BOCA Magazine March 2023

48 The Boca Interview

From Miami Dolphins cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer, anthropologist Mireya Mayor has had multiple near-death experiences in the planet’s wildest spaces—and inspired countless others to follow her passion.

54 Fresh Catch

From the Atlantic to the Gulf Stream, our waters teem with the nation’s best seafood, sautéed and poached and grilled to perfection. We take a deep dive with two of the Palm Beaches’ top purveyors on their ocean-to-table process.

62

Room to Roam

Outdoor adventures, sweeping vistas and a wine region to rival Napa’s enrich a visit to the California coastal county of Mendocino, a rustic getaway engulfed in nature’s bounty.

69

Special Section: Florida Style & Design

In our seasonal interior-design blowout, we explore how imaginative designer Jackie Armour transformed her longtime Tequesta home into a modern, tropical sanctuary.

18 Editor’s Letter

For the author, the closing of her historic neighborhood Superette is the canary in the coalmine for a rapidly changing South Florida.

23 The Local

We catch up with two designing men with a red-carpet pedigree, talk turtles with the head of Gumbo Limbo, and meet the official helping to resolve Boca’s affordable housing crisis. Plus, locals share their spring do-overs, we dip our toes into the upscale sneaker trend, and much more.

32 The Look

Spring style is all about colorful patterns, blooming rosettes, bedazzled denims and some luck of the Irish.

85 Backstage Pass

Emmy-winning TV, film and stage actor Richard Thomas returns to the Florida footlights to bring shades of gray to a literary hero in the touring Broadway adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Plus, Sergio Mendes, Fran Lebowitz, the Wick’s “Damn Yankees” and 25+ more A&E highlights.

119 Florida Table: Eat & Drink

See what our food critic has to say about the reopened Kapow! and Casa L’Acqua. Meanwhile, explore the best pubs for your St. Paddy's Day celebration and a hospitality company aims to bring chefcurated meals to the comfort of your home.

144 Social

The bleachers shook with excitement during a down-to-the-wire Boca Raton Bowl, the Fuller Center’s annual gala sparkled at Boca West, and Impact 100 Palm Beach County celebrated the worthy nonprofits vying for this year’s coveted $100,000 donations.

152 Hometown Hero

For four decades, Chris and Jayne Malfitano’s philanthropy has touched myriad corners of Boca life, from housing and food insecurity to education and health care.

Web Extras

Visit bocamag.com for bonus items you won’t see anywhere else—extended stories, recipes, news and more.

US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t miss Boca on everything from FACEBOOK (facebook. com/bocamag) to INSTAGRAM (@bocamag) and TWITTER (@bocamag) for community news, retail trends, foodie updates and much more.

Best Bites

Think our dining guide is long? You haven’t seen anything until you’ve visited our digital version. We’ve got critic-reviewed restaurants from Jupiter to Miami on the web. Visit the Dining Guide tab to view the guide.

MORE WITH MAYOR

Mireya Mayor, the Miami-based anthropologist and primatologist featured on page 48, shares more about her remarkable life story— and about attracting more women in the ranks of her challenging field—at bocamag.com/march-2023.

City Watch

Launched in early 2020, Boca Goes Live is still keeping you connected to the community through conversations streamed live on Facebook with a curated roster of some of South Florida’s leading officials, entertainers and innovators. Follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss new entries, and visit bocamag.com/ live to see the full library of videos and watch them on demand.

Boca Raton is anything but sleepy, and Randy Schultz is the go-to for all the city politics, development and business news you need to know. For updates delivered straight to your email every Tuesday and Thursday, visit the City Watch tab on our website.

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Gail Eagle

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Arts & entertainment

Where to go, what to do and see throughout South Florida. Please submit information regarding galas, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to John Thomason (john.thomason@ bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming A&E section is three months before publication.

Dining guide

Our independent reviews of restaurants in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. A reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Christie Galeano-DeMott (christie@bocamag.com).

People

A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Boca Raton and South Florida. All photos submitted should be identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when). Email images to people@bocamag.com.

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Requiem for a Deli

Sometimes change means a much more expensive loss

think we at Boca and Delray magazines spend most of the year highlighting why we love living here, from the people we talk to, the food, the music, the fashion, the art—all of it— and we mean it. But South Florida is changing at warp speed now, with a flood of new people, a dearth of affordable housing, traffic issues, climate changes, threats to agricultural areas and more. So it’s not always easy to feel the love, and it really hit home last week for me, when my neighborhood changed irrevocably.

OK, in the grand scheme of things, the Seaside Superette (they call it the Seaside Market & Deli these days) was never going to make or break South Florida. But this little store with its famous subs and split pea soup (and wax lips on occasion) has always been there on A1A next to Nomad Surf Shop—an outpost of mom-and-pop groceries and takeout that everyone from Boca, Delray and Gulf Stream up through Manalapan used day in and day out. This is where you went for the Sunday Times, the extra bottle of wine, the made-to-order sub, the jar of olives. A lottery ticket, cream cheese, fresh OJ, you name it. And now it’s gone, the operator forced out because of some kind of rent dispute and rumors of a sale.

Real estate is a gold mine there now; the Superette is just a little neighborhood store.

It’s where we ran into our neighbors, shared gossip, picked up some butter or wound up after a long Sunday walk by the ocean. I remember stopping in there on our way to a black-tie event with my then-husband so Fred, the owner back then, could take our picture—like prom. Or the times I’d walk over there with the dog at lunchtime the precious days I’d work from home, past the Briny Breezes shuffleboard courts, to get a No. 6 Italian sub. I remember the Big Band American standards music Fred played, and the celebrity customer photos on the wall that he’d collected over the years.

It was all just everyday life in my little neighborhood at the south end of Ocean Ridge. The Town of Briny Breezes (an iconic trailer park sandwiched between the Intracoastal and the ocean) is next door, with its Quonset hut that’s a wood shop, its beauty parlor, its annual rummage sale. Nomad Surf Shop is still there, sacred ground now for decades for our surfing community. The County Pocket, an unincorporated part of the county that has always been a boho surfing enclave, is next to that. The Seaside Superette was in the middle of all of it, a sweet portal to another era that somehow managed to survive all these years.

And, now, it is gone. Maybe forever. Maybe not.

It’s this that is going to finally change the face of South Florida, I’m afraid; that one last little road stop, or café or domino park or street. The disappearance of what might have passed for a past, a fragile link to history, a throwback to what was once the dream of Florida to so many. This is my fear; this is how we lose what we love.

Swing Into Spring 04.24.23!

Boca Raton Regional Hospital

24th Annual Golf Tournament

Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation is thrilled to be hosting our 24th Annual Golf Tournament this spring – Monday, April 24, 2023! Join us on the links of Boca West Country Club. Golf for a great cause, receive a premium amenity package, enjoy brunch, on course hospitality, 19th hole cocktails and awards dinner, silent auction and other fabulous prizes.

Honorary Chairs

Ron and Kathy Assaf

Golf Chairs

Amy and David Eisen

Amy and David Ross

Tournament Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Exclusive Media Sponsor

All Proceeds Benefit The Ron and Kathy Assaf Center for Excellence in Nursing

For more information, please contact Terrie Mooney at 561-955-6634 or terrie.mooney@baptisthealth.net

Keeping the Promise

The $250 million Keeping the Promise campaign is the largest in the hospital’s history, and supports the most ambitious period of growth and expansion for Boca Raton Regional Hospital ever. At the center of the redevelopment is the new seven-story, 437,000-square-foot Gloria Drummond Patient Tower with all new surgical suites and private patient rooms that exceed the latest safety standards of care. In the current hospital building, all existing rooms will be converted to private in a comprehensive renovation of all patient units. These investments are the initial steps toward a broader vision for the campus with greater access points and even more specialties. Learn how you can support the Keeping the Promise capital campaign by visiting Donate.BRRH.com.

Don’t-Miss Events

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, March 3 to 12, Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 561/757-4762. It’s Season 17 for Boca’s highly anticipated annual Festival of the Arts, with a wide-ranging array of artists and speakers—from the animated classic “Fantasia” remastered with a live orchestra, to the iconic wit Fran Lebowitz. Other highlights include dance icons Melanie Hamrick, Joanna DeFelice, and Christine Shevchenko; acclaimed author Charles Fishman; jazz performer Nicole Henry; and Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes.

BOATING & BEACH BASH, March 4, Spanish River Park, 3001 N. Ocean Blvd. (State Road A1A.) The Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities is America’s largest, free funfest for people with disabilities—including their families and caregivers—in the nation. Now in its 14th year, the Bash features a myriad of activities, from boat rides to a complimentary lunch, a live concert and more—and is free to all. Visit boatingbeachbash. com for more information.

Locals sound off on issues affecting our community.

“I wish I could go back to Alexandria, Virginia and meet my husband Knox then. (We lived a mile apart from each other a decade before we actually met.) If I’d known he was there, I could have married him earlier. It would have been fun to have known Knox in my 20s.”

—Carolyn North, Psychotherapist, LCSW, LMFT

PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW, March 23 to 26, 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, pbboatshow.com. The sparkling and massive Palm Beach International Boat Show is certainly one of the most scenic boat shows, stretching all along Flagler Drive on the Intracoastal and featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to superyachts nearly 300 feet in length. It’s one of our favorite South Florida events, whether you are in the market or not—and comes complete with floating barge bars.

BOCA BACCHANAL, March 31 and April 1, various locations, Boca Raton, 561/395-6766, ext. 101. This homegrown but sophisticated wine and food event is presented by acclaimed chefs throughout Boca Raton and beyond, and is known for its Grand Tasting as well as its array of elegant private vintner dinners held at estates and over-the-top venues in Boca Raton. All proceeds benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society.

“I would spend more time with family and friends. My family lives in other states, and I would make it more of a priority to spend time with them, either by them coming here or me going to visit them.”

“If I had a spring do-over, I would want the beginning of the baseball season to be a national holiday. Spring is always better at the ballpark!”

—Aaron Henderson, graphic designer, JES Media

“Let’s say you get one spring do-over. What would you change about your life?”

Men’s Kicks

We are not sure why tennis/running/walking shoes for both men and women are so big right now. But big does not begin to describe the way men’s tennies have gone completely off the rails in terms of embellishment and design. We love it, though; here are some of the winners.

SPRING RITUALS

Long-held spring rituals—most related to the spring equinox—are apparently all dedicated to well-being and enlightenment and purity. Things like putting rocks in the sun to purify negative energies (this is a real thing), lighting a white candle and buying a plant to facilitate prosperity.

SPRING CLEANING: This generally means airing out everything, hosing down the screens, mopping floors, thinning out closets and dusting those top shelves no one has seen in seven years. I know people who do this.

$1.9 billion

Lost wages during March Madness

6

How many weeks in Lent

15

My spring rituals, on the other hand, have less to do with lighting white candles and more to do with keeping spring fever at a manageable and fully conscious level. Real-life spring rituals include, but are not limited to, the following: —Marie Speed

BOOKING YOUR SUMMER VACATION: If people did this during work hours, which of course they would not, it would involve logging onto a wide variety of websites to compare the relative advantages of Tuscany over Iceland, or which cruise line stops in St. Maarten. Then these very same people would drift over to their favorite clothing websites to look at hats and espadrilles, or maybe they would find themselves looking at Stars With Botched Plastic Surgeries or any number of other related travel-planning resources.

PLAYING HOOKY TO GO TO A MARLINS SPRING TRAINING GAME:

This ritual involves elaborate planning with trusted friends who share a deep-seated appreciation of hot dogs, cold beer and the last nice days before summer swoops in like a dragon. People apparently even take sick days to do this.

ST PADDY’S DAY:

This, too, involves thoughtful planning. The ritual starts with assembling five of your closest friends and deciding how to make it to Delray in time to secure a good spot from which to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade—While secreting adequate refreshments in nondescript containers to combat the heat. The ritual also entails wardrobe planning (green everything), parking access, where to go for lunch and determining how early is too early for a Bloody Mary.

MELTDOWN: This process generally refers to the inevitable prospect of buying a new bathing suit within the next six weeks, looking at oneself in the mirror, and contemplating the notion that life as you once knew it is now over.

“DEFACING MICHAEL JACKSON”

WHEN:

March 9-April 2

WHERE:

The Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

COST:

$46.50-$76.50

CONTACT:

305/674-1040, Playwright and screenwriter

Aurin Squire’s most familiar credit may be as story editor and writer on NBC’s “This Is Us,” but his most personal work literally hits close to home. In “Defacing Michael Jackson,” the Opa-Locka native explores a coming-of-age story of sexual discovery set in his own hardscrabble Miami neighborhood circa 1984. The play is about an age of innocence, or perhaps innocence lost: The title subject reigns over popular culture, and he may as well be a deity to a group of young Opa-Locka locals. But it’s also a time of incipient gentrification and drug trafficking. As the cocaine cowboys ride into town and a white family moves into the protagonists’ Black neighborhood, Squire’s play captures a moment in history that continues to resonate.

THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

WHEN: March 15-16, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale

COST: $32

CONTACT: 954/564-1074, cultureroom.net

Twenty-three full-length albums into their career, They Might Be Giants remain one of alternative rock’s rainy-day staples, a group whose central duo, singer-songwriters John Flansburgh and John Linnell, have been making music together since 1982. Unapologetically geeky and forthrightly literate, the two Johns are essentially a “Jeopardy!” board in the form of music, performing catchy and arcane tunes about obscure Belgian painters, marginal presidents, Hollywood costume designers and astral bodies. This tour, a long-anticipated COVID postponement, will honor the 30th anniversary of They Might Be Giants’ landmark 1990 album Flood group will perform all 19 of its tracks, including hit single “Birdhouse in your Soul” (the best song ever written about a night light), the jaunty “Particle Man” and the rousing history lesson “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE: DR. KARA COONEY

WHEN: March 11, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach

COST: $35-$45

CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org

There are few American professionals better equipped to present on ancient Egypt than Dr. Kara Cooney, archaeologist and professor of Egyptology at UCLA, whose desire to uncover the intricacies of the country’s ancient past is both vocation and passion project. She has hosted two Egypt specials on the Discovery Channel, and she co-curated the famous “Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” exhibition, whose tour in the 2000s renewed interest in Egyptian royalty for generations. In this multimedia TED-style presentation, Cooney will lecture on her 2018 book When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt, in which she explores how rulers such as Hatshepsut, Nefertiti and Cleopatra were able to wield immense power at a time when other empires, before and since, treated women as second-class citizens.

“AT THE DAWN OF A NEW AGE: EARLY 20TH CENTURY MODERNISM”

WHEN: March 18-July 16

WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

COST: $15-$18

CONTACT: 561/832-5196, norton.org

The first 30 years of the 1900s were a watershed period in American art, as traditional notions of realism in painting and sculpture gave way to an increasing embrace of experimentation and abstraction of color, form and subject matter that would forecast contemporary art movements for decades. Drawing from the Whitney Museum of American Art’s extensive collection from this era,“At the Dawn of a New Age” captures the artists responsible for these changes, whose work is as strikingly original today as it was 90 years ago. Several pieces by Georgia O’Keeffe and other blue-chip notables are featured, but the most important aspect of the exhibition is its inclusion of more-obscure figures—especially women and artists of color—whose works were largely ignored in the patriarchal art market of the early 20th century.

Women love clothes down here, and they love to dress. It’s a great climate to dress. And they entertain so much, they go out so much, that thank god, after a very dismal part of our careers, fashion came back strong....

First Men

Breaking the mold, Palm Beach’s Badgley and Mischka will accept an award from Dress for Success

Partners in life and design, Mark Badgley and James Mischka will make history when they accept the Style Icon award at Dress For Success Palm Beach’s annual Style of Hope Fundraising Luncheon at the Kravis Center. In past years, only women—notables from Iris Apfel to Lilly Pulitzer— have received the award. On March 10, Badgley and Mischka will become the first men, and the first duo, to earn the honor.

Lana Blackman, co-chair of the gala, cited Badgley and Mischka’s “reverence for strong, confident and empowered women” when explaining the decision. In terms of sheer cultural prestige, it’s a no-brainer: In their 35 years of experience, the designers have worked on countless red-carpet and special-occasion dresses for a diverse range of celebrities and body types, from Meghan Trainor to Robin Roberts, Elizabeth Banks to Jill Biden. For the past four years, they’ve lived full time on Palm Beach, where their namesake boutique opened in 2020—the only store outside of their Los Angeles flagship.

While their glittering eveningwear is in some ways a far cry from the businesswear championed by Dress for Success Palm Beach, some style tips are universal, as the couple shares in their conversation with Boca Raton.

did more of the draped pieces. Over the past 35 years, we’ve just melded into one mind and two bodies.

On their easiest celebrity client:

Badgley: The easiest is Jennifer Lopez. We dressed her for four Oscars. She’s confident, she loves clothes, she knows what she looks good in. Her body is incredible in the way she can just slink into anything beautifully.

On their more difficult clients:

Badgley: It was never body type. It was women that didn’t have a sense of their own personal style and their own aesthetic, and second-guessed themselves to a point where they had to be in a tuxedo one day, and then the next day it had to be ruffles and effeminate, but the next day it needed to be stark and sophisticated, and just ping-pong balling. That’s the kind of stuff that’s tough.

On whether the pandemic permanently changed fashion:

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Dress For Success Palm Beach’s Style of Hope

Fundraising Luncheon

WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach

WHEN: 11 a.m.

COST: $195, or $300 for VIP meet-andgreet with Badgley and Mischka

CONTACT: dressforsuccesspb. org

On how a woman can make her business attire stand out: Mischka: The key is she can wear something pretty basic, like a black sheath dress, a black or navy suit— or any color suit—and just accessorizing it, and paying a little attention to detail, can make a big difference. Whether it’s tying a scarf around her neck or choosing a shoe that works particularly well with that outfit, or just making sure her hair and makeup are done the way she wants them to be [are important], because she’s presenting. That’s the key, is that you’re always presenting.

Badgley: And it’s not about economics. There are amazing products out there at every price point today. You can look incredible on a very meager budget. So I don’t think that should ever be a reason why a woman can’t dress beautifully.

On how they complement each other:

Mischka: When we started, my background was in menswear, so I did more of the tailored pieces; Mark

Badgley: Women love clothes down here, and they love to dress. It’s a great climate to dress. And they entertain so much, they go out so much, that thank god, after a very dismal part of our careers, fashion came back strong, because they were so deprived of going out and wearing beautiful clothes. So it’s nice to see that that’s come back.

Mischka: But it’s also broadened the definition of what you can wear to things. I think people can wear slightly more casual outfits to events now.

Badgley: There’s a huge blur now as to what’s appropriate and what’s not. There are no rules anymore.

On their Spring 2023 collection:

Mischka: We finally got to visit some places we really wanted to go to, including Marrakesh. We got to get that inspiration, which was really fun—the colors, even the smells and textures of the city somehow found their way into the dresses. The spice market, especially.

Badgley: The fabrics are gorgeous, the colors and prints are really beautiful. The clothes are super-feminine. It’s super-southern Florida. I know our ladies down here will really love it.

ABOUT THE BOCA RATON HOUSING AUTHORITY

The BRHA was founded in 1978 with the mission of providing safe and affordable housing to low-income families. In the years since, it has taken on a larger role which Scannell says he hopes to see expand further by the BRHA becoming landlords. But to buy the property requires funding beyond what is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is strictly for dispersal to income-restricted tenants.

Beyond Housing

To combat the issue of housing instability, John Scannell is pushing for an evolution in Boca Raton’s Housing Authority.

John Scannell was visiting a friend at Boca Regional recently when an odd question popped into mind while observing the hospital’s staff: “Where are these people living?” As the executive director for the Boca Raton Housing Authority (BRHA), the question of housing for the community’s first responders should have had an easy answer. But nothing is easy when it comes to housing in South Florida.

“There’s no single solution,” says Scannell, who is advocating for a broader approach to addressing the housing needs of Boca by starting at the base level of defining what “affordable” even means.“Affordability isn’t what it used to be” he says.“Affordability [once] meant low-income people having a hard time paying rent. Now, people [from] all walks of life are saying things are not affordable.”

There are currently only two subsidized housing developments in Boca: Boca Island East on Southeast 11th Street, and Dixie Manor in Pearl City, which has recently been greenlit for demolition and rebuilding, including a new name—Martin Manor. Between both developments there are 146 units that are income-restricted to those making between 30 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) of Boca Raton, which is about $90,000. But the demand is much higher.“It’s not enough,” says Scannell.“I don’t know if it’s ever going to be enough.”

Scannell says the biggest challenge to developing more affordable housing is the one thing nobody is making more of—land. Despite Boca’s clear demand for affordable housing, there’s simply nowhere to build the supply.

Scannell says there are talks of increasing the size of Martin Manor from 95 units to 180 in a later phase, but the extra units would only scratch the surface. “Especially for low-income people, I don’t see it getting easier,” says Scannell.“I actually see it getting more difficult—for everybody.”

Scannell has lived in Boca since 1977, when his father opened the now-closed K-Mart on Palmetto Park Road. He’s been with the BRHA for 14 years, serving as executive director for the past seven. In all of this time, he’s watched Boca’s housing landscape change dramatically—but never as fast as now, and with costs skyrocketing. In 2019, he decided to move back to the neighborhood he grew up in near Boca Middle School, only to find that values had nearly doubled from when he sold his parents’ former home in the area just three years before.

Scannell’s experience with buying a home in Boca is one shared by many residents struggling to find housing in the city in which they work. Beyond housing Boca’s low-income residents, there is also the matter of housing those who make more than the threshold to qualify for affordable housing but are still struggling to cover expenses. Since HUD funds can’t be used to develop workforce housing (see sidebar), Scannell believes a new approach is needed to provide assistance. That’s where the private sector comes in.

During a December 2022 meeting, the BRHA voted to create its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Scannell believes that a nonprofit can help supplement the aid already offered by the Housing Authority, but without the red

tape. While the nonprofit will focus on housing efforts, he says that their causes will be “as blanketed as possible” to address the evolving needs of the community.“We came up with the foundation idea because I personally believe there are people who are passionate about housing,” says Scannell.

Scannell hopes to have everything finalized for the foundation sometime this year, and is betting big on the generosity of Boca Raton to make it a success. But seeing what private donors have been able to do at Boca Regional Hospital— which is on track to achieve its $250 million fundraising goal—this bet doesn’t seem like such a long shot.

“I believe there’s a lot of support here,”says Scannell.“I believe some might even donate a building.”

The reality of the housing crisis is that it’s no longer dismissable as a problem for low-income families. An increasing number of Boca residents, including seniors, nurses and teachers, are struggling to live in the city they call home.

For Scannell, finding creative new ways to address this crisis is a vital mission of the BRHA.

“I’m not ready to put my head in the sand, because I believe there are solutions,” he says.“It’s just going to take a group effort.”

Size Matters

‘Less is more’ is no more! We’re happy to report big bags are back.

