DELRAY Magazine November/December 2023

HOLIDAY ADVENTURES:

THE PLACES YOU’LL GO…

COVER DELRAY FINAL ND23.indd 3

DELRAY REPORT:

HOW WE’RE GROWING

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contents november/december 2023

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68 26

10 editor’s letter

It’s easy to wax nostalgic about the bygone Delray.

But with a citywide renaissance on the horizon, our beloved village’s best days may still be to come.

BY MARIE SPEED

13 hot list

The city’s events manager discusses making magical memories in Delray, the Spady Museum crosses “Thresholds,” and the 100-Foot Christmas Tree is ready to get lit. Plus, a puff piece on a favorite cigar bar, an omakase restaurant that’s manna for sushi lovers, and more.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

19 snapshots

The Morikami drummed up interest in its festive Obon weekend, the Seagate presented a lavish Labor Day extravaganza, and Open Hearts for Orphans hosted a floral fundraiser.

20 top 5/calendar

This issue’s A&E highlights include a metalsmith whose wearable sculptures contain multitudes, a gravel-voiced disciple of Muddy Waters, and a solo play from Elizabeth Taylor’s stage daughter. Plus, “Beetlejuice” and “Mean Girls” on Broadway, a David Bowie tribute and much more.

BY JOHN THOMASON

26 style

Spruce up your holiday table—and maybe your bedroom, foyer and patio too—with these yuletide selections from local retailers.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON BRISTOL

4

32 up close

Meet two Delray individuals who achieved national recognition over the past year: a soccer coach with a lifelong dedication to special-needs kids, and a civically engaged business owner whose Hub made history.

BY JOHN THOMASON

79 out & about

This past season, a classic car show motored into Old School Square, and JARC members enjoyed axe throwing and cocktails at Delray’s favorite adult playground.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

83 dining guide

38 dine

Drift is Delray seaside dining at its best—in a stylish and contemporary space at the Opal Grand.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

Our review-driven dining guide showcases great restaurants in Delray and beyond.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

88 community

40 holiday drinks

connection

Toast the season with three varieties of drinkable desserts.

Thanks to the Spirit of Giving Network, the philanthropic Rea family ensures that some 7,000 underserved Delray children get to open presents this season.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

62 delray update

BY RICH POLLACK

In a region where change is the only constant, local leaders sound off on developments in Delray’s most evolving areas—from Atlantic Crossing to Sundy Village to The Set—and how the city is managing its unprecedented growth.

BY RANDY SCHULTZ

68 are you experienced?

With increasing numbers of consumers favoring experiences over physical products, our holiday gift guide is a trip—to Disney and Miami, to a ski resort and a national park, to a cabin in the woods and a buzzworthy spa.

BY JOHN THOMASON

Cover photo by Organic Moments Photography courtesy of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation

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when it comes to style, never settle for less

designer evening wear mother of the bride special occasion day dresses resort casual accessories no appointments taken

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MUSIC | ART GALLERY | COMEDY | THEATRE VOLUNTEERING | ARTS EDUCATION

group editor-in-chief marie speed managing editor john thomason web editor tyler childress senior art director lori pierino production manager rafael quiñones photographer aaron bristol contributing writers christie galeano-demott, margie kaye (promotional writing), rich pollack, randy schultz director of advertising and marketing nicole ruth advertising consultants daisy abreu, karen kintner, bruce klein jr., jenna russo special projects manager gail eagle

ArtsGarage.org 94 NE 2nd Ave. Delray Beach, FL 561-450-6357

customer services/video editor david shuff

561/997-8683 (ph) • 561/997-8909 (fax) 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103 Boca Raton, FL 33487 bocamag.com editor@bocamag.com (editorial) publishers of Boca Raton Delray Beach Mizner’s Dream Worth Avenue Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual Delray Beach magazine is published five times a year by JES Media. The entire contents of Delray Beach magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Delray Beach magazine accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. Delray Beach magazine reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for products. Please refer to corporate masthead.

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SERVICES DIRECTORY Delray Beach magazine is published five times a year, with bi-monthly issues in-season and combined issues in the summertime. If you have any questions or comments regarding our magazine, call us at 561/997-8683. We’d love to hear from you.

