ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – May/June 2024

Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO

Leah Saporito, PA-C

Dr. Michael Mikolajczak is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who has been practicing conservative and surgical orthopedics for over 25 years in the western communities in Florida. He is blessed to be taking care of multiple generations of families. He practices comprehensive value based compassionate care. He specializes in conservative non-surgical care including the latest techniques in regenerative medicine. PRP/A2MG/STEM CELL in office procedures. He does the latest technology Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, Anterior Approach total hip arthroplasty. Tru-Match total knee arthroplasty. Dr Mike is active in the hospital and community. He has served multiple leadership roles throughout his tenure. Dr Mike has a dedicated team who has been with him for over 20 years.

Wellington Orthopedic Institute (WOI) provides compassionate orthopedic care with boutique service to patients in Wellington and surrounding communities. The WOI team takes pride in finding the very best possible solutions for patients’ orthopedic needs.

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• Reverse Total Shoulders

• Anterior Approach

Total Hips

• Foot And Ankle Injuries

• Neck/Back Non-surgical

• Workers Compensation/ Auto

Lee Friedman, M.D.

Randy Katz, M.D.

Barry Schechter, M.D., F.A.A.O.

Jonathan Criss, M.D.

Megan Rowlands, M.D., M.P.H.

Steven Naids, M.D.

Jonathan Lam, M.D, M.B.A.

James Walsh, O.D.

EYE CARE for the E ntire Family

• General Eye Care

• Laser Cataract Surgery

• Laser Vision Correction/LASIK

• Medical & Surgical Retina (Macular Degeneration/Diabetic Retinopathy)

• Diabetic Eye Exams

• Corneal Transplantation, Tumors & Lesions of the External Eye

• Medical & Surgical Glaucoma

• Advanced Dry Eye Care & Treatment

• Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus

• Eye Allergy Treatments

volume 4, number 3 MAY/JUNE 2024

executive editor

Joshua I. Manning

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers

Nancy Pobiak

Yolanda Cernicky

account managers

Betty Buglio

Evie Edwards

Joetta Palumbo

administration

Shanta Daibee

Jill Kaskel

Carol Lieberman photography

Abner Pedraza

contributors

Shannon Anastasio

Erin Davisson

Denise Fleischman

Frank Koester

Melanie Kopacz

Mike May

Callie Sharkey

Julie Unger

ROYAL PALM

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Phone: (561) 793-7606

Fax: (561) 793-1470

www.royalpalmthemagazine.com

published by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.

chairman/ceo

Barry S. Manning

Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2024, all rights reserved by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

Features

FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL PROJECT IS TAKING SHAPE

The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Project will create a Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue headquarters on Pike Road. Included at the memorial park will be a statue honoring those who have given their lives in service to the community. Learn how you can support this worthy project. BY JOSHUA MANNING

A WARM AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR PETS

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Royal Palm Beach is Puppy Cuts Pet Spa, a grooming salon owned and operated by Debra Hornfeldt and Denise Catalano. With a combined history of grooming expertise spanning more than three decades, Hornfeldt and Catalano have cultivated a warm and welcoming environment for pets and their owners. BY SHANNON ANASTASIO 17

Departments

ROYAL PALM TABLE

Expanding the local culinary scene, a unique take on Indian street food has arrived in Royal Palm Beach with the recent opening of Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine.

ROYAL PALM TODAY

The Village of Royal Palm Beach is undergoing an exciting transformation with the completion of new rental spaces, set to enhance the community’s offerings for gatherings and events. These include the new corporate pavilions at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park and the new Cypress Hall rental space.

from the publisher

This issue, we feature the planned Fallen Firefighter Memorial Project. Located just east of Royal Palm Beach, this wonderful project is being led by the Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County. This is such an amazing initiative that will honor those who have given their lives in service to the community. Learn how you can be part of it.

Next, we visit Puppy Cuts Pet spa, where owners Debra Hornfeldt and Denise Catalano have created a warm and welcoming environment for your furry friends, building upon their decades of grooming experience.

Royal Palm Table visits Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, which brings a unique take on Indian street food to the western communities. Masala Mantra, which opened recently in Royal Palm Beach, is the latest venture by the owners of the popular Aroma Indian Cuisine in West Palm Beach. Finally, Royal Palm Today looks at the new rental spaces that have enhanced the offerings available in the community, such as the new corporate pavilions at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park and the ongoing renovation of the old Village Meeting Hall into the new Cypress Hall rental space, which will be perfect for weddings, meetings and everything in between.

