The Atlantic Current - Sep/Oct 2015

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 • ISSUE 18

6

CRAFT BEER BARS YOU NEED TO VISIT

e lif r m o G WITH

KEPA MENDIA

The Helm smen TAKE THE WHEEL

FOOD TRUCK

TAKEOVER

+

HOW I GOTITH W THE SHOTRUZA TONY AR

JUPITER TO FORT LAUDERDALE

theatlanticcurrent.com

FUNKY BUDDHA FLORIDIAN

14

dive dive

IN CONTENTS SEPT.OCT 2015

14 23 26 30 36

Community Grab your gloves and sunscreen and help Sea To Shore Alliance make a real difference on our beaches

23

Rhythm The Helmsmen take the wheel as they drop their indie-rock debut EP, The Homework

Action Sports Enter the gromlife of Kepa Mendia who is already making a name for himself in the surf world at 9 years old

30

Arts Go behind the lens with professional photographer Tony Arruza and see how he captured one of his favorite images

unky Buddha F Brewery Their journey to craft beer enlightenment

43 49

M unch Step up to four select food trucks and learn why they’re always a local favorite

S cene

36

Beer geek or not, these are six craft beer bars everyone should visit

43

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015 • ISSUE 18

6

CRAFT BEER BARS YOU NEED TO VISIT

Gromlife WITH

KEPA MENDIA

The Helm smen TAKE THE WHEEL

ON THE COVER

FOOD TRUCK

TAKEOVER

+

HOW I GOT H WIT THE SHOT UZA TONY ARR

JUPITER TO FORT LAUDERDALE

theatlanticcurrent.com

8 theatlanticcurrent.com

FROSTY BEVERAGE FROM FUNKY BUDDHA

Funky Buddha Floridian Photo: Ben Hicks

49

26

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

❘❘

Dustin Wright

Dustin@theatlanticcurrent.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Danny Wright

❘❘

Dan@theatlanticcurrent.com

PUBLICATION DESIGN ID Creative

AD DESIGN Ivana Martin Ian Jacobs

PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Hicks ❘❘ bocaratonphoto.com Kelly Coulson ❘❘ kellycoulsonphotography.com Jack Bates ❘❘ jackbatesphotography.com Nathan Hamler ❘❘ nathanhamlerphotography.com Perrin James ❘❘ lastbreathfilm.com Tony Arruza ❘❘ www.arruza.com

SENIOR WRITER Cash W. Lambert

WRITERS Doug Fairall Savannah Sheehan Tom Greene Ashley Zimmerman

ADVERTISING 561-383-0035 ext 101

❘❘

info@theatlanticcurrent.com

WEB MANAGER Trey Smedley

OUR CREDO We believe in the power of local business partnerships and the support of our community. We believe coastal South Florida is one of the most desirable locations in the world, and we consider it a privilege to highlight and promote everything and everyone that exemplifies our lifestyle. The amount of local talent is immense, from professional athletes to world class chefs, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. This talent deserves recognition, and we make these people and what they do the cornerstone of our content at The Atlantic Current.

theatlanticcurrent

@atlanticcurrent

@atlanticcurrent

Copyright 2015 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trademark of the Atlantic Current LLC.

12 theatlanticcurrent.com

dive

IN COMMUNITY NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

SUN, SURF, SAND AND GLOVES

HOW SEA TO SHORE ALLIANCE IS MAKING YOUR DAY AT THE BEACH BETTER by Cash W. Lambert You’ve seen the silver harbingers

The organization’s team seems to

that stand at every public beach in

spend more time in the field than

South Florida, and chances are

conducting administrative duties,

you’ve seen them so frequently

which is exactly what Executive

that you know their wording by

Director Dr. James “Buddy” Powell

memory. Like “don’t litter” or “pick

had in mind during the creation

up your trash” and even those that

of the non-profit in 2008. Powell,

threaten fines. And these signs,

who has quite the resume with

although necessary, serve as an

over 40 years of marine mammal

example of the ironic byproduct

experience, leads frequent re-

that an act of repetition can cre-

search expeditions to Cuba that

ate: overlooking that which is of

anyone can attend.

significant importance.

The international team he’s surWhich is why organizations like

rounded himself with on such trips,

Sea to Shore Alliance exist: to

as well as those within the organi-

continue re-writing and commu-

zation, are a smooth combination

nicating the narrative of oceanic

of tenure and passion that collec-

pollution and the true effects of

tively aim to create reverbering

our sandy footprints.

effects within the research field.

“We have biologists in Belize, Cuba, Africa, and all over Florida and Georgia working with manatees, right whales, and sea turtles in particular, which are often entangled or threatened from ingestion of marine debris.”

The non-profit organization

This passion is clearly evident

is run by “biologists working

when talking with Cucinotta. She

internationally to conserve the

recently created a program within

world’s endangered marine

the Alliance called H2O: Healthy

areas. On a recent hot August day,

clutter and show that although

animals and their habitats,”

Habitats & Oceans. Its aim? To

her team collected 130 pounds of

trash on the beach is today’s

according to Katelyn Cucinotta,

“bring light to the issue of marine

debris in only 2 hours.

norm, it doesn’t have to be.

who serves as a Conservation

debris, work on solutions, and to

Biologist on the non-profit’s

clean up the environment to pre-

She also enacted a social media

It’s a choice of either action or inac-

team. “We have biologists in

vent further threats to wildlife.”

campaign called #take4sea2shore,

tion, and she - along with the Sea to

which “encourages everyone to

Shore Alliance - is trying to help South Florida choose the former.

Belize, Cuba, Africa, and all over Florida and Georgia working with

She takes her last point quite liter-

pick up at least 4 pieces of trash

manatees, right whales, and sea

ally, too. She personally adopted

every time they’re hanging out at

turtles in particular, which are

Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton

the beach.” Prizes are awarded as

often entangled or threatened

Beach, and frequently enacts

part of the campaign, with the

from ingestion of marine debris.”

beach cleanups in the surrounding

goal to break through the digital

14 theatlanticcurrent.com

Follow The Cause @sea2shore #take4sea2shore

dive

IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN

18

Atlantic Current Party

Chasen’ Tailz 2nd Annual KDW Fishing Tournament

We were looking for an excuse to party, and we’ve found it. Our Sep/ Oct issue has hit the streets, school is back, and the Friday happy hour at the cove is in full swing. The event will be sponsored by A Stroke of Genius Tattoo and Naked Turtle Rum. Come out and enjoy drink specials, giveaways, shot girls, DJ Dutch and more from 6-8pm!

