17.81ct Cushion-Cut Diamond | Unsigned Masterpiece A timeless statement of elegance and rarity.
“ ere you nd the un ndable”
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DEVELOPER OF THE BRISTOL.
The Berkeley offers unobstructed waterfront views from every residence, the largest balconies in the Palm Beaches, unmatched amenities, and curated experiences, seamlessly blending the elegance and sophistication of the finest residences in Europe and America.
Residents will enjoy a modern lifestyle combining urban sophistication with walk-ability to world-class arts, entertainment, shopping and dining. Your new home offers effortless access in and out of downtown West Palm Beach. *RENDERING
Marcus Neuroscience Institute: Where Innovation Meets Compassion
At Marcus Neuroscience Institute, we recognize the profound impact neurological disorders have on our nation’s health, affecting more than 100 million Americans. These conditions remain the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. As the region’s first dedicated institute of its kind, we are committed to addressing these challenges directly, offering advanced brain and spine care that embodies innovation and excellence.
Over the past two years alone, we’ve expanded our clinical and research spaces and launched specialized programs, all to provide world-class neurological care to patients in the Palm Beach community. Our recent expansions include a Comprehensive Pain Center, a state-of-the-art neuro-interventional suite, translational research and infusion labs, and a pioneering robotic surgery program.
As we move into our second decade, Marcus Neuroscience Institute is positioned to be
at the forefront of neuroscientific discovery and care — and it’s already happening. Our spine surgeons, for example, use cutting- edge technology, such as augmented reality for precise surgical planning, to treat a full range of back pain and spinal disorders. Meanwhile, our neurologists and team members provide compassionate care for those affected by memory loss and other neurodegenerative diseases, using the latest treatments, including novel medications offered through clinical trials, to slow memory loss progression.
We are proud to hold numerous accolades, reflecting the positive outcomes and world-class care we provide to our patients. As one of only two healthcare organizations in Florida with the Joint Commission Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, and the first and only center in Palm Beach County with Level 3 Epilepsy Center accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, we continue to set the standard for excellence. Additionally, we are a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.
As the primary site for Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine’s Neurology Residency Program, we are also dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers.
Consider the young mother with epilepsy who can now live independently and care for her son because of the care she’s received here. Or the woman with Parkinson’s disease who continues to work and live tremor-free. These are just two examples of how our physicians and staff positively impact lives.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, visit BaptistHealth.net/MarcusNeuroscienceInstitute or call 561-955-4600.
Welcome to Comprehensive Brain & Spine Care.
At Marcus Neuroscience Institute, healing starts with humanity. That’s why we offer the most advanced treatments for neurological conditions, combined with the most compassionate care. From neurology to pain management and neurosurgery, we have everything and everyone you need to heal and get back to the life you love.
To learn more, visit BaptistHealth.net/MarcusNeuroscienceInstitute or call 561-955-4600.
Boutique Ultra-Luxury Beachside Living
Why wait years to enjoy oceanfront luxury living in Pompano Beach—one of South Florida’s hottest year-round residential destinations? Salato is redefining Pompano Beach with its only boutique ultra-luxury living experience. This exclusive 40-residence project with expansive terraces, four dedicated elevators and over 20,000 square feet of exceptional amenities on par with a 5-star resort provides the perfect blend of privacy and luxury. Salato’s spacious three-bedroom residences feel much more like an oceanfront home than a condominium. Purchase at Salato now and meet with the award-winning Interiors by Steven G. to customize your dream residence in time for next season!
54
Hit the Road
From the smallest post office to the largest alligator, and from a fiberglass lobster to an aluminum castle, Florida’s byways are chockablock with eccentricities. We visit 11 roadside attractions worth the drive.
By TYLER CHILDRESS, CHRISTIANA LILLY AND JOHN THOMASON
62
Equine Elegance
The elegance of horseback riding and the grounds of Santa Rita Polo Farm in Wellington inspire spring fashion.
Photography by LYALL ASTON
70
Sons of the Jaguar Tradition and history are ever-present in northern Colombia, a capital of coffee and craftsmanship whose ancestral spirit towers over the Sierra Nevada mountains.
By CHRISTIANA LILLY
KEITH-NOVOSEL
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
(for more sites, turn to page 54)
26 Editor’s Letter
Renewing her passport offers the editor a blank slate of international odysseys to come—and a reason to revisit a decade’s worth of globetrotting memories.
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
29 The Local
Meet a scientist and Tech Runway grad whose invention has gone to the dogs, a“Hometown Hero”with a passion for global citizenship, and a longtime LGBTQ activist whose fight for equality is far from over. Plus, locals share their bucket-list travel destinations, and a Boca physician and podcaster explores everything you always wanted to know about sex—but were afraid to ask.
Written by TYLER CHILDRESS, CHRISTIANA LILLY AND JOHN THOMASON
38
The Look
Let the sunshine in with fashion perfect for springtime frolics, seasonal showers and alfresco luncheons.
Photography by AARON BRISTOL
105 Backstage Pass
PTSD and depression haunt FAU graduate Jeff Bower’s play“The Impossible Task of To day,”a gripping drama with a dash of magical realism that enjoys its world premiere in Boca this month. Plus, a Tony Danza cabaret, Lynn’s Celebration of the Arts, bluegrass at the Flagler Museum, and much more.
Written by JOHN
115 Florida Table:
See what our food critic has to say about Rino’s and Amar Mediterranean Bistro. Plus, learn about a nonprofit that pairs veterans with culinary jobs, and discover how the world of unregulated olive oil is an unctuous business.
Written by CHRISTIE
136 Social
From a record-breaking gala at Boca West Country Club to charitable events from Place of Hope, Men Giving Back and the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, Boca’s beneficence continues to lift up our worthiest nonprofits.
Written by
ON THE COVER:
PHOTOGRAPHER: Lyall Aston
FASHION: Etro denim jacket and skirt, Gavriel Mansur denim bag, Dior earrings, all from Saks Palm Beach
MODEL: Carola Remer/Next Model Management
STYLIST: Anna Zgurovskaya/Agency Gerard Artists
HAIR & MAKEUP: Virginia Le Fay using MAC Cosmetics/Agency Gerard Artists
LOCATION: Santa Rita Polo Farm in Wellington, Florida
Web Extras
Visit bocamag.com for bonus items you won’t see anywhere else—extended stories, recipes, news and more.
FIVE MORE FOR THE ROAD
This issue’s feature on roadside attractions (page 54) spotlights only a portion of the state’s many drivable oddities. Explore five others at bocamag.com/april-2025.
PICTURE COLOMBIA
Our travelogue on the editor’s adventuresome trip to northern Colombia (page 70) only scratches the surface of her experiences. Visit bocamag.com/april-2025 for a photo reel of her journey through the Gateway to South America.
BOCA MAGAZINE WINS BIG!
At this past summer’s Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards, honoring excellence in magazine writing, design and advertising, Boca magazine collected 17 awards sweeping across 12 categories—including the first-place in eight categories, among them Best Overall Magazine in our subscription bracket. “The Boca magazine staff comes to work every day knowing they are producing the best magazine in Florida,” said Boca magazine Editor Emeritus Marie Speed. “To have the FMA agree with that assessment has always made us proud. … This year was my last awards submission to the Florida Magazine Association, and I am so happy with the recognition our magazines received.”
WELCOME TO PALM PARADISE
We’ve got more stories to tell, so we’re going where other local lifestyle magazines aren’t venturing—jumping off the page and into your ears with a monthly podcast.
Palm Paradise is an entertaining, thought-provoking and engaging podcast series serving Boca Raton and beyond. We invite you to join us and travel to Palm Paradise, now available on your favorite podcasting platforms and YouTube. Visit bocamag.com/palm-paradise-podcast for more.
Don’t miss Boca on everything from FACEBOOK (facebook.com/ bocamag) to INSTAGRAM (@bocamag) and TWITTER/X (@ bocamag) for community news, retail trends, foodie updates and much more.
Best Bites
Think our dining guide is long? You haven’t seen anything until you’ve visited our digital version. We’ve got critic-reviewed restaurants from Jupiter to Miami on the web. Visit the Dining Guide tab to view the guide.
City Watch
Boca Raton is anything but sleepy, and Randy Schultz is the go-to for all the city politics, development and business news you need to know. For updates delivered straight to your email every Tuesday and Thursday, visit the City Watch tab on our website.
Coral Castle
GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Christiana Lilly
MANAGING EDITOR
John Thomason
WEB EDITOR
Tyler Childress
EDITOR EMERITUS
Marie Speed
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR
Lori Pierino
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Rafael Quiñones
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
James Karpinen
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lyall Aston, Aaron Bristol, Michael Connor, Erika Fletcher, Joel Marasigan, Jerry Rabinowitz
Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual Salt Lake magazine
Utah Bride and Groom
Utah Style & Design Salt Lake Visitors’ Guide
FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION
BOCA RATON MAGAZINE WINNERS
2024 CHARLIE AWARDS
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE)
best overall magazine
best overall writing best feature best department
best advertorial story or section best column
best photo essay/series best custom publication (1926)
SILVER AWARD best feature best public service coverage best custom publication (Worth Avenue) best cover photo best use of photography
BRONZE AWARD best overall design best department best public service coverage best advertorial story or section
2023 CHARLIE AWARDS
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best website (bocamag.com) best custom publication (1926)
SILVER AWARD best overall magazine
BRONZE AWARD best in-depth reporting best advertorial story or section
best editorial, opinion, commentary best department design best custom publication (Worth Avenue) best advertorial story or section
2022 CHARLIE AWARDS
GENERAL EXCELLENCE magazine of the year best overall magazine
CHARLIE AWARD (FIRST PLACE) best overall writing best in-depth reporting best custom publication (1926) best advertising for a client
SILVER AWARD best feature best use of photography
best advertising for a client
BRONZE AWARD best custom publication (Worth Avenue)
“Before you and your staff from Boca Nursing Services started taking care of Helen and I, we existed; now we are living again! Thank you, Rose.”
-Dr. K.D.
Rose Glamoclija, R.N. Founder and Administrator
Serving Broward, Palm Beach, Martin & St. Lucie Counties
342 E. Palmetto Park Rd., Suites 1 & 2 Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 347-7566 Fax (561) 347-7567
255 Sunrise Avenue, Suite 200 Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 833-3430 Fax (561) 833-3460
DIRECTORY
Subscription, copy purchasing and distribution
For any changes or questions regarding your subscription, to purchase back issues, or to inquire about distribution points, call circulation at 877/553-5363.
Advertising and event resources
Take advantage of Boca Raton magazine’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in the premier publication of South Florida. For more information, or to partner with Boca Raton magazine on a community event, call 561/997-8683 ext. 300, or email nicole@bocamag.com.
Custom publishing
Create a magazine tailored to fit the needs and character of your business/organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services, etc. Contact Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com)
Story queries
Boca Raton magazine values the concerns, interests and knowledge of our readers about the community. Please submit story and profile ideas by email to Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com). Due to the large volume of pitches, the editor may not respond to all queries. Boca Raton does not accept unsolicited, ready-for-print stories.
Web queries
Submit information regarding our website and online calendar to Tyler Childress (tyler@bocamag.com)
Letters
Your thoughts and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for style, grammar and length. Send letters to the address listed below or contact Christiana Lilly (christiana@bocamag.com)
Letter to the Editor
Boca Raton magazine
1000 Clint Moore Road, #103 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Arts & entertainment
Where to go, what to do and see throughout South Florida. Please submit information regarding galas, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to John Thomason (john.thomason@ bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming A&E section is three months before publication.
Dining guide
Our independent reviews of restaurants in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. A reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Christie Galeano-DeMott (christie@bocamag.com).
People
A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Boca Raton and South Florida. All photos submitted should be identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when). Email images to Tyler Childress (tyler@bocamag.com)
First issue
Boca Raton magazine is published eight times a year. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.
Missing or late issues
Once in a while, production, transportation or the postal service may delay delivery. If you don’t get an issue, or if your magazine is repeatedly late, please call and report your problem to our subscription department at 877/553-5363 or send an email to subscriptions@bocamag.com.
Questions about your invoice
If you have already paid your bill and then receive a new bill, here’s what you should do:
1. If you have paid your bill within the past four weeks, ignore the new invoice. (The computer simply has not given your account credit quickly enough.)
2. It’s most likely that your payment and our notice just crossed in the mail. Check the date on the notice to see when we mailed it.
3. If you get another bill or renewal notice, call our subscription department at 877/553-5363, or send an email to subscriptions@bocamag.com, and we will straighten out the problem.
Change of address
PERMANENT: If you are changing your address, send us your complete old address, complete new address, including ZIP code, and the effective date of the change. You can also leave us a message with your old and new address by calling 877/553-5363.
TEMPORARY OR SEASONAL: Please send us your complete permanent address, your complete temporary address and the dates that you want your issues forwarded.
Back issues
If you are interested in purchasing any back issues, please call 877/553-5363, ext. 233, indicating the issue date you would like. The cost of each issue including shipping and handling is $9.95.
Gift subscriptions
You’ll find a subscription to Boca Raton magazine makes a thoughtful and useful gift that lasts throughout the year. If you’d like more information about giving a gift subscription, please call our subscription department at 877/553-5363.
Online subscriptions
Receive additional savings by subscribing online. Visit bocamag.com for more information.
[ For any of the above services, please contact our subscriptions services department. ] CALL TOLL FREE: 877/553-5363
EMAIL: subscriptions@bocamag.com
WRITE: Boca Raton magazine
Subscription Department 1000 Clint Moore Road, #103 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Stamp Collector
When one passport expires, a new one opens travel opportunities
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
here are many tragedies in life, and one of them is your passport expiring.
My passport’s service came to an end back in November, so I begrudgingly went through the process of renewing it. Shockingly, that was only three weeks from start to finish. When my replacement arrived in the mail, all shiny and new, I couldn’t help but be saddened by the empty pages. Not a drop of ink from a grouchy immigration agent’s worn-out stamp. No shriveled sticker on the back cover from who knows where.
I looked through my old one, filled with 10 years of international memories. The epic trip to Nairobi in 2016, where I went on safari in the Masai Mara and reported on the world’s largest ivory burning in Nairobi National Park. It was pyres of elephant tusks and rhino horns seized from poachers, and the event was meant to send a message that ivory only has value on the body of an animal. Then there was my husband and my honeymoon to Thailand in 2017, from the metropolis of Bangkok to Chiang Mai’s mountains and the beaches of Krabi. One of the most memorable days of the trip was taking an outdoor cooking class, which included going through a farm for freshly picked ingredients.
In 2022, there was a high school friend’s wedding in Guadalajara, Mexico, which included a day trip to Tequila (naturally). It turned out our guide was the former mayor of the town, and we rode in the back of his truck to hitch a ride to meet our Uber. In 2023, my husband and I finally made it to Italy, touring the Vatican and the Colosseum as well as visiting his family on their olive tree farm in Sicily. There were also two trips to Colombia, first to Bogota and then the second to Barranquilla and Santa Marta (more on that later).
Of course, there are also the adventures that don’t require a stamp in a passport, ones that are closer to home. Driving through the night in college to celebrate Mardi Gras (twice). Desperately searching for a hotel when the Florida-Georgia state line was on fire. Making a pit stop at South of the Border in the Carolinas to see what all the fuss was about. Visiting the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum in Clewiston, winding down the aptly named Snake Road. Going through cow country in my friend’s hometown of Wauchula. And that time said friend and I were *this* close to running out of gas while driving on Alligator Alley—we are the reason those “next gas station 40 miles” signs are up. Whether your next adventure includes runways or rest stops, our April issue is an ode to the joys of travel. We explored Florida’s wacky roadside attractions (page 54), which included the grave of the country’s oldest man, the nation’s smallest post office, and a spooky gravity hill. Then we’ll take you to northern Colombia, recounting a trip I took in the fall to Santa Marta and Barranquilla (page 70). I still have a bag of Colombian coffee beans from the trip, ready for our next houseguest to be transported to the Sierra Nevada mountains with every sip. Cheers to a new passport, and more adventures to be had.
CARINA MASK
Wat Pho in Bangkok, Thailand
Don’t-Miss Events
BOCA BACCHANAL GRAND TASTING
WHEN: April 6, 1-4 p.m., The Addison, 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton
WHAT: Food, drink and history come together in one of the biggest foodie events in Boca Raton, the Boca Bacchanal Grand Tasting benefiting the Boca Raton Historical Society. Set in the backdrop of the historic venue, guests can wander through the property to try tastes and sips from hundreds of lauded chefs and vintners. bocahistory. org/boca-bacchanal
BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP
WHEN: April 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach
WHAT: You don’t have to be an art pro to try block printing in the Japanese style. The museum is hosting a workshop to introduce students to the ukiyo genre of mokuhanga that was popular from the 17th to 19th centuries. Brian Reedy will lead the class and share his more than 20 years of experience in this art method. Classes are $60 with a $10 materials fee. morikami.org
DA VINCI: AN IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCE
WHEN: Through April 30 at South Florida PBS Studios, 3401 S. Congress Ave. in Boynton Beach
WHAT: It’s your last chance to enter the world of Leonardo da Vinci in this exhibit coming straight from Amsterdam. Walking through the studios, visitors will come face-to-face with his inventions and masterpieces through projections, music and lights. You’ll see “The Last Supper” splashed across the walls, sketches of Da Vinci’s ornithopter, and get up close and personal with the “Mona Lisa.”They truly put the “multi” in multi-sensory. southfloridapbs.org/davinci
Da Vinci: An Immersive Art Experience
Locals sound off on issues affecting our community.
What is your bucket list travel destination?
“I’m hoping to go into the Pacific Northwest this year and finally explore the forests and trails of Olympic National Park!”
Carter Bogush, Downtown Boca Raton marketing coordinator
“My dream travel destination is French Polynesia or the Maldives, where I’d wake up in an overwater bungalow, spend my days island-hopping to soak in the rich culture, and savor every bite of their authentic cuisine.”
Maru Acosta, co-founder of Wynn & Jade PR and creator of @inourparentera
“It would be Greece for sure. I’m a history nerd, and there’s so much history and all the Greek mythology, and it’s obviously just gorgeous.”
Shannon Patron, director of education at Boca Raton Historical Society
TURTLE POWER
Eight sea turtles were whisked away to Boca Raton to escape the cold weather in New England—and the public helped name them all: Sailor Swift, Travis Shellsea, Swim McGraw, Post Shellone, Lavender Waves, Betty Bubbles and Florence.
Yes, there’s a Taylor Swift theme; they’re the Eras Tourtles, after all.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtles—the most endangered species of sea turtles—were flown to the Coastal Stewards Rehab Center at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center from the New England Aquarium in
Massachusetts. Since sea turtles are unable to regulate their own body temperature, it was vital that they made it down to a warmer climate. According to the Coastal Stewards, when it gets too cold for the turtles, they become sluggish and unable to swim—it’s called “cold-stunned.”
To help raise money for their care—their intake alone cost the nonprofit more than $3,000—the Coastal Stewards invited the public to make a donation to help choose Taylor Swift-themed names for the eight turtles. They hope to be released this spring.
Walk in My Shoes
For the 10th year, former Florida Sen. Lauren Book will be leading the Walk in My Shoes walk from Key West to Tallahassee, an endeavour that covers 1,500 miles and takes one month, four to five pairs of tennis shoes, and many blisters.
The event is in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and she’ll be making a stop in Boca Raton on April 6, meeting at the Bloomingdale’s parking lot on Glades Road for registration at 8:30 a.m. and a friendship bracelet making station. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m. for 6 miles, stopping at Publix at the Garden Shops at Boca Del Mar (here, people can take a free Uber back to their cars). The walk continues for another 6 miles to Sugar Sand Park.
A survivor of child sexual abuse, Book founded Lauren’s Kids in 2007 and created a prevention education curriculum for children from kinder-
garten to 12th grade, which has been implemented in 46 states.
“It’s really a special opportunity for members of the community to come out not just to pound the pavement and get in some steps but to advocate and raise awareness for an issue and a topic that people no longer are afraid to look at or talk about,” Book says. laurenskidswalk.org
1936
Year Palm Beach International Airport opened, as Morrison Field
19
Hours of the longest direct flight, from Singapore to New York City
19,000
Miles of the longest driveable road, the Pan-American Highway, from Alaska to Argentina
$120
Cost of Global Entry program
Kemp’s ridley turtles being cared for by the Coastal Stewards Rehab Center
“CAMPING WITH HENRY AND TOM”
WHEN: April 11-27
WHERE: Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach
COST: $89
CONTACT: 561/5144042, palmbeachdramaworks.org
The “Henry” in the title of this unusual period piece from playwright Mark St. German is Henry Ford; the “Tom” is Thomas Edison. And the third wheel who happens to be camping with these titans of industry is President Warren G. Harding. Set in 1921 and inspired by an actual such trip the three men took together in the Blue Ridge Mountains, St. Germain’s fictionalized account finds the jingoistic Ford mulling a presidential run, Harding longing to be with his mistress, and a cynical Edison functioning as the trio’s conscience.
St. Germain is deft at putting words in the mouths of real people—his other plays have focused on Sigmund Freud, Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Ernest Hemingway—so this flight of woodland fantasy seems right up his alley.
“THE PRINCESS BRIDE: AN INCONCEIVABLE EVENING WITH CARY ELWES”
WHEN: April 27, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale COST: $35-$65, $150 for VIP meet-and-greet CONTACT: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org
The diverse British character actor Cary Elwes has a distinguished 45-year career on screens large and small. His nearly 140 credits have seen him portray Robin Hood, Ted Bundy, Andy Warhol and astronaut Michael Collins, and even the mayor of Hawkins, Indiana in “Stranger Things.” But he’s under no illusions that it’s his role in the unexpected cult sensation “The Princess Bride” for which he will be most eternally tethered. He even wrote an entire memoir, As You Wish, based on his time making the film. Elwes played Westley, the swashbuckling, obedient farmhand to Robin Wright’s title character, in the 1987 fantasy, whose decidedly offbeat humor and metafictional narrative continue to win generations of acolytes. Following this presentation of the movie on the big screen, Elwes will share fresh insights into the making of the film, and join a moderated discussion and Q&A with the audience.
TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL
WHEN: April 4-6
WHERE: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park COST: $355+ for three-day passes CONTACT: tortugamusicfestival.com
Now in its 12th year, this country-centered music fest has grown to become a cultural tent pole in the South Florida festival season, continually attracting the genre’s many sub-styles and eras, from legacy acts to emerging artists. This year’s headliners are Jelly Roll, the three-time CMT Music Award winner who combines hip-hop and country into his signature sound; Keith Urban, the Australian country-pop institution; and the talented traditionalist Luke Combs, whose “Beer Never Broke My Heart” may be the countriest song title of all-time. The undercard is even more eclectic than the top of the lineup, with performances from southern rap staple Ludacris; the Original Wailers, Bob Marley’s legendary backing band; and the heartland blue-eyed soul singer Gavin DeGraw. As always, when you buy a ticket for Tortuga, a portion of the proceeds supports ocean conservation efforts; promoters Rock the Ocean have raised more than $5 million for the cause since the festival’s inception.
IRON & WINE
WHEN: April 14, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
COST: $39.50-$99.50
CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org
Sam Beam, the singer-songwriter who records under the name Iron & Wine, has a connection to our tropics; before striking out as a musician, he taught cinematography at the University of Miami. But his lumberjack beard betrays his upbringing in the small lake town of Chapin, South Carolina, whose verdant environment and rural trappings best inform his compositions. His first two albums, released on hip indie label Sub Pop in the early 2000s, have the rustic authenticity of a guy performing for himself in a cabin in the woods, a big dog by his side, a creek rippling in the near distance. He’s since added a bevy of session musicians into his entourage for a more robust sound—complete with upright bass, piano and violin— without losing the pastoral poetry that’s been enriching his music for nearly 25 years. In a recent radio interview, the host aptly called his latest arrangements “a cacophony of delight.”
Iron & Wine
Luke Combs
Cary Elwes
Whether you’re considering
enhancements with injectables, lasers or peels, or want more contoured results with plastic surgery for your face, breast or body – let the Hass team make it your reality.
ANDREA HASS, MD
Oculo-Plastic Surgeon
BRIAN HASS, MD Plastic Surgeon
The perspectives that you get in the classroom, it’s incredible. ... I don’t know many universities where you can have that type of experience.”
—Anna Krift
Anna Krift
With the Citizenship Project, Lynn students learn how to serve the needs of their community
Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY
Building a sensory wall at a local elementary school, fixing fences that will protect endangered gopher tortoises, coaching baseball to children with special needs—thousands of students who have gone through Lynn University have participated in countless community service projects, thanks to the Citizenship Project.
Anna Krift, a professor of international relations, was a part of the founding committee and now serves as the program’s director. For four weeks, each Lynn University freshman creates and executes a service project, filling a need in the community. Special guest speakers, such as poet laureate Richard Blanco, have spoken to the students as they learn to be a citizen of the world.
“The students, they help design what’s important to them, what are issues that they’re seeing here in the local community, and some of the local issues are also global issues,” Krift says.
This month, Krift is celebrating 20 years at Lynn University, a school she was drawn to because of its small size, mentoring program, student-teacher collaborations, and the international population of its students. At the front of the university, the school has a flag representing each country that students are from; there are more than 170.
“The perspectives that you get in the classroom, it’s incredible,” Krift says.“Right now I have a student from Mozambique, and she was providing insight into the political situation there. I don’t know many universities where you can have that type of experience.”
many said they wanted more opportunities for service. This led to the creation of the Citizenship Project, a four-week intensive program that each freshman takes in their spring semester of school.