[ subscription, copy purchasing and distribution ]

For any changes or questions regarding your subscription, to purchase back issues, or inquire about distribution points, ask for our subscriptions department at 877/553-5363.

[ advertising resources ]

Take advantage of Delray Beach’s prime advertising space—put your ad dollars to work in our award-winning publication. For more information, contact our sales department (nicole@bocamag.com).

[ custom publishing ]

Create a magazine tailored to fit the needs and character of your business/organization. Ideal for promotions, special events, introduction of new services and/or locations, etc. Contact Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com).

[ story queries/web queries ]

Delray Beach magazine values the concerns and interests of our readers. Story queries for the print version of Delray Beach should be submitted by email to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com) or John Thomason (john. thomason@bocamag.com). Submit information/queries regarding our website to tyler@bocamag.com. We try to respond to all queries, but due to the large volume that we receive, this may not be possible.

[ letters ]

Your thoughts and comments are important to us. All letters to the editor may be edited for style, grammar and length. We reserve the right to withhold any letters deemed inappropriate for publication. Send letters to the address listed below, or to Marie Speed (editor@bocamag.com).

2 great locations: downtown and the beach

[ calendar ]

Where to go, what to do and see in Delray Beach. Please submit information regarding fundraisers, art openings, plays, readings, concerts, dance or other performances to managing editor John Thomason (john.thomason@bocamag.com). Deadline for entries in an upcoming calendar section is three months before publication (e.g., to list an event in March/April, submit info by December 20).

[ dining guide ]

Our independent reviews of restaurants in Delray Beach.

A fine, reliable resource for residents and tourists. For more information, contact Marie Speed.

[ out & about ]

A photo collage of social gatherings and events in Delray Beach. All photos submitted should be clearly identified and accompanied by a brief description of the event (who, what, where, when); photos will not be returned. Email images to people@bocamag.com. Or mail photos to: “Out & About” Delray Beach magazine 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103 Boca Raton, FL 33487

november/december 2023

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2021 CHARLIE AWARDS charlie award (first place) best public service coverage best in-depth reporting best feature best service feature best humor writing best column best photo essay/series best advertorial best overall: digital innovator

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november/december 2023

[ editor’s letter ] B Y M A R I E S P E E D

Taking Stock of Tomorrow It’s time to look ahead—and savor what’s in store

T

he other day I went to Bedner’s for corn and tomatoes and maybe that frozen conch chowder from Islamorada. And then straight to Captain Frank’s for (hopefully) pumpkin swordfish.

It was a typical Saturday morning in Delray, which, for me, wasn’t all that typical because so many of the places I used to have on the Saturday circuit are gone now. Like Hand’s for cocktail napkins (and a million other things) or the Delray Newsstand or even Mr. Penney’s for greens way back in the day. But it felt good, pulling my wallet out for small businesses I loved. I don’t find myself walking down Atlantic Avenue that much anymore—and I miss that.

So, tucking nostalgia away, I loved reading Randy Schultz’s “status report” in this issue (page 62) on all the new developments either underway or on the horizon.

For me, the story was an early Christmas present. I admit to perpetually losing myself to the way things were, but this update only confirmed that the new things coming to Delray are, mostly, very good things. Old School Square slowly emerging from stagnation and politics, Congress Avenue coming alive, the Sundy House neighborhood being reshaped into a viable mixed-use development with an intention to preserve its charm. Although I still think Atlantic Crossing is oversized, I grudgingly admit that I am starting to see its potential.

There will be a Doc’s milkshake in my future.

And maybe it’s the time of year, too, when dinner hour downtown is that dusky shade of violet and the Avenue’s lights twinkle on as people walk the tree-lined sidewalks. Holiday decorations are going up, the Christmas tree lighting is only a few weeks away and, forgive me for being unromantic, but thank god we still have those building height restrictions. If you didn’t know better, you might even think we live in that small town we used to call a village.