— Jupiter

Photo: Aaron Lurie

SEPTEMBER 1

Musician’s Showcase in the Round

3

Chris Brown @ American Airlines Arena

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Open Mic Night

2

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

Motley Crue: The Final Tour

4

Rick Springfield, Loverboy, and The Romantics @ Hard Rock Live

All Arts Open Mic @ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca

6

An Evening With Zappa Plays Zappa

@ Palm Beach Curry Fest w/ Leroy Sibbles — Lake Worth

Uproot Hootenanny

Spred the Dub

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca

16 theatlanticcurrent.com

@ Respectable Street — WPB

@ Lafayette Music Room — WPB

5

@ Guanabanas —Jupiter

@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca

10

Uproot Hootenanny

@ Guanabanas —Jupiter

Telekinetic Walrus w/ Lucidea

Electric Kif + Progger

Pure Honey Magazine 4-Year Anniversary Bash

Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, and Sam Hunt

The Mantras

@ Old School Square — Delray

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Riverwalk Events Plaza

— Jupiter

1st Annual Food Truck Faceoff

Roxy Roca

@ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca

Eastern Surfing Association Palm Beach District Surf Contest

@ Saltwater Brewery — Delray

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

Jupiter Green and Artisan Market

UNRB

National Sour Beer Day

Herbal Krew

The Coppertones, Mylo Ranger

@ American Airlines Arena

12

Respectable Street’s

@ Culture Room

@ The Village Pump — Lauderdale By The Sea

11

FAU Owls vs Miami Hurricanes @ FAU Stadium

The Whiskey Wasps @ The Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Kevin Murphy @ The Duck Tavern — Boca

12-13

Ocean Warrior Challenge w/ Blueline Surf & Paddle Co. @ Jupiter Civic Center

13

Uproot Hootenanny @ Deck 84 — Delray

CHEESY 90’s Homecoming — WPB

Roots Shakedown

5 Seconds of Summer

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

9

Future Prezidents

Mark Telesca

@ Blue Anchor Pub — Delray

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Ed Sheeran @ American Airlines Arena

Pho

dive

IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN

OCTOBER

15

Van Halen and Kenny Wayne Shepherd

1

Collective Soul

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

@ Revolution Live

Musician’s Showcase In The Round

The Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival w/ Aziz Ansari and Amy Schumer

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

16

Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion

2

Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders Swimsuit Calendar Unveiling and Fashion Show @ Sun Life Stadium

30

The Heavy Pets at Guanabanas

The Heavy Pets are back in Florida for just a few dates with their “10th Anniversary Tour da Florida” and you can catch them at one of the best spots around for live music, Guanabanas.

Hear your faves plus some cuts from their new Stolen Smile EP. 21 and over, no cover!

@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

The Iguanas

William Kimball and the Hit Show

19

20

@ Guanabanas/Bluewater School of Surfing End of Season Bash!

@ FAU Stadium

@ Revolution Live

@ The Duck Tavern — Boca

C3: Coastal Cleanup and Concert

Leon Russell

26

17

Charity Event for Surfrider Foundation @ Saltwater Brewery

The Helmsmen

@ Funky Biscuit — Boca

FAU vs Buffalo

@ Seabreeze Amphitheater (Carlin Park) — Jupiter

Spred the Dub @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Blues Traveler

@ Lafayette’s Music Room — WPB

21

Billy Idol @ Hard Rock Live

23

@ Leftover’s Cafe — Jupiter

Uproot Hootenanny @ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

Fireside Prophets

Craft Brew Cartel’s Home Brew Competition

24

@ DADA — Delray

— Ft. Lauderdale

The Calm, Ratsmouth @ Respectable Street

18

The Atlantic Current Party @ 2 Georges at the Cove —Deerfield Beach

DADA Anniversary Party w/ Whiskey Wasps, Living Daylights — Delray

19-20

The Dead 27’s

Casey Raines Band

The Natty Bo’s @ Guanabanas —Jupiter

28

SHAM 69, The Attach, Die Trying & Menudo Death Squad @ Propaganda — Lake Worth

Ladies Reggae Night feat. LFTD LVLS and Rude Hecklers

29

@ Propaganda — Lake Worth

@ Barrel of Monks Brewery — Boca

25

Musician’s Showcase in the Round

Spred the Dub @ Square Grouper Tiki Bar — Jupiter

New World vs.

Old World

@ Brewhouse Gallery —Lake Park

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

The Wailers @ The Culture Room

The People Upstairs @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

3

Brad Paisley, Justin Moore, and Mickey Guyton @ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

Future Prezidents @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter

BOMB-TOBERFEST @ Respectable Street

2-3

7th Annual Bluewater Babes Fish For A Cure Tournament — Singer Island/Sailfish Marina

11th Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest @ Jacob Pastorius Park

4

Detox Yoga @ Twisted Trunk Brewing — PBG

JP Soars and the Red Hots

Luke Bryan, Randy Houser, and Dustin Lynch

Uproot Hootenanny— Benefit and Tribute to George Walker

30

The Heavy Pets

Uproot Hootenanny

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

@ The Irishman — Boca

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Briny Irish Pub — Pompano Beach

18 theatlanticcurrent.com

dive

IN EVENTS WHERE & WHEN

5

Spred the Dub @ ER Bradley’s Saloon — WPB

6

Musician’s Showcase In The Round @ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park (every Tuesday Night)

7

Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

Royal Noise @ Guanabanas — Jupiter

8

Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night) and Mark Farner (Grand Funk) @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater

10-11

16

@ Propaganda — Lake Worth

@ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale

11

17

FAU vs. Marshall

Cheap Trick

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ FAU Stadium

@ Hard Rock Live

Eastern Surfing Association Palm Beach District Surf Contest

Warren Haynes

5th Annual ARToberfest

The Winery Dogs

Reggae On The River

Paws In The Park @ Carlin Park — Jupiter

— Boynton Beach

Uproot Hootenanny @ Deck 84 — Delray

15-18

Steve-O @ Palm Beach Improv

15

Buddy Guy @ Hard Rock Live

16-17

Jerry Seinfeld @ Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

17-18

28th Annual Las Olas Art Fair

22

Brad Live— Art Walk @ Boynton Beach Arts District

Detox Yoga

@ Twisted Trunk Brewery — PBG

27

Streetlight Manifesto @ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale

Taylor Swift

@ The Fillmore — Miami Beach

@ American Airlines Arena

23

28

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

Tab Benoit

The Helmsmen

The Helmsmen

— Ft. Lauderdale

20

25

John Stickley Band

30

@ Culture Room — Ft. Lauderdale

@ Bamboo Room — Lake Worth

@ Brewhouse Gallery — Lake Park

Bonerama w/ special guests

21

@ Funky Biscuit — Boca

Viva Le Vox, Dirty Kid Discount, Bonnie Riot & The Talking Dogs

Musician’s Showcase In The Round

Family Night w/ Food Truck Invasion

24

@ Propaganda — Lake Worth

Uproot Hootenanny

Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, & Cole Swindell

31

@ The Village Pump — Lauderdale By The Sea

@ Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

@ FAU Stadium

9

2nd Annual Feast of the Sea Seafood Festival

@ Sunset Cove Amphitheater

Free Friday Concert @ Old School Square — Delray Beach

@ Flagler Dr. and Clematis — WPB

9-10

Fright Nights

Future Prezidents

@ South Florida Fairgrounds

@ Deck 84 — Delray

(also Oct. 15-17, 22-24, 29-31)

10

FAU vs. Rice @ FAU Stadium

Pastor Troy @ Propaganda — Lake Worth

Fuck Cancer II (A Benefit) @ Respectable Street — WPB

20 theatlanticcurrent.com

Photo: Jacob Studios

24

Feast of the Sea Seafood Festival

Bring your appetite and join your favorite Palm Beach County restaurants and chefs as they showcase their best dishes on the waterfront of downtown West Palm Beach. Over 35 seafood vendors, 60 art vendors, live music, and lots of cold beverages. More than 15,000 attended last year, so come join the fun. Visit feastofthesea.com for more info.