Congratulations to all the students in the Class of 2024 who are graduating this year. We are so proud of all your accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future!

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

CAFCI’s Cultural Diversity Day Returns To RPB Veterans Park

RPB’s Young At Heart Club Hosts Luncheon For Local Seniors Amber’s Animal Outreach Hosts Annual ‘Easter Pawty’ Event Royal Palm’s Scout Troop 111 Honors Three New Eagle Scouts

and Mayor Fred Pinto with new Eagle Scout William

Rhonda Ferrin-Davis

Hicks. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

CAFCI’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY RETURNS TO RPB VETERANS PARK

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted the annual Cultural Diversity Day event at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park on Saturday, May 11, featuring a wide array of cultural performances. The event included a variety of stands open to the public filled with different cultural foods for attendees to enjoy. There was also a diverse array of live entertainment, such as a mariachi band, a Latin band, solo performances and more.

(Left to right) Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara, Mayor Fred Pinto, Councilman Richard Valuntas and Councilwoman Jan Rodusky; the Hummingbird of Grace band on stage; singer Samara Lewis performs; and Shirley Morrison and Elet Cyris at the CAFCI booth.

(Left to right) Delcie Clarke, president of Jamaicans of the Palm Beaches, with Denise Brown and Heather Clarke; a Mexican mariachi band performs; and the Rio Cana Latin band on stage.

RPB’S YOUNG AT HEART CLUB HOSTS LUNCHEON

Royal Palm Beach’s Young at Heart Club hosted a luncheon on Friday, May 3 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Seniors enjoyed food, dance and entertainment from the musical group Jozay and Patti (José Davila and Patricia Davila) singing oldies.

(Left to right) Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas with Young at Heart board members Sandy Rubin, Barbara Patterson, Lorna Pearson and Dolly Hughes; Monique Lananna and Andres Palacio; Jem Foster and Primrose Graham; and Shakeera Thomas with Vice Mayor Jeff and Carolyn Hmara.

(Left to right) Francisco and Josepha Ramos with Carol Gabriel; Maria Gonzalez, Ellie Rosenshein and Susan Vogt; Yolanda Baron and Marina Joly; Susan Vogt, Pat Lavalley, Barbara Searles and Carol Gabriel on the dance floor; and the musical group Jozay and Patti (José Davila and Patricia Davila) perform.

Amber’s Animal Outreach held its annual “Easter Pawty” on Sunday, March 24 at Community Animal Hospital in Royal Palm Beach. Attendees enjoyed photos with the Easter Bunny, raffles, vendors and more. Learn more about Amber’s Animal Outreach at www.aaodog.org.

(Left to right) Vicki Giordano from Jake’s Bath House with Max; Amber’s Animal Outreach volunteers with the Easter Bunny; costume contest winners Gina DiPace with Millicent (first), sponsor Tammy Dugal, Maria McManus with Marshmellow and Sandy (second) and John McManus with Foxy Roxy (third); and Amber Nelson and sponsor Tammy Dugal from Community Animal Hospital visit with the Easter Bunny.

(Left to right) Goodie bag winners Billy Wood, Mariana Tascon and Valeria Tascon; Jacqui Dugal with her mother Tammy Dugal; puppy basket winner Eden Martinez with Amber Nelson; grand prize winner Mary Sergalis with Skye and Tammy Dugal of Community Animal Hospital; and Daniel Rodriguez and Danielle Ring of Cookies for Kel.

ROYAL PALM’S SCOUT TROOP 111 HONORS THREE NEW EAGLE SCOUTS

Royal Palm Beach’s BSA Troop 111, sponsored by CAFCI, held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, March 10 at Camp Davis in Loxahatchee Groves. Three scouts — Noah Cabrera, Ryan Goldberger and William Hicks — were honored for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting.

(Left to right) William Hicks, Ryan Goldberger and Noah Cabrera with their NESA Eagle Scout certificates and American flags from the Elks; Ryan McNally pins Noah Cabrera as Lori and Dennis Cabrera look on; Rhonda Ferrin-Davis and Mayor Fred Pinto with William Hicks, who received a scholarship from the Vivian and Adrienne Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund; and Noah Cabrera, Ryan Goldberger and William Hicks receive Bald Eagle Adoption certificates from CAFCI President Dennis Wright.

