BOCA Magazine February 2025

ENDURING SOPHISTICATION WITH AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING CONCIERGE EXPERIENCE

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Kaisha C Senior Vice President Credit

56

Behind the Vault

Boca Raton is flush with historical treasures. We venture beyond the steel doors, fail-safe rooms and climate-controlled storage units, where priceless documents, artworks, wardrobes and artifacts tell the story of a culture, a city—and a country.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS, CHRISTIANA LILLY AND JOHN THOMASON

64

Croatia Calling

With its historic architecture and time-warped vibe, Dubrovnik made for an idyllic filming location for King’s Landing and Qarth from“Game of Thrones.”But as our travel writer discovered, this gritty reputation belies the peace, beauty and luxurious comforts of this seaside sanctuary.

BY ANGELA CARAWAY-CARLTON

100

Festival of the Arts Boca

With Boca Raton’s official 100th anniversary recognition months away, the city’s 10-day cultural arts extravaganza brings the past into the present—from a screening of“Back to the Future”with live orchestration, to a homegrown Centennial Celebration complete with historical images and Jazz Age music. Explore the entire program in our special section.

BY STAFF

26 Editor’s Letter

Joining the Daughters of the American Revolution led the editor to explore her roots in the country’s fight for independence—and inspired a deep dive into the nation’s founding documents.

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

29 The Local

Locals share their favorite hidden gems in Palm Beach County, a tennis ace prepares for a home court advantage at the Delray Beach Open, vintage jewelry makes its way into contemporary looks, and the founder of the nation’s largest nonprofit for breast cancer awareness celebrates a lifetime of achievement. Plus, Terry Fedele’s illustrious career in nursing and fundraising, why a reimagined Key West resort is worth the trip, and much more.

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS, CHRISTIANA LILLY and JOHN THOMASON

40 The Look

The season’s heart motif takes center stage in inspired fashion from local boutiques.

Photography by ANDREW MILLAR

93 Backstage Pass

Festival of the Arts Boca returning champion Doris Kearns Goodwin visits Mizner Park during a time of dramatic political change. The presidential historian discusses current events and her new memoir in advance of her public presentation. Plus, a renewed Riverdance, musical felines, an African American film festival and other February A&E events.

Written by JOHN THOMASON

113 Florida Table: Eat & Drink

See what our food critic has to say about Lefkes Estiatorio and The House. Plus, discover the surprisingly haute cuisine at the Palm Beaches’ cultural venues, and read up on the top toques bringing the sizzle to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

134 Social

City leaders past and present hobnobbed at the annual Mayors Ball, revelers celebrated the holidays in style at BRiC, attendees dressed in their greatest “Gatsby” digs for a Boys & Girls Clubs soiree, and other society happenings.

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS

144

Speed Bumps

Valentine’s Day is about more than heartshaped boxes and Hallmark couplets. Sometimes, it means recognizing the love between siblings—even after they’re gone.

Written by MARIE SPEED

Web Extras

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

RECORD TIME

There are still treasures to be uncovered that couldn’t fit in our Behind the Vault feature (page 56). We delve into the Recorded Sound Archives, an indispensable catalog of vintage music housed at Florida Atlantic University, at bocamag.com/february-2025.

THINK PINK

Want more insights from our interview with Susan G. Komen Foundation co-founder Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker (page 34)?We continue the conversation with the Woman Volunteer of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award winner at bocamag.com/february-2025.

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 workevery day knowing they are producing the best magazinein 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.

EyewearTrunk Show

FRANCIS KLEIN l SOSPIRI

February 14 & 15 | 10-6

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

PHOTOGRAPHER

Andrew Millar

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angela Caraway-Carlton, Marie Speed, Margie Kaye (promotional writing)

CUSTOMER SERVICE/VIDEO PRODUCTION

Francis Klein is a family business that specializes in the creation of handmade frames in France.

Sospiri Frames are handmade in the mountains of Italy and inspired by the luxury of Venice.

David Shu

FOOD EDITOR

Christie Galeano-DeMott

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING AND MARKETING

Nicole G. Ruth

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION AND SALES SUPPORT

Bruce Klein

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

Gail Eagle

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Karen S. Kintner

Jenna Russo

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Arts & entertainment

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

Dining guide

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

People

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

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THE FASHION CURVE

Master Key

A visit to a storage vault unlocks a world of secrets

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

he main feature for this issue came to be because my grandfather died.

I remember giving him a hug and kiss at the hospital on Dec. 23, 2022, and he nodded goodbye, unable to speak due to the mask over his face. A few hours later, on Christmas Eve, he died at 90, ending a life filled with adventure, curiosity and distinguished military service. Our family tree is abundant with veterans, and his death prompted me to investigate becoming a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Rumors swirled in the family that we had ancestors who fought for independence, and on a whim I filled out a form and provided multiple generations of data. The local chapter in Pompano Beach confirmed that, yes, I actually had multiple ancestors, but the easiest to prove was a man named Richard Lilley—serendipitous, since that’s my father’s and grandfather’s name.

I was inducted into the DAR as a Chinese-American girl with roots in our nation’s founding (I wonder what my eight-times great-grandfather would have thought about that). During my second meeting with the DAR, we were hosted at FAU’s Wimberly Library, where we took a tour of the Spirit of America collection. When Victoria Thur—assistant dean and associate university librarian—unlocked the vault, we were greeted by the voices of Patriots, Tories and our nation’s Founding Fathers, all within the pages of books, almanacs, letters and pamphlets from the era. The names I had learned about in two-dimensional textbooks came to life, real people who were on a mission for freedom from the monarchy, religious oppression, taxation without representation, and the patriarchy—I pored over A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft from 1792.

In one small bound book, Thur flipped to the front page of the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6, 1776, reporting on something called the Declaration of Independence that a bunch of guys got together and signed. In reporting on historic events over my career, it always has fascinated me how people don’t realize they’re in the middle of making history when it happens.

This was just one institution within the boundaries of Boca Raton—I wondered, what other treasures were hidden away in vaults, closets and locked rooms?

Thus began the story of “Behind the Vault.” Our team went treasure hunting, making like Indiana Jones, but instead of a whip and fedora, we were armed with tape recorders and pens (not quite as cool, but writers are pretty nerdy). Our Web Editor Tyler Childress spent hours talking to Sue Gillis at the Boca Raton History Museum, while our Managing Editor John Thomason waded through the items in storage at Costume World and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. I went back to FAU for a deeper dive into the collection. We all walked away discovering all sorts of ephemera waiting to be given a spotlight to our readers.

In this issue, we take you behind the vault on page 56 to explore some of the hidden treasures that abound in Boca Raton. As 2025 continues on, take the time to explore, whether it’s right here in your backyard or a new destination in the world (like we do on page 64 in Angela Caraway-Carlton’s far-flung journey to Croatia).

My grandfather’s death may have been a roundabout way to get here, but I like to think I inherited some of his sense of curiosity—and perhaps that trait goes even farther back in the family tree. re

CARINA MASK

Tommy Paul returns to the Delray Beach Open (page

PIECES OF ART

Glistening in the sunlight, a new mosaic made up of 217,000 half-inch tiles is the newest addition to Boca Raton’s growing public art scene. Located by the family pavilion at Sugar Sand Park, the large-scale mosaic Boca Raton Mosaic Composition 1 showcases the native flora and fauna of South Florida—and is the first mosaic at a district-owned park.

The piece was conceptualized from watercolor works by James Prosek, whose work has been on display everywhere from the Norton Museum of Art to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Yale Center for British Art, the Asia Society Hong Kong Center and more. He’s known for marrying his love of conservation with his art, and after selecting watercolors he’s created over the last 20 years, Boston-based Artaic translated the painted works onto the many different colored tiles to make the mosaic.

Now, what was an unassuming wall is filled with imagery of alligators, sea turtles, spoonbill, mangroves, seagrapes, hammerhead sharks, and in the distance, a fishing boat. In a crest over the piece, the lunar cycle represents the tidal cycle, a passage of time, day in and day out. The permanent mosaic is free for all to enjoy.

Locals sound off on issues affecting

our community.

In this issue, we go behind the vault at various cultural institutions. What’s your favorite hidden gem in Palm Beach County?

“One of my favorite hidden gems in Palm Beach County is Le Bilboquet. It has this effortlessly cool, understated vibe that makes it feel like a little escape—like you’re tucked away somewhere in Europe for the night. The French-inspired dishes are spot-on, and the ambiance is so laid-back yet elegant.”

Carolina Panoff, founder of Be You Disco

“George Snow Park in Boca Raton is a hidden gem. The walking path is a quick half-mile, so two to four laps are easy, and it’s almost all under the tree canopy for cool shade. Even the brutally hot days make for a pleasant walk/easy workout.”

Martin D. Castellanos, instructor/owner of UMTC, LLC

“My hidden gem is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, where my stress melts away in its natural beauty. It is a special portal that takes me to Japan, where I can experience and learn Japanese cultural arts, and walk in 16 acres of serene lush gardens. The best part is no passport needed!”

Wendy Lo, curator of education at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The new mosaic at Sugar Sand Park

Don’t-Miss Events

COCOFEST: COMMUNITY WELLNESS FESTIVAL

WHEN: Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC), Boca Raton

WHAT: Tap into your free spirit for Cocofest, a daylong community festival centered on wellness and fun. Wandering through BRiC, visitors will discover more than 100 small businesses with unique clothing, jewelry, home decor, health and wellness products, and other themed items. Throughout the day there will also be scheduled workshops, movement classes, live music and entertainment, as well as a Healing Oasis with acupuncture, cupping and massage experts, a Family Forest Meditation Garden and plenty of food and drink stations.

WISH YOU WERE HERE: TOURISM IN THE PALM BEACHES

WHEN: Through June 28, Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, West Palm Beach

WHAT: South Florida has long been a draw for revelers escaping to a sunny getaway, and this latest exhibit explores the 150-year-old history of tourism in the region. Patrons to the museum will witness the evolution of the visitors who have been lured by Palm Beach County’s azure beaches, sun-soaked golf courses and resort living since 1875. That includes paging through a 140-year-old diary, listening to jazz tunes that wafted from the historic Sunset Lounge, and seeing the celebrities who got away from it all by making a trip south.

Taylor Fritz

WHEN: Feb. 7-16, Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center, 201 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach WHAT: In its 33rd year, the first North American hardcourt event of the outdoor season takes place right here in Palm Beach County. Taylor Fritz will be defending his title against Boca resident Tommy Paul (more about him on page 38), and players will be cheered on by 66,000 fans over the weekend as well as television viewers in more than 100 countries. The event has only grown, too. New to the tournament is the Delray Beach Open Food & Wine Series, with tastings, luncheons, brunches and cocktail receptions with more than 40 restaurants and a grand tasting event. Plus, the 17th-annual Chamber Bash; Burgers, Bourbon and Brews; Tacos, Tequila and Tennis; Valentine’s and Volleys; and more.

I SAW THE SIGN

VALENTINE’S DAY DATES

Look local for a unique experience to share with that someone special

Explore the exhibits at the Boca Raton Museum of Art—don’t forget to pop by the gift shop.

Discover your new favorite makers at the Night Market in Sanborn Square on Feb. 6, or the Flamingo Flea on Feb. 15 at Crazy Uncle Mike’s.

Select an album at Rust & Wax Record Shop and listen together over a glass of wine.

Book a couples massage at Eau Spa; they were recently ranked one of seven Forbes Five-Star spas in Florida.

Two new eye-catching signs have made their photo-worthy debuts in Boca Raton. In the heart of Mizner Park, a new “Downtown Boca” sign that was designed by city staff and built by a local sign company was unveiled at the end of last year. It’s another engaging element at the park, joining the giant chessboard, mini golf station and oversized Adirondack chair.

The newest addition to the city’s signage is the 19-foot-tall, midcentury modern “Boca Raton” sign at Sanborn Square. The city resurrected the sign, inspired by the welcome sign that sat on Federal Highway in the 1960s, in January to celebrate Boca Raton’s centennial. There’s talk of moving it to its original location in 2026.

Stock up on goodies from the market at Narbona or choose a delectable cut of meat at Beauregards Fine Meats & Butchery, to cook a five-star meal at home.

Enjoy some laughs during one of the many comedy shows scheduled at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a beautifully packaged set of chocolates from Norman Love Confections.

DELRAY BEACH OPEN

JUAREZ SANTOS

“TWO OF US ON THE RUN”

WHERE: Theatre Lab at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton

WHEN: Feb. 1-16

COST: $35-$45

CONTACT: 561/2976124, fauevents. com

A female-driven open-road dramedy that recalls “Thelma & Louise” and “Drive-Away Dolls,” this world-premiere play fits squarely into Theatre Lab’s adventurous wheelhouse. Its central characters, known only as J and C, flee the boredom of their small-town lives in search of the “real” America. What they find disrupts their own preconceptions as well as the very fabric of reality. As their fantasies blur along with the pavement stripes of the open road, the two friends become unlikely bank robbers and literal bomb-throwers, while meeting a cryptic bartender named Brian and debating feminism and their uncertain future. Or do they? Real America is a slippery place indeed; you’ll just have to see the production, helmed by award-winning director Margaret Ledford, to discover where it leads.

PALM BEACH OPERA’S “LA TRAVIATA”

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

WHEN: Feb. 21-23, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday

COST: $25-$170

CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org

In what has become his most famous letter, Giuseppe Verdi wrote to a friend after the opening night of his opera “La Traviata” in 1853 that,“’La traviata’ last night was a failure. Was the fault mine or the singers’? Time will tell.” First of all, considering the ever-inflating 21stcentury ego, an artist showing such vulnerability and self-questioning these days is rare. But secondly, the notion that “La Traviata” is a failure borders on blasphemy; time has shown that the fault was definitely not Verdi’s. The story, about a damaged young courtesan suffering from “consumption” who falls in love with a passionate young suitor in decadent 19thcentury Paris has become one of the world’s most-beloved operatic dramas, one with a real-life provenance: It’s inspired by the tragic life of French courte san Marie Duplessis, first immortalized in a novel by Alexandre Dumas. Expect lavish costumes and sets in Palm Beach Opera’s second production of the season.

RUBEN STUDDARD

WHERE: The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton

WHEN: Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m.

COST: $40-$80

CONTACT: 561/203-3742, thestudioatmiznerpark.com

The winner of the second season of “American Idol”—back when the series was a ratings behemoth and the epitome of appointment television— Ruben Studdard emerged victorious over rival Clay Aiken by all of 134,000 votes out of more than 24 million cast. Aiken was magnanimous in defeat; in fact, the two finalists have toured together as recently as 2023. For this solo performance, though, it’s all about the “Velvet Teddy Bear” himself, who has enjoyed a model post-“Idol” career, releasing a platinum debut album and earning a Grammy nomination in turn. Studdard has enjoyed a simultaneous acting career, whose zenith has been portraying Fats Waller on a national tour of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and he’s lent his Luther Vandross-level voice and charisma to eight LPs of pop, gospel and R&B favorites, plus inspired original compositions. He visits Boca this month on his “Masterpiece” tour.

BOCA INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FEST

WHERE: Cinemark Palace 20, 3200 Airport Road, Boca Raton; and Movies of Delray, 7421 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach

WHEN: Feb. 23-March 16

COST: $50-$199 for festival passes; individual film tickets TBD

CONTACT: jfilmboca.org

Now in its second year, Southeast Florida’s largest festival of international Jewish and Israeli cinema features dozens of features, documentaries and shorts that illuminate the Jewish experience here and abroad. The keynote movies attest to the festival’s big-tent appeal. Opening-night doc “Diane Warren: Relentless” offers a peak into the enigmatic life of the circumspect songwriter, who has penned hits for Cher, Aerosmith and Taylor Swift. Other expected highlights include “The President’s Tailor,” about a real-life tailor trained by the Gestapo who reinvented himself in the U.S. and made suits for President Eisenhower, among countless luminaries.

“La Traviata”

Still from “The President’s Tailor”

Ruben Studdard

“She was the best older sister I could have ever had. I wanted to make sure the world knew her story.”

—Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker

Nancy Brinker

A lifetime of health care advocacy earned her the

Lifetime Achievement Award

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

Before the Junior League of Boca Raton announced the winner of the Woman Volunteer of the Year, they had a trick up their sleeve—there would be two awards given out this year. The crowd gasped, and later erupted into applause when it was revealed that Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker would receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

It was a reminder that giants live in our backyard, as the founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation took the stage to accept the award.

The foundation, created in 1982, was named for Brinker’s late sister, who died of breast cancer at the age of 36 in 1980. Younger by two years, Brinker smiles when she talks about her big sister Suzy, describing her as tall and beautiful; she was the homecoming queen in high school, a member of the Junior League, and an avid volunteer. When she was a Stage 4 patient, Komen would visit the children in the cancer wing to encourage them to push through their own uncomfortable chemotherapy treatments.

“She was the best older sister I could have ever had,” Brinker says of Komen.“I wanted to make sure the world knew her story. … She died a very slow, painful death at the end.”

The nonprofit has raised $3 billion and helped tear down barriers to educating the public. Brinker remembers it being taboo to talk about breasts; in fact, newspapers, television and radio wouldn’t even say the word, and husbands wouldn’t allow their wives to get involved in breast cancer causes, considering it to be embarrassing. She tells the story of being turned down by a fashion company: “She said, ‘Ms. Brinker, the meeting’s over. We don’t sell death and dying. We sell beauty. We sell beauty and glam. Therefore we will not be making a donation to your cause.’ I’ll never forget the day I walked out of her office and it was raining and I started bawling.”

But she persevered, and important people took notice. She was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Cancer Advisory Board in 1986, appointed to chair the President’s Cancer Panel by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, served as American ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003, White House chief of protocol for President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009, hosted the Breast Cancer Global Awareness Symposium in 2008, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Barack Obama, and was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control by the World Health Organization in 2011—

just to name a few accomplishments. Brinker stepped down as CEO of the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 2013, and five years later in Florida founded the Promise Fund to improve accessibility to mammograms and cervical cancer screenings. The fund has worked to increase screening centers and help women with barriers—Hologic donated mammography equipment, Uber has donated rides, and the Promise Fund has received the support of leaders like U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. So far, they have provided screenings to 10,000 women and reached an additional 30,000 with education and resources.

