also find Thomas in the documentary “Scream Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street,” which delves into the homosexual themes in “Nightmare on Elm Street 2.” It’s on tour now in film festivals across the country.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Art is a Second Coming Out for ‘Vocal’ Vigorito / / Damon Scott

It’s not odd to abandon childhood dreams as one gets older. But some look back and think about those early interests, maybe feeling a tinge of regret.

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“R

egardless of medium, I subscribe to the philosophy that art serves as a bridge from our primal essence to our higher selves, and to the divine” Rosaria Vigorito Local Artist

For Rosaria Vigorito, she knew at 7 years old that she wanted to be an artist. And while it ended there for a while — that dream would eventually return.

That artistic bent would come back around, but not before Vigorito came out to her mother at age 19 and ran off with her partner at the time. She and her mother didn’t talk for two years, but her mother eventually came around.

Vigorito went on to become a New York lawyer, law librarian and professor. She’d get a master of fine arts along the way, too.

Oh yes, she identifies as an artist now — saying her calling serves as her second coming out, her innate passion.

“I knew I was gay, but I didn’t know I was an artist,” she said of her long break from art from 7 years old until later in adulthood.

Vigorito is an Italian-American, a lesbian, a now retired lawyer, and an outspoken ovarian cancer survivor.

But it’s the art connection that takes up the most time and space now. And none of it is necessarily mutually exclusive either. It’s all a part of who she is.

But one thing’s for sure: she’s become adept at finding opportunity and connection in the South Florida art scene.

Blossoming Broward A sample of the places where Vigorito has been featured as an artist will tell you a thing or two about her energy and focus.

She was a featured artist at the Business for the Arts of Broward’s Art & Soul event in Hollywood; she did an exhibit at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale; she’s shown at Storks and Bona in Wilton Manors; she has seven pieces at the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce; she has showed at Fort Lauderdale City Hall; and she’s represented at Gallery Art in Aventura.

Vigorito also serves on the board of the LGBT-focused ArtsUnited in Fort Lauderdale, where she has also shown her work. She’s on the inside with the Broward Art Guild — one of the oldest and largest gatherings of working artists in Broward County.

She plans to be at year two of the expansive Art Fort Lauderdale’s Art Fair on the Water in January 2020. It’s a four-day curated art fair where attendees navigate the waterways to see art in high-end residences and galleries.

It’s not that she doesn’t appreciate the art scene in Miami, she just said she “falls through the cracks” there and sees more opportunity in Broward.

“I’m going to go where the opportunity presents itself,” Vigorito said.

She’s shown as far north as West Palm Beach.

“I’ve been involved in the local arts scene for over 30 years. The arts scene is exploding now [in Broward],” she said.

Put another way: Vigorito networks and hustles.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

“I

was very fortunate to be in New York. We were fighting for gay rights, it was the late 70s and early 80s — I never felt the discrimination some people felt.”

Rosaria Vigorito Local Artist

“It’s all about being there and showing your face and talking to people,” Vigorito, 60, said. “Even though it’s very competitive, people support it.”

While her works include female nudes, there’s a focus on issues of androgyny, sexuality and gender, LGBT matters, and when doing portraits — the psychological and spiritual inner workings of us all.

Vigorito studied with various figurative artists in New York City. Her MFA came via the New York Academy of Art in 2003.

One of her main inspirations is Pablo Picasso and his “… perchance to reinvention and bold experimentation.”

Like Picasso, she is artistically versatile. Vigorito paints, draws, sculpts and does photography. She does digital mixed media, too.

“Regardless of medium, I subscribe to the philosophy that art serves as a bridge from our primal essence to our higher selves, and to the divine,” Vigorito said.

Her work is meant to stimulate and provoke. She’s been playing with realism and has had to learn the human figure. Don’t expect a lot of landscapes. Think color, lines, and psychological, political, and androgynous stuff.

“Picasso liberated artists like me,” she said.

Vigorito lives and works in her home west of Aventura in Ives

Dairy. She’s lived there for six years. She works on her art after midnight, often until 6 a.m. — her “quiet time.”

Not surprisingly, she doesn’t sell online, choosing to sell her art in-person instead.

“Two gay guys, a married couple, loved one of my pieces so much. He said: ‘I’m buying it for him for Valentine’s.’ Much of my work appeals to the LGBTQ community in some way,” she said.

Vigorito is a “very vocal and in your face gay. A fighter with my mouth.”

“I was very fortunate to be in New York. We were fighting for gay rights, it was the late 70s and early 80s — I never felt the discrimination some people felt,” she said.

As life would have it, though, she faced a challenge with the ovarian cancer diagnosis in December 2000.

“I’m very vocal about that, too,” she said. “I’m not patting myself on the back, but we help other people and help each other when we’re not scared to talk about it. You have to be a little pushy,” she said.

Vigorito has a niece and nephew in the area. Her brother and mother have passed away, but she’s got her partner and good friends. “Friends are my family, too,” she said.

For more, go to RosariaVigorito.com.

The Mirror is always looking for local LGBT artists to feature. Email if jason.Parsley@sfgn.com to suggest someone.

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FOOD

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS:

NOT Made in Italy // Pier Angelo

A

ccording to a much quoted truism from playwright Neil Simon, “there are two laws in the universe: the law of gravity and everyone likes Italian food.”

But, Simon’s Italian food is not what is served at the refined restaurants of Milan, Rome or Florence, or anywhere in Italy.

What he was referring to – and what we typically think of as Italian food – is not Italian. It is Italian-American.

I moved to the U.S. from Italy to attend college in 1976. My introduction to Italian American cuisine took place on my first day of school.

The professor went through the list of names asking each student a few personal questions. When my turn came he asked me where I was from. “Italy” I said. His follow up took me completely by surprise: “oh so you must make a terrific spaghetti and meatballs.” I had no idea what he was talking about and when I replied “what’s that?” the classroom exploded with laughter.