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The classic pearl necklace gets a new spin this season—and is everywhere

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Turtles All the Way Down

Gumbo Limbo Manager Leanne Welch has watched this vital nature center grow its attendance to new heights

When

Nature Center opened in 1984, the institution had a single focus: to introduce students to science and nature, close-up and hands-on. As the story goes, Gordon Gilbert, a biology teacher at Boca Raton High School, petitioned the Palm Beach County School District to allow field trips to Boca’s beach to observe nesting sea turtles. The nature center came later, when land became available across the street on Ocean Boulevard, as a way to further Gilbert’s mission.

“For the first I don’t know how many years, all we did was field trips,” says Leanne Welch, Gumbo Limbo’s manager since 2016.“We were not open to the public. So we’ve grown considerably.”

“My favorite thing is when I talk to someone and I say, ‘have you been here before?’”Welch adds. “And they laugh, and say, ‘I was here in third grade on a field trip. I loved it so much, I came to camp here. And now I’m bringing my own kids here.’That tells me we’re doing something right.”

Gumbo Limbo has stayed true to its founding principles. Pre-COVID, the city-owned center hosted a field trip every single day that school was in session, bringing up to 6,000 students annually to learn about sea turtles, marine ecology and human stewardship. Over the next school year, it is expected to return to its field-trip capacity. Moreover, while the pandemic shuttered the nature center for 16 months, it reopened more popular than ever, welcoming 245,000 visitors in 2022 and breaking all-time attendance records.

And it’s not just for kids anymore. Gumbo Limbo is a tourist attraction, a locals’ hangout, and a sanctuary for nature lovers. Its activities include a boardwalk trail, a butterfly garden, four outdoor aquariums that replicate various Atlantic Ocean habitats, and an indoor learning center, all of which is free to the general public. Additionally, Gumbo Limbo hosts popular ticketed programs during the summer—Turtle Walks, where attendees scan beaches for nesting turtles, and hatchling releases, where baby turtles monitored and protected by Gumbo Limbo are released into the surf for the first time—all of which typically sell out.

But it’s the on-site turtle rehabilitation center that makes Gumbo Limbo such a vital resource. The center treats more than 100 turtles a year, most of which arrive with injuries caused by human activity. On the day I visited, a few of its patients bobbed alone in sizable recovery tanks, each offering a teachable moment: Denali, a green turtle from Port Everglades (all were named after national parks), arrived with an amputated flipper. Labyrinth Canyon, another green turtle, was discovered with a fishing line entangling a flipper.

“Our team just did a years-long comparison of data showing that in the summer months we see the most boat injuries, and that’s because the [turtles are] closer to shore, they’re mating, they’re waiting to come onshore to nest, and that’s unfortunately when they get hit by boats,”Welch says.

And while the 2022 nesting season was a strong one—Gumbo Limbo tracked 1,100 nests laid on

Boca’s five miles of beaches, the third-highest since the center began keeping the data—fewer than 50 percent of the eggs hatched, owing to climate change and our overwhelmingly hot summers.

“We call sea turtles charismatic megafauna, which is a nice way of saying they’re big animals that everyone finds attractive,”Welch says.“And unfortunately they’re suffering through no fault of their own, through our impacts.”

To spread this information, Gumbo Limbo receives help from area institutions, and vice versa. Florida Atlantic University is in the midst of a more than 20-year study with Gumbo Limbo, reported worldwide, on the sex determination of turtle hatchlings, which are now almost entirely female (due to rising temperature effects)—a dramatic change that could have lasting impacts. Friends of Gumbo Limbo, the nature center’s nonprofit partner, recently rebranded itself the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards to focus on turtle rehabilitation, rescue and survival well beyond the beaches of Boca Raton or even South Florida.

In the healthiest of ecosystems, only one in 5,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood; Gumbo Limbo’s round-the-clock care will continue to protect and serve these reptiles beyond its 40-year anniversary next year. Welch, a native New Yorker who graduated from FAU with a master’s in environmental management, expects to be along for the ride well into the future.“If you asked me back then what I wanted to do in life, it would be this,”she says.“Everyone wants to be here, but we get to be here every day.”

We call sea turtles charismatic megafauna, which is a nice way of saying they’re big animals that everyone finds attractive. And unfortunately they’re suffering through no fault of their own, through our impacts.”

—Leanne Welch

Irish Mule

3 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey

6 ounces ginger beer (we recommend Fever-Tree)

A dash of lime juice

Combine ingredients over ice in a copper mug and garnish with a sliver of lime and mint sprig.

Irish Mule

Put an Irish spin on this classic copper-mugged cocktail to get in the Saint Paddy’s Day mood. While a “Mule” is typically a vodka-based creation, subbing in whiskey instead strikes a perfect flavor balance with the ginger beer. For whiskey we recommend Jameson’s, because nothing says Saint Patrick’s Day like the Emerald Isle’s most beloved export. If you’re looking for something with a little more “kick” than green beer for this holiday, here’s a recipe to make Irish Mules at home.

Mireya

MAYOR

As the only child of Cuban immigrants, Mireya Mayor grew up as a self-described “girly girl.” Later, while attending college for prelaw at the University of Miami, she would further burnish her femininity as a Miami Dolphins cheerleader.

As a post-graduate, however, Mayor’s life’s work has largely centered on much "wilder" life. Inspired by a randomly selected anthropology course at UM, and then by a revelatory viewing of“Gorillas in the Mist,”Mayor switched her major to become an anthropologist and primatologist, later achieving her

doctorate in Anthropology from Stony Brook University. (She is currently Florida International University’s director of exploration and science communication.)

She embarked on her first expedition, to remote Guyana, at 22, where she suffered a near-fatal blood infection. She ventured next to Madagascar to track an elusive type of lemur; she ended up capturing the first photograph of the primate ever taken. She studied them for months, and her work led to their designation as a species, rather than just a subspecies.

One discovery led to another, and soon enough Mayor would break a glass ceiling, becoming the first female—and first Hispanic—wildlife correspondent for National Geographic. For two decades, she has conducted research and lectured globally under the Nat Geo umbrella. (She was one highlight of TEDx Boca Raton in 2022).

Mayor has collected hundreds of plants analyzed by the Smithsonian Institution; named five new species of frogs; and, in a return visit to Madagascar, discovered a species then unknown to science: the mouse lemur,

Dubbed the “female Indiana Jones,” this Miamian and National Geographic Explorer has broken glass ceilings in the world’s wildest places

the world’s smallest primate, weighing less than 2 ounces. A mother of six, Mayor published her memoir, Pink Boots and a Machete: My Journey from NFL Cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer, in 2011.

On the more harrowing side of her career, Mayor has been chased by elephants in the forests of the Congo. She’s been charged at by gorillas, and she survived a plane crash—all in a day’s work for this tireless advocate for our fellow species.

Nearly dying on your first expedition might be seen by some as a sign to get out of the field. To what do you credit your persistence? Maybe it was my own family’s perseverance. When they left Cuba, they left everything they knew, their careers, their house, their

belongings, and they ventured to a country they had never been to, and they took that risk and never looked back, because they were in pursuit of freedom. And I suppose, in a very similar vein, I never looked back.

I’ve trekked across Africa over 1,000 miles, and I’ve read all the journals of the pioneering explorers like David Livingstone and Burton and Speke, and when I read their journals, I’m shocked by how similar, if not identical, their journals are to mine. And what I realized is that while societies have changed, and cities have popped up in different places, and even technologies have changed—although my expeditions have always been pretty old-school—the elements have not changed, the diseases have not changed, and there are a lot of them when you’re out there. I’ve had cholera, I’ve

had malaria. Not being able to access clean water, difficulty in finding food … all these things are exactly the same.

So I really came to believe that it’s not something I do, as anyone does their job. It’s really who I am. It’s a part of me. I think that’s a similarity and a common thread that I saw throughout the writings of all these explorers when I compare it to what I have felt and overcome and written myself.

Do you feel solitude when you’re in the field?

There’s a sense of peace I don’t find anywhere else but out in the wilderness. I wouldn’t necessarily say lonely. Now I have a big family, because I have children now. So of course I miss my family when I’m gone, but there is such a sense of drive

“I went into this for the sheer love of exploration and science and discovery, but at the forefront it’s, ‘what can I do to try and protect and help these animals from going extinct?’

That has always been the endgame.”

Mayor

and purpose, and also you’re really just so busy when you’re out there that there’s not much time to reminisce about what you’ve left behind.

The truth is there are so many things to watch out for. You need to make sure you’re keeping an eye out for venomous snakes, or that you’re not setting up camp on a hippo trail. … And also just little things like where to get water, where to find food, and can you drink this water, and am I sick? All of these things occupy mental space, and I’m very good at compartmentalizing things. I think that is because if you’re not thinking clearly on expeditions, you’re going to make a mistake, and those mistakes can be fatal. So in the moments where you have to make incredibly quick decisions, your head has to be clear. In a way, not having communication helps.

You were told it was impossible to photograph these lemurs in Madagascar, and you ended up finding and studying them. How were you able to accomplish what other scientists deemed impossible?

Maybe a stubborn streak. I just never gave up. I walked 10 hours a day for months without seeing them. And that’s pretty discouraging, not just for me but for the local team. We endured a drought, there was no food to be found … It affects you not only physically but mentally. You have to keep team morale up. So it’s really challenging, and there were moments when, for a split second, I wondered, is it time to stop? And to just give up? And I’ve never been good at giving up.

And then one day, I got a glimpse of one, which gave me hope. And then that was followed by, about a week later, a group of these animals. Then it just stemmed from there. And I think in order to be in this field, you do have to have determination and perseverance. No expedition really ever goes according to plan. And there are going to be insurmountable obstacles that happen all the time. And if you don’t have that determination to overcome, and also the flexibility to change path and adjust and adapt, you’ll either be an incredibly frustrated explorer, or you’ll never get it done.

You survived a plane crash. What happened?

That was in Congo. I was out there researching western lowland gorillas. And National Geographic had come to film the work, and we had just completed it. It’s funny, because it had been a rather odd expedition up until that point. I’d been charged by gorillas hundreds of times. And each and every time, you know the gorilla is not really trying to hurt you; they’re just asserting their dominance and letting you know they’re in charge. We had one particular incident where one of the silverbacks really went at me, and it was not a bluff

charge. And trekking out of the forest, in fact to try and go catch that plane, I had a forced elephant charge and narrowly escaped that.

I got back to civilization and got on this flight, and one of the cameramen was sitting beside me. I was writing in my journal. And he was asleep. And I started feeling like we were descending, and I looked out, and I saw that we were getting unusually close to the trees when we weren’t set to land for a couple of hours. … And I nudged this cameraman, and I’ve known him for many years, and he’s fearless. I said,“look out, I think we’re crashing.”And he looked

out the window, and his eyes got as wide as saucers. And his response was,“I always knew I would go this way.”

And I thought, ‘well, I didn’t!’ I looked back, and all the flight attendants were in crash mode position. And the plane, which I had not really noticed up until this point, was more than half filled with nuns, praying. It was such a weird scene. I remember having a split image in my head. I had two daughters at that time. And I could see movie reels on either side with each of them. And the one thought that really bothered me is I would never get to put them in bed and read to them at night. It was that simple moment. And the next thing I knew, we’d crashed. And I looked around, and people were scared and frazzled, and didn’t know what was going on other than we had hit hard and the plane was completely wrecked—probably still there, I’m assuming. We all slowly started getting off this plane. And we were in the middle of nowhere. The pilots had averted the forest by crashing into an open field. We were awaiting help, and help came in the way of, at first, one small pickup truck. And a few people jumped in it, as many as could get on. And then hours later another pickup truck. We would just go with whatever vehicle was available. And I was taken to a brothel, which is where I spent the two next nights until I was able to get out of there.

Is there a particular species that strikes the most awe in you when you encounter it?

In their own way, they all do. Watching giraffes run across a savannah and watching elephants interact with each other—and even a little bird, just watching them build their nest. Every animal truly [strikes awe] in me. If I have to pick one, I think gorillas … There’s nothing like being in front of these majestic animals that are so closely related to us, and that when you look at them and they look back, it’s not like any other animal looking back at you. It’s like this really sentient, intelligent being who is analyzing you as much as you’re analyzing them.

Even though you’re accomplishing scientific feats, is your work also fun?

Oh, yes. In fact, I think I’m lucky enough to do a “job” that doesn’t feel like work,

even though it is extremely tough. When I look back at my own journals, and I read about how for days and days I couldn’t find water, couldn’t find food, no electricity, going through malaria and severe blood infections, a plane crash … even the days where nothing happens can be equally bad, and they happen a lot. You’re out there searching for something that doesn’t want to be found, or isn’t easily found. It can be demoralizing.

So there’s all these difficult aspects, and I’m aware of them. But there’s nothing in the world that I would want to do more. I love my time out in the wilderness; I especially love spending time with the local peo-

ple and really learning about their culture and immersing myself in it and becoming a part of all these different families all over the world. There is something so unique and magical about each and every one of those expeditions that it’s hard work, but it’s something I will do until that last living breath or moment when I’m told I can’t.

WEB EXTRA:

To read more with Mayor, including about her contributions to four seasons of the Travel Channel’s “Expedition Bigfoot,” visit BOCAMAG.COM/MARCH-2023.

“The most effective type of conservation is what I call ‘muddy boots conservation.’ So being on the ground, I don’t think I would trade that for anything at this point.”

Our own backyard offers the best fish and seafood in the country

e have it all. We know this. A region bubbling over with different cultures and cuisines, languages, music, holidays. But sometimes we take for granted the undercurrent of natural bounty native to South Florida which, aside from farms and fruit and cattle, is seafood. Fish. Crustaceans. Between the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other, and the tropical Keys curving southwest into Florida Bay and points beyond, South Florida has long been known as a sportsmen’s paradise, and a seafood diner’s delight.

Within 20 minutes of my desk in Boca Raton are at least four fresh fish markets, not to mention the larger groceries and specialty markets that sell fish and seafood. On any given day, you can buy a pound of Key West pinks or fresh yellowtail, or pumpkin swordfish, if you’re lucky. These markets will steam a lobster for you, or sell you fancy olive oil and homemade smoked fish dip; one we know even has regular deliveries of fresh produce from Belle Glade if you’re in the mood for onestop shopping.

We talked to a couple of

market owners to see what they do, and what we’re buying, as well as the challenges they face and the pride they have in harvesting our local waters to bring us a fresh catch—whenever we want it.

Captain Clay S. Brand, 65, a Florida native and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, is synonymous with fishing (and catching) in Delray; he and his sons run Captain Clay and Sons Seafood Market. He’s been fishing these waters, from the Dry Tortugas and the Marquesas to the Bahamas and Cape Canaveral, for more than 40-some years with a “tight group of fishermen” who used to sell their catches to local markets. When Brand and his wife decided to open their own market in Delray in 2006, he told his

buddies,“This is where you bring your fish now—and that’s why we have the freshest fish,” he says.

Brand often goes out fishing and spearfishing himself—leaving at 2 in the morning towing his 15-foot Mako with twin 135s to Sebastian and Cape Canaveral, where he’ll be on the reef by dawn, and fish all day, getting home at 10 that night.“It’s a long day, but I have a lot of spots and GPS numbers I go to,” he says.

In fact, the proliferation of GPS has changed fishing; more garden-variety fishermen are able to access their proven (and flagged) fishing spots within 10 or 15 feet, so “you have to work a little harder to get the same number of fish. There are a lot more fishermen fishing on the spot. You gotta move more.”

Another change in fishing is the strict limits on certain species every year, to prevent overfishing. Clay thinks that’s a good thing (except when it comes to sharks, but more on that later), because “if you catch the last fish, the fishery is going to shut down. ... The reason we have all kinds of fresh fish is this kind of [conservation.]”

Clay worked directly with state of Florida conservation agencies in the early 2000s, gathering data through his work like weight and grouper reproductive organs/ gonads to determine breeding times for that species.

“They determined that they come in but they don’t start breeding until April-May— that’s when the eggs are loose. But if you start fishing for them then, you might have 200 female groupers and two males—the males are the biggest and the most aggressive. When you start fishing for them, you get rid of the males right off the bat, and you have all these females unable to breed. The data that I and other people provided helped them realize that we have to shut [the fishery] down in January when they first start coming down so that you don’t get rid of the males.”

Clay does not feel the same way about the current shark protection guidelines.

“I used to go right out here and anchor up where all the yellowtail hang out, chum up the water and just start pulling up yellowtail one after the other, but now in the last 10 years they’ve been protecting the sharks because over in Asia they’ve been

South Florida has a much larger variety [than the Northeast]. ...they have cod, haddock, flounder, [not] the range we have: wahoo, mahi, cobia, swordfish, hogfish...all kinds of snapper ...”

—Captain Clay Brand (pictured)

Fish Markets We Love

CAPTAIN CLAY’S

1319 N. Federal Highway, No. 1, Delray Beach, 561/266-2068. The new Delray location of Captain Clay’s may offer more room and an upgrade to the old store, but you can count on the same top-quality fish and seafood. The market tends toward more local fish, caught by Captain Clay himself or his circle of longtime local captains, and is duly known for its fresh fish—some caught the same day.

LUFF’S FISH MARKET, 261 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, 561/668-2212. This is definitely a Boca version of a seafood market, with gourmet prepared foods from the owner’s popular high-end restaurants in addition to beautiful local and non-local fish and seafood selections. One-stop shopping in a sparkling atmosphere.

OLD DIXIE, 7000 N. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton, 561/988-0866. This family-owned (and very cute) market has been a hit since it opened its doors in 1996, and is the go-to for its smoked wahoo dip, for starters. But it also has everything else under the sun, from rock shrimp (you can’t find this anywhere) and wines to homemade salads, soups, beautiful fresh fish and stone crabs that will make you weep.

POP’S, 131 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, 954/427-1331. This seafood market has everything (plus real character), and is the only one we know that serves lunch. Crab cakes? Shrimp cocktail? Fried grouper sandwich with okra? This is a longtime local gem with excellent quality and a wide range of fish and seafood. Down-home goodness.

CAPTAIN FRANK’S, 435 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, 561/732-3663. Although it’s under new ownership since Joey Sclafani retired (we still have not forgiven him), the top-notch quality and wide selection is unchanged, with a dizzying array of everything from fresh fish, wild shrimp, conch, scallops, and all kinds of clams and shellfish, to a wall of olive oils and pastas and must-haves like anchovies and capers, homemade ravioli, a smattering of produce and more. And more.

overfishing them. We decided to protect them here, so the worldwide population would not go down. We’ve got more here than we’ve ever had since the beginning of time. … So now, as soon as you catch one or two yellowtail snappers, the sharks get there, eating them up. I think sometimes our conservation methods work very well, and other times they go overboard. I think

the save-the-shark deal is one of those. We need to fix that.”

But Brand isn’t complaining; he knows he’s in fishing heaven, despite South Florida’s growing marine community and seasonal restrictions. In fact, there’s nowhere in the country where the fishing is better.

“South Florida has a much larger variety [than the Northeast],”he says.“Up there they

have cod, haddock, flounder. … They don’t have the whole range of good eating fish we have: wahoo, mahi, cobia, swordfish, hogfish. And all the kinds of snapper—vermillion, mutton, mango snapper, queen snapper, yellow-eye snapper, blackfin snapper.”

As for the quality controversy, he says it’s a myth that we don’t have cold-water fish (which have a higher fat content and are therefore thought to be tastier).“People think we don’t have cold-water fish because of the weather in the summertime, but I pull a fish out of the [deep] cold water on one of my electric reels, and when you are gutting it, it feels like you are sticking your hand in ice cubes, because the water here, even in summer, is very cold down there. When you fish the deep water for the golden tilefish, the snowy grouper, the yellowedge grouper, the mystic grouper, these deeper water fish are always excellent.”

And Brand has the customers to prove it. The byword for Captain Clay’s market locally is its freshness.“When it comes out of the water and goes through the back door, we put it on the board—often the same day,” he says simply.

The “board” is a whiteboard, scribbled in magic marker, which lists local fish that day, and in another column, the non-local ones for sale. The small market (which has a booth at the Delray Beach GreenMarket every Saturday) has a loyal following and a reputation for quality; it recently moved from its cramped Fourth Street storefront to 1319 N. Federal Highway, nine blocks up the road.

Another market with a decidedly different vibe is the chic Luff’s Fish Market on Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton, owned and run by Arturo Gismondi, best known for his mini fine-dining empire comprised of Trattoria Romana, La Nouvelle Maison, Luff’s Fish House and Biergarten. For Gismondi, the market is a perfect complement to his restaurants. He can order in greater volume, he can cherry-pick the fish he wants to serve in his restaurants, and he can also showcase selected signature restaurant dishes in the expansive refrigerated shelves along one wall.

But why? Why would the busiest man in Boca’s restaurant business decide to add a fish market to his portfolio?

“I just saw the synergy,” Gismondi says.“I

I just saw the synergy [in opening the market]. It was a good move for the customer who wanted to eat at home and have a great piece of fish, and it’s great for the restaurants. It's a win-win for everybody.”

— Arturo Gismondi

Florida Fishing Icons

TED WILLIAMS

Ted Williams, who died in Florida in 2002 at the age of 83, might be better known as “The Kid,” a professional baseball player for the Boston Red Sox and one of the greatest hitters in baseball history—but he was also a legendary angler and sport fisherman. Martyn Vickers, who fished with Williams for 30 years, is quoted as saying a good fly fisherman should be able to cast 50 to 60 feet; Williams’ “average cast was 85 to 95 feet.” Williams fished out of Islamorada for tarpon and bonefish, and was described by longtime guide Gary Ellis as “the best fly fisherman I’ve had on my boat.” He was inducted into the International Game Fish Association’s Fishing Hall of Fame in 2000.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Ernest Hemingway changed the course of American writing and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. His larger-thanlife macho sportsman persona was borne out by his prowess in big-game fishing, when he lived in Key West (1930s) and in Cuba (1940s and 1950s). Described as actually “shaping the sport” of big-game fishing, Hemingway is credited with developing fighting techniques, inventing advances in fishing tackle and crafting iterations to sport fishing boats, including a very rudimentary tuna “tower.” He served as vice president of the International Game Fish Association, and in his lifetime caught some record-breaking fish, including a 468-pound marlin off Cuba in 1954, the largest caught on a rod and reel at that time.

ROLAND MARTIN

Roland Martin, known for his Roland Martin Marina on Lake Okeechobee as well as a TV show, “Fishing with Roland Martin,” is a legend in bass fishing circles, having won nine Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles between 1971 and 1985 and winning 19 elite-level B.A.S.S. tournaments. He is credited with the concept of “pattern fishing,” which identifies spots where fish gather through a set of water conditions including depth, temperature and other factors.

RICHARD STANCZYK

Captain Richard Stanczyk grew up in Miami and began offshore fishing in the 1960s, buying the iconic Bud N’ Mary’s marina in Islamorada in the 1970s and becoming a bonefish guide of some renown. After the bonefish all but vanished, in the early 2000s, Stanczyk is credited with pioneering daytime swordfishing—they were traditionally only caught at nighttime—which required entirely different techniques. Angler’s Journal reported: “The team caught their first daytime broadbill—a 60-pounder—in 2003 using 15 pounds of concrete to take the bait down and hold it in place.” The Stanczyk family still runs Bud N’ Mary’s with its own fleet of fishing boats.

found it was a good move for everything— for the customer in the area who wanted to eat at home and have a great piece of fish, and it’s great for the restaurants. It’s a winwin for everybody.”