WHAT MOTIVATES

YOU? To let a mother progress and die from this disease, with three children under the age of 12, it breaks my heart when that happens. It breaks my heart when anyone gets this disease, but to think it was because there was a lack of transportation, or I can’t afford a mammogram … I just don’t think medicine, period, should be a business, a competing for-profit business. And the pharmaceuticals have become priced out of range for most people, even wealthy people. Something is tilted there, and I want to be a part of helping even that out in our country, because it’s wrong.

WHAT WOULD YOUR SISTER THINK? I think she would be standing there with her arms folded, as she often did, and say,“Come on, Nan, let’s go.” … It’s not easy to get things started, and it’s not easy to get people excited in your community, but there have been miracles that have happened, little miracles, and I just know where they’re coming from. I just feel it, it’s funny.

Nancy Brinker is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Woman Volunteer of the Year luncheon

This page is a tribute to community citizens who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership to the city of Boca Raton and is in memory of John E. Shuff.

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“There’s nothing better than, at the end of the day, knowing you positively impacted someone’s life.”

— Terry Fedele

Terry Fedele

Fedele pays it forward to the next generation of nurses, earning her the Woman Volunteer of the Year

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

“Astate of shock”—that’s how Terry Fedele described her reaction to being named the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Woman Volunteer of the Year this past November. To be frank, she may have been the only one in the ballroom who felt that way. In her time in Boca Raton—she moved here in 2008—Fedele has become a vital resource in a community where it can be hard to stand out among all the philanthropic women. Yet she does just that, passing on her love of nursing to students.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Fedele lived in the Steel City until she and her husband, Jerry, moved to Boca Raton for him to take the top spot at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. She studied nursing and nursing administration at the University of Pittsburgh and then earned her master’s in public management at Carnegie Mellon. She got her start as a registered nurse in obstetrics, helping high-risk expectant mothers at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and seeing them through to their deliveries.“Ever since I was a young child, I always loved people and wanted to care for others, and from as long back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a nurse,” she says. Fedele then transitioned into management at some of Pittsburgh’s leading hospitals, including executive vice president of hospital operations at Suburban General Hospital.

When the couple relocated to Boca Raton, Fedele says “the community embraced us,” and it was easy for her to get involved in local causes.“I witnessed the commitment of so many individuals that devoted their time and talents to many different organizations, and that really, to me, created an impact that distinguishes Boca Raton from other communities,” she says. With her background in nursing, joining the table at Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing was a natural fit. She has since served as chair of the college’s board as well as president of the Caring Hearts Auxiliary; she has also volunteered on numerous committees for Boca Regional.

During her tenure, Fedele turned the College of Nursing’s White Coat Ceremony into a fundraiser, helping raise $190,000 in scholarships to 567 students. She also planned the college’s 40th anniversary celebration as a fundraiser, bringing the school $100,000. “I had to put myself through college. My parents did not have the means, and that was one of their concerns on how I was going to [go to college],” Fedele remembers.“And so I look at the students, and I think to myself, ‘How can we help them?’” Finally, she has

helped raise $2 million through the Keep Memories Alive Walk, benefiting the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center. Other organizations she has supported include the George Snow Scholarship Fund, the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, the Lynn Conservatory of Music and Soroptimist International.

Woman Volunteer of the Year, indeed.

ON NURSING: It’s a fabulous career. If I had to do it over, people ask me all the time, would you be a nurse again? And the resounding answer is,“Absolutely.” There’s nothing better than, at the end of the day, knowing that you positively affected someone’s life.

THE NEXT GENERATION: It is so great to sit there and watch those students walk across the stage [and] have their white coat put on them by the professors, because it brings back memories, and you never forget how special that time was for you. I look at these young nurses; they’re the ones that are going to be taking care of me as I age.

WINNING WVOY: I was in a state of shock; we could not believe it. I said to my husband,“I hope I didn’t sound like a bumbling idiot,” because I wasn’t even sure what to say. I just was truly in a state of shock. … When you look at all the nominees, truly so many remarkable women to me, I accept the award on behalf of all of them, because everyone is so deserving, and I think that’s why I was so shocked, because I didn’t see myself as any more deserving than anybody else.

LEARNING VOLUNTEERISM: I look at my parents, and they were always,“you pitch in, you do whatever it is that needs to be done. You be helpful, and you care about your community. You want to be a good member of the community.” I’ll credit them.

Terry Fedele is the 2024 Woman

Volunteer of the Year

Vascular Conditions

Get Expert Care at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Millions of Americans have vascular disease, which can range from varicose veins and debilitating circulation problems in the legs to bulging arteries in other parts of the body. If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that a ects your blood flow, getting expert care is crucial.

At Christine E. Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, a dedicated group of board-certified vascular surgeons who treat only vascular diseases work together to design the best possible treatment plan for each individual.

“Our field is broad, taking care of patients who have all sorts of problems related to their circulation,” says vascular surgeon John Motta, M.D. “We work closely with primary care doctors, cardiologists and other subspecialists to help patients manage what can sometimes be very simple things, and other times be very complicated conditions.”

When diagnosed with a vascular problem, patients should evaluate all their treatment options by asking questions about alternatives.

“It is critically important to select a surgeon and a hospital that handle a high volume of these cases,” advises W. Anthony Lee, M.D., chief of vascular surgery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The Institute’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary vascular program takes a team approach to elevate care.

For example, Dr. Lee and his team have fine-tuned every aspect of the surgery to repair aortic aneurysms with a clinical pathway designed to consistently provide the highest-quality, evidence-based care. This protocol has been hugely successful, shortening hospital stays and reducing surgical complications.

Dr. Lee is also working to improve care through clinical research for endovascular thoracoabdominal repair and endovascular aortic arch repair. “When we see someone for an initial consultation, we

uniquely tailor the therapy to that individual, taking into account all the latest surgical, minimally invasive endovascular and medical options available, including both FDA-approved and investigational treatments,” Dr. Lee says.

The vascular team with the Institute’s Vein Clinic provides comprehensive treatments that are both therapeutic and cosmetic to address varicose veins and other symptoms of venous disease. Varicose veins are not always a cosmetic problem; they may signal potentially serious health issues.

“We look at the entire circulatory system,” explains Eileen de Grandis, M.D., medical director of the Vein Clinic. “We look for venous disease. We look for arterial disease. We look for lymphatic disease. We get you the right diagnosis, and then recommend the optimal treatment for that specific problem.”

About half of those who consult with Dr. de Grandis’s team for varicose veins are diagnosed with other underlying health issues, she says.

“Treating the medical problem can prevent or improve the cosmetic problem,” she says. “Unlike other centers, if the problem is more than cosmetic, we can address that. As a comprehensive vascular center, we treat the circulatory system as a whole.”

To learn more, visit BaptistHealth.net/ VascularSurgery or call 833-816-2328 .

Home Court Advantage

Will this local ace walk away the champion of the 2025 Delray Beach Open?

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS

Pro tennis superstar and Boca resident Tommy Paul returns to headline the Delray Beach Open (DBO) once again this year, where he looks to upset a potential three-peat victory by Taylor Fritz, who bested Paul in back-to-back DBO bouts in 2023 and 2024.

From the sidelines it might appear that the pair may be

rivals, but Paul has a much simpler explanation of the dynamic: “We’re all competitive, and we all want to win,” he says.

This notion was perhaps best exemplified when Fritz and Paul were on the same side of the court, teaming up to defeat the Czechian duo of Tomáš Macháč and Adam Pavlásek during the 2024 Paris Olympics and

winning the Bronze medal for doubles tennis.

Paul made his first Olympic appearance at the 2020 games in Tokyo, at a time when pandemic restrictions prohibited any fans to be in attendance. It wasn’t until his 2024 appearance that he got to fully experience what it meant to represent Team USA. Between traveling and spending

high school online while he focused on tennis. After graduating high school, Paul had plans to attend the University of Georgia until he won the Junior French Open in 2015. From there it was clear to Paul that he had what it took to make it in the competitive world of pro tennis.

Since then, Paul has climbed the ranks of the Association

“We’re all competitive, and we all want to win.”

time with his fellow teammates, watching Delray Beach’s Coco Gauff bear the torch alongside LeBron James, and competing on a stage in front of thousands of spectators in the stands (and millions at home), “That was the most American Olympic moment for me,” Paul says.

The long road to the Olympics began when Paul was about 7 years old and playing on the courts of Greenville, North Carolina. Though he played a variety of sports in his youth, his love of tennis stuck with him from his days of playing with his sister, Jessie. But it wasn’t until he and his family moved to Boca Raton when he was 14 that his path to pro tennis player started to fully manifest.

“It opened up a whole new world,” Paul says of South Florida’s tennis scene, which was far more competitive than that of Greenville. But iron sharpens iron, and Paul quickly began building his pedigree, finishing

— Tommy Paul

of Tennis Professionals (ATP), briefly clinching the No. 1 spot in American men’s tennis and (as of writing) currently No. 12 in the world in singles. Paul credits Brad Stine, who has been his coach since 2020, as being instrumental in improving his game to where it is today.

When Boca magazine caught up with Paul for this story, he was looking ahead to a grueling month of training at courts around Boca Raton in December before heading to the Australian Open in late January and the Dallas Open in early February. After all that traveling, Paul says he’s ready for the home court advantage of playing at the DBO.

“I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again,” Paul says.

Don’t miss Tommy Paul at this year’s Delray Beach Open, from Feb. 7-16 at Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. For more information visit delraybeachopen.com/en.

Tommy Paul

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When you touch the piece, you feel that spark from history. “

—Tyler Moradof

Art of Accessories

Vintage and estate jewelry takes center stage at this Palm Beach boutique

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

Bracelets in the shape of dragons, wooden butterfly brooches, nail cufflinks, colorful precious stones adorning an earring—it’s not the ordinary selection of jewelry at Yafa Signed Jewels.

Celebrating 40 years in business, the boutique first opened its doors in Manhattan by Maurice Moradof and his mother, Yafa, and expanded to Palm Beach in 2020. Maurice’s son, Tyler Moradof, has been a part of the business since he was a child. He remembers joining his family each winter to help out at the Palm Beach Show, cleaning the windows of their booth.

While they carry plenty of contemporary brands and looks, it’s Yafa’s collection of vintage and estate jewelry that sets them apart—Tyler calls it “wearable art.”This includes selections from powerhouse maisons such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Bulgari, Harry Winston, David Webb, Tiffany and more. There’s a growing interest in sustainable fashion, as well as appreciating the craftsmanship of yesteryear, keeping vintage jewelry en vogue.

Do you find that buyers in South Florida are bolder in their style?

Yes, 100%. We love that the individuals really appreciate and value jewelry, and the most important thing is they enjoy the jewelry, right? … We’ve even … sold rings 50, 60 carats, 70 carats, and people wear it.

What are some of the oldest pieces in the collection?

The oldest piece we have, off the top of my head, would be from the ‘30s, if I’m not mistaken. But the most important older piece that we have would be a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace from 1949, and it’s really remarkable. It’s a one-of-one necklace comprised of 200 carats of diamonds.

You have three examples of the Panthère de Cartier bracelet over the decades. How do they differ?

Sina

“These pieces are true pieces of history,”Tyler says of their collection.“These pieces are no longer in production. We’ve had the privilege of owning pieces from really important prominent figures in history, such as Estée Lauder, the Rockefeller family, the Sinatras. … When you touch the piece, you feel that spark from the history.”

What trends are you seeing making a comeback?

The one from the ‘70s … shows all the intricacies, from the muscles to the legs to the tails to the different joints. I think that’s really special, because [it] speaks to the wearable art aspect of it. Whereas today, they’re following that motif of the double-headed panther, but what you’ll find is that it’s very flat on both sides.

Do you help customers looking for pieces for their collections?

We’re noticing that actually pins and brooches are coming back. They were very, very popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and then they kind of fizzled out in the 2000s. But it’s very interesting; men and women are actually both wearing brooches.

What examples do you see in changing jewelry trends?

Absolutely, that’s something we do quite often. It’s tough, I’ll tell you why, because with these pieces, again, 50, 60 years old, it’s not like I can just go down the street and ask someone,“Hey, do you have this?”

Many times when someone’s asking for something, it’s super specific, and it’s a super niche thing. If we’re able to help them, it’s truly our pleasure, but it’s sometimes a difficult task … My God, I’m screaming from the rooftops when I find it.

There’s also something else you have to consider, which is the environmental aspect. All the brands, just for legal reasons, environmental reasons, can no longer produce items in coral or ivory or wood or things like that. Ivory actually is something we’re not allowed to sell, so we don’t sell [that] either. But what we are very popular for is the coral and the wood pieces. What you’ll notice is that in the ‘60s and the ‘70s, these brands were very commonly using those types of materials—coral, the orange colors.

What do you foresee coming for 2025?

2024 was a very special year, because it was an election year. So I think that consumers, for the overwhelming majority, were a bit more conservative in their spending. … But I think in ‘25 what we can expect is there’s a lot more comfortability with the market, and a willingness to invest in their futures and in their collections.

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IF YOU GO

Casa Marina Key West

1500 Reynolds St., Key West, FL 33040

305/296-3535

casamarinaresort.com

Casa Marina

Following massive renovations, this Key West staple takes a bright and bold step forward while preserving its historic charm

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS

It’s a quiet afternoon in the Canary Room at Casa Marina. We’re the only guests in the cozy space, where a faint din of conversation and music from the lobby occasionally floats into what was once a colorless gift shop but is now a vibrant cocktail lounge where the walls teem with paintings of tropical plants and exotic birds—a small sliver of the nearly $80 million renovation underwent by the resort last year that brought sweeping changes to the property while still honoring its 100-year-plus history.

The renovations at Casa Marina extend to every part of the resort and include a near-complete overhaul of the interior design while maintaining and paying homage to the original elegant vision for the property and its core structural elements. Renovating a historic site is always a delicate balancing act between preservation and change, and Casa Marina certainly stuck the landing. The beiges and browns of the lobby were repainted and given lush green accents, and the bulky furniture has been replaced with rattan, giving the space an airier feel and a tropical aesthetic.

Tucked away beyond the lobby is the Canary Room, which serves up small plates and craft cocktails. Like much of Key West, there’s a Hemingway

connection here—the Canary Room was named after the author’s “A Canary for One” short story. The bar also hosts rum tastings, where guests can sample rums themed after Hemingway’s “sea trilogy.”

The gift shop that once occupied this space has been moved and expanded to a grab-and-go shop, Morrison’s Market, which will cater to your morning coffee and pastry needs, and is also a great spot to buy works from local artists.

Just outside the Canary Room, guests lounge, shaded under umbrellas, around the adult and family pools on either side of a palm-lined walkway that opens to the white sands and crashing waves of Key West’s largest private beach. As we make our way down the walkway, we pass the new Dorada restaurant, which unfortunately at the time of our visit hadn’t yet been completed, but is now serving up Baja Mediterranean fare in a swanky coastal setting. We did get a chance to visit Dorada’s outdoor bar, however, which shares a menu with the Canary Room of bar bites and shareables, with ocean views, nightly live music and nearby fire pits that are perfect for small cocktail gatherings after dark. During our visit, we were also able to catch the resort’s resident

service, Casa Marina walkway

sand sculptor, Marianne van den Broek, a Key West local who offers sand sculpting workshops to guests who want to go beyond the average sand castle.

Just off the beach are the resort’s family and adult pools, where cabanas have been added (available for rent at $400 per day) for guests to draw the curtains and enjoy some poolside privacy. Steps away from the family pool is another new addition to the resort, a 5,000-square-foot event lawn, where families can gather for cornhole and limbo tournaments as well as assorted programs hosted by the resort. The event lawn also has its own beverage cart, Bebidas, for nearby grab-and-go cocktails.

Other amenities that were touched by the renovation include the activity pier that was devastated by Hurricane Irma but has been rebuilt and is now where guests can take part in Jet Ski tours or fishing expeditions, then bring back their fresh catch for the kitchen to cook. For all your zen needs, look no further than the onsite spa, Spa Al Maré, featuring an array of treatments including aromatherapy, yoga classes, massages and much more.

At the time of our visit, the dining options at Casa Marina were limited, as Dorada was still undergoing construction, but we still enjoyed breakfast at the newly renovated Flagler Ballroom, which each morning serves up a delectable buffet complemented by a menu that includes omelets, pastries, brunch cocktails and more. We also sampled dishes at Four Marlins, the restaurant at Casa Marina’s sister resort, The Reach. Four Marlins is just a short walk from Casa Marina and well worth a visit, with an eclectic menu of seafood dishes and small plates in an elevated setting inspired by the tropical fishing lodges of yore.

Where the resort’s transformation is most evident is its rooms, all 311 of which were given a top-tobottom redesign to offer them a more residential feel. As with the rest of the resort, the theme in these rooms is lightness; the floor plans are open concept, the furniture is rattan, the fixtures are new and sleek, and the exposed beamwork lends a more rustic feel. Each room is also given a touch more personality with painted works from local artists. The standouts of the new rooms are without a doubt the eight new beachfront suites, which feature walkout lanais that are partitioned for privacy, and put you steps away from the beach with unobstructed ocean views.

It’s clear that the rich history of Casa Marina was top of mind in the resort’s renovation efforts. After all, this is the same resort that has attracted presidents, authors, musicians and assorted celebrities in its 100 years-plus of operation (not to mention hosting an Army battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis). Casa Marina has long been considered the “Grand Dame” of Key West hotels, and its renovation gave this crown jewel a well-deserved polish that visitors are sure to remember.

From top: patio chairs for outdoor lounging, al fresco seating at Dorada, and the Canary Room

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BEHIND THE VAULT

From Revolutionary War pamphlets to an original Picasso to Katharine Hepburn’s Broadway duds, Boca Raton and its surroundings are flush with cultural, historical and artistic artifacts. Discover the treasures from the keepers who tend to them.