While it’s largely known as an Italian dish, spaghetti and meatballs didn’t originate there. Sure, Italy has its own version of meatballs, but they’re different and they’re called polpette which are always eaten without spaghetti. If you travel to Italy, you will not find it on any menu. And if you do, it is probably to appeal to the American tourist’s palate.

About 4 million Italians immigrated to America from 1880 to 1920, 85% came from southern Italy, where political and economic circumstances left the region extremely impoverished, so it would be the cuisines of Sicily, Campania, Abruzzi (and not Venice or Bologna) making their mark in the U.S. These poor immigrants went from spending 75 percent of their income on food in Italy to only 25 percent in America.

More money meant more food. Meat, being abundant and cheap, became a meal staple instead of a rare luxury. The comforting meatballs were the perfect solution. The immigrants indulged and meatballs quickly went from golf balls size to baseballs and were made with significantly more meat and less bread which originally was used as filler.

Spaghetti were first paired with meatballs in Italian restaurants in America.

To satisfy the requests of their clientele, these early Italian eateries married the meat dishes with pasta. The theory is that spaghetti, being one of the only Italian ingredients available in the U.S. at the time, became more popular in the homes of the new immigrants who were enjoying their new wealth of food.

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If you travel to Italy, you will not find it on any menu. And if you do, it is probably to appeal to the American tourist’s palate.

Many original “Italian-American” dishes have faded thanks to the evolution Italian food has experienced in this country since the mid 70’s. At the time the apex of ethnic food was represented by the French, a cuisine that has sadly lost its spark and appeal in the last three decades. Italian food has instead flourished and survived the modesty and simplicity of the early immigrants. More contemporary Italian dishes with true Italian ethos are readily available as chefs have traveled frequently to Italy. Northern Italian restaurants have prospered and multiplied introducing Americans to dishes characterized by a lesser use of olive oil, garlic, pasta and tomato sauce and a heavier reliance on butter, rice, corn (for polenta) and cheeses for cream sauces.

Pasta in the north is by no means non-existent, but it does have to share time with delicious risotto and polenta. Northern Italian main courses often reflect people’s pride in their unspoiled countryside, and are likely to include some sort of game or wild fowl such as rabbit, quail or grouse. Seafood and shellfish are very popular on the coast, and rivers and streams provide carp and trout. The overall rule is “if it grows or lives well in the area, then it can make it onto the table.” For sure you will not find “Spaghetti and Meatballs” on these new, gourmet, high end (eg: expensive) Italian restaurant’s menus.

Excellent Italian food products are regularly imported, and locally sourced substitutes have improved dramatically. The most significant differences between Italian and Italian-American cooking are harmony versus abundance. Italian-American stereotypical cooking uses more garlic, more sauce, more cheese and meat and less fresh vegetables. The food is also “over cooked,” like the popular baked lasagna, ziti and manicotti. (Pasta as an entrée is almost never seen in Italy; it is typically the first course, in much smaller portions, and always “al dente”).

Nonetheless, here we are, over 100 years later, spaghetti and meatballs may not be truly Italian, but it has maintained its appeal and remains a symbol of Italian-American cuisine’s history.

PS: Growing up in Italy I never had, or heard of, Italian Wedding Soup and there are no Greek Diners in Athens.

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FOOD

Java Jive / / Rick Karlin

L

et’s face it; there are two types of people; coffee snobs and everyone else.

If you are a coffee snob you already have your favorite place where they brew your cup of Joe to exactly the right temperature, roast their own beans and do gawd knows what else to set themselves apart. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those folks who buy generic coffee, brew a pot and heat up leftovers in the microwave. I, and most readers, fall somewhere in the middle. I certainly enjoy a good cup of strong, cold brew coffee, and I can appreciate the care and work put into making the perfect cup, but I balk at spending more than $5 for a single shot of espresso. Truth be told, I’m perfectly happy with a cup of 7-11 Colombian brew (as long as it’s fresh), as I am with a gourmet cup of black gold.

Whether you’re an aficionado or just want to kick back and get your morning jolt of energy, here are a few local spots to check out. Let’s start with those that are serious about brewing the perfect cup:

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SwitchBox Coffee Roasters 3446 NE 12th Ave., Oakland Park 888-849-7269 switchboxcoffee.com

SwitchBox Coffee Roasters co-founders Brian Protsman and his wife, Miriam, opened their coffee shop and roasting facility in Oakland Park in 2016. Since then it has become a hub for those who are particular about their brew. There’s even a small slow brew bar that gives customers a chance to order their brew via a variety of pour-over brewing methods. The beans, sourced from micro-lots from hand-selected farms in South and Central America and East and South Africa, are roasted on premises. Single-origin coffees change seasonally.

Wells Coffee Company 737 NE Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-982-2886 wellscoffees.com

Truly a millennial tale, Wells started with a Kickstarter campaign. They bought a roaster, then affiliated with a Boca cafe and, in 2016, acquired their own expanded space in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Of course, the pour-over method is preferred at this Flagler Village location.

Be sure to check out the house-made horchata and cold brew coffee on tap.

The Alchemist

2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors 515-981-6165 thealchemistcoffee.cafe Although better known for its funky, hippie vibe, the folks at The Alchemist are downright serious when it comes to brewing coffee. Cold brew is the preferred method here. After the beans are roasted on-site, they are cold steeped for 24 hours. Try the house version; mixed with brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, creamy flavor and poured into a giant glass dispenser where it infuses further. The barista then hand-shakes the brew with coffee ice cubes and serves it in a chilled mason jar.