We tried to ask how he managed to do it all, but he only said he “lives close by” and “has great people working for me.” (He also said he’s thinking of opening a catering company in the future, but that’s another story.)

The spacious market is an ode to having it all, as we said at the outset. Banks of snowy ice cradle mussels, clams, three kinds of shrimp and stone crabs; in one corner is an array of prepared dishes, including ceviche, octopus salad, hearts of palm salad, house smoked salmon, salmon burgers. There is mahi and snapper and grouper and more, and an enormous lobster tank bubbling at one end, full of heavy dark shapes lumbering along the bottom.

Gismondi opened the market in 2020, and he says he’s been pleased with its success so far, but the biggest challenge is that“people in East Boca don’t cook all that much.”

In that case, he carries prepared foods—the most popular foods from his restaurants—that people can heat up, including vodka and fra diavolo sauces, dips, salads, caviar, pâté, homemade bread—even desserts.

“We have all the specialty products, the ratatouille, the langoustine and French bread from La Nouvelle. The Key lime pie and fish dip from Luff’s. The eggplant pie and stuffed meatball and gnocchi from Trattoria. … If anything, we want to pursue even more of the prepared items. … And, we have the best desserts here,”he says.

“Who would have thought to buy a dessert at the fish market? But our pastry chef at the French restaurant does all the desserts…”

Gismondi’s restaurants, plus the market, allow him to buy a higher volume of fish, and over the years he has built up a strong relationship with quality vendors.

“We are very fortunate that we have a great local supplier. The fish that comes in here is amazing. We also have relationships with fisheries in the Northeast so we can buy in bulk for the restaurants and also bring it to the fish market. … Originally, I just wanted to do South Florida, but we have a lot of customers from the Northeast.

It’s a good way of showing them the freshness that we have.”

Gismondi says,“The most beautiful thing is that everything on display here can go right to the restaurants. Tomorrow we start all new again; other fish markets don’t have that ability.”

As you’d expect with a clientele heavily from the Northeast, Gismondi says his most popular fish is salmon.

“We get it from the Faroe Islands—there’s no bloodlines and no belly meat—it’s all prime. You are dealing with prime cuts; that’s why you are paying a little extra, too. It’s all fresh. That was the goal, and I’ve reached it too. Just give me the freshness. Fish is very perishable, and you also have to watch when you get it in as well. You have to make sure it wasn’t mishandled when you get it in; that’s very important—fortunately through the years we’ve had great purveyors.”

As for his own favorites, Gismondi likes our own local yellowtail, although he also says you can’t beat a steamed Maine lobster. He is also smitten with soft-shell crabs, which he gets from a North Florida/Georgia coast supplier. And, as was true with Captain Clay Brand, Gismondi said an excellent—but relatively underappreciated—fish is the golden tilefish, which is sold at both markets.

People tend to stick with what they know, Gismondi says, although his onsite Chef Anthony is available to tell any of his customers exactly how to cook any fish they buy.

“Every fish is different, and the fresher a fish, the quicker it cooks. There was a time,” he says,“when beef needed to be rare and fish needed to be well done, but you get different flavors of fish cooking at different temperatures, especially fresh fish. It makes a big difference.”

Gismondi likes to fish, although he doesn’t claim to be a fisherman. And he loves the Keys. Just as Captain Clay sees it, he thinks people living here are lucky to have the kind of connection we have to the sea—and its seafood.

“We have the Gulf Stream,” he says.“You have the Bahamas and the Keys. We have a great fishing area, and it’s 12 months out of the year. The weather is appropriate for it. I remember growing up in New York and we’d go fishing for six months; the other six months, the boat was in the shop. Also, the inlets are so close by, you are right out in the water. In New York you’d have to travel an hour or 45 minutes to just get to the marina. We’re kind of spoiled that way. South Florida is very unique and very inviting.”

BLUE HEAVEN’S YELLOWTAIL (Serves two)

Although most cooks who prepare fish often (including Captain Clay and Arturo Gismondi) believe in a very simple approach to fresh fish, here’s a chance to get fancy—with a recipe from a Key West icon.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 cup whipping cream

5 tablespoons cold butter

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 6- to 8-ounce yellowtail snappers

PREPARATION

For citrus beurre blanc, combine wine and juices in a pan and boil until reduced to 3 tablespoons, about 10 minutes.

Add cream and simmer to about 1 1/4 cup and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 4 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper, set aside and keep warm.

Meanwhile, pour flour in a shallow dish and dip fillets in it to coat. Melt remaining butter in a pan and cook fillets, turning once, until fish flakes easily, about 8 minutes.

Serve fish over a pool of beurre blanc with fried plantains, steamed fresh green beans and fresh corn.

—diningandcooking.com

Room To

With sprawling rugged landscapes, Mendocino County offers visitors a true escape into nature

Roam

TThe ragged coastline, with its plunging cliffs, wild sea and cutting wind welcomes us to Mendocino County, California. Its tagline “room to roam” is no exaggeration. Here social distancing is a way of life. And I’m all for it.

Don’t get me wrong; big-city living has its perks, but we all need to commune with nature for our mental, physical and emotional well-being. The entire county’s population of nearly 100,000 pales in comparison to San Francisco’s nearly one million, who live a three-hour drive south of the county’s namesake town of Mendocino (population 800). A getaway to this remote northern part of the state rewards those willing to get off the beaten path (quite literally, but more on that later) with a collection of charming towns, countless outdoor activities, towering redwood forests and an underrated wine region.

When planning the trip, determining if a hotel will simply be a place to lay your head at the end of a day or an experience in itself is essential. A nonstop trek from attraction to attraction calls for a place to just crash, but if it’s a desire for tranquility, majestic landscapes, and a hustle-less vibe that you’re seeking, then the Inn at Newport Ranch is it. The luxury retreat is on 2,000 private acres of a working cattle ranch on top of sweeping bluffs. If you’re looking to truly get away from it all, this resort only accommodates 20 guests and another 10 in the owner’s seaside home (when available). The only time we saw other guests was at meals, enjoying dishes created with produce from the on-site gardens (think herbs, spices, stocky greens, potatoes) and locally sourced fish and meat. The hotel’s property is home to several microclimates, from sunny coastal meadows to cool and moist redwood forests, and the best way to experience them

CALIFORNIA: Mendocino County

FOUNDED: February 18, 1850

SEAT: Ukiak AREA: 3,878 Sq. Miles

POPULATION: 90,601

all is on a private UTV Tour. If you visit next winter, make sure to layer up and snuggle into the wool blanket your guide provides. Flat pastures give away to towering forests, and then it’s up to the ridge’s peak, where we caught a bobcat sunbathing (at a safe distance).

With a focus on ecotourism and sustainability, the hotel planted nearly 11,000 redwood seedlings in the last three years, and invites guests to plant and name a tree during their stay. Other ways to reconnect with nature include a mushroom forage tour with the in-house fungi expert, gourmet oceanfront picnics, breathtaking sunset happy hours among the cliffs, horseback riding, whale watching (in spring and fall) and even an oh-so-soothing massage in the resort’s underground forest-like spa. If you want to take your relaxation to the next level, book the restorative wellness retreat package that includes a private yoga session, guided hike, forest bathing and massage.

If you’re looking to stay only a four-minute drive to shops and restaurants, then book a room at the Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino. Perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque Smuggler’s Cove, the luxury rustic hotel welcomes guests into its warm, homey Grand Room, complete with a four-sided glass-and-steel fireplace. Your stay includes a daily breakfast and an afternoon wine hour with curated appetizer Mendo Boxes that really could double as dinner for the amount of food that’s involved. Our box for two, which we enjoyed out on the terrace, came with a beet salad, half a chicken, a side of potatoes and an apple crepe. And we paired it with a local Fathers & Daughters pinot noir.

For a bit of adventure, head to the Skunk Train’s railbikes. Choose from a seven-mile, two-hour excursion or a longer 25-mile, four-hour journey into the forest (this tour includes a complimentary picnic). Either way, athleticism shouldn’t be a concern, because the electric bikes allow you to choose to peddle

TRAVEL NOTES GO

From South Florida, fly to Santa Rosa (2-hour drive away), San Francisco (3-hour drive away) or Sacramento (4-hour drive away), rent a car and head north. If you decide to stay at the Inn at Newport Ranch, level up by asking the hotel to arrange for a helicopter to whisk you up the coast.

STAY

BREWERY GULCH INN

Warm and welcoming centrally located hotel that feels like home. 9401 CA-1, Mendocino, CA; 800/578-4454; brewerygulchinn.com

INN AT NEWPORT RANCH

Breathtaking views, luxury accommodations on a working oceanfront ranch. 31502 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA; 707/962-4818; theinnatnewportranch.com

DINE

LITTLE RIVER INN RESTAURANT

Romantic garden setting featuring coastal cuisine. 7901 N. Highway 1, Little River, CA; 707/937-5942; littleriverinn.com

MACCALLUM HOUSE

Hotel restaurant serving divine organic, farm-to-table fare. 45020 Albion St., Mendocino, CA; 707/937-0289; maccallumhouse.com

SIP

BEE HUNTER

Quaint tasting room pouring a variety of reds, whites and rosés. 14251 Highway 128, Boonville, CA; 707/895-3995; beehunterwine.com

HANDLEY CELLARS

Family-run winery producing fruit-driven wines. 3151 Highway 128, Philo, CA; 707/895-3876; handleycellars.com

ROEDERER ESTATE

French superstars now producing sparkling wines across the ocean. 4501 Highway 128, Philo, CA; 707/895-2288; roedererestate.com

DO

SKUNK TRAIN RAILBIKES

Cycle through the redwood forest on electric bikes. 707/964-6371; skunktrain.com/railbikes-on-the-noyo

LLAMA FEEDING

Glendeven Inn & Lodge hosts nightly llama feedings. 8205 N. Highway 1, Little River, CA; 707/937-0083; glendeven.com

DRIVE-THRU TREE PARK

Understand how large redwoods can grow by driving through one. 67402 Drive Thru Tree Road, Leggett, CA; 707/925-6464; drivethrutree.com

as much or as little as you’d like. Riding on a railway track into the forest, you feel a true connection to nature as the wind whips around you and the ancient redwoods tower over you. This is one of the coolest outdoor experiences I’ve encountered.

Other activities to consider include the Chandelier Drive-Thru redwood (1.5 hour drive from Mendocino), where visitors have been driving through one of these majestic trees since 1937. Closer to town, the Glendeven Inn & Lodge hosts daily feeds for its three resident llamas, and if you visit in March, make sure to hop on board a whale-watching boat at Noyo Harbor in Fort Gragg in hopes of catching the migrating grey whales.

Another way to experience nature is by sipping on the array of wines that are produced in the region.

The Mendocino County AVA is home to several sub-appellations, with two of its more popular Anderson Valley and Yorkville. Mendocino is one of the state’s largest wine-producing counties. While it’s famous for its pinot noirs and sparkling wines, it’s also

growing zinfandel, grenache, barbera and sauvignon blanc, among others.

Celebrated French Champagne house Louis Roederer established its Anderson Valley Roederer Estate in 1982 and brought with it a reputation of making renowned sparkling wine in the area. Just down the street, we also visited Handley Cellars, a winery on a working family farm. Started by one of the first female winemakers in the area, Milla Handley, the 30 acres under cultivation are now managed by her daughter Lulu, and she’s producing aromatic, organically farmed estate wines from chardonnay to pinot noir.

Further south in Boonville, winemaking duo Ali Nemo and Andy DuVigneaud at Bee Hunter will pour you syrahs, pinot noirs and Rhone blends. On your way back to Mendocino, take a short detour to the seaside village of Elk, stop by the general store (famous for its sandwiches) and cross the street to the state park that’s dotted with massive rocks that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into“The Goonies.”

A getaway to this remote northern part of the state rewards those willing to get off the beaten path with a collection of charming towns, countless outdoor activities, towering redwood forests and an underrated wine region.

Spring Trends

Sometimes a new season invites a clean sweep of dated decor and an infusion of fresh palettes, contemporary upgrades and imaginative pops of color and fun. Here are some ideas for on-point home decor—and a tropical transformation in Tequesta.

Sea Change

Jump on the current coastal trend with nautical and marineinspired motifs like bleached driftwood, teak, sea glass and plenty of calming blues and greens.

For the Fun of It

Adding a little color and whimsy to your decor enlivens and humanizes your living space.

Back to Nature

Bring the outdoors into your home with neutral shades in brown, beige and cream as well as botanical patterns and pieces crafted from wood, wicker and rattan.

1. Butterfly Gingko Cocoon Lamp, price upon request, Clive Daniel, Boca Raton, clivedaniel.com.

2. Gustav 92-inch Marble Dining Table, $3,999, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com.

3. Silver Leaf Credenza, price upon request, Clive Daniel, Boca Raton, clivedaniel.com.

4. Celestine Cashmere Outdoor Pillow, $535, Hive, Palm Beach, hivepalmbeach.com.

5. Ibiza Pendant Natural, $995, Jayson Home, jaysonhome.com.

6. Pacifica Outdoor Sconce, $298, Serena & Lily, Palm Beach, serenaandlily.com.

7. Asher Cane & Beech Wood Upholstered Bench with Pillows, $2,299, Crate & Barrel, Boca Raton, crateandbarrel.com.

Tropical Transformation

Jackie Armour revived a decades-old home by swapping out its passé decor with her signature polished contemporary design.

It wasn’t a typical project for designer Jackie Armour. After more than 20 years in the business, Armour had never taken part in a home renovation like this. For the first time in her career, she donned both designer and client hats when she revamped this home, her personal residence.

Armour and her family lived in the same Tequesta neighborhood—across from Jupiter Hills Country Club—for more than three decades, so she was very familiar with this house. When it came on the market a few years ago, she was intrigued. And once she stepped inside, she recognized its potential and instantly knew how to bring the home into this century. Unlike many buyers eager to live in her neighborhood but uninterested in dedicating resources to an outdated house, Armour was game, so she sold

her home and purchased this one.

“My strength is that I can see it immediately. It just comes into my head very quickly,” she says, explaining the possibilities of a home transformation.“It’s always fun when you get the opportunity to do something like this, especially when it’s your field. There’s another level of satisfaction that comes with that.”

The six-month gut and renovation of the 3,800-square-foot house was completed in 2019. Armour replaced the three-bedroom home’s 1980s brown color palette that extended from the floors to the walls with a luminous tropical modern design. The designer kept the basic floor plan but did remove dummy walls to give the home a spacious, open feel. She credits the neighborhood’s developer and friend for constructing a well-built home with stunning high-volume ceilings and tall slider doors that weren’t widely seen in 1989. These were the main features that instantly

appealed to Armour, who felt fortunate that her redesign didn’t include anything structural, but rather merely cosmetic edits. Among them were the removal of several drab soffits including an octagon-shaped version in the living room that the designer says looked like a hanging flying saucer, as well as an unnecessary arch over the vanity in the primary bathroom.

Starting with the exterior of the home, Armour felt the yellow paint didn’t flatter the home. And because the front of the home overlooks the massive oak trees that help create the feeling of being in a tree house when in the primary bedroom, she

changed out its tiny windows for larger versions. She also added blue shutters to break up the facade’s expanse and matched them to a palm-patterned wall she stenciled with a few fronds from her yard.

Once inside, Armour was dismayed by the existing kitchen’s crowded layout. It included both an island and a separate bar area that made the space feel claustrophobic. To remedy this, Armour consolidated them with a single 10-foot island topped with marble from Ceramic Matrix. She also removed the range wall and placed her JennAir cooktop at the opposite end of the kitchen. She lit the island with pendant

What looks like cabinetry are actually doors that lead into a combined laundry, pantry and bathroom area. “We purposely designed it that way so it would look seamless,” Armour says. The secret nook is sheathed in a Phillip Jeffries Jack’s Jungle wall covering, which she also used in a guest bathroom.

A chaise lounge, originally owned by Armour’s grandmother, pairs with a mirrored desk from Worlds Away that she uses as her makeup area.

lights from Ballard Designs and repeated the brass finish with emerald-green velvet chairs from Modway. Armour knew from the beginning that she didn’t want an allwhite kitchen, so she fashioned custom soft gray-blue cabinetry inset into a white frame and teamed them with a Christopher Farr soft green wallpaper in a geometric pattern. An intimate family room overlooks the kitchen and features a working fireplace. Armour removed the clunky bookshelves that flanked the fireplace, creating a cleaner, simplified look and feel. Admittedly, the designer had plenty of shelving in her previous home and was ready for a different look. The home’s 16-foot ceilings feature tongue and groove cladding, and Armour carried the element down the fireplace wall to help solidify its overall architectural presence.

On the other end of the main floor, the living room’s gorgeous pear-green velvet sofa effortlessly picks up the vibrant colors of Schumacher draperies, tying the room’s décor together.“The drapery is what started the color palette for the house. I always start with textiles,”Armour explains.” I fell in love with the fabric and decided this is the palette I am going to go for.”Working

Armour discovered bathroom cabinetry in excellent condition, so she simply revived the door and drawer fronts with clean slabs. She added polished-nickel knobs with white marble inserts from Vanguard Furniture as well as a vintage rug from Heir Looms Vintage Rugs.

with the home’s expansive layout, Armour decided to use color blocking—repetition of the same elements—to maintain the house’s volume while still evoking a sense of coziness. The Schumacher draperies, for example, were repeated throughout the main living areas, and the kitchen’s geometric wallpaper is also showcased in the entry of the primary suite.

The dining room sits in its own alcove adjacent to the living room and overlooks oak trees growing with colorful orchids. Armour, an avid collector, adds an Asian flair to the room with the bamboo dining chairs, which she’s had for more than 20 years. Repainted in a soft taupe, they complement the soft cream-toned vintage wood table that she’s also had for decades. A vintage chandelier from Circa Who adds a whimsical touch to the space.

Seven steps up from the main floor, the

primary suite was also weighed down by the décor’s previous brown aesthetic before Armour revived the space. The only thing she retained were the original oak floors that she sanded and refinished to match the rest of the home’s European oak. Armour fashioned a luminescent sanctuary for her and her husband, starting with Sanderson Calathea wallpaper in a soft pale pink teamed with varying shades of greens and blues. Kravet silk ballet-pink drapes complement the wall covering. A vintage Circa Who bed, high-gloss nightstands and custom millwork also elevate the décor with elegance and ease.

Armour completely closed off the closets and bathroom from the bedroom to make it more private. The former bathroom had a taupe corner shower that she replaced with a modern glass version. She kept the tub in the same place but swapped it out for a

contemporary freestanding tub and elevated that entire area with a raised platform. The floor’s white marble extends up the far wall to create a cohesive, more seamless space. After the interiors were complete, Armour turned her attention to the landscape. The home sits in the middle of a threequarter-acre property with an expansive front and a backyard featuring a variety of trees and a grotto-like pond that a previous owner, a landscape architect, had created. On her lanai that overlooks the pool and backyard, Armour created a comfortable seating area with two wicker West Elm chairs, a Lee Industries white sofa and soft curtains. Today, this is where she entertains loved ones and relaxes while overlooking her tropical transformation.

BACKSTAGE PASS

Richard Thomas

In a tour of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the Emmy-winning actor finds the shades of gray in a literary hero

It’s been 14 years since Richard Thomas appeared live in South Florida, as Juror No. 8, the compassionate moral center of “Twelve Angry Men.” Now, he’s back for another Broadway tour, on the other side of the courtroom. He plays Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird at Broward Center.

The beating heart of Sorkin’s script is Atticus’ defense of a Black man falsely accused of rape in a racist Alabama town. But wherein Lee’s novel, Atticus’ daughter, Scout, is the main protagonist, in Sorkin’s version Atticus takes center stage, providing a weighty and complex part for Thomas.

Most famous as John-Boy, narrator and central figure of “The Waltons,” for which he won an Emmy Award, Thomas has appeared in nearly 125 TV and movie projects. But touring this masterpiece from Lee and Sorkin provides the latest opportunity for him to embark on his “stealth mission:” to bring more plays to regions otherwise saturated with musicals.“There are many people who come to the show who’ve never seen a play. They’ve only seen musicals,” he says.“They’ve seen “Lion King,”“Wicked,”“Waitress. … This takes nothing away from the great form that is the American musical comedy, but it’s not the only flavor.

“This doesn’t make me special. If I hated touring, I wouldn’t do it. But it has, for me, a kind of primal, ur-theatrical feeling to it, of taking your company from town to town. It’s a wonderful experience.”

the text. And one of the things Aaron Sorkin has done so brilliantly is he’s taken Atticus off his pedestal. People use the word ‘iconic’ when they talk about him, and of course you can’t play an icon. An icon is a frozen thing. And you can’t have a frozen thing on the stage. [Sorkin has] interrogated all of Atticus’ unassailable virtues. He’s given him a journey of the loss of innocence that’s parallel with the kids, and he’s created a man who has to undergo a real deconstruction of all of his bedrock feelings of confidence in community and human nature. This not only makes for exciting drama; as Aaron says, he’s made Atticus the protagonist of the play because he’s given him a journey and flaws.

just, and it also mirrors the degree to which we fall short of that. That’s the negotiation that’s going on with Atticus all the time.

Some of the changes Sorkin made to the source material are fundamental. For lovers of the book who are wary of changes, what advice would you give them when approaching the play?

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Harper

Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”

WHERE: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale

WHEN:

March 28-April 9

COST: $35-$115

CONTACT: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org

Why is Atticus Finch such an important and enduring character in literature?

He’s a beautifully written character in this wonderful book by Harper Lee, and a man of great principle.

I think he represents the aspirational side of America. He has a strength of character and a moral and ethical code that makes him an admirable person. ... The things that make him this sort of

wonderfully admirable character in the book don’t necessarily make for a particularly exciting character onstage in terms of the dynamism of drama. There’s very little conflict in Atticus’ character in the book. He’s very much a father figure who’s idealized by his kids. … It’s a little different than what we have going on here.

So how do you find that dynamism in Atticus?

You have to find it in

Does the play parallel with some of the racial-justice issues we’ve been facing lately?

What’s extraordinary about Aaron’s adaptation is that it was written before 2020, before George Floyd, before this great resurgence of social justice action. In so many ways,“To Kill a Mockingbird” is our story. It contains the story of one of our original sins and its aftermath, so it mirrors our aspirations to be

To recognize that this isn’t a novel; it’s a theatre experience. Keep your mind open, and take the journey that Sorkin has given us to take. There’s two ways to look at classics: You can either do a slavish copy and hang it on the wall like an icon, or you can wrestle with the material and work with it in a way that reveals new things about it.

