AQUA PINECREST
INDULGE
Fresh, Regional Eats at Loews Coral Gables Hotel
ADMIRE
The Depth and Dazzle of Artist Johnathan Schultz
REIMAGINE
Jan Vitrofsky on What’s Next for Home Technology
BREAK AWAY To South Africa With Travel Expert Scott Eddy
TIMELESS COLLECTION
Ornare Miami
Miami Design District 4040 NE 2nd Avenue #103, Miami, FL 33137
@ornaremiami | (305) 438 0260
Ornare West Palm Beach
Flamingo Park Market & Design Center 424 Park Place, Unit 109 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Ornare Dallas
Dallas Design District 1617 Hi Line Dr, Dallas, TX 75207
@ornaredallas | (214) 377 1212
overplayed in our lives.
where do we go from here?
Inside and outside the classroom, Gulliver Prep students are inspired to do amazing things. At work and play, we surround our students with state-of-theart spaces to explore, experiment, and uncover their passions.
From age three to graduation, Gulliver Prep inspires students to discover their talents and explore what’s possible. Our students create apps for the color blind, start their own companies, and learn how to identify their strengths to rocket towards success. No matter what path they choose, learning at Gulliver Prep is unparalleled
LEARN MORE AT
BEYOND WELLNESS
YYES, IT’S HOT OUT THERE. A spume of humidity seems to engulf the entire South Florida area in the summer months, and there’s just no escape. Your digital screens won’t help either. But perhaps you have a sweet spot by your pool, in the shade, where the breeze flows well enough to assuage those undue moments of perspiration? Or a reading nook inside your home, with the AC set at a perfectly soothing level—and from which you’re paging through this inaugural issue of AQUA?
In a region defined by water in sundry ways—from the summer’s heavy rains to the pool in your backyard and the beaches on the coast—AQUA is a new media brand that exalts the uniqueness of living in South Florida—from tropical luxuries to real estate, design, and cosmopolitan culture. We’ll be covering the good life in its broadest sense so that you can dig into
PHOTO BY NADIA SOMMEREYNS
singularly voiced articles that give equal time to indulgences (such as art, fashion, travel, and food/ wine/spirits) and virtues (environmental stewardship, humanitarian endeavors, and philanthropy).
In this Pinecrest Edition for July and August, we’re focusing on your wellness, dear reader, with stories that go beyond the hazy definition of that buzzword so that you can find a true proximation of what it means to you. Are you looking for exquisite food that’s sourced regionally or a staycation to pamper your soul? Delve into our feature on the Loews Coral Gables Hotel and our “Foodaliscious” highlight on Vale Food Co’s newest location in Pinecrest— especially with Miami Spice arriving soon.
Or maybe it’s great art that makes you feel most invigorated? Then don’t miss our exclusive interview with Johnathan Schultz, whose riveting artworks are currently on view at Platea in Pinecrest. If you’re aspiring to move to a condo in a building that’s aiming to encapsulate wellness, jump into “Elevations,” our real estate section. Or might you need to really get away from South Florida these days? Join our travel columnist Scott Eddy on a vicarious journey to South Africa on a mind-blowing safari.
These are just a few of the pieces we’ve put together for your reading pleasure. Stay cool—and make sure to review our “Contributors” page to get to know some of our writers and columnists, along with our “Table of Contents” for further guidance.
Cheers,
Omar Sommereyns Managing Editor
Group Publisher
Randi B. Berger randi.berger@wainscotmedia.com
Managing Editor
Omar Sommereyns omar.sommereyns@wainscotmedia.com
Advertising Director Daisy Abreu daisy.abreu@wainscotmedia.com
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Contributing Writer
Janica Valesca-Hieronimi
Contributing Columnists
Richard A. Berger (health)
Scott Eddy (@MrScottEddy; travel)
Rochelle B. Weinstein (books)
aquasouthflorida.com
AQUA logo designed by Gestalt Brand Lab.
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Art Director
Sue Park
Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden
AQUA Pinecrest Magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Pinecrest and surrounding areas of South Florida, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2024 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
SCOTT EDDY
After working in investment banking for a decade, Scott resigned once the firm was sold and flew to Thailand to visit a friend for two weeks. He loved it so much that he never used his return ticket. While living in Bangkok, he launched one of the first digital-marketing agencies in Asia, and it remained the biggest one in the region for five years. After spending time voyaging through Asia and Europe while building his personal brand, Scott caught the travel bug and became a peripatetic soul. He has since lived in six different countries—including Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K.—for 17 years. He’s now the TV host for the Video Globetrotter series on Lifetime, and he travels full time while nurturing his impressive following on social media (@MrScottEddy). Join him in Cape Town, South Africa, for his first travel column for AQUA on page 24.
ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
Rochelle is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of seven novels. Her most recent one is set in Surfside, Florida (What You Do to Me) A native Floridian, Rochelle spent her early years with a book in hand, reading the likes of Sidney Sheldon and Judy Blume. A former entertainment industry executive, she splits her time between Miami and the mountains of North Carolina. Rochelle keeps busy these days by dishing out monthly book recommendations for online literary magazine Women Writers, Women’s Books; teaching workshops at Nova Southeastern University; hiking; reading; and finding the world’s best nachos. She’s currently working on her eighth novel, We Are Made of Stars Plus, Rochelle is penning AQUA’s book column— find the first installment on page 30.
RICHARD A. BERGER, MD
Dr. Berger is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and his internal medicine residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He then did his fellowship in cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and he’s board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. He’s also a fellow at the American College of Cardiology (and was the former president of the American Heart Association of Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale). Dr. Berger has lectured both nationally and internationally and has written and published papers on cardiovascular disease and pacemakers. Presently, he practices in Miami Beach and the Florida Keys. For AQUA, he’s writing a health column to share his seasoned medical knowledge with our readers, including how to protect your heart during these hot summer months (page 28).
JANICA-VALESCA HIERONIMI
With German roots and a deep passion for creativity, Janica’s writing endeavors began with her first poem at the age of 13. After earning a Bachelor’s in Event and International Business Management in Hamburg, she moved to Berlin, where painting, visual art, and a stint as the singer-songwriter of a trip-hop band took over her life. After the COVID-19 pandemic—seeking balance—she pivoted to embracing holistic living. Following two yoga-teacher trainings in Thailand, she became a nomadic writer and meditation guide, and she’s working on her first poetry book, too. For this inaugural issue of AQUA, she contributed two pieces: a profile of the sun-protection activewear brand BloqUV (page 8) and an interview with South African artist Johnathan Schultz (page 14), whose artwork is prominently featured at Platea in Pinecrest.
Sun-Safe Style
BY JANICA-VALESCA HIERONIMI
BloqUV activewear helps Miamians—and soon their canine companions— protect their skin while they enjoy their favorite outdoor activities.
CORINA
BITON’S JOURNEY to becoming a fashion-brand founder began when she quit her corporate job and decided to go running on the beach every morning. She wore long-sleeved shirts made of cotton to protect herself from the sun.
But after about 10 months, she noticed white spots on her arms, chest, and upper body. A dermatologist told her that sun damage could be the cause, which made her realize that cotton shirts might not fully safeguard her skin from the sun.
So Biton went out to purchase running gear that would protect her from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. What she found left her unimpressed. “The fabric was rough, and everything I purchased was frumpy, polyester, thick—nothing my friends and I would want to wear,” she remembers. “So I decided to start BloqUV.”