Warsaw Coffee Company 815 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale 954-990-4189 warsawcoffee.com

Although it’s given up a lot of its square footage to the on-site restaurant Milk & Honey, Warsaw still reigns as one of the area’s coffee-centric headquarters. It features North Carolina Counter Culture Coffee. While there are those who insist on the Lalita pourover, most folks are just as happy with a plain old cup of Joe or the usual options, such as; Americanos, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes. The cold brew is available by the bottle to take home.

Brew Urban Cafe 537 NW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-357-3934 brewurbancafe.com

With as many owners as Brew has had (it opened in 2000 as “Two Street Coffee,” then it was sold and rebranded as Brew Urban Café and since then there have been several different owners) you might think it’s more an investment than a coffee-lover’s dream. But, it’s the baristas, many of whom have been since with the company since shortly after its opening, that keep the focus on the Joe. The coffee is locally roasted by Wells Coffee Company (see info above).

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FOOD

For many in South Florida, coffee means Cuban coffee, rich and dark and strong (just like I prefer my men).

Colada Cuban Cafe 525 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-368-4705 coladahouse.com

For many in South Florida, coffee means Cuban coffee, rich and dark and strong (just like I prefer my men). Colada’s website gives you an idea of what they think about the brew. The splash page proclaims, “Coffee is always a good idea!” And its “manifesto” states, “Coffee doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.” Colada is an off-shoot of the popular family-owned Miramar Bakery in Hollywood and as such, serves up savory and sweet authentic Cuban cuisine to accompany that coffee.

Undergrounds Coffeehaus 3020 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-630-1900 undergroundscoffeehaus.com

Climb a steep stairway to the second floor of an unassuming strip mall and you’ll find a funky little coffeeshop with an adjacent performance space where you can catch everything from a séance to a poetry reading. The combo coffeehouse/used bookstore doesn’t worry so much about where the coffee is sourced, but it is a gathering place for artists who enjoy the light fare; gourmet tater tots (in more than 40 combinations), cookies, pound cakes and pies. Undergrounds is like going to Grandma’s minus the mothballs.

Stork’s Bakery & Coffee House 2505 NE 15th Ave., Wilton Manors 954-567-3220 storksbakery.com

OK, so the focus is more on the terrific pastries than the coffee, but you can get a good cup of brew here, as well as a terrific pastry or full meal.

Java Boys

2230 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-564-8828 What can you say about this place that hasn’t already been said? It’s a hangout for many in the community, an alternative to the bars for those in recovery. The coffee is decent and the service is quick and even friendly, sometimes. There’s no website, but you can check them out on Facebook!

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FOOD

The

World

of

WINE “M

/ / Rick Karlin

onty Python” alum John Cleese famously said, “Wine is wonderful stuff. But so many people are put off by the snobbery about it.”

To be fair, the same could be said about coffee, beer or just about any beverage. (I’m certain there’s someone out there who will only drink milk from cows raised on a south-facing hill and fed a blend of alfalfa and wheatgrass.)

There are some ways to improve your enjoyment of wine, such as knowing the correct temperature at which to serve it, what foods it pairs well with and even what kind of glass to use. But here’s the secret, it doesn’t matter if you’re sipping a $500 bottle of French wine with a rich cheese or swigging something from the bargain bin with a handful of cashews; if you’re enjoying yourself, that’s what matters.

That being said, there are a few tips and techniques you can follow to ensure that you’re getting the most out of the wine you choose to drink.

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FOOD

the wine should either be more acidic, or sweeter than the food.

The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.

GO LOCAL Most folks just run into the grocery store and snatch a bottle of wine off the shelf. However, the best way to ensure that that you’re getting a good deal for your money is to develop a relationship with a knowledgeable salesperson at your local wine store.

Here are a few area wine merchants that run the gamut from “You’re on your own” to offering a guided tour of the world of wine.

ABC 3355 N. Federal, Oakland Park 954-630-0054 abcfws.com As corporate as you can get, but some of the sales staff really know their stuff.

The Best Cellar 1408 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors 954-630-8020 Owner Richard Stetler’s wine boutique concentrates on quality wines, primarily from small estate vineyards in which he hosts weekly wine tastings.

Late Night Liquor 1249 NE 11th Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-368-8798 The selection is about the same as you’d find at your average Publix, but it’s open until 2 a.m.

It is better to match the wine with the sauce of a dish, than with the meat.

Red wine should be served at a slightly warmer temperature than white wine. Most people think “red wine should be served at room temperature.” While that is true, it’s based on the room temperature of most wine cellars. The ideal temperature for red wines is between 62-68 degrees. Red wines also benefit from “breathing” for half an hour or so before being consumed. Pour the wine into a carafe and you’ll add even more oxygen into the mix, allowing the flavor and aroma to bloom nicely. White wines taste better when slightly chilled, between 49-55 degrees. Placing the bottle in the fridge for about an hour or so before serving should be sufficient.

Red wine glasses have a rounder “bowl” and larger opening to allow more oxygen to mix with the liquid as it’s sipped. A white wine glass has a taller, slimmer silhouette.

Glasses for sparkling wine are tall and slim in order to retain the effervescence. All wine glasses should be handled by the stem to avoid mixing personal fragrances (soaps and perfumes) with those of the wine. That’s about as much as the average wine drinker needs to know, other than how to pair wines with food.

The old adage, “red with meat, white with fish” is a good start. But you can add chicken to the white wine category. There’s

Ocean Liquors 2248 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-306-3288 info@oceansliquor.com Tucked into the corner of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, the friendly staff can help you pick the perfect bottle.

Wilton Discount Liquor 2105 NE 5th Ave., Wilton Manors 954-561-0130 You’d be surprised at the selection, and if you’re willing to take a chance, I’ve found some great bottles in the close-out bin.

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There’s no mystery behind pairings, it’s all about choosing a wine that complements the food.

no mystery behind pairings, it’s all about choosing a wine that complements the food.