You still maintain a boyish look. What’s your secret? No secret at all. I’ve just got the genes that keep you looking young for a while, and then all of a sudden you look like you’re 120 one day. That’s going to happen. But right now, given the distance between the footlights and the first row of the audience, I can play Atticus Finch!

“We should admire people like Atticus Finch, who try to do the right thing, but we shouldn’t look at them as saints. ...”

Thomas

Now-April 2:

“Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $9-$15 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Japan has been a leading nation in paper art for centuries, and “Washi Transformed” connects the past to the present. The exhibition highlights nine contemporary paper artists whose usage of the humble medium includes sculptures and installations as well as two-dimensional works.

Now-April 2:

“Contemplating Character: Portrait Drawings & Oil Sketches from Jacques-Louis David to Lucian Freud” at Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; $10; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. This broad survey of portraiture from the 18th century to the present day features 81 works on paper by 68 artists. In addition to the major portraitists of the title, the exhibition includes works by Alfred Hitchcock, William Merritt Chase, George Wesley Bellows and many more.

Now-May 21:

Whitfield Lovell: “Passages” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12-$16 museum admission; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum. org. “Passages” marks the most comprehensive survey yet of this contemporary artist, including drawings on pencil, oil stick, charcoal or crayon, often paired with found objects salvaged and manipulated from flea markets and antique shops. His art addresses historical brutalities toward African-Americans through the prisms of identity and memory.

March 5:

A Night at the Ballet: From Tchaikovsky to the Rolling Stones at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35-$150; 561/757-5270, festivalboca.org.

Principal dancers from New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre perform an eclectic selection of standards and surprises, from classical masterworks “Giselle” and “Swan Lake” to a contemporary suite of works set to Rolling Stones compositions.

March 7:

Neave Trio at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $75; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum.us. This compelling chamber trio, praised for its cutting-edge performances and innovative concert presentations, will close the Flagler’s 2023 music series with piano trios by Josef Suk, Dame Ethel Smyth and Maurice Ravel.

March 8:

Fran Lebowitz at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $45; 561/757-5270, festivalboca.org. The humorist, gadfly and quintessential New Yorker, whose connections to figures from Martin Scorsese to Andy Warhol have propelled more than a half-century in public life, will showcase her indelible wit and general gift of gab in a conversation with WLRN’s Christine DiMattei.

March

2-April 2:

“Damn Yankees” at the Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $79-$99; 561/995-2333, thewick.org. The durable Richard Adler/ Jerry Ross musical returns to the diamond for another high-energy, fleet-footed production. The jubilant musical recasts the Faust legend as an allegory for America’s pastime, as a desperate real estate agent decides to sell his soul to aid his beloved Washington Senators in besting the perennial Yankees.

March 3:

“Fantasia” Live with Orchestra at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $15-$100; 561/757-5270, festivalboca.org. Festival of the Arts Boca opens its nine-day extravaganza with a special screening of Disney’s landmark animated feature, with conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos leading the Festival Orchestra Boca through a live performance of the rich, classically driven score.

March 3-12:

“Dial M for Murder” at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; 561/586-6410, lakeworthplayhouse.org. Before it became an immersive and 3D cinema spectacle from Alfred Hitchcock, “Dial M for Murder” enjoyed considerable success as a play. This original stage version by Frederick Knott centers on a vengeful husband who suspects his wife of infidelity, and whose actions set off a tense web of blackmail and murder.

March 5:

Yakov Smirnoff at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 2 and 7 p.m.; $41.50-$51.50; 561/4839036, bocablackbox.com. This Ukrainian-born American comedian and actor was a household name in the Cold War ‘80s, thawing tensions with his culture-clashing mirth and ultimately performing for four presidents. He has since reinvented his act, performing clean, relatable comedy at his occasional residency in Branson and beyond.

March 9:

Charles Fishman at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $40; 561/757-5270, festivalboca. org. In this illustrated lecture, prizewinning business journalist Fishman, whose previous research has explored the moonshot and Walmart, will discuss his sobering book The Big Thirst, an eye-opening nonfiction narrative about the forthcoming perils of global water scarcity.

March 9-11:

The Bronx Wanderers at the Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $35-$45; 561/2033742, thestudioatmiznerpark. com. This father-and-sons family act has been entertaining audiences, and winning awards, from its Las Vegas residency since 2016. The Four Seasons-style vocal performances feature music-industry anecdotes and tunes from Dion, Billy Joel, Tony Orlando and others.

March 10:

Nicole Henry: “Time to Love

Again” at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $15-$100; 561/757-5270, festivalboca.org. Backed by her talented band, the dynamic smooth jazz vocalist will showcase her sweet and powerful pipes with a slate of reimagined favorites from her eclectic range of influences, including the timeless love songs of James Taylor, Sade and Maria Muldaur.

March 10:

Alan Doyle at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 9 p.m.; $35-$45; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit. com. As lead singer of the former Canadian folk rock band Great Big Sea, Doyle drew from 500 years of Irish, Scottish and Cornish musical traditions. On his solo material, including the 2020 EP Rough Side Out, he allows contemporary country music to cross-pollinate his rootsy sonic garden.

March 11:

Rich Vos at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 7 and 9 p.m.; $36.50-$46.50; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. A throwback to the brash and politically incorrect style of standup comedy, New Jersey native Vos has a roastmaster’s command of pugnacious language. He has performed more than 100 times on television and written pungent material for the Academy Awards.

March 12:

Sergio Mendes at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35-$150; 561/757-5270, festivalboca.org. A giant in Brazilian jazz, pop and crossover music, Mendes has enjoyed a six-decade career, recording more than 55 albums and collaborating with figures as diverse as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cannonball Adderley and the Black-Eyed Peas. His performance concludes this year’s Festival of the Arts Boca.

March 16-April 2:

“The Odd Couple (Female Version)” at Boca Stage, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $45-$50; 866/811-4111, bocastage.net. Twenty years after debuting his hit comedy “The Odd Couple,” Neil Simon conceived of a female spin on the winning narrative of a neat-freak newsman who shares an apartment with a slovenly sportswriter. Replacing Oscar and Felix with Olive and Florence, this gender-switching take reveals the universality of Simon’s writing.

March 24:

LP and the Vinyl: Blues to Beatles to Bowie at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/450-6457, artsgarage.org.

LP and the Vinyl consists of pianist Danny Green’s jazz trio fronted by soul singer Leonard Patton, who pool their genre-hopping skills across a jazzy, funky exploration of 50 years of western music, including originals and reimagined covers of Quincy Jones, Tears for Fears, Stevie Wonder, Oasis and many more.

March 24-26:

Palm Beach Opera: “Falstaff” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; $25-$170; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” A fizzy comedic opera, the work focuses on the famously rotund title character as he attempts to woo two married women in an effort to access their husbands’ wealth. “Falstaff” marks a company premiere for Palm Beach Opera.

March 24-April 2:

“Neighborhood III: Requisition of Doom” at Studio II Theatre at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; various show times; $25; 561/297-6124, fauevents.com. The blurry border between real and virtual lives is the subject of playwright Jennifer Haley’s discomfiting satire. It’s set in a suburbia of uniform houses, where the community’s teenagers have become addicted to an online horror video game that is set, thanks to GPS technology, in their own neighborhood.

March 17:

The Jimmy Vivino Band at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/450-6457, artsgarage.org. Impressively bearded blues guitarist Vivino spent 26 years as Conan O’Brien’s dedicated musical director, guitarist and bandleader. It was the most public facet of a nearly five-decade career that has included collaborations with Bob Weir, Keith Richards, Elvis Costello and a laundry list of others. He brings his stellar blues-rock trio to Arts Garage.

March 17:

Clan of Xymox at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $30; 561/832-9999, sub-culture. org/respectable-street. This performance by the Dutch post-punk legends Clan of Xymox marks the band’s first South Florida appearance in 31 years. Formed in the heady alternative-rock vanguard of the early 1980s and featuring a sound rooted in gothic and industrial rhythms, the group makes music for brooding and dancing alike.

March 18:

Jerry Seinfeld at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7 and 9:30 p.m.; $80-$210; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. The veteran observational funnyman, whose eponymous 1990s sitcom is regularly ranked among the best television series of all-time, will take some time away from completing his latest movie project—a film that, in the “entertainment about nothing” tradition, is inspired by the Pop-Tart—to debut a new slate of material.

March 23-24:

Mark de Clive-Lowe at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $29-$49; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. This New Zealand-born dropout of Berklee College of Music would go on to combine jazz’s freeform polyrhythms with electronic, funk and world-music flourishes. His 2022 release MOTHERLAND plumbs Japanese mythology and folklore into a sonic tapestry supplemented by multimedia projections.

March 24-25:

Jim Breuer at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 8 p.m.; $46.50$61.50; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. Breuer came to national prominence during his four years on “Saturday Night Live” during the sketch series’ mid-90s golden era. As a standup comic, he treads similar but more unhinged ground, favoring a hyper-caffeinated, theatrical style full of voice impersonations and elaborate gesticulations.

March 26:

The Symphonia: “Wind” at Roberts Hall at St. Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton; 3 p.m.; $50-$84; 561/376-3848, thesymphonia.org. Continuing its season-wide exploration of the four elements, March’s Symphonia program will capture the spirit of wind through performances of Mozart’s “Serenade No. 6” and “Rondo in G major—Haffner,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” and Jessie Montgomery’s “Voodoo Dolls,” under the baton of David Kim.

March 28:

Sally Mann at Society of the Four Arts, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $50; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. Most famous for her spare, uncompromising black-and-white portraits and landscapes, this “Best Photographer in America,” per Time magazine in 2001, will discuss the thousand different ways stories can be told through the gripping power of images.

March 31-April 16:

“August: Osage County” at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; various show times; $84; 561/514-4042, palmbeachdramaworks.org. Tracy Letts’ herculean 2007 play is one of the most caustic satires of family dysfunctional in the contemporary dramatic canon. When a pill-addicted matriarch’s alcoholic husband suddenly walks out on his family, their extended clan reunites, with hilarious and scathing results. This threeact play features a cast of 13.

We Sell Luxury, We Sell Lifestyle, We Sell Boca.

THE PALACE REAL ESTATE TEAM

Palace Real Estate is a boutique, luxury brokerage whose dynamic multi-generational sales team has been specializing in South FL residential real estate for a combined 40+ years. “The driving force behind the way we do business, above all else, is an elevated client experience,” says Alexa Soto, luxury real estate sales specialist.

“Whether the client is selling or buying, producing top results is about more than the dollar amount of the sale. We’re career agents, so the clients who work with us do so because they know they can trust our team to serve as their real estate professionals, protecting their real estate interests as a whole. We do more than just effect a sale, we direct the flow of transactions, anticipate and resolve obstacles, run point on communication and tailor strategies. Plus, after our years in the business and those spent building our stellar reputation, we’ve aligned ourselves with a top network of professionals to connect with our clients for whatever their need may be, financing, trades, law, and beyond.”

Debby, prior to founding Palace Real Estate, began her luxury real estate career in Manhattan before transitioning to South FL to head new construction projects for developers including Shelby Homes, Watermark, Kennedy Homes and Waterbrook. After pivoting to building custom homes in Parkland, Debby eventually focused her efforts on founding Palace Real Estate and high-end luxury brokerage service.

When Alexa Soto signed on as full time Sales Associate, she was already experienced in all facets of transaction work. Alexa immediately expanded Palace’s referral client base and developed a glowing track record of closing complex transactions while always keeping the flow of the sale running smoothly. Alexa holds an R.S.P.S. certification (Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist), training which combined with years of specialized experience make her an expert in the buying, selling and management of properties for investment, development, retirement or second homes, particularly in resort and vacation destinations. Investor and end-user client testimonials alike rave over the superior handling of their deal by Alexa which she attributes to her natural love of service combined with superior training and experience in negotiations and real estate contract processes.

2023 2023

From passions turned into thriving professions, to creative outlets and corporate callings, these BEST of Women in Business make a living doing what matters most to them. Get to know a bit about this successful bevvy of the BEST at what they do, and how their expertise and excellent work product may just be your BEST new resource!

Nicole Friedman, Psy.D., DBT-LBC Certified Clinician

Christie Caggiani, RDN, LDN, CEDRD-S

Patricia Shutt, Psy.D., CEDS

CO-OWNERS

THERAPEUTIC OASIS

Therapeutic Oasis began as a dream. Psychologists Dr. Nicole Friedman and Dr. Patricia Shutt, along with dietitian and nutrition therapist Christie Caggiani, had been providing therapy and DBT services together for years. As they observed the effectiveness of the team approach, they began to visualize the benefits of providing it to a broad range of clients in a tranquil, safe environment.

In 2013 the accomplished trio became co-owners of Therapeutic Oasis. Their mission was to offer clientcentered services that truly addressed the needs of each individual. Now with locations in Boca and Jupiter, Dr. Shutt reflects on their achievements.

“The foundation of our success is due in large part to our incredible team. We have been fortunate to find some truly gifted and compassionate professionals, each contributing something valuable, and the entire team is more effective as a result. The fact that our current team is all women has a special connection for me, especially as a mother of two daughters.

“The Oasis is not a treatment center; rather, it is an intimate healing environment where clients feel supported and validated as they change their lives. Some people come here extremely traumatized with complex issues. Others are dealing with divorce, anxiety or eating disorders. We help people of all ages along this continuum with therapy, nutrition and other holistic services. Nutrition, particularly, is important in our work as it uniquely integrates emotional, mental and physical wellness. Our depth of experience also allows us to provide intensive programs, including some for teens and families.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are both proud of our accomplishments and excited about the future, especially as we pursue DBT Program Certification. The power of our team is palpable, and you cannot help but feel this amazing synergy. For me, working here is far more than a job; it is my life.”

561-278-6033

therapeuticoasis.com

Jodi Dery

CLOUD 10 BLOW DRY BAR & BEAUTY SALON

When Jodi Dery founded Cloud 10 Blow Dry Bar & Beauty Salon in Delray Beach, her philosophy was always to be the best in the biz. As she approaches her 10-year anniversary in May, she celebrates the journey to her salon’s success—a combination of perfectionism, camaraderie and dedicated clients who keep coming back for more.

“We’ve come a long way, and improved everything over the years, providing a client experience not found anywhere else,” says Jodi.

A dedicated employee creates a client profile with every important detail about each guest, from their beverage preferences to the products they enjoy to follow-up notes highlighting every aspect of their visit, so that no matter which stylist they see on their next appointment, they are assured consistency with their needs and wants. “We don’t hold back on anything for the ultimate beauty indulgence, from our Italian-made $10,000 massaging shampoo chairs, to our global brand Davines color and products,” Jodi explains.

In 2014 she traveled to Venice, Italy to develop her own line of products, Cloud 10 Heavenly Haircare, which features a nourishing oil with the most enduring scent. “It works magic on wet or dry hair, adding a luxurious shine and eliminating frizz. Over 250 clients were recently on a waitlist to get their hands on it,” she laughs. “No worries, it’s back in stock,” she adds.

“Cloud 10 is a uniquely special salon radiating with positive energy, tranquility and beauty. Most importantly, clients consistently remark that on top of the first-class service we provide, they have never experienced a friendlier salon anywhere, and that truly sets us apart,” Jodi says.

561.303.3000

Cloud10usa.com

Andrea Karabatsos OWNER

JENNA STUDIO

On her very first visit to Florida from her hometown of Montreal, Andrea Karabatsos instantly knew what her friends had told her all along. Boca Raton would be the perfect locale to relocate her world-renowned boutique, Jenna Studio. Fate brought her to an available storefront next to Saks Fifth Avenue in Town Center mall, where she said ecstatically, “I heard angels singing!”

For mothers of the bride and groom to celebrities, socialites and sophisticated fashionistas, the array of special occasion evening wear and sought-after luxurious gowns from around the world boggle the imagination. What makes her collections all the more desirable is that women now have a destination to find stunning, statement-making dresses, gowns and evening wear without seeing cookiecutter copies at their coveted events.

Andrea specializes in dresses and gowns from Canada, made from silk and crepe, fully lined and boned, with impeccable construction. “I also do any size modification and any color choice. I make it easy for my clients to customize their piece for their comfort, without it looking modified,” she says.

“I knew that Florida was the place for me to create my new vision on my own terms after working in retail for 25 years and with my mother Jenna in Montreal’s Ogilvy’s. I know what my clients want and how to buy for them. I am always in the store providing all the knowledge and high-end service they need from beginning to end. Jenna Studio is opening in Spring 2023 in Town Center mall. Clients will walk in mesmerized by the exquisite inventory, and leave knowing they have found the designer look of their dreams.”

514-979-5277

Jennasstudio.com

Susan Demerer is known for being many things: a dog lover, a passionate philanthropist, and a shining star in the real estate world, specializing in luxury country club communities. In her own backyard, she reigns as the “Queen of Broken Sound.” It’s good to be queen in Boca Raton and its surrounding Palm Beach communities, especially with Demerer’s affiliation with Compass, the No. 1 brokerage firm by market share in Palm Beach County, Broward County & Miami Dade County for 2022 (BrokerMetrics 1/1/202212/31/2022), where she is rated the No. 1 realtor in home sales in Boca Raton and the No. 1 Realtor for the luxury country club community she calls home.

When asked how she manages to excel in such a competitive market, she is quick to quote the best advice she’s ever received from Derald H. Ruttenberg: “If you lose money, you always have a chance to make it back. You can only lose your reputation once.” Susan’s reputation has been built on 20 years of real estate expertise, with more than $72 million in sales in 2022 alone and more than 100 closed transactions.

“Clients feel comfortable with me knowing they can trust me to make the best decisions for them,” Demerer said. “I am up to date on market trends, the inventory in every sought-after neighborhood and the intricacies of the communities so that I can help buyers find the perfect fit. I know and respect that buying a home is a huge decision, whether it’s a first starter home, a mega-mansion, a beachfront property or an investor adding to their real estate portfolio. I take each deal extremely seriously and personally. That is why most of my clients are repeat business and referrals. I am proud to say that they are delighted with my attention to detail, work ethic and the results I provide each and every time,” she says.

561.213.6347

susan.demerer@compass.com

Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA

PRINCIPAL AND CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ INTERCOASTAL WEALTH PLANNING

“Women need to be involved in their financial plans and have an understanding of where all of their assets are and what they are used for,” says Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary, Beth Bennett.

As an expert in her field, a woman who has reared a child, been through a divorce and is working toward her own financial future, Bennett forges a relationship with her clients from her own personal experiences, providing them with a breadth of solutions for their wealth management and a voice of calm to create a plan together, regardless of the state of the market.

Bennett advises her clients to be in control of their finances and not leave that responsibility to someone else. It is imperative to know and understand the types of investments that you have and the log-ins for your accounts, and to share that information with your spouse/significant other. “Being involved in reviews with your financial advisor and understanding how to access those assets is imperative. Being aware of your spending habits and where all of your money is going, whether you are single or married, is also very important. As women, we certainly know the value of delegating. My advice is to reach out to an advisor to get your financial house in order with someone you can trust. I am here for you,” she says.

561.210.7339

intercoastalwealth.com

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

Sian Matthew has made her mark in the real estate industry as a Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, specializing in sales both in the Bocaire Country Club, where she resides, and in Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Hillsboro Beach.

“Having lived in the area for over a decade, and raising my children here, I’m involved in all aspects of the local community—boards, local sports, fundraising and PTAs,” Sian points out. “Shortly after acquiring my real estate license in 2018, my business selling the highest-priced homes in Bocaire took off and spread to all the other local markets.”

She joined Coldwell Banker Realty because “they’re one of the largest companies worldwide, with huge international marketing connections, and they provide excellent agent support.”

Sian is consistently listed as one of the top Coldwell Banker agents in South Florida and was voted No. 1 in December.

What is the secret to her success? “My strength is that I’m passionate about helping people, I’m honest and very hardworking,” Sian explains. “I go above and beyond to ensure that I find solutions to issues that arise. With the complexity of buying and selling a property, I bring people together and ensure positive results.”

561-945-6550

SunnyFloridaHomesForSale.com

Danais Perez

OWNER AND FOUNDER

CREDAS ADVISING SOLUTIONS

Danais Perez brings her own brand of expert investment knowhow and banking experience to business owners to help them secure, structure and negotiate financing. Her mission at Credas is to provide proficient advice to complement business owners’ passions and unique knowledge in a way that is effective, favorable and conducive to their vision and accomplishment of their goals. She leverages 25 years of banking experience, her impeccable reputation and substantial lender relationships to help her clients succeed.

Danais accomplishes this by going through five steps with business owners.

“First, I help them prepare,” she says. “An initial meeting is set up to understand the company structure and owner’s goals, as well as to review financial documents, assess the company’s financial condition, and discuss possible solutions, processes and time frame.”

From there, Danais identifies the most suitable lender for the specific project type, manages the credit process, negotiates terms and performs due diligence in addition to planning the closing.

Through her company, Credas, Danais brings a new approach to borrowing for businesses—one that removes the uncertainty and frustration that many entrepreneurs feel when approaching their bank. Her clients take advantage of the competitive deals only an industry insider can secure, while they get to focus on what they do best—running their business.

305-338-9876

Dperez@credasadvising.com

With nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality business, Jessenia Cucalon received the opportunity to enhance her career at Boca Grove two years ago, starting as a member services manager and moving up to membership director, a role she covets.

“You need a great deal of patience and a love of people to do this job, so it’s perfect for me,” Jessenia explains.

With a mandatory equity membership at the exclusive country club community, her plate is full most every day, meeting with prospective homeowners to give them a tour, explaining how the membership works, and sharing her enthusiasm about the culture and environment at this prestigious address.

When the home purchase is complete, new members receive an orientation and meet the board of directors, general manager and all department heads. “Many new homeowners are already familiar with Boca Grove as they follow in their family and friends’ footsteps in choosing the best place to call home,” Jessenia boasts.

“We forge a personal relationship with every resident and personalize everything we do, from greeting them by name as they pass through the gate, to taking the time to engage in friendly conversation at every chance, to constantly being a source of information and guidance for their membership needs. The members truly become part of our family. Boca Grove is now home to 328 children who join their parents and grandparents living here. It’s a joy to see members growing up on our property and enjoying all we have to offer,” she says.

561-487-5300

bocagrove.org

ANTI AGING CENTER OF BOCA

Nina Presman is a pioneer in the field of body and face sculpting. She initially focused on her own body and face sculpting when she started the Anti Aging Center of Boca in 2014, with the goal of creating a process that would allow her to look as young outside as she felt inside—and reverse the signs of aging on her face and body.

Alpha Lypolysis with HIFU is exclusive to Anti Aging Center of Boca and was developed to permanently remove inches, any fat on body and face, while also tightening and lifting the skin creating a younger more vibrant appearance. The results are immediate, with no pain, downtime, or side effects. Nina says that thanks to this technology she looks better at 59 than she did at 35.

“EMSCULPT-PRO is the new addition to the body sculpting services” Nina says “ it goes hand in hand with Alpha Lypolysis with HIFU, after we remove the fat and tighten the skin we can also now tighten and tone the muscles on any body part.” Nina also states that she is so confident in the results of these treatments that Anti Aging Center of Boca has adopted a policy “If you don’t lose, you don’t pay!” Which means that if there are no visible results after the treatment the client will not be charged.