Fortunate Youth, Stranger, SensaMotion, LFTD LVLS @ Propaganda — Lake Worth

John Stickley Trio @ Funky Buddha Lounge — Boca

FAU vs. FIU 23rd Annual Moonfest Halloween Party @ Downtown West Palm Beach

Halloween Costume Ball feat. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds w/ special Guests @ Funky Biscuit — Boca

Viva Le Box Reunion and Halloween Night Sideshow Spectacular @ DADA —Delray

The Moska Project

2nd Annual Delray Marketplace Art and Craft Festival

@ Guanabanas — Jupiter

@ Atlantic Ave — Delray

Open until 2 AM | Craft Beer $5

HOURS

MON. - SAT. 11 A.M.- 2 A.M SUN. - 12 P.M - 12 A.M

561-367-7227 www.bocasbestpizzabar.com

1 1 9 W. PA L M E T T O PA R K R O A D B o c a R at o n , F l o r i da 3 3 4 3 2

CURRENTS Innovators & entertainers that move our community

RHYTHM ❘❘ ACTION SPORTS ❘❘ ARTS ❘❘ THE BITE

THE HELMSMEN

By Ashley Zimmerman

Drop Their Debut EP The Homework Island Indie rock coming to you from Jupiter

Although frontman Jesse Glendinning and

fers to as “a little homebrew”. This is due to

guitarist/vocalist Derek Campbell have been

the fact that it was created and recorded at

friends since they were in diapers, the guys

Campbell’s house before being mastered at

just put together their current full band last

Legacy Sound Studios in Wellington. The first

amed after their high school’s old

year. After playing covers at local joints for

track, “Get Back To The Sea,” is one that the

mascot, The Helmsmen, a group

two years and booking gigs as a party band

two founders have been holding onto for

of twentysomething guys from

while they looked for the missing musicians

some time now while the other two, “Coconut

Jupiter are bringing their own brand of what

to complete them, they finally found the right

Shuffle” and “Can We Dance,” followed natu-

they refer to as Island Indie to the local music

mix of guys to break away from the cover

rally thanks to the newfound inspiration

scene. Though the band’s inspirations vary

scene and start working on their own original

they’ve experienced as a well gelled group.

across the spectrum from folk all the way to

music. Jacob Constantakos on Electric Guitar/

hip-hop, the two genres they can all connect

Melodica, Micko Paparo on Bass and Samuel

As melody driven artists, Glendinning ex-

to are reggae and indie-rock. Another musi-

King on Drums/Vocals joined Glendinning

plained their processes always begin with the

cal inspiration they can all agree on is Jack

and Campbell to form The Helmsmen.

music and lyrics are something that come last,

n

Johnson, something evident when listening to

after the right sound is settled upon. The com-

their music and appreciating their similar

The Homework EP, the band’s first original

bination of ukulele, soulful vocals and lyrics

easy going vibe.

work, is what Glendinning affectionately re-

about the ocean breeze and bonfires give the

Photos: Jack Bates

theatlanticcurrent.com 23

CURRENTS

RHYTHM

EP the kind of islander vibe you’d expect from a

are enjoying the creative process and freedom

of from the bottom up. I think right now it’s

bunch of guys who live in a city well known for

that goes along with being an independent

really encouraging to be independent and to

surfing, fishing and an ocean based lifestyle.

band. “For now we’re just trying to stay as in-

know that it’s all up to you whether you’re a

dependent as we can until we get to that level

success or failure,” says Glendinning.

Following the trend of many local artists, The

where the next step is having to be on a label,”

Helmsmen released their entire EP on sound

says Campbell who’s in no rush to sign. But he

Touring on the other hand is a different story

cloud and they’re giving it away for free. Right

admitted the band wouldn’t pass up the oppor-

and the guys are diving right in and reach-

now the band is focused on getting it heard as

tunity if they stumbled upon a deal that would

ing out to as many people as possible in

opposed to worrying about bringing in money

allow them to retain creative control and a

hopes of lining up some out of town gigs.

by selling their music. “I think it’s really about

certain amount of freedom as musicians.

Recently they’ve been playing at some of their favorite local spots like Maxi’s Lineup

sharing our music with as many people who Even though the EP just dropped, more original

where the crew held their EP Release party.

music keeps flowing and new song ideas are

Easily their favorite event so far, the guys

While they would certainly entertain the idea

coming up on a weekly basis according to the

played to a packed room of friends and fans

of being signed by a label, the guys

guys. “We’re learning the music industry kind

who showed up to support the guys, hear

are willing to listen,” says Glendinning.

24 theatlanticcurrent.com

“

During their downtime you might spot the guys fishing, boating, surfing, or just enjoying the local music scene in their hometown of Jupiter.

”

them jam and receive a copy of The Home-

with the nonsense,” says Glendinning who isn’t

ing a listening ear and some love. The band also

work. “It was so much fun, just a bunch of

willing to spill any specific pranks but admits

shows their support for their tight-knit music

crazy people packed into a tiny room and we

to their regular occurrence.

community by bragging on other local bands

were just playing as loud and crazy as pos-

and posting videos on their Facebook page.

sible. That was my favorite gig ever,” Glendin-

During their downtime you might spot the guys

ning gushes while thinking back on that day.

fishing, boating, surfing, or just enjoying the

As far as future plans, this is a group of dedi-

local music scene in their hometown of Jupiter.

cated guys who are willing to “take it as far as it

The guys describe themselves as being similar

One of their favorite spots other than Maxi’s

goes” according to Campbell. With one EP un-

to a junior varsity basketball team in the way

Lineup is Guanabanas because of the kind of

der their belt they’re excited to play their music

their dynamic works. They’re pretty much al-

local talent they bring in. “I find myself sitting

for as many people as possible and build a fol-

ways messing with each other and playing

at a concert every night whether I’m playing or

lowing, taking a sort of grassroots approach by

pranks on one another but that’s what keeps

not,” Glendinning says with a laugh. Being a

doing it all themselves, from marketing to re-

them so tight as a group and keeps egos and

local band themselves they understand the

cording to booking. They’re excited about their

tensions in check. “I feel like that’s how we

importance of supporting other artists even if

newfound potential and can’t wait to see where

gain each other’s trust. Everybody can put up

that just means showing up to a gig and offer-

their music and passion takes them.

theatlanticcurrent.com 25

CURRENTS

ACTION SPORTS

GROMLIFE WITH KEPA MENDIA

by Cash Lambert

KEPA MENDIA IS 9 YEARS OLD. He likes Instagram, socks, GoPros and drones and he’s the son of renown pro surfer Peter Mendia.

Which has many perks... like going on sponsored surf trips and scoring. Or having free professional surf instruction. But there’s one underlying advantage that’s cherished far above these, and Kepa - even at his young age - has already laid claim to it.

i

t’s 9:30 pm and the

fiddle with a fishing pole

Mendia house is buzz-

and Egan, the older brother

ing. All lights are on,

in the Mendia clan, also

illuminating the wet side-

within earshot, is playing

walk and before I reach

on an iPhone. Excitement

the door, I can hear chat-

is in the air.

ter that drones out the South Florida rainstorm.

So I ask. “Are you

After a single knock, the

guys headed

door swings open and

somewhere soon?”

t

inside the floors are terra cotta, the walls are plas-

“Yeah, Costa Rica in

tered with photos of Pete

two days” Pete says,

and company threading

only stopping to

stand up blue/green bar-

answer my question.

he “everyone will experience 15 minutes of

rels, there’s a half opened box full of leashes and

“Just you?”

fame” notion doesn’t

quite synonymize Peter

stickers in sight, and a

Mendia’s career because

handful of paper bags with

“Kepa, too!” says Ali.

the pro surfer is well

the Billabong logo are

“Right?

known in the global surf

lying on the living room

industry. And he’s espe-

table. After a quick but

Kepa looks up and shyly

surprised he’s up this late,

Kepa stays quiet. “It’s a bit

cially known in Palm

warm handshake, Pete

nods. The 9-year-old’s

but after all there is no

of a surprise” Pete says,

Beach. He defines surfing

continues fading back and

messy blonde hair is

school tomorrow.

coming back into the living

in the area as well as oth-

forth between rooms

creeping towards his

room. “Hey Kepa, you want

er Sunshine State meccas

while his wife - Ali -

shoulders and his eyes

“Do you know where

to show him your boards?”