UV-BLOCKING FABRIC
“The Bloqtek fabric we use has been specially developed for us, and we own all the rights,” she says. “All of our colors and fabrics have been tested by an independent laboratory. The development process took almost a year to ensure suitability for various needs.”
All the pieces in the line are a minimum of UPF 50, which can block 98% of UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays). “You don’t need to apply sunscreen, except on exposed areas,“ says Biton. Plus, BloqUV’s UPF 50+ fabric has garnered the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
SUN PROTECTION FOR DOGS
Soon enough, Biton’s customers will include our canine friends. Just before the holidays this year, BarkUV will launch online for pet owners seeking to find protective gear for their dogs who like to frolic in the sun.
“We had many of our customers request UV tops for their dogs for boating, paddle-boarding, and beach-going,” she explains. “After more research, we learned that dogs also need UV protection and decided to create a collection for pet lovers. This new fabric is UPF 50+ as well, but it’s sturdier to avoid damage from dog claws. Given that our office is pet-friendly—we‘ll have about five dogs around on a good day—we can‘t wait to see them sporting BarkUV!”
For more information, visit bloquv.com.
VISIONARY CARE
Looking for a surgeon you can trust with your eyes? Meet Richard S. Kalski, MD, whose expertise is second to none in Miami.
IN A WORLD WHERE SIGHT is precious, entrusting your eyes to a skilled professional is paramount. Meet Richard S. Kalski, MD, a beacon of expertise and compassion in the field of ophthalmology. As a refractive surgery specialist with a passion for restoring vision and enhancing lives, Dr. Kalski has been in private practice since 1996 and stands as a trusted name in eye care. He takes the time to conduct thorough examinations and craft personalized surgical plans for each patient.
BACKGROUND: Dr. Kalski’s journey in ophthalmology is marked by years of dedicated study and practice. He attended
first surgeons in South Florida to offer the femtosecond laser for performing laser cataract surgery. Dr. Kalski’s dedication to staying abreast of advancements ensures that his patients receive cuttingedge, personalized treatments.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Dr. Kalski offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address each patient’s unique needs. His practice covers a wide spectrum of eye care. Dr. Kalski takes pride in restoring clear vision and minimizing patients’ dependence on glasses and contact lenses with laser cataract surgery, multifocal and toric intraocular lenses, LASIK, and other refractive procedures. Additionally, his meticulous management of eye diseases helps to maintain eye health and prevent the progression of sightthreatening conditions.
PATIENT-CENTRIC APPROACH:
college at The University of Chicago, graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and pursued his ophthalmology residency at the same institution. He continued his fellowship training in corneal and refractive surgery at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, Australia, further sharpening his skills. He has trained surgeons abroad on LASIK techniques before the LASIK procedure was approved in the United States.
Voted the best laser and laser cataract surgeon by Indulge magazine of The Miami Herald, Dr. Kalski’s accolades attest to his expertise and commitment to patient care. He was one of the
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
“I have no words to state what a life-changing experience this has been. It is not only about not wearing glasses, but also about eye rejuvenation at its best, and I owe it all to Dr. Kalski who opened my eyes to a whole new world.”
Mary L.
“After an intensive search to find an eye surgeon for my cataracts, I can affirm Dr. Kalski was the perfect choice. Results are 20/20 and I threw my glasses away.”
Ricardo D.
“Dr. Kalski is amazing. The best decision I ever made was to have my LASIK eye surgery with him.”
Central to Dr. Kalski’s practice philosophy is his unwavering dedication to patient care. He listens attentively to each patient’s concerns, ensuring they feel valued and understood throughout their treatment journey. With empathy and expertise, he empowers patients to make informed decisions about their eye health, fostering a sense of trust and confidence while prioritizing their best visual outcomes.
When it comes to your
Yanesi B.
vision, trust it to the best.
Dr. Kalski combines surgical precision with a compassionate touch, ensuring that each patient receives the highest standard of care. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference firsthand at Dr. Kalski’s modern, comfortable office, located at 7000 SW 97th Ave., Suite 114, Miami.
CONNECT WITH DR. KALSKI
It’s easy to make an appointment or learn more about Richard S. Kalski, MD:
• Call 305.665.2023.
• Email contactus@kalskivision.com.
• Visit www.kalskivision.com.
• Follow Kalskivision (Instagram) or Richard S. Kalski, MD (Facebook).
EARTHLY DELIGHTS
The healthy fast-casual trend has caught on throughout Miami. With its newest location recently opened in Pinecrest, Vale Food Co epitomizes how to do it best—and here’s why.
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
WITH OUR HEADS in the digital cloud and our lives increasingly more hectic—especially for city- or urbansprawl dwellers who spend too much time commuting or stuck in traffic—it’s not easy to find the bandwidth to hit the market, gather whole foods, and cook a healthy meal from scratch.
Which is why the boom in healthy fast-casual restaurants has attracted loyal followings. It’s also why Sunny Ilyas has been intent on expanding his Florida-born Vale Food Co from the northern part of the state to the southern part—most recently to Pinecrest, its ninth eatery, located right off U.S. 1.
“We didn’t have that many healthfood options 12 or 13 years ago,” he points out. “That’s when I was a student up in Tallahassee at Florida State University,
and it was extremely frustrating. There was no place to get healthy food that was convenient, tasty, and affordable. Now, the health-food craze has exploded throughout the state and in Miami, too, but prices are skyrocketing. That’s why we want to bring back value to healthy food, as we don’t want people to think it has to always be so expensive.”
Given those high prices and accessibility issues, it’s no surprise that many turn to ultra-processed foods, defined by Harvard Health Publishing as “made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as fats, starches, added sugars, and hydrogenated fats” and possibly containing “additives like artificial colors and flavors or stabilizers.” Think everything from hot dogs, frozen pizza, and mashed potato flakes to sweetened
Sunny Ilyas, founder and CEO of Vale Food Co
breakfast cereals, instant ramen, and those rolled, finger-staining Takis chips you can’t get enough of.
Alarmingly, a study recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that ultra-processed food consumption has grown to 57% of total calories.
So, how has Ilyas—the founder and CEO of Vale—been able to build a health brand that has been steadily growing while retaining reasonable price-points for the consumer? It all started modestly. In 2014, seeing a dearth of health-food choices in Tallahassee while pursuing his studies in exercise physiology, he initiated his own meal-delivery service, doing all the cooking and operations himself for about 500 subscribers.
In 2016, he opened his first physical location, mentioning how he likes to think of himself as a pioneer in “getting college kids to eat healthy,” and at age 30, he was included in the “Young Restaurant Leaders to Watch” list in QSR, a longstanding publication covering the quick-service food industry. By 2022, he had opened several more spaces, including the first one in South Florida—in Brickell. Then, in 2023, he launched in Boca Raton.
“The company is all privately owned by me,” he says. “We’re not trying to appease shareholders, and we have a very good grip
on our cost-controls. We also understand that we have to sacrifice some profits for the greater good of the consumer relationship and for the business to grow.”
The airy and bright ambience within Vale eateries—with whites and light browns enlivened by verdant flourishes—lives up to its motto to “live an earthly life” and the etymology of the word itself, which emanates from Middle English and refers to a valley or, more figuratively, to an “earthly existence.”
over the years (i.e., that eating less lowers one’s risk for heart disease).