It’s like that old Faulkner quote people keep dredging up: “The past is never dead; it’s not even past”—an idea I have decided to apply to this season. I want to give Delray Beach its past but also the benefit of the doubt as it barrels its way through the growth spurt defining all of South Florida. I am going to drift through all the memories, but I want to come out the other side and see what’s new—what’s new to love, what’s new to welcome.

It’s the spirit of the season.

FIVE (MORE) THINGS I LOVE ABOUT DELRAY [ 1 ] The Porch Bar at The Colony [ 2 ] Breakfast at Sande’s [ 3 ] Freebee rides [ 4 ] Ryan Boylston [ 5 ] The holiday boat parade

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9/28/23 2:54 PM

204 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444 • 561.272.6654 1185 Third Street South, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.643.8900 Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod, MA 02649 • 508.477.3900

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hot list

Holiday Cheers

This holiday season, we’re celebrating worry-free dining,a new exhibit at one of the city’s cultural gems, winter wonder returning to Old School Square and more.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS november/december 2023

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The carousel at Old School Square

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NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH

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[ hot list ] THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM PRESENTS “THRESHOLDS”

The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum tells the stories of life’s milestones—birth, death, marriage and more—through African artifacts curated from the museum’s own collection and special artifacts from the Kay Crawford Collection and the Dr. Cecil Jonas Collection. From beaded jewelry from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe that serve as part of a rite of passage for tribal youth and fertility figurines for birth rituals to Baga snakes that beckon a healthy harvest, each artifact was carefully selected to represent the cultural importance of life’s many “thresholds.” “Many of the ceremonies and rituals symbolized by the artifacts in this exhibit made their way to the Americas and are practiced in new ways. Our exploration of the old and its implementation in new ways is part of the practice of Sankofa—looking back as we move forward,” says Museum Director Charlene Farrington. “Thresholds” is on display at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum through Dec. 26. 170 N.W. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; 561/279-8883; spadymuseum.com “Thresholds” at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

LEAVE IT TO THE CHEF

AARON BRISTOL

Dining has become a lot less stressful thanks to Taki Omakase on Atlantic Avenue. For those easily overwhelmed by menus long enough to shame “War and Peace,” omakase is the perfect dining option. Loosely translated to “I’ll leave it up to you,” omakase takes all the decision-making out of dinner by letting experienced chefs meticulously craft meals right in front of you. At Taki, that means sushi and more sushi. While not all of the 18 courses of the tasting menu consisted of raw fish (we tried some incredible seared Wagyu), Taki definitely puts its fresh imported fish front and center, much to our delight. Be sure to save room for dessert! 632 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/759-7362; takiomakase.com

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Delray’s Southern Handcraft Society is celebrating 30 years of hand-crafted creations with another showing of the city’s largest and longest-running art show. This year is shaping up to be even bigger and better, with more than 65 local artists and crafters bringing their unique, holidaythemed works of art for purchase. Items include jewelry, cards, shell art, woodwork and much more. Admission is free, and the show will take place at the Fieldhouse at Old School Square on Nov. 16-18.

Old School Square Tree Lighting and Yuletide Street Fair When do the holidays officially begin? For retail stores it’s the first of November, for bargain hunters it’s Black Friday, and for most it’s around Dec. 21, when we begin our Christmas shopping. But in Delray, the holidays start as soon as the city flips the switch on its 100-foot Christmas tree at Old School Square.

The iconic paean to holiday cheer will light up for its 30th year on Nov. 28 during a ceremony that will double as this year’s Yuletide Street Fair, featuring food trucks, more than 60 vendors and three entertainment stages. This year’s tree lighting looks to be bigger than ever for guests to welcome the holidays with food, music, crafts and more.

ORGNAINC MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY

AN OLDE FASHIONED HOLIDAY ART AND CRAFT SHOW

DELRAY’S GREENMARKET RETURNS We’ve been counting down the days since May and can finally announce the return of Delray’s Winter GreenMarket. Back for its 28th year, the city’s GreenMarket has us once again turning the cold shoulder to the neighborhood Publix in favor of the freshest locally sourced goods. More than 65 local vendors are bringing their farm-to-fork produce, artisan cheeses and jams, farm-fresh eggs and gourmet fare to the open-air market, so keep those Saturday mornings open and make your way over to Old School Square for a relaxing stroll. We guarantee you won’t leave hungry.