(Left to right) Troop 111 assistant scoutmasters Harold Williams, Ron Rice and Paul Estevez with Scoutmaster Ryan McNally; Jennifer, Ryan and David Goldberger; Noah Cabrera with his family; and William Hicks with his family.

“The lifelike statue holding a folded flag over the kneeling or fallen firefighter is a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who chose to serve their community. They chose to put the safety and needs of their neighbors over their own.”

— District Chief Amanda Vomero

FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL PROJECT

Retired Firefighters

Group Raising Money To Honor

All Those Who Have Made The Ultimate Sacrifice

BY JOSHUA MANNING

The Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County have a long history of projects that give back to the community, and that includes the nonprofit’s current effort toward creating a memorial to honor fallen firefighters.

The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Project will create a Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue headquarters on Pike Road. Included at the memorial park will be a statue honoring those who have given their lives in service to the community.

“We are always giving back to the community,” said Vicki Sheppard, president of the Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County. “We looked at what would be our fundraiser this year, and we have decided to give back to our fallen firefighters, creating something local to honor them.”

This unique project serves two purposes: design and designate the Fallen

Firefighter Memorial Park, which will contain a Fallen Firefighter statue, and to provide financial assistance for the families of fallen firefighters to attend national and state ceremonies honoring their heroes.

“The fallen firefighters’ statue in a memorial park seemed like a wonderful, lasting tribute to the fallen firefighter families,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard noted that many Palm Beach County firefighters have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their community. To honor them, the Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County partnered with the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County Local 2928 I.A.F.F. Inc. to create this memorial project, which will honor fallen firefighters from all departments in the county. The organizations have held fundraisers to bring this project to fruition but are also reaching out to the

community for financial support.

Fallen firefighters are those who have died as a result of occupational injuries or diseases, including heart and lung issues, and specific types of cancers. The local Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park will provide a central venue for ceremonies where fallen firefighter families will be honored and recognized for their sacrifices.

Firefighting is recognized globally as one of the most dangerous professions. In the United States, about 45 percent of firefighters’ on-duty deaths are due to cardiovascular events.

In addition, firefighters have a nine percent higher risk of an occupational cancer diagnosis and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from an occupational cancer than the general

The planned memorial park will be at a roundabout at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue headquarters.

The Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County acknowledge the dangers of firefighting and the unacceptably high rates that active and retired firefighters are passing away and believe that these sacrifices need to be memorialized locally.

“This project is important because the fallen firefighter families have given so much. Their spouses have given so much to serve the community. They lost their spouses at relatively young ages. The average age for our firefighter cancers deaths is 58 years old,” Sheppard said. “We try to make sure that they are remembered.”

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue is the primary agency providing lifesaving services for residents here in the western communities. A number of local families have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In 2008, PBCFR Capt. Butch Smith, who worked in The Acreage, was diagnosed with Stage 4 multiple myeloma and was initially given two years to live.

Smith took his cancer fight public, determined to raise awareness on firefighter cancers through fundraising events. For nearly nine years, he fought through stem cell therapy, hospital admissions and releases, rounds of chemotherapy and other procedures. Meanwhile, his annual fundraiser provided more than $250,000 to local charities. In 2017, Smith passed as valiantly as he lived.

In Royal Palm Beach, firefighters who merged into PBCFR from the village’s independent fire department in 1999 included Fire Marshal Tom Vreeland and Training Capt. Dave Haggerty. They passed away in 2011 and 2017,

respectively, from occupational cancers.

In Wellington, fallen firefighters to heart disease and occupational cancers included Capt. Earl Wooten in 2019. Prior to his death, Wooten and his wife Mary donated the Fallen Firefighter Remembrance Table that the Retired Firefighters use at their gatherings to remember “those who have gone before us.” Mary Wooten is now supporting the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Project. “A lot of people don’t have contact with firerescue families and don’t know what has happened to these guys,” Wooten said. She urged people from across the community to support this worthy project. “During their lives, the retired firefighters have given their all to help the community,” Wooten said. “They run in as people run out to help people and save lives. It is about time that everybody learns what these gentlemen did.”