A recent stop at Vale had us relishing tender teriyaki chicken, al dente roasted broccoli, and sweet-potato noodles, all brought together by a curried honeymustard (the “Sweet Earth Bowl”), along with a crisp and refreshing açai bowl topped with granola, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. But it’s the variety and customization that draw people here— with everything from smashed avocado toast and spicy tuna poke to matcha lattes, dragon fruit lemonades, chia puddings, and lemon-garlic kale salads.
Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options abound, too, and those who love protein will be delighted by the ample selection, including turkey/spinach/feta meatballs, grilled steak tenderloin, ancho pulled-chicken, and lemon-pepper salmon. Ilyas still whips up new recipes, too.
And despite weather limitations in Florida, he does try to source his ingredients from local and regional farms, with items rotating seasonally as well. He’s now excited to bring his newest location at the nexus of the southern portion of Miami-Dade County, where they will introduce a new section of signature wraps and breakfast burritos.
“Even the water we use that goes into your food is mega-filtered,” he says. “So you’re not ingesting those trace chemicals and microplastics that get into the water supply.”
Then, of course, there’s the food. Ilyas says Vale was one of the first restaurants in the fast-casual realm to use extra virgin olive oil in their cooking process. They don’t use butter in anything, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on the research on saturated fat that has wavered
“Ultimately,” he adds, “we’re building a one-stop shop for accessible healthy food, whether you want a smoothie, a bowl, a juice, a wrap, a salad, or even a baked good that’s on the healthier side. We never take shortcuts in our culinary approach, and we’ve always been sneaking in good nutrition into our food—from cooking mac-and-cheese with 100% whole grain pasta to making everything from scratch in our kitchens.”
Vale Food Co’s new Pinecrest eatery is located at 9573 S. Dixie Hwy., Pinecrest, FL 33156. For more information, visit valefoodco.com or call 786.636.8887
The Wellness Factor
How can residences, workspaces, and social areas meld together to most optimally contribute to our well-being?
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
THE “WELLNESS” trend doesn’t want to go away. People and brands are seemingly still very concerned with it. But what is wellness? Is it being mindful? Does it differ from person to person? It is eating whole pomegranates while beaming with delectation?
And what about wellness at home and in the office? What kind of pleasures and luxuries can confer a veritable sense of well-being within those environments?
As THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands—a condo-and-office “wellness-
lifestyle project”—prepares to open in Q2 of 2025, AQUA reached out to the main players involved in the project to discuss its approach and to nail down, in their view, the most important tenets associated with wellness.
Check out these choice soundbites from our interviews with David Martin (DM), CEO of real-estate development firm Terra, and Kane Sarhan (KS), co-founder and chief creative officer of THE WELL; along with Will Meyer (WM) and Gray Davis (GD), co-founders of Meyer Davis, which handled the interior design.
On defining the concept of wellness:
DM: It’s an all-encompassing approach to health that goes beyond merely avoiding illness. That includes the active pursuit of habits and practices that lead to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
KS: Wellness involves integrating physical health, nutrition, mental stability, stress management, and nurturing relationships to achieve harmoniousness.
On how THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands uniquely contributes to the wellness of its potential residents and the community surrounding it:
DM: We’re blending luxurious residences, cutting-edge office spaces, and a holistic wellness center to create an environment focused on health and well-being. This project addresses the increasing demand for health-centric living spaces and premium commercial areas.
KS: And there are three main components that promote well-being (and that are based on collaborations with experts in both Eastern and Western medicine): infrastructure (such as HVAC systems, water quality, and lighting), programming (covering amenities and services), and design (including layouts and materials).
On the interior design:
WM: The residential perspective is focused on relaxation and peace, and we designed the amenities as spaces in which to slow down and connect with others—with sheer drapery, light and airy palettes, and natural sunlight from the floor to the ceiling.
GD: We also connected the interiors with the natural elements that define Miami, including water and sand. We captured these features through a striking, curving staircase that you’ll see upon entering the building—it’s surrounded by water and lush trees atop keystone flooring reminiscent of pressed sand.
On how a wellness building can help conquer loneliness:
DM: This project is designed to build community and foster meaningful connections. The wellness center and communal areas are intended to encourage social interactions and provide residents with numerous opportunities to engage with one another. Hosting group fitness classes, wellness workshops, and community events will help create a sense of community and belonging among residents.
KS: Right. Our shared areas and wellness programs are structured to facilitate social engagement and support networks. Plus, the open layouts and abundant natural light in our designs create a welcoming atmosphere where residents can feel connected and at ease.
On how THE WELL Bay Harbor Islands will be tailored to the needs of South Florida residents, specifically:
DM: We’re incorporating elements suited to the local climate and lifestyle, such as sunlit layouts and the use of natural materials to create a connection to the outdoors. Features like floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies will bring in the ocean breeze and enhance the living experience.
KS: We’ll also have features like air purification systems and aromatherapy diffusers for further relaxation and well-being. The design aesthetic—with its clean lines, warm tones, and rich textures—reflects the local environment. By focusing on the specific wellness needs of this community, we aim to help residents lead their healthiest, most fulfilling lives.
To learn more, visit the-well.com
The Midas Effect G
Art-world golden boy Johnathan Schultz wields a luxurious aesthetic to catalyze change— and to challenge traditional ways of creating.
BY JANICA-VALESCA HIERONIMI
GOLD AND DIAMONDS are obvious signifiers of luxury, but the artist Johnathan Schultz has used these and other precious metals, stones, and artifacts to flip the script. Yes, his breathtaking artworks dazzle the eyes, but the intention behind them goes much deeper. As viewers peel back the layers, they uncover stories of hope, dignity, dreamweaving, overcoming obstacles, and finding justice. As Schultz himself told AQUA, being an artist means more than just creating—it’s also about establishing a voice that can potentially spark change.
Born in South Africa, Schultz has always had the creation gene within him. Even in childhood, he realized that a typical nine-tofive job would never fulfill him, so he embarked on a mission to push himself as an artist with a unique vision—intent on being bold, breaking norms, and embracing challenges.
One piece in particular helped rocket his ascent to fame. Named “Out of the Darkness,” the artwork is based on a fingerprint from the arrest warrant of Nelson Mandela (the former South African President and the country’s first democratically elected leader) and made from
a whopping 9,225 diamonds (895.6 carats) set in white gold. It is one of the largest diamond-constructed artworks produced in the 21st century.
Last December, Schultz contributed a selection of pieces to Platea—a Peruvianinspired prime steakhouse and ceviche bar in Pinecrest—so we contacted him ahead of several other projects he has in the works for South Florida (including “Midas Touchdown,” a collaboration with the Miami Dolphins and former pro player Louis Oliver at Hard Rock Stadium in December). Delve into our exclusive interview, where Schultz shares his perspective on luxury, gold and diamonds as symbols of the light within us, and how art can be a vehicle for reconfiguration.
What does luxury mean to you?
There are different levels of luxury, right? I came from a very humble family, and I was one of those kids who had holes in the pants I wore to school. And so, later in life, luxury at first was just being able to have a nicer pair of pants. Throughout the world, some people don’t have a toilet in their homes, so maybe having that is a form of luxury. For me, diamonds have personal meaning based on where I came from; others may just look at them sparkling there and that may bring them joy. And that’s part of why I incorporate those elements—to bring people a sense of joy and hope that may be missing in their lives.
What’s your personal relationship to diamonds?
And what’s your process for sourcing them?