(think Sebastian Inlet,

is sitting on the couch

look red from an overex-

you guys will be

watching young Kepa

posure to saltwater. I’m Photo:

surfing?”

I ask him.

Aurelius Ordway

New Smyrna, Cocoa Beach); he’s also notorious

Photos: Mendia Family

26 theatlanticcurrent.com

for the power he displays

er backwards. Never swat-

someone sitting on a couch.

not been for a family cel-

averages “a trip or two a

when carving any Califor-

ting at the mosquitoes

This photo landed on Surfer

ebration” he wouldn’t

month”, now has an equally

nian, Hawaiian or Indone-

that lay eggs in the murky

Magazine’s cover, with the

have been in town for the

blonde travel partner.

sian wave. Photos consis-

waters called stagnation.

caption “Hell & High Water”,

best waves South Florida

discussing Pete’s wave at a

had seen in decades.

tently surface of his blue water strike missions.

But at the same time, Pete

break that rarely sees

has favorites. Favorite trips,

waves - Pumphouse - and

At the time, Egan was 10

And Pete, I think, would

favorite waves, and the

the devastation that was

and Kepa was 6 and they

agree that there’s always a

same goes for surf photos,

Hurricane Sandy.

both watched from the

better wave out there...

like the one where he’s

that next surf session can

standing tall while a furious

truly be better than the

dark lip curls over his head.

last. It’s what makes surf-

w

e’re standing

in Kepa’s room,

which is taken

safe confines of shore. But

up by surf posters, a bunk

I interviewed Pete follow-

three years later, Kepa is

bed filled with Dad’s surf-

ing the swell (for this bi-

taller, stronger, and has

boards, and 1st place tro-

The wave looks fast and

monthly magazine you’re

seen enough images and

phies. I’m crouched down

ing so special: consistently

expert only, yet Pete looks

holding in your hands),

videos and live sessions of

to Kepa’s level examining

moving forward and nev-

to have a resting heart of

and he said that “had it

Dad ripping. Pete, who

this impressive quiver of

theatlanticcurrent.com 27

CURRENTS

ACTION SPORTS

his, and Pete is standing in

in a print magazine, right?

ous answers, I’m realizing.

the background, beaming.

I can’t imagine starting off

Of course his dad is one of

in such a big…”

his favorite surfers. Earlier, Pete was telling me

“This one is a 4’ 4”.”

“It was!” pipes in Ali. “It

about how Reef Road used

“What about the one you

was his first shot in a print

to break...before the sand-

showed me earlier?”

magazine.” Now at the

bars shifted. And when

dinner table, Pete reaches

talking about a fun, “per-

towards a stack of surf

fect” wave, Kepa stopped

magazines and pulls out

him mid-sentence, staring

Pete’s shaper - Todd Proctor,

the trophy: a copy of Surf-

him in the pupils.

of Proctor surfboards - has

er Magazine, which has a

made these boards for

photo of California’s Mav-

“You’re lying...” to which

Kepa, and given their size

ericks detonating into a

Pete smiled and responded

and weight, they resemble

golden but dangerous ex-

“nope. I’m dead serious”.

large, delicately crafted

plosion, with a hooded

“Oh that’s a 4’ 7”.”

I’m sure Kepa wants to surf like a pro, but he doesn’t

I’m sure Kepa wants to surf like a pro, but he doesn’t need that desire right now.

Everything should be fun.

need that desire right now.

Everything should be fun. I don’t want to give his subconscious reason to think about pressure, and his

kickboards, but with fins,

figure escaping through

favorite spot is wherever

leashes, stickers, wax and

the barrel on the cover.

his Dad is, wherever Mom

traction pads. Sponsors like

There’s identical issues

takes him, or some exotic

Nomad Surf Shop, Electric,

underneath it, and I notice

location that few his age

Freak Traction and others

that the stack is covering

have ever been to. Like

each have a space on the

up the cover of Pete’s own

Costa Rica.

foam, and one older look-

“Hell & High Water” photo.

ing board has a sharpie

I say goodnight to Ali and

drawn billabong logo

He flips to a creased page

Egan and bid safe travels

on the nose.

and there it is: an overhead

to Kepa and Pete, and

(for Kepa, double over-

step back into the night.

Kepa hands me a bright

head) blue barrel breaking

Instead of excitement,

yellow and newer looking

in sand with a tiny figure

humility fills the air.

board. This one has an

half covered up, half pok-

actual Billabong sticker

ing out the blue. The cap-

Two days later, I see on

planted on the right side

tion reads ‘Eight year old

social media that Pete and

of the nose.

Kepa Mendia, making the most of gromhood.’

“Tell him about the wave

Kepa are off to Costa. The take a before bed shower,

the lip, you’ll go end over

photo posted shows Pete,

Pete hands me the maga-

end and get a true taste

blonde hair and beard flow-

of the beach break.

ing, wearing a Billabong

you caught on that board,”

“That was Veteran’s Day. I

zine. “You see that? he says,

Pete says.

remember because he

pointing at Kepa’s hand

was off of school,” says Ali.

placement in the photo….or

Minutes later, Kepa is back

Shop hat, standing in front

“The wave that was in

Pete stands in the back-

lack thereof. “Look at that...

and his hair is wet and he

of the duo’s board bags.

Surfer Magazine...I was

ground, smiling.

no rail. I wasn’t doing that

looks even more tired. I

at 8 years old.”

wanted to ask him stan-

And beside him is Kepa,

dard journalist-like ques-

blonde hair alike and

riding this,” Kepa says shyly.

After this magazine photo

shirt and a Nomad Surf

hit the international news-

I wasn’t either, and I cer-

tions, like who is favorite

wearing a Billabong shirt

“You’ve seen the photo,

stands, Kepa scored yet

tainly don’t know if I’d

surfer is, if he wants to

with a Nomad Surf Shop

right? Pete asks, leading

another print segment in a

even paddle for the wave.

surf like a pro, and some-

hat. Of the many hashtags

me into the kitchen.

recent Eastern Surf Maga-

It looks like a typical Palm

thing about where he likes

written on the post, one

zine issue, and according to

Beach dredger: if you

to surf the most.

predictably sticks out of

“Absolutely! I say. “But that

Pete, there’s more on the

don’t drop in quickly and

wasn’t his first surf photo

way. When Kepa leaves to

immediately get under

28 theatlanticcurrent.com

the crowd. It reads: But all of these yield obvi-

#Billabongbloodlines.

CURRENTS ARTS

HOW I GOT

THE SHOT WITH TONY ARRUZA

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Tony Arruza is blessed to have a passion for his work and with this comes a commitment to perfection. While perfection is never attained the challenge remains and it is in this challenge that Tony blends his visual sensitivity, his compassion for humanity and his love for nature into images that captivate, motivate and inspire. There is nothing false about his images; rather they are true to the rhythm of life.

Tony resides in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and has spent close to thirty years working professionally as a photographer for editorial and commercial clients. His fine art work is collected by both private individuals and corporate companies and has had numerous one-man shows at galleries throughout the region. He controls the entire print process from precise image capture to print making and framing. Nothing is spared in quality.

Besides his devotion to photography Tony loves surfing, adventure travel, a good bottle of wine and working on his golf game and yoga.