Clients can’t believe how great they look afterwards, she adds.

561-654-0177

antiagingcenterofboca.com

Becky Lightman

FOUNDER

LIGHTMAN CAPITAL

Becky Lightman is more than just an investment advisor. As the founder of wealth management group Lightman Capital in Boca Raton, she takes a personal interest in her clients—with the goal of maximizing their ability to meet both financial and life goals.

Becky, a native Floridian with years of experience at prominent Wall Street investment firms, saw a unique value proposition to bring to clients.

“Clients at big institutions are often given cookie-cutter portfolios that the banks set, many times in those companies’ own investment products,” explains Becky. “As a boutique firm, we customize the client’s strategy with investment solutions from any number of financial institutions. Being independent and serving as a fiduciary allows us the flexibility to do that.”

Becky believes that being a woman in finance is a huge plus. “I go in very differently from the average financial advisor. I manage clients’ money like they’re family and speak to them like they’re friends,” she points out. “I listen. I take the time. Every big event in life involves financial decisions. My goal is to help my clients navigate these decisions in the way that’s best for them.”

561-835-5000

lightmancapital.com

Ebonee Blackwood

OWNER

CUTE LOOKS MEDISPA

Ebonee Blackwood, known as The Fashionista Injector, is changing people’s lives and giving them a more youthful appearance by providing aesthetic treatments at Cute Looks Medispa in Boca Raton. The aesthetic treatments offered are Botox, dermal fillers, Polydioxanone (PDO) threads (mini facelifts), and other facial rejuvenating treatments. These aesthetic treatments are designed to help and prevent signs of aging in men and women.

“My long-standing experience is in health and wellness for over 20 years throughout South Florida, as an ICU nurse and a board-certified Family and Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner,” Ebonee explains.

After she graduated from Nova Southeastern University with the highest honors as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Ebonee wanted to advance her career as a Nurse Practitioner in dermatology or plastic surgery.

“But I couldn’t land a job without the experience, so I ended up opening my own spa in 2018,” she explains. “Now, I train a number of medical providers in aesthetics.”

Ebonee distinguishes herself and Cute Looks Medispa from others by practicing as a celebrity injector and aesthetic trainer, and by making clients feel comfortable in a boutique-style setting.

“Everyone is treated like family here— you’re not just a number,” she adds. “I’m really good at what I do—and have years of experience behind me.”

561-388-9337

cutelooksmedispa.com

private education camp guide 2023

The following section presents helpful information provided by prominent private schools and camps in Palm Beach County.

All listings include a brief synopsis of the programs’ achievements, curriculum highlights, and many more important details families look for when choosing the best fit for their children.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions at a glance.

High Expectations

Extraordinary Futures

From kindergarten through high school, DKJA students dive into an exciting curriculum of unparalleled opportunities and individualized learning experiences. Faculty balance high expectations with nurturing support to encourage the best out of each student. College-preparatory academics prepare graduates for admission to the best colleges and universities, while Judaic studies instill the wisdom and values to navigate a complex world and the passion to make a difference. It all adds up to an education of extraordinary power and purpose. An Education of Extraordinary Power and Purpose

For admission inquiries or to schedule your personal campus tour call: (561) 852-3310 or email: admissions@dkja.net.

SWING INTO ADVENTURE

Summer is all about friendship, laughter, and FUN, and no one does it better than Levis JCC Marleen Forkas Camps. Join us for a summer filled with the very best activities, adventures, entertainment, and so much more!

• Indoor and outdoor facilities including Marleen Forkas splash pad and pools on a gated 100 acre campus

• Unique activities for all ages, including go karts, trapeze, archery, sports and art

• Teen travel program with local day trips and 3-day overnight trips to special Florida destinations

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

ADVENT SCHOOL

- Grades: Infants - 8th - Tuition Range: $5,000 - $15,000

- Students: 450

- Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies by class

- Denomination: Christian

At Advent, your child will become a CONFIDENT, CAPABLE, CHRISTIAN LEADER making a difference in the world! Advent combines rigorous academics with leadership development in a safe environment. Innovative programs include Elementary & Middle School STEM enrichment, 1:1 technology, Spanish for K -8 th grade as well as Dual Language and Emergent Reader groups in the Early Childhood School. Advent also provides opportunities in spiritual growth, fine arts, robotics and athletics. Aftercare and camp programs offer engaging extra-curricular activities. We accept VPK vouchers and state scholarships (FTC, FES-EO and FES-UA). Need based tuition assistance is available. Advent serves Infants to 8th Grade – you can grow with us!

300 E. Yamato Road • Boca Raton • 561.395.3631 • AdventSchoolBoca.org

FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

- Grades: K - 8th - Tuition: $12,500

- Students: 100

- Virtual Classes: Optional

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16

- Denomination: Non-sectarian, Co-educational

The French American International School (FAIS) offers a bilingual dual curriculum, satisfying American and French academic standards. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school, FAIS offers the PYP to all primary school students. Students not only become proficient in a second or third language but have access to an array of enrichments courses. Program available in-person and on-line. Call us for a visit: (561) 479.8266. Merci!

DONNA KLEIN JEWISH ACADEMY

- Grades: K - 12th

- Students: 652

- Tuition Range: $26,450 - $29,840

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1

- Denomination: Jewish

Donna Klein Jewish Academy (DKJA) provides an education of extraordinary power and purpose for each of its students through a rigorous curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of a diverse student population. DKJA offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities including JV and Varsity sports, and an extensive fine arts program including music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Our students are provided with the skills and knowledge required for success in college and beyond.

9701 Donna Klein Blvd • Boca Raton • 561.852.3310 • DKJA.net

GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL

- Grades: EC 3 - 12th

- Students: 400

- Virtual Classes: Yes

- Tuition Range: $15,800 - $26,300

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1

- Denomination: Independent

Founded in 1997, Grandview is a small, diverse community committed to the philosophy that education is a personal endeavor. Grandview pairs timeless ethics with modern thought with an emphasis on developing durable and transferable skills designed to lead to success in college and life beyond. Our students (prekindergarten - grade 12) are encouraged to be curious and active learners who seek real world opportunities in and out of the classroom.

LEVIS JCC MARLEEN FORKAS CAMPS

- Ages: 2-16 (entering 10th grade)

- Price Range: $488 - $6,680

- Counselor/Camper Ratio: 1:5

- Dates: June 12 - August 4

The Levis JCC has been providing children of all ages with unforgettable summers since 1986. Our dedicated, caring team is committed to making the camp experience the best it can be for every child, every summer. Our full-day camp program offers exciting activities, convenient schedules and experienced staff. We provide kids the freedom to learn and grow while developing skills that prepare them for future success. With a culture built on universally accepted moral ideals as well as strong Jewish values, we incorporate respect, honor, good sportsmanship and teamwork into all that we do. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome.

21050 95th Avenue S. • Boca Raton • 561.852.3200 • Levisjcc.org/camp

NORTH BROWARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

- Grades: PreK3 – 12th - Tuition Range: $25,000 - $36,000

- Students: 1,700

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

- Denomination: Non-Denominational

North Broward Preparatory School is an extraordinary community of learners and has been educating, empowering and inspiring day and residential students since 1957. We think beyond traditional education to transform learning by fully integrating technology, and providing unique learning experiences outside of the classroom. Our rigorous curriculum is enhanced through collaborations with The Juilliard School, MIT and UNICEF giving our students the opportunity to explore and discover new interests. With residential students from 20 countries, our students are immersed in a multicultural community and become global citizens with a worldview and the confidence to influence beyond borders.

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

PINE CREST SCHOOL BOCA RATON

- Grades: PreK - 8 - Tuition Range: $33,015 - $38,670

- Students: 2,683

- Virtual Classes: No

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

- Denomination: Independent

True to tradition and inspired by innovation, Pine Crest School offers a researchbased, challenging curriculum complemented by arts and athletics. We believe that building social and emotional competencies in a safe, secure, and inclusive learning environment is fundamental to our students’ success. Pine Crest classrooms foster creativity and innovation, giving students opportunities to practice ethical thought leadership and to become curious, adaptable learners. Our goal is to send our graduates out into the world as leaders who know their strengths and who have the courage to challenge norms, break barriers, and move forward with confidence. #PCFutureReady

2700 St. Andrews Boulevard • Boca Raton • 561.852.2800 •

SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY

- Grades: 9th - 12th

- Students: 550

- Tuition Range: $13,850 - $14,600

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

- Denomination: Catholic Based

Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and in life. Our faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of tolerance, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds .

SPANISH RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

- Grades: PreK3 – 8th

- Students: 540

- Tuition Range: $4,115 - $10,985

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

- Denomination: Presbyterian

Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds (Gold Seal Quality Care Program). Academic program K-8th with high quality, challenging academics enhanced by robust technology innovation in the classrooms; leadership skill building; strong fine arts and performing arts programs; critical thinking and project based learning. High school-level honors Algebra 1, Geometry, and Spanish I for middle school students. Accredited by CSF and MSA. Before and after-school programs. Interscholastic Sports program. After school enrichment for elementary. State-of-the-art technology, including 3-D printing, video productions, coding. Competitive robotics. Stanford Achievement Test. Lunch program. Clinic with fulltime nurse. Uniforms required. Parent-Teacher Fellowship. Summer Camp.

2400 Yamato Rd • Boca Raton • 561.994.5006 • Spanishriverchristianschool.com

TWISTERS GYMNASTICS BOCA RATON

- Ages: 5 - 10

- Dates: June 5th - Aug 4th

- Pricing: From $479/Weekly

- Denomination: Gymnastics

Whether your child spends a session, a day, a week or the whole summer at Twisters, their time here will be filled with loads of fun! Our professional and safety certified staff will lead your children in gymnastics instruction, games, organized activities, fitness, arts & crafts, and supervised play in our fun, clean, safe, and fully air conditioned facility! Dates may vary at each location.

ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC SCHOOL

- Grades: PreK - 8th - Tuition Range: $8,880 - $12,150

- Students: 465

- Virtual Classes: No

- Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:20

- Denomination: Catholic

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is a Blue Ribbon School of Academic Excellence and a Florida Catholic Conference STREAM certified school. St. Joan’s offers a challenging curriculum such as: Accelerated Math and Spanish for Heritage Speakers (4th through 8th grade) including Geometry & Algebra 1 Honors. Our students benefit from our 1:1 iPads, a beautiful campus which has a Sports Arena, new Fine Arts Conservatory, and STREAM Lab, as well as numerous clubs and a competitive sports program in a faith-filled nurturing environment. For more information contact us at info_school@stjoan.org.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

- Grades: PS3-8th

- Students: 380

- Tuition Range: $4,925 - $12,858

- Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies

- Denomination: Lutheran

Since 1962, St. Paul has been an accredited traditional Christian school in East Boca Raton. We offer leveled reading and math groups, art, music, band, advanced technology, physical education, Spanish, as well as STEM in grades 6-8. Our nurturing Early Childhood program is developmentally appropriate and offers flexible days and times. After care and summer camp are available. Our Parent Teacher League offers many opportunities for parents to be involved. Contact us for a tour or more information.

A Family Fostering a Foundation for the Future!

701 W. Palmetto Road Park Road • Boca Raton • 561.395.8548 • stpaulbocaschool.com

TRINITY DELRAY LUTHERAN SCHOOL

- Grades: Age 1 – 8th

- Students: 425

- Tuition Range: $4,910 - $11,690

- Student-Teacher Ratio: Varies

- Denomination: Lutheran

Trinity Delray, Excellence in Christian education since 1948. For over seventy years, Trinity Delray Lutheran School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. Trinity Delray is committed to providing the best instructional environment for students. Trinity Delray is a Cambridge International School. Cambridge International helps students become confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, engaged, and ready to tackle the demands of tomorrow’s world, capable of shaping a better world for the future. We offer class sizes that give students the opportunity to have curriculum differentiated to their needs. Trinity Delray students develop critical thinking skills that are needed to be successful after elementary and middle school.

WAVES SURF ACADEMY

- Camp Type: Surf Camp - Camp Rate: $350 Weekly Rate / M-F

- Camp Ages: 5-15

- Camp Times: 9:00 A.M -2:30 P.M.

- Camp Dates: Spring Break Mar. 20th - Mar. 24th • Summer Break May 29th - Aug. 18th

Waves Surf Academy Surf Camp is located at The Delray Breakers on the Ocean Hotel in Delray Beach,FL. This location offers spring & summer surf camp programs. The camp provides surf instruction for all levels. Camp activities include surfing, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, snorkeling, swimming in the pool, beach games, marine biology lessons, water safety lessons, arts and crafts & much more! The camp is located on a private beach with a kids club room which is ideal for weather shelter in case of weather anomalies. All instructors are lifeguard certified and background checked. Don’t miss another wave - register online today!

561.843.0481 • Delray Beach • wavessurfacademy.com

Boca Raton Insider

WISH & SHOES

Wish & Shoes is Boca/Delray’s premiere women’s boutique. Featuring clothing, shoes, handbags jewelry and accessories from some of the hottest American & European designers, Wish & Shoes has built a solid reputation through the years of sourcing many unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Women who know fashion shop at WISH! Those who don’t, WISH they did.

16850 Jog Road, Delray Beach 561.638.7700

10013 Cleary Blvd., Plantation 954.500.9474

MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS

Enjoy 16 acres with six distinct Japanese gardens, rotating exhibitions of Japanese art in the museum’s galleries, an authentic tea house, our Yamato-kan, the original museum, café, museum store, and year-round cultural programming. Our mission is to engage a diverse audience by presenting Japanese cultural experiences that educate and inspire. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm

4000 Morikami Park Road

Delray Beach, FL 561-495-0233

www.morikami.org

287 E. Indiantown Road #B-01 Jupiter, FL 33477 561.821.9474

211 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828.944.9474

THRōW SOCIAL

Let’s get ready to flamingle, Delray Beach!

THRōW Social® is a fabulous tropical venue combining ‘backyard-style’ games and cocktails, live entertainment, cabanas, and more!Located in the true heart of Delray in the old Il Bacio / City Limits space, THRōW Social® will be the most lit & happening venue in South Florida!

BOOK NOW!

Throwsocial.com/delray

Thank You

to all who supported the

Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Foundation are proud to announce that this extraordinary evening raised over $4.2 million to benefit, enhance, and advance patient care services at our facilities.

Physician Honorees

Craig M. Brodsky, MD

Joseph A. Colletta, MD

Svetlana Faktorovich, MD

Seba L. Krumholtz, MD

David I. Levey, MD

Jeffrey I. Miller, MD

Mark H. Rubenstein, MD

Alan M. Saitowitz, MD

Mark B. Saltzman, MD

Alka Sawhney, MD

Jonathan I. Seckler, MD

Special Recognition

John A. Strobis, MD*

Ignacio L. Valdes, MD

*Deceased

Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League for their 60 years of devoted service

Special Thanks To Our Ball Host Committee

Kathy Adkins

Freyda Burns

Alisa Cohen

Barbara D. Cohen

Terry Fedele

Diane Feldman

Arlene Ferrara

Emily Grabelsky

Anne Green

Michelle Hagerty

Exclusive Retail Sponsor

Anne Jacobson

Lauren Johnson

Judi Larkin

Deborah Leising

Caryn Levison

Cristina Lewis

Debbie Lindstrom

Alejandra Lippolis

Phyllis Liss Melman

Jo Ann Procacci

Linda and Jay Rosenkranz

Carrie Rubin

Rebecca and Julian Rubinstein

Judi Schuman

Margaret Mary Shuff

Patricia Thomas

Holli Rockwell Trubinsky

Joan Wargo

Dana Weiss

Nancy Zalta

Exclusive Media Sponsor

Honorary Chairs

Christine E. Lynn

Elaine J. Wold

Ball Chairs

Amy and Mike Kazma

Lionel

Richie

Presented by Michelle and Michael Hagerty

Thank You To Our Sponsors of the Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Ball

Rocco and Mary Abessinio

Kathryn and Paul Adkins

Patti and Jeffrey Anderson

Eleanor R. Baldwin

Stanley and Marilyn Barry

Barry Family Foundation

James and Marta Batmasian

Berch Family Foundation

Steven E. Bernstein Family Foundation

Anne Blank and Lesse Karlsson

Renee and Kenneth Blatt

Sherri and Brian Blechman

Jennifer M. Bradley and Nick Schneider

Edward and Freyda Burns

Dr. Richard and Alisa Cohen

Constellation Brands -

Sands Family Foundation

Toby and Leon Cooperman

Patricia and Richard Damron

William and Mary Donnell

David and Amy Eisen

Dr. and Mrs. Todd D. Eisner

E-Med, L.L.P.

The Erdle Foundation

Dr. Patricio S. Espinosa

Maurice and Judi Falk

Charitable Foundation

Diane and Lawrence Feldman

Kelly and William Fleming

Joshua and Kara Freedman

Frezza Family Foundation

Dr. Sheila C. and Robert Furr

Meryl and Ron Gallatin

Mark A. and Ronda Gensheimer

Penn-Florida Companies

The Geo Group Foundation

Gillman Family Foundation

Joan and Jerold Glassman

Leslie Goldberg

Sandee M. Goldberg

Steven D. Goldman

Audrey Goodman

Lori and Arthur Greenfeder

Jay and Azize Grunin

Naren and Judy Gursahaney

Barbara C. Gutin

Irving & Barbara C. Gutin

Charitable Foundation

Michelle and Michael Hagerty

Barry and Silvana Halperin

Jeff Hollander

Jill Poser-Kammet and David Kammet

Olivia Kane, In Loving Memory of my husband, Dr. Norman Katz

Marilyn L. and Edward M. Kaplan

Amy and Mike Kazma

Brian and Jennifer Kessler

Julie and David Kirschner

Dr. Michael and Cynthia Krebsbach

Dr. Stewart and Judy Krug

Carin and David Levee

Gayle and Charles Lichtman

Debbie Lindstrom and Bob Sheetz

Christine E. Lynn

E. M. Lynn Foundation

Mr. James A. MacCutcheon

Dr. Karen Mashkin

Mashkin Family Foundation

Erin and Sean McGould

Leticia Messinger

Dr. Robyn Moncrief and Mr. Alex Gellman

Wanda and Jim Moran

Tamara and Richard Morgenstern

Keith O’Donnell

Warren and Claudia Orlando

Isabelle Paul

Teri and Harvey Polly

Lois Pope

Jo Ann and Philip J. Procacci

Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation

Ken and Lisa Rosen

Ken and Maggie Rosenberg

Linda and Jay Rosenkranz

Carrie Rubin

Sandra and Marvin Rubin

Susan and Bill Scaggs

Irina and George Schaeffer

SCHMIDT FAMILY FOUNDATION

Deborah and Dru Schmitt

Gisele and Joseph Schueller

Allan and Judi Schuman

James and Diane Schurman

Dale Brown and Alan Serinsky

Diane E. Siegel and Willaim Herzig

Myrna Gordon Skurnick

Mason Slaine

Stoops Family Foundation

Kimberly V. Strauss

Sally and Aubrey Strul

Gary and Kate Sugarman

Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

Deborah and Richard Tarrant

TD Bank

Team Health

Sandra Tobias

Holli Rockwell Trubinsky and Joseph Trubinsky

UBS Private Wealth Management

Nelly Newman Van Blois

In Honor of Dr. Forrest Dodson

J & J Vassalluzzo Family Foundation

Cathy Weil

Shirley and Barton Weisman

Elaine J. Wold and Family

Nancy and David Zalta

Denise Zimmerman

Executive Chef / Restauranteur Steven Botta has added the former Kathy’s Gazebo to his portfolio of high end restaurants. The 40 year tradition of excellence continues in a newly reimagined and newly renovated space.

The name and decor may have changed but the menu has all the old menu favorites with some exciting new ones which will delight the palate. From the moment you arrive you will quickly realize that you have entered a restaurant where old world service is still the norm rather than the exception.

A throwback to the days when where guests become family and a place to make new memories while reminiscing about past ones. Come join us and see what all the excitement is about. We look forward to seeing you. Yevette, Steven and Anthony.

Yevette, Steven and Anthony

top: trenette al pesto, langoustines, fettuccine Bolognese

Casa L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano

9 S.E. Seventh Ave., Delray Beach; 561/563-7492

It’s hard not to love Italian food. With its comforting carbs, hearty sauces, variety of regional specialties and—of course—wine, I completely understand why Italian cuisine is beloved. With that said, I’ve had my fair share of dishes hailing from the Mediterranean peninsula that unfortunately missed the mark for some reason or another.

Yes, prices are also high, but totally worth it. Plus, the portions are sizable, so you should definitely come hungry. The wine list is Italian-focused but does offer a variety of bottles from around the world.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Valet, street parking, parking lots nearby

HOURS: Sun.-Thurs., 4 – 9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 4 –10:30 p.m.

PRICES:$13.95- $59.95

WEBSITE: lacquaristoranteitaliano.com

At Casa L’Acqua I can happily say that wasn’t the case. Each dish was expertly prepared and even, in some cases, surpassed expectations. The quaint cottage that has been home to several restaurants seems to have found its missing puzzle piece. Casa L’Acqua relocated from its previous Atlantic Avenue location (currently Avalon Steak & Seafood) about two years ago, and it hasn’t looked back. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back.

Expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed staff and attentive service.

The evening’s appetizer specials—the impressive langoustines ($39)—were presented to us before the entrée specials were announced. Grilled with garlic, they nearly melted in my mouth. You can order two or four, and they’re served butterflied open (easily shareable) with a side of risotto. We also ordered the Classica Burrata Italiana ($14.95), and while it was a cheese sphere as expected, I had hoped it would be creamier. It was difficult to choose main dishes, as there were several specials that sounded appetizing, as did most (if not all) of the ones listed on the regular menu. We tried the lobster ravioli special ($34.95), trenette al pesto ($20.95) and fettuccine Bolognese

($23.95). Sometimes when I order ravioli, they seem emaciated or lack enough sauce, but not here. The house-made ravioli were impressively stuffed with lobster and topped with a hearty portion of alla vodka sauce with chopped shrimp. I smelled the basil before the pesto hit the table. It’s one of those comforting smells that instantly made my mouth water. While it’s a simple dish, it was perfectly prepared. The Bolognese called to us, so we ordered a half portion just to try. Again, it came just as we’d expect—warming our souls with its ground meat, classic vegetables and rustic flavor. We also tried the snapper Livornese ($39.95), and if you like that traditional preparation with garlic, anchovies, capers and black olives, it will not disappoint. For a final treat, we shared the homemade Ricotta Cheesecake ($14.75)—a perfect balance of sweet and moist and a great way to end the memorable meal.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Street parking, parking lots nearby

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30

a.m. – 12 a.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

PRICES: $5 – $75

WEBSITE: kapownoodlebar.

com

Kapow Noodle Bar

402 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561/567-8828

Kapow Noodle Bar not only survived the harrowing pandemic closures, but it came out the other side without missing a step. Its overflowing outdoor bar scene has been a mainstay in Mizner Park for more than a decade. And now it’s moved—don’t worry, not too far—just across the red-brick road. The 5,175-square-foot restaurant, which formally housed the Blue Fish and Rack’s, is expansive compared to Kapow’s previous tight quarters.