My relationship to diamonds started years ago when I would buy and sell diamonds from secondhand shops. I always found their natural brilliance to be so amazing. I would buy them, clean them, sort them, and then sell them. As I started focusing more on art, I found myself drawn back to that brilliance. I kept thinking about how there are very few items in the world that incorporate diamonds (other than expensive jewelry), so I wanted to offer that to viewers.
The sourcing process is important for me, too. I make sure that we vet any company we’re purchasing diamonds from, and that they’ve gone through the most stringent process and due diligence to satisfy compliance. I’ve turned down certain entities. And I did all the sourcing in the U.S. because there are a lot of rules and regulations around bringing in precious stones and metals here. Ethically-sourced diamonds is a term used in the industry, and that means no child labor, no cash payments, and ensuring providers have anti-money-laundering processes in place. We ensured we weren’t dealing with any blood diamonds collected in a war zone, too.
And is that similar to your use of gold?
Yes. The 23-carat gold that I use on my canvases and sculptures is also about me wanting viewers to see something they don’t usually see—and to enjoy it. Additionally, 23 is one of my favorite numbers, and I like to work in layers. It may take me more time to finish a piece, but at the end, I like that the viewer can feel the richness of it. Plus, gold is a precious metal that’s typically hard, but I enjoy finding ways to play with the aesthetic—and to make it softer.
You made an artistic choice to use diamonds to depict a fingerprint in “Out of the Darkness.” Can you talk about why?
I embedded the diamonds into a fingerprint to symbolize individuality and identity. Each person’s fingerprint is unique, representing their distinct hopes and dreams. This uniqueness underscores the personal impact and significance of each life. The diamonds highlight the preciousness of human life, serving as a metaphor for resilience and value. Just as diamonds are formed under immense pressure, the lives commemorated in this piece were often lived under significant societal and systemic challenges. Out of darkness and adversity, there can emerge a glimmer of light and hope. This artwork is not just a memorial but also a call to action for justice and meaningful change—reminding us of the value of every human life and the imperative to address and prevent systemic injustices. This piece is meant to be a powerful statement that demands attention and evokes an emotional response, urging us to see the human stories behind the statistics and to act in ways that honor their memory. It serves as a representation of life and hope, emphasizing that every individual—regardless of race, gender, or identity—is valuable. We are all unique, and whether intentionally or not, we are each building our own legacy.
Different views of “Out of the Darkness” by Johnathan Schultz (including a close-up of his meticulous diamond-work)
Why do you call yourself an iconoclast?
I just identify with being different. I was the kid on the playground who sat by himself with his lunch and his drink. Then, with the artwork, it was about breaking the norm—not conforming to the traditional oil and canvas. And I like embracing certain challenges, like when people say, what you’re trying to do there is impossible, that’s when I make sure that I get it done.
How does GEM—a transmutable character that goes through various iterations in your work—factor into your visual storytelling?
I wanted to develop a character that everyone could relate to—something you could project your feelings onto. Like is it a boy? A girl? Is it nothing? Is it happy? Is it sad? Then, at the same time, I’ll continue with some of my aesthetic elements, like incorporating the gold onto the character or into the paintings with the character. And I can tell lighter stories with it and have fun with it, like putting GEM as a flying character with diamonds coming out of its back onto a Moët bottle.
How did you approach the selection of artwork for Platea in Pinecrest? Would that be a different process for you than choosing pieces for an art exhibition?
There was a nice collaboration between Platea and me. They wanted to change a bit of their look, and I selected certain works based on the aesthetics in the restaurant. Plus, I made three new works that go together perfectly within that venue as well. I also think that a chef is an artist, and so to be able to experience the food and taste it, but then also to have visual components around you not only complements the walls, but also how you experience everything at once—the notion of a food-and-art infusion, so to speak.
What values or virtues are most important to you as both a person and an artist?
First, I’d say empathy and compassion. Empathy allows us to connect deeply with others’ experiences and challenges, fostering a compassionate world where understanding and kindness drive our actions. In my art, I strive to evoke emotions that bridge divides and remind us of our shared humanity.
Emphasizing empathy would encourage a culture that values and supports every individual, recognizing their individual journey and the pressures they endure.
Then, there’s equity and justice. Equity is essential to ensure that everyone has fair access to opportunities and resources. Justice involves not only addressing past wrongs but also creating systems that uphold fairness and dignity for all. Through my work, I aim to shed light on systemic issues and advocate for meaningful change. A world that prioritizes equity and justice would be one where all individuals can thrive and contribute to building a just and compassionate society. And finally—resilience and hope. Resilience helps us endure and grow through adversity, while hope is the beacon that guides us through the darkest times. My art reflects the belief that, like diamonds formed under pressure, our strength and beauty emerge from overcoming challenges. By valuing resilience and hope, we cultivate a mindset that not only survives hardships but also transforms them into opportunities for growth and positive change.
Visit thejohnathanschultz.com and plateamiami.com to learn more.
Top row (left to right): “I Spy,” “Sweet Chile,” and “The Golden Legacy” by Johnathan Schultz (all on display at Platea in Pinecrest)
Bottom row (left to right): “Justice” (also on display at Platea) and “The Fuel in Our Dreams” by Johnathan Schultz
ALL ABOUT THE FLAVOR
As Taste of the Gables and Miami Spice bring a boost of culinary temptation during these slower summer months, let’s accentuate the local and regional bounties that supply many of our most beloved venues. Case in point: LOEWS CORAL GABLES HOTEL.
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
IIF YOU HEAD TOWARD the outdoor entrance of the Americana Kitchen, across The Plaza Coral Gables—a leisurescape of shops, restaurants, and wondrous sculptures—you’ll soon encounter a towering, cartoony statue by the artist KAWS of what appears to be a warped version of Mickey-Mousemeets-the-Insane-Clown-Posse. Both eyes are X-ed out, and his hand rests on the shoulder of the child in front of him.
You’ll gawk, snap a pic, and walk around it, then sit at the half-al-fresco bar at Americana, instantly commingling within the bustle of both tourists and happy-hour revelers. You’ll grab a local beer or a low-ABV cocktail as your apéritif You’ll sit down and admire the view, exhaling with relief.
As the magenta-and-ocher twilight hour approaches, grab a table and take a breather. If the weather permits, opt for sitting outside. The fountain and landscaping will readily beckon you. “Enjoy the fresh air,” says Ricardo Jarquin, the executive chef at the 242-room Loews Coral Gables Hotel, who oversees all culinary operations, including Americana. “You get here, and you can join the crowd at the bar, or you can isolate yourself from the craziness of the city.”
QUALITY NOURISHMENT
Many chefs and restaurateurs like to talk about farm-to-table, but it’s no easy feat. Such a standard is only achievable if there’s a viable infrastructure and network of vendors who each have their own distinctive offerings. Plus, depending on the weather (and other conditions), some may not be able to produce enough to satisfy the demand of the restaurants in the region.
And as Chef Jarquin points out, having a resilient stable of local and regional farmers, produce-mongers, and various purveyors was hardly a given 10 or 12 years ago in Miami.
“But now that we do have them, I’m all about supporting them,” he says, whether incorporating them in the restaurants (e.g., Americana Kitchen and Phineas, the outdoor, pool-side eatery on the ninth
floor), the banquet functions, or within in-room dining options.