DELRAY AFTER DARK: SMOKE INN STYLE

While Atlantic Avenue is the undisputed party destination in Delray, sometimes we find ourselves looking for a more low-key, less populated night out, and it’s on these nights that Smoke Inn is the perfect place to be.

Located off-Avenue, this cigar bar has earned a reputation among those with discerning tastes, and it’s easy to see why. The vibe couldn’t be more laid back, with high-back leather chairs, flat-screen TVs lining the lounge and a covered patio for al fresco seating. But where Smoke Inn truly stands out is its selection of more than 600 premium cigar brands housed in the pristine environment of its walk-in humidor, which is touted as the largest in Florida.

And for those always in search of the perfect pairing, the bar’s knowledgeable staff has just the right craft cocktail to sip while you smoke. Pro tip: Visit on Friday or Saturday night for live tunes. 202 N.E. Sixth Ave., Delray Beach; 561/819-1212, smokeinndelray.com

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[ hot list ]

SPOTLIGHT:

DANIELLE BEARDSLEY

T

hough Delray is now often identified with its biggest events, when Danielle Beardsley joined the Parks and Recreation Department as event coordinator 24 years ago, the city had far fewer of them. “We had fewer events back then, and it was just me,” recalls Beardsley, whose team has grown to three in recent years as the department takes on the organization of some of the city’s biggest festivals, from Pride Fest and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the upcoming lighting of Delray’s 100-foot Christmas tree, which is celebrating its 30th year.

While Delray’s events have grown bigger and bolder throughout Beardsley’s tenure, her favorite to organize is one of the smaller ones, the Amazing Delray Beach Challenge. “The teams travel around the city, and at different locations they have to perform a silly challenge,” says Beardsley. “We’re constantly changing and creating and researching and testing out, and it’s just a lot of fun to put together.”

For Beardsley, having a hand in crafting some of the city’s most beloved events has been the perfect creative outlet. “I think being able to be creative in events has kept me here so long,” says Beardsley. “I’m a creative person, and I don’t get bored in this job. It allows me to be creative and change things up from year to year.”

Her favorite thing to do in Delray: “I like going to Arts Garage and Silverball and then eating dinner on the Ave every once in a while.”

Her favorite place to eat on the Ave: “Rack’s Fish House on Second [Avenue], but you can’t go wrong at any restaurant downtown.”

What makes Delray special to her: “I like the variety. There’s something to do for everyone— lots of activities, events, anything you could want or participate in is in Delray Beach.”

Her perfect Delray Sunday: “Probably just relaxing at the beach, not thinking about work, not thinking about bills.”

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Danielle Beardsley

AARON BRISTOL

Favorite Delray event: “Concerts at Arts Garage. I know it’s not a big special event, but that seems to be my favorite.”

november/december 2023

9/29/23 8:42 AM

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snapshots

AUSTEN WALDRON

ETHAN DANGERWING.

Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) launched its annual Adopt-A-Class and Adopt-A-Program initiatives as a way for locals to provide supplies and funding for students throughout the school year. Pictured: ACCF Drumline, funded through the Adopt-A-Program initiative.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens celebrated Obon Weekend with live taiko drumming, Pan-Asian cuisine, garden strolls, bon altars, floating lanterns and more. Pictured: Obon drummers at Morikami.

Palm Health Foundation and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties provided two grants totaling $75,000 to support programming at The Spady Cultural Heritage Musem that addresses youth mental health and wellness in the community. Pictured: Museum Educator Edward Stinson (right) gives a tour.

Delray’s Seagate Hotel celebrated a long laborless weekend with a decadent brunch at the Atlantic Grille, a soothing sunrise yoga class on the beach, and a Parrot Bay rum tasting. Pictured: Fried chicken and waffle with homemade herb butter from Atlantic Grille.

Delray-based nonprofit Open Hearts for Orphans coordinated with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce for its first “Festival Days” event. Guests enjoyed sips and beautiful floral arrangements, with all proceeds going toward providing resources for orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children. Pictured: Janice Williams assembling a bouquet.