With much more wiggle room, Sub-Culture Group & Kapow co-founder Vaughan Dugan decided to go big. They doubled the seating capacity that includes a covered outdoor patio and now have a much larger indoor/outdoor bar to host lively happy hours. If you want to up your dinner game, make a reservation at the newly debuted separate omakase bar near the kitchen with personalized chef-curated bites that you won’t find on the regular menu. And if

you’re looking for a uber-fun and guaranteed memorable night out, book one of the three karaoke rooms.

From the moment I stepped inside I felt the familiar Kapow vibe (make sure to look up as you enter for a purrfect welcome). You know you’re in for a good time starting with the dazzling interiors by Manhas Design—especially the impressive 95-foot Rosanna Kalis mural that was animated by Jasper Mosher. You can’t miss it, and if you sit inside, you’ll be entranced by it.

We had to start with a signature crispy rice selection, so we went with the tuna tartare ($16). Perfect for sharing with four pieces per order, the balance of crunchy rice and soft tuna was a wonderful start to our meal. Each piece is topped with tobiko that adds to the crunch, while the minute piece of serrano pepper plays off the truffle honey soy drizzle. We also opted for the spicy skirt steak tacos ($16) and General Tso’s cauliflow-

er ($15). The tacos had a delightful crunch and were well seasoned without being overly heated, but the cauliflower was certainly the table’s favorite, with its sweet and savory flavors.

Kapow also debuted a select sushi menu, so we ordered the Just Chill Roll ($19). The freshness of the hamachi takes center stage, and it’s topped with refreshing avocado and mango-red onion salsa. The star of the evening was the Peking duck ($75). It’s a head turner as it arrives to the table with an aura of elegance and is presented on a beautiful wood bark charger. It’s substantial, so save room for this shareable dish that comes with vegetable fried rice and traditional pancakes, cucumber and scallion slices.

Kapow continues to deliver an effervescent ambience that makes you want to relax and stay a while. Its varied menu has something for every craving and palate, from noshing bites to extended meals among loved ones.

We sell clothing from Paris, as well accessories, hats, purses and gifts for every occasion.

Voyage Boutique might be off the Ave, but we are on top of fashion! From casual to elegant, cocktail or dinner party…you are sure to find your next favorite outfit in our large specialty shop.

If you are the mother or grandmother of a bride, you will find something very special too…if it doesn’t fit perfectly, our in-house seamstress will make sure it does. Weekly shipments arriving from Paris and Italy. Have some fun – come shop with us - and be sure to mention you saw us in Delray magazine!

400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach FL 33444

Open 10:00AM to 4:30PM Mon-Sat 561-279-2984

FLORIDA TABLE Dining Guide

DINING KEY

$: Under $17

$$: $18–$35

$$$: $36–$50

$$$$: $50 and up

Palm Beach County BOCA RATON

Abe & Louie’s —2200 Glades Road. Steakhouse. All Americans are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among them the right to a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. At this posh, comfortable (and expensive) meatery, the USDA Prime steaks are indeed thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, also massively flavorful and served in enormous portions. Don’t miss the New York sirloin or prime rib, paired in classic steakhouse fashion with buttery hash browns and ubercreamy creamed spinach. Chased with an ice-cold martini or glass of red wine from the truly impressive list, it’s happiness pursued and captured. • Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. 561/447-0024. $$$$

AlleyCat—409 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Japanese. Chef Eric Baker’s Japanese izakaya, or a casual spot for drinks and bites, is serving up dishes like sushi, dumplings and fried rice that have an unexpected whimsical element. Here you’ll find king crab tacos and hot fried chicken alongside the hamachi ponzu and spicy scallop roll. And to deliver the freshest sushi in town, he has partnered with celebrated sushi chef David Bouhadana of Sushi by Bou. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/717-8415. $$

Arturo’s Ristorante —6750 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Arturo’s quiet, comfortable dining room; slightly formal, rigorously professional service; and carefully crafted Italian dishes never go out of style. You’ll be tempted to make a meal of the array of delectable antipasti from the antipasti cart, but try to leave room for main courses like the veal shank served on a bed of risotto. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/997-7373. $$$

Basilic Vietnamese Grill —200 S. Federal Highway. Vietnamese. This popular restaurant offers satisfying food and reasonable prices. Plus, there’s bubble tea. Opened in 2014, it has a wide range of Vietnamese favorites, such as cha gio tom heo, fried shrimp and pork Imperial rolls, all kinds of pho, noodle bowls, chicken curry and more. • Lunch and dinner six days a week; closed Tuesdays. 561/409-4964. $$

Bluefin Sushi and Thai—861 N.W. 51st St., Suite 1. Sushi/Thai. Arrive early for a table at this Asian hot spot—it’s popular with no reservations for parties fewer than six. Don’t skip the tempura lobster bomb, big in both size and taste. The ginger snapper will impress both Instagram and your stomach. Try the chicken satay and pad Thai. Bluefin offers a variety of dishes from multiple cultures, all well done. • Dinner daily. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 561/981-8986. $$

Burtons Grill & Bar —5580 N. Military Trail. New American. Known for its reliable food as well as its non-gluten, Paleo and “B Choosy” kids menu, the first Florida location for this restaurant is deservedly crowded, so make reservations. Don’t miss the General Tso’s cauliflower, the pan-seared salmon (Paleo), the crab cakes or the Key lime pie. Popular half-portions are available, too. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/465-2036. $

The Capital Grille —6000 Glades Road. Steaks. This is one of more than three dozen restaurants in a national chain, but the Boca Grille treats you like a regular at your neighborhood restaurant. Steaks, dry-aged if not Prime, are flavorful and cooked with precision, while starters from the pan-fried calamari to the restaurant’s signature spin on the Cobb salad (lunch only) are nicely done too. Parmesan truffle fries are crispy sticks of potato heaven; chocolate-espresso cake a study in shameless, and luscious, decadence. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/368-1077. $$$

Casa D’Angelo —171 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. Chef Rickie Piper, who has mastered the menu and cuisine of this fine-dining staple for more than a decade, knows when to say when with both plating and ingredients. His dishes, including the sides and accompaniments, are visually appetizing and aromatic. A grilled veal chop easily 3 inches thick proved tender and juicy, and the wild mushrooms served alongside in a marsala added earthiness. • Dinner nightly. 561/996-1234. $$$

Casimir French Bistro—416 Via De Palmas, Suite 81. French. Take a trip overseas without leaving the city and enjoy excellently prepared traditional French dishes, such as duck l’orange or beef bourguignon, or go with Cajun chicken and veal Milanese. The comfortable dining room is a Parisian experience, as is the apple tarte tatin. This is a local favorite, and may we add they have what is as close to real French bread as anyplace in Boca? • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/955-6001. $$$

Chez Marie French Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. French. Marie will greet you at the door of this nicely decorated, intimate, classic French restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip shopping area. This feels like an intimate neighborhood bistro and is a welcome discovery. From escargot encased in garlic butter, parsley and breadcrumbs to a tender duck a l’orange to an unforgettable crepe Suzette, you’ll be in Paris all evening. Voila! Also on the menu: pan-seared foie gras, tasty onion soup, coq au vin, rack of lamb, salads and more desserts. French food in an unassuming atmosphere.• Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closed on Mon. in summer) 561/997-0027. $$

Chops Lobster Bar —101 Plaza Real S., Royal Palm Place. Steak, seafood. There is nothing like a classic chophouse every now and then for a special dinner. At this upscale downtown restaurant, steaks are aged USDA Prime— tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked under a 1,700-degree broiler. There’s all manner of fish and shellfish, but you’re here for the lobster, whether giant Nova Scotian tails flash-fried and served with drawn butter or sizable Maine specimens stuffed with lobster. Let’s face it: Trendy menus come and go, but a great steakhouse is a win-win on all occasions. • Dinner nightly. 561/395-2675. $$$$

Corvina Seafood Grill —110 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton. Seafood. The seafood-centric menu incorporates South Florida’s varied Latin and Caribbean culinary influences into it. Peruvian and Honduran ceviches share the menu with Brazilian fish stew. You’ll also find plantain crusted corvina in a Creole curry sauce alongside Jamaican jerk chicken and island spiced pork ribs. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, the menu spotlights several daily specials so look out for those. Then there’s the indoor/outdoor bar that invites you to come in and stay a while, especially during its daily happy hour. • Dinner & Sunday Brunch. 561/206-0066. $$

Cuban Café —3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Suite B-30. Cuban. One thing Boca needs more of is coffee windows—and real Cuban restaurants. Part of the charm of South Florida is its melting pot of Latin cultures, and Cuba is the granddaddy of them all. Which is undoubtedly why diners pack this traditional Cuban restaurant for lunch specials that start at $10.95, including slow-roasted pork served with white rice and black beans. Other highlights include the Cuban sandwich, the media noche and (on the dinner menu only) lechón asado. Full bar. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/750-8860. $

Dorsia—5837 N. Federal Highway. Continental. The simple pleasures of the table—good food, personable service, comfortable ambience—are what this modestly stylish restaurant is all about. The menu has a strong Italian bent, evidenced by dishes like a trio of fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with an airy three-cheese mousse, and a cookbook-perfect rendition of veal scaloppine lavished with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and a tangy lemon-white wine sauce. • Dinner nightly. 561/961-4156. $$

Farmer’s Table —1901 N. Military Trail. American.

In the pantheon of healthy dining, Farmer’s Table is a standout in Boca, one of the first restaurants to elevate natural foods to fine dining. Fresh, natural, sustainable, organic and local is the mantra at this both tasty and health-conscious offering from Mitchell Robbins and Joey Giannuzzi. Menu highlights include flatbreads, slow-braised USDA Choice short rib and the popular Ramen Bowl, with veggies, ramen noodles and shrimp. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/417-5836. $$

Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen —399

S.E. Mizner Blvd. American. Natural, seasonal, sustainable. You’ll enjoy the varied menu, and won’t believe it’s made without butters or creams. Try the too-good-to-be-true buffalo-style cauliflower appetizer, the seared salmon or buffalo burger, and have apple skillet for dessert. Healthy never tasted so good. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/826-2625. $$

The French Gazebo —4199 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton. French. Formerly Kathy’s Gazebo, this space has been a staple in our community for 40 years, but its new owners updated the design while keeping the same French classics on the menu like escargots, crêpes, dover sole and duckling. Its vintage character still reigns but now with an airier, contemporary undertone. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/395-6033. • $$$

Everyday Favorites

For an affordable bite at any time, consider these durable chains and homegrown Boca favorites—where the attire is understated and reservations are rarely necessary.

Biergarten—309 Via De Palmas, #90. German/Pub. Part vaguely German beer garden, part all-American sports bar, this rustic eatery offers menus that channel both, as well as an excellent selection of two-dozen beers on tap and the same number by the bottle. The food is basic and designed to go well with suds, like the giant pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces and the popular “Biergarten burger.” • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462. $$

Bonefish Grill—9598 Glades Road. Seafood. Market-fresh seafood is the cornerstone, like Chilean sea bass prepared over a wood-burning grill and served with sweet Rhea’s topping (crabmeat, sautéed spinach and a signature lime, tomato and garlic sauce.) • Dinner nightly. Lunch on Saturdays. Brunch on Sundays. 561/483-4949. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/732-1310; 9897 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, 561/9652663; 11658 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/799-2965) $$

The Cheesecake Factory—5530 Glades Road. American. Oh, the choices! The chain has a Sunday brunch menu in addition to its main menu, which includes Chinese chicken salad and Cajun jambalaya. Don’t forget about the cheesecakes, from white chocolate and raspberry truffle offerings. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/393-0344. (Other Palm Beach County locations: CityPlace, West Palm Beach, 561/802-3838; Downtown at the Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/776-3711). $$

Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria—2240 N.W. 19th St., Suite 904. Italian. Cross Naples (thin, blistered crust, judicious toppings) with Connecticut (fresh clams and no tomato sauce), and you’ve got a pretty good idea of the pies coming out of Nick Laudano’s custom-made ovens. The “white clam” pizza with garlic and bacon is killer-good; Caesar salad and tiramisu are much better than the usual pizzeria fare. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/3682900. $$

P.F. Chang’s—1400 Glades Road. Chinese. There may have been no revolution if Mao had simply eaten at the Boca outpost of P.F. Chang’s—the portions are large enough to feed the masses—and the exquisite tastes in each dish could soothe any tyrant. We particularly like the steamed fish of the day, as well as the Szechuan-style asparagus. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/393-3722. (Other Palm Beach County location: 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/691-1610) $$

The Sandwich Shop at Buccan—350 S. County Road, Palm Beach. Takeout stop. Like big sister Buccan Italian restaurant, the Sandwich Shop is full of flavor and builds your favorite sandwich with just a touch of delicious creativity you won’t find elsewhere. Owned by celeb chef Clay Conley and partners, the menu has hot or cold sandwiches, salads, sides and drinks (both alcoholic and non). Good-sized portions mean the Italian and prosciutto subs include leftovers if you have some willpower.• Lunch daily. 561/833-6295. $$

Shake Shack—1400 Glades Road. American. We’re not sure there is really any such thing as a bad burger joint and when you have a really good one—like Shake Shack— there’s a little piece of heaven just a short order away. Shake Shack in University Commons has great all-Angus burgers, non-GMO buns, and a frozen custard that makes grown men weep. Throw in some crinkle-cut fries and life is the way it should be. And the outdoor patio is a definite bonus in these times. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/932-0847. $

Steve’s Wood Fired Pizza—9180 Glades Road. Italian. With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and rigorous preparation—the hand-rolled dough rises for three days before use—this reliable purveyor offers varieties of ‘za that are both familiar and novel, from BBQ chicken and veggie primavera to Mom’s White Roasted Garlic and the Mupsa (mushroom, pepperoni and sausage) . • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/483-5665. $$

Tap 42 —5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 247. Gastropub. This hugely popular nouveau-Industrial gastropub is not for the faint of eardrums when packed, but don’t let that discourage you. The kitchen here executes the hell out of a short, simple all-day menu. Grilled salmon chopped salad with tomatillo ranch dressing is delightful, as is guacamole studded with fat chunks of bacon and charred corn. Same goes for decadent shrimp mac-n-cheese. The wicked-good chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce would be the envy of any Big Easy eatery. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/235-5819. $

Fries to Caviar —6299 N. Federal Highway. Contemporary American. Going one better than soup to nuts defines this Boca restaurant, an easygoing, affordable bistro that really does offer fries, caviar and more. Four varieties of fish eggs are

shown off nicely crowning a quartet of deviled eggs, while the thick-cut fries complement a massively flavorful, almost fork-tender hanger steak in the classic steak frites.Try the seasonal soups as well. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/617-5965. $$

Chef-Driven, Home-Hosted

INTUEAT connects local chefs with clients looking to host a memorable experience at home

If you’ve ever looked for a private chef, it’s not as easy as making a restaurant dinner reservation. Plus, hosting a dinner party already comes with its own stress. Are you ready to rely on hope that a stranger claiming to be a chef you randomly found online will show up to your house and cook a delightful meal for your loved ones? That may push someone’s sanity off a cliff. Instead, let INTUEAT do all the heavy lifting.

Founded by Leonardo De Aguiar in 2019, the luxury digital marketplace opens its portfolio of vetted chefs to us with just a few clicks. Focusing on quality versus quantity, INTUEAT only recruits the best through online research and prior client reviews to get a 360-degree understanding of how a chef operates. It then performs background checks and provides insurance for each of its chefs.“It’s not going to be your traditional catering experience,” De Aguiar says.“It’s going to be an elevated and unique experience tailored to the customers’ expectations.”

De Aguiar also prides himself on the level of service and professionalism of the chefs on the platform. Each chef determines his or her per-person rate, but it always includes all ingredients and at least three courses (more courses can be added). The chef also brings all the cookware and tableware so that your kitchen and dining room are left in pristine conditions at the end of the night.

“It’s not a pay-to-play situation. It’s all about attitude, adaptability and the passion behind their service,”he explains. And that passion is what inspired De Aguiar to create INTUEAT. Coming from a Brazilian family deep-rooted in the hospitality industry, De Aguiar grew up appreciating chefs and seeing the intensity it takes to work in traditional restaurants. With his company, he wants to provide chefs a better quality of life, a better work-life balance, and a better way to deliver their skills while connecting with their clients. And that can be at an intimate anniversary dinner for two or a fully catered wedding party.

“If you want sushi in PJs or backyard barbecue in a tuxedo, we can do it,” he says.

Buzz Bite I

Swank ProduceSpecialty Dinners This Month

The Loxahatchee farm and events space is hosting three unique dinners in March. Each event is $175 per person, starts at 5 p.m. and benefits a different local charity. Start the month off with a journey to the Middle East. On March 5 the evening will feature South Florida chefs showcasing their special dishes to benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society. On March 12, enjoy a Throwback to the 70s with a takeover by The Restaurant People (think Fort Lauderdale-based YOLO, S3 and Boatyard) and benefiting Canine Assisted Therapy. Ending the month’s dinners, the Bourbon, Barbecue and Blues dinner (benefiting The Rotary Club of West Palm Beach) on March 19 will spotlight Coopers’ Craft and Old Forester bourbons.

For additional information and tickets, visit swankspecialtyproduce.com/ swank-table-dinners.

The Grille On Congress —5101 Congress

Ave. American. Dishes at this longtime favorite range from tasty chicken entrees and main-plate salads to seafood options like Asian-glazed salmon or pan-seared yellowtail snapper. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$

Houston’s —1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Contemporary American. Convenient location, stylish ambience and impeccable service are hallmarks of this local outpost of the Hillstone restaurant chain. There are plenty of reasons why this is one of the most popular business lunch spots in all of Boca, including menu items like Cajun trout, the mammoth salad offerings and the tasty baby back ribs. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-0550. $$$

Il Mulino New York Boca Raton —451

E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. From the four pre-menu bites to the after-dinner coffee from freshly ground beans, this is a white-tablecloth venue that delivers on its upscale promises. Try the langostino, the red snapper, the risotto, the pasta, or go for the ceviches, caviars and seafood tower. Save room for dessert and complimentary lemoncello. Make a night of it. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/338-8606. $$$

Josephine’s —5751 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Tradition trumps trendy, and comfort outweighs chic at this Boca favorite. The ambience is quiet and stately but not stuffy, and the menu is full of hearty dishes to soothe the savage appetite, like three-cheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$

“Before you and your staff from Boca Nursing Services started taking care of Helen and I, we existed; now we are living again! Thank you, Rose.”

Top Chef Who knew? Patio Tapas owner/chef Bryant Fajardo is a grad of Le Cordon Bleu in L.A. And you can tell.

Kapow! Noodle Bar —431 Plaza Real. Pan-Asian

This Asian-inspired gastropub delivers an inventive punch to the taste buds. Among the hardest hitters is its angry shrimp dumplings and the char sui pork belly bao bun. The Saigon duck pho is yet one more reason to go. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/347-7322. $$

Ke’e Grill —17940 N. Military Trail, Suite 700. Traditional American. In this busy dining scene for more than 30 years, you will find a lot of seafood (fried calamari, blue crab cakes, yellowtail snapper Francaise and lots more), a few steak, chicken, lamb and pork options, and a quality house-made apple crisp. Your traditional choices are baked, fried, breaded, grilled, broiled, sauteed. With Provencal, Francaise, maple mustard glaze, toasted macadamia nut pesto and piccata twists. A consistent crowd for a consistent menu. • Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$

La Nouvelle Maison —455 E. Palmetto Park Blvd. French. Elegant, sophisticated French cuisine, white-glove service and a trio of stylish dining rooms make Arturo Gismondi’s homage to Boca’s storied La Vieille Maison the home away from home to anyone who appreciates the finer points of elegant dining. The cuisine showcases both first-rate ingredients and precise execution, whether a generous slab of silken foie gras with plum gastrique, posh lobster salad, cookbook-perfect rendition of steak frites and an assortment of desserts that range from homey apple tart to bananas Foster with chocolate and Grand Marnier. • Dinner nightly. 561/338-3003. $$$

La Villetta —4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas and other classic dishes. Try the signature whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt; it’s de-boned right at tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$$

Le Rivage —450 N.E. 20th St., Suite 103. French. Don’t overlook this small, unassuming bastion of traditional French cookery. That would be a mistake, because the dishes that virtually scream “creativity” can’t compare to the quiet pleasures served here—like cool, soothing vichyssoise, delicate fillet of sole with nutty brown butter sauce or perfectly executed crème brûlee. Good food presented without artifice at a fair price never goes out of fashion. • Dinner nightly. 561/620-0033. $$

Loch Bar —346 Plaza Real. Seafood. This sister restaurant to Ouzo Bay includes fried oysters, moules frites and Maryland crab cakes. The bar offers literally hundreds of whiskeys, a noisy happy hour crowd and live music most nights. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/939-6600. $$

Louie Bossi’s —100 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This jumping joint serves terrific Neapolitan pizza (thin crust), but don’t miss the other entrées. Start with a charcuterie/cheese plate and grab the amazing breadsticks. All breads and pastas are made on the premises. Other faves include the carbonara and the calamari, and save room for house-made gelato. Unusual features: Try the bocce ball court included with the retro Italian décor. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/336-6699. $$$

Luff’s Fish House —390 E. Palmetto Park Road. Seafood. A renovated 1920s bungalow houses this shipshape restaurant, in addition to two large, outdoor deck and patio areas. It’s known for familiar dish names with new tweaks: smoked fish-hummus dip, falafel fish fritters, crab guacamole, mussels in coconut curry broth, plus the paella on Sundays only. Don’t leave without the enormous slice of the Key lime pie, topped with meringue on a graham cracker crust. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/609-2660. $$

Maggiano’s —21090 St. Andrews Blvd. Italian. Do as the Italians do, and order family-style: Sit back and watch the endless amounts of gorgeous foods grace your table. In this manner, you receive two appetizers, a salad, two pastas, two entrées and two desserts. The menu also includes lighter takes on staples like chicken parm, fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$

Mario’s Osteria —1400 Glades Road, Suite 210. Italian. This popular spot features rustic Italian fare in a sleek environment. Signature dishes like the garlic rolls, lasagna and eggplant “pancakes” are on the new menu, as are butternut squash ravioli and thick, juicy rib-eye served “arrabiata” style. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/239-7000. $$

Matteo’s —233 S. Federal Highway, Suite 108. Italian. Hearty Italian and Italian-American food, served in giant “family style” portions, needs no reinventing. Though there is no shortage of local restaurants cooking in that genre, it’s the details of preparation and service that make Matteo’s stand out. Baked clams are a good place to start, as is the reliable chopped salad. Linguini frutti di mare is one of the best in town. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-0773. $$

Max’s Grille —404 Plaza Real. Contemporary American. After 24 years in Mizner Park, This modern American bistro is a true local classic. The food and decor are both timeless and up to date, and the ambience is that of a smooth-running big-city bistro. Service is personable and proficient. The menu is composed of dishes you really want to eat, from the applewood bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the wickedly indulgent crème brûlèe pie. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/368-0080. $$

Morton’s The Steakhouse —5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 219. Steakhouse. There’s seemingly no end to diners’ love of huge slabs of high-quality aged beef, nor to the carnivores who pack the clubby-swanky dining room of this meatery. While the star of the beef show is the giant bone-in filet mignon, seasonally featured is the American Wagyu New York strip. Finish off your meal with one of the decadent desserts.• Dinner nightly. 561/392-7724. $$$$

New York Prime —2350 N.W. Executive Center Drive. Steakhouse. This wildly popular Boca meatery Monday, Monday packs them in with swift, professional service, classy supper club ambience and an extensive wine list. And, of course, the beef—all USDA Prime, cooked to tender and juicy lusciousness over ferocious heat. The bone-in rib-eye is especially succulent, but don’t neglect the New York strip or steak-house classics like oysters Rockefeller, garlicky spinach and crusty hash browns. • Dinner nightly. 561/998-3881.

$$$$

Patio Tapas & Beer —205 S.E. First Ave. Spanish. Be transported to the Iberian Peninsula with a variety of tapas. Chef Bryant Fajardo, who trained under celebrated chef José Andrés, specializes in one of Spain’s most traditional and iconic cuisines and delivers both classic selections like Manchego cheese and anchovies alongside premium nibbles like seared duck and foie gras. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/419-7239. $

Prezzo —5560 N. Military Trail. Italian. A reincarnation of a popular 1990s Boca venue, this version has updated the dining room, kept the yummy oven-baked focaccia bread slices, and added a 21st-century taste to the menu. Don’t miss the tender bone-in pork chop, thin-crust pizza and seafood specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are on the menu, too. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/314-6840. $$

Buzz Bite II

Ninth-annual Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest

For those who love bacon and bourbon, THE event of the year is this month. The festival returns to the Village of Wellington Promenade on March 25-26. And what’s better than bacon and bourbon? Free admission. Attendees will be able to sample more than 30 bourbons and pair the sips with a variety of bacon treats. The pairing seminars, where you’ll be able to sample the best bourbons paired with bites prepared by local chefs, return this year but do require a separate paid ticket. For more information, visit baconbourbonfest.com.