He does his best to source locally and regionally when feasible and waxes poetic when discussing the many different relationships he maintains with the people growing and supplying some of the products that end up in his dishes:
“The burrata from Mozzarita, the oysters from Serenoa Shellfish Company. Also, there’s some beautiful summer corn we’re going to start getting from Roberto [Grossman] at Tiny Farm, and we’re going to do a nice little risotto with that. I take a very Italian approach to cooking—not necessarily that I’m cooking Italian food, but I like keeping things simple, while sourcing from my surroundings whenever possible, and overall, I love creating a product that is not only tasty but also very appealing to look at.”
Yes, indeed. Because you eat with your eyes, too. At a recent dinner, those oysters were deliciously briny and buttery—the flavors further elevated by a rocotopepper cocktail sauce and chalaquita (a sort of Peruvian mignonette). And it was nice to know the oysters came from Wakulla County, Florida, even if I’m an oyster snob who wants them from the northern cold waters—those flats fastened like super-glued barnacles on the onceabundant reefs of the frigid Belgian coast, then served on ice at a seaside bistro off the promenade in Ostend.
But then you observe a chef here who’s aiming to impress, yes, but not only with sheer skill. Order most plates at Americana, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find fault with the prowess of presentation and restrained creativity. What strikes more acutely with each bite, though, is the quality and freshness of the ingredients— and the intense flavors that follow, all of which finally reach a comforting balance as you taste everything both separately and as a whole.
It’s almost like the localization of the product—and knowing about it—makes you pay attention to your food a bit more. You eat it—and if it’s good, you may be even happier for it. This is your food, in your region of residence.
This page (top to bottom): Chef Ricardo Jarquin; Nadim Barrage, general manager of Loews Coral Gables Hotel
Previous page (clockwise from top-left): Chef Jarquin’s spare ribs, ropa-vieja and charredplantain empanadas, seafood sampler (featuring Florida oysters), and shrimp & choriza paella; “Waiting” sculpture by KAWS; a private dining room at Americana Kitchen
AIMING FOR BALANCE
When you’re eating for pleasure in addition to sustenance, flavor is what matters most. But why do we eat out? Maybe to explore the many interpretations and cooked versions of quality ingredients we may not be able to recreate in our homes? Or it might just come down to fulfilling a sense of wellness. And that can mean something different for everyone.
“Wellness is a very broad term,” says Nadim Barrage, general manager of Loews Coral Gables Hotel. “It’s very unique and subjective.”
He points to the farm salad as a dish that best encapsulates both local ingredients and the feel-good tingles of wellness the hotel’s culinary interpretations attempt to put forward. With its bright mix of shaved farm vegetables, crispy quinoa, sliced avocado, and locally sourced artisanal greens in a light basil dressing, the flavor of each ingredient shines through and is heightened by a deft preparation.
You can even bring your dog or cat, as Americana has a menu dedicated to pets as well.
Or, as Barrage mentions, some guests and bar denizens may be motivated by a sense of mindful consumption and hence be drawn to the Free Spirited by Loews program, which features cocktails concocted by the hotel’s mixologists with either a low alcohol by volume (i.e., “ABV,” such as El Cafecito, made from Coconut Cartel rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, espresso, and simple syrup) or without alcohol at all (e.g., try the Cucumber “Martini”— bolstered by a Seedlip Garden 108 herbal blend fused with pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and cucumbers).
Coming back to the food, Barrage, like Chef Jarquin, also emphasizes the intention of building up a series of balanced menus: “If you want pizza, you can have pizza with great ingredients here, but if you want to go healthier and vegetarian, we’ll go beyond just giving you a plate of vegetables. For instance, I love the effort Chef has put into a veggie
main like the oven-roasted cauliflower ‘steak,’ which really has a full flavor profile with the addition of the guajillo salsa, queso fresco, and mint.”
Chef Jarquin is all about a culinary mindset that’s totally ingredient-forward and deferential to technique. This summer, take advantage of Americana’s special prix-fixe menus for the area’s two big culinary events: Taste of the Gables in July and Miami Spice in August and September. For the latter, highlights include a revitalizing bruschetta, with stracciatella from the Pompano-Beachbased Mozzarita, along with heirloom tomatoes and a drizzle of white balsamic vinegar atop sesame sourdough bread.
But whatever you do, ask for the duck confit pasta—and treat yourself. It’s not on those special menus, but it showcases Chef Jarquin’s overarching sensibility here by balancing a succulent confit of slow-cooked duck legs with a handmade, spinach-based pasta that’s long, wide, and ribbon-shaped, accented by fennel and a vibrant pesto sauce.
“It may seem like a very heavy dish—at first,” Chef Jarquin explains. “But it’s all about having top ingredients and technique. There’s a three-day process for our duck. First, we’re trimming the fat and curing it. Next, we cook it low and slow. But when you plate the dish, it’s going to feel lighter, with the summer pesto on the pasta, which has a lot of lemon, and we glaze the duck with a Cara Cara orange jam that’s also more citrusy than sweet. Again—balance.”
Chef Jarquin is highly aware of the continuing wellness trend—and he wants his guests to glean a positive feeling after their meals:
“I don’t like recipes that are superheavy and make you say, ‘Man, I need to take a nap now.’ I want you to feel energized. I want to give you quality ingredients—local when possible—in dishes that just make you feel good after you eat them.”
For more information, visit americanakitchen.com and loewshotels.com
This page (top to bottom): The Americana bar and wine-wall; the Chef’s Table at American Kitchen; Phineas, the hotel’s pool-side eatery Next page (top to bottom): A view of the dining area and open kitchen at Americana; the pool-deck at the hotel; the outdoor patio at Americana
LOCAL BOUNTY
WANT TO SOURCE FOODS and ingredients directly from local and regional vendors like Chef Jarquin? Take note of these farms, bakeries, breweries, and icecream/coffee/cheese makers—all included in the Flavor by Loews Hotels program for your edible pleasure:
• Azucar Ice Cream
Available for in-room dining and at Americana and Phineas azucaricecream.com
• Biscayne Bay Brewing
Available for banquets and at Americana and Phineas biscaynebaybrewing.com
• Funky Buddha Brewery
Available for banquets and at Americana and Phineas funkybuddha.com
• Imagine Farms
Available at Americana imaginefarms.com
• L’Artisane Bakery & Bistro
Available at Americana lartisanebakery.com
• La Provence
Available at Americana laprovencemiami.com
• Mozzarita
Available at Americana mozzarita.com
• Per’La Specialty Roasters
Available at Americana drinkperla.com
• Serenoa Shellfish Company
Available for banquets and at Americana serenoashellfish.com
• Sullivan Street Bakery
Available at Americana sullivanstreetbakery.com
• Tiny Farm
Available at Americana tinyfarmmiami.com
DON’T CALL IT A SMART HOME
P“PEOPLE DON’T WANT smart homes anymore—people want dumb homes,” says Jan Vitrofsky, founder and CEO of HEDsouth, with a cheeky smirk. But people still want control within their households, right? And convenience and efficiency? Yes, but no, Vitrofsky continues. We’re over-saturated with digital screens and technology, he insists. It’s gotta all stop somewhere.
lives and have an easier way of doing stuff with technology,” he adds. “So I like saying that we’ve become dumb-home specialists, and that makes people chuckle because everyone referred to us is all about how great we are at doing smart homes.”
FOCUSING ON INNOVATION
Jan Vitrofsky— a trailblazer in advanced electronic solutions for both commercial and residential spaces—thinks that tech-infusions and wellness have been overplayed in our daily lives. So where do we go from here?