This can be done by amplifying shared flavor compounds or, alternatively, contrasting those same flavor compounds. For example, red wines go well with beef because the slight bitterness and acidity balance the fat in meat. The richer flavors of red wine also complement those in a rich tomato sauce.

As a general rule; the wine should either be more acidic, or sweeter than the food. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food. It is better to match the wine with the sauce of a dish, than with the meat.

An example of a complementary pairing would be an acidic white wine with high acidity that will complement the fat in the dish. So, for example, a traditional mac and cheese recipe with a creamy béchamel sauce would be matched with an acidic white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or just about any German white. While a Chardonnay, with its buttery finish, mimics the creaminess in the dish for a congruent pairing. Oddly enough, sushi pairs well with German wines.

The bright, crispness of German wines doesn’t mask the subtle flavor of raw fish.

Unless you want to do a lot of research, and by that, I mean learning about the composition of various wines, not just knocking back a few bottles of vino, your best bet is to shop at a store with salespeople who can guide you. Be upfront about your budget and plans for the wine. Say, for example, “I’m looking for a bottle in the $10-$20 range that will pair well with Linguini al fredo” or “I want a nice bottle of red to bring to a dinner party that won’t break the bank.”

And they should be able to direct you to just what you’re looking for.

If all else fails, keep in mind a bit of advice I got from my friend, Master Sommelier, Alpana Singh, “Never buy a bottle of wine with a picture of an animal on the label.”

I’ve found delicious bottles of wine in bargain bins using this advice. Of course, once in a while I’ve picked one that turned out to be horrible. I kept those on the shelf until they turned into vinegar.

FOOD

Ice Creaming

Queens / / Rick Karlin

Wilton Creamery 2301 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-565-1183 wiltoncreamery.com

Wilton Creamery offers a rainbow of flavors you won’t find at your average scoop spot. Owner D.J. Colby trained as a pastry chef and the ice cream flavors reflect his training and experience combining ingredients. Sure, you can get one of the six or seven versions of chocolate, but there are also many exotic and unique flavors such as green tea and honey or the signature (and my favorite), He’s Not Worth It; a combination of vanilla ice cream, English toffee, Oreo, Heath bar, chopped soft caramel, and house-made seasalt-infused caramel swirl. All of the ice creams are made in small batches seasonally. There are sundaes, milkshakes and paletas or you can create your own treat with dozens of toppings, syrups and flavored whipped creams. Hands down the best ice cream in the area.

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Yo Mama’s Ice Cream

901 Sunrise Lane, Fort Lauderdale 954-567-6002 yomamasicecream.com This place thrives not only because if its house-made ice cream but also because of its beach-adjacent location. Next door is its sister shop, Pops Corn, so you can add a salty and crunchy topping to your sweet ice cream. Try topping off any creation with a bit of caramel corn for a treat that will become your new obsession.

Jaxson’s

128 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach 954-923-4445 jaxsonsicecream.com This landmark, open since 1956, makes each of its more than 60 flavors of ice cream by hand. It’s an honest to goodness old-fashioned ice cream parlor, with the kind of decor chain operations try to replicate. The walls are adorned with hundreds of old license plates, there’s a small store up front selling vintage candies and bowls of popcorn adorn each table. Expect over-sized servings, whether a simple scoop in a waffle or wafer cone, or one of the giant shakes, parfaits and sundaes, including one with everything imaginable called, “The Kitchen Sink” that is literally served in a kitchen sink. Even the non-ice cream dishes are oversized. The hot dog looks like something from a porn movie.

W

hat is better on a hot summer day than a delicious scoop of ice cream?

Well, maybe floating in a refreshing pool while having your feet rubbed by a gorgeous man while you’re eating that ice cream. I can’t do much about the first two parts of that fantasy for you, but I can give you the lowdown on where to find some of the best ice cream in the area. I am not including chain operations, such as Menchie’s, Kilwin’s or Dairy Queen; while those places serve their purpose (I do love me a good Dilly Bar), I’m going to focus on independent stores.

You might think that frozen treats debuted with the invention of refrigeration, but in ancient Persia, a favorite treat was a sort of snow cone. The Persians would store snow in underground chambers until warmer weather, and then serve it topped with grape juice. As far back as the 1500s Europeans were using primitive ice cream churns. But it is Americans who have elevated the dish, encasing it in pastry or meringue, topping it with everything from gummie bears to balsamic vinegar syrup. Whether you prefer a simple scoop, a cone, or a sundae with the works, you’re certain to find some delicious treats at some of these local spots.

Dolce Salato

2406 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-463-7677 dolce-salato.net As the sign out front says, this place focuses on two items; pizza and gelato, both of which it does very well. The dozen or so gelato flavors are made fresh and in-house every couple of days. The gelato case is not very colorful, but that’s a plus, as it means the creamy concoctions are not filled with artificial colors (or flavors).

The pistachio, for example, is a pale green but packs a lot of flavor. Dolce Salato is a family owned and run operation and feels like one. After a few visits, you’ll feel like (and be treated as) part of the family.

Phenomenom Nitrogen Ice Cream 2272 S. University Dr., Davie 754-216-3478 phenomenom320.com

What goes better with ice cream than cookies?

Phenomenom is the brainchild of Chuck Woodard, co-founder of the Chill-N nitrogen ice cream chain. His new shop not only features flashfrozen ice cream featuring flavors such as; dulce de leche, cake batter, mint, peanut butter, and strawberry; it also offers gigantic, fresh-baked cookies studded with chocolate chips, M&M’s Oreo, s’mores, and sugar sprinkles. Have a scoop and a cookie, or you can get really decadent and make a custom blended ice cream sandwich using both the cookies and ice cream.