30 theatlanticcurrent.com

r

ecently, while in

ers perspective, that is,

cans fly in as only my head

Southern California

from the water. More chal-

was above the surface of

working on a couple of

lenging, however, would be

the water but come they

surfboards for my 15 Surf-

to try and juxtapose them

did. It was then a matter of

boards by 15 Shapers proj-

with surfers and waves.

lining up the surfers and

ect, I kept noticing flocks of

One clear morning with

pelicans in one shot or,

pelicans flying over the

glassy head high waves at

even more difficult, lining

surf zone. Their graceful

Carlsbad beach I swam out

up a surfer on a wave with

glide over the surface of

to the breaking zone. I car-

the pelicans. Eventually a

the ocean using wind cur-

ried with me a Nikon D3s

few opportunities present-

rents and pressure gradi-

camera body with a 35mm

ed themselves and I was

ents has always mesmer-

f/2.0 Nikkor lens encased

able to capture them. Tech-

ized me and thought it

in a custom made SPL wa-

nically I shot on aperture

would be beautiful to pho-

ter housing. It was hard

priority with the aperture

tograph them from a surf-

seeing the flocks of peli-

set at f/6.3 and the ISO set at 200. Shutter speed, set by the camera, was 1/800 of a second. This is a beautiful image to me because it shows the three elements: surfer, wave and pelicans, demanding equal attention from the viewer though gladly letting the others bask in the moment.

It’s about beauty, fun and coexistence. Â

CURRENTS

THE BITE

“

Offshore, on days with southeast winds it’s a great time for swordfish — go out to 1500-1800 feet of water and put your bait down on the bottom with a bonita belly or dolphin belly with a 150 foot leader and literally drag the bait along the bottom and the swordfish are very thick.

t

”

he months of Septem-

lot of people believe drift

out around 4 in the after-

Offshore, on days with

ber and October are

boats don’t catch many fish

noon, head down to the

southeast winds it’s a great

great times to fish in

— if you go where the drift

inlet and grab some

time for swordfish — go

South Florida. We

boats come in every day at

chum—some sardines

out to 1500-1800 feet of

finally get rid of the after-

12 and 5 o’clock and again

or ballyhoo and go out

water and put your bait

noon rain storms and we’re

at 9 or 10 o’clock at night

of the inlet into 60-90 feet

down on the bottom with

starting to get a lot of king-

you’d be shocked to see

of water and drift. You can

a bonita belly or dolphin

fish, the dolphin are defi-

how many fish they bring

catch several days’ worth

belly with a 150 foot leader

nitely still here, the blackfin

in. You can drift and catch

of meals for very little

and literally drag the bait

tuna are around and reef

yellowtail and mutton

money since the cost of

along the bottom and the

fishing is excellent. You

snapper, some mangrove

fuel is down about 50%.

swordfish are very thick.

have a wide variety of

snapper, and cobia, usually

choices of how to fish; most

around the full moon.

of the folks going out early

It’s also the time of year Also this time of year we

when we catch what we

start to see the annual

call a pumpkin swordfish

in the morning either catch

A lot of our customers here

migration of mullet and

which is a pink meat fish

or have live bait, and you

at Custom Rod and Reel go

bait fish on the beach. You

and we think they’re pink

can go out and catch a sail-

can stand on the beach

because they have a diet

fish in 90-120 feet of water

and see these mammoth

of squid and pink shrimp..

any day of the week. Mixed

GETTING READY TO BUY A ROD AND REEL?

schools of mullet heading

It’s important that you get the right rig, right line, and right gear in your tackle box. Visit Custom Rod and Reel and get expert, local advice. Call, email, or stop by.

954-781-5600 1835 NE 25th St., Lighthouse Point anreels@bellsouth.net www.antiquereels.com

in with the sailfish is a large abundance of kingfish and this time of the year you’ll find what we call smoker kings, anywhere from 20-40 pounders. They will bite goggle eyes, blue runners, bullet bonitas, and pilchards.

But remember, you don’t have to live bait. You can go out and drift sardines, just like the drift boats. A

32 theatlanticcurrent.com

down the coastline and all

Snook season will be back

of a sudden they start to

open and you can keep one

shower –I call it “the great-

to eat. The mullet and bait

est show on earth”. You’ve

fish will also get up into the

got tarpon going through

canals and you can fish in

them and you can watch

your back yards; use your

the sharks literally surf

dock lights and you’ll see

down the waves with their

there’s plenty of fish around.

mouth open. Mixed in

It’s a great time of year for a

you’ll find jacks, and snook

wide variety of fish.

right at the edge of the surf, the barracuda are

Tight lines and good fishin’!

thick, and there’s also some bluefish.

By Tom Greene

THE REEL DEAL DO THESE THINGS TO KEEP YOUR REELS HUMMIN’ 1. When you come in, don’t wash your reels off heavily.

SLIGHTLY MIST YOUR REEL AND ROD, WIPE THEM OFF,

and just let them dry.

2. Your reel handles, and your bale related parts tend to corrode the worst, so PUT A LITTLE BIT OF OIL OR CORROSION BLOCKS ON THOSE MECHANISMS. Do

not over-oil.

3. On spinning reels, take the spool off, reach inside and ADD A FEW DROPS OF OIL ON THE REEL SHAFT AND WIND IT and let the oil

go inside the reel. This will help prevent corrosion.

4. Try to avoid running with your rods and reels on the gunnel when it’s rough–raise them up to your overhead rod holders. If you have to keep them in the gunnels, USE ROD AND REEL COVERS UNTIL YOU GET TO YOUR FISHING DESTINATION. Photo: Perrin James

CURRENTS Q&A

Resort/Spring Collection Coming This December

www.poemaswim.com @poemaswim

Andrea de Abreu Photographed by Alessandra Fiorini

34 theatlanticcurrent.com

By Doug Fairall Photos by Ben Hicks

Five years ago, a brewing renaissance was born in a little tea and hookah bar in Boca Raton. Ryan Sentz, along with brother KC Sentz, moved their years old college-age-oriented lounge down the street a few blocks to formally begin the Funky Buddha Lounge and Brewery.

“I still go back there and I’ll still help them brew

beer drinker it always bothered me when some-

on certain days,” Ryan tells me during an after-

one said a beer was going to taste like something

noon at their current 40,000 square foot Oakland

and then you had to really search for it. If we say

Park production brewery. “I’m not fully removed

we are brewing a ham sandwich beer, we want

from it, but it’s definitely weird to think that there

you taste the ham, rye, and mustard!”

are days here where we’ll brew the same amount that we brew all year there. If we’re lucky, we’ll

There has yet to be a ham sandwich beer from the

hit 200 barrels there, but we’ll do 180 barrels in a

brewery, but what has flowed out is nothing short

day here...it’s... mind boggling.”

of influential. Beers like Key Lime Berliner, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Randy’s Old Fashioned,

In 2010, Sentz and his brother opened up in

Veruca Snozzberry Gose, and Blueberry Cobbler

that small Boca Raton location with a 55 gallon

homebrew-like system. Back then his staff was

form just a small percentage of what the brewery

small and his customers were just getting into

experiments with in the recipe department.

craft beer. The explosive growth that we see today was just in its infancy in South Florida,

“My favorite thing is the recipe creation,” Sentz

and generally only the bigger craft beer brands

explains. “That’s my favorite part about it. Concep-

were readily available in the marketplace.

tualizing, and then seeing the end product. Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s awful.”