Written by Tyler Childress, Christiana Lilly and John Thomason

Photography by Andrew Millar

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AT THE BOCA MUSEUM

formative etching by Edward Hopper, circa 1915, of a lonely figure staring out a bedroom window. A wispy Modigliani graphite portrait from the same era, the artist’s iconic almond-shaped eyes and elongated face barely visible on the paper canvas. A 1906-vintage drawing that Picasso sketched of his first mistress, Fernande Olivier, who looks restful—and not at all cubist—in tender charcoal.

“She was with him before he became famous,” says Curator Kellie Bodle.“This drawing, it looks like

he drew it with love. It is a beloved piece by our staff and members.” These are just a few of the invaluable highlights of the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s permanent collection, a treasure trove that has grown to about 4,500 works since the museum’s inception 75 years ago. These pieces and many more are on display through Oct. 25 as part of the museum’s “Legacy: Mayers and Friedman Collections.”

Drawing from the donated works of two collecting couples, the diverse exhibition includes what is believed to be the first pinup photo, of a bikinied Betty Grable shot by photographer Frank Powolni in 1942.“I like it, because it shows the wear and tear of men rolling

“She was with him before he became famous,” says Curator Kellie Bodle. “This drawing, it looks like he drew it with love. It is a beloved piece by our sta and members.”

it into tubes or putting it up and sharing it, and that tells the story,” Bodle says. “We don’t want to conserve that away necessarily.”

Conservation—its limitations and its benefits—is a big part of Bodle’s work as one of the museum’s two curators. She led us into a private storage room on the second floor of the museum, where acquisitions are preserved in various stages. Paintings hang on rolling racks, as browsable as library stacks, while works on paper, photographs and glass-plated Daguerreotypes are catalogued in the drawers of metal cabinets. (Acquisitions too large for the storage rooms are kept in an offsite facility in Delray Beach.) Wearing purple nitrile gloves to eliminate the oils secreted by fingerprints, Bodle showed us a few of the highlights, including 19th-century stereographs, the precursor to photography, whose early adopters captured events such as train crashes and the San Francisco earthquake; morbid curiosity was as irresistible then as it is now.

The collection also includes seascapes taken by the first commercially made Kodak camera; a“Self-Portrait”ring designed by Venezuelan-American artist Marisol Escobar that originally sold for $2,000 in a promotion for Life magazine; and what Bodle calls an“inside baseball”piece that, astonishingly, contains the handiwork of three artists: On the back of a John Marin landscape, Alexander Calder doodled portraits of himself, his wife and two collectors. Already a remarkable convergence, the canvas also includes a hand-written note from Georgia O’Keeffe, dated Halloween 1948, and which Calder drew around, instructing that the painting be delivered to the handyman of her husband Alfred Stieglitz.

While the museum has a budget to acquire priceless jewels like these, most of its collection is built from donations like the Mayer and Friedman contributions on display.“Probably 90% of things are donated,”Bodle says.“We tour donors’ homes, and we try to cultivate different levels of donors to see who might be interested in sharing their collection and contributing to the community, because that’s what [the Mayers and Friedmans] did. They moved here from New York City. They could have donated those works to much more prestigious institutions. But they knew that they would make a difference [in Boca Raton], and that’s what motivated them.”

Opposite page, clockwise from bottom: an early stereograph, Marisol Escobar’s “SelfPortrait” ring, an original Kodak camera seascape and an early Picasso sketch. This page, clockwise from left: Alexander Calder’s priceless doodles, early fashion drawings, and Curator Kellie Bodle.

A TALE OF

TWO VAULTS

As curator of the Boca Raton Historical Society (BRHS), Susan Gillis has overseen the collection and display of countless priceless artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the current day—from shards of pottery left behind by Indigenous people to the first IBM personal computer, developed in Boca Raton. But what’s on display at the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum only tells part of the story of our local history—the rest is tucked away behind more than a foot of poured concrete and sealed behind a solid steel door.

“It’s almost hermetically sealed when you shut the door,” Gillis says.“It’s a safe room … but not if you’re a person, [because] you would use up the air.”

What Gillis refers to as “VaultOne” is itself an artifact from the days when the BRHS building was Boca Raton Town Hall. When it was built in 1926, thevault was used to securely store the property tax money collected by the city. Once the county started handling property tax collections, the vaultbecame City Hall’s coffee room. Now, the vault is home to a vast archive of historical photos, documents, maps and artifacts.

With its shelves and file cabinets, the room is barely spacious enough for two. Lining the shelves are the blue and pink pastel plates served to guests at The Cloister Inn (now The Boca Raton) in the 1920s; meticulously cataloged photos from the Boca Raton News, Boca’s very own periodical that ran from 1955-2009; a scrapbook of newspaper cutouts pieced together by former Boca Raton Mayor Courtney Boone (or by his wife, as Gillis suspects); and much more. While some of these items may go on to feature in future exhibits, much of the collection exists for posterity’s sake.

“A museum does not collect for exhibition. That is one reason you collect,” says Gillis.“The main reason we collect as an institution is to preserve things for future generations.”And for Gillis, there’s no object too small for consideration.

“I’m an anthropologist by training, so everyday life is more important to me than the big events or the who’s who,” she says.

Take one of Gillis’ favorite items, the collected diaries of Boca pioneer Frank Chesebro. What may seem like mundane entries in the small, weathered booklets (a scribbled entry from August 1924 simply reads,“Fed mules. To Palm Beach. Out west of city & up to inlet.”), Gillis sees as a time machine that transports readers to the early days of Boca Raton.

“They’re one of the most important collections we have for me as a regional historian, because that is just a unique resource that is not repeated,” Gillis says.

The Chesebro diaries are housed in “Vault Two,” the BRHS’s second onsite storage space, located in the building’s kitchen. Like Vault One, the door is solid steel with a dial lock. “It’s not as exciting,” Gillis says, “but it’s more archival,” featuring original documents from WWII, IBM and more.

Fortunately, one needn’t be a safecracker to check out the contents of the BRHS’s vaults. While special gloves and great care are required to handle some of the materials, the public is welcome to take a peek behindthevault.

“The whole point is to keep it for the public; this isn’t a private collection,” says Gillis.“We don’t collect things so people can’t touch them.”

Top: Susan Gillis in front of one of the Boca Raton Historical Society vaults; above: diaries of Frank Chesebro

REVOLUTION IN A FAIL-SAFE ROOM

Flipping through farmers’ almanacs from yesteryear, Victoria Thur skips over one from 1881. “That’s too modern,” she jokes. Coming across the 1771 edition, she’s satisfied that we’ve traveled far enough back in time.“Nathaniel” is inscribed in ink, indicating the manual's owner. In these almanacs, farmers could see how many days each month will have, the projected weather, moon patterns, leap years, solar eclipses, the distance between cities, and poems. (It was clear that war was on the horizon: “Let tyrants rage and sycophants exclaim, let Tories grumble, parasites to fame, Britain’s tyrants shall have no longer reign.”)

This almanac is just one of 13,000 books, newspapers, pamphlets and serials stored in The Marvin & Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Collection, on the fifth floor of the S. E. Wimberly Library at Florida Atlantic University. Thur is its gatekeeper, as the university’s assistant dean for special collections, university archives and distinctive collections at FAU.

Entering the fail-safe room, she’s surrounded by the voices of revolution. There’s a first edition of the Federalist Papers bound in red Moroccan leather, Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” the first edition of “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” by Mary Wollstonecraft, Thomas Hobbes’“Leviathan,” a printing of the Declaration of Independence on July 6, 1776 in the Pennsylvania Evening Post, and works by John Locke, Edmund Burke, Alexis de Tocqueville, Montesquieu and more. The oldest item is “The Wit and Wisdom of Plutarch” from 1515, a tiny book written in Latin that could fit in the reader’s pocket while traveling.

While poring over the books, Thur points out readership interventions, or when the book owners made markings in the books. This includes a book owned by Benjamin Franklin—he wrote a number in pencil, his own sorting system on the back cover of a bound collection of pamphlets.

“It’s like they’re talking to you, in a way too, those voices,”Thur says of working in the vault.“You have a lot of Tory and Patriot pamphlets, and you feel like there’s a constant conversation going back and forth. You can almost hear them shouting.”

The items were donated by Marvin and Sybil Weiner; Marvin started collecting Americana in the 1940s, with a special interest in the Revolutionary War era. When he moved to Boca Raton from Philadelphia, he donated 13,000 items from his collection to the university. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the southeast, and the university partners with the Huntington Library in California to host fellowships for PhD candidates.

“[Weiner] had a love of the United States, and he wanted to understand how the Founding Fathers put together the United States,”Thur explains.“He looked at the libraries of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, and looked at what they were reading, and he started to investigate their libraries, and he started to amass his own collection.”

With the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Declaration of Independence, AKA America’s birthday, coming in 2026, interest has only grown in the items stored inside the vault. Thur has provided tours to everyone from history enthusiasts and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution to researchers and seventh grade students.

“We want to share it. That’s part of the mission,” Thur says.“We’re incredibly lucky to have a collection like this in our own backyard here, because you wouldn’t think of Florida and the American Revolution.”

From top, Victoria Thur holds a copy of “Faerie Queen” by Edmund Spenser; copies of “Common Sense” and the Federalist Papers.

“We learn so much as artisans ourselves, from looking at the Broadway clothes that may have been made 50 years ago, because there’s techniques that are rarely used these days because of modern styles and designs.”

—Kimberly Wick

Kimberly Wick in the Costume World collection

A WORLD OF BROADWAY HISTORY

As one of the few independent costume shops in South Florida, Costume World’s Pompano Beach storefront is where you go if you want to look like an alligator or the Easter Bunny, Han Solo or Alexander Hamilton, a pirate or a showgirl. But that’s only the customer-facing part of the building. Behind its painted “vault” doors lays the Fort Knox of costume collections: a 40,000-square-foot warehouse containing musical-theatre wardrobes from more than 100 original Broadway or revival productions, amassed over 50 years.

“It started with five Santa Claus suits and grew to this over time,”says Kimberly Wick, who runs the day-to-day operations of the collection, and is vice president and associate producer of the Wick Theatre & Costume Museum in Boca Raton. (Her mother, Marilynn Wick, founded both the collection and the theater.)

The warehouse is not open to the public, but those fortunate enough to secure a private tour with Wick will experience a veritable history of American and European theatre in the form of fashion and the iconic actors who sported it, from Yul Brenner’s royal duds in “The King & I” to Pearl Bailey’s dresses in “Hello, Dolly!” and the original wardrobe from “Coco,” the lone musical performance from Katharine Hepburn.

Many of the garments show their wear, and when displayed for a general audience, Wick is careful to maintain the authenticity of their vintage.“You really have to balance the difference between preservation and restoration,”she says.“How much do you restore something until you’ve lost the integrity of the original thing? ... You sometimes have a fight with yourself.”

Every sprawling aisle of the building, with its countless pieces hanging on movable stands, contains gems of mid-to-late-century craftsmanship, from imitation dollar bills“inserted”into the collar of a glittery jacket from“42nd Street” to the handmade playing cards stitched into an outlaw’s apparel for “Annie, Get Your Gun.”“We learn so much as artisans ourselves, from looking at the Broadway clothes that may have been made 50 years ago, because there’s techniques that are rarely used these days because of modern styles and designs.”

Designers from regional theaters around the country visit the collection to rent wardrobes for their own productions, though don’t expect many of the Broadway originals to be seen locally on the Wick Theatre stage. Body types have changed drastically over the decades, and artistic license is sometimes required.

“We did ‘West Side Story,’”Wick recalls.“About 10 people in the course of the run made a comment about the fact that the boys were in stretch jeans. But in a pair of original Wranglers that are so densely woven that you can hardly walk, let alone reach down to a plié and lift your leg above your head? That’s not happening.”

There are more “vault” doors we managed to pry open. Visit BOCAMAG.COM/FEBRUARY-2025 to discover some of the rare music and more contained within FAU’s Recorded Sound Archives.

Know what a “pomalo day” is? Dive into these Dubrovnik, Croatia diaries for seaside sanctuaries with cinematic settings, carefree strolls through medieval times, and copious wine and food.

Written by Angela Caraway-Carlton

primari-

fter the long-haul flight from Miami, I’m tired and bleary-eyed when we pull into the drive way of Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik. From the outside, the glassy hotel nestled in a primari ly residential neighborhood, yet a 15-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s history-soaked Old homegrown Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection and recently re opened after a major aesthetic overhaul—and while I had peeked at photos online, nothing prepared me for the reality of its seaside dramatics. Dropping my bags in a suite bathed in a contempo rary-meets-coastal palette, I made a beeline for the balcony. As I peered over the glass enclosure, my instant reaction was the response every vacationer should have upon arrival at a hotel: sheer giddiness and awe.

Town (where snippets from the wildly popular “Game of Thrones”TV series were shot), is, frankly, unassuming.

The boutique hotel is part of the recontempo-

The hotel is carved into a cliffside and hovers above a secluded cove that embraces the clear-as-gin Miramare Bay, its turquoise-tinged

Aerial views of Dubrovnik Old Town, which can also be enjoyed from the city’s cable car

waters hemmed in by jagged rocks and open-mouth caves. While I’ll confess that I’ve never watched a full episode of“GOT”(don’t come for me), Hotel Bellevue’s cinematic setting bestows its own movie-worthy magic. I’ve arrived in the fall, and like in Florida, the calendar isn’t dictating people’s beach behavior: Sunbathers dot swaths of towels on the pebbled beach, while others are floating in the water that enticingly glimmers in the sun. A few brave souls are leaping into the water from the surrounding cliffs, a Croatian rite of passage of sorts.

Defying jet lag, I slip on my swimsuit and whisk down the glass elevator to the beach for a quick dip in the sea; the hotel and its 91 rooms and suites are encased in floor-toceiling glass to showcase the swoon-worthy setting. After maneuvering over the rocky bottom (and cursing myself for not bringing the suggested water shoes) to fully submerge into the chilly water, my exhaustion is quickly replaced with a jolt of adrenaline. But when the initial shock wears off and the Mediterranean sun warms my body, it’s evident why vacationers linger in the sea until sunset—even in October. Each day follows the same rhythm as guests perform a ritual of dipping in the sea and retreating to sun loungers on the hotel’s private terrace.

Hotel Bellevue’s relaxed vibes extend into the evenings, when a musician serenades a chic crowd on Spice Lounge’s outdoor terrace, where even after dark, the serene lull of the Adriatic Sea is ever-present. It’s the perfect prelude to dinner at Vapor, a Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant that touts seasonal dishes with interesting twists. There, I savor tender risotto touched with wild mushrooms and slivers of almonds— and, because fish is king in Croatia, freshly caught white fish paired with cauliflower au gratin topped with locally sourced herbs. All are made even better with copious glasses of Croatian wine.

THE CITY AND THE SEA

After a few days of secluded beachfront bliss, I moved on to another seaside retreat, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, which is primely situated minutes from Old Town’s medieval walls—so close that you can hear the chimes of church bells in the distance. Considered a longtime diamond on the Dalmatian Coast, with a villa built in 1913 that’s now married with a modern addition,

Top, breathtaking views from Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik; above, the beach below the hotel. Right page: left, the city’s ancient fortress; right, Old Town Dubrovnik

the five-star hotel has famously hosted grand dames such as Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II. It’s easy to grasp the hotel’s jet-setter draw once you rest eyes on its enviable westward-facing position that parades a snapshot of the Adriatic Sea sprawl and the old city.

Excelsior’s calling card is a seaside platform with a ladder that extends into the water for optimal swimming. Even though the turquoise water was churning when I was there, it didn’t stop people from bobbing in the waves. There’s nothing like soaking in the sea at sunset, staring at the majestic backdrop of Old Town. However, the hotel’s Instagram-worthy moment is a heavenly dip in a marble pool that’s fed by the salty sea, another picture-perfect spot to gaze at the old city. When you’ve tired of the outdoors, retreat to the expansive indoor spa area for stints in the Roman baths, sauna and heated pool, and then treat yourself to a decadent massage. At night, choose from three restaurants, including elegant Sensus, where Mediterranean cuisine shines as brightly as the views from the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

DELVE INTO OLD TOWN MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Hotel Excelsior is a five-minute walk to the main attraction of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortified with medieval walls that encase a bevy of architecturally rich churches, palaces, fountains and historic landmarks. I took my time walking there from the hotel, making a stop at popular Banje Beach, a sandy beach that’s peppered with sun loungers and that boasts epic views for photos.

In Old Town, you can choose from various tours, including those centered around set locations ripped from “Game of Thrones” to history-laden walking tours (which the hotels can pre-arrange). I found the best way to experience the compact, pedestrian-only enclave is to simply get lost on your own. I followed the gaggles of tourists to grab a sweating cone of gelato from Peppino’s, then wandered the twisting streets to dip into art galleries and shops peddling ceramic fish and vivid paintings capturing Dubrovnik’s seaside splendor. Since it was October, and most of the masses were gone, I was able to walk atop the famous stone walls (there is a $36 fee to do so) and drink in unobstructed views of the shimmering sea and the city’s signature terracotta roofs and fortresses. Every turn offers another picture-worthy moment.

I joined a rowdy crowd at cash-only Buža Bar to witness teenagers hurl themselves from the rocks into the Adriatic—and after much coaxing, tourists stripped down to join them and then celebrated their daring accomplishment with cold beers. While I didn’t jump (it was too cold and overcast that day for this Floridian), I continued on and stumbled upon the family-run Italian restaurant Trattoria Carmen, where I snagged an al fresco seat along the shaded street to devour a homemade pasta starring fresh shrimp and decadent truffles.

Even if you’ve explored every inch of Old Town, you must return at night to witness the ancient walls and landmarks cast in a dreamy light. My most memorable dinner was at Nautika, a romance-inducing restaurant that edges the sea and offers another movie-worthy setting from its terraces that overlook the glowing fortresses of Lovrijenac and Bokar. This is the place to sip on inventive cocktails, including one served in a

Left page from top: oysters from Ston, peacocks roam Lokrum Island, and the Hotel Excelsior.