The Magic Cow 4298 S. University Dr., Davie 954-382-1677 facebook.com/themagiccow1

This spot is proof that you don’t have to be big and corporate to be good. This little hole in the wall boasts dozens of original flavors (blueberry muffin ice cream?!) and the kind of friendly service you can only get from someone who runs their own business and loves it. A word of warning: many places list magiccow.com as the business’s website.

Clicking that will take you to a page that will infect your computer with a virus. Avoid the web page; but check out the ice cream.

July is national ice cream month and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than by checking out all of these places. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Drop me an email at SFGNfeatures@gmail.com.

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FOOD

NEWS ON

BREWS F

/ / Rick Karlin

ort Lauderdale is known for its warm, sunny days, and nothing goes better with that kind of weather than a cold beer.

With South Florida’s increasingly hip, young population it should come as no surprise that there are many craft breweries popping up in the area.

Craft beer occupies a popular niche in the social scene here, so you won’t have to stray far to find that frosty glass you’ve been craving. Take your pick among nanobreweries, industrial microbreweries, beer gardens and brewpubs.

Each brewery has something special; some focus on brews alone, others offer food pairings, and nearly all provide a place to chill out and relax. Start with a sampler or flight in a rainbow of rich ambers and browns. Order a pint of your favorite and kick back with a menu featuring local, seasonal dishes. Or take a guided tour and see if your beer tastes even better after you’ve been behind the scenes. You’ll even find dog-friendly venues so your favorite four-legged friend can join.

With so many breweries and beer bars in the area, you have countless taps, flavors, pub foods and experiences to explore. Downtown or by the water. Local mango or a malty import. Beer culture is thriving in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

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Gulf Stream Brewing Company recently opened along the revitalized 13th Street corridor and focuses only on beer.

Their passion for beer is matched only by a dedication to their community and sustainability. The brewery reclaims waste-water used during the brewing process, donates spent grain to local farms for feed, and actively supports the Coastal Conservatory Association. There are tours of the brewery and community events held from time to time.

Established in 2015, Flagler Village Brewery is a craft beer brewery in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Located on the upper level inside The Brass Tap at Flagler Village, it utilizes a two-barrel brewing system to craft such brews as Dankness Monster (session IPA), Ft. Lagerale, Flagler Red Ale, and Hopshake (American Pale Wheat). Each week you can find fresh offerings of both experimental brews and flagship beers on tap to accompany a full menu of food offerings.

Among the newest breweries is American Craft Aleworks, which has a focus on handcrafted beers featuring flavors inspired by the culinary world. The 200-seat restaurant is located on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. The head brewer for American Craft is Erik Miller, who started his career as a professional brewer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2016. He will be brewing on a 10-barrel system producing fresh crisp lagers, roasty porters, hazy IPAs, fruited Berliners and more. The full bar will include craft Prohibition-inspired cocktails including Bathtub Gin, French 75, and Sazarac.

The restaurant also offers a curated wine program.

Continued on next page.

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FOOD

Soft Touch for

Hard Liquor Craft Liquor Distilleries in Florida

The grand-daddy of them all is Funky Buddha, which operates in a huge complex just off Dixie in Oakland Park. Funky Buddha began in 2007 in an unassuming strip mall on Federal Highway in Boca Raton. What began as a hookah and tea bar began serving up some of the finest craft beers available in South Florida at the time. In 2010, utilizing a one barrel brewhouse — barely larger than most homebrew setups — Funky Buddha’s first batches were an instant hit: beers such as Orange Creamsicle Wheat, Ginger Lemongrass, and the beer that broke the mold; Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. The popularity of that brew enabled Funky Buddha to expand to its current complex in Oakland Park, which also offers an expansive food menu and live music.

Vero Beach-based American Icon Brewery recently opened a location in Fort Lauderdale, near 4th and the train tracks. It’s easily identifiable from its murals of American icons such as Jimi Hendrix. Classic brews such as American Blonde Ale and Milk Stout, to experimental barrel aging and sour beers, are all named after American icons. It also offers a full menu with suggested beer pairings for each item.

Forget images of Granny Clampett and her distilling in the backwoods. Today’s distilleries are run like chemistry labs by hip, young entrepreneurs. Thanks to recent legislation, craft distilleries are able to operate in Florida, creating artisanal batches of the hard stuff. From rum in Miami to vodka in Palm Beach, dozens of craft liquor distilleries have now been established in Florida, with more coming online seemingly every month.

Phillip McDaniel, owner of St. Augustine Distillery, founded the non-profit Florida Craft Distillers Guild in 2012 to advocate for the burgeoning industry. The guild’s first victory came with the passage of legislation (House Bill 347), repealing a Prohibition-era law that made it illegal for micro-liquor distillers to sell and conduct tastings on premises.

“We recognized if Florida was going to be competitive in craft distilling, we needed to enjoy the rights of other craft wineries and craft breweries,” McDaniel said.

Craft distillers can now sell two bottles per year to each customer on site. Many have begun adding on-site tasting rooms and gift shops and providing craft liquor tours of their operations.

Not only have the new distilleries created a new economy, they’ve brought in locals and tourists from around the country.

“For us, we like to visit wineries across the country,” said David Nant, who drove from Titusville in Brevard county recently to tour the Palm Ridge Reserve distillery. “So, this is a similar experience. We appreciate people doing things like this.”

“The new trend for tourism is personal growth, an educational vacation,” said McDaniel, who spent 35 years in sales and marketing before opening St. Augustine Distillery, located in a century-old ice plant turned into a distillery producing a crowd-pleasing vodka.

Florida’s rich agricultural background is another reason why distilleries proliferate. Sugar cane rules at Florida Cane Vodka in Tampa. Pat O’Brien and his partner Lee Nelson, owners of Florida Cane Vodka, use sugar cane to make small-batch artisanal vodka, which comes in about a dozen flavors. Cane Vodka flavors are made with natural fruit from nearby locales, including strawberries that come from Plant City and blueberries that were harvested in Hernando.