Brunch With a Punch

Don’t miss brunch at Rebel House (11 to 3) for its imaginative menu—including “disco” latkes.

Rafina —6877 S.W. 18th St. Greek. If you find the ambience of most Greek restaurants to be like a frat party with flaming cheese and ouzo, this contemporary, casually elegant spot will be welcome relief. Food and decor favor refinement over rusticity, even in such hearty and ubiquitous dishes as pastitsio and spanakopita. Standout dishes include the moussaka, the creamy and mildly citrusy avgolemono soup and the precisely grilled, simply adorned (with olive oil, lemon and capers) branzino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-3673. $$

Rebel House —297 E. Palmetto Park Road. American Eclectic. As wild visually as it is in the kitchen, this place rocks on all points. Start with the popcorn flavor of the day (instead of bread) and don’t miss the cauliflower Caesar salad, Uncle Pinkie’s Fried Rice, the lobster meatballs or whatever duck option is on the menu. You can’t miss with these dishes. • Dinner nightly, brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/353-5888. $$

Ristorante Sapori —301 Via de Palmas, Royal Palm Place. Italian. Sapori features fresh fish, veal and chicken dishes imbued with subtle flavors. The grilled Italian branzino, the veal chop Milanese and the zuppa di pesce served over linguine are especially tasty, and the pasta (all 17 kinds!) is available in full and half orders, with your choice of 15 zesty sauces. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/367-9779. $$

Ruth’s Chris —225 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Suite 100. Steakhouse. Not only does this steakhouse favorite emphasize its New Orleans roots, it also distinguishes itself from its competitors by just serving better food. The signature chopped salad has a list of ingredients as long as a hose but they all work together. And how can you not like a salad topped with crispy fried onion strings? Steaks are USDA Prime and immensely flavorful, like a perfectly seared New York strip. The white chocolate bread pudding is simply wicked. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-6746. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561/514-3544; 661 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/863-0660.) $$$$

Seasons 52 —2300 Executive Center Drive. Contemporary American. The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is firstrate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/625-5852.) $$

SeaSpray Inlet Grill —999 E. Camino Real. American. Unobstructed views of Lake Boca Raton, soaring palm trees and coastal décor peppered with fringed umbrellas all set the mood for a relaxing experience that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation. The menu accommodates different dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t sleep on the pear tortellini pasta starter; it’s a star item. Portions are hearty and can be easily shared. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/226-3022. $$

Six Tables a Restaurant—112 N.E. Second St., Boca Raton. American. The dimly lit chandeliers, burgundy velvet curtains and smooth Sinatra lyrics set the mood for a memorable evening that’s dedicated to fine dining without pretention. With a seasonal menu that’s ever changing, you can rest assured that whatever husband and wife chef-proprietors Tom and Jenny Finn prepare for you, it will truly be special and made with love. • Dinner Thurs.-Sat. 561/347-6260. $$$$

Sushi Ray —5250 Town Center Circle, Suite 111. Japanese/Sushi. Impeccably fresh and exactingly prepared sushi and other Japanese specialties are on display. The Nobu-esque miso sea bass gives a taste of this modern classic at a fraction

of the price of the original, while the chef’s sushi assortment offers a generous arrangement of nigiri and maki for a reasonable $22. • Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner nightly. 561/394-9506. $$

Taverna Kyma —6298 N. Federal Highway. Greek/ Mediterranean. Hankering for a traditional Greek meal, and a menu that offers just about everything? This is where you want to try the meze plates (cold, hot, seafood, veggie), saganaki, grilled entrees and kebobs. From the taramosalata to the branzino and pastitsio, servings are generous and good. Don’t forget dessert. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/994-2828. $$

Trattoria Romana —499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This local mainstay does Italian classics and its own lengthy list of ambitious specials with unusual skill and aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$

Twenty Twenty Grille —141 Via Naranjas, Suite 45. Contemporary American. You’ve probably licked postage stamps that are larger than Ron and Rhonda Weisheit’s tiny jewel box of a restaurant, but what it lacks in space it more than makes up for in charm, sophistication and imaginative, expertly crafted food. Virtually everything is made in-house, from the trio of breads that first grace your table to the pasta in a suave dish of tagliatelle with duck and chicken confit. Don’t miss the jerk pork belly and grilled veal strip loin. • Dinner nightly. 561/990-7969. $$$

Villagio Italian Eatery —344 Plaza Real. Italian

The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment is served with flair and great attention to detail. The reasonably priced menu—with generous portions—includes all your favorites (veal Parmesan, Caesar salad) and some outstanding seafood dishes (Maine lobster with shrimp, mussels and clams on linguine). There is a full wine list and ample people-watching given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/447-2257. $$

Vino —114 N.E. Second St. Wine Bar/Italian. An impressive wine list of some 250 plus bottles (all available by the glass) offers a multitude of choices, especially among Italian and California reds. The menu of “Italian tapas” includes roasted red peppers with Provolone, as well as ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomatoes. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/869-0030. $$

Warike Peruvian Bistro —2399 N. Federal Highway. Peruvian . Classic dishes, such as aji de gallina, and classic drinks—Warike Sour—make this small restaurant a place to remember. Modern, clean décor and a menu that includes well-prepared seafood, meat or vegetarian meals means it’s a busy venue, so reservations are recommended. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/465-5922. $$

Yakitori —271 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Asian. This Japanese restaurant that has sat for nearly a decade in Royal Palm Place is still welcoming devoted diners and delivering consistent, premium dishes. Sip on one of its refreshing cocktails like the lychee martini or green tea mojito before perusing the vast menu that offers everything from sushi and sashimi to fried rice, ramen and entrées from the robata grill. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/544-0087. $$

WEST BOCA

Boon’s Asian Bistro —19605 N. State Road 7. Japanese/Thai. This is one of two Boon’s (the other is in Delray Beach), and it’s where the rush to eat excellent sushi started. The fast-moving staff is choreographed to deliver dishes such as shrimp pad Thai that’s light, delicate and happily filled with shrimp. The Thai

Credibility & Integrity speaks volumes for us.

OUR OWN

NICOLE HENRY & MORE!

BOCA AFTER DARK: WHERE TO GO DESIGNING MAN ANGEL SANCHEZON HIS NEXT CHAPTER

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Get Your Irish On

This St. Patrick’s Day, have a green one—and a corned beef sandwich—at a few of our favorite pubs

THE BLUE ANCHOR

ADDRESS: 804 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

VIBE: With its façade and wooden interiors shipped to Delray Beach from 1840s London, this prime-located pub on the Ave also airlifted a ghost, one Bertha Starkey, whose poltergeist activities around the bar are legion. But if it’s a more earthbound spirit you’re seeking, this reliable watering hole has plenty of cocktails to go with its extensive beer and wine pours. It also hosts poker on Thursdays and live music Fridays to Sundays.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Smoked mahi dip, steak Balmoral, Sunday supper roast beef.

ST. PADDY’S PLANS: The Blue Anchor will offer a corned beef and cabbage special, alongside a drink-and-shots special, on March 17.

CONTACT: 561/272-7272; theblueanchorpub.com

HJ O’CONNOR’S

ADDRESS: 210 N.E. Second St., Delray Beach

VIBE: Entering its 23rd year, HJ O’Connor’s is among the proudly diveiest of Delray’s pubs, an un-glamorous spot for authentic Irish food, drink and music. Like a bagpipe solo, it can be on the brash and loud side, but the service is friendly, and the longtime owners are committed to their customers’ satisfaction, whether a buttoned-down businessperson or tatted biker. Extra perks: O’Connor’s has its own dedicated parking lot; it offers darts and shuffleboard to pass the time; and it stays open until 2 a.m.

ST. PADDY’S PLANS: None as of this writing, but the joint is always popular among St. Paddy’s pub crawlers.

CONTACT: 561/330-0022

O’BRIAN’S IRISH PUB

ADDRESS: 51 S.E. First Ave., Boca Raton

VIBE: Founded by a man who just might have the most Irish name of all time, Brian O’Brian, this local pub touts itself as the No. 1 sports bar in Boca Raton, and it’s got all the sports packages to prove it. Catch any and all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB games at O’Brian’s over a tasty selection of bar bites, and enjoy special menu items every football Sunday. Happy hour runs long (11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays), with almost nightly events including ladies’ night on Wednesdays and karaoke night on Fridays.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Mini corned beef, hangover burger, state fair sausage and peppers sandwich

ST. PADDY’S PLANS: Live DJ music, Irish whiskey and Guinness drink specials, special menu that includes corned beef and shepherd’s pie.

CONTACT: 561/338-7565; obrianspub.com

SHEEHAN’S CORNER PUB

ADDRESS: 10114 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach

VIBE: Nestled in the far corner of Applegate Plaza in Boynton Beach, Sheehan’s is the go-to late-night bar for locals and anyone else who enjoys burning the candle at both ends over a game of darts. While Sheehan’s is one of the rare local bars that are open until 5 a.m., it’s less nightclub and more “Cheers,” offering up a cozy atmosphere with jukebox tunes and friendly locals. As for the menu, corned beef is definitely

the star of the show, but other Emerald Isle favorites like shepherd’s pie are also sure to please.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Corned beef quesadilla, Scotch egg, loaded Irish potato skins.

ST. PADDY’S PLANS: Assorted beer, shot and cocktail specials, and Irish fare including corned beef sliders.

CONTACT: 561/752-0511; webpagedepot.com/sheehans-corner-pub

TIM FINNEGANS IRISH PUB

ADDRESS: 2885 S. Federal Highway, Delray Beach

VIBE: Any pub worth its barley in Smithwick’s can claim to be the best pub in North America, but Tim Finnegans—note the lack of apostrophe in its name, in homage to James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake—actually won Best Irish Community Pub on the continent in 2017 from Irish Pubs

Global. In evoking a traditional classic public house, its stage, where live musicians perform Thursdays to Saturdays, is fashioned after the famous St. James’s Gate at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin. Tim Finnegans also features a spacious outdoor patio with ceiling fans, and it even houses a vintage Irish telephone booth for nostalgic photo ops.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, beef and lamb Guinness stew.

ST. PADDY’S PLANS: Irish musicians Kathy Durkin and Richie Hayes at 1 p.m., Irish step dancers at 4:30 p.m., Celtic rock band at 6 p.m.

CONTACT: 561/330-3153; timfinneganspub.com

fried rice is unusually delicate too, with lots of egg, and is some of the best around. The sushi rolls are as fresh and inventive (try the Daimyo roll) as they are beautifully presented. Go early or call for a reservation. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/883-0202. $$

Chloe’s Bistro —6885 S.W. 18th St. Italian. One of the few venues that’s on the water, with food to match the view. Try the seafood linguine, the large snapper filets in Marechiara sauce, and the desserts to end on a sweet note. House-made pasta and a good wine list ensure a pleasant, satisfying meal. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/334-2088. $$

City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house with a lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with care and little artifice. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/487-1600. $$

Ditmas Kitchen —21077 Powerline Road. Contemporary kosher. This west Boca restaurant is named after a Brooklyn avenue in a district known for its food. Here you’ll find very good casual food, and no dairy products are used. Try the Hibachi salmon, all-kale Caesar salad, the shnitzel sandwich. • Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 561/826-8875. $$$

DVASH —8208 Glades Road. Mediterranean. The menu, a collection of Mediterranean fusion dishes with a variety of daily specials, caters to an array of diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. The Cohen family, who previously owned Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar in Coral Springs for more than a decade, now welcomes diners to this West Boca

restaurant that’s tucked away in the Publix Greenwise strip mall. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/826-7784. $$

Oli’s Fashion Cuisine —6897 S.W. 18th St. Modern American. With the unusual name comes a menu sporting lobster risotto to tuna tacos, grilled mahi and more. There are Italian, vegetarian, steak, flatbreads, salads and desserts, all pleasing to the eye and palate. Inside is a bit noisy, so try the outdoor, lakeside patio for a quieter meal. • Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast weekends. 561/571-6920. $$

Oliv Pit Athenian Grille —6006 S.W. 18th St. Modern Greek. The owners’ goal of bringing together the best of Greek cooking under one roof, much like the melting pot that is Athens, is covered here in an extensive menu. The best way to enjoy the food is to share it: the Pikilia trio with tzatziki, spicy feta and eggplant spread is a starting place. Try the mix grill platter and the hearty red Greek wine. End the night with a unique, velvety frappe cappuccino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-2049. $$

Skyfin Asian Bistro —8221 Glades Road. Asian. After nearly a decade of dishing out elevated Beijing cuisine at MR CHOW inside the posh W South Beach, chef Aden Lee left his sous chef position to venture out on his own. Here, you’ll find both playfully named sushi rolls and fresh sashimi alongside protein-rich house specials, fried rice and noodles. Don’t miss the Toro Roll and Tangerine Peel Beef. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/556-1688. $$

Villa Rosano —9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian. You can be forgiven for imagining yourself in some rustic Italian hill town as the smells of garlic and tomato sauce waft through the

air. Start by sopping up the house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto and delicate fillets of sole done a la Francese. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/470-0112. $$

BOYNTON BEACH

Driftwood —2005 S. Federal Highway. Modern American. Take food combos that sound unusual (popcorn sauce, avocado chocolate ice cream) but that taste wonderful and you’ve got Chef Jimmy Everett’s ideas on the table. They don’t last long, because they taste terrific. Try the smoked swordfish, the lobster with pickled okra, ricotta dumplings, the burger with gouda, the grilled octopus and pastrami’d chicken breast with roasted cabbage. • Brunch Sun. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/733-4782. $$

Josie’s Italian Ristorante—1602 S. Federal Highway. Italian. Famed chef and South Florida culinary godfather Mark Militello is back at Josie’s after a brief stint at Boca’s Prezzo, and his magic in the kitchen of this cozy, old-school Italian restaurant is duly noted. His influence is evident in the daily specials, but old favorites like beefy short rib meatballs, an upmarket version of the classic San Francisco cioppino, and Josie’s signature veal Bersaglieri (veal medallions with artichokes, olives and roasted peppers in lemon-white wine sauce) don’t fail to satisfy either. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/364-9601. $$

Prime Catch —700 E. Woolbright Road. Seafood Waterfront restaurants are few and far between in our neck of the woods, and those with good food are even more rare. Prime

Catch, at the foot of the Woolbright bridge on the Intracoastal, is a best-kept secret. The simple pleasures here soar—a perfectly grilled piece of mahi or bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish. Don’t miss one of the best Key lime pies around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$

Sushi Simon 1628 S. Federal Highway. Japanese

It’s been called “Nobu North” by some aficionados, and for good reason. Local sushi-philes jam the narrow dining room for such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi and uni (Thursdays), as well as more elaborate dishes like snapper Morimoto and tuna tartare. Creative, elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$

DELRAY BEACH

3rd and 3rd —301 N.E. Third Ave. Gastropub. This quirky, individualistic, obscurely located little place is one of the most important restaurants in Delray. The menu changes frequently, but hope the evening’s fare includes plump scallops with caramelized mango sauce, stunning delicious roasted cauliflower with Parmesan mousse and bacon, and wicked-good espresso panna cotta on it at your visit. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/303-1939. $$

50 Ocean—50 S. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. The former Upper Deck at Boston’s on the Beach is now the more upscale, seafood-oriented spot. The menu ranges from familiar to slightly more inventive, from a classic lobster bisque and crisp-tender fried clam bellies to rock shrimp pot pie and baked grouper topped with blue crab. The cinnamon-dusted beignets are puffs of amazingly delicate deep-fried air and should not under any circumstances be missed. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/278-3364. $$

800 Palm Trail Grill —800 Palm Trail. American This contemporary space is serving up American fare and classic cocktails. The menu has a steak-and-seafood-house feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find dishes that entice the palate, like the loaded baked potato eggrolls and Wagyu boneless short rib. • Lunch and dinner daily, with patio dining. 561/865-5235. $$

Akira Back, 233 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach. Japanese Chef Akira Back’s Seoul restaurant earned a Michelin star a few years ago and now he’s showcasing his talented take on Japanese cuisine at his namesake restaurant inside The Ray hotel. Born in Korea and raised in Colorado, Back blends his heritage with Japanese flavors and techniques he has mastered to deliver dishes that are unique to him. With plates made to be shared, the menu is divided into cold and hot starters followed by rolls, nigiri/sashimi, robata grill, mains and fried rice. Dinner. 561/739-1708. $$$$

Amar Mediterranean Bistro —522 E. Atlantic Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5653. $$

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas — 16950 Jog Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chicken-turkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweetsalty-earthy-pungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Lunch Tues.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $

Atlantic Grille—1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/Contemporary American. This posh restaurant in the luxurious Seagate Hotel & Spa is home to a 450-gallon aquarium of tranquil moon jellyfish and a 2,500-gallon shark tank. Savor inventive cuisine that takes the contemporary to the extraordinary. Bold flavors, inspired techniques and the freshest ingredients make every meal a culinary adventure. • Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch Sat.–Sun. 561/665-4900. $$

Avalon Steak and Seafood—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood/Steakhouse. The enticing reasons we all go to a steakhouse are present here—boozy cocktails, a diverse wine list, dry aged steaks, prime cuts, rich accompaniments, decadent sides and indulgent desserts. The menu is then enhanced with a selection of seafood like a raw bar medley of oysters, shrimp and crab alongside the customary octopus, fish, scallops and lobster. Don’t miss Avalon’s signature dish, the Angry Lobster, and for an unusual surprise check out the kimchi fried rice. • Dinner nightly. 561/593-2500. $$$$

Bamboo Fire Cafe—149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $

Bar 25 Gastropub —25 S.E. Sixth Ave., Delray Beach. American. Taking inspiration from the Northeast, the menu boasts staples like Philly cheesesteak, Rhode Island clams, pierogis, Old Bay fries and plenty of mootz (aka mozzarella). Loyal to its gastropub DNA, dishes here aren’t complicated or complex but satisfying, interesting takes on the familiar without being boring. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/359-2643. $

Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates. The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$

Brulé Bistro —200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The regular menu of this Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$

Burt & Max’s —9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

Cabana El Rey—105 E. Atlantic Ave. Cuban tropical. Little Havana is alive and well in Delray. The menu is a palette-pleasing travelogue, including starters like mariquitas (fried banana chips) and main courses such as seafood paella (think mussels, shrimp, clams, conch, scallops and octopus). • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-9090. $$

Caffe Luna Rosa —34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. A success from day one, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try

the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561/274-9404. $$

Casa L’Acqua —9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. You’ll get what you pay for here: very good Italian food in an upscale, modern, cool gray and white restaurant that is a refreshing change from busy Atlantic Avenue. The antipasti (bread, balsamic/honey dipping sauce, Parmesan chunks, bruschetta) are so good, they could be dinner. But save room for the pollo Parmigiana, the scallopine piccate al limone, the four kinds of risotto, and dessert. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-7492. $$$

City Oyster —213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$

Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar —25 N.E. Second Ave. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/908-2557. $$

Costa By OK&M —502 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/501-6115. • $$

Cut 432 —432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$

Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food with a moustache menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turnedrestaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$

Deck 84 —840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American Burt Rapoport’s ode to laid-back tropical dining is like a day at the beach without getting sand between your toes. Though the restaurant is casual, the kitchen takes its food seriously, whether the stellar flatbreads, the thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey seasonal cobbler. And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/665-8484. $

Eathai —1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried

Everyone goes here for the famous Lulu’s Irish Basket with fresh scones, but how about coffee brunch-style, as in the cold brew martini?

rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai Chicken French Toasted or Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce or Oxtail Basil Fried Rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesday. 561/270-3156. $

El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican. This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$

Elisabetta’s —32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/650-6699. $$

Ember Grill —233 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Ray Hotel’s modern bistro is helmed by Joe Zanelli, who has created a variety of globally inspired dishes. Seafood, steaks and house specialties like the duck pancakes share the menu with delectable desserts like the baked Alaska ablaze on your table or the refreshing frozen pineapple. • Dinner nightly. 561/739-1705. $$

The Grove —187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove district for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well thought out. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/266-3750. $$

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar

1841 S. Federal Highway. American. You don’t have to worry about calories (most dishes are under 500), you don’t have to worry about finding something you haven’t tried before (new items are added every three months) and freshness is the silent ingredient throughout. Try the pesto Caprese flatbread, the supergrain salad and the steak or salmon or chicken. Desserts offer big tastes in small jars. • Lunch and dinner daily; brunch on weekends. 561/266-3239. $$

Henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/638-1949. $$

Il Girasole —2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill —634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array

of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

Jimmy’s Bistro —9 S. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. This small gem off noisy Atlantic Avenue is big on taste and ambience, and has been busy since 2009. You can travel the world with dumplings, conch fritters, pork schnitzel, rigatoni Bolognese, étouffée and more. Reservations are recommended at this laid-back, comfortable venue. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$

Joseph’s Wine Bar —200 N.E. Second Ave. Mediterranean-American. Joseph’s is an elegant, comfortable, intimate nook in Delray’s Pineapple Grove, and an ideal place for a lazy evening. This family affair—owner Joseph Boueri, wife Margaret in the kitchen, and son Elie and daughter Romy working the front of the house—has all tastes covered. Try the special cheese platter, the duck a l’orange or the rack of lamb. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-6100. $$

La Cigale —253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$

Latitudes —2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American. You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$

Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. Pan-Asian

Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-5050. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/5448181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

Lionfish —307 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. Focusing on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Lionfish’s menu is diverse while its coastal décor is both stylish and comfortable. Choose from oysters, octopus, specialty sushi rolls, fresh catches and, of course, the namesake white flaky fish in a variety of preparations including whole fried and as a bright ceviche. Make sure to save room for the Key lime pie bombe dessert. • Dinner nightly, brunch weekends. 561/639-8700. $$$

Lulu’s—189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $

MIA Kitchen & Bar —7901 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$

Shrimp and vegetable fried rice from Henry’s

Lulu of a Brunch

Buzz Bite III

Savor the Avenue Is Here

It’s time to make your reservations for one of the most popular dinners this year. Savor the Avenue returns on Monday, March 27 to Atlantic Avenue. The signature event invites guests to dine al fresco while indulging in a four-course culinary experience created by restaurants like Avalon, Rocco’s Tacos, Elisabetta’s and Cabana El Rey, just to name a few. Celebrating its 13th year, the event anticipates nearly 1,000 attendees who will all be dining on Atlantic Avenue in front of their chosen participating restaurant. Don’t forget, you must make a reservation at the restaurant to participate. Tickets are not sold for this event.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit Achievement Centers for Children and Families, a Delray-based nonprofit that supports under-resourced children. For a list of all the participating restaurants and their menus, visit downtowndelraybeach.com/ savortheavenue.