Right page: scenes from Old Town Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

silver vessel that feels like it was ripped from Winterfell (but don’t miss the vast array of Croatian wines),and then allow the whitegloved servers to lead you through the Bokar tasting menu that intermingles French and Italian flair with a heavy focus on fresh-fromthe-boat Mediterranean seafood.

EMBARK ON DREAMY DAY TRIPS

It’s almost mandatory to experience Croatia’s clear-clear water on a boat. Both Excelsior and Bellevue hotels will set up a luxe private boat tour where you’ll island-hop through the trio of ElaphitiIslands with a glass of bubbly in hand to explore hidden coves and fishing villages.

One day, I jumped on a quick ferry from Old Town to Lokrum Island, a peaceful slice of paradise where peacocks roam free and where you can swim in protected coves, pe-

ruse a botanical garden planted in the 19th century, and even float in a saltwater lake that’s likened to the Dead Sea. The island is steeped in fascinating lore, including tales that the monks who were evicted from the Benedictine monastery (now in ruins) put a curse on the island.

But it wasn’t until I zipped off on a day trip to Ston—a fairytale town celebrated for its stretching fortress walls, salt pans and delicious oysters—that I fully understood the Croatian mindset. After cruising through Mali Ston Bay and downing shots of grappa, our tour group docked at a floating oyster farm where the cultivator hoisted dripping nets clutching oysters from the water below us. As he shucked the bivalves, he explained that Mali Ston Bay flaunts a

unique mix of freshwater and seawater and is considered one of the Mediterranean’s cleanest and clearest bays, contributing to their distinct taste.

“If you eat this, you’ll need two lovers,” he promised as we dug into the plump oysters that locals consider natural aphrodisiacs.

We capped off the day with lunch on the sun-dappled patio of gastronomic institution Kapetanova kuca, and as we feasted on platters of seafood paired with more wine and coffee, a local exclaimed: “You’re having a ‘pomalo’ day,” further explaining that the cherished Croatian phrase means that you’re relaxed and taking it easy, without stress or rushing.

A mantra that’s easy to repeat while vacationing in Croatia.

Olive Belcher

Brittany Belcher

Yordy Wing eld

General Manager

SWAT Mosquito Systems

11371 Interchange Circle South

Miramar, FL 33025

561-556-1576

Swatmosquitosystems.com

Nothing is more of a “buzz-kill” than the annoying hum of mosquitoes zeroing in to attack and ruin the quality of life you enjoy outdoors in the Sunshine State. With amazing user-friendly technology, you can rid your surroundings of mosquitoes and no-see-ums from the palm of your hand.

e SWAT Mosquito System, installed by trained technicians, is automated and can be controlled with a remote control or smartphone app. SWAT’s mosquito misting control treatment runs from a 55-gallon tank with an electronic board on top and misters strategically placed throughout the property.

General Manager Yordy Wing eld raves that this system is a true game changer for anyone who enjoys being outside. A 17-year veteran of the company, she has seen it grow tremendously, with service now spanning from Key West to Jacksonville and east coast to west coast.

“Everything is customized to the property and programmed to mist at sunup and sundown. at’s usually peak time, especially a er it has rained and the mosquitoes multiply. at’s also where our remote and app come in handy. Customers are able to mist their system with the touch of a nger. In addition, our sta is constantly monitoring it for any issues that may arise with new landscaping, cut lines or broken nozzles. e SWAT system not only eliminates the insects; it creates a barrier where it keeps them deterred from entering your area. If there is a situation that needs attention, we’ll know it from here. We pride ourselves on impeccable service and provide a 48-hour turnaround time to address any issues,” Yordy assures.

Photography: Michael Connor

Find answers and inspirations behind a select group of local experts who took the time to share their insights with us.

Learn the latest from some familiar faces you’re sure to recognize, and be introduced to some new ones; all eager to shed light on what they do best.

While the scope of their services varies, their professions and passions provide us with food for thought and new resources to embark upon, page by page.

The Expert in Ultimate Home Transformations

Juliano Scherba, Founder JL HOME PROJECTS

JL Home Projects is a premier design-build firm based in Boca Raton with more than 20 years of expertise in luxury interior remodeling and construction. Specializing in a fully integrated approach, the company offers end-to-end services, including innovative designs, detailed project management and expert craftsmanship. Clients benefit from a state-of-the-art 7,000-square-foot showroom showcasing top European brands for furniture, kitchens, lighting and accessories. With a strong commitment to precision, transparency and excellence, JL Home Projects transforms visions into stunning realities for discerning homeowners in Boca Raton and surrounding areas.

Q

A

What is the benefit of our turn e pro ect approach?

Our turnkey project approach offers an all-inclusive design-build operation tailored to high-end construction and furnishing. By integrating design and construction under one roof, we ensure seamless communication, precise execution and a cohesive vision throughout the project. This approach streamlines the process, reduces delays and maintains superior quality control, ultimately delivering a stress-free and satisfying experience for our clients.

Q Which talian high end brands do ou offer for our clients?

Ae proudly represent some of the finest talian and European brands offering unparalleled quality in furniture, including talia, Ma alto, Depadova, otocco, itco and edrali kitchen lines including rclinea, offi and ube taly lighting brands arovier oso, chonbek, k , om Di on, er ani, over arcelona, los and arman and lu urious and innovative plumbing fi tures, doors and accessories.

Q o do clients benefit from our onsite production and permitting?

A

With our in-house management team dedicated to plans, documentation and permitting, we simplify complex processes and save valuable time for our clients. Our deep understanding of building codes and strong relationships with local officials ensure smooth and efficient approvals.

561.347.7274 info lpro ects.com

Frederic J. Norkin, DMD

André De Souza, DMD

Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDS

Jeffrey Ganeles, DMD, FACD

The Experts in Keeping Teeth When Possible; Replacing Them When It Isn’t

SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

he board-certified team at South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry helps patients maintain healthier, beautiful smiles by regenerating, contouring and correcting gum and bone deficiencies and strategically replacing missing teeth with dental implants. hey offer patients today’s latest, minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical techni ues for the treatment of gum periodontal disease and dental implant surgery. heir expertise, knowledge and technology ensure total satisfaction in a state-of-the-art setting. With more than six decades in Boca Raton, they’re considered a go-to practice when seeking help for procedure failures encountered in treatment elsewhere. With six dental specialists, there is always someone on call to promptly address dental emergencies. Appointments do not re uire a referral, ust a phone call to the office.

Q How has technology helped you advance?

A

e were the first practice to offer M robotic-assisted dental implant surgery. ith laser surgery, we save natural teeth by regenerating tissue. ur full digital eet includes Dental mplan patient education software, -scan bite analysis, D printing and more. e can achieve today’s most accurate restorations with better aesthetics in fewer appointments.

Q Wh is fighting gum disease so important?

A

ntreated gum disease can lead to devastating tooth loss. esearch also points to a link between gum disease and a growing list of serious health conditions. he mouth is the gateway to the body it’s important that patients manage gum disease, not ust for their smile but for their overall health.

Q What can you do to save “failing” teeth?

A

ven severely damaged teeth can often be saved e’re e perts and pioneers in the placement of single or full-arch dental implants, our broad goal is to try to preserve natural teeth. nd our e perience, acumen and newer technologies allow us to save teeth more comfortably, effectively and efficiently.

561.912.9993 smile.com

Samuel Zfaz, DDS

Ovadia Chocron, DMD

The Expert in a Family Law Firm To Ensure Your Legal and Personal Success

Doreen Yaffa

YAFFA FAMILY LAW GROUP

Yaffa Family Law Group in Boca Raton, led by Doreen Yaffa, a Board-Certified Marital and Family Law attorney since 2001, is dedicated to guiding clients through family law matters with expertise, compassion, and clarity. Doreen Yaffa’s approach emphasizes balance between, being prepared for litigation and pursuing resolution. Her firm stands apart by offering a cost-benefit analysis, helping clients make smart decisions on what to fight for or compromise on. With a focus on divorce, nuptial agreements, paternity case and cohabitation agreements, Yaffa amily Law Group fosters a dignified approach, ensuring clients receive honest advice, streamlined guidance, and unwavering support. Yaffa envisions a future where family law promotes mutual respect, dignity, and brighter tomorrows for all involved.

Q What sets Yaffa Family Law Group apart from other firms?

A

Doreen Yaffa and her team go beyond identifying legal issues by conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis. his ensures clients make informed decisions about time, effort, and financial outlays while working toward the best possible outcome. affa aw amily aw roup is a renowned, knowledgeable, well-versed and e perienced litigation team. his family and marital law firm combines expertise in the complexities of contested family law matters, while passionately advocating for their client’s best interests.

Q How does Yaffa Family Law Group support clients during emotional challenges?

A he firm emphasi es a realistic approach, encouraging clients to focus on a better future to shift perspectives, fostering smart non emotional decisions essential for resolution of even the most contested family law cases. ttorney Doreen affa gentle assist her clients in coming to terms with the reality of the high financial and emotional cost of litigation and the power of getting the divorce behind them and on to their best new lives.

Q What is oreen affa s ision for famil la ?

A ttorney Doreen affa envisions a future where the legal process is defined by mutual respect and dignity. he sees a remarkable opportunity to positively in uence the lives of those navigating family law issues. affa emphasi es that clients deserve straight forward, streamlined guidance, honest advice, and unwavering support to help them stay focused on what really matters during this challenging time.

561.276.3880 yaffafamilylawgroup.com

The Expert in Financial Advice and Wealth Management

Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA Principal and Certified Financial Planner ™ INTERCOASTAL WEALTH PLANNING

“As the new year is upon us, it’s prudent to make sure your financial house is in order and you have your assets allocated correctly,” explains Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary Elizabeth Bennett. “You want someone with experience to get you to the next level to grow your portfolio with quality investments and mitigate risks,” she says. “I help clients navigate their finances with sensitivity, understanding and professional advice.”

Q

A

Why is now a good time to invest?

There are times that are better than others, but you shouldn’t wait for those times to invest on a regular basis. If you are truly dollar costs averaging in the market, you’re going to get the highs and you’re going to get the lows. It’s better to consistently invest instead of trying to time the market.

Q

A

Why is compound interest the greatest secret of smart investing?

Compound investing of compound interest is really what growing your wealth is about. For example, if you had $250,000 invested at an average rate of 6 percent a year, at the end of the 20 years, the account value would be worth about $800,000. In contrast, if you postponed investing for 10 years, it would only be worth about $440,000.

Q How do you go above and beyond for clients?

A

We have a strong client focus. We actually return phone calls and “meet” with our clients on a regular basis, whether that be in person, on the phone or video conference. Additionally, I bring in the clients’ CPAs and attorneys to coordinate efforts when life events happen, such as the sale of a business or the loss of a loved one.

The Expert in The Family Legacy of Fine Jewelry and Watches

William Altier ALTIER JEWELERS

William Altier (Will) and his brother, Cutler, are the thirdgeneration owners of Altier ewelers, Boca Raton’s first and oldest jewelry store. Founded in 1960 by their grandparents, the landmark store remains as rich in tradition as it is in precious timepieces, high-end jewelry brands, exquisite diamonds and custom creations. A dedicated local following and clients from afar travel to experience the unsurpassed personalized service and family values that continue to ourish, decade after decade. n any given day, Will can be found handling an elite list of celebrity and VIP clients, engaging in important diamond transactions, and managing the high-end watch and jewelry lines for which Altier has become renowned.

Q How do you remain so relevant in the competitive jewelry market?

A

Providing personalized, honest service and operating with the utmost integrity is the foundation of our ongoing success. We are consistently shopped and graded by the exceptional jewelry and timepiece brands we carry to ensure we are worthy of representing their lines. We score well above the standard averages for our pleasurable, no-pressure, family-friendly shopping experience.

Q What fine e elr ser ices does Altier provide?

A

We create custom handmade pieces of 18-carat and platinum utili ing certified stones, all-natural sapphires, rubies, emeralds and colored diamonds. We do CAD design work, laser engraving, repairs and diamond setting all onsite. We also specialize in repurposing and modernizing family heirloom jewelry by dismantling the elements and creating new timeless treasures.

Q Which are the most coveted lines you represent?

A

We are authorized dealers for Patek Philippe, the most coveted watch brand in the world, and also for Cartier watches. We proudly carry Roberto Coin, as well as Hulchi Belluni and Dinh Van’s jewelry lines, in addition to our own Altier Prive collection. ltier rive is created in-house with hand-selected certified stones and crafted jewelry pieces with timeless elegance.

561.395.3462

The Expert in Best Whiskey at Warren Delray

John “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick, Spiritual Advisor and Whiskey Expert WARREN DELRAY –WARREN WHISKEY LIBRARY

John Fitzpatrick, known to South Florida locals as “Fitzy,” has been redirecting dispositions in Delray Beach for over two decades. Fitzy’s resume includes a 22-year run as bar manager in Delray Beach with memorable stops at 32 East, Sopra, The Wine Room and Fitzy’s Lounge, as well as beverage director at Amsterdam Billiard Clubs in Manhattan, part-owned by comedian David Brenner. When Fitzy relocated to Kansas City for family reasons in 2009, he was hired at Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and his whiskey journey truly began. Throughout the last decade he has been known for his fun and informative whiskey classes and has become one of the leading brown spirit scholars in South Florida.

Q

A

Can you describe the Whiskey Library experience at Warren Delray?

The vision of Jeff John and his partners at Damn Good Hospitality (DGH) was to create a dinner and tasting experience immersed in an intimate four-seat bar. With the library approaching nearly 1,200 whiskeys, I was invited by the partners nearly four years ago to be the curator of that collection and the person who delivers that experience for our guests.

Q

A

Do you travel across America to taste the best whiskeys and bring them back to Delray Beach?

raveling across the country in search of the finest barrels of whiskey is something that is truly a team effort at DGH and our unparalleled passion. Along with our very whiskey-savvy partners, I am tasked to help lead groups often composed of Warren regulars and our Warren Club members to the distilleries (Sazerac and Buffalo Trace, among others and taste through several barrels at each until we find the finest e ample of each brand. ’ve also been working with one of the leading blenders in Kentucky to create a new whiskey.

Q When you’re not serving the best whiskeys, what piques your interest?

A

I am a student of history and love to read. The day after I took a ob with Maker’s Mark to open a bourbon-themed restaurant, bought every book on whiskey could find. also love to spend time with my significant other, our new puppy, e ploring new restaurants and the salt life. urfing and the ocean are my en.

The Expert in Hand-Crafted Luxurious Gowns & Special Occasion Evening Wear

Andrea Karabatsos, Owner and Designer JENNA STUDIO

“Jenna Studio in Town Center at Boca Raton is a physical manifestation of my extraordinary visions of how women should look and feel on their special day,” explains boutique owner Andrea Karabatsos.

Canadian-born and acclaimed for her 25 years as a fashion designer in Quebec, Andrea has the power, perception and inspiration to guide her clients to being open-minded to trying designs they may have never imagined themselves wearing, whether they are a size 2 or 22.

“Clients quickly learn that they can all look stunning if they are willing to trust me. It is then that their dream dresses and gowns come to life before their eyes, often bringing tears of joy and amazement,” she assures.

Q Why do you have your designs created in Canada?

AThe linings that are used and the boning to hold your body in place that offer modern, elegant shapes can only be found in Canada. My seamstresses work on each individual piece, not machines; that changes everything, as well as the fact that modifying garments is possible because they are cut and sewn by hand, so the patterns can be adjusted and crafted for special orders with a very quick turnaround.

Q How does boning enhance the design of your gowns?

A

The gowns are boned and lined to create a well-crafted piece that takes time, but it definitely shows. hat’s how you can tell a uality garment from the ones that are mass-produced. Fit is equally important during this process. When a quality garment is cut and produced, its specific style and fit is imperative, and basically suits si e.

Q Why do clients keep coming back to enna tudio for special occasions?

A am honest, fiercely passionate and knowledgeable, and clients feel that instantly. We want all women to feel inspired the second they walk in our door. That feeling is an extension of my raison d’ tre super powerful.

561.888.3378

Jennasstudio.com

The Expert in Achieving Aesthetic Balance

Janet Allenby, DO ALLENBY COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Janet Allenby is a board-certified dermatologist with more than years of expertise. Globally recogni ed for her innovative in ection techni ues, she expertly places and distributes products to lift and tighten the face and body, enhancing each individual’s natural beauty.

Dr. Allenby’s practice embodies her dynamic, energetic personality and professionalism, offering cutting-edge treatments and advanced device technologies that re uvenate the skin, leaving patients with a youthful, radiant glow.

At Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology, the focus is on achieving balance. Looking better feels better is a guiding mantra, re ecting how harmony in appearance and overall wellness in uence every aspect of life. his philosophy drives Allenby’s commitment to creating solutions for her patients.

Q How do you help patients avoid the “Ozempic Face” look?

A

Weight loss, whether from Ozempic, exercise or other factors, can result in a hollow, gaunt appearance due to fat loss. To restore balance, we take a proactive approach, incorporating skin care, devices, fillers, and collagen-boosting solutions like Sculptra. These treatments work synergistically, encouraging the body to naturally rebuild volume for a healthy look.

Q What’s the secret behind our success ith fillers?

AWith over three decades of experience in aesthetic medicine, our practice is renowned for delivering balanced and natural-looking results. e prioriti e using the right products with precision along with devices to subtly enhance and maintain beauty. When administered by skilled professionals, concerns about fillers not dissolving are unfounded. illers can be a safe and transformative option, offering remarkable aesthetic benefits.

Q Tell us about the new toxin membership.

A e now offer access to five leading neuroto in brands through a convenient monthly membership starting at just $50 a month. Members enjoy treatments at half the regular price. One of our most popular options is Evolus by Jeuveau™, which temporarily softens moderate to severe glabellar lines, helping patients achieve a smoother, refreshed appearance.

The Expert in Assisting Persons With Visual Impairments

Lisa Stella, Executive Director LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF THE PALM BEACHES

The mission of the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, founded in 1946, is to assist persons with visual impairments to develop their capabilities to the fullest and utilize them in life’s pursuits—a right and privilege of all. Executive Director Lisa Stella, longtime partner and friend of the Lighthouse, began her career with the nonprofit in 2024, and has worked tirelessly to be an advocate for its life-changing services. She possesses excellent leadership skills, having previously served as Director of Development at The Learning Center, Director of Development at Opportunity Early Childhood Education and Family Center, and as an Executive at IBM Corporation.