“We’re surrounded by all these great resources in Florida,” O’Brien said. “We decided to use sugar cane.

Most vodka is made from grain or potatoes. We sourced our sugar cane from South Florida and keep it local.”

Tours are offered twice a week at Florida Cane’s Brandon distillery. You can see the vodka being made from the adjoining tasting room.

Closer to home, the recently opened ChainBridge distillery in Oakland Park is drawing upon owner Bela Nahori’s Hungarian heritage to create fruit brandies and vodka.

Many of the distilleries below offer tours and sell to the public. As always, it’s best to check in advance.

Alchemist Distilleries, Miami - alchemydistillery.com Big Cypress Distillery, Miami - bigcypressdistillery.com ChainBridge Distillery, Oakland Park - facebook.com/ChainBridgeDistillery Miami Club Rum, Doral - miamiclubrum.com Oak and Cane, Fort Lauderdale - oakandcane.com Palm Beach Distillery/Lost Harbour Spirits, West Palm - lostharbourspirits.com South Florida Distillers, Fort Lauderdale - southfloridadistillers.com Steel Tie Spirits, Palm Beach - steeltiespiritsco.com

For more information, visit Florida Craft Distillers Guild at facebook.com/floridadistillersguild

Take a look at the Ale Trail published by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB for an extensive guide to local producers. Some of the new producers mentioned are not listed on the current map.

Go to sunny.org for the most updated version.

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An Evocative

Arrives With a

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Fresh Wardrob e

/ / Larr y P rintz

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There’s a fabu lousness to R ange Rovers t them the fine hat render st in automot ive couture, w and ambience ith a look that can be credited to o Gerry McGove ne man: rn, chief desi gn officer for Land Rover.

Continued on next page

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CARS “There are a lot of luxury products out there, whether it’s watches P300 models get the same engine mated to Land Rover’s first mildor furniture, or holidays; all sorts of great luxury things and the hybrid system that makes 296 horsepower. reality is that we don’t need any of them,” said McGovern during the The mild hybrid version of the new Ingenium engine furnishes launch of the all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque. “But we desire them, good power, even during a test drive among the hills of Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula, with little turbo lag and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.” evident. It was noticeable mostly when offNot to these eyes.

After all, the smallest of Range Rovers road and a bit of thrust is called for; that’s when reset the brand’s priorities when it it comes on more forcefully than you’d expect.

The eight-speed automatic transmission debuted a decade ago, engendering a furnishes smooth shifts, and while it changes modern design sensibility that put it at the gear quickly, it’s not as quick as a dual-clutch forefront of the SUV market. transmission. Thankfully, it has manual shift “Our point of difference compared with a lot of the competition is our modernist mode that holds the gear without upshifting, Gerry McGovern approach to design,” McGovern said. unlike many of its competitors.

Land Rover chief design officer That’s certainly true inside. Its interior Impressively quiet, even when offroad, the Evoque’s ride is compliant, and builds on the previous model’s design while integrating design cues from other Range Rovers, with astutely comfortable. The steering feels light, yet retains enough road feel curated materials that create a stunningly sumptuous, yet minimalist without excess vibration. Body lean is minimal, though noticeable, in digital cabin anchored by twin touchscreens and minimal use of corners, although there’s no excess body motions over bumps. And the switchgear. all-wheel-drive system performs flawlessly.

Best of all, a new option called “ClearSight Ground View” provides “When it comes to the interior, it is more of a departure from the a view of the ground under the front end of the vehicle in the upper original. The interior did need to move on,” said McGovern.

That said, the exterior styling is more of an evolution, one that touchscreen. This helps when the Evoque has to cross a stream; it can picks up some of its look from its larger siblings, especially the Velar. wade through 23.5 inches of water.

It adds up to an evocative new Evoque that possesses a fashionable Nevertheless, it arrives sized about the same as the previous model, new cabin, the latest in technology and the ability to handle any road but employing Land Rover Premium Transverse Architecture.

Base P250 Evoques use by Land Rover’s Ingenium turbocharged condition.

And just how fabulous is that?

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 246 horsepower. Tonier

“When it comes to the interior, it is more of a departure from the original. The interior did need to move on.”

Larry Printz is an automotive journalist based in South Florida. He can be reached at TheDriving-Printz@gmail.com.

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Let’s Go to Belize: LGBT Adventure in the Jungle / / Aaron Drake

My trek deep into the heart of the Belizean Jungle was well rewarded by what I found at Mariposa Jungle Lodge (MariposaJungleLodge.com). After a short flight from Florida to Belize City, the car ride to the lodge was about two and a half hours; not really a long distance away from the airport but because some roads are unpaved it takes a little longer.

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My guide and one of the techniques from Swedish resort’s new owners who met me massage to Mayan Purification at the airport stopped at a fruit massage; a swimming pool with stand along the road to get fresh an outdoor cooking area and coconut milk before we stopped a brand-new yoga deck. There for lunch, making for a very are many hiking trails winding refreshing welcome around the property, to the country. as well as a birdLike the pyramids watching Once I arrived tower at the Lodge, I felt and outdoor games in Egypt, it’s a literal release in like frisbee golf. All easy to stare my body tension. in all, there were This secluded, outmany excuses to at these prolific of-the-way spot get outside and monuments and was the perfect explore. combination of wonder how in the The day after I nature, sensuality, arrived, we jumped world a primitive adventure and right into seeing society managed the surrounding relaxation.