He began brewing and focusing on interesting culinary-inspired beer styles. When Ryan com-

Sometimes it creates an international sensa-

mented to the Daily Beast earlier this year at the

tion. Take the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, a

Extreme Beer Festival in Boston, he said, “As a

beer that defines the brewery for a lot of

36 theatlanticcurrent.com

theatlanticcurrent.com 37

38 theatlanticcurrent.com

people. Created in the then primary brewing

distribution model to one with core bottled

facilities of the Lounge, MBCP (as it’s short-

flagship beers and a rotating seasonal selec-

ened to by the beer-geoisie) was created at

tion of some of those famously flavorful

just the right time in the exploding craft

brews. Though the new and improved Hop

beer movement in America. In an instant,

Gun IPA and Floridian Hefeweizen are solid

MBCP became the number one rated porter

in their style in their own right, the beer

on the beer rating site BeerAdvocate, while

geeks of the world will be gunning for the

the brewery itself was launched to the num-

seasonals, which will include the highly

ber 27 best ranked brewery in the world

rated Last Snow, a white chocolate and

according to commenters on RateBeer. No

coconut porter, as their winter beer.

small feat for a small brewery that wasn’t even open for 12 months.

Funky Buddha is a fluid place as well, and I’m not talking about the fact that they make beer, but the fact that the beer they make will change over time.

“We’ve had guys here say ‘I think this [beer] would be better’,” Sentz admits. “[And] we’ve changed it. We’ve changed Hop Gun, and I think have made it better.

We always look at it like, let’s taste it and see if can we make this better and how.

There’s nothing that’s ever set in stone here. I want the best beer. It doesn’t matter if I made it 10 years ago or just made it now.”

“Right now, I think the Hop Gun is tasting better than it ever has. It’s just...

I love it.”

Towards the end of 2014, the brewery entered into their next phase of evolution, transitioning from a strictly keg-only

theatlanticcurrent.com 39

One of the brewery’s most recent collaborations had the team work with craft beer royalty Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery, joining forces in brewing a beer that contained, among other ingredients, salt from the seashores from both brewery locations. The porter, previously called ‘NanoNano’ (an ode to each brewery’s small origins), is now called Cabotage, a term for inter-coastal trading between cities.

“Someone on their side came up with that great name,” Ryan shared. ”Plus it sounds like Sabotage from the Beastie Boys, so we’re like, ‘Yep, that works too’.”

This will be their second time brewing this beer with Sam from Dogfish Head, but Ryan still feels humbled to be a part of the big brewers in the industry.

“You almost feel guilty sometimes. You see these guys who’ve been around for 20 years… it’s crazy that I’ve become friends with [them].

You definitely don’t feel worthy to be talking to these people, and you also feel like, these guys have put in work and did this before craft really was booming. We’re getting invited to a lot of these festivals and getting the notoriety, and a lot of it is because of those websites like BeerAdvocate and RateBeer that really weren’t as popular before, so they had a much more grassroots approach. We got heard about when we were on a 30 gallon system—that’s stupid. We’re like the Arctic Monkeys of craft beer. They didn’t even play a show and they had a million albums sold.”

40 theatlanticcurrent.com

As for the facility itself, there’s been a lot of growth, seemingly every week, when new multi-barrel fermenters get installed at breakneck speeds to keep up with demand. Still, there are avenues of growth in which the brewery wants to expand beyond simply beer capacity. When the brewery first opened, a lot of people were curious about why they didn’t have food, Ryan explained. It was because they wanted to concentrate, firstly and solely, on the beer. “Having a restaurant and doing food, especially if you wanted to be good, was a completely separate business.” He compared it to going to a really good restaurant and seeing a terrible wine and beer menu. It was something he wanted to avoid until the time was right.

“It’s still a very casual place; you see people come in here dressed up, and people in shorts and sandals. And we didn’t want to change that,” he said.

“Let’s make it a craft food counter, where it’s very casual too... We want to work out something where people can order from their phone, order from a kiosk. Good food, but hopefully more things that are more shareable. A permanent food truck inside.”

If there’s one thing beyond food, beyond expansion, and beyond the fame that comes with creating such highly rated beers that Ryan wants to get back into, it’s moving away from the minutia of the day-to-day operations and “get back to being able to play around with it a little more, with recipes and trying to come up with some more stuff. That, and working hand-in-hand with Kevin at the Lounge and making that truly what we wanted it to be, which was a test kitchen. So it’s good for me, I can get back into creating again.”

theatlanticcurrent.com 41

HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY From 4-7pm and 9pm-close

A taste of our local food culture

TRUCKIN’

Parabas Grill

The k c u r t d o fo s i r e v takeo

P.S. 561

Out Of Many Photos: Kelly Coulson

[ STOMACHS, MEET YOUR MAKER: [

acos BC T

.

W NO

By Savannah Sheehan

theatlanticcurrent.com 43

MUNCH

TRUCKIN’ dogs attributes his initial

ery” which makes the nec-

success to taking a leap of

essary, traditional New

faith and introducing his

England style roll. This is

gourmet dogs to the gen-

not your basic Oscar Meyer

eral public at “the right

wiener. At P.S. 561 tradition

time.” At that time there

meets ingenuity with such

were only a few food

signature hot dog creations

trucks, mostly in Miami.

as the “Principal Ron”—

“We were one of maybe

named after Aaron’s friend

three gourmet trucks in

Ron— a choice of a stan-

the Palm Beach area,” says

dard ‘dog, turkey ‘dog, or

Aaron. But, P.S. 561 totally

veggie ‘dog, topped with

impressed patrons at the

goat cheese, bacon, and

first food truck event in

sweet BBQ sauce. The

2011 at the Boca Raton

“Doug E Fresh” parallels the

Boomers. Four years later,

aforementioned hot dog

“

His cuisine doesn’t require a mastery of kitchen skills, but Aaron has a PHD in hot dogs and simply knows what tastes great in synergy.

“

with bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, and 561 sauce. No detail goes unthought of when it comes to this food

P.S. 561

T

The hot dog

wheels devoted to the hot

stand, once an

dog. Born in New York

American tradi-

and living in the New

truck. The essence of the 80’s old school hip hop era

P.S. 561 can be found at

tion found on street cor-

England area until he was

the “Food Truck Invasion”

envelopes you upon ap-

ners throughout New

eighteen, Aaron moved to

on has a PHD in hot dogs

or sitting outside a local

proach. “It’s grass roots. It’s

York City, never seemed

South Florida with no

and simply knows what

office building.

not fancy, it’s fun,” Aaron

to translate well to the

conception that he’d one

tastes great in synergy.

tropical Floridian metro-

day own a food truck. But

Initially acquiring skills in

Aaron prides himself in

different hot dogs, which he

politan areas. That is un-

apparently he missed this

the food management

sourcing local, authentic,

creates on his own with no

til Aaron Merullo took

popular ball park, street

industry for ten years,

fresh products. One of his

plan of slowing down.

matters into his own

corner treat. His cuisine

Aaron, with the support of

secrets is his blissfully but-

hands and created P.S.

doesn’t require a mastery

his wife, along with his

tery buns that are bought

@ps561

561-- a 16 foot kitchen on

of kitchen skills, but Aar-

nostalgic interest in hot

daily from “Old School Bak-

www.ps561.com

44 theatlanticcurrent.com

states. P.S. 561 offers eleven

T

“To look into

Gaining his knowledge of

Scoti optimistic. There

lifted. He attributes his

me.” The menu, comprised

someone’s

the food industry from

were umpteen times when

success to “delivering

of what Scoti dubs “con-

twenty years of experi-

he shared that he had a

quality food and service.”

temporary street food,”

bite into something you

ence with Carmine’s, as

“plan B.” Despite the strug-

made for them, well, that’s

well as a Food Manage-

gle, Scoti chose to not be

With a foot in the door,

tion from crabcake sliders

very important,” beams

ment degree from

defeated in a drought of

and a grip on the industry,

and cheesesteak tacos to

food truck owner Scoti

Florida State, Scoti ulti-

popularity for food trucks.