Students take inspiration from the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and pinpoint a need in the community by partnering with one of 30 community organizations. Projects have included cleaning thousands of pounds of trash from mangroves with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center; packing comfort backpacks for foster children at Place of Hope; maintaining the Pearl City community garden with Ebenezer Baptist Church; creating safety and awareness kits for people with autism spectrum disorder through the Els Center for Excellence; and coaching baseball games with the Miracle League for children with special needs.
This January, 800 students took part in the program; almost 10,000 students have gone through the Citizenship Project since its inception.
This page is a tribute to community citizens who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership to the city of
and is
The daughter of a Navy pilot, Krift lived in Puerto Rico for five years as a child and learned to speak Spanish. She studied abroad in Costa Rica as a student at Eckerd College, then returned to the country for one-and-a-half years as a Fulbright Program fellow. She discovered that the women living in La Fortuna and La Tigra were part of a group of 349 women who were the first of their sex to cast their vote in Costa Rica in July 1950. The previous year, the government had granted suffrage to women for the next national election, but the women in northern Costa Rica had a local election, allowing them to vote before the rest of the country. Many of the records of this momentous time were destroyed in the ‘70s, and as the women were getting older, Krift interviewed them, and their anecdotes are stored at the University of Costa Rica.
In 2009, students and faculty were surveyed about how Lynn University could enhance their experience;
DIVERSITY OF PROJECTS: We are an international university, and what a student may have witnessed in their own home country, whether that’s Argentina or Mozambique, they also are seeing it right here in South Florida. So I think it’s important that they’re helping to design those projects and having that impact.
SETTING THE STAGE: This isn’t just this one project and class that they take here at the university. They carry this on throughout each year, and they have additional opportunities to serve as well through internships. Students have gone on to intern with these organizations and even jobs. Hopefully they have this passion for wanting to give back, to serve their community wherever they end up.
THE IMPACT: Regardless of major, I think active citizenship and civic engagement is so important. Serving one’s community—and also from a planning perspective, and executing your idea to a finished project—is something they can take regardless of careers.
Anna Krift
Boca Raton
in memory of John E. Shuff.
MICHAEL CONNOR
I
want my pets to live forever if they could. This whole field of longevity has blown up, and they’re talking about how long humans could live. But I think there’s a bigger impact that could be made on our pets.”
—Andria Beal
Pet Project
For EpiPaws founder Andria Beal, age-testing technology is the first step in our pets’ longevity revolution
Written by JOHN THOMASON
How old is your pet? It’s a simple question, but unless you purchased your dog or cat directly from a reliable breeder or a pet store that keeps genetic records, the answer may prove elusive. Even for experienced veterinarians, estimating an undocumented dog or cat’s age can be a wildly inexact science.
“[The animal’s] physical features are really deceiving, and they vary per animal and per their backstory,”says Andria Beal, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, who has made it her life’s work to improve pet health.“I just had one customer where we found out the pet was probably 10 or 11, and she had been told that they could have been born in ‘22 or ‘23. That’s huge—totally different worlds.
“Some rescues, when they’re living out on the street, chew on rocks. This is very common,” adds Beal. “And then their teeth get destroyed, and that’s one of the main things [vets] use to estimate age. Other times, the eyes develop an opaqueness, but that happens prematurely for some animals.”
So Beal, who describes herself as a “problem solver,” set about creating a solution for the issue of estimating a pet’s age. She discovered it through the evolving science of epigenetics, or the study of heritable traits. Epigenetics has proven indispensable in criminal investigations, allowing law enforcement to more accurately age the DNA in blood splatter, for instance. While earning her PhD in Biology from Florida International University, class of ’21, Beal researched epigenetic biomarkers in dolphins and sharks, and created a successful age estimation test for dolphins.
A similar test to identify age in a domestic dog or cat proved to be the next logical step—part of Beal’s overarching goal to age-test animals in the wild.“Lots of people need to know how old their pets are—and we were blown away at the market size for just that test,” she says. [Americans own 78 million dogs and 86 million cats, up to 30% of which are rescues, according to the ASPCA.—Ed.] “I was like, let’s stay here for a minute ... and help the other wildlife animals later.”
The result is EpiPaws, a business Beal launched in early 2023. Its first and (so far) only product, the Pet Age Test Kit ($120), allows pet owners to swab their animal’s DNA and mail the data back to Beal’s company. Four to six weeks later, they’ll receive the results, identifying the pet’s birthday within one year. Armed with this information, pet owners can better plan for their dog or cat’s future.
“A lot of people connect age to the diet, and what
kind of supplements they should be providing to their pets,”Beal says.“The most useful thing is that as the pet starts to age, and they start running into those age-related issues, knowing the age starts to become really important before you jump out and do a surgery that’s going to be hard on an animal that’s maybe too fragile for it.”
Beal furthered her business model by making it into Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway program for promising startups, spending a year in 2023 under the tutelage of dedicated mentors—culminating in a“Shark Tank”-style pitch, late last year, to three high-powered investors as part of the university’s inaugural“Croc Tank”event. Ultimately, Kevin O’Leary, AKA Mr. Wonderful of“Shark Tank,”chose EpiPaws for a $250,000 investment in return for a 20% share in the company.
While the collaboration with O’Leary was still in the “due diligence” stage as of this writing, Beal hopes to funnel the money into EpiPaws’ next venture—a biological age test to accompany her chronological test. “As our data set grows, the more health insights we can start making into [how] environmental variables can affect health—and, importantly, how they affect disease development,” Beal says.“Because at the end of the day, with this research, we can start avoiding disease development that’s highly influenced by environmental variables that we hadn’t realized were having that big of an effect on our pets’ health.”
Beal, a longtime pet owner who shares her home with a husband and three mixed-breed fur babies, never takes her eyes off the end goal: extending the lives of our four-legged loved ones.“As a pet owner myself, I want my pets to live forever if they could,” she says.“This whole field of longevity has blown up, and they’re talking about how long humans could live. But I think there’s a bigger impact that could be made on our pets, just looking at how we feed them in particular. There’s so much room for improvement there. … We can make our pets live a lot longer than they are right now.”
Andria Beal
Walk-in closet custom designed by California Closets
Botanica
Even the tiniest bags make a statement
CUOIERIA FIORENTINA white bucket bag, $335, from Wish & Shoes
LIS FIASCHI daisy mini raffia bag, $250; pink studded mini raffia bag, $350; mini crochet flower bag, $250; bamboo handle raffia tote, $550; all from Michelle Farmer
in Financial Advice and Planning
Elizabeth Bennett, Principal and CEO
For Certified Financial Planner ™ Elizabeth Bennett, managing money is more than a career—it’s a passion, and its roots are personal. Bennett’s father died when she was 7, and her widowed mother became so overwhelmed with financial burdens that she had declared bankruptcy by the time Elizabeth turned 18. Bennett went on to earn a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State University so that she would not fall into similar financial hardship.
Now, as head of Intercoastal Wealth Planning in Boca Raton, she shares her insights from nearly 35 years in finance with a wide range of clients, designing custom plans to steer them toward financial freedom and independence. These include widows and divorcees, soonto-be retirees, and others undergoing major life changes.
Bennett is familiar with the mistakes that amateur investors often make without the advice of a professional fiduciary— such as playing the stock market ineffectively. Bennett is an expert at reversing these habits, and excels at providing solutions for her clients during times of market volatility.
“I pride myself on building a client’s portfolio based on what their risk tolerance is,” she says. “We always start with a financial plan. I need to understand who you are and what your goals are, and where you are today, so I can help you get to where you want to go.”
Contact Elizabeth’s office to schedule a private, complimentary consultation on your financial planning and investment needs.
A division of:
April Showers
Bag, $129; rain jacket, $128; rain hat, $35; all from Voyage Boutique
GABOR shoes, $235, from Wish & Shoes
BUSINESS & PLEASURE umbrella, $99, from Michelle Farmer
Sunny Disposition
MARC CAIN blouse, $220; MARC CAIN jacket and skirt, $960; CUOIERIA FIORENTINA crossbody bag, $225; PONS QUINTANA sandals, $365; all from Wish & Shoes Hat, $40, from Voyage Boutique
From cardigans to clutches, everything’s coming up rosy
AYNI cardigan, $450; MICHELLE FARMER linen pants, $685; GEDEBE clutch, $805; feather earrings, $395; flower earrings, $325; all from Michelle Farmer Necklace, $150, from Filly & Colt
Exceptional Service from Start to Close
Inspiration from a rainbow of choices
Color Wheel
IN BED WITH YOU
cashmere sweater, $540; HOMERS shoes, $435; both from Filly & Colt
Clutch, $180, from Wish & Shoes
Belt, $35; hat, $45; both from Voyage Boutique
We’ve always been very proactive. Now we’re reacting, and we’re seeing what we can do.”
—Rand Hoch
Hearts & Minds
Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Founder Rand Hoch navigates a turbulent new era for LGBTQ+ rights
Written by TYLER CHILDRESS
In the summer of 1984, Rand Hoch finished clerking for a prominent Palm Beach County law firm and was offered a job after finishing law school—a rare guarantee for graduates. There was just one problem.
“I’m in the office with the managing partner,”says Hoch,“and I say to him, ‘How is my being gay going to affect my becoming a partner years down the road?’”
When he saw the color drain from his face, Hoch realized the partner didn’t know he was gay. The partner meekly responded that it shouldn’t be an issue, but when Hoch later called the firm to follow up on the job offer, he was told that no offer had been made.
“I [realized] there’s no federal law, no state law, no local law [protecting me],” says Hoch.“Everything they did, discriminating against me solely on the basis of my sexual orientation, was perfectly legal.”There still is no federal law that protects the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination.
Hoch went on to become a successful mediation lawyer, and even became Palm Beach County’s first openly gay judge. But he describes his experience with discrimination as a “life-changer,” and the defining moment that spurred his founding of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community that has helped pass more than 150 pieces of legislation in Palm Beach County that prohibit discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in housing, employment, insurance and more.
Now, after more than 30 years of progress, the legal protections that Hoch and the HRC fought for are less secure than ever.
Hoch attributes the rise in hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community in part to President Donald Trump’s first presidential run, specifically his 2015 announcement speech when he demonized Mexicans crossing the American border.“That opened the floodgates for people to be open about their hatred of minority groups,” says Hoch.“Things changed with Trump, and they got worse with DeSantis.”
equality.
“We’ve always been very proactive,” says Hoch. “Now we’re reacting, and we’re seeing what we can do.”
Some work by the PBCHRC is even being actively undone. In 2020, the PBCHRC urged Boca Raton and other municipalities to repeal a law they helped pass that bans conversion therapy—a controversial method of “curing” a child’s sexual orientation—after the ban was challenged by a right-wing group and deemed unconstitutional by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though a seemingly counterintuitive move, by repealing the ban, the PBCHRC prevented the case going before the United States Supreme Court, which could have resulted in conversion therapy bans nationwide to be repealed.
“We didn’t want to be an avenue for someone else to take this case to the United States Supreme Court,” says Hoch.
Bigotry toward the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond the courtroom, too. In Delray Beach, two individuals who burned their tires over the rainbow Pride Streetscape that the PBCHRC and AIDS Healthcare Foundation donated to the city were given lenient punishments and not charged with hate crimes, despite the symbolism of the attacks. Hoch, as a former judge, couldn’t make sense of the ruling.“If somebody had served time in jail, even a week, it would be somewhat of a deterrent,” he says.
Rand Hoch
Since 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has passed legislation that prohibits the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom, bans gender-affirming care for minors, and allows health care providers and insurers to deny coverage to LGBTQ+ individuals. Rights that the PBCHRC had previously thought secure are no longer so, and the organization is now on its back foot in the fight for
To Hoch, the rulings in these cases and others, along with the legislative attacks and the rise of “parental rights” groups that have contributed to the banning of countless books—including those with LGBTQ+ characters—from schools, hint at a troubling future for his community.
“This should not be the trend that our nation is moving forward to,” says Hoch.“But I can’t get cynical. ... We still have to keep moving forward.
“We just need to be our authentic selves and get out there and change the hearts and minds of individuals in our circles of friends. But if we’re waiting for the legislature or the courts, that’s a whole different story.”
JERRY RABINOWITZ
ARE YOU
Where Jewish people find each other. Where the next generation learns about their heritage. Where business professionals network and connect. Where families celebrate the holidays. A safe space where you can be yourself.
And where we come together to care for the world. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is where you can find purpose, connect with your passion, and meet like-minded friends.
I work closely with therapists, because I’ve always said that your most important sex organ is actually your brain.”
—Dr. Kanwal Bawa
Sexual Healing
Sexual medicine practitioner Dr. Kanwal Bawa brings her intimate specialty out of the bedroom and into our earbuds
Written by JOHN THOMASON
Dr. Kanwal Bawa’s journey to becoming our region’s most prominent specialist in sexual medicine began in an unlikely place: the emergency room. While completing her residency in Emergency Medicine at a Cleveland Clinic-affiliated hospital in Ohio, Bawa initially thought she was the victim of a co-worker’s prank when she read “cannot get erection” on an E.R. patient’s form.
Bawa discovered that the 20-something male was genuinely traumatized—and that he wasn’t alone. Thanks to a dearth of in-depth knowledge on sexual wellness among general practitioners, increasing numbers of patients with sexual dysfunctions were showing up at E.R.s as a last resort.
“That got me researching sexual medicine, which in and of itself doesn’t really exist in today’s day and age,” says Bawa, a doctor of osteopathic medicine.“I went to a great medical school and a great residency program, and never once was pleasure discussed. It just wasn’t a priority.”
It is a central priority at Bawa Medical, the Boca Raton practice Bawa opened in 2019, where the native of New Delhi, India sees a wide range of patients for services including vaginal rejuvenation, acoustic wave therapy, penis enlargement and erectile dysfunction treatments, many of them patented by Bawa.
Outside the walls of her med spa, Bawa has built a pop-culture following through her podcast, Dr. Sex Fairy, which she launched in 2021, and whose topics bridge the gap between the clinical and the Cosmopolitan: “The Heavenly Sex Position to Try Tonight,”“Why Your Morning Wood Matters.” She also shared her expertise on the stage of TEDx Boca Raton in 2024. Just don’t call her an influencer: “I take great offense to that term, because it dumbs down what I do,” she says.“My mission is to educate and to spread sexual wellness, and to make it OK to discuss it.”
we are not connecting with people face to face. Social media apps for dating are a great thing in some ways, and a terrible thing in others, because we’re not truly connecting with people; we’re just coming across them. … I do think the level of our connections has become more superficial.
On suspending judgments: It’s OK to have alternative lifestyles and talk about them. I’m not encouraging any particular lifestyle. I’m not saying you should be a swinger, but I’m not saying you shouldn’t be a swinger. I’m just saying that if you are going to do it, let’s figure out a way that’s healthy, that’s safe and that works for you long-term.
On sex addiction: I don’t think having a lot of sex means that you’re addicted to sex. [Addiction] comes when you are at an absolute extreme, where you’re not able to function in your life in a meaningful way. Those people are the minority of the people I see in my practice, by far. And for them, everybody’s story is different, so the solution to help anybody is also going to be different.
Dr. Kanwal Bawa
On speaking frankly about sex: My topic is seldom discussed with dignity. I feel that if you cheapen everything, how are you supposed to have an intelligent discussion about it? … I don’t want to use ridiculous terms. I don’t want to call a penis a pickle. I don’t say “your flower;” I say “your vagina.” Call a vagina a vagina. It’s OK to do that.
On reportedly declining rates of sex among Americans 18 to 30: I think the rise of social media and the work-from-home setup is not helping, because
On how to spice up a dormant sexual relationship: The most important thing is to take foreplay out of the bedroom. Too many people think that foreplay starts when you start to take your clothes off. Whether it’s a pat on the butt, a longer hug than you usually give your partner, a kiss that lasts at least six seconds, it makes a difference. … If you give each other a kiss that lingers, I dare say there’ll be some fire within.
On the legalization of sex work: I support that, because if you legalize it, you also make it a lot safer for both the sex worker and the [client]. You can make sure that they are following certain guidelines, that there is STD testing, that there is treatment. Right now, it’s the wild, wild west. People ask me, how is it that a good little Indian girl like you has these opinions? And I say I’m just honest. Prostitution has always been around, and it will always be around.
MICHAEL CONNOR
CIPRIANI RESIDENCES MIAMI
Brickell (Miami)
THE RESIDENCES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI
Brickell Key (Miami)
RESIDENCES, MIAMI Downtown Miami
Lauderdale
FAENA
RIVA RESIDENZE Fort
Florida's weird and wonderful roadside attractions
Written by Tyler Childress, Christiana Lilly and John Thomason
Illustration by Kimberly Solari Brown
he United States has many traditions, but perhaps the most fun is the road trip—pack your bags, load up on gas station candy, and hit the road through America’s highways and byways.
After all, who needs ancient cathedrals when you have the largest ball of twine in Kansas, the International Banana Museum in California, the Enchanted Highway in North Dakota, and the larger-than-life Carhenge sculpture in Nebraska? We’re all about the weird and wonderful, and in Florida, especially take our weirdness seriously.
We scoured our state’s road maps for the top head-turning, mysterious and eccentric roadside attractions and off-the-beaten-path pit stops totally worth a deviation from your Waze directions. Road trip, anyone?
The Possum Monument
Corner of Second Avenue and Washington Street, Wausau
It’s hard to imagine that a 1.2-square-mile town with a population of less than 400 could be the capital of anything, yet Wausau, Florida has the strange honor of being the “possum capital of the world,” a self-applied title commemorated by a 12-foot possum monument in the center of town.
Wausau becoming synonymous with the adorable marsupials was purely coincidental, and is owed in part to the fact that there are more possums (technically opossums, which are the North American cousins of the Australian possum) in Wausau than people. During turbulent times like the Great Depression, possums became a food source for the impoverished Wausau population. As a tribute, the town constructed the possum monument in 1982, upon which is inscribed:
“Erected in grateful recognition of the role the North American possum, a magnificent survivor of the marsupial family pre-dating the ages of the mastodon and the dinosaur has played in furnishing both food and fur for the early settlers and their successors. Their presence here has provided a source of nutritious and flavorful food in normal times and has been an important aid to human survival in times of distress and critical need.”
There’s no wrong time to visit the possum monument, but the best time is definitely the Possum Festival, held during the first weekend of August. This annual fête draws thousands of tourists to enjoy two days of live music, games, a possum auction (funds raised go toward the next year’s festival, and possums are returned to the wild), culminating in the crowning of King and Queen Possum.
The World’s Smallest Police Station
102 Ave. A N, Carrabelle
The quaint fishing town of Carrabelle isn’t quite blink-and-you’ll-miss-it small, but its world-famous landmark certainly is.
Located on the corner of Route 98 and Tallahassee Street is the world’s smallest police station, and it has a story perfectly befitting a small town. A repurposed phone booth became the town’s official police station after a call box intended for use by the police became the go-to phone for locals to make long-distance calls—a costly endeavor at the time. Thinking the calls would stop if the call box was moved, the town relocated it inside a nearby phone booth—a win-win for officers who would get drenched every time they used the call box in the rain. Unfortunately, the long-distance callers were undeterred, and the dial had to eventually be removed from the phone. The booth continued to be used by officers until the ‘90s when the then four-man police force finally received a brick-and-mortar station.
CAROL M. HIGHSMITH ARCHIVE, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS DIVISION
The former “station” became famous after appearances on “Ripley's Believe It or Not”, "The Today Show” and an interview with the police chief by Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show.” After years of vandalism and weather damage, however, the station was eventually moved to the Carrabelle History Museum. A replica of the booth stands at its original location, where tourists can freely visit to take pictures. Just don’t expect to make any long-distance calls.
Florida’s Oldest Diner
209 Reid St., Palatka
The cadaverous Elvis sculpture outside Angel’s Dining Car in Palatka captures a zombie-toned Presley clutching his microphone stand, his rubbery legs in mid-motion. A duet with the King makes for a great photo op—one of many touches of ‘50s nostalgia in which the restaurant trades. Yet Angel’s has been around far longer than its sockhop ambiance might suggest. It opened in 1932, before Elvis Presley was born, and its claim to be Florida’s oldest diner has yet to be disproven. In the year that original owner Porter Angel unveiled his dining car, the No. 1 song in America was a sea shanty by jazz singer Ted Lewis, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to his first term.
In its 93 years, countless tourists, locals and celebrities have entered its unassuming metal exterior and sat at one of its booths or its limegreen counter to order a milkshake, a burger or“Lou’s Famous Fried Chicken”(served only on Tuesdays and Fridays), surrounded by period-evoking décor amassed through the decades: the front end of a 1957 Chevrolet, an Elvis collector’s plate, old 45s lining the walls. Pat Boone and the Rev. Billy Graham were regulars, as well as many luminaries of the Gainesville and Jacksonville rock scenes, from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Tom Petty. (Palatka is roughly an hour away from both cities.)
Visitors can also dine from their cars by honking for a server’s attention—a relic
from the early automobile era that sustained Angel’s business during the pandemic—or they can sit outside, near Elvis, at the paint-spackled tables. As for the food? Breakfast, at least, is unimpeachable and served all day. Order a short stack and especially the beloved biscuits—buttery, fluffy and perfectly crisp around the edges.
Yuletide spirit is on display year-round, at the world’s second-largest nativity scene.
Another roadside attraction beckons just 10 minutes away in neighboring San Mateo. Easy to miss from Highway 100, the Honey Stand serves up a local apiary’s raw honey from the owners’ unmanned shack. The stand has been operating off the honor system since 1947: For $15 a bottle, buyers can deposit cash in the rusty red Money Box or Venmo the owners. A warning to potential honey thieves: No one may know you’re stealing except the bees, but their revenge stings.
The World’s (2nd?) Largest Nativity Scene
111 Jackson St., Altamonte Springs
Who says Christmas only comes once a year? In the town of Altamonte Springs, the
For those sticklers that would argue the nativity scene in the parking lot of Mexico City’s Azteca stadium is larger, Altamonte Springs residents Joe and Morgan Voke—on whose property the statues are located—say nay. A sign on the fence in front of the set reads: “Measuring 19’ tall, this set is 2’ taller than the largest nativity set currently recorded in the world located in Mexico listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
Avid readers of the Guinness Book of World Records may note that the actual largest nativity scene in the world is in Alicante, Spain, but why let a discrepancy ruin a fun display?
The Vokes’ nativity scene was gifted to them by a family member, who purchased it from an auction of property that once belonged to the Holy Land Experience, a now-shuttered biblical theme park in Orlando.
The set is a perfect thematic fit with the rest of the Vokes’ lawn decor, which includes a statue of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, an olive tree, and a stone carving of Jesus’ face with eyes that seem to follow you in an unsettling optical illusion. If you decide to visit, be sure to turn on Amanda Street for a look at more of the Vokes’ marble sculptures.
Honey stand in San Mateo
Swampy, the World’s Largest Alligator
26205 E. Colonial Drive, Christmas
As a general rule, unless you’re one of those Everglades daredevils that goads gators for entertainment, we don’t recommend approaching the open maw of an alligator. Of this, even nine out of 10 Florida men must agree. Swampy is the exception. At this attraction in the holly-jolly Central Florida region known as Christmas, visitors are free to roam among the titular 200-foot gator’s jagged teeth and step onto its pink concrete tongue for photo ops. You’re guaranteed not to be devoured—and to leave the gaping jaws with a keepsake perfect for Instagram. You might even find an actual tchotchke to take home, for among Swampy’s many purposes? It’s the gift shop for its adjoining theme park, Jungle Adventures. Swampy has been keeping vigil since 1989, when it was commissioned to promote a park then known as Gator Jungle. Its sprawling length, verified by a cartoonishly long tape measure, confirmed its boast as the “World’s Largest Gator,” an honor scrawled on its side like a graffiti artist’s tag. This reptile is so big that at one point, the founders of Gator Jungle even lived in Swampy, and the fireplace where they kept warm can still be viewed inside. In addition to the gift shop, the belly of the beast also contains a café, restrooms, a ticket counter and the offices of Jungle Adventures, which likely qualifies Swampy as the only alligator with a Wi-Fi connection.
That would be Jungle Adventures, naturally. The self-described Real Florida Animal Park provides 10 acres of natural habitat for small exotic cats, deer, reptiles, tropical birds and various mammals, including an endangered Florida panther. Visitors can enjoy handson wildlife experiences, a re-creation of a historic Native American village, cruises on the Jungle Swamp Queen riverboat, and gator feedings.
Grave of America’s Oldest Man
985 Square Lake Drive, Bartow
If you ever find yourself driving through Bartow, Florida, you can pay your respects to Charles Smith, the (supposedly) oldest man in the country, buried at the Wildwood Cemetery.
If his tombstone is to be believed, Smith led a long life that began on July 4, 1842 and ended on Oct. 5, 1979. While some historians cast doubt on his age being 138 (conflicting records have been unearthed that place him between 100 and 105 years old), they agree that he was at least older than 100. To say Smith’s life was interesting is an understatement. By one of his accounts—of which he told several, often contradictory, throughout his life—he was born in Liberia in 1842 and at age 12 was abducted and sold into slavery in America. He would, so he says, eventually go on to fight in the Civil War for the Union Army, then moved west where he became a professional gambler, bounty hunter and circus performer. Whether you believe Smith’s tales about himself or not, he was clearly beloved by the residents of Bartow, who pooled together money to buy his headstone, upon which is inscribed “America’s Oldest Man.”