BY OMAR SOMMEREYNS
But didn’t he create a company that helps businesses and homeowners streamline their entertainment, health and wellness, lighting, shade, and smart-home-control systems throughout Florida? Isn’t what he’s saying antithetical to his own business?
“OK, here’s the deal: The terminology of smart homes has been played out already. OK? It’s been going on forever,” he tells AQUA OK.
“Now, a dumb home doesn’t mean there aren’t any systems that are easy to operate and well-integrated, but people want less technology in their homes. And I’ve noticed that this is especially true in the upper luxury market because many of these people have already built a home; they’ve already done it—and they don’t want all the tech anymore.”
“They want to simplify their
Vitrofsky’s background in the electronics industry—and the people he crossed paths with throughout his career—have positioned him to stake a leadership claim in providing innovative electronic solutions to both commercial and residential clients.
“I grew up taking stuff apart and putting it back together,” he says. “And because I had an older sister and it was the ‘60s, I got into music.” Stereo systems captivated his curiosity further. Shunning college, he got a job at a gas station, saved up funds, and bought his first system.
“I really vibed with the people who ran that stereo store,” he says. So he got a job there, working his way up until he was recruited by the eminent Henry Kloss, an audio engineer and entrepreneur who had invented (along with Edgar Villchur) the first acoustic suspension loudspeaker.
“Henry had also come up with the concept of the big-
screen TV, but this was before surround sound, when the biggest TV you could buy was 25 inches,” Vitrofsky recalls. “So, he invented this thing that had a six-and-a-half foot screen, and I took a job at his company for $15,000 a year to be an assistant in the sales department, and eventually became the national sales manager.”
He got nationwide exposure traveling around the country— teaching people how to sell the home-cinema experience. He stayed at that company for three years but then decided that he wanted to be an entrepreneur and start his own business. “And my thought,” he says, “was the best place in the world to do that was New York.”
By the time he’d moved south to the tropics and set up shop in South Florida in the late
‘90s—HED stands for “Home Entertainment Design”—he was confident he could dominate the market here.
Since then, he’s gathered an impressive list of heavy-hitter brands and private clients, from ABC and CBS to Sony, Disney, and even the White House, along with several luxury residential projects (usually brought to him by an architect, a builder, or an interior designer). His installations always feature the vanguard of consumer electronics and luxe labels, including Sonos for music seamlessly playing in every space, Sony for high-end video entertainment, Lutron for lighting and custom motorized shades, and Crestron for complete, easy-to-use control interfaces that can be accessed both on- and off-premises.
THE PILLARS OF WELLNESS (IN YOUR HOME)
As defined by Vitrofsky, home automation is “taking technology and making the quality of life in your home simpler and better.” But he’s driven by more than mere automation: “How do you take human beings, put them inside a piece of real estate, and how does that space or environment affect their quality of life?”
Just under seven years ago, a company in New York called Delos approached him. “They had developed the WELL Building Standard™ [a benchmark for health and wellbeing elements inserted into buildings], and they had started doing this kind of narrative in the commercial world. Then, they made the move into the
efficiency, and automation with technology—just not too much of it. Too much of anything’s generally not healthy anyway. “Everything in moderation,” as the old adage goes.
“Wellness, too, was such a hot topic during and right after the pandemic that what transpired was something called ‘well-washing,’” Vitrofsky points out. “Everyone was getting hip to wellness. Wellness was the thing. There were even wellness television sets. There was wellness this, wellness that. Everybody was putting the wellness narrative into their product. And that has somewhat diluted the reality of what, from a health perspective, wellness is all about.”
luxury residential sector. And I’m one of the grandpas of that business. So I worked with them to develop a platform of wellness for the home.”
Vitrofsky identified a set of pillars that need to be addressed to create a holistic sense of wellness within one’s household: air, water, lighting, and circadian rhythms. “These key pillars are essential for wellness within a residential environment,” he says. “It’s all about the air you breathe, the water you drink, the lighting you sit in, and the color temperature associated with your circadian rhythm for sleep and comfort.”
And this brings us back to the concept of dumb homes that Vitrofsky likes to throw around. Because for some— maybe many—people these days, wellness may imply convenience,
During the South Florida summer—as residents shut themselves in amidst unbearably muggy heat and heavy rains flooding the streets—Vitrofsky thinks it’s critical to assess what home wellness means to you, individually. “People down here rarely open their windows so the quality of the air they’re breathing inside their homes is recirculated stuff,” he says. “Part of the wellness there could be having the cleanest possible air going through their AC system.”
Jumping off that, Vitrofsky thinks that finding a balance between a relatively smart home and more organic aspects is vital to finding your sense of wellness in your residence.
“The best way to do that is to aggregate technologies together under one user experience,” he says. “So having a simple-to-operate interface that controls the lights, the music, the thermostats—all of those things, all within that one app—should help you enjoy a better quality of life.”
For more information, visit hedsouth.com.
TAKE A LEAP
I did so. First, by resigning from my cushy job. Then, by selling all my stuff and committing to the life of a traveler. Join me, in this first adventure, outside of Cape Town, South Africa.
BY SCOTT EDDY
I LOVE MY FREEDOM. When you’re able to travel hundreds of thousands of miles and make a career out of it, there’s just no going back. I already felt that way when I first left my corporate job, where I hustled 60-hour workweeks. Can you imagine? So I resigned, flew to Thailand, and never used my return ticket.
While I was living in Bangkok, social media was starting to become a thing. And if you think it got big States-side, it was— and still is—on steroids in Asia. I mean, it’s obscene how big it is there. So I launched one of the first digital-marketing agencies in Asia and built my following from there. I also sold everything I owned because I ended up not being in one place for too long anymore.
Since then, a genuine sense of wanderlust has engulfed my life—and has kept me globetrotting to destinations at all ends of the world.
Given that the prime time to visit South Africa is September to November— with less rain and cooler temps that are still amenable to most travelers—I wanted to bring you to the wonders of Cape Town, a port city on the country’s southwest coast, for my first column for AQUA
I was initially enticed to Cape Town when I took a cruise with Azamara, with
stops in that city and others in South Africa, highlighted by beautiful mountainscapes, a deep enjoyment of nature, and access to an epicure’s choice of fine dining and vineyards.
But I wanted more from Cape Town and the surrounding area after the cruise. Particularly—I wanted to see the wildlife that lives not too far outside of the city itself. You know, you’ll visit the Caribbean, and you may go snorkeling, and you may go swimming with the turtles, but this…this was something else.
IN THE THICK OF IT
So you think you’ve seen lions, right? When you go to the zoo? The difference, when you’re joining a South African safari, is that you’re entering their home. That means, among other things, they have the right of way no matter what. These creatures are majestic, and this is their domain. So, I’d say, just keep your distance a bit, although your driver will guide you anyway. Trust your driver, your guide— they’ve been doing this for years. Our guide? He’s actually named these lions. He was giving us their names as we stood a few feet away while they yawned nonchalantly like it was just another day.
So you’re in a jeep, and you have the safari guide, and you’ve got the driver—and all of a sudden, the guy slams on his brakes, and you just don’t know why. But then you hear stomping, and it’s getting louder and louder, and soon enough right there is a herd of 21 elephants crossing the street right in front of you. I mean, this is what life’s about—to come face to face with these creatures, to become humbled, and to face your mortality. These are monumental beasts. And, as they cross the road, and you get out of the car for a better look—time just stands still in that moment.