Scoti and the

Sabatino. The tenacity and

mately sought an inde-

After being in business for

Parabas Grill

passion he has invested in

pendent lifestyle where he

three years, his morale has

attend food

Parabas Grill is apparent

could find solace in cook-

in the versatile, constantly

ing intimately for face-

evolving menu. There is

to-face customers. Business

no one genre Parabas falls

partner Tony Gutierrez

into. “I can do whatever I

funded Scott’s dream with

want,” Scoti shares, that

the purchase of their truck.

being one of the reasons

Even with the initial feat

he entered the business

out of the way, Parabas’s

— culinary freedom.

first year did not render

offers a wide-range selec-

PARABAS GRILL

truck gatherings anywhere from Miami to Port St. Lucie, as well as a medley of cater-

fish ‘n chips, as well as

ing opportunities. Parabas

sweet treats like coconut

Grill menu can change

rice pudding. This “arti-

drastically for their cater-

sanal project” is main-

“

There is no one genre Parabas falls into. “I can do whatever I want,” Scoti shares, that being one of the reasons he entered the business — culinary freedom.

“

eyes when they

ing events, including but

tained and executed by

not limited to shrimp and

Scoti Sabatino with kitch-

grits, bangers and mash,

en-aid from volunteers

and eggs benedict. Influ-

that maintain other pro-

enced by popular demand,

fessions in the field.

Scoti primarily delegates what to cook based off of

@parabasgrill

“fun stuff, that is fun for

www.parabasgrill.com

theatlanticcurrent.com 45

MUNCH

TRUCKIN’

O

Out of many?

Out of what?

Popular ques-

tions for food truck owner,

OUT OF MANYCAFE

Haiz Miller of Out of Many variety of customers to

bean twist” is the slogan

enjoy. Two worlds com-

for this Jamaican truck.

bine with entrees like cur-

The thought provoking

ry shrimp, jerk chicken

name is the “motto” of

with french fries, BBQ

Jamaica, “Out of Many,

wings, oxtail, and more.

One people.” The name

Oxtail is a very tough meat

allows Haiz to speak to the American-Jamaican community along with the general public. To initiate something unfamiliar does not always come with ease. The name serves as a hook for inquisitive peo-

“

“

Cafe. “Food with a Carib-

The thought provoking name is the “motto” of Jamaica, “Out of Many, One people.” The name allows Haiz to speak to the American-Jamaican community along with the general public.

to stray from the food truck get togethers, although they did participate in their early days. In like manner of the aforementioned food trucks, Out of Many Cafe caters upon request. Social me-

ple, and once their atten-

that Haiz braises for hours

became a chef at the Four

their fourth year in busi-

dia and word of mouth

tion is directed to the food,

until incredibly tender.

Seasons, but had an eye on

ness, when asked if he felt

incite this family owned

the food truck scene. He

fulfilled, Haiz responded,

business, and is the best

the transition becomes easier. The unknown is

Originally born in Jamaica,

noticed the surrounding

“When I cook for people

way to track down their

often a weary place to

Haiz moved to the UK to

trucks did not offer what

and they come to me and

enticing cuisine.

venture, and knowing this,

serve in the Army as a chef

he could, and so he and his

tell me it was good, I feel

Haiz has constructed his

until he found residence in

wife paved the way for Out

a high. I’m buzzin’ right

Facebook: Out of Many

menu to be versatile for a

Florida. In the States Haiz

of Many Cafe. Working on

now.” Out of Many tends

Cafe

46 theatlanticcurrent.com

A

America…the

his culinary skills. Starting

tinuously offer unique

and other local breweries.

would find on the truck,

land of fast

with a career in Food and

options. BC Tacos still ap-

They also frequent the

this location offers a more

Beverage management,

pease the masses with the

“Food Truck Invasion” as

extensive menu with inno-

net and fast food. But “fast

the incredible flavor of

familiar steak and chicken

well as other mega food

vative twists on mac n

food” has gotten a bad rap.

a fish taco sent Brett

tacos, but one of the pre-

truck gatherings.

cheese, grilled cheese, and

The word on the street is,

on a different vocational

mier sellers is the fried

“it is not healthy for us.”

path. He became infatu-

avocado taco, which Brett

BC Tacos boasts a perma-

the beloved American

New discoveries have been

ated with creating and

states “gets all the press.”

nent residence, dubbed

cookbook. Headed by Brett,

made that may say other-

preparing tacos. This fas-

Diving into its fifth year,

the “BC Café,” in Davie, FL.

the BC empire plans to

wise. Wow! Wake up,

cination fueled the inspi-

BC Tacos patrols the

On weekends it trans-

continuously grow.

America and smell the

ration for the BC (a clever

streets of South Florida.

forms to a culinary desti-

tacos! Sheknows.com says

combination of Brett’s own

They can often be found

nation. Alongside the

@BC_Tacos

B.C Tacos is “one of the

initials and his simplistic

outside of Funky Buddha

infamous staples one

www.bctacos.com

“

healthiest food trucks in

many more dishes from

approach) food truck.

B.C Tacos is “one of the healthiest food trucks in the US.” All for just three bucks a taco.

“

the US.” They roll out to the

These tacos do not resem-

streets and provide fast-

ble “traditional” Hispanic

food that tastes delicious

cuisine. BC Tacos diversi-

and is made with quality

fies themselves with their

ingredients. Plus, all for

“modern American twist.”

just three bucks a taco.

Their “gringo” style taco

“

cars, fast inter-

BC TACOS

menu was originally creHaving two chefs as par-

ated by Brett, but he con-

ents, BC Owner Brett Chia-

stantly collaborates with

vari “was raised in the

his team of twelve to con-

kitchen.” While most kids played with GI Joes and Legos, he quickly honed

theatlanticcurrent.com 47

SCENE ➼

6

Nightlife, events and more

BAR BUZZ ❘❘ SNAPS

CRAFT BEER BARS You Need To Visit

by Doug Fairall

[ LASER WOLF ]

Situated in an older off-

and full of beer enthusi-

white stuccoed building

asts. Hipster? No, that

Chris and Jordan Bellus

with a clay tile roof, from

word’s retired now. These

have been slinging beers

the outside the place looks

are regular folk looking for

off Progresso Drive in Fort

straight out of Southern

some damn good beer,

Lauderdale since 2011,

California. On the inside, a

and that’s happening

where the brothers, along

cozy angled space with

at Laser Wolf.

with Pat Rothblatt, have

prominent bar and glass

managed to create some-

blocks give rise to an

The owners are notorious

thing special.

atmosphere that’s jerk-free

for coming up with an

Photos: Kelly Coulson

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➼BAR BUZZ appropriate spread of local and regional wares including Cigar City’s Cubano Espresso Brown, Stone’s Enjoy By, and Founders Devil Dancer. Don’t be fooled by the gleam of beers that are all the rage; they’re not afraid to show some of the PBR love either.

While there is no kitchen on site, food trucks make it a frequent stop, so there’s usually an excuse to just hang out into the wee hours.

On the inside, a cozy angled space with prominent bar and glass blocks give rise to an atmosphere that’s jerk-free and full of beer enthusiasts. Hipster? No, that word’s retired now.