Carrying on the family legacy, Wooten’s son, Earl II, is the fire chief at Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, while another son, John, works as a firefighter at Highlands County Fire Rescue.

Heart disease and cancers can affect all firefighters, regardless of department. In 2012, Eric Patrie from Delray Beach Fire Rescue passed away at age 37 from brain cancer. In 2023, Capt. Brian Wolnewitz passed away at the age of 44 from lung cancer, even though he never smoked.

Wolnewitz, a father of four, was a 20-year veteran of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue and was told by his doctors that his cancer came from breathing in toxins while on the job as a firefighter. During his two-year battle with cancer, he raised awareness of firefighter cancers and fought to advance treatments so that others might benefit from his journey.

“These heroes selflessly gave everything they had to protect us and our neighbors,” his widow Julie Wolnewitz said. “By building a memorial here in Palm Beach County, we ensure that no one forgets the courage, bravery and ded-

ication of our firefighters. It also gives the families and friends of the fallen a place to honor their loved ones. Many of these firefighters have young children, including mine. A local memorial is something that our children can be proud of, knowing that their dad or mom was a true hero that the community respects and will never forget.”

PBCFR’s Battalion 2 covers the western communities and is led by District Chief Amanda Vomero.

“The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Project is unlike any other memorial we have in our area,” Vomero said. “The lifelike statue holding a folded flag over the kneeling or fallen firefighter is a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who chose to serve their community. They chose to put the safety and needs of their neighbors over their own.”

She believes this is a great way to honor those who gave their lives.

“Every time the family, friends and co-workers of the fallen look at the memorial, they will feel pride and gratitude, knowing the community they served supported them and are thankful for the sacrifices made,” Vomero said.

In 2014, PBCFR took the lead on firefighter cancer prevention by organizing a new cancer prevention and research team called FACE (Firefighters Attacking the Cancer Epidemic). FACE formed a successful partnership with the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami.

Departments from all over South Florida came on board, and the first Florida firefighter cancer study was launched, known as the Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI). FCI was the catalyst to what is now the Firefighter Cancer Law, adopted in 2019 to provide assistance to firefighters with specific cancers. Firefighter cancer prevention now includes standard procedures such as post-fire decontamination, fireground air monitoring and annual medical screenings.

There is a national fallen firefighter memorial statue in Emmitsburg, Maryland, at the National Fire Academy, as well as a fallen firefighter memorial statue in Ocala at the Florida State Fire College and in Tallahassee at the Florida State Capitol. The I.A.F.F. Inc. has a fallen firefighter memorial statue in Colorado Springs. But there is currently no statue or memorial park in Palm Beach County to honor the sacrifices of fallen firefighters and their families.

The Retired Firefighters and Local 2928 plan to donate a fallen firefighter

memorial statue to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, the county’s largest fire department. To accomplish this, they worked with Art in Public Places to design the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park with a bronze statue at the entrance to PBCFR headquarters at 405 Pike Road, located at the roundabout in front of the Chief Herman Brice Headquarters and Regional Training Center.

“We thought that was a great spot with so many people coming to it. They can see the dangers of firefighting and pay tribute to those who have already fallen,” Sheppard said.

The Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park will provide a centerpiece and visual reminder to the fallen firefighter families, current fire service members and the community to recognize the dangers of firefighting, strive for health and wellness prevention, and reinforce the solemn oath to never forget those who have been lost.

Sheppard noted that Florida Power & Light, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Baptist Health South Florida are key supporters of the project, and she invited others from the community to get involved as well.

“The firefighters are there to protect everyone in their time of need, and I think it is nice when the community can support firefighters in their time of need,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to support your firefighters and the community.”

The project is expected to be complete in the last quarter of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025. Donations to support the project are being accepted through the Retired Firefighters of Palm Beach County, a nonprofit organization.

To learn more about the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Park and how you can become involved, visit www.ffmemorial. com.

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A WARM AND WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR PETS

Puppy Cuts Pet Spa Now Open

In Royal Palm Beach, Offering Decades Of Grooming Expertise

STORY BY SHANNON ANASTASIO | PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA CHARLES AND FRANK KOESTER

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Royal Palm Beach is Puppy Cuts Pet Spa, a grooming salon owned and operated by Debra Hornfeldt and Denise Catalano. With a combined history of grooming expertise spanning more than three decades, Hornfeldt and Catalano have cultivated a warm and welcoming environment for pets and their owners.