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[ calendar ] B Y J O H N T H O M A S O N

Top 5

From the blues to Beetlejuice, the holidays are popping with exciting arts events

Lurrie Bell

Ann F. Talman: “Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile”

“Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder”

November/December 2023 [5]

[4]

[3]

Lurrie Bell

“Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder”

“Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile”

WHEN: Nov. 18, 8 p.m.

WHERE: Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach COST: $40-$45 CONTACT: 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org In the mid-1960s, then 5-year-old Chicago native Lurrie Bell picked up his first guitar, and he’s seldom put one down since. Bell was born into his city’s legendary blues culture—his father, Carey Bell, played harmonica for the Muddy Waters Band. Bell was still a teenager when he joined Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine in the 1970s, and made his recording debut on his father’s 1977 album Heartaches and Pain. Bell would experience these emotions himself in a turbulent 1980s, in which he battled emotional problems and substance abuse. He’s been most prolific since he overcame them, releasing 10 albums since 1997, including his latest, Can’t Shake This Feeling, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2017. Indeed, the exuberant 64-year-old singer-guitarist is a gravel-voiced keeper of the flame for blues traditions that predate his mentorship under Muddy Waters, fostering a sound that can be scorching and tender in equal measure.

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WHEN: Dec. 2-March 10 WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach COST: $15-$18 museum admission CONTACT: 561/832-5196, norton.org Influenced by Roland Barthes’ quote that photographs offer “certificates of presence”—proof that moments, people and places, captured for posterity, actually existed—this wide-ranging exhibition of 20th century photography celebrates the art form’s unique ability to provide “presence” across styles ranging from landscapes and portraits to surrealism and street photography.

Judy Glickman Lauder, herself an accomplished photographer and wife of the nonagenarian cosmetics heir Leonard Lauder, has amassed one of the nation’s most esteemed photography collections, and “Presence” is a dynamic journey, divided into four themed sections, through the image-makers that compel her. Many of photography’s household names—Richard Avedon, Dorothea Lange, Edward Steichen, Nan Goldin, Gordon Parks—are showcased among less familiar artists, for a total of nearly 110 works, which, remarkably, only constitute a fifth of Lauder’s entire collection.

WHEN: Dec. 11-14 WHERE: Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach COST: $45-$55 CONTACT: 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com A multihyphenate drawn to show business like a magnet, Ann Talman is an actor, singer, storyteller and documentary filmmaker with nearly 45 years of credits. But it was her first “break” in the business that helped spur a lifelong friendship—and inspire the show that’s touring Delray Beach Playhouse in December. In 1981, just two years out of college, Talman was cast in the Broadway revival of “The Little Foxes” as the daughter to Elizabeth Taylor’s southern belle.

Talman maintained a close relationship with her “stage mom” over the next three decades, amassing plenty of humorous and poignant memories in the process. She’s compiled many of them in her hit cabaret production “Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile,” in which she performs favorite Broadway and Songbook standards while dishing on Taylor’s many nuptial adventures, the opportunity to wear Taylor’s jewelry to a gala, and much more. The show recently received the 2023 Bistro Award for Outstanding Musical Memoir. november/december 2023

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MATTHEW MURPHY

“Beetlejuice”

[2]

[1]

“Beetlejuice”

“Stories on the Planet: Jewelry of Asagi Maeda”

WHEN: Dec. 19-24 WHERE: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach COST: TBA CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org If we haven’t yet reached peak Gen-X nostalgia, this musical adaptation of Tim Burton’s cult comedy moves us one step closer up the mountain. But unlike other reboots of cherished 1980s entertainment, this ghoulish horror-comedy seems perfectly attuned to its new format: Its title character, a scheming and maniacal bio-exorcist jonesing for a good time, is tailored for the footlights. As in the film, Beetlejuice is summoned by a newly deceased couple that only in death discover a zest for life; perhaps, with the help of their crazy-haired, stripe-suited fiend, they can have some fun haunting the absent father and morose little girl now inhabiting their former home. Joining, of course, the Jamaican classic “Day-O” is a slate of fresh songs from Australian musical comedian Eddie Perfect, and a script that updates the 1988 original with a flurry of contemporary popculture references. Its Broadway tour arrives in West Palm Beach less than a year after its January closure in New York, a run that earned eight Tony nominations.