Over the years they’ve won numerous awards, including nabbing a highlight on Draft Magazine’s list of America’s 100 best beer bars for 2015, a feat that put them in the company of only one other Florida bar. Even all of that national attention won’t change how things are done here, which is a good thing. Drink good beer, don’t be a jerk, enough said.

[ LION & EAGLE ]

not such a rare occasion that you’ll find patrons with their dogs enjoying a pint or two.

The decor is decidedly British, the televisions are always showing a match of association

Lion and Eagle also seeks to supply one of

football, and the beer is always flowing. That’s

the most robust can-centric lineups in the

the way things have been done at the Lion and

area, which, for fans of fresh beer, means

Eagle Pub for years. Nestled in one of east

that the good stuff will stay good for longer,

Boca’s many strip malls just north of 20th

and the risk of a light- struck bottle is out

Street, Lion and Eagle has slowly emerged

the window. Cans are cool.

In addition to the plethora of alcoholic beverages, the kitchen works day and night to pump out traditional pub favorites, which are welcome when tackling the sometimes all-too-high alcohol beers that breweries are putting out these days. as a craft beer haven after focusing on

In addition to the plethora of alcoholic beverages,

traditional pub beers for years. Now, Magners

the kitchen works day and night to pump out

and Guinness sit side by side with Funky

traditional pub favorites, which are welcome

Buddha Nib Smuggler and Oskar Blues Pinner

when tackling the sometimes all-too-high alcohol

Throwback Session IPA.

beers that breweries are putting out these days.

Fish and chips, scotch eggs, and the all important

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The change is welcomed by the local crowds

Full English Breakfast are a must-have when

who run the mix of European ex-pats to

faced with the quandary of filling your stomach

university students to local dog lovers. Yes, it’s

with something other than alcohol.

SCENE

CHEF PROFILE

RIVERSIDE MARKET ]

everyone’s an equal under the umbrella of a

If you aren’t looking for it, you’d never find it.

Food is available as well, from a surprisingly

What was once a run down convenience store in

well-stocked kitchen, and runs through the

the middle of the Riverside neighborhood in Fort

typical cafe-style menu items of sandwiches,

Lauderdale is now the epicenter of the craft beer

tacos, and some pretty badass pizzas.

[

enthusiasts world. Hundreds and hundreds of beers are stacked in over a dozen floor to ceiling refrigerators with every beer style imaginable in stock. From hefeweizen to gose to IPA to stout to barrel aged to fruited. It’s all there. And if it’s not, it’s probably super rare, and owners Lisa and Julian Siegel have it stashed away for a special release event.

The open concept establishment, with tables

➼

good glass of well crafted beer.

Rich lawyers mingle with college-aged musicians who mingle with doctors who mingle with restaurant workers: it’s a vibe where everyone’s an equal under the umbrella of a good glass of well crafted beer.

and sofas taking up most of the space, is frequently jam packed with people making

And the kicker to all of this? It’s based on the

their way off the main streets of Las Olas and

honor system. You just grab your beer out of

Broward to find a bit of comforting solace.

the cooler, pop it open from one of the many

Rich lawyers mingle with college-aged musi-

hanging bottle openers, and swig away. At the

cians who mingle with doctors who mingle

end of the night, collect your empties and cash

with restaurant workers: it’s a vibe where

out. It’s almost like being at home.

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➼

[ BREWHOUSE GALLERY ]

The bar itself features dozens upon dozens of taps (52 at last count) for beers ranging

When it’s time to relax and get slightly funky in

from traditional wheat beers like Bell’s Oberon

Lake Park, there’s no better place than Brew-

and blonde ales like Wynwood Brewing’s

house Gallery. The art gallery-slash-live music

La Rubia, to sour winter warmers like Jolly

venue holds its own as a source for incredible

Pumpkin’s Noel de Calabaza and special

craft beer in central Palm Beach County.

releases from all over the world such as Italy’s Brewfist Italian Ales. A vast majority

Described as “part eclectic hipster lounge, part

is sourced in-state, with some impressive

modern New York art gallery,” by owner and

showings from both Miami and Tampa

artist AJ Brockman, Brewhouse Gallery opened

Bay area.

to acclaim in 2014, helping to transform the arts district of Lake Park into a destination for

To complete the performance art piece, for

those seeking a bit of bohemian outside the

those who want a preview of what kind of

regular drags of West Palm Beach. It’s the place

crowd to expect when you travel out there,

to have a great beer and soak in an artistic vibe

the Brewhouse features a couple of live

without a wall of televisions, an atmosphere

cameras scattered about the space where

that is sorely lacking as of late.

digital voyeurs can get their thrills.

Photos: Nathan Hamler

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BAR BUZZ

➼

veterans in the food biz, having opened Gratify Gastropub in West Palm Beach, while having experience working for the Breakers in Palm Beach and Goose Island Brewing in Chicago.

It’s this mix of experience that has put them to work to create somewhere that seems to come straight out of Asheville, North Carolina.

There’s as much seating inside as there is out, in true South Florida fashion, and ends up

[

BEER TRADE CO. ]

being a gathering spot for locals about town.

The selection is always on point. Recently featured beers included Terrapin Maggie’s

Half a block north of the main strip of ‘The

Blackberry Cobbler and Points Unknown IPA

Ave’ in Delray Beach, on NE 4th Avenue, lies

from Stone Brewery, Ecliptic Brewing, and

an unassuming building that houses a hot

Wicked Weed Brewing.

gathering place for beer drinking locals in

It’s a gathering spot in Delray Beach that won’t break the bank, especially for the 20-somethings that seem to call it home. It’s a perfect addition to the area that was much needed in Delray Beach.

southern Palm Beach County. The Beer Trade Company, which opened in 2014, serves up grab-from-the-cooler beer following the honor system code perfected by southern neighbors The Riverside Market, alongside decadent pub grub like the beer-marinated chicken wings, house-made roasted and stuffed jalapeños, and pulled pork sliders with

[ COFFEE DISTRICT ]

jalapeño red cabbage slaw. It’s a mix to whet

It’s a gathering spot in Delray Beach that won’t

anyone’s after work appetite.

break the bank, especially for the 20-somethings

Just north of Atlantic Avenue in eastern Delray

that seem to call it home. It’s a perfect addition to

Beach is a small 1,600 square coffee shop that

the area that was much needed in Delray Beach.

doubles as a craft beer bar. The coffee and tea

Owners Gene Playter and Chris Sanchez are

make up the bulk of the daytime operations, and when the sun sets Coffee District pours forth out of 18 curated taps and dozens upon dozens of bottles ranging from the simple 12 ounce bottle to bombers to 750 milliliters.

Run by the charismatic Chung, who loves to share his knowledge and educate those willing to sit down and enjoy a glass of beer, Coffee District is a worthy stop on the beer trail of Delray Beach.

For the longest time, Chung was one of the only establishments with a dedicated sour beer tap, rotating in and out of lambics, goses and other sour beers. He continues on that tradition in keeping an incredible array of uncommon kegs ready at a moment’s notice to replace another that kicks. With beers like J Wakefield Symbiote Black IPA, Barrel of Monks S’Tart, Lost Coast Great White, and Great Divide Chocolate Oaked aged Yeti, they’re bound to kick quick.

It’s at Coffee District that locals seeking both kinds of buzz can easily transition from beer to coffee and not have to even leave their couch. It’s this unique atmosphere that sets Coffee District apart from every other bar on the Ave.

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➼SNAPS

Chef vs. Chef Weeks 9 & 10

Presented by Max’s Harvest

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Photos: Kelly Coulson

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8/25/15 11:28 AM