The resort is small and jungle with our first to build them. intimate, with only activity exploring six guest cabañas, the Mayan ruins at all separate ensuring privacy and Caracol. The site was once a city space while you’re there. home to approximately 150,000 My cabana had a king-size people. Unlike some other sites bed, all the expected comforts with Mayan ruins, at Caracol we (yes, even indoor plumbing!) and were able to climb up the steep purified water. There is a main stone steps of the temples, which lodge, which was the meeting were only accessible to the elite space for meals; the newly during the times they were in built Malachite Spa featuring use for ritualistic purposes. Like

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the pyramids in Egypt, it’s easy to stare at these prolific and tools. This was indeed a very spiritual place where the monuments and wonder how in the world a primitive Mayans made human sacrifices to the gods, and the skeletal remains were there to be seen. Tours have been limited in society managed to build them. the last few years to cut down on the number of After Caracol, we made a stop to see Rio On visitors to the caves, and likely will continue to Pools, natural pools formed in the granite be limited even more in the future to preserve rock which is plentiful in Belize. We then hiked down to Big Rock Falls for a refreshing This was indeed a them, but it is still an amazing opportunity get insight into one of the Mayans’ most afternoon dip in the mesmerizing waterfalls. very spiritual place to important rituals while it’s still accessible.

The highlight of my trip by far, was my As of Sept. 1, Mariposa Jungle Lodge, now adventure into Actun Tunichil Muknal — where the Mayans under new ownership, will be going fully vegan better known as ATM by the locals — one made human and alcohol-free. Instead of alcohol, the lodge’s of the natural cave systems in Belize used by sacrifices to the “bartender” Freddy serves up heavenly freshthe Mayan for rituals and ceremonies. It was squeezed lime, orange and watermelon juices. like something straight out of an “Indiana gods, and the Jones” movie; after being outfitted with a The hotel’s skilled head Chef Esau and kitchen skeletal remains staff put together delectable meals, which helmet, headlamp and life vest, we set off on a 45-minute hike through the jungle, crossing were there to be included dishes like vegan meatloaf, quinoa lettuce wraps and the most delicious desserts three shallow waterways, then quite literally seen. like banana ice cream and carrot cake — that I jumping into the river to swim into the cave. Once inside it got very dark and was a never would have known were vegan if I hadn’t been told. vigorous workout to climb over and through rocks, occasionally stopping to admire the stalagmites and The resort felt very welcoming to folks from all walks of life and is soon to become a haven for those who are healthstalactites that had formed over thousands of years.

Once we had ventured far enough into the caves, we minded and crave the chance to refresh among nature. An came across a great ceremonial room where relics were left upcoming gay wellness and yoga retreat will be offered in by the Mayans that they used in their rituals, like clay pots August, coinciding with Belize’s LGBT Pride in August.

If you are interested in visiting, visit MariposaJungleLodge.com for more info.

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Pictured: African adventure.

We Are F amily

nd a d n a l y b e s r u o c Chartinga with Aquafest by se / / James Watson PHOTOS BY TOM BAKER

Before Tom Baker packs his bags and flies south to host a seven-day Luxury Boutique Machu Picchu Tour, which will be followed by a three-day Amazon cruise, he is eager to talk about his lifelong calling:

travel.

Tom and Marc.

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LEFT: Buddy time on an Aquafest Cruise.

RIGHT: COCO ENTERTAINS.

His enthusiasm for adventure was instilled at an early age. After Baker’s parents divorced when he was 5 years old, he moved in with his grandparents, who took him along when they traveled the globe. At 6, Baker found himself flying to French Polynesia.

Back at home, in Los Angeles, the adventure continued.

The 12-year-old budding entrepreneur would jump on his bike, visit and interview travel agents, then cycle home to get a check from his grandmother so he could book the next trip.

Instead of following in his father’s footsteps, however and entering the pool-manufacturing business, Baker made a U-turn and joined Holland America, where he remained for two years.

Baker’s life reflects how one man turned his passion into his profession.

President of Aquafest Cruises, Baker has nurtured this ever-growing company into an international business offering tempting choices — cruises and land excursions — as diverse as the audience it serves.

“We assembled a focus group of two dozen LGBT

participants, threw out 50 names and listened,” said Baker, a 35-year cruise industry veteran. One of the choices — Aquafest — topped the other selections for this LGBT travel resource that has carved out a winning niche in the mid-size market.

Based in Houston, Texas, Aquafest, a division of CruiseCenter, reaches out at home and abroad with a visually inspiring website — aquafestcruises.com — offering value, discounts, thoughtfully planned itineraries — and more.

Aquafest tours, which accommodate 50 to 500 guests, welcome a diverse audience. “Our whole philosophy is more integration,” Baker said, adding, “isolation is not good for the LGBT community. Our tours build bridges for those who don’t understand the community, one of the reasons straight people come along.”

“After 18 years, 60 percent of our customers are repeaters, people who come together beyond the gifts, kisses and hugs. It’s a unique relationship,” said Baker.

When newbies to his cruises ask, “How do I get involved?” he replies,“Integrate.”

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Aquafest rocketed to popularity with its first effort, a Halloween cruise. When the 18th edition departs out of Miami on October 27, this perennial seven-day favorite to the Western Caribbean with celebrity entertainment will feature theme parties — six of them — limited to Baker’s 500 guests and $1,000 in cash prizes for the Halloween contest.

An added convenience: “We have our customers ship their costumes in boxes to us prior to the cruise,” said Baker, who, with his long-term partner, Mar Garcia, also frolics in the fun of making — and wearing — costumes that capture the fantasy and fun of each exciting affair.

“Mar is into marketing and a graphic artist,” said Baker of this treasured member of the Aquafest family.

Visit aquafestcruises.com and the words “Sold Out” written on many of the cruise and land-excursion offerings illustrate the popularity of the destinations, ranging from a seven-night Mediterranean Cruise on the 5,179-passenger MSC Seaview to a seven-night Castles on the Rhine River Cruise on the sleek Amadeus Silver III. Like many in the LGBT community, the company’s devoted fans are coming into disposable income — 401k policies, inheritances — as they age gracefully.