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WHEN: Nov. 4-April 4 WHERE: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach COST: $9-$15 CONTACT: 561/995-0233, morikami.org There is jewelry, and then there are the wearable sculptures of Asagi Maeda, a metalsmith whose creations often resemble Rube Goldberg structures, apartment interiors, even entire cityscapes, while doubling as rings, necklaces and earrings. It’s hard to imagine a piece of impact jewelry more voluminous than “Stories on the Planet,” the ambitious necklace that gives this exhibition its name, which portrays no less than 32 cities on 28 countries on eight removable brooches. Graduated towers of sterling silver, capped by gemstones, rise up from the base of her chunky “City Ring,” while her “What’s In Your Shopping Bag?” earrings, shaped like the titular accessory, contain all manner of whimsical “purchases” inside—sweets from a confectionery, a stuffed panda, a pair of ballet slippers, an engagement ring.

You may well need a magnifying glass to examine every element of her detail-rich sculptures, but the Morikami will no doubt provide an exceptional space to view these singularly inventive works.

“Stories on the Planet: Jewelry of Asagi Maeda” at the Morikami

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[ calendar ] B Y J O H N T H O M A S O N

November/December 2023 Now-Nov. 12:

Now-Nov. 19:

Nov. 8:

Nov. 10:

“Murder on the Orient Express” at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter; various show times; $68 and up; 561/5752223, jupitertheatre.org. A delectable whodunit conceived by the genre’s signature voice, Agatha Christie’s “Murder” offers a corpse and a bevy of eccentric suspects on a train barreling from the Middle East to London, with one impressively mustached detective tasked with solving the crime. The stage version will be brought to life by comic playwright Ken Ludwig.

“Past Lives: Performance Art Through the Camera” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15$18 museum admission; 561/8325196, norton.org. Danger and unpredictability often have been central to performance art, along with a blurring of the distinctions between avant-garde theatre and the visual arts. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore work by prominent performance artists of the past 30 years that have been preserved on camera and on video.

Morikami Book Club at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; noon; free for Morikami members; 561/495-0233, morikami. org. At November’s Book Club meeting, members will discuss Okakura Kakuzo’s enormously influential The Book of Tea, originally published in 1906, in which the author explored this communal and connective beverage through visits to metropolises around the world.

Tito Puente Jr. at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. The son of legendary mambo musician Tito Puente—and a South Florida resident—carries on his father’s legacy through his music and repertoire. The Billboard Music Award winner’s latest album, Got Mambo?, features a bevy of guest stars singing alongside Puente’s exuberant and precise Latin percussion rhythms.

“Past Lives”

Tito Puente, Jr.

The Slackers

Dec. 2:

Dec. 2-3:

Dec. 5-10:

Dec. 8-24:

Elvis: In Person at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Matt Stone—not the “South Park” Matt Stone, it should be noted—will endeavor to show the audience why he is ranked as one of Graceland’s Top 10 Elvis tribute artists worldwide. Possessing the irrepressible verve and vocal panache of the young Presley, the 19-year-old Florida native also dresses the part, and he’s backed by a full band.

Downtown Delray Beach Art Festival on East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free; 561/746-6615, artfestival. com. This 23rd-annual tradition on the Avenue will feature artists offering their creations in mediums including glass, photography, painting, mixed media, fiber, jewelry and more, presented in a lively outdoor gallery, at prices to meet any budget.

“Mean Girls” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; tickets TBA; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. The 2004 cult comedy, about a naïve, African-raised teenager who moves to Chicago and clashes with her new school’s reign of “Plastics,” receives its musical-theatre reboot courtesy of Kravis on Broadway. Eighteen songs transform a 97-minute film into a two-and-a-half-hour stage spectacle, with Tina Fey herself penning its punchy and much-praised dialogue.