Hornfeldt’s journey in the grooming industry began many years ago, serving communities throughout Palm Beach

County including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and the Acreage/Loxa hatchee area.

If her name and face seem familiar to pet owners in the western communities, it is because she recently broadened her horizon after decades at another local grooming salon, and ventured into opening her own establishment, where she could put her years of expertise to work in an atmosphere that she feels all animals deserve.

“We offer free consultations and can talk over any issues or concerns your pet may have and put together a strategic approach to personalize the experience for your pet.”

— Debra Hornfeldt

Alongside her is Catalano, whose passion for pet care and grooming shines through in every aspect of the Puppy Cuts operation. With their combined years of experience and attention to detail, joined by the entire team at Puppy Cuts, they offer what they believe is the best pet experience in town.

Puppy Cuts Pet Spa offers a comprehensive range of grooming services, from dematting and shedding fur to luxurious medicated baths. Their commitment to excellence extends to their handling of even the most challenging of pets, with a focus on gentle techniques and personalized care protocols.

At Puppy Cuts, the well-being of every pet is paramount. With meticulous mindfulness and dedication to safety, the staff ensures that each grooming session is a stress-free and enjoyable experience for pets of all breeds and sizes.

“We treat every

pet as if they were our own,” Catalano said. “It’s all about creating a positive and enjoyable experience for both the pet and their owner.”

“We want it to also be fun for the pets as well,” Hornfeldt added.

Puppy Cuts Pet Spa also aims to serve as a beacon of community engagement. They believe in giving back within the industry and caring for pets that may not have the same opportunities. They have begun forging independent relationships with local nonprofit organizations dedicated to the well-being of rescues and look forward to partnering with them for the betterment of the animals, Catalano said.

Along with their willingness to help those in need, a commitment to clients and their furry companions is evident in every aspect of the business, from personalized grooming consultations to their meticulous grooming process.

“We’re not just in it for the money,” Hornfeldt said. “We genuinely love what we do, and it shows in the care and attention we provide to each and every pet.”

Puppy Cuts’ services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each pet. From full grooming packages to specialized treatments for sensitive skin, the team at Puppy Cuts Pet Spa goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.

This has led to a loyal following of satisfied customers and glowing testimonials. “We were so happy to find our favorite groomer Denise,” noted one client. “Puppy Cuts Pet Spa is the only groomer I will go to from now on.”

When asked about what age new pet owners should consider introducing their puppies to the grooming experience, they recommend anywhere from 12 to 14 weeks. By the way, the store can also groom cats.

“Just come by, let them see, smell and hear the salon background noise, say hello to the staff and schedule their appointment,” Hornfeldt said. “We offer free consultations and can talk over any issues or concerns your pet may have and put together a strategic approach to personalize the experience for your pet.”

(Above) Puppy Cuts Pet Spa is at the northwest corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards. (Inset) Lillian and Ashley Sands give special care to an adorable client.

The evolution of MRI

The evolution of MRI

What a weight-bearing MRI reveals vs. a Supine MRI

G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses

Conventional

G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses

G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses

Conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-scan Brio gives you a new point of view so you can accurately diagnose MSK pathologies affected by weight-bearing position.

The

Conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-scan Brio gives you a new point of view so you can accurately diagnose MSK pathologies affected by weight-bearing position.

More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence

More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence

G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

The

The G-scan Bro is superior to other MRIs because both the magnet and patient can rotate from 0 to 90 degrees.

G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.

G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.

G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.

The day of your pet’s appointment, they will go over the plan again, then off to the open area to get a brush out, clean pads, nails and ears, and then off to the bath.

They check skin thoroughly, sometimes recommending using argan oil

products for skin and coat. Warm towels are used to give the pet spa feel and begin the drying process before using the blowers.

They offer a softer approach for pets that may have a fear of the motor blowers, using a softer one before the groom-

er begins the clipping process. During this time, they provide ample water and even potty breaks, so your pet feels comfortable during the process.

Along with every grooming, Puppy Cuts offers their signature gentle approach and often uses two groomers to work as a team to ensure proper handling of all animals.