Crustacean Station

The Office —201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that flits from burgers and fries to mussels. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-3600. $$

Park Tavern —32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the fish and chips, one of six burgers, fish tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$

Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar —5 S.E. Second Ave. Seafood. Gary Rack, who also has scored with his spot in Mizner Park, certainly seems to have the restaurant Midas touch, as evidenced by this updated throwback to classic fish houses. Design, ambience and service hit all the right notes. Oysters are terrific any way you get them; grilled fish and daily specials are excellent. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-6718. $$$

Rose’s Daughter—169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. While not your traditional Italian trattoria, it is a place to find new favorites and revisit old standards updated with delicious ingredients and high standards. Try the Monet-colored lobster risotto, or house-made pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. From the mushroom arancini to the tiramisu, you will be glad Owner/Chef Suzanne Perrotto is in the kitchen. Indoor and outdoor seating. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/271-9423. $$

Salt7—32 S.E. Second Ave. Modern American. All the pieces needed to create a top-notch restaurant are here: talented chef, great food, excellent service. From the pea risotto to the crab cake to the signature steaks and a lot more, this is a venue worth the money. Thanks goes to Executive Chef Paul Niedermann, who won TV’s notorious “Hell’s Kitchen” show, and his talent is displayed here on the plate. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Brunch Sunday. 561/274-7258. $$$

Sazio —131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

Sundy House —106 S. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. Set in a lush, tropical garden, the outside tables here are the most coveted, second only to the tastes and combinations in the shrimp and grits, or the eggs Benedict, Taru burger, Nutella French toast and prime rib roast. This is a place to sit and savor your meal and the surroundings. • Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/272-5678. $$$

Taverna Opa —270 E. Atlantic Ave. Greek. Yes, you can order a side of belly dancing and napkin tossing with your moussaka and baklava at this chain. But the moussaka and baklava are very good; so is the rest of the food at the downtown Delray outpost. Also worth your while (and appetite) are appetizers like melitzanosalata, whipped eggplant with orange zest and roasted red pepper, and tarama, a creamy emulsion of bread, olive oil and salmon roe. Whole grilled bronzino is finished with lemon and orange juices for a citrusy flavor boost, while tongue-tying galaktoboureko goes baklava one better by adding vanilla-scented custard to golden, flaky phyllo. • Dinner nightly. 561/303-3602. $$

Terra Fiamma—9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in

Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$

Tramonti —119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$

Veg Eats Foods —334 E. Linton Blvd. Creative Vegan This is comfort food for everyone; the dishes will impress carnivores, too. Smell the fresh coconut vegetable curry soup, which tastes as good as it sounds. Try the grilled brawt sausage, the Ranch chixn, the banh mi and a Ruben—all from plant-based ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $

Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. For a protein, try the traditional chicken parmigiana, a hearty portion of paper-thin breaded chicken breast topped with a subtly sweet San Marzano sauce under a gooey layer of fresh mozzarella, and a substantial side of linguine pomodoro. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and tiramisu. • Dinner nightly; brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$

Yellowtail—7959 W. Atlantic Ave. Asian. Chef and partner Andrew Marc Rothschild has cooked in notable international kitchens including France’s Michelin-starred Au Crocodile and Palm Beach’s The Breakers—and he’s bringing that elevated experience and cuisine to Delray Beach. What sets Yellowtail apart from the plethora of other sushi joints is its fully customizable menu with its impressive variety of not-so-basic proteins. Yes, there is chicken or shrimp for your pad Thai or curry, but there’s also duck, lobster, squid and scallops. You can also ramp up your maki with eel, ama ebi (prawns) and sea urchin, just to name a few. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/501-6391. $$

LAKE WORTH BEACH

Paradiso Ristorante —625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The Mediterranean salt-crusted branzino is definitely a must-try. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$

LANTANA

The Station House —233 Lantana Road. Seafood. If you’re hungry for Maine lobster, plucked live out of giant tanks and cooked to order, this modest replica of a 1920s train station is the place to go. Lobsters come in all sizes (up to 6 pounds) and are reasonably priced. • Dinner nightly. 561/547-9487. $$$

PALM BEACH

Bice —313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to hold the title of favorite spot on the island. The venerable restaurant offers

When you‘ve got a craving and size really does matter, rest assured you can actually get a lobster weighing 10 pounds at The Station House.

Boca Raton Insider

IMPACT 100 PBC

Impact 100 PBC connects, engages, and inspires women to improve our community by collectively funding multiple $100,000 grants to nonprofits that implement high-impact initiatives in southern Palm Beach County. Impact’s Grand Awards Celebration, where members select this year’s $100,000 grant recipients, will be a luncheon on April 18th, at Boca West. Grants are awarded in five focus areas that address diverse needs in our community.

To join and learn more, visit www.impact100pbc.org

JENNA STUDIO

Jenna Studio is the premier destination for luxury fashion, driven by a mission to help customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style. Since our inception in 1985, we have delivered one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, featuring an expert assortment of elegant fashion and highly personalized customer service. Our unique approach combines an emphasis on customer experience and personal interaction.. in unison with detailed garments that make every woman look and feel beautiful!

COMING SOON! SPRING 2023 TOWN CENTER AT BOCA RATON

To learn more, visit Jennasstudio.com

PATIO SHOPPE

An ode to the freedom and relaxation of sailing, the Korda Collection combines a breezy silhouette with traditional styling. The collection’s visual centerpiece is an eyecatching hand-painted decorative cast aluminum back insert that simulates authentic nautical rope. Every detail of the Korda Collection exudes carefree sophistication for a comfortable, liveable outdoor space.

To learn more, visit www.patioshoppes.com

7355 Sample Road Coral Springs, FL 33065 (954) 752-0161

11268 Legacy Ave. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (561) 776-9898

Book of Daniel

At Café Boulud, you can indulge in a six-course tasting menu daily for $125; optional wine pairing additions are $75 or $125.

a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$

Buccan —350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary sensibilities of Miami at the first independent restaurant by chef Clay Conley. The design offers both intimate and energetic dining areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (wood-grilled burgers) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). • Dinner nightly. 561/833-3450. $$$

Café Boulud —The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard, the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/6556060. $$$

Café L’Europe —331 S. County Road. Current International. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$

Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$

Henry’s Palm Beach —229 Royal Poinciana Way. American Bistro. Part of The Breakers’ restaurant properties, this venue opened in 2020 and is an elegant addition to The Island. Try the pigs in a pretzel dough blanket, beer can corn, the lobster roll, butter crumb Dover sole and chicken pot pie. All comfort food with a Palm Beach twist, and it’s all delicious. • Lunch and dinner daily. 877/724-3188. $$$

HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with housemade fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. The wine list is encyclopedic. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$

Imoto —350 S. County Road. Asian Fusion/Tapas. Clay Conley’s “little sister” (the translation of Imoto from Japanese) is next to his always-bustling Buccan. Imoto turns out Japanese-inspired small plates with big-city sophistication, like witty Peking duck tacos and decadent tuna and foie gras sliders. Sushi selection is limited but immaculately fresh. • Dinner nightly. 561/833-5522. $$

Meat Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse. “Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steakhouse but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-n-turf to a new level. Cast your diet to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$

Renato’s —87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist—like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/655-9752. $$$

Ta-boo —2221 Worth Ave. American. This self-described “American bistro” is less typical “American” restaurant or classical French “bistro” than it is posh-casual refuge for the see-and-be-seen crowd in and around Palm Beach. The eclectic menu offers everything from roasted duck with orange blossom honey-ginger sauce to dry-aged steaks and an assortment of pizzas. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/835-3500. $$

WEST PALM BEACH

Banko Cantina —114 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Northern Mexican. Start with the Adelita cocktail and don’t look back. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Al Carbon steak tacos and the house guacamole add up to a full-flavor dinner. The west-facing rooftop bar is a nice sunset option, and the Pan de Elote (homemade sweet cornbread with vanilla ice cream and berries) is a delightful end to the evening. • Dinner daily. 561/355-1399. $$

Café Centro —2409 N. Dixie Highway. Modern American. A cornerstone in the Northwood neighborhood, this venue draws because of a complete package: food, drinks and great nightlife and music. Take some char-grilled oysters, add shrimp pesto capellini or a marinated pork chop with polenta, plus local singing fave Tessie Porter, and you have a fun and delicious night out. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$

French Corner Bistro & Rotissorie

4595 Okeechobee Blvd. Classic French. It’s France in a tiny venue, with big-taste dishes that include all the faves: beef bourguignon, rack of lamb, duck à l’orange, frog legs Provencale, veal kidneys, tender branzino and simple desserts to end the meal. Reservations are mandatory for dinner. • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/689-1700. $$

Grato —1901 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. “Grato” is Italian for “grateful,” and there is much to be grateful for about Clay Conley’s sophisticated yet unpretentious take on Italian cookery. Anyone would be grateful to find such delicate, crispy and greaseless fritto misto as Grato’s, ditto for lusty beef tartare piled onto a quartet of crostini. Spinach gnocchi in porcini mushroom sauce are a revelation, so light and airy they make other versions taste like green library paste. Don’t miss the porchetta either, or the silken panna cotta with coffee ice cream and crunchy hazelnut tuille. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/404-1334. $$

Leila—120 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. Flowing drapes and industrial lighting complete the exotic decor in this Middle Eastern hit. Sensational hummus is a must-try. Lamb kebab with parsley, onion and spices makes up the delicious Lebanese lamb kefta. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$

Marcello’s La Sirena —6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$

Pistache —1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak

tartare. All that, plus guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$

Planta —700 S. Rosemary Ave. Vegan. For those who savor every juicy, tender and flavorful bite of a well-prepared burger, patronizing a vegan establishment may seem like a sacrilegious act. But what if a restaurant served up plant-based dishes that surprised your taste buds with exploding flavors? Here vegans don’t have to worry about ingredients making the cut, and non-vegans can enjoy approachable and appetizing plant-based dishes that won’t make you yearn for a steak. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/208-5222. $$

The Regional —651 Okeechobee Blvd. Southern. “Top Chef” alum and James Beard Foundation semifinalist Lindsay Autry embraces her southern roots while adding a dash of her Mediterranean heritage (her grandmother was from Crete) onto the menu. You’ll find traditional southern ingredients and dishes like collard greens, tomato pie, okra, fried chicken and shrimp & grits alongside smoked burrata, Greek salad, octopus and bucatini. • Dinner nightly. 561/557-6460. $$$

Rhythm Café —3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/8333406. $$

Rocco’s Tacos —224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 425 tequilas. Tacos feature house-made tortillas and a variety of proteins. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2131; 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100; 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/623-0127) $

Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/855-2660. $$$

Tropical Smokehouse —3815 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. When you take the distinct tastes of Florida/Caribbean/Cuban dishes and pair them with barbecue, you end up with a place you visit a lot. Local celeb chef Rick Mace smokes the meats himself, and his recipes include all kinds of citrus in tasty spots (sour orange wings, pineapple carrot cake); you’ll discover new favorite flavors. Don’t miss the BBQ pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Try the hot and sweet hushpuppies or the homemade chorizo queso in this very casual spot that we can happily say is also unique—there’s nothing else like it. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/323-2573. $$

Broward County DEERFIELD BEACH

Chanson —45 N.E. 21st Ave. Contemporary American/ French. A little bit of Palm Beach, a little bit of France come to Deerfield Beach in the form of this elegant, sophisticated restaurant in the oceanfront Royal Blues Hotel. Service is as stellar as the views from the cozy, modestly opulent dining room, notable for the 1,500-gallon aquarium embedded in the ceiling. Consistency can be an issue with the food, but when it is good it is very good. • Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. 954/857-2929. $$$

Oceans 234—234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Contemporary American. One of the only oceanfront (as in, on the beach) options in South Florida, this familiar-with-a-twist venue is fun to both visit and eat. Try the Infamous Lollipop Chicken Wings, a starter that could be an entrée. Seafood is definitely top-shelf, as are the desserts. A true Florida experience. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-2539. $$

WEB EXTRA: check out our complete tri-county dining guide only at BOCAMAG.COM

WIND WATER

MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS

Enjoy 16 acres with six distinct Japanese gardens, rotating exhibitions of Japanese art in the museum’s galleries, an authentic tea house, our Yamato-kan, the original museum, café, museum store, and year-round cultural programming. Our mission is to engage a diverse audience by presenting Japanese cultural experiences that educate and inspire.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm 4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 561-495-0233

www.morikami.org

IMPACT 100 PALM BEACH COUNTY SEMIFINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT

WHERE: Delray Beach Market

WHAT: During a festive evening at Delray Beach Market, local nonprofit powerhouse Impact 100 Palm Beach County (PBC) announced the semifinalists who will advance for their chances to win a $100,000 grant. Impact PBC members and guests toasted the more than 25 programs that will be moving forward in the grant process from the five categories of Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Education; Environment and Animal; Family; and Health and Wellness.

“Each of the semifinalist programs we have chosen is very deserving of the grants,” said Impact 100 PBC President Kelly Fleming. “I am beyond excited and proud to support such amazing programs that impact our community.”

Semifinalists included

6: Houda Silcock, Janean Mileusnic, Sandra Kipust

7: Cindy Krebsbach, Sarah Doyle, Susan Diener

8: Grants Committee

Co-chair Noreen Payne and Impact 100 PBC President Kelly Fleming

9: Sarah Ponczek, Lucille Hinners, Julie Peyton

10: Michelle Rubin, Debbie Glazer, Melissa Gorup, Lisa Bariso

11: Judy Cohen, Laura Bull, Sheila Bell

THE FULLER CENTER WEE DREAM BALL

WHERE: Boca West Country Club

WHAT: Fuller Center members and guests enjoyed an intimate and inspirational evening at Boca West Country Club for the organization’s signature annual fundraiser, the Wee Dream Ball. Attendees were treated to live entertainment from NY, NY Dueling Pianos, LED-winged ladies, a luxurious live auction, and a dessert hour to the music of singing duo Steve and Rhonda Kaplan. Fuller Center alumnus Diana Capobianco served as guest speaker, and delivered a heartwarming account of how the Fuller Center shaped her life for the better as a child. Event co-chairs Rosa Agentis Feeney and Karen Foreman and Special Honoree Gail Wasserman spoke as well about how crucial the services provided by the Fuller Center are, and how everyone present had helped make a difference in the lives of children. Sponsors for the Wee Dream Ball included Boca magazine, the Christine E. Lynn & E. M. Lynn Foundation, the Schmidt Family Foundation and more.

6: Patricia and David Wallace

7: Keith and Michelle Gamble

8: Cliff and Eda Viner

9: Allie Sesson, Sofy Barrios, Janielle Cutner, Dov Needleman, Katherine Arama, Melissa Yergin, Armen Batmasian, Chris Kirby

10: Yamile and Matthew Linderman

11: Yi Lam and Niwat Piyavichayanont

SECOND-ANNUAL BRICE MAKRIS BRUNCH

WHERE: Boca West Country Club

WHAT: The Brice Makris Brunch returned for its second year to a sold-out crowd of more than 250 supporters of the Hanley Foundation’s mission of eradicating drug addiction through its various programs and services. Palm Beach U.S. State Attorney Dave Aronberg and local chef and restaurateur Louie Bossi served as honorary chairs for the event, the proceeds of which benefited the Hanley Foundation’s Brice Makris Endowment Fund and the lifesaving treatment scholarships and addiction prevention programs it provides. Longtime E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg was honored with the inaugural Brice Makris Community Spirit Award for his donation of band seat tickets to a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert for the event’s live auction. “What a powerful and moving event,” said Hanley Foundation CEO Jan Cairnes. “The proceeds from this brunch will make a real difference in the lives of people suffering from substance use disorders. We could not be more grateful to all who attended and supported this cause.”

5: Jeanette Jennings, Sander Jennings, Jacky Barie, Greg Jennings, Jazz Jennings, Jack Barie

6: Michelle Makris, Max Weinberg, Dave Aronberg

7: Andrea and George O’Rourke

8: Dana and Steve Clarfield

9: Jeff Polsky, John Makris, Tina Polsky, Pamela Polani

10: Dawn Silver, Steve Alembik, Sue Heller

11: Sharon DiPietro, Bruce Spizler, Kim Champion

12: Chip James, Jan Cairnes, James C. Schneider

2022 ROOFCLAIM. COM BOCA RATON BOWL

WHAT: Hailed as Boca’s “biggest outdoor party,” the Boca Raton Bowl returned in December and rocked a packed stadium at FAU. The University of Toledo Rockets and Liberty University Flames took the field for one of the tightest matchups in Boca Bowl history, with the Rockets emerging victorious 2119. Fans enjoyed family-friendly pre-game tailgating festivities and were treated to a spirited pep rally featuring the marching bands from both teams at Mizner Park Amphitheater the night before the big game. The RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl debuted in 2014 and is the only collegiate bowl game in Palm Beach County. Continuing its tradition of community service, free tickets were offered to nonprofits, schools and veterans’ groups.

WHERE: Florida Atlantic University Stadium

March 2023 issue. Vol. 43, No. 3. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of JES Media, and any use of these trademarks without the express written consent of JES Media is strictly prohibited: Savor the Avenue; Tastemakers of Delray; Tastemakers at Mizner; Florida Style and Design; Delray Beach magazine; Boca Raton , South Florida At Its Best; bocamag. com; Florida Table ; Boca Raton magazine. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published 8 times a year (September/October, November/December, January, February, March, April, May/June and July/August) by JES Media. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all editorial and advertising correspondence to the above address. Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $19.95/8 issues, $29.95/16 issues (shipping fee included for one- and two-year rates). Single copy $6.95. No whole or part of the content may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.

Chris and Jayne Malfitano

The Malfitanos’ dedication and advocacy has rippled throughout South Florida and Boca Raton

She came to Boca Raton from Rochester, N.Y., and he came from Syracuse. They met at what was then the College of Boca Raton Ball on Nov. 17, 1984; by 1986 they were married. Chris and Jayne Malfitano seemed as destined to meet as Boca Raton was to have them—and their volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy—for the past four decades. The list of organizations in which they have been involved goes on for pages. Hers includes the Harcourt and Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation (after her parents), University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Children’s Place at HomeSafe, Gulf Stream School, the Junior League of Boca Raton, Mae Volen Senior Center and Boca Raton Regional Hospital. His includes the Daily Bread Food Bank, Food for the Poor, Café Joshua, The Lord’s Place, The Gulf Stream School, Deerfield Academy, University of Delaware, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club and, now, the Second Chance Initiative.

AREAS OF PRIMARY INTEREST:

Jayne: “For me, it was probably in the Junior League, when I became a guardian ad litem, that I [developed a passion] for child welfare and the concerns for children. Later on, it became cancer, given my dad’s support and the foundation’s support for cancer.”

Chris: “My two core areas are

homelessness (I am very involved with the Lord’s Place and Café Joshua) and I think recovery and impoverished people.”

BENCHMARK ACHIEVEMENT:

Chris: “I was very involved with starting a place we called Café Joshua [that fed the homeless in a restaurant-like model, complete with servers and one-on-one counselors— Ed.]. But we did not have beds, and I knew there was this organization called The Lord’s Place, which had beds. … We needed beds, and they needed a program, and I was one of the catalysts that merged the two organizations. I’m very proud of that. It has greatly benefited the homeless of Palm Beach County.”

Jayne: “When I was in the Junior League, I knew there was a need for a shelter in Boca Raton. A group of us got together and set about trying to find someone we could work with to give a home for children who needed one, and so we partnered with The Children’s Place at HomeSafe, which is now HomeSafe.”

WHAT DRIVES THEM TO GIVE BACK:

Chris: “My dad was a dentist, and I come from a big family—my mom helped raise seven children. I remember from the earliest days stuffing envelopes for different charities that my mother or my

father was involved with. My parents always set the example that it did not matter where you came from or what you had or didn’t have; you really needed to live in God’s image and help others.”

Jayne: “I guess it’s something so innate in you. … You see somebody hurting, and you want to support them. To help.”

FUTURE PLANS:

Chris: “Keely Carney Copeland and I founded The Second Chance initiative to help women in recovery. We are at a critical stage in the life of a startup where we need some big changes, and we are making those changes as we speak. It really is an amazing program. A lot of my time now is spent growing this organization.”

Jayne: “Continuing on with HomeSafe. They are starting to renovate the Boca Raton campus, so it’s a kind of full circle for me in terms of that. And then my other [priority] is the cancer center. We are building a new research building, and it’s important for us and for our patients and their families. For everybody in our community.”

My parents always set the example that it did not matter where you came from or what you had or didn’t have; you really needed to live in God’s image and help others.”

—Chris Malfitano

BUILT ON TRUST.

BUILT FOR LIFE.

BUILT FOR YOU. SINCE 1936.

LET’S BUILD YOUR LEGACY TOGETHER.

Since 1936, Ellish Builders, now in our fourth generation, has blended a personal approach with artistry, innovation, and fine craftsmanship. We build luxury homes designed for timelessness. Experience a custom-build process like no other with Ellish Builders.