“The Messenger” at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; various show times; $84; 561/514-4042, palmbeachdramaworks.org. This world-premiere, multi-character monologue by Jenny Connell Davis is inspired by Georgia Gabor, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who shared her traumatic story in a 1981 memoir. Davis weaves Gabor’s harrowing insights into a contemporary narrative that explores free speech in schools and anti-AAPI violence.

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Nov. 14:

Nov. 16:

Nov. 18-19:

Nov. 24-Dec. 10:

The Slackers at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $20-$25; 561/832-9999, sub-culture.org/respectable-street.

Staples of the third-wave ska revival since 1991, New York City’s Slackers have married the genre’s danceable island heritage with ample doses of dub, soul, jazz and even garage rock music for a winning and distinctive formula. The band is touring behind its 15th album, 2022’s Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya, the group’s first LP to make the Billboard charts.

“Space Oddity: The David Bowie Musical Experience” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $25 and up; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Frontman and masterful Bowie mimic David Brighton performs this eclectic tribute to the late glam rocker. Backed by a full band, Brighton tours audiences on a multimedia concert through Bowie’s many stylistic and sonic metamorphoses, complete with costume changes.

Downtown West Palm Beach Art Festival at The Square in downtown West Palm Beach; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free; 561/746-6615, artfestival. com. This 13th-annual fine art bonanza welcomes local and national sculptors, painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelry designers and other artists, who set up in outdoor tents in one of the urban meccas of the Palm Beaches.

“She Loves Me” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; tickets TBA; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. In a show that would join “The Shop Around The Corner” to inspire the romcom “You’ve Got Mail,” Jerry Bock’s musical “She Loves Me” centers on rival shop clerks at a 1930s European perfumery who, unbeknownst to each other, exchange lonely-hearts club letters and discover different sides of themselves.

Belladivas

“Space Oddity”

New World Symphony

“Tevye in New York!”

Dec. 10:

Dec. 11:

Dec. 13:

Dec. 21-Jan. 7:

“A Very Diva Christmas” at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org.

Minnesota’s vocal trio Belladivas, backed by a four-piece band, perform holiday favorites in a wide range of genres, including pop, R&B, disco, rock, country and jazz—from Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters to the Jackson 5 and Mariah Carey— complete with multiple wardrobes and witty banter.

New World Symphony at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; admission TBA; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. The Miami-based orchestra will perform Gustav Miller’s Symphony No. 6, an orchestral masterpiece praised for both its lyrical beauty and percussive thunder and nicknamed Mahler’s “Tragic” symphony, in its 80-minute entirety, marking the beginning of the first full season for new NWS Artistic Director Stéphane Denève.

Morikami Book Club at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; noon; free for Morikami members; 561/495-0233, morikami. org. At December’s Book Club meeting, members will discuss Dave Barry Does Japan, in which the famed Miami-based humorist ventures to the far-east country for culture shock, language lessons, a geisha wedding, bad karaoke and more.

“Tevye in New York!” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $44; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. This oneman show by Tom Dugan (writer and performer of “Wiesenthal”) imagines a future for the dairyman protagonist of “Fiddler on the Roof,” conceiving a sequel in which Tevye and his family arrive on Ellis Island in 1914.

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Pillow, $309, candle, $150, water hyacinth ball, $20, white serving tray, $459, all from Clive Daniel; coral candle holder, $149, whitewashed lantern, $395 for set of two, sea glass float, $42, oyster shell ornaments, $35 each, driftwood garland, $48, throw, $153, all from Our Boat House; teak bowl, $20, from Vee Merklen

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Starfish napkin ring, $72 (set of 4), napkin, $96 (set of 4), votives, $9.50 each, tray, $128, all from Spice; bone inlay box, $407, sea glass float, $45, float with netting, $42 each, sea glass beads, $195, cobalt beads, $235, mussel shell bowl, $198, clamshell dip bowl, $42, throw, $153, all from Our Boat House; white bowl, $21, from Vee Merklen; hexagon tray, $75, from Clive Daniel