A QUICK TIP
You want travel advice? I think that everybody should do two life-changing trips (at some point, and if they have the means):
• An expedition to Antarctica—and stay tuned for that in my column in the next issue.
• A South African safari. There, you’ll see things that are controlled by nature rather than by cities.
BUT IF YOU WANT THE CITY…
Cape Town is very cosmopolitan. Plus, the hotels I went to—they had Wi-Fi that was like quadruple the fastest I’ve ever seen at a hotel. And I’m big on proper Wi-Fi since I need to document my journeys wherever I go for my viewers. Plus, there are Ubers everywhere. And they’re super-cheap. Listen, the dollar goes a long way right now, considering their economy. And everyone has been super-friendly, in my experience.
If you’re worried about safety, I’d say it’s no more dangerous than walking around Miami. So there are good parts, and there are bad parts. There are parts you wouldn’t want to walk around at night, for sure. But there are parts of Miami you wouldn’t want to walk around at night, too, right?
AND WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?
The food scene is very special, and that’s because you find all sorts of nationalities melding together. Cape Town is as international as any major city in the world. I had insane Thai food. I had a wonderful Lebanese food. I had great Mexican food. It was unbelievable. But, more importantly—in the Thai restaurant, there were Thai people. There were Lebanese people in the Lebanese restaurant. And so on.
I didn’t wanna leave Cape Town. In the simplest terms, yeah: You can take a cruise from there, you can hit a nightclub, and you can eat at some of the best restaurants you’ll ever eat at…but also, you can truly escape into the wilds and share space with amazing beasts for an indelible moment in time—all within the same week.
Cape Town keeps its hooks on you. And I’m looking forward to going back.
SCOTT’S RECS HOTELS
• BOSJES Farm bosjes.co.za
• The Cellars-Hohenort thecellars-hohenorthotel.com
• President Hotel preferredhotels.com
• Tintswalo Boulders tintswalo.com
ATTRACTIONS
• Mirage Catamaran miragecatamaran.com
• Kariega Game Reserve kariega.co.za
BRUNCH
• JARRYDS nonamehg.com
• Kliensky’s Delicatessen kleinskys.com
DINNER
• Belly of the Beast bellyofthebeast.co.za
• The Potluck Club thepotluckclub.co.za
• FYN fynrestaurant.com
• Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro bouchon.co.za
• The Dog’s Bollocks at Yard yardco.co.za
BARS
• 14Stories Rooftop Bar bit.ly/3L4JYSo
• Allure Rooftop Lounge allurerooftop.co.za
• Cloud 9 Mountain Club Bistro hotelcloudnine.com
• The Gin Bar theginbar.co.za
• RED Roof Bar bit.ly/3L3LOmx
• The Silo Rooftop Bar bit.ly/3zgQYJe
The Real Costs of Divorce
BY VANESSA VASQUEZ DE LARA, ESQ.
A family law attorney who specializes in divorce shares her insights.
I’M PROBABLY THE LAST person you’d think to go to for marriage advice. I mean, my career and company are built largely on putting a legal end to them. But let’s be honest, the legal dissolution of a marriage is just the formal end to something that had already withered and died.
I’d actually rather people stay together—not out of obligation or fear, but out of love and a true partnership
in life. But when there’s no other option, I want people to transition out of a marriage in the easiest way possible. While there are plenty of articles and even formal scientific papers on the causes of divorce, in my experience, people miss some very fundamental issues at the root of the problem. These naturally lead to things you can do to avoid divorce if you’re already married and prevent one down
the road if you haven’t yet stepped down the aisle.
In my 20+ year legal career, I’ve dealt with more than 2,000 family law cases. I’ve seen just about every kind of divorce you can think of, including uncontested divorces that we were able to finalize in a month and others that have dragged out for more than three years. I’ve had clients who both walked away with millions and others whose only asset to fight over was the family dog.
Beyond my direct experience, I also serve on the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, where we make rules of conduct and hear every kind of wild story about divorce you can imagine. And through all these divorces, big or small, fast or drawn out, “easy” or extra-difficult, my hope is that the common themes I’ve seen can help you or someone you know.
FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL TOLLS
Divorce is expensive. If you have no kids, no assets, and just do it all yourself through self-service, it’s going to cost you at least $500 in court fees—not to mention all the time it’s going to take you to prepare everything and go to the courthouse.
But the “typical” divorce in Miami is going to run each side around $10,000— and that’s if you settle. Go all the way to trial, and you could be looking at $50,000 to $100,000 or more. It’s like I try to tell my clients: You can work to settle and pay for your kid’s college, or drag it out and pay for mine.
While the financial costs can be huge numbers, the biggest cost I’ve seen is the emotional toll it takes. It’s been said that there are five stages of grief— denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and I can tell you that the end of a marriage will take you through every one of them. Even when it’s for the best, even when the marriage is toxic, it
doesn’t change the fact that something significant is lost.
Pile on all the other feelings that come up—feelings of failure, fear of “getting back out there,” and doubt in your decision—and it’s no surprise that I have a number of mental health counselors on speed dial for my clients.
And do I really even need to talk about the mental and emotional costs when there are kids involved?
TYPICAL CAUSES OF DIVORCE
So why do people go through all of that? Some things are obvious, like infidelity or abuse. Others have been discussed ad nauseam, like disagreements on money, lack of communication, and a lack of intimacy (both physical and emotional). And while we technically live in a “no-fault” state, meaning the only reason you have to give the court is that your marriage is “irretrievably broken,” the reality is everyone likes to point the finger—and rarely is it at themselves.
I’m not a marriage counselor by any means, but I can tell you what I’ve observed: At the root of a lot of divorces there is often a fundamental misalignment in values, goals, and expectations. I am all about marrying for love. But it seems to me that we’ve gotten away from some of the other practical considerations and expect those same loving sensations we experience at the beginning of a relationship to carry us through decades of life together.
But it’s not enough. If you aren’t clear on your expectations around things like saving vs. spending, your long-term goals, and how you expect to raise the kids, it’s going to lead to conflict. And if you’re not prepared to deal with it, that unresolved conflict leads to resentment, resentment leads to bitterness, bitterness leads to contempt, and contempt leads to nasty divorces. It’s been said a flight from LAX to MIA that’s off just a few degrees
will end up in Orlando. Likewise, a small misalignment in your marriage will lead to you slowly drifting apart.
BUILDING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP
Staying married isn’t just about avoiding separation; it’s about fostering a genuine, supportive partnership. Taking responsibility for the health of the relationship is key. This involves empathy, effort, and, sometimes, professional counseling. Regular, honest communication and a willingness to address issues proactively can prevent the drift that often leads to divorce.
For those not yet married, premarital counseling and agreements like prenups can set a strong foundation for a marriage. They help align goals and expectations from the start, ensuring both parties enter the union with clarity and commitment. Maintaining romance and intimacy is also vital, requiring continuous effort and mutual respect.
WHEN DIVORCE IS THE ONLY OPTION
Sometimes, despite best efforts, divorce may be the only viable option. If this path is necessary, it’s crucial to approach it prepared, with clear goals and adequate resources. Consulting a skilled family law attorney can provide guidance through the legal complexities, ensuring that the process is handled as smoothly as possible.