Q Why is an organization like Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches so important to a visually impaired person?

AThe Lighthouse for the Blind serves individuals of all ages from 0 to expiration, meeting clients where they are in their vision loss journey. We teach essential independent living skills and provide the technology needed to navigate the world, such as iPhones, iPads, and smart eyewear that reads aloud and describes surroundings. These devices are particularly vital for tasks like grocery shopping and dispensing medication, enabling clients to read labels and maintain autonomy.

Q How can the visually impaired become more a part of the community in which they live?

A With the right training and devices provided by the Lighthouse, the visually impaired can navigate everyday life and fully engage in their communities. By planning ahead, they can participate in activities like attending shows at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, going to the movies, playing golf or having a rewarding and fulfilling vocation. he visually impaired can do nearly everything, e cept drive a car or y a plane.

Q What are the things that a sighted person can do to dispel the misconceptions about the visually impaired?

A

Visually impaired individuals strive for independence, meaningful work, and opportunities. Sighted people can help dispel misconceptions by offering and asking if assistance is needed, rather than assuming it. The Lighthouse team provides sensitivity training to address these issues. he ighthouse serves five counties alm Beach, St. Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee. We offer free personalized services to individuals of all ages with visual impairments, tailoring our support to meet their unique needs.

561.586.5600

lhpb.org

Naylan Montes, Founder REJUVENAX MED SPA

Naylan (aka Nany) Montes came from Colombia to South Florida 15 years ago, bringing with her a passion for wellness that goes beyond the typical med spa offerings. Originally trained as a physical therapist, she embarked upon an additional educational ourney, expanding her expertise at Re uvenax Med Spa to include lymphatic massages to provide post-operative patients with the many benefits derived from these treatments. Her delighted clients rave about their increased healing and the relief they en oy at the hands of her skilled and gentle touch. In addition, at Re uvenax Med Spa, there are a wide array of advanced beauty and wellness services to enhance the mind, body and spirit.

Q Why should clients consider lymphatic massage?

AWith this specialized tailored treatment, I help patients recover from cosmetic surgery and breast implant surgery to stimulate the body’s natural deto ification process, reduce swelling and uid retention and improve the appearance of scars.

Q What is capsular contracture, and how do you address it?

A

ome women e perience painful shrinking and tightening after breast implants. y massaging the breast with gentle pressure, it provides relief of the symptoms and helps to soften and rela the scar tissue that forms around it.

Q What other specialized treatments do you provide?

A

Our team of therapists provides treatments including microblading and permanent makeup, facials, skin care, lashes and brows, body contouring and sculpting, massages, hyperbaric o ygen therapy and red-light D therapy, among others. Each treatment is tailored to the clients’ individual needs and performed with the utmost attention to guarantee comfort, safety, tran uility and well-being.

The Expert in Revolutionary Advancement in Diabetic Care

Richard Conlen, MD, FACOG INNOVATIVE DIABETIC SOLUTIONS

It’s concerning that one in three adult Americans is pre-diabetic. In response to this alarming trend, Dr. Richard Conlen, a physician in Boca Raton, has founded Innovative Diabetic Solutions to provide state-of-the-art treatments for diabetes management. At Innovative Diabetic Solutions, Dr. Conlen provides therapies shown to reduce neuropathy by 95 percent and improve at least one complication associated with diabetes, such as vision changes due to retinopathy or poor wound healing following major surgery. Dr. Conlen also addresses the cognitive decline associated with type 3 diabetes. At Innovative Diabetic Solutions, Dr. Conlen uses the latest in diabetic technology and diabetic nutrition to provide diabetic care and treatment for prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, associated neuropathy and retinopathy, poor kidney function, poor wound healing secondary to diabetes, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity secondary to diabetes, fatty liver, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Q How does precision infusion therapy work?

A

Through precision infusion therapy, Dr. Conlen targets insulin resistance by resetting the pancreas and enhancing cellular receptors throughout the body, which facilitates better sugar absorption and energy production. Diabetes is a relentless condition that drains patients of their vitality, hindering them from reaching their full potential. Our patients report significant improvements in energy levels, sleep uality, and overall well-being, along with better glucose control.

Q Why is it important to focus on preventive care for diabetes?

A

Diabetes can lead to various related complications, including impaired kidney function, slow wound healing, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, fatty liver disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Our treatments are both FDA and Medicare approved. We offer customi ed treatment plans and affordable financial options to ensure that all affected individuals have the chance to regain their health and vitality.

Q What is your focus at Innovative Diabetic Solutions?

A At Innovative Diabetic Solutions in Boca Raton, Dr. Conlen focuses on combining advanced diabetic technology with nutritional strategies to tackle a range of conditions, including prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. I encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific health concerns let’s work together to help you reclaim your life he consultation is complimentary.

PHOTO: MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPY

The Expert in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Rafael Cabrera, MD, FACS, Founder PLASTIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS OF BOCA RATON

For more than two decades, Rafael Cabrera, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, has dedicated himself to the art and science of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck and eyes. Renowned for his artistry and compassion, Dr. Cabrera is a recogni ed expert in cosmetic elective procedures, as well as in melanoma and skin cancer reconstruction. He earned his medical degree and completed his surgical residency at New York University School of Medicine and has authored more than textbook chapters and research articles.

Q What defines a good facelift?

AA good facelift means you look beautifully natural without any evidence of cosmetic intervention. Strategic tightening of the muscle layer and ligaments is often necessary to get a more rejuvenated contour. Additionally, the augmentation of natural tissue, such as with one’s own fat and stem cells, will counteract facial de ation associated with aging.

Q What procedures are popular for men?

AIn an era when men now work longer, play harder, and maintain muscle mass, the synchronization of their appearance with physical vitality becomes paramount. Procedures like eye and neck lifts are popular choices to refresh and enhance their aging visage. Success, from Dr. Cabrera’s perspective, is when friends and family are unable to pinpoint why one looks so good!

The Expert in Detoxification, Behavioral, and Mental Health Care

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez MD, DABPN, DABAM, MRO

PSYCHIATRY

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. Dr. Rodriguez provides cutting-edge care for Treatment-Resistant Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, OCD, Addiction, and Eating Disorders.

Q What sets your practice apart from others?

A

The Delray Center follows a predominantly clinical model, all services and programs are developed with the goal of delivering best results first and foremost. e heavily invest time and financial resources into the Center, year after year, to try and further improve what we can offer our patients. he result of this perpetual state of evolution is a world class outpatient treatment program that even few residential programs can compare to. ith over years in the field now, ’m most proud of our extraordinarily effective outpatient program that has saved so many lives of patients that had previously given up all hope. othing is more rewarding than to see a family embrace their now well son or daughter that they had once feared was lost forever.

Q How does your integrative medical model of a holistic approach, personalized care and behavioral therapy result in successful patient outcomes?

A Our personalized integrative model allows us to adapt to the unique needs of each and every patient to create the treatment plan that works best for them. veryone is different and trying to use the cookie cutter approach that most other places use does not work well. This adaptability has allowed us to routinely handle incredibly complex and difficult cases with a very high rate of success. he broad scope and high quality of the services we offer also allow us to do more things for each and every patient to achieve the highest possible response rates in the shortest amount of time.

Q What comes next?

A

e t, is the launch of our neurocognitive training program, which will target depression, early stages of dementia, and overall cognitive performance enhancement and a new online platform to facilitate access for patients to mental health experts globally and in multiple languages.

The Expert in Personalized Care for Lifelong Wellness

Jaron Schaumberg, DO CONCIERGE MEDICINE OF BOCA RATON

Dr. Jaron Schaumberg, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician at Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, speciali ing in concierge medicine with expertise in chronic disease management and preventive care. His philosophy emphasi es long-term wellness, balanced living, and longevity, ensuring each patient receives a personali ed plan tailored to their uni ue needs. nown for his compassionate attention to detail, Dr. Schaumberg prioriti es building lasting relationships with patients, solidifying his role as a trusted partner in their health ourneys.

Q

Why should middle-aged and older adults see their internist regularly for disease prevention and overall wellness?

AThe heart attack at 50 begins at 20; dementia at 70 starts at 40. The aging you want tomorrow begins with the choices you make today. Regular visits to an internist are vital for ensuring disease prevention and overall wellness. These visits facilitate the early detection of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease— conditions that often progress silently without symptoms. Internists offer preventive care through comprehensive screenings, actionable lifestyle guidance, and strategies to lower the risk of severe illnesses. We focus on addressing age-related changes, managing medications to minimize side effects, and promoting emotional well-being alongside physical health. Timely care is also critical; having rapid access to your internist allows for swift responses to concerning symptoms, personalized treatments, and proactive care plans that optimize health, enhance quality of life, and promote longevity.

Q

AWhich of the latest tools are you using in your practice for detection?

At Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, we remain at the forefront of preventive healthcare by using advanced diagnostic tools that redefine early detection. ur practice features oronary angiograms combined with an AI-powered platform that analyzes atherosclerosis with precision, enabling us to create life-saving, individualized treatment plans for cardiovascular health.We also offer the Prenuvo Whole-Body Scan, a groundbreaking non-invasive imaging technology capable of detecting tumors as early as stage 1, identifying metabolic disorders, brain aneurysms, and more. This innovative tool provides invaluable insights into a patient’s health. Additionally, our advanced liquid biopsy tests screen for over 200 tumor-based cancers at early stages, transforming cancer detection and enabling timely, life-saving interventions. By combining these innovations with our patient-focused approach, Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton ensures unparalleled care tailored to every patient’s health journey.

The Expert in Skin Care and Mohs’ Surgery

Robert S. Bader, MD R.S.B. DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Robert Bader’s dermatology and cosmetic surgical practice in Deerfield Beach offers comprehensive skin, hair and nail treatments that include Mohs’ micrographic surgery, reconstructive surgery and dermatologic plastic surgery. Dr. Bader takes great pride in his versatile Ivy League training, board-certified expertise and the personal connection he forges with his patients.

Dr. Bader graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences with Distinction, completed an internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital, served as Chief Resident in Dermatology at Hahnemann University, and completed a fellowship in Mohs’ and Dermatologic Plastic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology, a program affiliated with Columbia University.

AQWhat treatments do you offer for skin cancer? Which treatment is best?

There are many types of skin cancer, which all behave differently. For all patients, we discuss all of the treatment options available, including the risks and benefits of each so that patients can pick the option that is best for them. Options often include topical treatments, Mohs’ surgery, excision, radiation, or the option not to treat. Dr. Bader is double board-certified in Dermatology and in Mohs’ surgery with more than 28 years’ experience in treating skin cancer.

AQDoes Mohs’ Surgery leave a big scar?

Mohs’ surgery is a technique that removes cancer and removes the least amount of uninvolved, non-cancerous skin. After Mohs’ surgery, some wounds are left to heal without any reconstructive surgery; most are closed with plastic surgery. There are several factors that affect the final cosmetic outcome after Mohs’ surgery, including how large and deep the defect is, the location of the defect, smoking and alcohol use after surgery, and the skills of the surgeon.

Q What can be done to look more youthful without major surgery?

A Now there are more options than ever to keep you looking great! Skin can be tightened using lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound, or threads. Fat can be reduced via injections, radiofrequency (heat) or by freezing fat cells. Daxxify, a long-lasting toxin that lasts up to 9 months, is available to paralyze facial muscles. Creams and intense pulsed light can reduce age spots. Fillers are used to reduce lines and add volume to the face and hands. Unwanted hair can be easily treated using lasers. Spider veins can be treated using sclerotherapy. We can regrow hair using safe medications that are effective and not costly.

954.421.3200

Drbader.com

Sebastián López de Arteaga, Saint Michael Striking Down the Rebellious Angels [detail], 1650-1652, oil on copper. Courtesy of the Hispanic Society of America, New York.

BACKSTAGE PASS

DSQ: Electric Strings Unleashed, coming to Duncan Theatre Feb. 6

Franklin Roosevelt had Eleanor, and he said she was a welcome thorn in his side—always willing to argue with him, always willing to question his assumptions. And that’s a really important thing for a leader to have.”

—Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin

The renowned historian puts our unprecedented era in perspective

Written by

JOHN THOMASON

DIF YOU GO

WHAT: An Evening With Doris Kearns Goodwin WHEN: March 3, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton COST: $50-$75 CONTACT: 561/757-4762, festivalboca.org

oris Kearns Goodwin sees dead people—particularly American presidents, particularly our most consequential presidents. As she writes in her latest bestseller An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, she has spent “more time with FDR, Lincoln, [Theodore] Roosevelt and Johnson than any other man besides my husband.” And as with many a great chronicler of history, her prose places readers in the rooms where it happened. Take this excerpt from Team of Rivals, her essential account of Lincoln’s precarious maneuver ings to emancipate America’s enslaved people and end the Civil War, in which she described the untidy conditions of Lincoln’s law office:

maneuver-

“Two worktables, piled high with papers and correspondence, formed a T in the center of the room. Additional documents and letters spilled out from the drawers and pigeonholes of an outmoded secretary in the corner. When he needed a particular piece of correspondence, Lincoln had to rifle through disorderly stacks of paper, rummaging, as a last resort, in the lining of an old plug hat, where he often put stray letters or notes.”

Goodwin, 82, is a fixture on current-events shows and conferences, where she talks fast and exhibits a steel-trapped memory for even the most arcane of details, from some obscure Congressional horse trade to an important cabinet member forgotten by the history books. On March 3, she’ll make her seventh appearance at Festival of the Arts Boca—after speaking for the first time, in 2008, she loved Boca so much that she began wintering here—where she will discuss politics, history and An Unfinished Love Story . She is a central figure in her new book, which is inspired by her rummaging, Lincoln-like, into the archives of more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents and memorabilia kept by her husband, Richard “Dick” Goodwin, a presidential advisor to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.

President Joe Biden has just completed his term in office. Removed from the passions of the moment, how will history judge his presidency?

What history shows is that it really takes a while to determine it. Reputations go up and down. Think about Truman leaving with 28% approval, and ending up as one of our great presidents when history showed the

breadth of his accomplishments, in terms of the Cold War and desegregating the Army and calling for Medicare—even if it didn’t come through—and the recognition of Israel. So I think it’ll take some time to figure out where it fits.

Obviously, we know some of the legislation he passed, and the bipartisan way he passed it will be in the positive side of the ledger. And the kind of person

was, as a person who had dignity and respect for the office. The historians 10 years from now will have a better answer than we do now.

As of this writing, it doesn’t seem as though President Donald Trump is bringing a “team of rivals” into his cabinet. Can you speak to the difference, historically, between filling your administration with people who challenge you versus only loyalists?

It is the most important thing we learned from what Lincoln did. People within his inner circle … had different points of view about the biggest issue of the time, slavery. Some of them wanted to emancipate right away. Others felt we should only have the union restored, and not deal with emancipation. And others were in the middle. And it meant that he was able to judge the sentiment in the north, because he had everyday reminders of what it was from these different factions.

It’s mostly not whether they’re rivals or not; the question is, are they willing to argue with you, and question your assumptions? That’s a really important thing for a leader to have.

What about placing people from the opposing political party in your administration? Are we so tribal that that’s a thing of the past?

I hope not. [Kamala] Harris had said she would think about putting Republicans in her cabinet. At a certain point, in 1940, FDR brought in [Henry] Simpson and [Frank] Knox, two top Republicans, into his most important posts as the war in Europe was heating up. But the tribalism makes it more complicated today, and it’s a big loss for the system.

History is determined by who writes it. We live in an era now of rampant misinformation. Are our textbooks effectively separating the wheat from the chaff? It’s going to take some time to do so. Certainly in real time, we haven’t been able to separate it enough. Narratives have held in parts of the country for things that are completely untrue. … Churchill famously said that history would be kind to him because he was the one who was going to write it, but that’s a different story—he was just teasing.

You’re in your new book

An Unfinished Love Story , as a memoirist. Was it easy for you to insert yourself into the story?

It was not easy. I had already written a memoir about growing up in love with the Brooklyn Dodgers. But this was more complicated, because Dick was right in the middle of things, and I was 12 years younger than he was. So when I came into the story, I had to come in, because I had my relationship with Lyndon Johnson too. And that was a big part of the discussions we had, about Kennedy vs. Johnson. He was loyal to Kennedy, and I was loyal to Johnson. I’d say Johnson got these programs through that Kennedy couldn’t; he’d talk about Kennedy’s inspiration. But then I really began to realize … they were two sides of the same coin. And so we softened our attitudes and began to appreciate the other person more and more.

Doris Kearns Goodwin during her time as a domestic policy staffer for President Lyndon B. Johnson

February 2025

Now-Feb. 16:

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; various show times; $94-$109; 561/995-2333, thewick.org. “Beautiful” explores King’s rise from forming a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in music history. What makes this Tony-winning musical stand out is that it portrays its subject as a real person—a reluctant star who still manages to shine.

Now-April

26:

Jan. 31-Feb. 23:

“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; $45; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. Buffett’s iconic songs propel this jukebox musical, which captures its inspiration’s “five-o’clock somewhere” ethos with a story about a part-time bartender and a troubadour who work at a run-down Caribbean hotel and attempt to woo a pair of vacationing ladies.

Now-March 12:

“Hot Glass” at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; free, with donations welcomed; 561/654-2220, downtowndelraybeach.com. Glass artists from both Florida coasts, plus their national and international counterparts, showcase their glass art in three galleries and the atrium of the Cornell—including artists featured in the Netflix glass-blowing competition series “Blown Away.”

“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.

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.

Feb. 1-March 30:

“Rory McEwan: A New Perspective on Nature” at Society of the Four Arts, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach; $10; 561/655-7226, fourarts.org. Flowers took on a breathing, tactile beauty in the botanical paintings of beloved Scottish musician and artist McEwan, who died too young (at 50, in 1982) but left behind an influential oeuvre of watercolors, on display in Palm Beach alongside his sketchbooks, etchings and sculptures.