JENN L SHOOTS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
JAN JACKSON
Spook Hill
321 Dr. JA Wiltshire Ave., Lake Wales
Here’s a roadside attraction you can enjoy without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Situated next to an elementary school of the same name in the quiet Central Florida city of Lake Wales, Spook Hill is a gravity hill, a naturally occurring optical illusion in which a slight downhill slope resembles an uphill slope, and cars roll up even in neutral. Spook Hill is the only such gravity hill—or “mystery hill,” as these paranormal pockets are sometimes dubbed—in Florida.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, Spook Hill has been embraced by its town, which erected an arch and a signpost, on which visitors can peruse a long-winded “backstory” rife with Floridiana—namely, some nonsense about a warrior chief and an alligator battling to the death on this very site. In broad daylight, when we visited, the scariest aspect of the trip was the construction a mile away that perplexed our GPS and added 10 minutes of detours to our commute.
Ah, but does the illusion “work?” Not re ally, at least the way some of its boosters have purported—that your automobile will defy gravity and roll uphill while in neutral. My Honda CX-5 did what most cars do when they approach the white line of Spook Hill—roll backward for 50 feet or so. As far as thrills go, I’d rank this about a 1 out of 10, but it does produce the brief sensa-
tion of helming a driverless car. For control freaks, letting the ghost in the machine take the wheel may be a scary thought indeed.
For most Lake Wales tourists, the real attraction isn’t Spook Hill but Bok Tower Gardens, a wildlife sanctuary just two minutes down the road. The gardens boast more than 3 miles of hiking trails through sandhill pine forest, bogs, oak hammocks and other cultivated ecosystems, where rare birds, tortoises and gators can be spotted. But it’s the tower itself, dedicated by then-President Calvin Coolidge in 1929, that draws music lovers from around the world. The edifice, known as the Singing Tower, contains a 60-bell carillon—the largest bell weighs 22,400 pounds—on which professional carillonneurs perform daily. Visitors gather around the many seats and benches surrounding the monolith, absorbing the resonant melodies as they would at any classical recital. It’s a genuine balm for the soul in a world full of noise.
Bok Tower Gardens
Solomon’s Castle
4533 Solomon Road, Ona
There is, in fact, a castle in Florida, and it’s a half-hour’s drive from Arcadia, in the middle of nowhere. Upon gazing at its rippling silver exterior—built from aluminum printing plates from a Wauchula newspaper plant— you’ll think you’ve landed in the imagination of Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm. Eighty stained-glass windows decorate its surface, depicting planets and astrology signs and nursery-rhyme characters. There’s even a balcony with a frilly purple awning, where it’s easy to imagine Rapunzel letting her hair down. Solomon’s Castle puts reality on pause.
The castle’s namesake, self-taught artist and craftsman Howard Solomon, was a native New Yorker who moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1955 and eventually purchased the property in unincorporated Ona, where it would serve as his studio, museum and residence until his death. His daughter Alane and her husband Dean operate the castle today, and it has been featured everywhere from CNN to Animal Planet.
The castle’s folksy tour guides lead visitors inside the edifice, dispensing countless puns—written, they say, by Solomon himself—as they merely scratch the surface of the hundreds of artworks in wood and metal that fill room after room. Solomon, they say, was known as “the da Vinci of debris, the Rembrandt of reclamation and the savior of salvage” for his ability to transform
unwanted materials into upcycled sculptures, like a 350-pound ship comprised of rebar, bicycle chains and part of an oil drum; a fish whose “scales” consist of 57 beer can bottoms; and a diorama of animals, from a giraffe to a penguin to a unicorn, created entirely from wire coat hangers. Solomon turned a 1910-vintage kerosene lantern, a transformer, a shock absorber and an upturned lampshade into a model train; and reused a pair of found manatee ribs as tusks on a giant elephant sculpture—while deploying clamshells for its toenails and an oil spout for its tail.
To tour Solomon’s Castle is to immerse oneself in a century of Americana. His humor-rich concoctions riff on such cultural staples as Evel Knievel and Where’s Waldo?, Mae West and “Breaking Bad,” the Wright Brothers and Bigfoot and Norman Rockwell. On a second tour, for a small additional fee, visitors can take a golf-cart ride to a second facility, where Solomon stored his vintage car collection, including an original Ford Model T, one of only 108 produced.
There is literally nothing else in Ona, but you’re encouraged to stay at Solomon’s a while longer and dine at its onsite restaurant, the Boat in the Moat, which, naturally, is inside a 65-foot-long barge built by Solomon over a fouryear period. It purports to be the best restaurant in Ona—a cheeky claim, given that it’s the only restaurant in Ona—but well worth a visit for Chef Alane’s homemade comfort food and famous desserts, like the Ace of Spades Chocolate Cherry Cake and Diamond Jack’s Walnut Pie.
Betsy the Lobster
86700 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
Driving through the Keys, it’s hard to miss the massive Keys spiny lobster hanging out in front of Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada. Her name is Betsy, and move over Sebastian, because she’s allegedly the largest anatomically correct lobster sculpture in the world at 30 feet tall and 40 feet long. She was created by Richard Blaze, who was commissioned by a restaurant to build her. However, the restaurant closed before her completion in 1985, so Betsy lived in Treasure Village. In 2009, she relocated to her home at Rain Barrel Village, towering over visitors parking their cars in the gravel lot right off the Overseas Highway.
While you make a stop for Betsy, stick around to explore the village, a meandering collective of artists, souvenir shops and the Lobster Shack Cafe. Purchase watercolor paintings, photography, hand-poured candles and housewares to take home to remember your time on the island—and don’t forget the Betsy shirts, tumblers, keychains, coffee mugs and ornaments to go with your selfie.
Boat in the Moat
Solomon’s Castle
Smallest Post Office in the Country
38000 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee
Somewhere between here and Naples is Big Cypress, a swath of natural Florida where panthers take refuge and drivers feel a peaceful sense of being in the middle of nowhere. But don’t let that stop you from sending mail.
Ochopee, about 40 minutes east of Marco Island, is home to the nation’s smallest post office, measuring in at a whopping 61.3 square feet. Multiple postal workers have shared tales of coming face-to-face with snakes in the office, and alligators often sunbathe in the parking lot (apparently, they keep to themselves).
According to the U.S. Postal Service, the tiny office was once a storage facility for the J.T. Gaunt Company tomato farm, then converted into a post office in 1953. It was much needed, as the local post office and general store had just burnt down. It’s still a functioning post office, and tourists are eager to stop by to send out their mail with the Ochopee postmark reading “Smallest Post Office Building in the USA.” It serves an important service to communities in a tri-county area, including Seminole and Miccosukee communities, and it is also a ticket station for the Trailways bus. Since 1992, it’s been under ownership of the Wooten family.
At this tiny post office,“neither snow
nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night”—or snakes or alligators—will keep mail carriers from getting mail to their destinations.
While the post office is in the middle of nowhere, there actually is another destination worth a stop: photographer Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, also in Ochopee. The renowned nature photographer only shoots in black and white—a practice he started after the death of his son, Ted, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1986. While it seems counterintuitive to capture a lush part of Florida’s wetlands without color, it works. By stripping down scenes to just black and white, viewers can take in all the details of ferns, ripples on the water, and the knobs on ancient cypress trees. Shutterbugs can join Swamp Eco Tours through Big Cypress; bring clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, because at times you will be up to your waist in water.
Clyde Butcher
Fred the Tree
Seven-mile Bridge between mile markers 42 and 41 in the Florida Keys
One of the most memorable moments when traveling to Key West is the trek over the Seven Mile Bridge. As you admire the turquoise waters, look out your window to catch a glimpse of Fred the Tree. An Australian pine growing out of the dilapidated Old Seven Mile Bridge, he’s been a fixture for almost 40 years.
We can’t be sure how he got there, but legends say he sprouted from a plop of bird poop, or his seedling fell off a truck carrying the pine trees. Whatever the story, he’s been growing steadily (he’s about 20 feet tall now) and seemingly unbothered by the countless hurricanes that have swept through the Keys—including Hurricane Irma in 2017. Because of his survival through that massive storm, Fred has become a symbol of hope and perseverance.
More recently, another Australian pine tree has sprouted from the wreckage, right next to Fred. Some say his name is Fred Jr.; others have dubbed it his partner, Wilma.
In a very Keys-like manner,“Fred’s Elves” venture to the old bridge to decorate Fred with lights and ornaments during Christmas, and a Key West synagogue donated a solar-powered menorah. This is no small task, as Fred is only accessible by boat or helicopter. There’s also a Facebook group of Fred the Tree fans, posting photos whenever they pass him on the Seven Mile Bridge.
Staud dress from Saks Palm Beach; necklace and bracelet from Mariko
All clothing and accessories from stores on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach
Equine Elegance
Haute couture is inspired by the equestrian set
Photography by Lyall Aston
Shot on location at Santa Rita Polo Farm in Wellington, Florida
Sweater and skirt by Ralph Lauren from Saks Palm Beach; glasses from Edward Beiner
Zimmerman dress from Saks Palm Beach; earrings from Mariko
Dress and belt from Marina St Barth; hat from Marley’s Palm Beach Collection; necklace from Mariko
Ralph Lauren suit, Sam Edelman riding boots, both from Saks Palm Beach; shirt from Marley’s Palm Beach Collection; earrings from Mariko
PHOTOGRAPHER: Lyall Aston
LOCATION: Santa Rita Polo Farm in Wellington, Florida
MODEL: Carola Remer/Next Model Management
STYLIST: Anna Zgurovskaya/Agency Gerard Artists
HAIR & MAKEUP: Virginia Le Fay using MAC Cosmetics/Agency Gerard Artists
ART DIRECTOR: Lori Pierino
Dress and bracelet from 120% Lino; Gucci boots and Lack of Colors hat from Saks Palm Beach
Carolina Herrera dress from Carolina Herrera Palm Beach; earrings from St. John Palm Beach
La Ciudad Perdida Teyuna, the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Santa Marta
Sons of the Jaguar
Marrying ancient tradition with modern artisanship, northern Colombia has flown under the tourist radar
WRITTEN BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
he cliche “The journey is the destination” couldn’t have been truer from the ground level of Minca. On our itinerary for the day was to reach a coffee and cacao farm about 40 minutes up into the Sierra Nevada mountains, where we would tour the farm and try our hand at roasting coffee beans and tasting creamy dark chocolate.
The idea seemed easy enough—until our guide told us we needed to change into a vehicle that could handle the journey. After all, making your way up the mountain requires four-wheel drive to navigate the unpaved potholes and winding one-way roads. More than once,
our truck came face-to-face with another car, and in a choreographed dance, the drivers nonchalantly drove off the road, oftentimes clinging to the side of the mountain to make way for the passing car. They say to only be worried if the flight attendant looks worried; our driver was nonchalant (probably because he makes this trek multiple times a day, every day), so I followed his cue and instead looked out the window at a waterfall and cascading guadua bamboo trees, searching for capuchin and howler monkeys and jaguars (no luck). We passed intrepid hikers and motorcyclists, hostels and restaurants, then finally arrived at the top to Finca La Candelaria. Looking out at the vistas of the Sierra Nevada, it’s the same view that the Tayrona people had centuries ago. It’s in these mountains
The mountains meet the ocean in Santa Marta
that the ancient civilization created a metropolis, all in spite of the encroaching power of Spanish conquistadors and colonialism. Visitors to the region take on the challenge to visit Ciudad Perdida Teyuna, or the Lost City, the home of the Tayrona people and one of the oldest indigenous sites in the world. The four- to six-day trek, depending on your athleticism, weaves through the jungles of the Sierra Nevada before arriving at the ancient city.
This year, Santa Marta—about a 45-minute drive to Minca—is celebrating its 500th anniversary. Of course, that’s excluding the presence of the Tayrona, meaning “sons of the jaguar.” Historians believe they first arrived around 200 BCE, and their descendents— the Kogui, Arhuaco, Kankuamo and Wiwa—are a testament to the fortitude of the culture, numbering around 30,000 people.
During our time in northern Colombia, there was a magical melding of the past and the present, the survival of culture and tradition in the 21st century.
Caffeine Fix
Back at the farm, there’s a breathtaking vista of the misty mountains fading into the Caribbean Sea. All around us, we saw trees bursting with cacao and coffee pods; CDs were hanging from tree limbs to ward away birds; and fruits were strewn about to distract squirrels from the good stuff. The third-generation, family-owned farm grows three coffee varieties on the 28-hectare property—Colombian, Castillo and Cadura coffee—and produces 1 ton of cacao and 6 tons of dried coffee beans annually.
Not unlike a science teacher, our guide, Eduardo, shows us the life cycle of chocolate, beginning as a bean inside a large yellow pod, each bean wrapped in a sweet, white fleshy fruit. The beans are broken down into nibs, and then ground into a chocolate paste. I had a chance to grind the cacao beans—no easy task, turning the crank by hand— and the team then added milk and a dash of sugar to the mash to make hot chocolate. Having it straight from the bean was very bitter,
and a wakeup call to how much sugar is added to make it a sweet treat.
It’s not just for drinking, though; customers also purchase cacao exfoliating face masks (honey is added, for this). A farm team member went around brushing the chocolate onto our faces; a French backpacker and I looked at each other laughing and taking selfies together for the memories.
For the coffee, I was put to work again with another visitor, essentially separating the shell from the beans in a giant wooden mortar and pestle. Eduardo made it look easy, of course, simultaneously smacking the pestle while turning it with the flick of his wrist. The collected beans went into the roaster and were then ground by hand once again for the freshest coffee you could imagine—picked straight from the tree.
Coffee is king in Colombia; the nation ranks fourth in the world for coffee production. For almost 100 years, the Federación de Cafeteros has served as a nationwide union for coffee growers. Coffee was easy to find, from the Amorigen espresso bar at the hotel to Juan Valdez stands around the city. While we were exploring “downtown” Santa Marta, a man in indigenous regalia was in line at a stand waiting for his cup to be prepared.
On the Town
We were walking through Bolívar Plaza when our guide joked that every city in Colombia has a Bolívar Plaza. Simón Bolívar is a Colombia hero who led the country to its independence from the Spanish
TRAVELING WITH COFFEE
We discovered at the airport that there is a limitation to how much “powdered substances” you can bring in your carry-on, including ground coffee. My fellow traveler was forced to throw out her coffee, while I was good to go, since mine were coffee beans. Each airline and airport appears to have different rules, so either go for the beans or check your bag to ensure your coffee makes it home with you.
Clockwise from bottom left: The Sierra Mountains, cacao pods, Finca la Candelaria, raw coffee, cacao nibs, and a farmer pours freshly made hot chocolate.
GIRL POWER
Barranquilla is proud to be the hometown of stars like Sofia Vergara and Shakira—a 21-foot-tall statue of the songstress was erected in December 2023 in the Gran Malecón park along the Magdalena River. This seemed to set a theme for our time in this coastal city, one of women and their impact in Barranquilla. Amira, the restaurant at the Barranquilla Marriott Hotel, is named after Amira de la Rosa, the composer of the city’s anthem.
empire. He served as the first president of Colombia (somehow he simultaneously served as president of Peru and Bolivia, nations he also freed from Spanish rule) and died in Santa Marta in 1830.
Adjacent to the square is the Museo del Oro Tairona, a branch of Bogota’s lauded gold museum that showcases more than 500 pieces of intricate work by pre-Columbian people. The exhibits of gold, pottery and stone are housed within the Casa de la Aduana, the customs building during the colonial period. In the center of the building is a courtyard with a beautiful dark wood wraparound patio surrounding a tree jutting into the sky. Another site of note is Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta, the oldest cathedral in all of Colombia as well as the first basilica in Latin America. While passing by on a Friday evening, mass was just getting started, and vendors outside were selling patron saint medals and rosaries.
In the evening, Santa Marta’s historic district comes alive with music, storefronts hawking wares, bustling hostels, and people out for a night on the town. Our group dined at Guasimo, the inside bursting with colorful oil paintings created by the chef, Fabian Rodriguez, and the sounds of two men singing along to a guitar and bongo. The walls are covered in a rotating collection of Rodriguez's paintings, portraying the bright hues of Colombia’s birds, fruits, landscapes and people. After our eyes feasted on the artwork, it was our stomach’s turn to try his culinary masterpieces, a chef’s tasting menu. We were treated to flavors like steak topped with chimichurri, a salad with grilled tamarillo, and a dessert of fried cheese topped with mango and cream. I thought I knew all my tropical fruits until I got to Colombia.
Hospitality
At the end of each day during our time in Santa Marta, we returned to the refuge of the beachfront Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida. Although it’s located on a public beach, it’s not bursting at the gills with swimmers like we’re used to in touristy South Florida. Families play in the sand, couples take a walk around the curve of the shore, and beneath the shade of a tree, vendors sell beaded jewelry, bags and clothing. That’s the view to the west, while to the east is a nature reserve; the hotel owns and protects part of it. The quiet of the reserve can be enjoyed from the Seishua spa’s relaxation deck or while soaking in a hot tub.
The hotel itself is a living nod to the region’s natural resource, from the raw-edge desks in each suite to the brass guacamaya (macaw) sculptures on the walls, and a guadua bamboo structure in the lobby’s great room that serves as a covered seating area. Throughout the space are items representative of the Tayrona descendants, such as gourds, bags and other textiles (most notably, a woven white cap worn by shamans). A floor-to-ceiling mural by Colombian artist Eloin Rivera is the centerpiece of the hotel, showcasing the icy mountaintops, green jungles, sandy beaches and azure ocean of Santa Marta, with the same golden guacamaya flying overhead.
From the deck of the 1525 Restaurant & Terrace are views of the ocean gently ebbing and flowing with the tide. A view that can’t be ignored, though, is the trupillo tree that grows in the alfresco Cayeye restaurant. We were told that the hotel proprietor is fond of Tayrona history and culture, so before construction, he brought a mamo, or indigenous spiritual leader, to bless the land. The mamo was drawn to the trupillo tree, which he said represented prosperity, and encouraged the hotel to build around it. This tree towers to the
Top: Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta Bottom: Lesvia Jimenez has been weaving iraca palm since she was 5.
Arts & Crafts
When our time in Santa Marta came to an end, we crossed the land bridge over to Barranquilla, a more metropolitan city and the fourth most populous in Colombia. While I waited to check into our hotel, the Barranquilla Marriott Hotel, I perused the small gift shop and found palm-woven accessories that would easily be featured in a “get ready with me” outfit curated by a Lilly Pulitzer and Free People
lover. Luckily for us, we would see where it was all made.
The town of Usiacurí, a little over an hour away from Barranquilla, is known for its tradition of artisans hand-weaving threads of iraca palm into intricate designs for bags, coasters, fans and plate chargers. Sitting in her chair in an open stall, Lesvia Jimenez’s fingers seem to move independently from the rest of her body; she gives out prices and nods at items hanging from the walls as she weaves strings of iraca palm. It takes her just minutes to make a napkin ring in the shape of a hibiscus flower, and I think about how much it would probably fetch back in the U.S. At almost 80 years old, her hands have been weaving since she was 5; it’s a skill she learned from her mother, who learned from her own mother. Jimenez has taught the next generation how to weave iraca handcrafts, and she employs 30 to 40 families to create pieces for the business.
Art is quite literally a part of Usiacurí. We’re taken to Iglesia Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a blue-roofed church with an enormous painting of Jesus Christ spread over its 30 steps leading to its front doors. From this vantage point, one can see a living mural spread over the metal roofs of countless homes. It’s 10,700 square feet of murals, to be exact, using Pintuco paints (a local paint company) and following the theme of birds—the eyes of an owl, an emerald green parrot, and the wings of a parrot dot the green landscape. On one roof, the artist Ospen tags his name, taking ownership of his oversized masterpiece.
My time in northern Colombia was a whirlwind, traipsing from one adventure to the next. As I carefully packed my bag—bags of coffee beans, an iraca palm purse, and an SD card filled with photos—I was bringing pieces of Colombian tradition and artisanship home with me.
Above, Santa Marta’s beaches. At left, revelers in the annual Carnaval de Barranquilla, a four-day festival of music, dancing and culture.
Castle Connolly PRIVATE HEALTH PARTNERS, LLC Medical SPOTL GHT
One of the biggest complaints about medical care today is that the goal seems to be to get patients in and out of the office as quickly as possible.
This way of practicing medicine leaves patients no time to discuss their critical health concerns with their doctor, much less to develop a plan to improve their health and well-being. No wonder patients and doctors are frustrated and dissatisfied.
FORTUNATELY, THERE’S A BETTER WAY
During their search for a better, more satisfying way to practice medicine, many physicians have partnered with Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, a leading expert in the concierge medicine model. The resulting practices are ones that put the doctor-patient relationship first, a philosophy that enables Members to build a strong rapport with their doctor and work with him or
her in the most convenient and unhurried way possible to proactively manage their overall health and well-being.
WHY CONCIERGE MEDICINE WORKS
Concierge doctors see considerably fewer patients than typical primary care physicians do, which gives them much more time to spend with each Member during visits. This extra time enables physicians to truly get to know their Members— what’s going on in their lives, what their health concerns are, what their health goals are. The resulting knowledge enables physicians to provide Members with personalized care that can lead to improved health and well-being.
But personalized care doesn’t stop there. It also includes convenient amenities such as same or next-day visits with little to no wait time, virtual telehealth appointments, direct communication
to the physician, and the ability to send pictures to the doctor through a customized app.
Another plus that Members can’t get anywhere else is the SENS Solution® Wellness Program. This unique program is filled with information, tips and solutions for strengthening the four pillars of health—sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress management—as well as the opportunity to work with a health coach to build a customized plan to guide Members on their journey to better health. Even better, the program is available at no cost to Members.
FIND YOUR CONCIERGE DOCTOR
Here are but a few of the CCPHP physicians who practice in your area and are ready to partner with you to ensure you’re living your healthiest life. When you’re ready to try a better way of receiving health care or have any questions about concierge medicine, call (561) 220-4822 or visit info.ccphp.net/boca.
Richard R. Bobé, M.D.
Brian Moraes, D.O.
Deanna Weilbacher, PA-C
BOBÉ CCPHP
Richard R. Bobé, M.D., board-certified in internal medicine, received his undergraduate degree from Fordham University and his medical degree from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. He cares for his patients using an integrative approach that leans heavily on behavioral lifestyle changes. His own expertise as well as that of his specialist connections provide his patients with a supportive and secure health care system.
HMS CCPHP
Brian Moraes, D.O., received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a residency and fellowship at Tulane University. Dr. Moraes believes that less medication equates to a better quality of life. He was one of the first DOs in the country to be named a Fellow of The American College of Preventive Cardiology, and he collaborates with Flourish Research, a preeminent clinical trials site.
Deanna Weilbacher, PA-C, who trained at South University in Tampa, has extensive experience in primary care and in treating patients’ mental health and substance abuse issues. Deanna began working with Dr. Moraes in 2019; together,
they created protocols that combine traditional medicine, integrative medicine, nutrition, physical fitness, hormone optimization, muscle strength, and a strong focus on quality of life.
Learn more about their approach to wellness by listening to their podcast “Hybrid Healing Hour” or following their YouTube Channel “Hybrid Medical Solution”.
MEDPREVENT PREMIER
Dominik Chrzan, M.D., is board-certified in family medicine and is pursuing certification in lipidology. He received his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed a residency at the Wayne State University-affiliated Pontiac General Hospital. Through Excel Medical Clinical Trials, Dr. Chrzan participates in research related to heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver and obesity.
RODRIGUEZ CCPHP
Rolando F. Rodriguez, M.D., is board-certified in endocrinology and metabolism. He received undergraduate and medical degrees from Columbia University and completed an internship, residency and fellowship at Cornell Medical Center. In practice for nearly 40 years, Dr. Rodriguez
specializes in treating diabetes, metabolic disorders, and pituitary and thyroid diseases, as well as providing hormone replacement therapy.
VINIK CCPHP
Bryan S. Vinik, M.D., is board-certified in endocrinology and metabolism, and internal medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed an internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Vinik specializes in treating diabetes, metabolic disorders, and pituitary and thyroid diseases, as well as providing hormone replacement therapy.
Health Partners, llc 150 East Palmetto Park Road Suite 340 Boca Raton, FL 33432
Dominic Chrzan, M.D.
Rolando F. Rodriguez, M.D.
Bryan S. Vinik, M.D.
join the diaper bank, covering south florida
for unbridled fun -Sip, Savor, and SupportA Kentucky Derby Cocktail Party for a Cause! at the Waterstone Resort & Marina Saturday may 3, 2025 To purchase Tickets To
Boca magazine’s 2025 Top Doctors
Top Doctors spotlights select physicians who have been carefully chosen for their standing and contributions to the medical communities in which they serve.
Florida Magazine Association (FMA) Award-winning section
Light E.N.T.
Otolaryngology / Ear, Nose, & Throat
SPECIALTIES: Sinus conditions including medical and surgical treatment of sinus polyps, nasal allergies, hearing loss and hearing aid dispensing, vertigo, common ear problems and ear surgery; in-office procedures to treat nasal congestion and runny nose; primary and revision cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty; deviated septum repair; tumors of the head and neck
Joshua Light, M.D.
RESIDENCY: New York University Medical Center
FELLOWSHIP: Otology/Neurotology - Florida Ear and Sinus Center
SPECIALTY FOCUS: Ear and sinus surgery, hearing loss and vertigo
Dr. Joshua Light is a nationally recognized E.N,T. surgeon specializing in ear, sinus, and minimally invasive office surgery.
Mallory Highstein, M.D.