Understanding and addressing the root causes of marital discord can significantly reduce the likelihood of divorce. By fostering communication and mutual understanding, couples can build a resilient relationship that withstands the test of time. However, when challenges are insurmountable, it’s important to approach divorce with the necessary resources and support to minimize its impact.
Vanessa Vasquez de Lara, Esq., a leading Miami family law attorney with a Best of Miami-Dade Law Firm, has for over 20 years championed family rights with expertise and compassion. Visit familylawprotection.com for more information.
PROTECT YOUR HEART
AQUA’s health columnist provides a refresher to help you stave off cardiovascular issues during these hot summer months.
BY RICHARD A. BERGER, MD
THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
serves as the lifeline of our bodies, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen through a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries. It’s all truly fascinating and highly efficient when things are working properly. But a disruption in this intricate system can lead to catastrophic events— including heart attacks and strokes. With the slow, enervating burn of the summer months now taking over, my editor at AQUA asked that I provide you, good reader, with some preventive tips.
First, let me tell you: A proactive approach is key to maintaining cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular diseases are a formidable threat, and they claim lives and inflict disabilities worldwide. The importance of preventive measures cannot be overstated, as they hold the key to ensuring a longer, healthier life for all individuals.
CONSIDER YOUR WEIGHT AND BLOOD PRESSURE.
• Weight loss is a very effective way to reduce high blood pressure. When someone loses weight, there is a decrease in blood volume, which helps lower blood pressure. However, it’s crucial to ensure that weight loss is achieved in a healthy manner and under proper medical supervision.
• Excessive weight loss and subsequent fluid depletion through various means like sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to low blood pressure (i.e., hypotension). This can cause symptoms like severe dizziness or even fainting. When combined with medications that lower blood pressure, the risk of experiencing these symptoms increases.
• Importantly, individuals on antihypertensive medications should be cautious about potential interactions with weight loss and fluid depletion. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to discuss possible adjustments to medication dosages, especially before engaging in strenuous activities. That includes hitting the tennis courts or jogging by the beach—and this is even more important in the hot weather conditions this summer.
A quick aside here: While genetic predisposition (i.e., family history) may play a role in determining susceptibility to heart and vascular health, lifestyle choices and habits exert a profound influence on your overall cardiovascular wellbeing. So if mom and dad had significant cardiovascular problems, you do not have to have the same! By understanding and managing risk factors, you can
significantly reduce their likelihood of developing cardiovascular disorders.
DON’T SMOKE CIGARETTES.
Yup, yup—you’ve heard it before, ad nauseam. But it’s true. Cigarette smoking remains a primary risk factor for all forms of vascular disease. It will adversely affect all arteries in the body—hence obstructing blood flow. In addition, smoking will increase clot formation in arteries (which can block arterial blood flow to organs). And did you know that cigarette smokers are four times more likely than non-smokers to develop cardiovascular disorders?
MONITOR ANY SIGNS OF DIABETES.
The presence of uncontrolled diabetes— either type 1 or type 2—has serious effects on the cardiovascular system. Poorly managed sugar metabolism is associated with accelerated arterial hardening and obstruction. Make sure to get your blood sugar levels tested regularly—and opt for foods that have a low glycemic index. Boiled sweet potatoes are always a good bet when it comes to shirking blood glucose spikes, and they’re packed with fiber and antioxidants, too.
AVOID A SEDENTARY
LIFESTYLE.
We discussed weight loss above, and needless to say, obesity will exacerbate issues here. But if you’re not overweight, a sedentary lifestyle can pose independent risk factors for vascular diseases. This underscores the need for maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise to safeguard against cardiovascular events. So let’s get moving!
Summertime —and the Reading Is Easy
BY ROCHELLE B. WEINSTEIN
Ready for beach days and a great novel? Our book columnist offers four fantastic reads guaranteed to help you escape (or at least not think about) the sweltering summer heat.
SUMMER ROMANCE
By Annabel Monaghan
Have you read Monaghan before? If not, you must In her latest novel, Ali’s a professional organizer, but her own life is a mess. Navigating the loss of her mother and a husband who doesn’t want to be married anymore, she meets Ethan after her dog pees on him at the dog park. A summer romance is safe with this guy, right? What follows is an unputdownable love story, packed with wit and heart. When you’re done, grab Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer, also by Monaghan.
JACKPOT SUMMER
By Elyssa Friedland
Easily two of my favorite words: jackpot and summer. Four siblings descend upon their Jersey Shore beach house after their widowed father decides to sell. There, three of the four buy Powerball tickets—and win. Let the sparring begin! Believing the money will solve all their problems, this fractured family must find a way to be whole again. With Friedland’s signature laugh-out-loud humor and a rich range of characters, Jackpot Summer captures familial relationships and what matters most when all is said and done.
SUMMERS AT THE SAINT
By Mary Kay Andrews
The trifecta of summer fiction is all here: a mystery set on the beach with a swoony romance. Traci Eddings is the recently widowed owner of the storied St. Cecelia hotel and has one season to turn it around. Impeded by an unsolved mystery, family drama, and deception, Traci battles the forces attempting to see her fail, all while finding a little love along the way. This one’s a wonderful tale of family and friendship with twists and turns that will have you flipping pages fast.
SUMMER FRIDAYS
By Suzanne Rindell
Oh, the magic of Summer Fridays! And imagine them set in 1999 alongside the You’ve Got Mail generation. Twenty-something Sawyer is on the cusp of marriage, and as summer approaches, her fiancé spends more and more time at the office (and with his colleague, Kendra). When Sawyer meets Kendra’s broody boyfriend, Nick, the two share their vulnerability and suspicions. What follows are intimate online messages and a Friday ritual of exploring New York City, where the friends discover themselves and each other.
Now that we’ve whet your appetite, grab your towel and sunscreen—and head over to our favorite bookstore, Books & Books (with locations near Pinecrest in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove), and ask for these terrific reads. Say the book columnist from AQUA sent you. Happy reading!
To read more from Rochelle, visit rochelleweinstein.com
Jazz in the Gardens
A spotlight on the upcoming Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens series
EVERY YEAR, Pinecrest Gardens curates and produces a six-show season for jazz lovers and jazz neophytes alike. All are welcome—and it’s one of the few venues in Miami where you can actually sit back and dig some live jazz.
Enjoy these pictures from the Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet playing Pinecrest Gardens’ Banyan Bowl—a stunning amphitheater housed under a geodesic dome—and plan your visit by referring to this calendar highlighting their upcoming 15th season, which features six award-winning artists:
• November 2, 2024
The Hot Sardines
‘30s and ‘40s swinging jazz from this internationally loved group based in Brooklyn, New York.
• December 7, 2024
Saturday Night Jukebox
A journey through swing-era hits.
• January 18, 2025
Big Chief Donald Harrison
A renowned jazz saxophonist presenting a fusion of traditional jazz and contemporary styles.
• February 8, 2025
Kandace Springs Trio
A soulful vocalist and pianist blending jazz, gospel, and pop.
• March 15, 2025
John Lloyd Young
A Tony- and Grammy-winning vocalist known for his powerhouse performances and a captivating stage presence.
• April 11, 2025
Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band
A Grammy-winning ensemble known for their explosive big-band sound and infectious energy.
Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Rd. in Pinecrest. For more information, call 305.669.6990 or go to pinecrestgardens.org
Members of the Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet playing at Pinecrest Gardens (with Dee Dee pictured up-top)
PHOTOGRAPHY