“Rory McEwan: A New Perspective on Nature”

“Hot Glass”

“Boca Raton 1925-2025: Addison Mizner’s Legacy”

“Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo”

Now-March 16:

“Sorolla and the Sea” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton.org. Joaquín Sorolla, an artist born in Valencia, Spain, found his muse in the Mediterranean Sea and the people, vessels and natural phenomena that swayed and danced upon it. Featuring approximately 40 works, “Sorolla and the Sea” is a rare survey of this master’s relationship to his central focus, divided into five subsections.

Now-March

23:

“certain silence: Fabiola Menchelli” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $10-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton.org. The Norton Museum’s artist-in-residence for 2024-2025, Mexican artist Menchelli presents her newly created camera-less photography: atmospheric captures of light on paper, created in complete darkness, that often suggest the streamlined angles of paper airplanes in flight.

Now-March

30:

“Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and its Empire” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12-$16 museum admission; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum.org. Chronicling the Golden Age of Spanish Painting, these 16th and 17th century works are glorious in every definition of the word, often conceived with the intention to bring spectators closer to God. Rarely seen oils by El Greco, Diego Velázquez and BartoloméEsteban Murillo are among the paintings on display.

Now-April

20:

“Oh, Florida!” at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; $28 museum admission; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum.us. Our state’s bucolic history, before Henry Flagler’s railroad brought industry and modernity to Florida, is the subject of the Flagler Museum’s winter exhibition, whose verdant landscapes by titans such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Thomas Moran capture the raw, sparsely populated wilderness that once defined the state.

Feb. 1-2:

Orchid Weekend at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/4950233, morikami.org. Orchid junkies as well as budding fans of the seductive flower are welcome at this annual celebration, where orchid vendors from Homestead to Jupiter, Myakka City and beyond will discuss and sell their wares and offer tips on orchid care.

Feb. 5-16:

“My Name is Asher Lev” at Levis JCC, 21050 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton; 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; $30-$40; 561/558-2520, levisjcc.org. Adapted from a cherished Chaim Potok novel of the same name, Aaron Posner’s play follows the conflicted visual artist of the title, from age 6 through young adulthood, as he tries to reconcile his creative gifts with a Hasidic faith that discourages them.

Feb. 6:

DSQ: Electric Strings Unleashed at Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College, 4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth Beach; 8 p.m.; $39; 561/868-3309, palmbeachstate.edu. Performing with electric, instead of acoustic, stringed instruments, the versatile musicians of the Dallas String Quartet describe their M.O. as “Bach meets Bon Jovi.” The DSQ tours behind its tribute to ‘80s and ‘90s rock, with Metallica, AC/ DC, Led Zeppelin and their ilk performed with sprightly gravitas.

Feb. 7-9:

Riverdance 30—The New Generation at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $35-$185; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, this worldwide phenomenon continues to honor Irish dance and music but with a more international footprint—and new dancers, choreography, backdrops and special effects.

Orchid Weekend

“Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and Its Empire”

“Sorolla and the Sea”

“Oh, Florida!”

FEBRUARY 2025

Feb. 8:

Thornetta Davis at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage. org. Arts Garage hosts the only Florida tour appearance from this veteran Detroit blues siren, who has won more than 30 awards in her native city, recorded two albums with the famed alternative label Sub Pop, and opened for giants from Bonnie Raitt to Etta James and Gladys Knight.

Feb. 16:

The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $50$65; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. Harmonica-playing frontman Kim Wilson has led this American blues band for 50 years, remaining its only stalwart original member in a career that has spawned a Billboard Top 40 hit (“Tuff Enuff”), opening stints for the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, and a 15-album corpus that fuses R&B and rock eclecticism.

Feb. 8-16:

19th-annual New Music Festival at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; various show times; free or $35-$50; 561/237-7000, lynn.edu/events. Three-time Grammy-nominated composer and artist-in-residence Miguel del Aguila will be featured for conversations and performances of his work, including “Concierto en Tango for Viola.” The festival also offers a night of work by emerging composers on Feb. 13.

Feb. 9:

Symphonia Concert III at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 3 p.m.; $55-$90; 561/376-3848, thesymphonia. org. Guest conductor Carolyn Kuan will lead the Symphonia through Kodaly’s “Dances of Galanta,” Zwilich’s “Bassoon Concerto,” Albinoni’s “Adagio for Organ and Strings” and Mozart’s “Symphony No. 38,” with help from guest soloists Gabriel Beavers (bassoon) and Tim Brumfield (organ).

Feb. 18:

Valencia Baryton Project at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $75; 561/655-2833, flaglermuseum.us. Few musicians in the modern era have learned how to play the baryton, a largely neglected cello-sized instrument created in the 17th century. Matthew Baker, founder of the Valencia Baryton Project, remains among its elite performers worldwide, and will lead his group through Haydn masterpieces along with more contemporary compositions.

Feb. 19:

Agent Orange at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $20$25; 561/832-9999, sub-culture.org/locations/respectable-street. Seminal figures in the Southern California punk scene of the early 1980s, Agent Orange was one of the first groups to meld the genre’s speed and aggression with surf-music grooves, releasing only three albums but carrying an outsized legacy among the skateboard-and-mohawk set.

Thornetta Davis

Miguel del Aguila, of the 19th-annual New Music Festival

Carolyn Kuan, conductor of Symphonia Concert III

Feb. 9-12:

The Amazing Acro Cats at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton; various show times; 6 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; $48 to $73; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. The entertainers of the touring rescue organization Rock Cats are actual felines, including celebrity housecats from Netflix’s “Cat People.” They will jump through hoops, ride skateboards, ring bells, balance on balls and perform cacophonous live music in purr-fect atonality.

Feb. 13-16:

African American Film Festival at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $15-$25 per film, or $60 for the series; 561/832-7469, kravis.org.

Music-centered films are the overarching theme of this 19th-annual celebration of Black cinema, whose titles include the 1927 silent film “Siren of the Tropics,” the 1961 drama “Paris Blues,” the Pixar masterpiece “Soul,” Spike Lee’s jazzy “Mo’ Better Blues” and the indelible documentary “Jazz on a Summer’s Day.”

Feb. 20:

Joe Scarborough at FAU, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton; 4 p.m.; $35-$75; 561/297-6124, fauevents. com. A former Republican congressman from Florida, Scarborough has for 17 seasons held the co-anchor’s chair on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” where his commentary helps set the day’s agenda across a sprawling four-hour program. He’ll visit FAU’s Kaye Auditorium for a lecture titled “The Presidency After the Election: The Story So Far and What’s Next.”

Feb. 14-23:

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” at Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton; various show times; $35; 561/3473948, myboca.us/2469/ sugar-sand-park-community-center. This durable musical for adults only, which ran for 5,000 performances off-Broadway, is composed of comic vignettes about modern relationships, exploring topics such as first dates, dating services, gender differences and sex between married couples.

Feb. 21-23:

“A Chorus Line” at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton; various show times; $35-$40; 561/2377000, lynn.edu/events. Set on a barebones stage, composer Marvin Hamlisch’s 1975 meta-musical masterpiece chronicles a demanding choreographer’s attempt to cast a chorus line for his latest show. In the process, we discover the backstories of aspiring hoofers from a broad cross-section of modern life.

Feb. 15:

Shemekia Copeland at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $40-$50; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. From the White House to the United Nations General Assembly Hall to the stage at Austin City Limits, this prolific electric blues vocalist has brought her often politically charged lyrics and soulful, roof-raising sound to receptive audiences everywhere. She tours behind her celebrated 12th album, Blame it on Eve

Feb. 28:

Yoko Miwa Trio at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $45$50; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Endowed with a more harmonious tone than that other famous musical Yoko, this versatile pianist from Japan has released nine albums of mellifluous melodies across a wide range of genres dating back to her auspicious 2000 debut, In the Mist of Time. She is touring with her jazz trio in support of their latest release, the aptly titled Songs of Joy

Feb. 28-March 2:

Ballet Palm Beach: The Great Gatsby at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $49; 561/832-7469, kravis. org. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s immortal novel of privilege and obsession in Jazz Age America has enjoyed numerous ballet adaptations since 2009. Full of period pomp and circumstance, Ballet Palm Beach’s interpretation offers a vision of both the dazzling surfaces of its title character’s cosseted world as well as the harsher reality underneath the façade.

Yoko Miwa

Joe Scarborough

The Amazing Acro-Cats

Shemekia Copeland

VICTORIA SMITH

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS BOCA

SCHEDULE

DATEEVENT

February 28 Friday Concert: Dallas Brass – The renowned brass quintet, with percussion, will put on a powerful performance spanning from classical masterpieces to Dixieland, then be joined in the grand finale by 100 local high school musicians.

March 1 Saturday Concert: Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition Winners Concert – The brightest rising opera stars sing favorite arias and duets—by Puccini, Verdi and others—in this collaboration with Opera Naples, conducted by Ramon Tebar.

March 2 Sunday Performance: NeoDance – A passionate evening of dance, seamlessly blending the exuberant sensuality of salsa with the fervent melancholy of tango, led by Grammy-winning jazz flutist Nestor Torres.

March 3 Monday

March 4 Tuesday

March 5 Wednesday

March 6 Thursday

Authors & Ideas: Doris Kearns Goodwin – The Pulitzer Prize-winning author, presidential historian, and Festival of the Arts favorite returns for a fascinating presentation about politics, history and her new memoir.

Authors & Ideas: Documentary Film: “In The Dog House” – The film chronicles the incredible work of Danny & Ron’s Rescue. Their dedication to rescuing and rehoming abandoned and abused dogs is a touching testament to the power of compassion and the importance of animal rescue.

Authors & Ideas: Carl Hiaasen – The best-selling author will join us to discuss his wildly popular novels, all set in Florida and known for their savage humor and riotous storytelling.

Authors & Ideas: Amy Herman – The renowned author, lawyer and consultant to major corporations and national security organizations shows how we can use art to improve decision-making and reduce conflict—so necessary in these times.

March 7 Friday Concert: Film with Live Orchestra: “Back to the Future” –Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic family film in an exhilarating cinematic experience that blends the excitement of the silver screen with the power of live music.

March 8 Saturday

Concert: An Evening of Contemporary Ballet – A dynamic program highlighting excerpts from both modern classical repertory and cutting-edge works by emerging choreographers, offering audiences a captivating journey through the evolution of dance.

March 9 Sunday Concert: Boca Raton Centennial Celebration – Our closing concert features an original multimedia program of jazz and jubilation—featuring the Festival Boca Jazz Orchestra— to honor our city’s rich history and vibrant future.

TIMEVENUE

7:30 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:30 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:30 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:30 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

7:00 PM Mizner Park Amphitheater

PER ORMERS

MICHAEL TRUSNOVEC (NIGHT OF DANCE)

Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the world’s most luminous dancers,”Trusnovec grew up on Long Island and earned a BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University. For more than two decades, he was principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, appearing in more than 70 dances. He premiered new works by Larry Keigwin, Doug Varone, Lila York, Brian Arias, Margie Gillis and Pam Tanowitz and was featured in the company’s presentation of Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels.”Trusnovec was featured in the 2004 PBS “Great Performances: Acts of Ardor” and the 2013 “Paul Taylor in Paris” and continues to act as a répétiteur of Taylor’s dances.

Honors include the 2018 Dance Magazine Award,“Positano Premia La Danza” Dancer of the Year 2016, 2006 Bessie Award and a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Trusnovec is co-curator of the Dance on Camera Festival, a national reviewer for YoungArts, and co-founded the Asbury Park Dance Festival. He performed Molissa Fenley’s “State of Darkness” at the Joyce Theater and at the American Dance Festival in 2021 and appeared in New York City Ballet’s winter 2020 performances of George Balanchine’s “Episodes.” He is currently the co-director of dance for the Metropolitan Opera.

JEROBOAM BOZEMAN (NIGHT OF DANCE)

Bozeman, a Brooklyn, NY native, made his final debut with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in June 2024 and is now making a leap from stage to screen. He joined the company in 2013 and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent, with the New York Times praising his “singular, rugged grace” during his breakout season in 2015. He was the face of Ailey’s 20182019 season poster (alongside Samantha Figgins) and was named in DanceMagazine’s 2018 “25 to Watch” list.

Bozeman’s career highlights include a guest performance with London’s Royal Ballet in 2016 and a gold medal at the NAACP ACT-SO Competition in Dance. He has also performed in the international tour of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Broadway musical “Aida” in China and has been a member of Philadanco, Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dance Theater and Ailey II. His performances have been described as “trance-inducing” and possessing “velvety fluidness” by the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal has praised him as “gentle and dignified.”

KYLE PRESCOTT (BOCA RATON CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION)

Prescott is director of bands at Florida Atlantic University, where he conducts the University Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate conducting, and coordinates the University Bands program. He was presented the Talon Faculty Leadership Award, named a Master Teacher in the College of Arts and Letters, and received the award for Innovation and Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Idaho’s Lionel Hampton School of Music and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Wind Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. As a trumpet player, he has backed jazz greats including Bobby Shew, Chuck Findley, Rob McConnell, Claudio Roditi and Paquito D’Rivera, country star Trisha Yearwood, and alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. Ensembles conducted by Prescott have been invited to division conferences of the National Association for Music Education twice, for the Florida Music Education Association conference, and three times at the Southern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association. His approach to the conductor’s podium and leadership is expressed in his TEDx talk,“Plays Well with Others: Why Musicians Understand Leadership.”

THE DALLAS BRASS

The Dallas Brass has performed from New York to Rome and Tokyo, with gala appearances at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. They have been featured with symphony orchestras including the New York Pops, Philly Pops and Cincinnati Pops. The six-piece brass and percussion ensemble has a repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to Broadway, Dixieland, swing and patriotic music. The Dallas Brass has released numerous recordings, including Debut, Dallas Brass II, Windborne, Nutcracker, A Merry Christmas With Brass, American Musical Journey and more.

NESTOR TORRES (NEODANCE)

Torres is a Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy-winning artist who has released 18 critically acclaimed albums with his innovative blend of jazz, classical and Latin music, punctuated by lyrical improvisation and rhythmic beats. Constantly touring worldwide, he has collaborated with artists such as Herbie Hancock, legendary bassist Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Matthews and Arturo Sandoval, as well as having performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras, such as the New World Symphony and the Cleveland and Singapore Symphony Orchestras. After winning his first Latin Grammy, which he would have received on Sept. 11, 2001 for his album This Side of Paradise, Torres turned his focus and inspiration to create and perform music that would serve as a means to transform the immense human suffering and tragedy caused by the attacks into a driving force of enlightenment and healing for the human spirit, while becoming an ambassador for peace and culture. For his commitment to youth, education and cultural exchanges, Torres has been the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including two honorary doctorates from Barry University and Carlos Albizu University.

GABRIEL CHAJNIK (NIGHT OF DANCE)

Chajnik is a dance educator, choreographer and dancer, and he trained at the Men’s Ballet course at the Teatro Colon in Argentina. Before coming to the United States, he trained and toured with legendary instructor, mentor and Juilliard faculty emeritus Héctor Zaraspe. Chajnik received his training at the Juilliard School, earning a BFA in Dance, where he studied under world-renowned faculty such as Zaraspe, David Howard, Alfredo Corvino, Christine Dakin, Benjamin Harkarvy and others. Chajnik danced professionally with David Taylor Dance Theater and American Repertory Ballet, performing nationally and internationally as a guest. Throughout his career, he excelled in leading roles in full-length classics such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “Concerto Barocco,” and showcased his versatility in works by classical, modern and contemporary choreographers such as George Balanchine, Glen Tetley, José Limon and Bruce Marks. For more than 24 years, Chajnik has taught dance technique across South America, Europe and the U.S. Notable institutions include the Brooklyn Music School, Princeton Ballet School, Academy of Dance Arts and Gotta Dance. As the co-founder of the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theatre and Academy, Chajnik has brought original full-length ballets such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,”“Alice in Wonderland” and “The Nutcracker Rocks” to life. He has co-produced musicals like “The Addams Family” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, and choreographed “Carmen” and “Julio Cesare” on the opera stage.

PER ORMERS

ALFRED FRIEDMAN (NEODANCE)

Widely recognized in the dance world as “Mr. Dance,” Friedman has been a distinguished dancer, choreographer and instructor for more than 50 years. His acclaim stems from his versatility and innovative approach, which led him to merge tango and nuevo tango with diverse dance and music genres. This fusion gave birth to NeoDance, a dynamic style designed to inspire dancers to connect creatively with the music.

Friedman’s journey in dance began in the early 1960s, when he became a familiar face at the legendary Roseland Ballroom in New York City. With dedication and talent, he rose to fame by winning the prestigious Harvest Moon Ball, a World Series of Dance competition sponsored by the New York Daily News and“The Ed Sullivan Show.”His triumph as the Rumba Dance Champion in 1963 paved the way for a successful career as a dance teacher, choreographer and performer.

Driven by a visionary spirit, Friedman developed NeoDance to offer dancers a fresh way to interact with music. By seamlessly blending tango with a range of Latin and American rhythms, he aimed to create a dance form that both challenges and inspires, inviting dancers to engage in a new and exciting conversation with music.

SCOTT TERRELL (“BACK TO THE FUTURE” WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA)

This American conductor has built a major career through imaginative programs, an engaging presence, and a determined passion for artistic excellence, teaching and viability. An ardent champion of new music and diversity of repertoire, Terrell is a visionary leader with a keen intellect for bringing context to the concert hall. Terrell was named to the Virginia Martin Howard Chair of Orchestral Studies at Louisiana State University School of Music in November 2020. With this appointment, he leads and shapes LSU’s storied orchestras and instructs the graduate conducting students.

Terrell has led many prestigious international organizations, including the St. Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Opera Colorado, Opera Hong Kong, Colorado Symphony, Arizona Opera, Hamilton Philharmonic, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Milwaukee Symphony, Spoleto Festival, Naples Philharmonic, Eugene Symphony, Richmond Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Kalamazoo Symphony, Wheeling Symphony, Amarillo Symphony and El Paso Opera. He has been a regular guest conductor and teacher at the Aspen Music Festival since 2001, leading various concert programs as well as mentoring and teaching conducting students.