RESIDENCY: University of Maryland Medical Center
SPECIALTY FOCUS: Sinus surgery, voice/throat, head and neck and thyroid surgery
Dr. Mallory Highstein is a second-generation otolaryngologist whose practice focus includes general E.N.T., sinus, head and neck, and thyroid surgery. Dr. Highstein’s excellent medical skills and bedside manner have already given her a following in the Boynton Beach communities.
Kaete Archer, M.D.
RESIDENCY: State University of New York Upstate Medical Center
FELLOWSHIP: Rhinology and Skull base surgery - Indiana University, Facial Plastics-Meridian Facial Plastic Surgery, complex primary and revision sinus surgery, tumors of skull base
SPECIALTY FOCUS: Rhinology-nasal surgery, primary, revision, and complex endoscopic sinus surgery
Dr. Kaete Archer brings 10 years of clinical practice experience and fellowship surgical training in both advanced endoscopic sinus surgery and facial plastic surgery.
Michael Schwartz, M.D.
RESIDENCY: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
SPECIALTY FOCUS: Facial plastic surgeryprimary and revision rhinoplasty
Dr. Michael Schwartz, one of the leading names in rhinoplasty and general E.N.T., brings more than 30 years of experience, precision and beautiful cosmetic results.
Karilin Williams, PA-C
Mallory Highstein, M.D.
Julie Daugherty, Ph.D NP-C
Light E.N.T. was opened 20 years ago by Dr. Joshua Light with the vision to provide an academic level of expert medical and surgical care for the full spectrum of adult ear, nose and throat ailments, combined with the personalized attention and patient comfort of a private practice setting.
Today, that mission continues under the leadership of Dr. Joshua Light, together with doctors Mallory Highstein, Kaete Archer and Michael Schwartz, and supported by a team of advanced practice providers. The allergy and doctorate-level audiologists round out the expert care provided.
A full array of the most modern testing and CT scan equipment onsite means that patients can see the doctor, have testing such as allergy, hearing, and sinus CT scan, and receive their diagnosis and treatment plan all in one visit.
Light E .N.T. is at the forefront of minimally invasive surgical care with its new state certified in-office surgical suite, with CT scan image guided navigation and endoscopic balloon sinuplasty technology. Patients also benefit from hearing and balance testing and hearing aid consultation in collaboration with both their physician and audiologist in the same office.
“After 20 years of practice, I feel that Light E.N.T. has become the community’s go-to E.N.T. practice for the best expert and compassionate care,” says Dr. Light.
Michael Schwartz, M.D.
Joshua Light, M.D. Kaete Archer, M.D.
Karen Reyes, APRN
Alexandra Condé Green, MD, FICS
Plastic Surgery
SPECIALTIES: Regenerative plastic surgery, fat grafting, aesthetic plastic surgery of the face and body
MEDICAL TRAINING:
University of the State of Haiti, Port-au-Prince
RESIDENCY: 4-year program General Surgery, Hopital de l’Université d’état d’ Haiti, Port-auPrince; 3-year program Plastic Surgery, Ivo Pitanguy Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 6-year program Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA
FELLOWSHIP: Plastic Surgery Research, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD; Burn Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Dr. Alexandra Condé Green trained extensively in the field of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in the United States and Brazil. Studying in multiple countries, she encountered a broad range of body types and ethnicities, acquiring expertise to address their unique aesthetic needs.
Her interest in regenerative medicine began in Brazil in 2007, leading to years of dedicated work in that arena. As a double-trained plastic surgeon, author and worldwide lecturer on regenerative plastic surgery and fat grafting, Dr. Condé Green applies her expertise to yield the most natural-looking, longlasting results at her boutique practice.
“Patients feel secure utilizing their own body’s cells and fat rather than a foreign substance. There’s less risk and healthier outcomes by shifting the fat from an area where you have too much to another area where you’re losing fullness. The extracted fat works to fill in the volume of the face, reduce undereye discoloration and hollow depressions, add fullness to the breasts, gluteal and genital regions, help in the recovery of scars and burns, and give the skin a better texture. Hands can also recapture a more youthful look by minimizing unsightly veins and tendons,” she explains.
Facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, body contouring, Liposculpture, breast reduction, breast lift, labioplasty and injectables add to the scope of services that Dr. Condé Green offers.
“I am deeply invested in my patients’ well-being, from the time we meet during the initial consultation to the personal time I spend before, during and after their procedures. I provide the one-on-one connection my patients deserve,” she assures.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: College of Charleston, Bachelor of Science, with distinction; Boston University School of Medicine, Master of Science, with a focus in immunologic research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University School of Medicine
MEDICAL TRAINING: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU, Boca Raton, FL
RESIDENCY: Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina; Storm Eye Institute, Charleston, SC
For more than 40 years, Aker Kasten Eye Center has been a leader in ophthalmology, distinguished as one of Florida’s first standalone eye hospitals. Since its founding, the center has set the bar for exceptional eye care, earning a reputation for excellence in the field.
Today, Dr. Jonathan Aker upholds this legacy, bringing advanced technology and microsurgical expertise to the practice. As the son of the center’s founding ophthalmologists, he is committed to both preserving its distinguished reputation and integrating innovative approaches to eye care.
“Restoring sight is truly a privilege,” says Dr. Aker, who recently returned to South Florida after years of prestigious training and practice in Charleston, SC. “Being able to improve my patients’ lives in such a profound way is such a blessing.”
The center is also known for its patient-centered approach, featuring an in-house ambulatory surgery center. “Having our own surgery center allows us to oversee every aspect of a patient’s journey, ensuring the highest standard of care,” Dr. Aker notes.
Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, as well as minimally invasive glaucoma treatments, Aker Kasten Eye Center performs thousands of surgeries annually. The center is particularly renowned for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and premium lens implants, delivering lifechanging results.
Built on a foundation of innovation, compassion and surgical excellence, Aker Kasten Eye Center continues to shape the future of ophthalmology— one patient at a time.
Rafael C. Cabrera, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery
SPECIALTIES: Aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery; facial rejuvenation/reconstruction
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION:
B.A. with Distinction, Cornell University, NY
MEDICAL TRAINING: New York University School of Medicine
RESIDENCY AND FELLOWSHIP: General and Plastic Surgery Residencies, Wound Healing and Microsurgery Fellowship, New York University Medical Center, Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery; Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital
At Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton, excellence is the foundation of every procedure performed by Dr. Rafael Cabrera. His aesthetic mission is simple: to enhance your natural beauty by subtly reversing the signs of aging. He is a renowned reconstructive surgeon specializing in skin cancers, including extensive basal and squamous cell reconstruction, Mohs repairs, and melanoma excisions, with and without sentinel lymph node biopsies. His state-of-the-art facility features three fully accredited operating suites, allowing most procedures to be performed safely under local anesthesia.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Cabrera understands that achieving the best aesthetic results doesn’t always require aggressive techniques. “The best way to attain a harmonious result is not to maximally use one tool but to employ a variety of methods for optimal outcomes.” He believes that anatomy dictates the procedure. His philosophy has earned him a longstanding reputation in the community, building trust and gratitude among countless patients.
He prides himself on creating natural-looking results that enhance rather than overly alter one’s appearance. “Ironically, achieving a subtle, natural look sometimes requires significant skill and effort,” he adds. Dr. Cabrera adopts a thoughtful, patientfocused approach. “If something isn’t right for you, I will recommend a more appropriate alternative,” he assures. He conducts thorough evaluations to determine the sources of signs of aging and stress, providing honest opinions on available options. Restoring a youthful appearance often requires a tailored plan that incorporates both surgical and non-surgical techniques such as fat grafting, plateletrich plasma, and a wide array of skin treatments.
Emily Woodbury, MD, FACOG
Obstetrics & Gynecology
SPECIALTIES: Full scope obstetrics and gynecology: well woman visits, preventive care, pregnancy care from fertility through postpartum, and gynecologic problem visits for issues such as fibroids, PCOS, irregular bleeding, UTIs, menopause, hormones, etc.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Georgetown University, Washington, DC. Summa Cum Laude
MEDICAL TRAINING: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY
RESIDENCY: OB/GYN, Cornell University, New York City, NY
PROFESSIONAL HONOR SOCIETIES: Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Omega Alpha
Dr. Woodbury is a rare find anywhere in the country. She is a board-certified female physician who is double Ivy League trained (Columbia and Cornell), graduated into the highest honor societies of those institutions, has worked in OB/ GYN care around the world, is a loving mother of two who understands women’s daily lives intimately, and has hundreds of 5-star reviews from her time working at an exclusive Madison Avenue practice in Manhattan and now from her three years working and living here in Boca Raton.
In January of this year, Dr. Woodbury took the care of her patients to the next level by co-founding an innovative membership-style practice with renowned OB/GYN doctor and women’s advocate Dr. Kenneth Konsker. Together, they co-founded MIRA Women’s Health. This physician-only-owned, boutique-style private practice accepts all major health insurances for medical services to ensure their care remains accessible and affordable while also offering enviable membership benefits. For a small annual fee, women enjoy enhanced care through direct access to their providers via email and cell phones, unrushed appointments, minimal wait in the office, in-office blood-draws, ultrasounds by a certified sonographer, the care of experienced midwives and physician assistants, local discounts, primary care services and much more, all in their beautifully renovated office in central Boca.
“MIRA Women’s Health represents our vision for the future of patient care where affordability meets academic-quality medical excellence and exceptional service. We invite you to join our family of patients!” says Dr. Woodbury.
Dr. Robert S. Bader’s formula for success in his full service dermatology practice, R.S.B. Dermatology Inc., is to be honest with his patients, to work with them to find the best treatment options from a surgical and medical standpoint and from a cosmetic standpoint, he strives to make people look as youthful and natural as possible with the least amount of risk and cost.
“My focus is to provide a full-service dermatology experience, where you come to one comfortable office and get almost any skin-related procedure performed on the premises: fillers, toxins, age spot treatments, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, acne scar treatments, micro-needling with radiofrequency, earlobe repair, and blood vessel removal. I also perform sclerotherapy for leg veins, laser hair removal, stretch mark treatments, scar treatments, surgical and non-surgical fat reduction, eyelid rejuvenation, threadlifts, and minilifts. I listen to my patients’ desires and try to achieve their goals, while working within their budgets,” Bader explains.
“In this area of the country, the cost of medicine is significantly higher. I want to make myself affordable for everyone who needs my services. Whether a patient has a growth, rash, skin cancer, or is coming in for cosmetic surgery, I have my patient’s best interests in mind and strive to give them the best care and experience possible,” he says.
R.S.B. DERMATOLOGY, INC.
Cove Shopping Center
1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Ste. 204 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
954-421-3200
Drbader.com
Charlton Stucken, MD, FAAOS
Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
SPECIALTIES: Sports medicine and shoulder surgery
UNDERGRADUATE: Cornell University
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Boston University School of Medicine
INTERNSHIP: Boston Medical Center
RESIDENCY: Boston University
Orthopaedic Residency
FELLOWSHIP: Rothman Institute at Jefferson University, Sports Medicine Surgery
Dr. Charlton Stucken is a double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Stucken trained with worldrenowned surgeons in prestigious programs in Boston and Philadelphia, and he is now part of the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Division of the Hospital for Special Surgery Florida (HSS Florida).
“Many of my patients have already experienced failed surgery elsewhere, and are often reluctant to undergo a corrective revision procedure, but these are some of my best outcomes: taking people who are at their worst and giving them their life and lifestyle back.” He is a team physician for the New York Mets MiLB team, the St. Lucie Mets, as well as Keiser University.
“While it may be intimidating to visit a surgeon’s office, most knee and shoulder pain can be resolved with non-operative treatment and guidance. For those patients that do need surgery, our newer techniques such as computer navigation allow faster recovery with minimally invasive surgery. The same personalized and innovative treatments that we use on our professional athletes I also recommend for the rest of my patients,” Stucken explains.
“My goal is that patients choose my practice for their surgical care, knowing that I am guided by the belief in providing the most exceptional care, without exception.”
Stuart H. Isaacson, MD, FAAN
Neurology
SPECIALTIES: Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BS, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, Northwestern University School of Medicine
INTERNSHIP: Columbia University St. Luke’sRoosevelt Hospital, NYC
RESIDENCY: Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC
FELLOWSHIP: National Institutes of Health; Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC
Dr. Stuart Isaacson is an internationally recognized expert in Parkinson’s disease, with more than 300 scientific publications and a history as lead investigator in global research programs. A boardcertified movement disorder neurologist, Dr. Isaacson established the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center of Boca Raton in 1999, a nonuniversity academic center with a team of clinicians, nurses, research coordinators and social workers who combine a comprehensive approach to treatment with access to one of the largest Parkinson’s clinical research centers in the U.S. The Center’s vision that “No One Should Have to Wait for Parkinson’s Care” ensures new patient evaluations with a movement disorder specialist within one week.
Sagari Betté, MD
Neurology
SPECIALTIES: Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BA, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, UT Southwestern School of Medicine, Dallas, TX
INTERNSHIP: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
RESIDENCY: Harvard Medical School / Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
FELLOWSHIP: University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
Dr. Sagari Betté is a board-certified, fellowshiptrained expert in movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease who joined the Center in 2019 and became Assistant Director in 2024. “Our Center complements clinical care and research, offering daily lectures, therapy, counseling, and exercise available at no cost to the community, supported by the Parkinson’s Research and Education Foundation.”
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Jarrod Friedman, MD
Interventional Pain Management
SPECIALTIES: Complete pain management for adults, including chronic pain, joint pain and personal injuries
MEDICALTRAINING: MD, Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, W.I.
INTERNSHIP (TRANSITIONAL YEAR):
Frankford Medical Center (Jefferson University and Albert Einstein Medical Center), Philadelphia, PA
RESIDENCY: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Chicago (Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital)
FELLOWSHIP: Pain Medicine, University of Michigan Health System Dept. of Anesthesiology, Ann Arbor, MI
Dr. Jarrod Friedman is a double board-certified Interventional Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician at CoreSmart Pain Health Institute in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.
Dr. Friedman is a strong proponent of early intervention. “Having the correct diagnosis, learning how to prevent the onset of pain by modifying activities of daily living, and having a well-integrated pain program really helps to prevent chronic long-term issues,” explains Dr. Friedman, who has spent the last 20 years treating a wide variety of painful conditions.
“As a physiatrist, I can do the compendium of therapies, from conservative to interventional. Treatment plans can span from the use of antiinflammatory medications to injections to minimally invasive procedures. The key is to do the appropriate workup to find the root of the issue and to get the correct diagnosis.”
Dr. Friedman utilizes the most advanced techniques, including neuromodulation and Regenerative Medicine (PRP), for the treatment of a variety of pain issues. For back pain, he also performs two new minimally invasive procedures: MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) and ION. The MILD is ideal for patients who aren’t candidates for major spine surgery, those who are considered too old for surgery, or for younger patients who do not want to undertake a major spine surgery. ION is another minimally invasive surgery where a small screw is used to stabilize joints and segments of the spine. They’re both great techniques that work well when combined and easily improve the quality of life for my patients,” says Dr. Friedman.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Psychobiology and microbiology, UCLA
MEDICAL SCHOOL: Ross University School of Medicine, with Honors
INTERNSHIP/RESIDENCY: UCLA School of Medicine
FELLOWSHIPS: Advanced cardiac imaging, Yale University School of Medicine; Cardiology, University of Colorado, Denver School of Medicine; Interventional Cardiology/Endovascular Surgery, LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Triple board-certified interventional cardiologist Dr. Eli Levine started his private practice in 2016. With decades of prestigious medical training, expertise and clinical studies to his credit, he knew he wanted to make an impact in South Palm Beach County’s medical landscape, offering patients world-class cardiac care. In just nine short years, he has become one of the busiest cardiologists in the area and one of the highest volume operators in Palm Beach County.
“Our comprehensive practice focuses on minimally invasive surgical and medical treatment of heart, vascular and venous disease and specializes in complex invasive heart and vascular procedures, including coronary artery stenting, lower extremity arterial stenting, stress testing, cardiac PET imaging, echocardiograms, loop recording implantation, heart catheterization, endovascular repairs, TAVR (aortic valve replacement), Watchman device implants and minimally invasive valve repairs.
“In keeping with the latest technology in interventional cardiology, we also perform Shockwave Coronary Lithotripsy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses sonic waves to break up calcium deposits in highly diseased calcified arteries, further reducing need for open heart surgery with better outcomes.
“For detection of coronary artery disease, in addition to nuclear stress testing, we use coronary CTA and calcium scoring, both of which are non-invasive and highly accurate. These tests, done together, will lead to a much higher rate of early diagnosis and detection so we don’t have to worry about those surgical events in the future,” Dr. Levine explains.
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, University of Central Florida, Orlando
MEDICAL TRAINING: Doctorate in Audiology, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL; Adjunct professor, Clinical Audiology, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
Farzon Danesh’s mentor is a board-certified clinical audiologist, researcher and lecturer who has presented more than 100 scientific papers in local, state, national and international meetings. He also happens to be his father, Dr. Ali Danesh, Ph.D., FAAA. At the age of 16, Farzon Danesh found his calling, and later a home, at Labyrinth Audiology, joining his father’s team after becoming an audiologist with impressive credentials all his own.
Dr. Farzon Danesh treats patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders. “Our main focus at our clinic is tinnitus management, attracting many people from all over the world who have been told there is nothing that can be done with their frustrating, bothersome and often debilitating symptoms they experience with tinnitus,” which he describes as a subjective condition most commonly presented as ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring; it’s sound heard by the patient, but it’s not present in their external environment. “Patients in our clinic have access to technology not available in most of the world, utilizing devices, services, and rehabilitation that have been seen to significantly reduce and even, in some cases, cure people’s tinnitus”.
“We also diagnose and treat hearing loss, which is an important part of our practice, as not only does it help people communicate and connect better with others, but untreated hearing loss exponentially increases the chance of cognitive decline. Using hearing aids combined with audiological rehabilitation will not only help you hear better but will also help maintain cognitive health over time.”
MEDICAL TRAINING: MD, Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Med), St. Louis, MO
RESIDENCY: Diagnostic Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
FELLOWSHIP: Interventional Radiology, Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL
Dr. William Julien is board-certified in Interventional Radiology, a medical field specializing in minimally invasive procedures. With more than 30 years of experience, he holds the distinction of being the first physician in the United States to open an Office Interventional Suite and is a co-founder and Past President of the Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society (OEIS).
In his practice at South Florida Vascular Associates, Dr. Julien uses advanced imaging to guide small catheters through the bloodstream, treating a wide range of conditions such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), uterine fibroids, hemorrhoids and more.
“The beauty of what I do is that there are no scalpels involved. I don’t even own one,” Dr. Julien chuckles. “Instead, we use a small needle to enter the bloodstream without making an incision.
“We have great news for male patients: A new cutting-edge procedure called prostate artery embolization (PAE) is now available at our acclaimed National Training Center. Half of the men aged 50, and 80% of those aged 80, have enlarged prostates due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Through a small needle puncture, a catheter is threaded through the bloodstream into the vessels supplying the prostate. Tiny particles are injected to starve the prostate of its blood supply, shrinking it and allowing the patient to urinate freely. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with no bladder catheterization and no sexual side effects.
“Another innovative procedure we offer is uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids. Like PAE, UAE shrinks the fibroids and eliminates their symptoms, allowing women to preserve their uterus and avoid a hysterectomy,” Dr. Julien explains.
“To learn more about our other leading-edge procedures, visit SFVA.com.”
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR COSMETIC SURGERY 915 Middle River Drive, #213 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304L 954-565-7575 floridacenter.com
Robert Cucin, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgeon
SPECIALTIES: Plastic and reconstructive surgery
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BA, magna cum laude, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
MEDICAL SCHOOL: MD, Weill Cornell Medicine, NYC, NY
INTERNSHIP: General Surgery, Presbyterian New York Hospital (Cornell Campus, NYC, NY), General Surgery
RESIDENCY: General Surgery, Presbyterian New York Hospital (Cornell Campus, NYC, NY); Plastic Surgery, Presbyterian New York Hospital (Cornell Campus, NYC, NY)
FELLOWSHIP: Hospital For Special Surgery (concurrent, NYC, NY), Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital (concurrent, NYC, NY)
Dr. Cucin specializes in the full gamut of plastic and reconstructive procedures to achieve Beauty of the Face, Breast and Body. He has garnered a reputation as the “Nose Guru,” further specializing in rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). He notes that the nose is the most prominent feature of the face and can enhance or detract from your eyes and smile. In an hour-long rhinoplasty procedure, he can make a permanent change in the way people interact with the patient, more so than any other procedure in his repertoire.
Brandon Elnekaveh, MD
Plastic Surgeon
SPECIALTIES: Cosmetic and plastic surgery
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: Cornell University, Ithica, NY
MEDICAL SCHOOL: SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
RESIDENCY: Harvard Medical School; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh completed two residency programs, one in general surgery and a second in plastic surgery, where he specialized in aesthetic surgery. He offers a wide range of aesthetic procedures for the face, breasts and body, as well as vaginal rejuvenation surgery, in a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Elnekaveh delivers personalized care through his compassionate approach and expertise and holds licenses to practice medicine in New York and Florida. He has privileges at multiple hospitals, including Broward General Hospital.
Raul J. Rodriguez MD, DABPN, DABAM, MRO
Psychiatrist
SPECIALTIES: Cutting-edge care for treatmentresistant depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, OCD and addiction
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: B.A., Chemistry – Magna Cum Laude, Florida International University, Miami, FL
MEDICAL TRAINING: M.D. – University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
RESIDENCY: Chief Resident, Adult Psychiatry Residency Program – University of Miami; Diplomate – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; Diplomate – American Board of Addiction Medicine
Dr. Raul Rodriguez and his multidisciplinary team have become South Florida’s premier mental health treatment center by mastering the fusion of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interventional Psychiatry, and Psychopharmacology in a comprehensive outpatient program format.
The Delray Center follows a clinical model, with all services and programs developed to deliver optimal results first and foremost. “We heavily invest resources into the Center, year after year, to further improve whatwe can offer our patients. The result of this perpetual state of evolutionis a world-class outpatient treatment program that few residentialprograms can even compare.
“With over 20 years in the field now, I’m most proud of our extraordinarily effective outpatient program that has saved so many lives of patients who had previously given up all hope. Nothing is more rewarding than to see a family embrace their now-well son or daughter that they had once feared was lost forever,” he shares.
“Our personalized integrative model allows us to adapt to the unique needs of each patient to create the treatment plan that works best for them. This adaptability has allowed us to routinely handle incredibly complex and difficult cases with a very high rate of success. The broad scope, high quality services we offer also allow us to do more for every patient to achieve the highest possible response rates in the shortest amount of time. Next, April is the launch of our neurocognitive training program, which will target depression, early stages of dementia, and overall cognitive performance enhancement.”
Boca magazine’s 2025 Top Dentists
Top Dentists spotlights select dental experts who have been carefully chosen for their standing and contributions to the healthcare communities in which they serve.
Part of an award-winning medical spotlight recognized by the Florida Magazine Association (FMA)
South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
SPECIALTIES: The Center focuses on personalized treatment for people with periodontal (gum) disease, missing teeth, dental implants and complications encountered with previous treatment. Our treatment methods are tailored to each patient’s individual needs using innovative and scientifically proven strategies.
South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry (SFCPID) has provided personalized, state-of-the-art care in Boca Raton for more than 35 years. They consistently work to optimize dental care for their patients through refined skills, innovative ideas and new technology while prioritizing individualized care and customer service.
“At SFCPID, we focus on restoring and maintaining healthy teeth and gums and beautiful smiles. When this isn’t possible due to decay, trauma or periodontal disease (bone loss), we create new smiles and replace teeth with implant dentistry. We are globally known in implant dentistry to seamlessly replace esthetically sensitive teeth quickly as well as a full arch of teeth in one day. Our first international publication on our methods and results in full arch replacement was in 2001 with a 99% success rate! Today, we are even better,” explains Dr. Jeffrey Ganeles.
“Our doctors know that suddenly losing a tooth due to a fracture, cavity or abscess is frightening, disorienting and debilitating. Sometimes these teeth can be repaired by your dentist with a filling or a crown. But when they can’t, call us and we can often replace the failed tooth with an implant and a temporary crown the same day. The months-long process from the past to have a tooth replaced is often obsolete. With six dental specialists in the practice, there is always someone on call to promptly address dental emergencies. Appointments do not require a referral; just call the office whenever the need arises!”.
Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDSc
André De Souza, DMD
Frederic J. Norkin, DMD
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Frederic J. Norkin, DMD
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI
André Barbisan De Souza, DMD, MSc Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology / Implant Dentistry Fellow, ITI
Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDSc
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI
Jeffrey Ganeles, DMD, FACD
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, AO, ITI Board of Directors, Academy of Osseointegration
Samuel Zfaz, DDS Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery Fellow, ITI
Ovadia Chocron, DMD Board Eligible in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery, American Board of Periodontology
DENTAL TRAINING: DDS degree, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD; the prestigious Misch Implant Institute at the University of Pittsburgh; Harvard University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
RESIDENCY: Mini Residency Implant Program, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Miami; Board Certified by the American Board of Oral Implantology
This year marks Dr. Thomas Schopler’s 52nd year of practicing dentistry. A Harvard-trained dental implant specialist, he has cared for thousands of smiles in his career, from his 10 dental offices throughout Florida to his remaining location, Atlantic Florida Dental (AFD) in Dania Beach.
AFD is still considered geographically desirable by the thousands of loyal patients who travel from as far as the Bahamas and the Keys to take advantage of his lifelong expertise, passion for his craft and in-house financing at 0% interest.