“It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen,” said Baker, who added that price tags of $4,000 and up for international offerings, most of them handled by Abercrombie and Kent, are no deterrent for those seeking the thrill of a lifetime.

 Bringing friends together.

Aquafest Cruises 4801 Woodway, Suite 400W Houston, TX 77056 800-592-9058 aquafestcruises.com

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HALLOWEEN GLAMOUR.

The payoff translates into exploring a greater diversity of exotic destinations. The numbers for two sold-out 2019 tours tell the story: 41 will depart for the 12-night Vietnam, The Mekong River and Cambodia tour in September, while 45 and counting have signed up for the 11-night 3rd Annual Kenya African Safari, which begins in late November.

And what of a star attraction in Aquafest’s crown, a 12-night Exclusive Luxury Egypt and The Nile expedition planned for Oct. 2-13, 2020? Fifty have carved the time out of their schedules. “The trips are selling like crazy,” said Baker.

In a world where the rules for smart travel are constantly being redefined, Baker commented on safety. When venturing out, he strongly recommends his guests go as a group, especially in Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania, where being gay is taboo or illegal. In addition to preparing his ground operators, Baker takes extra precautions in Egypt, where he hires security guards for increased comfort for his valued clientele.

Closer to home, Aquafest also offers sojourns to North American destinations. Coming this autumn is a 10-night Canada Fall Foliage Cruise aboard the MSC Meraviglia.

Scheduled to depart New York City on Oct. 8, it will offer stops in Sydney, Corner Brook, Charlottetown and Quebec plus four days at sea.

In October, Baker will once again escape his office and this time head north to host this cruise to Canada, which will welcome the Aquafest family to yet another gathering orchestrated to bring new frontiers into focus.

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My Voyage on Atlantis A gay cruise is worth the money / / Jesse Monteagudo

Atlantis Events (AtlantisEvents.com) was founded by Rich Campbell in 1991.

Since then, Atlantis (“The Way We Play”) has “grown into the world’s largest gay and lesbian specialty vacation company, bringing together over 300,000 from our community and beyond for great times around the world. We create a gay vacation environment and experience so unexpectedly special, in so many ways, that you have to try it to fully understand why our guests often call it ‘the best vacation they've ever had.’”

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Atlantis’ success was confirmed in 2007 when it bought out its main competitor, RSVP. “Each Atlantis cruise or resort offers a carefree experience based around friendship, camaraderie, relaxation, indulgence, adventure and pure uninhibited fun.

Beautiful locations, fantastic entertainment and legendary parties set the stage for the magic that happens when a diverse group comes together and everyone is free to be themselves.”

Though Atlantis offers its guests a vast variety of vacation events, from Mediterranean cruises to Club Medstyle resorts, its most popular product is its “Legendary Caribbean Cruise,” which sails from Miami in late January or February. Held in some of the largest ocean liners, these floating circuit parties bring together some of the world’s most beautiful, muscular and affluent gay men. Cruise ship entertainers combine with some of the most famous gay performers, from drag acts like Dixie Longate and Miss Richfield 1981 to “surprise” guest stars like Olivia Newton-John or Charo.

Some of the world’s best DJ’s spin the disks in Atlantis’ seemingly

O

endless dance parties, which run from early afternoon tea dances to late-late discos and beyond. Since most of the dances are theme parties, guests are encouraged to dress in appropriate costumes, which they do while leaving exposed as much skin as is legally allowed. One drag entertainer described the typical Atlantis costume as being “a harness and a jock strap” which is true to a large extent. Though alcohol consumption is high even for a sea cruise, Atlantis organizers frown upon illegal drug use, perhaps in reaction to a series of drug overdoses that rocked previous Caribbean cruises.

Atlantis’ 2019 Caribbean Cruise was my first one, and it lived up to my expectations. From Feb. 3-10 Royal Caribbean’s majestic Allure of the Seas housed 5,500 men (and a few women) from 68 countries; including some of the planet’s most spectacular specimens of manhood.

Even those of us were not so favored by our DNA, the gym, or steroids had a fabulous time. Though our ship of dreams took us to Nassau, Cozumel, Roatan and Costa Maya, most of our adventures

ne drag entertainer described the typical Atlantis costume as being “a harness and a jock strap.”

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took place on board. And while my costumes were nowhere near the spectacular outfits worn by some of my fellow sailors, I managed my way around such events as the Champions T-Dance, the Classic Disco T-Dance, the White Party and the “Out to Sea” evening party. (Though I drew the line at the “after hours” party.)

The food was good, the entertainment — which included singer Marty Thomas, the acrobatic troupe Air-Otic and “surprise guest” Andy Bell of Erasure - was great, and cocktails flowed like water.

If there is anything to complain about it’s that most people (myself included) mostly socialized with friends or acquaintances.

One complaint directed at all-gay cruises by those who have never been on one is that they are too expensive. Indeed, a stateroom on an Atlantis cruise tends to cost twice as much as one on a mainstream cruise.

Eric Poole, of Brand G Vacation, gives us some

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“legitimate reasons” for this discrepancy. First, “when a tour company books, they’re personally guaranteeing that charter. So, they have to pony up the difference if for some reason that cruise doesn’t sell out.” Second, “bringing on high-quality entertainers for a gay cruise adds significantly to the total cost. Gay audiences are generally less than excited by the cruise line’s typical fare.” (Though I enjoyed the ship’s production of “Mamma Mia.”) Finally, LGBT tour companies like Brand g (or Atlantis) “offers many additional inclusions to their trips that are not a part of the bargain with most other tour companies, straight or gay. They strive to make your experience as allinclusive as possible - so the up-front price you pay is pretty much all you end up spending.”

As one who once complained about the cost I must say that the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise was worth the extra money; money that I plan to spend when I go again next year.

s one who once complained about the cost I must say that the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise was worth the extra money.

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