JORGE “GABE” RODRIGUEZ (PAVAROTTI VOICES OPERA GALA)

Rodriguez is a 17-year-old cellist from Boca Raton. He is a current high school junior at the North Broward Preparatory School, where he is a recipient of both academic and Fine Arts music scholarships. Rodriguez’s cello musical journey began at the age of 5. He currently studies with Jason Calloway and is an experienced orchestra musician. He has been a member of the Florida Youth Orchestra (FYO) since age 7 and the principal cellist of FYO’s Principal Orchestra since 2021. He has been a Florida All-State Orchestra cellist yearly since 2021.

He was selected to be the principal student cellist of the New World Symphony Side by Side ensemble in April 2023 and April 2024. He won second place in the 2021 Festival of the Arts Boca strings competition, and he won first place in the 2024 Festival of the Arts Boca strings competition. Rodriguez enjoys playing chamber music and was a member of FYO’s Encore Ensemble in 2022-2024. He is currently the cellist in a student trio that rehearses regularly. He plans to pursue his musical studies in college, contemplating a double degree program in cello performance and pre-medical studies.

AUTHORS & IDEAS

DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN

Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian, public speaker and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times No. 1 best-selling author. Her eighth book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, was published in April 2024. Artfully weaving together biography, memoir and history, this new book takes readers on the emotional journey Doris and her husband, Richard (Dick) Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life as they delved into more than 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents and memorabilia that Dick had saved for more than 50 years. They soon realized they had before them an unparalleled personal time capsule of the 1960s, of the events and pivotal figures of the decade—John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy and especially Lyndon Johnson, who greatly impacted both their lives. The voyage of remembrance brought unexpected discoveries, forgiveness and the renewal of old dreams, reviving the hope that the youth of today will carry forward this unfinished love story with America.

Goodwin’s previous books include the critically acclaimed and New York Times best-selling Leadership: In Turbulent Times, which incorporates her five decades of scholarship studying Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson. Leadership inspired the History Channel’s miniseries events “Abraham Lincoln,”“Theodore Roosevelt” and “FDR,” which Goodwin executive-produced through her production company, Pastimes Productions, Inc. Goodwin was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in history for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II. Her Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln was awarded the Lincoln Prize and was in part the basis for Steven Spielberg’s highly acclaimed film “Lincoln.”

CARL HIAASEN

Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida. He has published 11 national bestsellers, including Strip Tease, Stormy Weather, Lucky You, Sick Puppy, Basket Case, Skinny Dip, Nature Girl, Star Island, Bad Monkey, Razor Girl and Squeeze Me. Hiaasen has also written a number of nonfiction books and several popular novels for young readers, including Hoot, which won a Newbery Honor and was made into a feature film starring Brie Larson, Luke Wilson and Logan Lerman. Other film adaptations of his books include the major motion picture “Strip Tease,” starring Demi More and directed by Andrew Bergman, and the current Apple TV+ series “Bad Monkey,” starring Vince Vaughn and developed by “Ted Lasso” co-creator Bill Lawrence.

Together, Hiaasen’s books have been published in 34 languages. His nonfiction work has appeared in many magazines, including Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Time and Esquire. From 1985 to 2021 Hiaasen wrote a regular column for the Miami Herald, covering everything from local issues like polluted rivers, the criminal justice system and animal welfare, to national stories like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Trayvon Martin case, Bernie Madoff’s trial and Florida’s presidential election woes. He has received numerous honors for his incisive journalism and commentary, including three Pulitzer Prize nominations, the Damon Runyon Award from the Denver Press Club and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

AUTHORS & IDEAS

AMY HERMAN

Amy Herman is a lawyer and art historian who uses works of art to sharpen observation, analysis and communication skills. By showing people how to look closely at painting, sculpture and photography, she helps them hone their visual intelligence to recognize the most pertinent and useful information as well as recognize biases that impede decision-making. She developed her Art of Perception seminar in 2000 to improve medical students’ observation and communication skills with their patients when she was the Head of Education at The Frick Collection in New York City. She subsequently adapted the program for a wide range of professionals, and leads sessions internationally for the New York City Police Department, the FBI, the French National Police, the Department of Defense, Interpol, the State Department, Fortune 500 companies, first responders, the military and the intelligence community.

In her highly participatory presentation, she demonstrates the relevance of visual literacy across the professional spectrum and how the analysis of works of art affords participants in her program an innovative way to refresh their sense of critical inquiry and reconsider the skills necessary for improved performance and effective leadership. The program has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the CBS Evening News and Smithsonian magazine, among others. Her TED talk,“A Lesson on Looking,”went live in December 2018. Herman holds an A.B., a J.D., and an M.A. in art history. Her book, Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life, was published in May 2016 and was on both the New York Times and Washington Post best-seller lists.Her second book, Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem-Solving, was published in December 2021. Her third book, smART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain, was published in October 2022.

DANNY ROBERTSHAW AND RON DANTA (“LIFE

IN THE DOGHOUSE” DOCUMENTARY)

Danny & Ron’s Rescue speaks for helpless animals that have no voice. They began their rescue mission in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina by aiding dogs left homeless by the storm. Since then, their outreach has grown to heights they never imagined. Now they are rescuing puppy mill dogs, bait dogs used in dog-fighting rings, and hundreds of dogs from shelters—often moments away from euthanasia. They currently deliver pet food and supplies to more than 48 elderly people living in poverty—and pay for their dogs’ medical bills, too. They have rescued dogs from junkyards and shelters, freed animals chained to trees and living in small cages, and saved abandoned pets living on the streets.

Danny & Ron’s Rescue is unlike any other rescue organization. Because an abused or neglected dog can only recover and learn to trust again when it is in a loving home, Danny and Ron have turned their own house into the ultimate safe haven. There, they personally care for injured and abused animals until they are ready for adoption. Each dog receives a wellness check from a veterinarian, and is then spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, groomed and loved. But most important, each dog is treated like part of the family, fed organic dog food from its own bowl, and even allowed to sleep in the bed.

Boca Ballet Theatre 561-995-0709 mail@bocaballet.org

Boca Ballet Theatre 561-995-0709 mail@bocaballet.org

Boca Raton Museum of Art 561-392-2500 info@bocamuseum.org

Boca Raton Museum of Art 561-392-2500 info@bocamuseum.org

Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum 561-395-6766 o ce@bocahistory.org

Boca Raton Historical Society & The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum 561-395-6766 o ce@bocahistory.org

Florida Atlantic University College of Arts & Letters 561-297-3810 theatre@fau.edu

Florida Atlantic University College of Arts & Letters 561-297-3810 theatre@fau.edu

Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (561) 922-3134 info@ ioa.org

Florida Intergenerational Orchestra of America (561) 922-3134 info@ ioa.org

Festival of the Arts Boca 561-571-5270 info@festivalboca.org

Festival of the Arts Boca 561-571-5270 info@festivalboca.org

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 561-544-8605 info@gumbolimbo.org

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 561-544-8605 info@gumbolimbo.org

The HARID Conservatory 561-997-2677 info@harid.edu

The HARID Conservatory 561-997-2677 info@harid.edu

Lynn University 561-237-9000 tickets@lynn.edu

Lynn University 561-237-9000 tickets@lynn.edu

Mizner Park Amphitheater 561-393-7984 MiznerAmp@myboca.us

Mizner Park Amphitheater 561-393-7984 MiznerAmp@myboca.us

National Society of Arts and Letters judiasselta@gmail.com

National Society of Arts and Letters judiasselta@gmail.com

Sugar Sand Park 561-347-3900 sugarsandpark@myboca.us

Sugar Sand Park 561-347-3900 sugarsandpark@myboca.us

The SYMPHONIA 561-376-3848 info@thesymphonia.org

The SYMPHONIA 561-376-3848 info@thesymphonia.org

The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum 561-995-2333 boxo ce@theWick.org

The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum 561-995-2333 boxo ce@theWick.org

Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County 561-281-8600 yomail@yopbc.org

Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County 561-281-8600 yomail@yopbc.org

February 22

Spiny lobster corn dogs from The House

The House

7301 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach; 561/530-3791

CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

was intrigued when a friend suggested I check out a golf course’s restaurant. The Park, West Palm Beach’s public golf course, reopened in 2023 after a major overhaul that included its clubhouse culinary concept, The House.

A far cry from a stuffy boys’ club, The House has a bright contemporary aesthetic with massive floor-toceiling windows that spotlight the course’s natural beauty. Its vaulted ceiling is adorned with glowing oversized paper lanterns that illuminate the quaint terracotta-hued banquettes and lively wood-paneled bar.

Chef Jason Van Bomel, a Palm Beach local whose previous stints include the Four Seasons Palm Beach and, most recently, 1000 North, is at the helm. He’s serving dishes that embrace our local Florida ingredients and tropical flavors. The menu is approachable and has something for everyone—like a satisfying burger for a starving post-18-hole golfer or delicate briny oysters paired with a glass of bubbles for a romantic date night. It also features unique, interesting takes on dishes like the spiny lobster corn dogs and the trio of Florida snapper—both selections we tried.

processed meat. The batter was also quite airy but still crunchy, and drizzled with a tangy Creole mustard aioli. We also tried the mushroom pizza ($14) that was recommended. While I’ve had mushrooms on a red sauce pie, these days I’m more used to seeing them paired with a white sauce, so I was happily surprised to see this pizza with a tomato base. However, I wish it were a little saucier and more liberal with the goat cheese. I do appreciate that Van Bomel is working with local farms, and he’s sourcing the pizza’s mushrooms from Gratitude Farms.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Lot parking

HOURS: Wednesday –Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

PRICES: $6 – $38

WEBSITE: thehousewestpalm.com

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the corn dogs ($24), but when the dish arrived, it was exactly what you’d expect a corn dog to look like—cylindrical-shaped fried batter with a wood skewer sticking out. But the magic happened when I took a nostalgic bite of this childhood treat that was now elevated by the presence of tender, juicy lobster instead of

The House Burger ($18) was everything a burger should be: juicy, perfectly cooked, and served on a toasted bun. But Van Bomel also beefed it up (pun intended) with caramelized onions, gruyère, arugula and a savory truffle aioli. Living in Florida, those of us who enjoy fish have had snapper. So Van Bomel surprised me with his Florida Snapper Trio ($38). Small filets that are wonderfully seared are placed over three different preparations, including a tropical fruit mélange, ginger-garlic sautéed spinach and the creamiest lobster red potato mash. I’d go back for this. We had trouble choosing the house-made dessert, but ultimately, we decided on the tres leches ($8). It was moist, not overly sweet, and topped with real whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. I’d also go back for this.

After such a meal, we looked out onto the verdant course and were tempted to play a cheeky nine holes.

From top, grilled octopodi and Horiatiki salad. Right, lamb chops.

Lefkes Estiatorio

33 S.E. Third Ave., Delray Beach; 561/908-2331

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

I’ve been eating Greek food for most of my life— not at fast-casual gyro joints (some are great, too) but at home. I’m not Greek in the traditional sense, but I’m a proud Greek by marriage. My aunt married Demetrios when I was 10, and our Latin family was quickly introduced to his family recipes, which he prepared with gusto for our Sunday family dinners. He’d spend countless hours “talking to Greece” over the years, as he retold us at the table, chatting with his cousins, pad and pencil in hand, jotting down the recipes his family had perfected over the years. This is all a long-winded way of saying I love Greek food, and I’ve perfected biting into a perfectly crisp spanakopita without burning my mouth. So I was excited when I heard a Greek restaurant would be taking over a part of the reimagined Delray Beach Market food hall.

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Street and lot

parking

HOURS: Monday –

Wednesday 4 – 10 p.m.; Thursday 4 – 11 p.m.; Friday

4 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Saturday

11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PRICES: $16 – $80

WEBSITE: lefkesgroup.com

Lefkes Estiatorio is a Greek import by way of New Jersey. Chef Anastasio Dumas and his cousin, Georgia Dumas, opened their Athenian restaurant in 2004 and opened a second location in Santorini in 2017. Georgia Dumas then crossed the Atlantic to expand the brand in New Jersey in 2019 before landing in Delray late last year. For those who remember the Delray Beach Market food hall, Lefkes is located at the south side entrance of the building and looks nothing like the previous open-concept space lined with vendors. Now segmented by a wall with colorful flower projections, the interior is bright and vibey. Two bars, white flowy window drapes, floating greenery and a colorful resin fluid-like floor (definitely look down to admire) complete the design.

I was happy to see Greek wines on the menu. The service took quite a while to get out of first gear; our

server was lovely but seemed to be pulled in many directions.

I was also happy to see several traditional Greek classics on the menu. We started with the saganaki ($22) and grilled octopus ($28). Saganaki is fried kefalograviera (sheep or a mixture of sheep and goat) cheese flambéed at the table. While the blaze wasn’t as fiery as I’ve previously seen at other restaurants, it did the trick. The cheese was gooey with a crispy crust. The octopus, which can be hit or miss, was a hit here—tender with a great char and chopped peppers that gave each bite a nice crunch.

We ordered the lamb chops ($45) and moussaka ($32) entrees, and both delivered high notes. The moussaka’s eggplant and potato layers were tender, the braised beef ragu was juicy with wonderful hints of cinnamon, and the bechamel that topped it all off was creamy and rich. The lamb was simply prepared with salt and had a good char. Greek lemon potatoes, if done correctly, are dreamy, and the side that accompanied the lamb was roasted perfection.

We enjoyed all our selections, but we decided that the star of the show was the baklava ($15) dessert. Its thick, nutty center was sandwiched between papery phyllo, and every bite oozed with sweet honey. It came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that actually tasted like vanilla, the spice.

While we dined on a quiet weekday, I’ve seen its high-energy weekend parties online. So if you’re looking for a lively late-night Mykonos vibe complete with napkin throwing and pulsating tunes, Lefkes also delivers that. And while you can’t smash any plates, its well-executed cuisine will leave you just as satisfied. Opa!

FLORIDA TABLE Dining Guide

DINING KEY

$: Under $17

$$: $18–$35

$$$: $36–$50

$$$$: $50 and up

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. $$

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. $$$

Sea bass from Chops Lobster Bar

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. • $$$

Fiolina Pasta House —5377 Town Center Road. Italian. Fiolina is swanky, effortlessly easing into Boca’s idyllic, sophisticated style. Playful floral prints and vibrant pops of reds are the backdrop to la dolce vita-inspired artwork, an indoor-outdoor bar, and a sprawling terrace checkered with scarlet umbrellas and plush furniture. The menu takes you on a journey through award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi’s native land, with regional dishes spanning the Italian peninsula. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun., weekend brunch. 561/473-9400. $$$

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. $$

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 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. $$

Sunday Funday

End the week at Luff’s Fish House, where Sundays feature a paella and sangria special, with live music complementing the Spanish favorites.

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. $

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 housemade 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. $$$

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. $$$

Lu ’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

Chocolate Hazelnut Dacquoise from La Nouvelle Maison

PAPPHOTO

manner, you receive two appetizers, a salad, two pastas, two entrées and two desserts. The menu also includes lighter takes on staples like chicken parm, fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$

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

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

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

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. 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. $$

Unexpected Eats

Surprising nosh awaits in the county’s museums, gardens and zoo

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

Our local culinary scene is buzzing with restaurants serving a mouthwatering variety of cuisines, but are these traditional venues the only places where we can find standout dishes? Better known for their tigers, gardens or antiques, these local attractions also have stellar restaurants worth a dine.

PALM BEACH ZOO

e zoo’s Latitude 26 features a kid- and adult-friendly menu—pizzas, chicken tenders, burgers and hot dogs are always available, but the restaurant excels in its seasonal menus. For fall, guests indulged in butternut squash pasta, day-a er- anksgiving sandwich, and creamy pumpkin pie. Bringing the zoo’s environmentally focused mission into the restaurant, Latitude 26 looks to sustainably source ingredients like palm oil, seafood, co ee and even chocolate. e sweet treat is bird-friendly and sourced from certi ed cocoa farms that protect tropical forests and native trees. e restaurant makes all its dressings, salsas and heavenly desserts inhouse, and proudly dishes out juicy, never-frozen smashburgers and handbreaded crispy chicken sandwiches. Dine overlooking the pink amingoes, and a er your meal, stop by and say hi to Lewis and Clark, the black bear brothers. ere’s no other restaurant in town where that’s possible. Only open for lunch. 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561/547-9453; palmbeachzoo.org

HENRY MORRISON FLAGLER MUSEUM

e museum’s Railcar No. 91 Tea Room overlooks the Lake Worth lagoon and sets the scene for an elegant a ernoon tea experience, complete with a multi-tiered tray of treats and an exclusive tea blend only found within the walls of Whitehall. Named a er Flagler’s personal train car that he would ride down to Florida, the restaurant aims to embrace the Gilded Age tradition of a ernoon tea with period-appropriate menu items but with a contemporary twist. e prix xe menu features nger sandwiches, including tuna with green apple, cucumber with herb cheese, turkey with spinach and cranberry spread, and ham and Swiss cheese. Each guest can also enjoy a house-made cranberry orange scone, chocolate éclair, cream pu and brownie (a Gilded Age invention). e meal and proprietary blend of black and oolong teas created by Harney & Sons are served on the museum’s opulent tropical resort-colored china, portraying a few of the home’s architectural details. e tea room hosts several holiday experiences throughout the year, including a special Valentine’s Day tea celebration. 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; 561/655-2833; aglermuseum.us

MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS

e Chen family has run the Cornell Café within Morikami’s 16-acre gardens for decades, with the goal to provide guests with a taste of Japanese and Asian avors through various o erings suitable for every palate. Small-plate classics like miso soup, chicken gyozas and spring rolls share the menu with fresh and simple sushi rolls and larger entrées like teriyaki salmon and crispy pork. eir lunch bento boxes are a ordable for hungry diners looking to sample the menu. ey come with teriyaki chicken with white rice, teriyaki salmon, chicken dumplings, shrimp on fried tofu, an egg roll, mixed vegetables and assorted sushi rolls. ere is also a vegetable bento box option. e standout dish on the menu must be the spicy tuna poke bowl with vibrant tuna tossed in spicy mayo accompanied by avocado,

edamame, cucumber, carrots and a seaweed salad. Morikami o ers guests a tranquil lakefront retreat to enjoy lunch, while serenading birds and a gentle breeze soothe their stress away.