“Our fees are very, very reasonable, approximately 30 to 40% less than customary fees in the United States, so we are able to serve most people’s dental needs,” he shares.
“We’ve got the latest equipment that most dentists don’t have, enabling us to not only do one-day crowns, but we can actually do a one-day bridge or a full-mouth rehabilitation. Our practice boasts five dentists with more than 25 years of experience. We’re open six days a week and offer hours on Sunday by appointment,” he adds.
When asked why he continues to work at such a steady pace at this time in his life, he replied, “I always make sure that I’m staying ahead of what’s happening with this dental explosion of technology. I recently traveled in a snowstorm to take a course at Harvard again. It’s all about helping people. There’s still so much to learn.”
MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Martine Forrester Cadette, DMD, MPH
Dentistry/Oral Surgery
SPECIALTIES: General and Preventive Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Obstructive Sleep Apnea
DENTAL TRAINING: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE: Residency at St. Francis Hospital, Dentistry Instructor at Temple Dental School in Philadelphia
Dr. Martine Forrester Cadette redefines the dental experience by providing expert dental care tailored to your unique needs in a spa-like, tranquil setting.
“We keep our environment very peaceful—from the comforting blue color scheme with a coastal chic kind of vibe, to noise-cancelling headsets, massage chairs, playing ocean sounds, and you can watch CNN or Netflix—just anything that will remove anxiety,” Dr. Forrester explains. “We pay full attention to our patients’ needs, ensuring the most relaxing dental experience possible.”
Her practice focuses on complete oral health and wellness, whether it’s a full smile makeover or veneers, and she and her staff offer a personalized approach to caring for and spending quality time with her patients.
“Our smilelift is a comprehensive package that includes Botox treatments and Morpheus 8 skin rejuvenation to complement the facially driven smile design,” Dr. Forrester points out. “I take into consideration the soft tissue effect that enhancing your smile would have.
“We use different modalities—Botox, filler or Morpheus8 (a minimally invasive microneedling with radio frequency energy technology that stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture, firmness, and elasticity)—and the most modern dental technology, like the new patient ITERO (scanning) experience. All my smiles are driven by a thorough facial analysis.
Dr. Forrester’s patients see her as a caring perfectionist with a great bedside manner, who loves what she does, and does it with passion.
Christopher Ryan Sepe, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentistry
SPECIALTIES: General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Veneers and Smile Makeovers, Implant Restorations
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
DENTAL TRAINING: NYU College of Dentistry
RESIDENCY: General Dentistry, Oral Surgery concentration; Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY
Dr. Christopher Sepe knew he had big shoes to fill when given the opportunity to take over for renowned dentist Dr. Roy Stark, who was retiring from a 39-year practice with a devoted following. Dr. Sepe did not hesitate for a moment, knowing he was well prepared to make a smooth transition and carry on his legacy. In December 2024 he stepped right in and found a warm welcome from patients who marveled at the new youthful energy he brought to the office and found true confidence in his prestigious training at NYU College of Dentistry.
At Sepe Dental, Dr. Sepe brings his expertise and the latest technology to provide patients old and new with all aspects of general dentistry, such as preventive care, advanced restorative and cosmetic treatments, including surgical extractions, implants, veneers, crowns and bridges, and removeable prosthodontics, including implant overdentures.
Dr. Sepe takes the time to understand patients’ unique dental needs and goals, while calming and addressing any fears along the way. His caring demeanor is a gift to all his patients at his practice, as well as those underserved patients he sees monthly as a volunteer dentist at Mission Medical Center in west Delray Beach.
“It feels good to give back to the community in a small way that makes a huge difference,” Sepe says. “Seeing a patient’s gratitude for transforming their smile, and their life, is my favorite part of what I do,” he shares.
DENTAL TRAINING: Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, DMD; Spear Education Faculty Club Member; American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; International Academy of Facial Esthetics
Dr. Amanda Sindledecker is the visionary for the Sindledecker Center for Advanced Dentistry and Facial Esthetics, located in a historic building that has graced downtown Boca Raton for more than 45 years. Her passion is personalized patient care, where she strives to provide the absolute best dental and esthetic services. The Sindledecker team has been transforming the lives of thousands of loyal patients over four generations.
“My focus has always been on cosmetic dentistry and the life-changing results I am able to give my patients through smile enhancement. I see their faces light up and shine from within. The confidence a beautiful smile can give is priceless.”
Dr. Amanda truly blends her creativity, artistry and skill into every unique detail for her smile design. “We perform a variety of aesthetic services including customized porcelain veneers, smile enhancement with wrinkle-relaxers, dermal fillers and facial lasers. We use the latest technology and a personal expert ceramic artist to transform someone’s entire mouth in a matter of weeks.”
Nancy Rozs, an expert medical esthetician and licensed laser technician, is a valued member of the Center, providing customized skin care solutions and innovative esthetic treatments. She utilizes the Center’s new Helix C02 laser for skin tightening and resurfacing, the newest Virtue RF microneedling device, and the brand-new PHYSIQ 360 for body contouring.
“I feel truly blessed and honored to be able to do what I love and share my innate gifts in this incredible practice that my parents started more than 45 years ago. I can provide the most advanced cosmetic dentistry and facial esthetic care all under one roof,” Dr. Amanda shares.
Zarina Staller, DMD Dentistry
SPECIALTIES: General and preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, advanced technology
DENTAL TRAINING: Doctor of Dental Sciences: Colegio Odontologico Colombiano, Bogota, Colombia; Doctor of Dental Medicine: Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine, Davie, FL
Dr. Zarina Staller’s patients have their mouths open in awe before they even “open wide” in her dental chair. Mesmerized by the collection of her award-winning underwater photos, they already feel a sense of calm as they are warmly welcomed into her world.
“I am like an old-fashioned practitioner, taking the time, face to face, to build a relationship and trust factor with my patients first, then listening to why it is they came to see me. Many convey that they need a second opinion,” she relays. “I am proud that they have heard about my reputation about being a dentist who doesn’t try to sell them highpriced unnecessary procedures. Rather, I apply my talents and expertise to fix what’s needed in the most appropriate way, always striving to be their source of comfort and confidence for all their dental needs.”
Dr. Staller stays on top of the latest dental technology, including two procedures she offers for squeamish patients: The dreaded gooey impressions are now replaced by a computerized procedure that takes images of the mouth and transfers them to the lab within minutes. And for those with needle phobia, a computerized anesthesia system similar to IV sedation is used to deliver drops of anesthetic instead of a syringe.
In addition to her full-scope dental practice and various artistic endeavors, Dr. Staller shares her knowledge by teaching cosmetic dentistry to third-year dental students at Nova Southeastern University and works with Army soldiers to ensure their dental health for their upcoming deployment.
Gary J. Wayne, DMD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
SPECIALTIES: Oral and maxillofacial surgery and dental implants
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: AB, Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO
MEDICAL TRAINING: Fairleigh Dickinson Dental School, NJ
RESIDENCY: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, NJ; Lincoln Hospital, NY
Board-certified Dr. Gary J. Wayne specializes in face, jaw and mouth surgery. A 30-year solo practitioner with a compassionate and gentle approach, Dr. Wayne offers the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dental extractions, oral pathology, single and multiple dental implant surgeries, and grafting procedures for bone and gums. His practice has an emphasis on wisdom tooth removal and dental implant surgeries.
“I do everything I can do to make the dental experience as easy and comfortable as I can for patients, both surgically and post-operatively. I offer IV sedation for all of my patients. I make it a point to sedate teenage and young adult patients for wisdom tooth extractions to avoid subjecting them to inhumane treatment that could possibly have long-term negative effects on their lives, emotionally and physically. This also applies to young children who need my care. When applicable, I avoid narcotic prescriptions for pain control. We can use non-opioid pain medications, as well as time-released injectable pain medication,“ Wayne explains.
“I have been providing dental implants since 1990, utilizing conservative procedures that save people from having multiple surgeries as well as a lengthy recovery. More complex cases, like revision surgeries, bone grafting and zygoma implants, are sometimes indicated, and are all within the scope of my practice.”
Summarizing his aesthetic model, Wayne says, “People are supposed to look natural, and I follow the surgical principle which states that ‘Form always follows function.’ If you put people back to the way nature had originally intended, it will always look right.”
Boca Raton Museum of Art 561-392-2500 info@bocamuseum.org
Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum 561-395-6766 office@bocahistory.org
Florida Atlantic University College of Arts & Letters 561-297-3810 theatre@fau.edu
Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (561) 922-3134 info@flioa.org
Festival of the Arts Boca 561-571-5270 info@festivalboca.org
Find it all at
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 561-544-8605 info@gumbolimbo.org
The HARID Conservatory 561-997-2677 info@harid.edu
Lynn University 561-237-9000 tickets@lynn.edu
Mizner Park Amphitheater 561-393-7984 MiznerAmp@myboca.us National Society of Arts and Letters judiasselta@gmail.com
Sugar Sand Park 561-347-3900 sugarsandpark@myboca.us
The Studio in Mizner Park (561) 203-3742 info@thestudioatmiznerpark.com
The SYMPHONIA 561-376-3848 info@thesymphonia.org
The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum 561-995-2333 boxoffice@theWick.org
Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County 561-281-8600 yomail@yopbc.org
BACKSTAGE PASS
Elvis Presley mosaic portrait, from “ICONS of ART” at Cornell Art Museum
I wanted to explore mental health in a very realistic fashion. I wanted you not to always feel sympathetic with the person with depression, because that’s what happens in real life.”
—Jeff Bower
Jeff Bower
An FAU alum’s world-premiere play captures the mental-health hazards of the social media age
Written by JOHN THOMASON
Playwright and actor Jeff Bower has never been one to shy away from controversial material. While earning his Master’s of Fine Arts in Theatre from Florida Atlantic University (class of 2003), he received death threats for performing his thesis project: a production of Terence McNally’s “Corpus Christi,” which depicts Jesus as a gay man in modern-day Texas.
“We were at the bottom of the CNN ticker at one point, because [the state] threatened to cut $60 million in funding from FAU,”Bower recalls.“To make my life cool and fun, they put my picture on the front page of the Palm Beach Post, Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald, with ‘Gay Jesus Play Causes Stir.’”
Bower’s offstage activism has also prompted backlash. He was again featured in media coverage when he appeared with his wife—an alumnus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland—at the inaugural March For Our Lives in Los Angeles in 2018.“They put all the MSD alums and their spouses up front,” he says.“There was a guy with a video camera recording all of our faces to threaten and scare us.”
Traumatic events like these—and the mental shrapnel they leave behind—prepared Bower for“The Impossible Task of Today,”his first fully produced full-length play, which sees its world premiere this month at Theatre Lab at FAU. The protagonist is Jack, an online teacher in his early 40s who never leaves his run-down studio apartment. Haunted by a tragedy that unravels with patient precision, Jack suffers from debilitating depression and PTSD, tempered occasionally by the intelligence and mordant wit he exhibits to the few people he allows into his cloistered life.
Bower addresses Jack’s mental health with a theatrical conceit: an amorphous character known as The Dark that serves as a manifestation of Jack’s psyche—sometimes lurking around the periphery of the stage, other times interfering in the action. Along the way,“The Impossible Task” critiques social media’s inflammatory influence while serving as a testament to the power of true friendship and unfiltered communication.
You write authoritatively on what it’s like to live with depression. Have you experienced struggles similar to Jack?
IF YOU GO
WHAT : “The Impossible Task of Today”
WHERE: Theatre
Lab at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton
WHEN: April 5-20
COST: $35-$45
CONTACT: 561/297-6124, fauevents.com
I have experienced PTSD firsthand, and I know a lot of friends that have had it. It’s something that is very prevalent in my life— and I think it’s in everyone’s life. We all have mental health issues going on these days.
And that’s why social media is my target in a lot of ways, especially with this play. I’ve done a lot of research on it, because my PTSD comes through social media, and one of the biggest things is, we’re re-traumatizing ourselves. First you hear about
the event, and you see the event, and then the video gets shown, so you see the videos from the horrible event over and over again, and then everyone argues about the event. So you get these three layers of trauma onto your life from this one event, because of social media.
Was it a heavy emotional experience for you to write the play?
Yes. ... It became a personal journey for me. I started it before the pandemic and finished it after the pandemic, which changed it a lot. I feel like in a post-pandemic world, this play hits harder because of Jack not leaving his home, and
people experienced what that feels like: “I don’t need to shower today; I’m just on a Zoom box.”You can understand Jack’s position a little bit more now.
How do you conceive the actor portraying The Dark? When I was in 10th grade, I went to Juilliard to see an evening of one-acts that were kabuki-style. And in one of the one-acts, there were two characters having this banal, basic conversation at breakfast, but the subtext was they were in this huge fight. And there were two entities that were their spirits that were fighting the whole time the play was going on. There were poles on the set, and one climbed up the pole, and the other chased it up. That’s partially where I got the inspiration.
For me, it’s a part of Jack. I don’t think it’s evil, I don’t think it’s bad, I just think it’s a part of his being that’s split off and is in control.
“The Impossible Task of Today” also deals with another sort of epidemic that doesn’t surface until more than halfway through the play. Can you discuss that decision?
For me, that’s my writing. I like to unravel the mystery as we go. I like throwing you in the middle of it, and you’ve got to find your way into what’s happening.
Do you see this play being produced in mental health facilities or in therapy groups, as something that can have a healing effect on people? That would be amazing. We’re talking a lot about mental health, but we’re not taking action, and I hope that this can help spur action amongst people.
Jeff Bower
April 2025
Now-April 13:
“Murder on the Orient Express” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $45; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. A delectable whodunit conceived by the genre’s signature voice, Agatha Christie’s “Murder” offers a corpse and a bevy of eccentric suspects on a train barreling from the Middle East to London, with one impressively mustached detective tasked with solving the crime. The stage version is brought to life by comic playwright Ken Ludwig.
Now-April 20:
“The Ethereal Worlds of Maxfield Parrish” at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; $28 museum admission; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum. us. Often buoyed by his famous “Parrish Blue” palette of warm cerulean hues, this Gilded Age painter from Philadelphia transcended specific art movements to create his own aesthetic that married realism and dream states, romanticism and fantasy, fine art and commercial illustration.
April 4-6:
Palm Beach Opera: “The Marriage of Figaro” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; $25-$170; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Eternally short-listed for the best opera of all time, Mozart’s 1786 comedic masterpiece chronicles the attempts of a womanizing count to seduce his chambermaid, only to have the object of his lust conspire with the countess to expose his schemes through a series of mishaps.
Now-April 26:
“Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. This exhibition pays homage to the minds behind the 1989 box-office smash “Akira” by presenting 59 original production backgrounds, layout drawings, concept designs and image boards that have never been shown outside of Japan, including such definitive visuals as its kinetic motorcycle chase scene.
“Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo”
April 4-13:
“Sylvia” at Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton; various show times; $25; 561/347-3948, myboca.us/2649/sylvia. In this surreal comedy by A.R. Gurney, a long-married, empty-nest couple’s relationship is put to the test when husband Greg adopts the title character—a streetwise labradoodle named Sylvia, played in the show by an attractive young woman. Soon enough, his wife Kate finds her husband’s affections divided between herself and their new companion.
April 5-July 20:
“Blur, Obscure, Distort” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton. org. Often dismissed as errors, distortion and disorientation in photography can also be an artistic asset, as explored in this exhibition drawn from the Norton’s collection. Expect subversive images that disrupt the viewer’s sense of time, space, place and scale.
“The Marriage of Figaro”
Art of Maxfield Parrish
Now-May 30:
“Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy” at Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, 71 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; $8-$12; 561/395-6766, bocahistory. org. This exhibition spotlights architect Addison Mizner’s creativity via artifacts produced and imported by Mizner Industries—Corinthian column capitals, fireplace mantels, floor and roof tiles, and more—as well as videos, photographs, drawings and maps charting his century of influence.
April 9-10:
Now-June
15:
“ICONS of ART: Italian Mosaic Portraits” at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; free, but donations welcomed; 561/2437022, downtowndelraybeach. com. This colorful exhibition features 30 original mosaic portraits from the esteemed Mosaic School in Friuli, Italy, whose subjects comprise a who’s who of international culture, from Audrey Hepburn and Madonna to Frida Kahlo, Muhammad Ali and David Bowie.
April 4-6:
“Nickel and Dimed” at Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; various show times; $25; 561/237-7000, lynn.edu/ events. Adapted from reporter Barbara Ehrenreich’s bestseller of the same name, this tragicomic play from Joan Holden follows a 55-year-old woman’s decline from the middle class, as she accepts a $7 job as a hotel room attendant—which is only the beginning of her descent onto the lower rungs of the American economic ladder.
April
4-6:
The Delray Affair at downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun.; free; 561/2790907, delrayaffair.com. Now in its 63rd year, and featuring up to 400 artists from around the corner and around the world, the Delray Affair offers everything from fine art to funky tchotchkes, human-scaled sculptures to paintings the size of postage stamps, and wildlife photography to artisanal honey.
Walter Trout at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $48.80; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit. com. In his five-decade career, this indefatigable blues guitarist has performed with Canned Heat, Percy Mayfield and John Mayall. His latest release, Broken, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Arrive early for opening act T Bear.
April 9-10:
“3 Jews Walk Into a Bar” at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $48-$68; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. Outspoken comic and road warrior Judy Gold, who has made a liberal critique of censorship and cancel culture a central aspect of her creative pursuits, headlines this evening of comedy and storytelling from three Jewish standups.
April 10:
Sunset Stroll at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 5:30 p.m.; $5-$10; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Taiko drum musicians will perform their thunderous show three times each night in the first Sunset Stroll of the 2025 season. Visitors are also invited to wander this cultural treasure of the Palm Beaches after hours and at a discounted price.
April 12-Oct. 5:
“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton. org. Diane Venet, one of the world’s foremost authorities on jewelry by major artists, guest-curates this exhibition culled from her collection, with its miniature masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Koons, Calder, Man Ray and many more, which the Norton will pair with works in its collection from the same artists.
The Delray Affair
“ICONS of ART”
Walter Trout Sunset Stroll
April 2025
April 12-13:
Miami City Ballet: “Spring Mix” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $40-$180; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. The centerpiece of MCB’s third program of the season is the 35-minute “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a company premiere from Alexei Ratmansky, complete with stunning projections of Wassily Kandinsky’s abstract artwork. Also on the program: Jerome Robbins’ “Glass Pieces” and José Limón’s “Chaconne.”
April 15-17:
Tony Danza: “Standards and Stories” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth Ave., Delray Beach; 2 and 7:30 p.m.; $95; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. In the Emmy-nominated actor’s cabaret act, which he has performed at nightlife paragons 54 Below and Café Carlyle, he lends a Sinatraesque tone to such Songbook staples as “Angel Eyes,” “Love Potion Number 9” and “Love is Here to Stay,” while also tap-dancing, playing the ukulele, and sharing anecdotes from his life.
April 23-Oct. 26:
“Glasstress” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12-$16 museum admission; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum.org. “Glasstress” marks the latest in the museum’s ongoing collaboration with Berengo Studio in Murano, Italy, the international locus of blown-glass art. The 2025 iteration is expected to be another blockbuster show, with slated artists including Magdalena Campos-Pons, Sean Scully, Tony Cragg, Thomas Schutte and Chinese provocateur Ai Weiwei.
April 15-19:
“Clue” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $51-$101; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Every spectator is their own Miss Marple in this spirited and cheeky musical adaptation of the 1985 movie of the same name. When the lord of a manor winds up dead at the end of Act I, the audience ends up deciding the killer, their weapon, and where the homicide took place—and with 216 possibilities, every show’s climax is different.
April 24-25:
Celebration of the Arts 2025 at Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m.; $35-$50; 561/237-7000, lynn.edu/events. Lynn University’s gifted music and theatre students showcase their talents at this end-of-the-school-year extravaganza—a choreographed selection of Broadway and pop tunes, comedic scenes and more. Tickets for April 25 include a 5 p.m. Celebration Circle of more live music, artwork, and food and drink stations.
April 24-May 4:
“Dry Powder” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth Ave., Delray Beach; various show times; $59-$69; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. Borrowing its wonky name from financial-industry jargon, playwright Sarah Burgess’ deep dive into the world of vulture capitalism centers on the rapacious CEO of a private-equity firm, who is trying to stave off a P.R. disaster, and two junior partners—an idealist and a shark—with different ideas in mind for a new company they’re poised to acquire.
Miami City Ballet: “Spring Mix”
Tony Danza Celebration of the Arts 2025
April 17:
Larry McCray at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $35-$45; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit. com. This versatile singer and guitarist from Arkansas is as comfortable in classic blues surroundings as he is raucous rock venues, having shared stages with artists as diverse as BB King, the Allman Brothers, Phil Lesh and Levon Helm. With 10 albums to his credit, he brings his soulful southern gumbo of a sound to Boca.
April 18-19:
Néstor Torres at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. The Latin Grammy-winning flautist and South Florida fixture returns to Arts Garage for a twonight engagement ahead of International Jazz Day in late April. He’ll perform compositions by his influences in the genre—including Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker—as well as his own jazz-flute innovations.
April 22-27:
“Les Misérables” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $65$130; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. Eight Tony wins upon its 1987 Broadway premiere would only mark the beginning of this theatrical warhorse. Buttressed by glorious melodies, elaborate sets and costumes, and enough pomp and circumstance for two or three musicals, the story, about an imprisoned peasant seeking redemption and the police inspector hunting him down, remains as timeless as ever.
April 24-May 18:
“My Way” at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $119; 561/9952333, thewick.org. Featuring four actor-singers, a sparkling 1950s nightclub set, and 55 selections from the corpus of Frank Sinatra—a drop in the bucket of the 1,400 recordings on which he performed—this lively musical captures Ol’ Blue Eyes’ essence and influence while eschewing impersonations.
April 26:
Bluegrass in the Pavilion at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; $45; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum.us. The Flagler’s annual celebration of the great musical art form features two of its top purveyors: The Kody Norris Show, a quartet beloved for its retro concert getups and the award-winning work of fiddler Rachel Nalley-Norris; and Authentic Unlimited, which weds gospel and bluegrass into an award-winning formula.
April 22-May 4:
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; various show times; $65; 561/575-2223, jupitertheatre.org. The sort of sprawling, three-act drama that is seldom produced, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” brought novelistic ambition to the stage when it premiered in 1962, capturing the bitter dialectics of a broken marriage between academic George and his blue-blood spouse Martha over the course of one tumultuous night.
April 27:
The Boneshakers featuring Jenny Langer at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $40-$45; 561/450-6357, artsgarage. org. Led by versatile guitarist Randy Jacobs—on loan from the Detroit dance-funk legends Was (Not Was)—the aptly named Boneshakers have been touring and recording body-moving music combining rock, funk and blues for more than 25 years. Their latest quartet features the soul and fire of vocalist Jenny Langer.
April 29-Sept. 28:
“The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/495-0233, morikami.org. Translating as “articulated decorative objects,” the sculptures known as jizai okimono flourished in Japan’s peaceful mid-Edo period. These finely detailed creations typically focused on animal and insect life.
“The Art of Peace” gathers 19 examples of the remarkably realistic art form.
The Boneshakers
“The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono”
The Kody Norris Show
“Les Miserables”
Sugar Ray Leonard 2025 Keynote Speaker
CONTENDER SPONSORS
ADT Baptist Health
Casa de Montecristo/JR Cigar CohnReznick
CP Group
FAU Foundation
Florida Blue
To All Sponsors of our YMCA’s 23rd Annual INSPIRATION
Florida Peninsula/Edison
Harbor Financial Group at Morgan Stanley
Insperex
Joni & Al Goldberg
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Amy and Mike Kazma
OLYMPIC CHAMPION SPONSORS
EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE SPONSOR
Mithun Family Foundation
NCCI Holdings
Palm Beach Sheri ’s O ce
Plastridge Insurance/CRC
Sklar Furnishings
Truist
Caledonian prawn kebabs at Amar
Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
25 S.E. Sixth Ave., Delray Beach; 561/865-5653
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
When I reviewed Amar a few years ago, it was the new kid on the block, yet it had already cultivated a strong following of dedicated diners who flocked to the family-owned restaurant for its mezze and house-made desserts. The dishes delivered solid, bright flavors that honored owner Nicolas Kurban’s Lebanese roots. Based on my experience, there were two significant aspects of Amar that I hoped could be addressed one day—a fully stocked bar and a larger outdoor space.
Well, that time has come. Amar reopened a few months ago at its new location with an expansive, stunning full bar that complements its spacious outdoor covered terrace. But with a new space, would the quality of its food suffer? Or would Amar’s quaintness be sacrificed for a larger commercial design that lacks warmth and personality? Fortunately, neither has occurred.
time, I tried the spicy version with a nice hint of heat that wasn’t overwhelming. The baba ghanouj was just as velvety, featuring smoky undertones from the charred eggplant and bright, crunchy bursts from the pomegranate seeds. The fatayer spinach pie bites were more on the doughy side. While I personally prefer the phyllo version, these were filled with fresh spinach with a slightly acidic finish. The beef kibbeh fried balls, with hints of cinnamon, were lighter compared to some very dense counterparts I’ve had. Plus, I loved the tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, mint) that I slathered all over them.
IF YOU GO
PARKING: Valet, street parking
HOURS: Sunday – Thursday
4 – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 4 – 10 p.m.