As a special for new customers, Puppy Cuts Pet Spa is offering a $10 discount on your puppy’s (under six months old) first grooming service.

Puppy Cuts Pet Spa is located at 12041 Southern Blvd., Unit 1, at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and Crestwood Blvd. Call (561) 619-8250 for more information. To learn more about all the services they have to offer, or to book an appointment online, visit www.puppycutspetspa. com or follow Puppy Cuts on Facebook @ puppycutspetspa.

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Owners Debbie Hornfeldt and Denise Catalano work with a four-legged client.

A UNIQUE TAKE ON INDIAN STREET FOOD

Masala Mantra

Indian Cuisine, which opened recently in Royal Palm Beach, is the latest venture by the owners of the popular Aroma Indian Cuisine in West Palm Beach.

Masala Mantra brings a modern twist to the street foods of India.

Expanding the local culinary scene, a unique take on Indian street food has arrived in Royal Palm Beach with the recent opening of Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, a family-owned restaurant located in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza.

The menu showcases the essence of Indian culinary artistry, fusing traditional flavors with innovative twists that redefine the street foods of India, creating a modern and dynamic dining experience.

Masala Mantra distinguishes itself through contemporary twists on traditional Indian flavors and dishes, and the creative story behind its design is conceptualized by Hridaan Patel, the young son of owners Purnima and Krunalbhai Patel.

Using the video game Minecraft, Hridaan helped create the restaurant’s unique ambiance, capturing the vibrancy of India’s streets with a playful, modern twist, and offering a dining experience that is as visually engaging as it is delicious.

Krunalbhai describes Masala Mantra as more than a restaurant.

“This is an immersive journey into the essence of Indian street food, reenvisioned through a contemporary lens,” he explained. “Each dish is crafted to narrate a story, blending tradition with innovation in a manner designed to surprise and delight our patrons and their palates.”

Masala Mantra’s unique ambiance sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure. Hridaan’s vision demonstrates how traditional elements can be creatively reinterpreted to blend with Krunalbhai and Purnima’s fresh and innovative perspective on Indian cuisine.

Dishes include entrée favorites such as jini dosa, biryani, chicken lollipops and stuffed mushrooms, and desserts like chocolate samosa.

“Every dish is rich in tradition yet infused with a contemporary twist that I believe will delight and surprise our

guests,” Krunalbhai said. “It’s not just about dining; it’s about embarking on a flavorful journey that pays homage to India’s diverse and rich culinary heritage.”

Masala Mantra is the latest venture by the owners of Aroma Indian Cuisine in West Palm Beach. While Aroma focuses on traditional Indian dishes, Masala Mantra brings a modern twist to the street foods of India.

“We grew up savoring these delightful dishes in India, and we’re delighted to share our favorite timeless classics with everyone,” Krunalbhai said. “From popular Indian street food snacks like Basket Chaat and Lamb Khaldale, to the beloved classic dish Butter Chicken, our menu offers a variety of flavors to enjoy. To complete your dining experience, indulge in desserts like Walnut Halwa, and my personal favorite, Sizzling Brownie.”

The Patel family is excited to be bringing their vision of Indian cuisine to the diverse and growing western communities.

“My wife, Purnima, and I chose to open an Indian restaurant in the Royal Palm Beach area due to its pleasant neighborhood and strategic location, embodying the community atmosphere we wished to highlight,” Krunalbhai said.

A well-attending grand opening event was held in January, he added.

“We have been overwhelmed by the warm reception and enthusiasm from the community,” Krunalbhai said. “It has been a joy to see so many faces, new and familiar, embarking on this gastronomic journey with us. Our goal has always been to celebrate the spirit of Indian street food through a modern lens.”

Masala Mantra invites food lovers and adventurous eaters alike to explore the dynamic and vibrant flavors of India. The restaurant promises a culinary adventure, offering a dining experience that is not just about the food, but also the traditions and culture that each dish represents.

A great time to explore this new dining option is for brunch, which is offered on

(Top) Masala Mantra offers a variety of Indian street food options. (Middle) The Chocolate Samosa chocolate-filled pastry with vanilla ice cream, and the Kalakhatta Mojito with gin, blackberry, black salt and mint. (Bottom) The Chicken Lollipops, sweet and spicy frenched chicken drumettes.