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 561/495-0233; morikami.org

Butternut squash pasta from the Palm Beach Zoo

Table setting at Flagler Museum

Spicy tuna poke bowl at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

EAT & DRINK RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

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 house-made vegetable eggrolls, fried rice and General Tso’s chicken, to name a few. The space is bright and lively, with floorto-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

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aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$

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

Villagio Italian Eatery —344 Plaza Real. Italian The classic Italian comfort food at this Mizner Park establishment is served with flair and great attention to detail. The reasonably priced menu—with generous portions—includes all your favorites (veal Parmesan, Caesar salad) and some outstanding seafood dishes (Maine lobster with shrimp, mussels and clams on linguine). There is a full wine list and ample people-watching given the prime outdoor seating. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/447-2257. $$

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

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

Local Color

Driftwood Chef Jimmy Everett is passionate about sourcing ingredients from local sustainable farms—incluing Kai-Kai in Indiantown and Bare Roots Organics in Jupiter Farms.

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. $$

Seafood linguine at Chloe’s Bistro

Prime Catch —700 E. Woolbright Road. Seafood Waterfront restaurants are few and far between in our neck of the woods, and those with good food are even more rare. Prime Catch, at the foot of the Woolbright bridge on the Intracoastal, is a best-kept secret. The simple pleasures here soar—a perfectly grilled piece of mahi or bouillabaisse overflowing with tender fish. Don’t miss one of the best Key lime pies around. • Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch. 561/737-8822. $$

Sushi Simon 1628 S. Federal Highway. Japanese. It’s been called “Nobu North” by some aficionados, and for good reason. Local sushi-philes jam the narrow dining room for such impeccable nigirizushi as hamachi and uni (Thursdays), as well as more elaborate dishes like snapper Morimoto and tuna tartare. Creative, elaborate rolls are a specialty. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/731-1819. $$

DELRAY BEACH

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

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

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas — 16950 Jog Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chicken-turkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthy-pungent mélange

Buzz Bite I

Garlic Fest

The oh-so-stinky Garlic Fest is back on Feb 1 and 2. The 26th-annual garlic celebration is debuting The Clove, an interactive space where guests can check out live cooking demonstrations, a garlic-centric market and a premium bar. The market is where you’ll find cookbooks and a variety of garlic products to purchase before heading to its bar for a selection of garlic-inspired sips, like the garlic martini and garlic beer. Attendees will also be treated to several talented live bands and, of course, its famous gourmet alley with all the garlic-inspired dishes you can think of. The event is hosted at The Village of Wellington Town Center and begins both days at 11 a.m. Tickets are $15. garlicfestfl.com

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

A BUDDING CULINARY ICON IN THE MAKING

From the Windy City to the turquoise shores of Boca Raton comes Rosebud Restaurants’ new Florida flagship, Mia Rosebud.

Anchored by a bustling open kitchen, the stylish 7,700-square-foot space o ers several see-and-be-seen spots for personalized group events, including a semi-private dining room, an elegant vibe-led bar, and an enclosed covered piazza.

Guests will savor Chicago-style Italian cuisine, steakhouse classics, and weekly price breaks on signature food and drinks.

For more information, call 561-462-3000 or visit RosebudRestaurants.com

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. $$

Ca e 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. $$

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. $$$

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. $

Hit the Sauce

Want to bring Eathai’s flavor’s home? The restaurant bottles and sells its Chili Lime and Stir-Fry sauces.

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. $$

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

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 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

Ora King Salmon Ala Plancha at Drift

PAPHOTO

Buzz Bite II

World Nutella Day

It ’s magical when Nutella’s hazelnut and chocolate flavors combine on your palate. The jarred cream officially debuted in 1964, although it had a few predecessors after WWII that came from Piedmont—the Italian region is best known for its wines (Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera), truffles and … hazelnuts. Today, the beloved spread transcends borders and oceans, so it’s only fair that it has its own festive day—World Nutella Day— on Feb. 5. The official day, established in 2007, is a time to indulge in various recipes, from banana buttermilk pancakes drizzled with Nutella to gooey brownies. Regardless of how you celebrate, add an extra layer of Nutella to your chosen treat.

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

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. $$

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South Beach Wine & Food Festival is Here

From Masters of Fire to Tacos & Tequila, culinary worlds collide once again on Miami Beach

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival returns to Miami Beach’s powdery sands to celebrate its 24th anniversary from Feb 20 to 23. The premier food festival is back with several beloved signature events and even a few new and exciting debuts. The four-day culinary gathering brings together more than 500 hospitality pros, including chefs, winemakers and spirit producers, to deliver attendees an all-star gourmet experience.

The festival hosts more than 100 events, including walk-around tastings, intimate chef dinners, brunches, master classes, wine seminars and lively late-night parties. This year, we can look forward to returning events like Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis’Taste of Italy, and Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores and hosted by Aarón Sánchez. The annual Tribute Dinner will honor chef Dominique Crenn of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier Crenn and wine kingpin Gérard Bertrand.

Newcomers to the show will be unveiled throughout the weekend and will spotlight a variety of cuisines. For those who love outdoor cooking, Chef Tyler Florence is hosting Masters of Fire at the trendy Joia Beach, where chefs will show off their grilling skills with Miami’s skyline as the backdrop. Guy Fieri will host the first-ever live showdown of Food Network’s Tournament of Champions. Chef teams will battle and let the audience decide who wins. And if you love brunch, Zak Stern, aka Zak the Baker, is hosting Miami Bakery Brunch at The Palms Hotel & Spa.

The festival’s grand finale event has changed this year, as well— the Asian Night Market has been glammed up and will close out the festival this year. It will be hosted

by

Andrew Zimmern, Chef Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira, featuring a special performance by the legendary rapper Rev Run.

Proceeds from the event benefit FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, which is ranked sixth in the nation. To date, it has raised more than $40 million for the school’s programs.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit sobewff.org.

Scenes from South Beach Wine & Food Festival

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

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

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill —634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

Jimmy’s Bistro —9 S. Swinton Ave. 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. $$$

Lemongrass Bistro —420 E. Atlantic Ave. PanAsian. 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, 561/544-8181; 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 O ce —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. $$

No Menu—No Problem

At Taki Omakase, the chefs curate bespoke courses for diners nightly. But don’t worry; seafood lovers are in good hands with these graduates of such NYC institutions as Morimoto and Masa.

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 front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. •Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$

Tramonti —119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Roma-

na, 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. $$$

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 musttry. 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. $$$

Bang Bang Cauliflower from Ravish Off Ocean

AARON

BRISTOL

Buzz Bite III

GreenMarket

West Palm Beach’s award-winning farmers’ market will grace downtown’s sunny waterfront until April 19. Celebrating its 30th anniversary season, the market runs on Saturdays, except for Boat Show weekend on March 22. Vendors the community loves, like Olive Oil of the World, Independent Seafood, Love’s Flower Shop, Havana Restaurant and Joe’s Herbs and Ornamentals, have all returned. This year, the GreenMarket also debuted 16 new ones, including Bearing Fruit Tropicals, Celo’s Bread Basket, Rick’s Banana Whips and Pizza Mike.

The market can draw up to 10,000 visitors a day, and this year it celebrates its most extensive vendor list, topping off at 130. It’s known as a sort of incubator for small local businesses, many of which have used the market to launch their companies and grow into their own brickand-mortar locations. Some include Palm Beach Cider Donuts, Chick Monk, Bread by Johnny and Palm Beach Salt.

The Master Chef Showcase Competition is also back this year, with monthly battles among local chefs. Tickets are $30, and admission allows you to try the chefs’ creations and vote for the winner.

Visit wpb.org/residents/community-events/events/wpb-greenmarket.

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

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

Café Boulud —The Brazilian Court, 301 Australian Ave. French with American flair. This hotel restaurant gives Palm Beach a taste of Daniel Boulud’s world-class cuisine inspired by his four muses. The chef oversees a menu encompassing classics, simple fare, seasonal offerings and dishes from around the world. Dining is in the courtyard, the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$

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. $$

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. $$

Voyage Boutique has been sharing authentic French Fashion with South Florida for over 20 years.

400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach FL 33444

Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm 561-279-2984

Voyage Boutique may be tucked away from the bustling Avenue, but it stands out as a pinnacle of fashion. Whether you’re in search of casual wear, attire for a special occasion, or an elegant ensemble for a soiree, you’re guaranteed to discover it within our unique boutique.

When embarking on international travels, setting sail on a cruise, or preparing for the holiday season, your search ends here. Allow us to elevate your wardrobe with style and a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi.’ Voyage Boutique also serves as your European haven for handbags, belts, shoes, gifts, and more. We cater to all sizes, ranging from XS to 3X, and offer in-house alterations for a perfect fit.

Come join us for a shopping experience that transcends the ordinary and when you do, don’t forget to mention that you found us in Boca Mag.

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

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

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

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. $$

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

SECURING OUR FUTURE SOIRÉE

WHERE: Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton

WHAT: TheBoys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s signature event, the Securing Our Future Soirée, returned for its sixth year to raise funds toward the nonprofit’s mission of promoting the welfare of local children through programs aimed at fostering leadership, education, health and more. The “Great Gatsby”-themed soirée was a resounding success, raising more than $326,000. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, festive themed cocktails, and silent and live auctions at Boca’s Woodfield Country Club. Returning as chairwoman for the second year in a row, Michelle Hagerty said, “It was more than an honor to be asked back for such an incredible event that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, an organization that means so much to the community.” Sponsors included Michelle and Michael Hagerty, Geller & Company, the Ajram Family Foundation and more.

1: Howard Guggenheim, Bing Tai Hwa

2: Dana Ocampo, Michelle Hagerty, Mandy Bohlman

3: Curtis Olson, Derek and Amanda Witte

4: Cristina Lewis, Alvin Hines, Jessica Miley

5: Michelle and Michael Hagerty

6: Dr. Stacy Volnick, David Green

7: Kali Hornbuckle, Garvey Antoine

8: Michael Kieffer, Steven and Stephanie Schiff, Lainey Kieffer

9: Ben Cammarata, Jaene Miranda, Kathy Cammarata

10: Andrew and Mariam Miller, Michelle Andrews, Scott Bush

11: Daniel Guggenheim, Christine Pulver, Jeffrey Guggenheim

12: Devon Day, Jackelyn Cohen, Seth Cohen, Angeline Ernest

CP GROUP’S NINTHANNUAL TREE LIGHTING EXTRAVAGANZA

WHERE: Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC)

WHAT: CPGroup kicked off the holiday season in the merriest of fashion with its annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza. Hosted at Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) and emceed by WPTV’s First Alert Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle, the festive affair drew in more than 2,500 guests who were immersed in a winter wonderland, enjoying meet-andgreets with Santa, live reindeer, spirited performances from local schools and, of course, the lighting of the 40-foot tree. In keeping with its nine-year tradition, those who arrived with a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Spirit of Giving were provided free admission, and more than 2,000 toys were donated to the nonprofit’s annual gift drive. The event also raised more than $8,000 for the Junior League of Boca Raton, along with nearly $1,000 raised for CPG Cares, a nonprofit launched last year by CP Group to support local charities. Boca magazine was honored to serve as the event’s exclusive magazine sponsor; WPTV was the exclusive TV sponsor.

1: Lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree

2: Victoria Matthews, Kim Sapashe, Fran Nachlas, Nicole Flier

3: Jon Kaye, Randy Colman, Michael Pierce

4: Angelo Bianco, Ken Lebersfeld

5: Angelo Bianco, Marci Woodward, Vice Mayor Yvette Drucker, Mayor Scott Singer, Council Members Fran Nachlas, Mark Wigder, Andy Thomson (with his children), Steve Weagle

6: Sal Saldaña, Laura Malone, Bob Tucker, Troy McLellan, Steve Weagle, Bonnie Kaye

7: Arlene Herson, Bob Tucker, Linda Nigro

8: Alex Welsh, Nikki Stelzer, Daniele Muvuti

9: Nikki Stelzer, Angelo Bianco, Lindy Harvey, Victoria Matthews, Steve Weagle

10: April and Jerad Hanlon

11: Giana Pacinelli, Lindy Harvey

12: Elna Farris, Dr. Gena Pineda, Michelle Olson-Rogers

MAYORS BALL

WHERE: Boca West Country Club

WHAT: TheMayors Ball welcomed more than 300 guests to Boca West Country Club to honor the contributions made by extraordinary members of the community.

Presented by Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton Fund, the theme of Mayors Ball celebrated Boca’s upcoming centennial and a “century of growth, giving and greatness.”

The lavish gala raised more than $150,000 to benefit local nonprofits as guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, live music and dancing. Arlene Herson served as honorary chair of the festivities, with Erin Guy and David Small serving as emcees. Those honored at the Mayors Ball included Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce CEO Troy McLellan, who received the George Long Award; Susan Whelchel Award winner Lindy Harvey, executive director of Spirit of Giving; J.C. Mitchell Award winner Bill Mitchell; and Holli Rockwell Trubinsky, who won the Addison Mizner Award. Sponsors included ADT, Boca magazine, Cristino Fine Jewelry and many more.

1: Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer

2: Amy Kemp, Rebecca Cullen

3: State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, Boca Raton City Council Member Fran Nachlas

4: Kim Champion, Bruce Spizler

5: Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce

6: Arlene Herson, Holli Rockwell Trubinsy, Jeff Weber

7: Jeff Weber, Troy McLellan, Arlene Herson

8: Peter Sachs, Palm Beach County

Mayor Maria Sachs, Christine Lynn, Boca Raton City Council Member Marc Wigder

9: Arlene Herson, Lindy Harvey, Jeff Weber

10: Arlene Herson, Bill Mitchell, Jeff Weber

February 2025 issue. Vol. 45 No. 2. 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: 561/9978683. 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 oneand 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.

Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center

Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center

ARI AXELROD

FOR COMMUNITY, TODAY AND ALWAYS

Sunrise Sunset; My Year in Anatevka Music Director, Lawrence Yurman

Wednesday, February 26, 7:30 pm

The Story So Far and What Comes Next

Joe Scarborough former United States Congressman, and co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe

Through Create a Jewish Legacy, you can leave a lasting legacy with a planned gift or endowment. Call today to learn how you can ensure the Jewish organizations you value will thrive for future generations.

Thursday, February 27, 2:00 pm

February 20, 2025 4 pm, Kaye Auditorium Florida Atlantic, Boca Raton fauevents.com 561-297-6124

For questions, please contact Lottie Nilsen at 561-852-3109 or lottien@bocafed.org or visit jjcf.planningyourlegacy.org/cjl

Alan B. and Charna Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency 2025 The Presidency After the 2024 Election:

Featuring all the songs you know and love from A Fiddler on the Roof, “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Rich Man,” “Miracle of Miracles,” and some gems you might have missed. Join Ari as he relives his unprecedented year in Anatevka, which was simultaneously taking place during an unprecedented year for Jews around the world in the wake of October 7th.

Call 561-922-8287 or visit levisjcc.org/performingarts

Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus • 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton, FL 33428 561-558-2520 • levisjcc.org/sandler

Marie Speed

Love, Actually

Learning what love really means can take a lifetime

Written by MARIE SPEED

Ican remember the exact moment years ago at my first job standing by the elevator on Valentine’s Day at the close of business. Men in suits filed into the elevator with briefcases in one hand and bouquets of flowers in the other that they would give to their wives when they walked in the door. I was in between boyfriends back then and just this side of tragic as I rode down to the first floor. There would be no Valentine for me that year, and it was, quite simply, the end of the world.

Now, so many years later, my idea of love has grown well past cards and candy, flowers and diamonds. I see now that a simple boy-meets-girl plot is only a small part of the mysterious enveloping force that informs all the good things in life: the birth of children, social movements that stave off poverty and starvation, even the tiny moments when one person helps another cross the street or pay a grocery bill.

The death of my big brother Barry last fall only made this epic notion of love larger; I have never felt the ground underneath me shift like that. Before that, he was just the skinny boy with a flat top who was always there, the one who walked me home from school, who watched Disney with me on Sunday nights, who always picked me to be on his baseball team when we were getting up a game in the neighborhood—even when I was too little to make first base.

I remember the Christmas Eve when we were kids and our little sister started asking about Santa Claus. I was pretty sure I knew the truth, but I asked Barry what I should say. He said that there was, of course, a Santa Claus, and what were we thinking? The next morning—Christmas Day—we woke up to a foot of snow on the ground. Barry told us he thought Santa had come and we should go look outside. When we tromped into our perfect suburban backyard, there were hundreds of deer prints in the snow. Our jaws dropped. Reindeer. These were Santa’s reindeer tracks in our very backyard, and we knew what that meant.

He was the annoying teenager with braces who teased me beyond reason, and the one who went away to college and Vietnam and then came home all those years later a stranger—with a wife. He tormented me the way only big brothers know how to do—but he was the first to show up if I was afraid, or if someone had hurt me.

Santa would live again another year. I learned months later that my brother had painstakingly made those tracks in the snow with my father’s letter opener, which had a deer hoof as its handle. That was love, of course, and the kind of thing he did all of his life. At his memorial service, his children recalled that Friday nights were pizza nights, that he made Halloween a larger-than-life production every single year, that he showed up for them in every aspect of their lives. His wife told me later that he delivered Christmas cards by hand to every house in the neighborhood, ringing each doorbell, wishing each one of his neighbors a Merry Christmas.

There were so many things like that that I never really knew about him, even though I had known him longer than had his wife or his children. Even though there was no childhood memory that wasn’t woven around him.

Looking back, my idea of love has grown yet again, far larger than before: Having a big brother had been the gift of a lifetime. And I had never really known it. Rein

Barry and Marie Speed as children

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.