PRICES: $13 – $86
WEBSITE: amardelray.com
Kurban, along with his daughter Nicole and sonin-law Michael McKenna, took over the former Bar 25 Gastropub’s 4,500-square-foot space and created Amar 2.0, a glamorized version that’s still charming, warm and welcoming. On the evening we visited, our mezze of Spicy Harissa Hummus ($18), Baba Ghanouj ($14), Fatayer ($16) and Fried Kibbeh ($16) had just hit the table when the music turned up, and a beautiful belly dancer floated into the room. People danced with her, entertaining everyone and adding to the jovial atmosphere.
The hummus was as creamy as I remembered; this
At our waiter’s suggestion, we ordered the Mixed Grill ($89). It includes chicken, kafta (or Lebanese-style meatballs), Wagyu steak, lamb chops and rice. Additionally, it features delightful garlic paste, pesto and mint sauces. This large platter is ideal for sharing, but sadly, both the lamb and steak were overcooked. The Caledonian Prawn Kebabs ($36) provided redemption with their plumpness, coated in a date glaze and grilled to juicy perfection. While all the house-made desserts sounded great, we chose the Baklava ($14) and were rewarded with delicate phyllo and nut layers sweetened with ambrosial honey. As we walked out, the bar and patio were equally lively and filled with happy diners. It certainly thrilled me to see a charming family-owned restaurant evolve into a vibrant hotspot for both locals and visitors.
Clockwise from bottom: baklava, baba ghanouj, fatayer and mixed grill
Rino’s of Boca
Clockwise from bottom: chevalatta, costate di vitello Parmigiano, rigatoni vodka and orecchiette salsiccia
39 S.E. First Ave., Boca Raton; 561/244-8282
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
Ihad walked by Rino’s several times, and each time I glanced inside, the restaurant was bustling with legions of smiling, pasta-loving patrons. The evening I visited was no different. However, what I couldn’t discern from the outside looking in was that everyone was dressed to impress. I now had a front-row seat to the parade of dapper diners. It’s hard to explain, but the vibe in the room radiated merriment and intense appreciation for the Italian fare that adorned each table.
IF YOU GO
PARKING: Valet, street, garage parking
HOURS: Daily 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
PRICES: $16 – $68
WEBSITE: rinosofboca.com
As I swayed to the live music (available every night, not just on weekends) and perused the menu, a basket of warm bread, eggplant and basil spread and garlic oil for dipping hit the table. Looking around, the space is just as swanky as its guests. Instead of exposed brick walls or photos of the Motherland, the design features unique ice-like chandeliers, contemporary black-and-white artwork and an expansive illuminated bar.
Our waiter, who proudly told us he was from Brooklyn and grew
up on the same food made by chef Rino Aprea, was passionate about his dish recommendations, so we put our trust in him and were not disappointed. We started with the Chevalatta ($28) and Spedini Mozzarella alla Romano ($26). The ring sausage with delicate hints of fennel was topped with a generous amount of shaved Parmesan that balanced its sweetness. It was juicy, perfectly seared, and served on sautéed broccoli rabe. I had never tried the mozzarella dish before, and to me, it resembled an elevated version of fried mozzarella. It’s bread stuffed with cheese, fried and then topped with a tangy red sauce.
For the second course, we tried the Rigatoni Vodka ($32) and Bucatini Carbonara ($31). The al dente pasta delivered precisely what you’d expect. Our waiter suggested we add sausage to the rigatoni, and we’re happy we did. The sausage brought a new layer to the creamy dish, while the crispy pancetta complemented the peppery bucatini.
I should mention that the portions here are quite generous, so you’ll likely have leftovers—which isn’t a bad thing. Even our waiter recommended saving the Costate di Vitello Parmigiano ($68) for next time, but we were determined to try it (and enjoy the leftovers). The veal is massive. Everyone around us turned to glance when it arrived. It was paper-thin, with mighty slices of nearly melted mozzarella peeking through the moderately chunky tomato sauce. Once again, it was exactly what I anticipated, and it delivered with every satisfying bite.
As we waited for the Tartufo Pistachio ($14), a lovely, sweet ending to our meal, I looked around. I was thrilled to see a cozy booth nearby with a group of men, spanning several decades, laughing and enjoying each other’s company instead of the all-too-familiar sight I see these days of silent tables, each person glued to their phone. At least at Rino’s, people come for the food and the camaraderie, and that certainly makes me smile.
FLORIDA TABLE Dining Guide
Palm Beach County BOCA RATON
388 Italian Restaurant By Mr. Sal —3360 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This family-owned outpost of its Long Island flagship prides itself on nostalgic, quintessential dishes. Pastas like alla vodka, marinara and spicy rigatoni share the menu with chicken and veal entrees in beloved preparations like masala, Milanese and parmigiana. Choose from half or whole portions to share with the table. It’s also known for its lively ambiance, so come here for an Italian feast but stay for the party. Dinner nightly. 561/794-3888. $$$
Abe & Louie’s —2200 Glades Road. Steakhouse. All Americans are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among them the right to a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. At this posh, comfortable (and expensive) meatery, the USDA Prime steaks are indeed thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, also massively flavorful and served in enormous portions. Don’t miss the New York sirloin or prime rib, paired in classic steakhouse fashion with buttery hash browns and uber-creamy creamed spinach. Chased with an ice-cold martini or glass of red wine from the truly impressive list, it’s happiness pursued and captured. • Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. 561/447-0024. $$$$
AlleyCat—297 E.Palmetto Park Road. Japanese. Chef Eric Baker’s Japanese izakaya, or a casual spot for drinks and bites, is serving up dishes like sushi, dumplings and fried rice that have an unexpected whimsical element. Here you’ll find king crab tacos and hot fried chicken alongside the hamachi ponzu and spicy scallop roll. And to deliver the freshest sushi in town, he has partnered with celebrated sushi chef David Bouhadana of Sushi by Bou. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/353-5888. $$
DINING KEY
$: Under $17
$$: $18–$35
$$$: $36–$50
$$$$: $50 and up
Arturo’s Restaurant—6750 N. Federal Highway. Italian. After 40 years of feeding our Boca community, the Gismondi family is still going to great lengths to take care of its patrons, who, over the years, have become honorary family members themselves. Arturo’s brings generations of diners together with its warm ambiance, classic and consistent Italian fare, and its award-winning 1,000+-bottle wine cellar. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Fri., dinner Sat.-Sun. 561/997-7373. $$$
Basilic Vietnamese Grill —200 S. Federal Highway. Vietnamese. This popular restaurant offers satisfying food and reasonable prices. Plus, there’s bubble tea. Opened in 2014, it has a wide range of Vietnamese favorites, such as cha
gio tom heo, fried shrimp and pork Imperial rolls, all kinds of pho, noodle bowls, chicken curry and more. • Lunch and dinner six days a week; closed Tuesdays. 561/409-4964. $$
Bluefin Sushi and Thai—861 N.W. 51st St., Suite 1. Sushi/Thai. Arrive early for a table at this Asian hot spot—it’s popular with no reservations for parties fewer than six. Don’t skip the tempura lobster bomb, big in both size and taste. The ginger snapper will impress both Instagram and your stomach. Try the chicken satay and pad Thai. Bluefin offers a variety of dishes from multiple cultures, all well done. • Dinner daily. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 561/981-8869. $$
Burtons Grill & Bar —5580 N. Military Trail. New American. Known for its reliable food as well as its non-gluten, Paleo and “B Choosy” kids menu, the first Florida location for this restaurant is deservedly crowded, so make reservations. Don’t miss the General Tso’s cauliflower, the pan-seared salmon (Paleo), the crab cakes or the Key lime pie. Popular half-portions are available, too. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/465-2036. $
The Capital Grille —6000 Glades Road. Steaks. This is one of more than three dozen restaurants in a national chain, but the Boca Grille treats you like a regular at your neighborhood restaurant. Steaks, dry-aged if not Prime, are flavorful and cooked with precision, while starters from the pan-fried calamari to the restaurant’s signature spin on the Cobb salad (lunch only) are nicely done too. Parmesan truffle fries are crispy sticks of potato heaven; chocolate-espresso cake a study in shameless, and luscious, decadence. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/368-1077. $$$
Casa D’Angelo —171 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. Chef Rickie Piper, who has mastered the menu and cuisine of this fine-dining staple for more than a decade, knows when to say when with both plating and ingredients. His dishes, including the sides and accompaniments, are visually appetizing and aromatic. A grilled veal chop easily 3 inches thick proved tender and juicy, and the wild mushrooms served alongside in a marsala added earthiness. • Dinner nightly. 561/996-1234. $$$
Casimir French Bistro—416 Via De Palmas, Suite 81. French. Take a trip overseas without leaving the city and enjoy excellently prepared traditional French dishes, such as duck l’orange or beef bourguignon, or go with Cajun chicken and veal Milanese. The comfortable dining room is a Parisian experience, as is the apple tarte tatin. This is a local favorite, and may we add they have what is as close to real French bread as anyplace in Boca?
• Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/955-6001. $$$
Scaloppina di vitello piccata con capperi at Arturo’s
Chez Marie French Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. French. Marie will greet you at the door of this nicely decorated, intimate, classic French restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip shopping area. This feels like an intimate neighborhood bistro and is a welcome discovery. From escargot encased in garlic butter, parsley and breadcrumbs to a tender duck a l’orange to an unforgettable crepe Suzette, you’ll be in Paris all evening. Voila! Also on the menu: pan-seared foie gras, tasty onion soup, coq au vin, rack of lamb, salads and more desserts. French food in an unassuming atmosphere.• Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closed on Mon. in summer) 561/997-0027. $$
Chops Lobster Bar —101 Plaza Real S., Royal Palm Place. Steak, seafood. There is nothing like a classic chophouse every now and then for a special dinner. At this upscale downtown restaurant, steaks are aged USDA Prime— tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked under a 1,700-degree broiler. There’s all manner of fish and shellfish, but you’re here for the lobster, whether giant Nova Scotian tails flash-fried and served with drawn butter or sizable Maine specimens stuffed with lobster. Let’s face it: Trendy menus come and go, but a great steakhouse is a win-win on all occasions. • Dinner nightly. 561/395-2675. $$$$
Corvina Seafood Grill —110 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton. Seafood. The seafood-centric menu incorporates South Florida’s varied Latin and Caribbean culinary influences into it. Peruvian and Honduran ceviches share the menu with Brazilian fish stew. You’ll also find plantain crusted corvina in a Creole curry sauce alongside Jamaican jerk chicken and island spiced pork ribs. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, the menu spotlights several daily specials so look out for those. Then there’s the indoor/outdoor bar that invites you to come in and stay a while, especially during its daily happy hour. • Dinner & Sunday Brunch. 561/206-0066. $$
Dorsia —5837 N. Federal Highway. Continental. The simple pleasures of the table—good food, personable service, comfortable ambience—are what this modestly stylish restaurant is all about. The menu has a strong Italian bent, evidenced by dishes like a trio of fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with an airy three-cheese mousse, and a cookbook-perfect rendition of veal scaloppine lavished with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and a tangy lemon-white wine sauce. • Dinner nightly. 561/961-4156. $$
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood —201 Plaza Real. Steak & Seafood. Eddie V’s is famous for its seafood and premium steaks, but this restaurant has also perfected the art of entertaining with nightly live music and a few tableside surprises. • Dinner nightly. 561/237-0067. $$$$
Farmer’s Table —1901 N. Military Trail. American. In the pantheon of healthy dining, Farmer’s Table is a standout in Boca, one of the first restaurants to elevate natural foods to fine dining. Fresh, natural, sustainable, organic and local is the mantra at this both tasty and health-conscious offering from Mitchell Robbins and Joey Giannuzzi. Menu highlights include flatbreads, slow-braised USDA Choice short rib and the popular Ramen Bowl, with veggies, ramen noodles and shrimp. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/417-5836. $$
Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen —399 S.E. Mizner Blvd. American. Natural, seasonal, sustainable. You’ll enjoy the varied menu, and won’t believe it’s made without butters or creams. Try the too-good-to-be-true buffalo-style cauliflower appetizer, the seared salmon or buffalo burger, and have apple skillet for dessert. Healthy never tasted so good. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/826-2625. $$
Everyday Favorites
For an affordable bite at any time, consider these durable chains and homegrown Boca favorites— where the attire is understated and reservations are rarely necessary.
Biergarten—309 Via De Palmas, #90. German/Pub. Part vaguely German beer garden, part all-American sports bar, this rustic eatery offers menus that channel both, as well as an excellent selection of two-dozen beers on tap and the same number by the bottle. The food is basic and designed to go well with suds, like the giant pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces and the popular “Biergarten burger.” • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462. $$
Cuban Café —3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Suite B-30. Cuban. One thing Boca needs more of is coffee windows—and real Cuban restaurants. Part of the charm of South Florida is its melting pot of Latin cultures, and Cuba is the granddaddy of them all. Which is undoubtedly why diners pack this traditional Cuban restaurant for lunch specials that start at $10.95, including slow-roasted pork served with white rice and black beans. Other highlights include the Cuban sandwich, the media noche and (on the dinner menu only) lechón asado. Full bar. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/750-8860. $
Los Olivos Bistro —5030 Champion Blvd. Argentine. The family-owned bistro’s menu honors familial Argentine roots with typical crave-worthy dishes like empanadas and plenty of red meat. Still, it also honors the cuisine’s Spanish and Italian influences with its standout paellas and housemade pasta. • Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. 561/756-8928. $
Rocco’s Tacos —224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 425 tequilas. Tacos feature housemade tortillas and a variety of proteins. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2131; 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100; 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/623-0127) $
The Sandwich Shop at Buccan—350 S. County Road, Palm Beach and 1901 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Takeout stop. Like big sister Buccan Italian restaurant, the Sandwich Shop is full of flavor and builds your favorite sandwich with just a touch of delicious creativity you won’t find elsewhere. Owned by celeb chef Clay Conley and partners, the menu has hot or cold sandwiches, salads, sides and drinks (both alcoholic and non). Good-sized portions mean the Italian and prosciutto subs include leftovers if you have some willpower.• Lunch daily. 561/833-6295. $$
Tap 42 —5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 247. Gastropub. This hugely popular nouveau-Industrial gastropub is not for the faint of eardrums when packed, but don’t let that discourage you. The kitchen here executes the hell out of a short, simple all-day menu. Grilled salmon chopped salad with tomatillo ranch dressing is delightful, as is guacamole studded with fat chunks of bacon and charred corn. Same goes for decadent shrimp mac-n-cheese. The wicked-good chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce would be the envy of any Big Easy eatery. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/235-5819. $
Tropical Smokehouse —3815 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. When you take the distinct tastes of Florida/Caribbean/Cuban dishes and pair them with barbecue, you end up with a place you visit a lot. Local celeb chef Rick Mace smokes the meats himself, and his recipes include all kinds of citrus in tasty spots (sour orange wings, pineapple carrot cake); you’ll discover new favorite flavors. Don’t miss the BBQ pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Try the hot and sweet hushpuppies or the homemade chorizo queso in this very casual spot that we can happily say is also unique—there’s nothing else like it. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/323-2573. $$
The French Gazebo —4199 N. Federal Highway. French. Formerly Kathy’s Gazebo, this space has been a staple in our community for 40 years, but its new owners updated the design while keeping the same French classics on the menu
like escargots, crêpes, dover sole and duckling. Its vintage character still reigns but now with an airier, contemporary undertone. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/395-6033. • $$$
Gallaghers Steakhouse —2006 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Steakhouse. At this chophouse, the staff is laser-focused on service, the bar pours stiff drinks, and the kitchen dishes out perfectly cooked steaks—a pure embodiment of what you’d expect from a steakhouse. While Gallaghers proved itself a master of its craft, don’t overlook the other items on the menu, like the stuffed shrimp and veal chop. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/559-5800. $$$$
The Grille On Congress —5101 Congress Ave. American. Dishes at this longtime favorite range from tasty chicken entrees and main-plate salads to seafood options like Asian-glazed salmon or pan-seared yellowtail snapper. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$
Houston’s —1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Contemporary American. Convenient location, stylish ambience and impeccable service are hallmarks of this local outpost of the Hillstone restaurant chain. There are plenty of reasons why this is one of the most popular business lunch spots in all of Boca, including menu items like Cajun trout, the mammoth salad offerings and the tasty baby back ribs. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-0550. $$$
Il Mulino New York Boca Raton —451 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. From the four pre-menu bites to the after-dinner coffee from freshly ground beans, this is a white-tablecloth venue that delivers on its upscale promises. Try the langostino, the red snapper, the risotto, the pasta, or go for the ceviches, caviars and seafood tower. Save room for dessert and complimentary lemoncello. Make a night of it. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/338-8606. $$$
Josephine’s —5751 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Tradition trumps trendy, and comfort outweighs chic at this Boca favorite. The ambience is quiet and stately but not stuffy, and the menu is full of hearty dishes to soothe the savage appetite, like threecheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$
Kapow Noodle Bar —402 Plaza Real. Asian Kapow delivers an effervescent ambiance that makes you want to relax and stay a while. Its varied menu has something for every craving, from crispy rice and tacos to rolls and even Peking duck. Up your dinner game by reserving a seat at the separate omakase bar serving chef-curated bites that aren’t on the regular menu. And if you’re looking for a memorable night out, book one of the three karaoke rooms.• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/567-8828. $
Kasumi —999 E. Camino Real. Japanese. As the Waterstone Resort & Marina’s second waterfront restaurant, this modern Japanese eatery delivers an elevated level of cuisine. Its shareable menu features sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi and a variety of larger entrées. • Dinner nightly. 561/226-3033. $$$
that are just as tempting. Kousine’s space is bright and modern, with exposed industrial ceilings complemented with warm woods and greenery. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/430-3337. $$
La Condesa —3320 Airport Road. Mexican. Mexico’s bold, colorful and lively culture is reflected in its cuisine, and it’s evident at La Condesa. This family-owned restaurant’s take on Mexican fare offers a sizable menu with a wide selection of popular drinks and dishes like margaritas, nachos, street tacos and burritos. You can also opt for less mainstream dishes like the mole cazuelitas, and you won’t be disappointed. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/931-4008. $
La Nouvelle Maison—55 E. Palmetto Park Road. French. A dining experience at a French restaurant is never just about satiating your hunger. It’s about the entire experience, and La Nouvelle Maison embraces that joie de vivre from the moment you step inside. Whether you delight in the garlic-infused escargots, steak tartare or beef Bourgogne, none of the classic French dishes disappoint here.• Dinner nightly. 561/338-3003. $$$$
La Villetta —4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas and other classic dishes. Try the signature whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt; it’s de-boned right at tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$$
Le Rivage —450 N.E. 20th St., Suite 103. French. Don’t overlook this small, unassuming bastion of traditional French cookery. That would be a mistake, because the dishes that virtually scream “creativity” can’t compare to the quiet pleasures served here—like cool, soothing vichyssoise, delicate fillet of sole with nutty brown butter sauce or perfectly executed crème brûlee. Good food presented without artifice at a fair price never goes out of fashion. • Dinner nightly. 561/620-0033. $$
Loch Bar —346 Plaza Real. Seafood. This sister restaurant to Ouzo Bay includes fried oysters, moules frites and Maryland crab cakes. The bar offers literally hundreds of whiskeys, a noisy happy hour crowd and live music most nights. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/939-6600. $$
Louie Bossi’s —100 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This jumping joint serves terrific Neapolitan pizza (thin crust), but don’t miss the other entrées. Start with a charcuterie/ cheese plate and grab the amazing breadsticks. All breads and pastas are made on the premises. Other faves include the carbonara and the calamari, and save room for house-made gelato. Unusual features: Try the bocce ball court included with the retro Italian décor. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/336-6699. $$$
From Lima With Love
Kousine Peruvian Asian chef, owner and Lima native Danny Kou has been extensively awarded for his culinary chops, netting Gastronomy Ambassador of Peruvian Cuisine by Sierra Exportadora among many others.
Ke’e Grill —17940 N. Military Trail, Suite 700. Traditional American. In this busy dining scene for more than 30 years, you will find a lot of seafood (fried calamari, blue crab cakes, yellowtail snapper Francaise and lots more), a few steak, chicken, lamb and pork options, and a quality house-made apple crisp. Your traditional choices are baked, fried, breaded, grilled, broiled, sauteed. With Provencal, Francaise, maple mustard glaze, toasted macadamia nut pesto and piccata twists. A consistent crowd for a consistent menu. • Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$
Kousine Peruvian Asian—1668 N. Federal Highway. Peruvian/Asian. Chef and owner Danny Kou shares his Peruvian heritage with a curated menu of dishes that accurately represent his country’s famous ceviche while introducing patrons to unique dishes
Luff’s Fish House—390 E. Palmetto Park Road. Seafood. A renovated 1920s bungalow houses this shipshape restaurant, in addition to two large, outdoor deck and patio areas. It’s known for familiar dish names with new tweaks: smoked fish-hummus dip, falafel fish fritters, crab guacamole, mussels in coconut curry broth, plus the paella on Sundays only. Don’t leave without the enormous slice of the Key lime pie, topped with meringue on a graham cracker crust. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/609-2660. $$
Maggiano’s —21090 St. Andrews Blvd. Italian. Do as the Italians do, and order family-style: Sit back and watch the endless amounts of gorgeous foods grace your table. In this manner, you receive two appetizers, a salad, two pastas, two entrées and two desserts. The menu also includes lighter takes on staples like chicken parm, fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$
Risotto funghi at Il Mulino
AARON BRISTOL
EAT & DRINK RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
Mario’s Osteria —1400 Glades Road, Suite 210. Italian. This popular spot features rustic Italian fare in a sleek environment. Signature dishes like the garlic rolls, lasagna and eggplant “pancakes” are on the new menu, as are butternut squash ravioli and thick, juicy rib-eye served “arrabiata” style. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/239-7000. $$
Matteo’s —233 S. Federal Highway, Suite 108. Italian. Hearty Italian and Italian-American food, served in giant “family style” portions, needs no reinventing. Though there is no shortage of local restaurants cooking in that genre, it’s the details of preparation and service that make Matteo’s stand out. Baked clams are a good place to start, as is the reliable chopped salad. Linguini frutti di mare is one of the best in town. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-0773. $$
Max’s Grille —404 Plaza Real. Contemporary American. After 24 years in Mizner Park, This modern American bistro is a true local classic. The food and decor are both timeless and up to date, and the ambience is that of a smooth-running big-city bistro. Service is personable and proficient. The menu is composed of dishes you really want to eat, from the applewood bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the wickedly indulgent crème brûlèe pie. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/3680080. $$
Meat Market — 2000 NW 19th St. Steakhouse. Meat Market has infused Midtown Boca Raton with glamour. Its posh interiors and high energy complement its diverse menu that revolves around steak but is also sprinkled with daily specials and sushi that shouldn’t be overlooked. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/245-6777. $$$$
Medi Terra —301 Via de Palmas #99. Mediterranean. Embracing western Mediterranean cuisine, the menu is seasonal and revolves around what the owners can freshly source, so make sure to wait for the specials before making any final decisions. The father-son duo bought Ristorante Sapori in Royal Palm Place and redesigned it to reflect their passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/367-9779. $$
Morton’s The Steakhouse—5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 219. Steakhouse. There’s seemingly no end to diners’ love of huge slabs of high-quality aged beef, nor to the carnivores who pack the clubby-swanky dining room of this meatery. While the star of the beef show is the giant bone-in filet mignon, seasonally featured is the American Wagyu New York strip. Finish off your meal with one of the decadent desserts.• Dinner nightly. 561/392-7724. $$$$
Narbona —5250 Town Center Circle. Uruguayan. This restaurant-market hybrid offers house-made pasta, private-label herbs and honey, fresh fish and meats, grab-and-go prepared items, and countless Narbona Wine Lodge wines. You can also opt for a sit-down lunch or dinner at its central restaurant or at one of its two bars. The menu, with Italian and Spanish influences, features its pasta alongside a selection of meat and fish dishes. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/692-3933. $$
New York Prime —2350 N.W. Executive Center Drive. Steakhouse. This wildly popular Boca meatery Monday, Monday packs them in with swift, professional service, classy supper club ambience and an extensive wine list. And, of course, the beef—all USDA Prime, cooked to tender and juicy lusciousness over ferocious heat. The bone-in rib-eye is especially succulent, but don’t neglect the New York strip or steak-house classics like oysters Rockefeller, garlicky spinach and crusty hash browns. • Dinner nightly. 561/998-3881. $$$$
Patio Tapas & Beer —205 S.E. First Ave. Spanish. Be transported to the Iberian Peninsula with a variety of tapas.
Olive Oil—or Snake Oil?
The truth about this shadiest of oils, from a vendor who cuts no corners
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
You can find a bottle of olive oil in most pantries these days. But do we really know where that oil comes from? Or how to spot a fake? Or what extra-virgin oil actually is? Chef Rasheed Shihada, co-owner of Olive Oil of the World, helped us debunk olive oil myths and set the facts straight.
Shihada and his mother, Ersilia Moreno, have been in the olive oil business for nearly two decades, and he has a shocking claim: “Most olive oil is fake,” he asserts.“America is the wild west of olive oil. ... Anything on the bottles can be lied about.”
There are several ways that olive oil is counterfeited. Companies may blend it with vegetable oil, or add ground olive leaves to it. They may even mix canola oil with the same leaf puree to dilute the olive oil. Another issue is mislabeling, as when a commercial-grade oil is placed in a nicer glass bottle, or claiming the oil is from Italy when, in fact, most of it originated from somewhere else, like Spain.
“The food you eat is as big a part of the community as you are,” Shihada says.“It’s important to make sure that we have a food system where you know what you’re getting and that there’s authenticity. There are medicinal qualities to EVOO, and the last thing we need is people out there counterfeiting something medicinal.” He goes on to explain that the
responsibility lies with the customer to demand genuine, quality olive oil. Consumers purchase pasture-raised eggs and organic meats “and then just put cheap vegetable fat all over it.”