Masala Mantra owners Purnima and Krunalbhai Patel with their son Hridaan and restaurant staff members.

Saturday and Sunday with special dining options available. Brunch offerings from 11:30 to 3 p.m. include Egg Burji, Grilled Paneer Sandwich and Chocolate Dosa with Banana. Other unique Masala Mantra takes on traditional brunch options include the Masala Omlette with eggs, tomato, onion, green chili and multigrain bread, and the Masala French Toast with eggs, milk, cilantro and spices.

When visiting, you will be able to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the cuisine while savoring expertly crafted cocktails. Discover the perfect pairing of food and drink from a variety of signature cocktails ($13) including: Masala Guava, a chili-infused Tito’s vodka with triple sec, guava and lime; Mango Margarita, a chili-influenced tequila with mango puree and lime; and Kalakhatta Mojito, an Indian version of a classic cocktail with gin, blackberry, black salt and mint.

Restaurant hours are Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 to 10:30 p.m. Masala Mantra is also available for private events.

Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine is located at 11051 Southern Blvd., Unit 210, in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza. For more information, call (561) 328-7497 or visit www. masalamantraroyalpalmbeach.com.

(Above, left to right, top to bottom) The Basket Chaat is a potato basket with chickpeas, chutneys, onions, yogurt and sev; the Golden Martini has saffron-infused gin, dry vermouth, orange bitters and tonic; the Genie Dosa is a stuffed crêpe with cabbage, carrot, green peppers and grated cheese; a variety of international wines are available; Chicken Tikka Masala features chicken in a creamy, tomato-based sauce; from the hearth, you can enjoy a variety of naan breads, such as butter naan, garlic naan, Peshwari naan, chili garlic naan and more; the Biryani saffron rice is slow-cooked with a unique spice mix and caramelized onions; the Stuffed Mushrooms are tandoor grilled, stuffed with spinach and cheese; and crafted cocktails include the Masala Martini, the Kalakhatta Mojito, the Masala Guava, the Golden Martini and more.

Masala Mantra owners Krunalbhai and Purnima Patel.

TRANSFORMING ROYAL PALM BEACH

Village Unveils New

Premier Event Venues

And Community Spaces

The Village of Royal Palm Beach is undergoing an exciting transformation with the completion of new rental spaces and ongoing construction projects, set to enhance the community’s offerings for gatherings and events.

One notable addition to the village’s landscape is the recent completion of the corporate pavilions at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Nestled within the picturesque Commons Park, these pavilions offer a stunning venue for a variety of occasions, from corporate events to family celebrations.

With their modern design and sce-

nic surroundings, the Commons Park pavilions are now available for rent, providing residents and visitors alike with a premier destination for their special events.

To reserve a Commons Park facility, visit the rental office in the Sporting Complex. For more information, call (561) 753-1232.

Adjacent to Royal Palm Beach Village Hall, another exciting project is underway with the construction of the brand-new Cypress Hall rental space. This space, located in the former Royal Palm Beach Village Meeting Hall,

where the Royal Palm Beach Village Council previously met, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation to match the aesthetic of the surrounding Village Hall site.

The transformation of the new Cypress Hall includes exterior upgrades, such as a new stone veneer on the veranda wall and a stylish paver stone entry pathway, ensuring a modern and inviting look for guests.

Additionally, interior renovations are in progress, enhancing functionality and comfort to accommodate a wide range of events.

The outside (above) and inside (inset) of the new corporate pavilions at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park.

Once completed, Cypress Hall will be an ideal choice for weddings, meetings and everything in between. Its prime location near the intersection of Okeechobee and Royal Palm Beach boulevards, near Village Hall and not far from Commons Park, adds to its appeal, providing convenient access to amenities and scenic views for guests to enjoy.

To learn more about future rentals at the new Cypress Hall, contact Steve Poyner at (561) 790-5192 or spoyner@ royalpalmbeachfl.gov.

The completion of the Commons Park corporate pavilions and the ongoing construction of Cypress Hall mark

significant milestones in the development of rental spaces within the Village of Royal Palm Beach. With these new additions, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a diverse array of event venues that reflect the charm and sophistication of the Royal Palm Beach community.

The old Royal Palm Beach Village Meeting Hall is currently being transformed into the new Cypress Hall.