Something else to consider is pricing. If it’s sold at a bargain price, what quality of oil is inside for the store to make a profit? “There aren’t enough olives in the world to supply all the olive oil that lines the shelves in grocery stores; it’s not possible,” he says.
Olive oil can be grassy, buttery, peppery, cloudy and herbaceous. To showcase its layered and complex flavors, Shihada and Moreno have invited patrons to drink straight extra-virgin olive oil at their West Palm Beach GreenMarket Olive Oil of the World (OOOTW) stall since 2008. Last year, the mom-and-son duo opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in North Palm Beach.
WHAT IS EVOO? Extra-virgin olive oil is produced from the first press and has less than 1% acidity. Any more than that in a first press, it is classified as virgin oil.
“SINGLE-SOURCE” OLIVE OIL: Regardless of the region, this doesn’t ensure the oil is authentic.
TO YOUR HEALTH: EVOO contains polyphenols, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that may support heart health and
address issues like arthritis. Its beta-carotene has been shown to benefit eye and skin health.
TO COOK OR NOT TO COOK: Shihada fries his Thanksgiving turkey in EVOO to show his fan base that cooking with it is possible. He advises against buying “cooking olive oil” or “light olive oil,” because the olives used are commercial grade, heated, mixed with chemicals and filtered. A light oil has nothing to do with its calorie content.
BEST OIL FOR COOKING: Spanish and Greek olive oil, thanks to their lower price points and mild, neutral olives.
SHELF LIFE: A year and a half for opened bottles, two years for unopened oils, and three years if stored in the refrigerator.
TIPS FOR QUALITY OIL: Look for a farm’s address, and make sure it’s unfiltered.“If it’s filtered, it’s probably because they’re trying to filter out impurities.”
BEST COLOR: “The color tells you nothing about its quality.”The oil’s color is based on the type of olive. Green olives tend to give the oil a peppery finish, while black olives can make it buttery.
FLAVOR PROFILES: The oil’s flavor is derived from the soil quality, the olive varietals and its pressing process.
BEST OLIVES COME FROM: Spain, Italy and Greece are usually the top three in production, but countries like Brazil and Japan also produce EVOOs. If pressed (pun intended) for his favorite, Shihada admits he enjoys Italy’s diverse olive varietals that allow farmers to create distinct blends similar to wine. There’s even an olive oil farm in Alachua County. (floridaolivefarm.com)
UNIQUE USES: For a toothache, Shihada mixes it with salt and swishes it in his mouth. He’s been shaving with a lather combination of EVOO and EVOO soap for 20 years. He even uses it for rashes and scrapes.
Chef Rasheed Shihada and Ersilia Moreno
Selections from Olive Oil of the World
Chef Bryant Fajardo, who trained under celebrated chef José Andrés, specializes in one of Spain’s most traditional and iconic cuisines and delivers both classic selections like Manchego cheese and anchovies alongside premium nibbles like seared duck and foie gras. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/419-7239. $
Penelope —431 Plaza Real. Southern. Penelope honors a blend of cuisines and delivers comforting fare in a whimsy atmosphere. Its menu features a variety of New Orleans, southern and French-inspired dishes such as pimento cheese dip, oyster casino, shrimp po’boy and bouillabaisse. It also offers several well-labeled gluten-free dishes (or those with a GF alternative). Lunch and dinner daily. • 561/896-1038. $$
Prezzo —5560 N. Military Trail. Italian. A reincarnation of a popular 1990s Boca venue, this version has updated the dining room, kept the yummy oven-baked focaccia bread slices, and added a 21st-century taste to the menu. Don’t miss the tender bone-in pork chop, thin-crust pizza and seafood specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are on the menu, too. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/314-6840. $$
Rafina —6877 S.W. 18th St. Greek. If you find the ambience of most Greek restaurants to be like a frat party with flaming cheese and ouzo, this contemporary, casually elegant spot will be welcome relief. Food and decor favor refinement over rusticity, even in such hearty and ubiquitous dishes as pastitsio and spanakopita. Standout dishes include the moussaka, the creamy and mildly citrusy avgolemono soup and the precisely grilled, simply adorned (with olive oil, lemon and capers) branzino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-3673. $$
Red Pine Restaurant & Lounge —1 Town Center Road. Chinese. The menu is designed to be enjoyed family-style, with substantial portions of classic dishes like housemade vegetable eggrolls, fried rice and General Tso’s chicken, to name a few. The space is bright and lively, with floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive bar, and several dining spaces accentuated with crimson banquettes. • Dinner Tues-Sun. 561/826-7595. $$
Ruth’s Chris—225 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Suite 100. Steakhouse. Not only does this steakhouse favorite emphasize its New Orleans roots, it also distinguishes itself from its competitors by just serving better food. The signature chopped salad has a list of ingredients as long as a hose but they all work together. And how can you not like a salad topped with crispy fried onion strings? Steaks are USDA Prime and immensely flavorful, like a perfectly seared New York strip. The white chocolate bread pudding is simply wicked. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-6746. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 651 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 561/514-3544; 661 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, 561/863-0660.) $$$$
Seasons 52 —2300 Executive Center Drive. Contemporary American. The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is firstrate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/625-5852.) $$
SeaSpray Inlet Grill—999 E. Camino Real. American Unobstructed views of Lake Boca Raton, soaring palm trees and coastal décor peppered with fringed umbrellas all set the mood for a
relaxing experience that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation. The menu accommodates different dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t sleep on the pear tortellini pasta starter; it’s a star item. Portions are hearty and can be easily shared. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/226-3022. $$
Six Tables a Restaurant—112 N.E. Second St., Boca Raton. American. The dimly lit chandeliers, burgundy velvet curtains and smooth Sinatra lyrics set the mood for a memorable evening that’s dedicated to fine dining without pretention. With a seasonal menu that’s ever changing, you can rest assured that whatever husband and wife chef-proprietors Tom and Jenny Finn prepare for you, it will truly be special and made with love. • Dinner Thurs.-Sat. 561/347-6260. $$$$
Taverna Kyma —6298 N. Federal Highway. Greek/ Mediterranean. Hankering for a traditional Greek meal, and a menu that offers just about everything? This is where you want to try the meze plates (cold, hot, seafood, veggie), saganaki, grilled entrees and kebobs. From the taramosalata to the branzino and pastitsio, servings are generous and good. Don’t forget dessert. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/994-2828. $$
Trattoria Romana —499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This local mainstay does Italian classics and its own lengthy list of ambitious specials with unusual skill and aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$
AN EPICUREAN PARADISE
Mia Rosebud shines as Boca Raton’s most preeminent fine dining destination. Lauded for its quintessential Chicago-style Italian classics, USDA Prime cuts, and locally caught seafood, this South Florida outpost of the 50-year-old, family-owned Rosebud Group o ers one of the longest happy hours—and best steakhouse burgers!—in town.
Scan QR code to make reservations and learn about news, events, and weekly promotions like Monday’s Endless Aperitivo Hour, Twist O Tuesday, Speakeasy Wednesday, and Thursday Ladies Night.
Twenty Twenty Grille —141 Via Naranjas, Suite 45. Contemporary American. You’ve probably licked postage stamps that are larger than Ron and Rhonda Weisheit’s tiny jewel box of a restaurant, but what it lacks in space it more than makes up for in charm, sophistication and imaginative, expertly crafted food. Virtually everything is made in-house, from the trio of breads that first grace your table to the pasta in a suave dish of tagliatelle with duck and chicken confit. Don’t miss the jerk pork belly and grilled veal strip loin. • Dinner nightly. 561/990-7969. $$$
Villagio Italian Eatery —344 Plaza Real. Italian The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment is served with flair and great attention to detail. The reasonably priced menu—with generous portions—includes all your favorites (veal Parmesan, Caesar salad) and some outstanding seafood dishes (Maine lobster with shrimp, mussels and clams on linguine). There is a full wine list and ample people-watching given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/447-2257. $$
Vino —114 N.E. Second St. Wine Bar/Italian. An impressive wine list of some 250 plus bottles (all available by the glass) offers a multitude of choices, especially among Italian and California reds. The menu of “Italian tapas” includes roasted red peppers with Provolone, as well as ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomatoes. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/869-0030. $$
Yakitori —271 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Asian. This Japanese restaurant that has sat for nearly a decade in Royal Palm Place is still welcoming devoted diners and delivering consistent, premium dishes. Sip on one of its refreshing cocktails like the lychee martini or green tea mojito before perusing the vast menu that offers everything from sushi and sashimi to fried rice, ramen and entrées from the robata grill. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/544-0087. $$
WEST BOCA
Fun From 4 to 6 Driftwood’s afternoon happy hour extends through the weekend, with all cocktails running $8-$10, plus a bargain-priced bar bite menu of sliders, dry-rubbed wings, local fish dip and more.
Boon’s Asian Bistro —19605 N. State Road 7. Japanese/Thai. This is one of two Boon’s (the other is in Delray Beach), and it’s where the rush to eat excellent sushi started. The fast-moving staff is choreographed to deliver dishes such as shrimp pad Thai that’s light, delicate and happily filled with shrimp. The Thai fried rice is unusually delicate too, with lots of egg, and is some of the best around. The sushi rolls are as fresh and inventive (try the Daimyo roll) as they are beautifully presented. Go early or call for a reservation. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/883-0202. $$
Chloe’s Bistro —6885 S.W. 18th St. Italian. One of the few venues that’s on the water, with food to match the view. Try the seafood linguine, the large snapper filets in Marechiara sauce, and the desserts to end on a sweet note. House-made pasta and a good wine list ensure a pleasant, satisfying meal. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/334-2088. $$
City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house with a lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with care and little artifice. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/487-1600. $$
Ditmas Kitchen —21077 Powerline Road. Contemporary kosher. This west Boca restaurant is named after a Brooklyn avenue in a district known for its food. Here you’ll find very good casual food, and no dairy products are used. Try the Hibachi salmon, all-kale Caesar salad, the shnitzel sandwich. • Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 561/826-8875. $$$
DVASH —8208 Glades Road. Mediterranean. The menu, a collection of Mediterranean fusion dishes with a variety of
daily specials, caters to an array of diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. The Cohen family, who previously owned Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar in Coral Springs for more than a decade, now welcomes diners to this West Boca restaurant that’s tucked away in the Publix Greenwise strip mall. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/826-7784. $$
Oli’s Fashion Cuisine —6897 S.W. 18th St. Modern American. With the unusual name comes a menu sporting lobster risotto to tuna tacos, grilled mahi and more. There are Italian, vegetarian, steak, flatbreads, salads and desserts, all pleasing to the eye and palate. Inside is a bit noisy, so try the outdoor, lakeside patio for a quieter meal. • Lunch and dinner daily, breakfast weekends. 561/571-6920. $$
Oliv Pit Athenian Grille —6006 S.W. 18th St. Modern Greek. The owners’ goal of bringing together the best of Greek cooking under one roof, much like the melting pot that is Athens, is covered here in an extensive menu. The best way to enjoy the food is to share it: the Pikilia trio with tzatziki, spicy feta and eggplant spread is a starting place. Try the mix grill platter and the hearty red Greek wine. End the night with a unique, velvety frappe cappuccino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-2049. $$
Skyfin Asian Bistro —8221 Glades Road. Asian. After nearly a decade of dishing out elevated Beijing cuisine at MR CHOW inside the posh W South Beach, chef Aden Lee left his sous chef position to venture out on his own. Here, you’ll find both playfully named sushi rolls and fresh sashimi alongside protein-rich house specials, fried rice and noodles. Don’t miss the Toro Roll and Tangerine Peel Beef. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/556-1688. $$
Villa Rosano —9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian. You can be forgiven for imagining yourself in some rustic Italian hill town as the smells of garlic and tomato sauce waft through the air. Start by sopping up the house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto and delicate fillets of sole done a la Francese. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/470-0112. $$
BOYNTON BEACH
Driftwood —2005 S. Federal Highway. Modern American. Take food combos that sound unusual (popcorn sauce, avocado chocolate ice cream) but that taste wonderful and you’ve got Chef Jimmy Everett’s ideas on the table. They don’t last long, because they taste terrific. Try the smoked swordfish, the lobster with pickled okra, ricotta dumplings, the burger with gouda, the grilled octopus and pastrami’d chicken breast with roasted cabbage. • Brunch Sun. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/733-4782. $$
Josie’s Italian Ristorante— 650 E. Woolbright Road. Italian. This cozy, family-owned restaurant is looking better than ever after a renovation that gave its dining room a more modern, elegant atmosphere in which to enjoy chef Mark Militello’s classic Italian fare. It’s easy to fill up on the hearty portions of its pasta and meat entrees, but be sure to save room for dessert to try the absolutely decadent sixteen layer chocolate cake. In the cooler months, opt for patio seating for waterfront views. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/364-9601. $$
Prime Catch —700 E. Woolbright Road. Seafood Waterfront restaurants are few and far between in our neck of the woods, and those with good food are even more rare. Prime Catch, at the foot of the Woolbright bridge on the Intracoastal, is a best-kept secret. The simple pleasures here soar—a perfectly
Chocolate mousse at Oliv Pit
AARON BRISTOL
Buzz Bite I
Boca Bacchanal
Boca Bacchanal’s Grand Tasting will take place on Sunday, April 6 at The Addison. This annual event raises funds for the Boca Raton Historical Society at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. The walkaround tasting, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., will feature more than 200 brands of wine, Champagne, spirits and beer paired with dishes from our local chefs and restaurants.
Tickets are $175 and available for purchase at bocahistory.org.
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
grilled piece of mahi or bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish. Don’t miss one of the best Key lime pies around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$
Sushi Simon 1628 S. Federal Highway. Japanese. It’s been called “Nobu North” by some aficionados, and for good reason. Local sushi-philes jam the narrow dining room for such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi and uni (Thursdays), as well as more elaborate dishes like snapper Morimoto and tuna tartare. Creative, elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$
DELRAY BEACH
50 Ocean—50 S. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. The former Upper Deck at Boston’s on the Beach is now the more upscale, seafood-oriented spot. The menu ranges from familiar to slightly more inventive, from a classic lobster bisque and crisp-tender fried clam bellies to rock shrimp pot pie and baked grouper topped with blue crab. The cinnamon-dusted beignets are puffs of amazingly delicate deep-fried air and should not under any circumstances be missed. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/278-3364. $$
800 Palm Trail Grill—800 Palm Trail. American. This contemporary space is serving up American fare and classic cocktails. The menu has a steak-and-seafood-house feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find dishes that entice the palate, like the loaded baked potato eggrolls and Wagyu boneless short rib. • Lunch and dinner daily, with patio dining. 561/865-5235. $$$
Akira Back —233 NE Second Ave. Japanese Chef Akira Back’s Seoul restaurant earned a Michelin star a few years ago and now he’s showcasing his talented take on Japanese cuisine at his namesake restaurant inside The Ray hotel. Born in Korea and raised in Colorado, Back blends his heritage with Japanese flavors and techniques he has mastered to deliver dishes that are unique to him. With plates made to be shared, the menu is divided into cold and hot starters followed by rolls, nigiri/sashimi, robata grill, mains and fried rice. Dinner. 561/739-1708. $$$$
Amar Mediterranean Bistro —25 S.E. Sixth Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar
For women that have hair just beginning to thin INTERLINK can increase your density by 400% in 2 hrs. We tie individual hairs into your growing hair so you can repeat the process over and over. ( see photo to left )
( see photo below and right )
Sleep, shower, swim, play sports in secure confidence. EHK is made from the finest human hair available in the world. That is why many celebrities come to JAA to solve their hair loss problem. Don’t you deserve to look your best.
Real JAA Client
Real JAA Client
is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5653. $$
Avalon Beach House—110 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This steakhouse was transformed into a chic coastal haven for seafood and lively cocktails. Its menu features a variety of casual dishes like ahi tuna poke, fish tacos, double smash burger and short rib ragu. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/593-2500. $$
Bamboo Fire Cafe —149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. A quintessential Delray gem. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $
Beg for More Izakaya
—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates. The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$
Brulé Bistro —200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. This Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$
Burt & Max’s —9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$
Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. A success from day one, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561/274-9404. $$
City Oyster —213 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This stylish mainstay of Big Time Restaurant Group serves up reasonably priced seafood that never disappoints, such as shrimp and grits with a jumbo crab cake. This is the place to see and be seen in Delray, and the food lives up to its profile. • Lunch Mon.–Sun. Dinner nightly. Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar —25 N.E. Second Ave., Suite 208. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/926-9434. $$
Costa By OK&M —502 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/501-6115. • $$
Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wetaged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$
Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food with a moustache menu has its quirky charms, too, like shake-n-bake pork chops with sweet-savory butterscotch onions, and a brownie-vanilla ice cream sundae with strips of five-spice powdered bacon. The wittily decorated 1920s-vintage house-turned-restaurant is, as they say, a trip. • Dinner nightly. 561/330-3232. $$
Deck 84—840 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American Burt Rapoport’s ode to laid-back tropical dining is like a day at the beach without getting sand between your toes. Though the restaurant is casual, the kitchen takes its food seriously, whether the stellar flatbreads, the thick and juicy 10-ounce special blend burger or homey seasonal cobbler. And the waterfront location just seems to make everything taste better. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat.–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/665-8484. $
A Nose For It
Casa L’Acqua’s 13-page wine list offers copious varietals for the discerning oenophile, up to and including a bottle of Langhe Rosso for a cool $1,500.
Campi Italian —233 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. The Ray Hotel’s Campi Italian exudes a warm, relaxing ambiance. It’s perfect for an aperitivo and excels in pasta. Contemporary glass chandeliers illuminate its swanky bar and cozy rattan booths, while crisp white tablecloths adorn the tables. • Dinner nightly. 561/576-8366. $$$
Casa L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano —9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Casa L’Acqua is touted as a fine-dining establishment, and correctly so; diners can expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed staff and attentive service. The wine list is Italian-focused but does offer a variety of bottles from around the world, and each dish is expertly prepared with sizable portions. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back. • Dinner nightly. 561/563-7492. $$
Drift—10 N. Ocean Blvd. American. Inside the Opal Grand Resort & Spa, the restaurant’s coastal décor is polished with warm woods, textured stone walls, rope detailing and living walls. The bar is spacious, and several nooks overlook the ocean and the buzzy Atlantic Avenue. The all-day menu covers all the bases. You’ll find easy dishes to snack on after the beach, or if you’re craving an extended Happy Hour experience, enjoy the cheese board, hummus, baked oysters and poke alongside casual burgers, flatbreads and salads. The entrées offer something for everyone, including chicken, steak, lamb and fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-3289. $$
Eathai —1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of
City Oyster’s fish tacos
your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai Chicken French Toasted or Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce or Oxtail Basil Fried Rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesday. 561/270-3156. $
El Camino —15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican . This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$
Elisabetta’s —32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/560-6699. $$
The Grove —187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove district for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually
comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well thought out. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/266-3750. $$
The Hampton Social —40 N.E. Seventh Ave. American. The Hampton Social is known for its “rosé all day” tagline, but it doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. It does a standout job of incorporating its casual coastal aesthetic into not just its décor but also its menu, from its seafood-centric dishes to its droll cocktail names like the vodka-forward I Like It a Yacht. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/404-1155. $$
Henry’s —16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/638-1949. $$
Il Girasole —2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$
J&J Seafood Bar & Grill —634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up every-
Buzz Bite II
Las Olas Wine & Food Festival
The 29th-annual festival will take over Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, April 25. Attendees can look forward to tasting dishes from more than 40 local restaurants and will certainly find the perfect sip to pair, with more than 200 participating wineries, distilleries and breweries also in attendance. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Lung Association.
VIP admission is $275, and general admission is $160; both can be purchased at lasolaswff.com.
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
Supporting Our Veterans Through Food
Let’s Chow, a nonprofit that trains veterans to enter the culinary industry, has partnered with legendary chef Robert Irvine to become an official program within his foundation
Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
Jordan Foley didn’t realize pasta was sold in boxes at the supermarket until he was at a friend’s house when he was 10. He grew up in an Italian family where his grandmother made everything, including the pasta. While his early life instilled in him a love for food, it would take decades before he even considered culinary school.
Foley attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served on submarines before becoming a Navy JAG. During law school, a classmate and fellow veteran died by suicide after a failed attempt to start his own business, leading to debt and depression.“I wondered personally what I could have done differently,” he admits. In 2020, he founded Let’s Chow, a nonprofit that uses food trucks as mobile training tools to help veterans launch and grow their culinary businesses. While attending law school, he also enrolled in culinary school to professionalize the cooking skills his grandmother taught him.
Foley explains that transitioning to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, from finding employment to reconnecting with family and friends, which can lead to feelings of isolation. As a microcosm, the food truck allows veterans to build their own business while honing their communication and customer service skills. Veterans excel in a kitchen due to their understanding of hierarchy, ability to communicate quickly and clearly, strong stamina, and training for high-stress environments.
For South Florida resident and Army veteran Derek Suhre, Let’s
Chow came into his life at an ideal moment. The pandemic forced his sister-in-law to shutter her successful coffee shop in Mexico, prompting Suhre to join forces with his wife and her twin sister to establish Killer Coffee Co. in South Florida. While the trio found success at local markets, Let’s Chow provided them with the means to expand their business—now known as Calavera Coffee—without the burden of accumulating debt.“The best part was the support and guidance,”Suhre says. “Having someone there to bounce ideas off.”
Calavera Coffee imports its specialty beans from small farms in Mexico and roasts them in Boca Raton. Suhre explains that their main goal is to support farmers, because “not only are they the backbone of food in general across the world, but they’re the reason we get to enjoy our good quality coffee that isn’t mass harvested. You can typically tell when a product has been taken care of, and I feel like our beans have been taken care of.”
The nonprofit provides every veteran who completes its training program with a fully equipped food truck tailored to the veteran’s specifications and culinary needs and covers insurance and maintenance. As part of the training, Let’s Chow works with each participant to create a business plan, develop a menu, and build a social media presence. One integral part of the training involves having each truck donate food to local shelters or food banks. Its newest truck donated more than 1,000 meals before officially hitting the streets and
opening to the public. Veterans need time to practice their menu and become customer-ready, so this opportunity allows them to conduct market research and refine their business skills while giving back to their community. Once operational, each business retains its net profits after making a minimal monthly rent payment to the organization.
“It’s about revitalizing America’s main street, and it starts with the small restaurants that have evaporated over the years,” says Foley. “We’re a business incubator using food trucks in real time to grow your business.”
Currently, the program has six working food trucks nationwide, serving cuisines from Filipino to Mexican. Foley emphasizes that this program is not permanent; Let’s Chow is designed to aid in transitioning to civilian life, support veterans, provide opportunities for them to start businesses, and give them space to explore their next ventures.“It’s only a matter of time before there’s going to be a Let’s Chow alum who wins a James Beard Award,” he says proudly.
As an active-duty Navy lieutenant, Foley sought to secure the nonprofit’s future in case he was deployed, leading to the recent merger of Let’s Chow with the Robert Irvine Foundation.“It’s a perfect marriage of everything we’re passionate about, namely: giving back to and empowering our veterans and first responders and using the power of food to bring people together,” Irvine says.“As an entrepreneur myself, being able to provide veterans the hand-holding they need to
run a successful business is very important.”
For more information, visit letschow.org.
From top, Jordan Foley, Robert Irvine, and Jesy Gomez and Derek Suhre
thing from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$
Jimmy’s Bistro —9 S. Swinton Ave. International. Jimmy’s Bistro is a casual neighborhood concept serving consistently delightful dishes from a diverse menu that can transport diners to Italy with house-made pasta or Asia with its delicate dumplings and tender duck. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$$
Joseph’s Wine Bar —200 N.E. Second Ave. Mediterranean-American. Joseph’s is an elegant, comfortable, intimate nook in Delray’s Pineapple Grove, and an ideal place for a lazy evening. This family affair—owner Joseph Boueri, wife Margaret in the kitchen, and son Elie and daughter Romy working the front of the house—has all tastes covered. Try the special cheese platter, the duck a l’orange or the rack of lamb. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-6100. $$
La Cigale —253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$
Latitudes —2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American. You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$
Le Colonial 601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-square-foot restaurant.• Lunch (on weekends) and dinner daily. 561/566-1800. $$$
Lefkes Estiatorio —33 S.E. Third Ave. Greek. This redesigned space, inside the former Delray Beach Market food hall, is home to Greek wines, traditional Greek classics, and a few contemporary takes on the cuisine. Make sure to save room for the baklava. If you’re looking for a lively late-night Mykonos vibe, complete with napkin throwing and pulsating tunes, Lefkes also delivers. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/908-2331. $$$
Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. Pan-Asian Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/567-0442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/5448181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $
Lulu’s —189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $
MIA Kitchen & Bar —7901 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$
The Office —201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that flits from burgers and fries to mussels. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-3796. $$
Papa’s Tapas —259 N.E. Second Ave. Spanish. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel welcomed, and its cuisine will satisfy your craving for Spanish tapas. Start with a few shareable plates and then enjoy a hearty paella that’s bursting with a selection of seafood, chicken or vegetables. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/266-0599. $
Park Tavern —32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the fish and chips, one of six burgers, fish tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$
Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar —5 S.E. Second Ave. Seafood. Gary Rack, who also has scored with his spot in Mizner Park, certainly seems to have the restaurant Midas touch, as evidenced by this updated throwback to classic fish houses. Design, ambience and service hit all the right notes. Oysters are terrific any way you get them; grilled fish and daily specials are excellent. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/450-6718. $$$
Rose’s Daughter —169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. Chef-owner Suzanne Perrotto, who also owns Brulé Bistro, celebrates her family’s Italian roots and its beloved recipes here—especially when it comes to her house-made pizza and pasta. Perrotto’s famous short rib pappardelle was even featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Dinner Wed.-Sun. • 561/271-9423. $$
Sazio —131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$
Taki Omakase —632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, has opened not one but two locations in our community (the other is at 1658 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton). It is pricy—an experience is more than $100 per person—but it’s worth it, with one caveat: You must enthusiastically love eating raw fish. Every night is different because it prides itself on importing fish, meat and seasonal ingredients from Japan that arrive daily. So, if you do pine for the delicacies of the sea, buckle in and get ready for the talented chefs at Taki Omakase to guide you through a culinary journey unlike anything else.• Dinner nightly, lunch hour Fri.-Sun. 561/759-7362. $$$$
Terra Fiamma —9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are
Buzz Bite III
Pups N’ Pints Yappy Hour
Gather your furry and non-furry friends and head to Pompano Beach Brewing Company. As a fantastic way to kick off the weekend, the brewery hosts an extra floofy happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, featuring special beer discounts for humans and a savory beef and potato dish for the pups. Each dog will also be gifted a complimentary treat. Cheers to that!
front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/4955570. $$
Tramonti —119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$
Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. For a protein, try the traditional chicken parmigiana, a hearty portion of paper-thin breaded chicken breast topped with a subtly sweet San Marzano sauce under a gooey layer of fresh mozzarella, and a substantial side of linguine pomodoro. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and tiramisu. • Dinner nightly; brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$
LAKE WORTH BEACH
Oceano Kitchen —512 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth Beach. Contemporary American. Chefs and owners Jeremy and Cindy Bearman have a talent for crafting a simple daily menu of ever-changing dishes that explode with flavors and are curated with thoughtfulness and the utmost detail. Genuine hospitality is at the core of their restaurant. For newcomers, it’s cash only and it doesn’t take reservations, so get there early or be prepared to wait. Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/400-7418. $$$
—Christie Galeano-DeMott
Paradiso Ristorante —625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a pasticceria and bar for gelato and espresso. Chef Angelo Romano offers a modern Italian menu. The Mediterranean salt-crusted branzino is definitely a must-try. Plus, the wine list is a veritable tome. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/547-2500. $$$
LANTANA
Ravish Off Ocean —210 E. Ocean Ave. International. Ravish Off Ocean is a delightful dining experience less than a mile from the powdery sands of South Palm Beach. The coastal vibes are evident here with sea-inspired options like local fish ceviche, tuna tartare, fish tacos and a daily catch. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/588-2444. $$
The Station House —233 Lantana Road. Seafood. If you’re hungry for Maine lobster, plucked live out of giant tanks and cooked to order, this modest replica of a 1920s train station is the place to go. Lobsters come in all sizes (up to 6 pounds) and are reasonably priced. • Dinner nightly. 561/801-5000. $$
PALM BEACH
Acqua Café —2875 S Ocean Blvd. Italian. This quaint neighborhood restaurant serves quality Italian favorites with a coastal twist. It’s part of the Al Fresco Hospitality Group portfolio, which also includes Via Mizner’s legendary Renato’s.• Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/547-0005. $$$
Bice —313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to hold the title of favorite spot on the island. The venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$
Buccan —350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary sensibilities of Miami at the first independent restaurant by chef Clay Conley. The design offers both intimate and energetic dining areas, while the menu is by turn familiar (wood-grilled burgers) and more adventurous (truffled steak tartare with crispy egg yolk, squid ink orrechiette). • Dinner nightly. 561/833-3450. $$$
A Bell Bottom Brunch
Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday is “Lobsta Disco Brunch” at Pink Steak, where DJs spin classic dance music, and lobster benedict, lobster linguini and whole steamed lobster are on the menu.
Café Boulud —The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard, the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$
Café L’Europe —331 S. County Road. Current International. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$
Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$
Henry’s Palm Beach —229 Royal Poinciana Way. American Bistro. Part of The Breakers’ restaurant properties, this venue opened in 2020 and is an elegant addition to The Island. Try the pigs in a pretzel dough blanket, beer can corn, the lobster roll, butter crumb Dover sole and chicken pot pie. All comfort food with a Palm Beach twist, and it’s all delicious. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/206-1896. $$$
HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with housemade fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. The wine list is encyclopedic. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$
Imoto —350 S. County Road. Asian Fusion/Tapas. Clay Conley’s “little sister” (the translation of Imoto from Japanese) is next to his always-bustling Buccan. Imoto turns out Japanese-inspired small plates with big-city sophistication, like witty Peking duck tacos and decadent tuna and foie gras sliders. Sushi selection is limited but immaculately fresh. • Dinner nightly. 561/833-5522. $$
Meat Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse
“Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steakhouse but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-n-turf to a new level. Cast your diet to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$
Renato’s —87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist— like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/655-9752. $$$
WEST PALM BEACH
Austin Republic —4801 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. The casual backyard atmosphere sets the scene for chef James Strine’s unpretentious barbecue with a unique Mexican flair. The menu isn’t extensive, but all the barbecue greats are there alongside its Mexican counterparts. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork share the space with tacos, burritos and enchiladas. And don’t sleep on the chicken sandwich. Trust us. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. $
Banko Cantina—114 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Northern Mexican. Start with the Adelita cocktail and don’t look back. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Al Carbon steak tacos and the house guacamole add up to a full-flavor dinner. The west-facing rooftop bar is a nice sunset option, and the Pan de Elote (homemade sweet cornbread with vanilla ice cream and berries) is a delightful end to the evening. • Dinner daily. 561/355-1399. $$
The Blue Door —5700 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. The Blue Door’s vibrant hospitality welcomes you the moment you step through the arched, sapphire-hued entrance. Its lush landscaping and casual yet refined menu take you straight to the southern European coastline. • Dinner nightly. 561/3602064. $$$
Buccan
Café Centro —2409 N. Dixie Highway. Modern American. A cornerstone in the Northwood neighborhood, this venue draws because of a complete package: food, drinks and great nightlife and music. Take some char-grilled oysters, add shrimp pesto capellini or a marinated pork chop with polenta, plus local singing fave Tessie Porter, and you have a fun and delicious night out. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$
French Corner Bistro & Rotisserie — 4595 Okeechobee Blvd. Classic French. It’s France in a tiny venue, with big-taste dishes that include all the faves: beef bourguignon, rack of lamb, duck à l’orange, frog legs Provencale, veal kidneys, tender branzino and simple desserts to end the meal. Reservations are mandatory for dinner. • Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. 561/689-1700. $$
Grato —1901 S. Dixie Highway. Italian. “Grato” is Italian for “grateful,” and there is much to be grateful for about Clay Conley’s sophisticated yet unpretentious take on Italian cookery. Anyone would be grateful to find such delicate, crispy and greaseless fritto misto as Grato’s, ditto for lusty beef tartare piled onto a quartet of crostini. Spinach gnocchi in porcini mushroom sauce are a revelation, so light and airy they make other versions taste like green library paste. Don’t miss the porchetta either, or the silken panna cotta with coffee ice cream and crunchy hazelnut tuille. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/404-1334. $$
The House —7301 Georgia Ave. Modern American. Located inside The Park, West Palm Beach’s public golf course, The House has a bright contemporary aesthetic with massive floor-toceiling windows that spotlight the course’s natural beauty. The menu is approachable and offers something for everyone. It also features unique and interesting takes on dishes like spiny lobster corn dogs. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., weekend brunch. 561/530-3791. $$
Leila—120 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. Flowing drapes and industrial lighting complete the exotic decor in this Middle Eastern hit. Sensational hummus is a must-try. Lamb kebab with parsley, onion and spices makes up the delicious Lebanese lamb kefta. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sun. 561/659-7373. $$
Marcello’s La Sirena —6316 S. Dixie Highway. Italian . You’re in for a treat if the pasta of the day is prepared with what might be the best Bolognese sauce ever. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. (closed Memorial Day–Labor Day). 561/585-3128. $$
Pink Steak —2777 S. Dixie Highway. Steakhouse. This steakhouse offers plenty of choice cuts and classic chophouse appetizers, such as Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail, but don’t miss the other noteworthy options, like sushi and beef tartare. The pink-hued space is accented with tropical murals, plush avocado-green booths, plume-like chandeliers and plenty of flamingoes. It’s undoubtedly a vibe. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/557-9083. $$$$
Pistache —1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak tartare. All that, plus guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$
Planta—700 S. Rosemary Ave. Vegan. For those who savor every juicy, tender and flavorful bite of a well-prepared burger, patronizing a vegan establishment may seem like a sacrilegious act. But what if a restaurant served up plant-based dishes that surprised
your taste buds with exploding flavors? Here vegans don’t have to worry about ingredients making the cut, and non-vegans can enjoy approachable and appetizing plant-based dishes that won’t make you yearn for a steak. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/208-5222. $$
Rhythm Café —3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/833-3406. $$
Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/855-2660. $$$
Broward County DEERFIELD BEACH
Chanson —45 N.E. 21st Ave. Contemporary American/ French. A little bit of Palm Beach, a little bit of Italy comes to Deerfield Beach in the form of this elegant, sophisticated restaurant in the oceanfront Royal Blues Hotel. Service is as stellar as the views from the cozy, modestly opulent dining room, notable for the 1,500-gallon aquarium embedded in the ceiling. Consistency can be an issue with the food, but when it is good it is very good. • Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. 954/857-2929. $$$
Oceans 234—234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Contemporary American. One of the only oceanfront (as in, on the beach) options in South Florida, this familiar-with-a-twist venue is fun to both visit and eat. Try the Infamous Lollipop Chicken Wings, a starter that could be an entrée. Seafood is definitely top-shelf, as are the desserts. A true Florida experience. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-2539. $$
Tradition —626 S. Federal Highway. French. This is a petite place with a large following, for good reason. Owners Eric and Anais Heintz start meals with an amuse-bouche and a menu that spans the length of France. Order a creamy Caesar salad with a light anchovy-based dressing. Try the coq au vin (sauce cooked for two days), and if you like calves’ liver, this is the best you’ll find in the area. End with a Grand Marnier soufflé (worth the 15-minute wait), and make your next reservation there before going home. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 954/480-6464. $$
LIGHTHOUSE POINT
Cap’s Place 2765 N.E. 28th Court. Seafood. Eating here requires a boat ride, which is very SoFla and terrific for visitors. This is one of—if not the only—family-run, old-Florida seafood restaurants you’ve never heard of, open since the 1920s. The heart of palm salad is the best and purest version around. Seafood abounds; fish can be prepared nine ways and much more. (There are non-seafood dishes that are done well, too.) Go for the short boating thrill and for the food. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 954/941-0418. $$
Le Bistro —4626 N. Federal Highway. Modern French. The menu is modern and healthy—98-percent gluten-free, according to chef Andy Trousdale and co-owner Elin Trousdale. Check out the prix-fixe menu, which includes pan-roasted duck to beef Wellington. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 954/946-9240. $$$
Seafood World —4602 N. Federal Highway. Seafood This seafood market and restaurant offers some of the freshest seafood in the county. Its unpretentious atmosphere is the perfect setting for the superb king crab, Maine lobster, Florida lobster tails and much more. Tangy Key lime pie is a classic finish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/942-0740. $$
POMPANO BEACH
Calypso Restaurant—460 S. Cypress Road. Caribbean. This bright little dining room and bar (beer and wine only) has a Caribbean menu that is flavorful, imaginative—and much more. Calypso offers a spin on island food that includes sumptuous conch dishes, Stamp & Go Jamaican fish cakes and tasty rotis stuffed with curried chicken, lamb or seafood. • Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri. 954/942-1633. $
Darrel & Oliver’s Café Maxx —2601 E. Atlantic Blvd. American. The longstanding institution from chef Oliver Saucy is as good now as when it opened in the mid1980s. Main courses offer complex flavor profiles, such as the sweet-onion-crusted yellowtail snapper on Madeira sauce over mashed potatoes. Parts of the menu change daily. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sunday. 954/782-0606. $$$
South Bar & Kitchen —165 N.E. First Ave. Southern. Serves southern comfort cuisine in a dazzling space with plush emerald-green banquettes, warm wood detailing, and a spacious indoor/outdoor bar leading out to an expansive terrace and second bar. • Dinner Tues.-Sun., weekend brunch. 954/890-2000. $$
COCONUT CREEK
NYY Steak—Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 N.W. 40th St. Steakhouse. The second incarnation of this Yankees-themed restaurant swings for the fences—and connects— with monstrous portions, chic decor and decadent desserts. The signature steaks are a meat lover’s dream; seafood specialties include Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 954/935-6699. $$$$
FORT LAUDERDALE
15th Street Fisheries —1900 S.E. 15th St. Seafood. Surrounded by views of the Intracoastal, this Old Florida-style restaurant features seafood and selections for land lovers. We love the prime rib. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/763-2777. $$
3030 Ocean —Harbor Beach Marriott Resort, 3030 Holiday Drive. American. Now led in the kitchen by Adrienne Grenier of “Chopped” fame, the new-look 3030 has a farm-to-table focus, along with an emphasis, as always, on locally sourced seafood. • Dinner nightly. 954/765-3030. $$$
Bistro 17—Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 S.E. 17th St. Contemporary American. This small, sophisticated restaurant continues to impress with competently presented food. The menu is surprisingly diverse. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 954/626-1748. $$
WEB EXTRA: check out our complete tri-county dining guide only at BOCAMAG.COM
• Indoor and outdoor facilities on a 100-acre gated, secure campus
• Unique activities for all ages, including go karts, trapeze, archery, sports, art and swim
BOCA WEST CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
WHERE: Boca West Country Club
WHAT: Boca West Children’s Foundation (BWCF) broke yet another of its fundraising records at its 15th Anniversary Gala. Hosted at Boca West Country Club, the sold-out event raised more than $1.3 million, putting the total amount of funds raised in its 15 years at more than $20 million. The gala celebrated all those that have supported BWCF’s mission of protecting at-risk youth and families throughout Palm Beach and Broward, with awards presented to local philanthropists Avron and Wendy Fogelman, Marilyn and Jay Weinberg, and Jeri Lee Caprio for their respective impacts on the organization. The evening capped off with a moving performance by Grammy-winning country superstar Wynonna Judd.
1: Pamela and Mark Higer-Polani
2: Yamile and Matt Linderman
3: Lori and Raphael Cabrera
4: Sharon DiPietro, Wynonna Judd, Scott Joseph
5: FL Rep. Chip and Eileen LaMarca, Sasha and Matt Spritz
6: Ted Hoskinson, Aidalyn Magsayo
7: Doug Mithun, Ken Torrence
8: Avron, Wendy and Hal Fogelman
9: Wynonna Judd performing
10: Robert Watson, Marilyn Weinberg, Christine Lynn, Mark Larkin
11: Robert Weinroth, Doug and Linda Paton
12: Pamela Weinroth, Richard Zenker, Jeri Lee Caprio
20TH-ANNUAL GO PINK LUNCHEON
WHERE: The Boca Raton
WHAT: For its 20th anniversary, the Go Pink Luncheon celebrated its biggest year yet. The luncheon welcomed more than 1,300 attendees, who raised more than $2 million for the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Guests enjoyed a vibrant pink theme, a Champagne tasting, and opportunities to take photos in the stunning Pink Ribbon Garden. Following lunch, Go Pink Chair Carrie Rubin proudly introduced “Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts, who shared her powerful story of surviving breast cancer. The highlight of the event was Couture for a Cure: Bras with a Cause, which auctioned bespoke bras created by local designers.
1: Judy Levis Krug, Marisa Baker
2: Barbara C. Gutin, Ilana Elliott, Cheryl Elliott
3: Carrie Rubin and Marvin Rubin
4: Kathy Adkins, Carrie Rubin, Jo Ann Procacci, Amy Kazma 5: Robin Roberts, Freyda Burns
6: Lincoln and America Mendez, Christine Lynn, Liz and Bo Boulenger
MEN GIVING BACK’S GOLDEN GRANTS EVENING
WHERE: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club
WHAT: Local nonprofit Men Giving Back once again put the “fun” in fundraising during the organization’s fourth-annual Golden Grants Evening. More than 200 guests enjoyed live music, raffles and top-shelf cocktails ahead of the drawing of the 12 golden balls with the names of local nonprofits, four of which would be selected via a spin of the “wheel of giving” to win the coveted Golden Grants. Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer had the honor of drawing the 12 finalists, from which Families First of PBC, Sweet Dream Makers, Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation, and Nat King Cole Generation Hope were awarded Men Giving Back’s Golden Grants. Sponsors of the event included Amzak Capital Management, the Brad Ginsberg Family Foundation, The Learning Experience, Diamonds Direct and more.
1: Men Giving Back Board
2: Jeffrey Margolis, Mark Sauer, Richard Zenker, Ted Hoskinson
3: Mike Macdonald, Greg Peters
4: Bill Donnell, William Marino, Scott Medley, Paul Adkins
5: Dr. Nathan Nachlas, Mayor Scott Singer, William Marino
6: David Willens, Richard Newman, Jared Woolf
RIBBON-CUTTING FOR HOMESAFE’S BERNSTEIN FAMILY FOUNDATION CAMPUS
WHERE: Bernstein Family Foundation Campus in Boca Raton
WHAT: HomeSafe hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the complete renovation of its Boca Raton Bernstein Family Foundation Campus. Named in honor of Steve Bernstein and his daughter, Abby BernsteinHenderson, for their dedication in furthering HomeSafe’s mission of providing a safe haven for victims of child abuse and domestic violence, the redesigned campus will welcome 12 foster youths into a safe environment where they can learn the skills necessary to overcome their trauma and lead fulfilling lives.
1: Steve Bernstein, Abby BernsteinHenderson, Matt Ladika, Rex Kirby
2: Dick and Pattie Damron, Bill and Bonny Smith
3: Jeff and Aggie Stoops, Jayne Malfitano, Laura Sylvester
LYNN UNIVERSITY GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY CONCERT
WHERE: Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center
WHAT: Lynn University’s beloved Gingerbread Holiday Concert returned for its 21st year for an evening of stunning performances by the Lynn Philharmonia under the baton of Dr. Jon Robertson. More than 600 attendees packed the Wold Performing Arts Center and were dazzled by inspired takes on holiday classics such as a Caribbean-influenced rendition of “Sleigh Ride,” selections from the score of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and much more. The festive concert raised more than $105,000 toward student scholarships for the Conservatory of Music.
1: Dr. Jon Robertson leading the Lynn Philharmonia
2: Brass performers of the Lynn Philharmonia
3: Lynn University President Kevin M. Ross
PLACE OF HOPE’S HOPE BASH BOCA
WHERE: Boca West Country Club
WHAT: More than 700 attendees packed Boca West Country Club for Place of Hope’s sold-out Hope Bash Boca. The event, which celebrated its 11th year, raised funds for the Leighan and David Rinker Campus in Boca Raton, which provides critical services and housing to young adults who have aged out of the foster system, single mothers, and homeless youth. During the night’s festivities, Susan and Peter Brockway were honored as the 2024 Jay DiPietro Heroes of Hope for their years of support to the organization. The Hope Bash set a new record for sponsorship and greatly expanded its base of supporters to further the organization’s mission of protecting vulnerable families and children.
April 2025 issue. Vol. 45 No. 4. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of JES Media, and any use of these trademarks without the express written consent of JES Media is strictly prohibited: Savor the Avenue; Tastemakers of Delray; Tastemakers at Mizner; Florida Style and Design; Delray Beach magazine; Boca Raton, South Florida At Its Best; bocamag.com; Florida Table; Boca Raton magazine. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published 8 times a year (September/October, November/December, January, February, March, April, May/June and July/August) by JES Media. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all editorial and advertising correspondence to the above address. Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $24.95/8 issues, $34.95/16 issues (shipping fee included for one- and two-year rates). Single copy $6.95. No whole or part of the content may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.
Boca Raton Insider
ADVERTISING • PROMOTIONS • EVENTS
NURTURE WHAT’S WILD!
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is South Florida's largest wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education center, dedicated to the protection and care of native wildlife.
The Sanctuary is open seven days a week offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the region's diverse animals and ecosystems. The Sanctuary hosts educational programming and gives insight into the challenges faced by local wildlife and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.
17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter, FL 33478
561-575-3399
Buschwildlife.org
HOLISTIC PET CUISINE
We have been in the all natural and holistic pet food industry for over 17 years. We offer the most helpful & sound nutritional advice in the marketplace. We are subtle in our approach but very effective in our results. Bring your pet in today to find the best products for their overall health & wellness and learn from our knowledgeable employees. We are open Mondays - Fridays (9:00 AM5:30 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM). Call and set up your nutritional consultations. We offer home delivery.
1000 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-241-9151
holisticpetcuisine.com
CHEF RINO APREA BRINGS BROOKLYN’S FINE ITALIAN FARE TO BOCA RATON
From Angelo’s of Mulberry Street and Ponte Vecchio in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Rino’s brings fine Italian fare and a lively atmosphere to downtown Boca Raton.
•Holiday Parties •Open daily 4pm - 10pm
•Private Party Room •Live Music Daily
•Off-Premise Catering •Gift Cards (for every $100 - Get $20 Free)
Make Your Reservations Now...
Easter Dinner Specials served 3pm-9pm
Mother's Day Specials served 3pm-9pm
39 SE 1st Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33432
561.244.8282 • rinosofboca.com
Spring Fever Dreams
This
is the month to play tourist in your own backyard
Written by MARIE SPEED
It’s more acute when you are working full time, but spring fever hits all of us—even here, in coconut land. You can tell by the riffly little breeze coming off the ocean, the quivery early morning light, the softness in the air. Oh, there may be a stray cool front still in the cards, and we know summer is just inches away. But here it is: springtime, this fragile dreamy season that lasts a few weeks and is also known as April, famously dubbed the “cruelest month” by T.S. Eliot, who clearly did not live in Palm Beach County.
The only cruel thing about April here is that it only lasts 30 days, which is why we should make the most of it. By that, I mean, get out and explore where you live, plan some vacations and get busy before Florida summer begins to blanket the land with a heat so fierce we are driven indoors for most of our waking hours.
But now is not the time for that. I am thinking of a long slow drive on A1A to Miami (this might take longer than a commute to Orlando, but so what) on which you will rediscover all the little things you’d forgotten about: that stretch of jungle tunnel along Hillsboro Beach, and the lighthouse; little retro beach shops at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Bonnet House, the wedding-cake tops of massive cruise ships docked in Fort Lauderdale. Farther south you’ll see the soaring extravagant towers of condos and hotels along North Miami Beach, the Coppertone sign, salsa music thumping from open car windows. You’ll have lunch at one of any number of very cool places you’ve only read about in Wynwood or MiMo or downtown, and lunch will be very, very good, and the people will be chic but nice.
Or maybe you will venture to the wild west of Everglades City, cruising along the well-worn Tamiami Trail, where you will count alligators sunning on canal banks along the way. You will pay your respects to Chokoloskee at the historic Smallwood store, and take a National Park cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands; if you are lucky, the white pelicans will still be there. And you can still snag fresh stone crabs at Camellia Street Grill or City Seafood on the Barron River.
Or maybe you will take the long way home—clear around Lake Okeechobee. People may tell you there is “nothing to see” but the tall Herbert Hoover dike
walling off the lake, but that depends on what you are looking for. Sure, the trip around the lake is mostly through agricultural land (aside from small towns like Belle Glade and Pahokee and Okeechobee), but take a breath. A deep breath. Relearn what it feels like to drift through sugarcane fields and fish camps and Florida scrub and cattle ranches. To see a low-flying hawk, or a herd of Holsteins. You can still hold a long, quiet view of the lake from the Port Mayaca lock on
the east side and the Pahokee marina, among other occasional vantage points. You can also score catfish and frog legs at Lightsey’s (Okeechobee) or grab a cold one at J&J Fish Camp on the east side. For cyclists, there is a 113-mile scenic trail along the lake, most of it paved. And note: Okeechobee alligators are big—very, very big.
Oh, there is more. So much more. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, a walk at Riverbend Park, the horse races at Gulfstream Park, a browsing tour of Antique Row in West Palm Beach, a morning visit to Gumbo Limbo, Lake Wyman or Red Reef parks in Boca. This is the time, and you live in the place. After a congested and overpriced tourist season of cramped restaurants, back-to-back black-tie groaners and bumper-to-bumper traffic, this is your window of opportunity to rediscover the magic.
This is our springtime. Seize the moment.
Marie Speed
From top, white pelicans on the beach, Wynwood Walls in Miami, and an alligator in Okeechobee
Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Chef Rino Aprea Brings Brooklyn’s Fine Italian Fare to Boca Raton
From Angelo’s of Mulberry Street and Ponte Vecchio in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Rino’s brings fine Italian fare and a lively atmosphere to downtown Boca Raton.
ALL NEW SPECIALS
$55 PRE FIXE MENU - Daily 5pm-7pm Choose From 9 Starters & 10 Entrees Plus Dessert
EASTER DINNER - LAMB SPECIAL Plus Full Menu - 3pm-9pm
HAPPY HOUR - Daily 5pm-7pm - at Bar Only
LADIES NIGHT - Ladies Drink Free - Thursdays 5pm-7pm - at Bar Only MAKE YOUR MOTHER’S DAY RESERVATIONS NOW - Serving 3pm-9pm