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Michael Aram dish, $70, and double dish with tray, $195, silver coral sculpture, $80, silver enigma bowl, $190, beaded ostrich egg, $95, sea glass ball, $29, steel ball, $39, sea glass crackle ball, $19, all from Clive Daniel; silver vase, $48, from Spice; sea glass floats, $45 each, from Our Boat House, wallpaper from Vee Merklen

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CLIVE DANIEL, 1351 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton, 561/861-3256, clivedaniel.com OUR BOAT HOUSE, 2050 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach, 561/245-8192, ourboathouse.com SPICE, 521 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/562-8869 VEE MERKLEN INTERIOR DESIGN, 800 Palm Trail, Suite 3, Delray Beach, 561/542-8848, veemerklen.com

Clamshell dip bowl, $42, driftwood garland, $48, both from Our Boat House; pearl napkin ring, $56 (set of 4), napkins, $96 (set of 4), both from Spice; soup bowl, $39, dessert plate, $39, dinner plate, $48, beverage glass, $10, all from Clive Daniel; wood bowl with lid, $140, leaf wall art, $600, Wabi round glass tray, $239, throw $266 all from Vee Merklen

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STYLIST/ART DIRECTOR: LORI PIERINO delray beach magazine

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[ up close ] B Y J O H N T H O M A S O N

Lin Hurley

A special-needs soccer coach earns national recognition

O

n a bureau in the living room of Lin Hurley’s Delray Beach home sit the usual family mementos—a photo album, framed pictures of kids and grandkids and beloved pets.

But over the past year, new additions have joined this menagerie of memories, each more prestigious than the last.

There’s an award recognizing Hurley as the statewide winner of Coach of the Year for her contributions to TOPSoccer, which provides soccer facilities and instruction for children with special needs.

There’s also a wood plaque honoring Hurley as the 2022 TOPSoccer coach for the entire Southeast region.

And there’s a glass statuette, as heavy as a free weight and topped by a frosted-glass soccer ball, representing her most recent award: National TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, which she received Oscars-style, complete with an acceptance speech, at a ceremony in Philadelphia. A month later, she received a formal proclamation for her achievements from the City of Boca Raton; that’s framed on the bureau too.

For Hurley, as humble a person as you’re likely to meet, the snowball

and these children, they all were institutionalized, and all with special needs,” Hurley recalls. “And I just fell in love. I knew that God had a plan for me.”

Hurley attended University of South Florida in Tampa, earning a degree in Special Education, and upon graduating she taught developmentally disabled students, mostly with Down syndrome, at J.C. Mitchell Elementary in Boca. Later, she started a program at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County that provided after-school field trips—from polo fields to swimming pools to a Publix warehouse—for special-needs kids.

After taking a break to raise her four children, Hurley discovered TOPSoccer Boca Raton at the organization’s 2000 inception, and has been an integral part of its seasons (from January through March at University Woodlands Park) ever since. (She also taught elementary school—instructing non-special-needs 3- and 4-year-olds—for 20 years, retiring in 2021.)

In the all-volunteer position, she works alongside fellow-coaches and “buddies”—local high schoolers who bond with and assist the players for community service hours. The program has blossomed to 150 players across 18 teams.

“I think love is really important, having that love for them. And patience. I have lots of patience, always have—God gave me that. I have faults, but impatience isn’t one of them.” effect has been surreal, and when asked why she received such accolades, she demurs. “I’ve been coaching for 24 years,” she says. “Never in a million years” did she expect to be showered with such admiration from her community, her colleagues and the TOPSoccer brass. But Vic Nocera, director of TOPSoccer Boca Raton, is happy to toot Hurley’s horn.

“She’s got a heart of gold,” he says. “She loves the special-needs community. … All the kids she teaches love her. She’s easy to approach and makes everything fun. We’re honored to have her as our coach.

“She’s modest; she said, ‘it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.’ I said, ‘listen, you deserve it. You earned it.’ … I couldn’t be more proud of her and her accomplishments. She’s a wonderful person inside and out.”

Hurley has been involved in the lives of special-needs youth since high school. At Boca Raton High, through her Juniorettes service club, Hurley “adopted” a girl at a psychiatric institution in Miami. She and a few fellowclub members would drive down monthly to spread some cheer in their adoptee’s life. This was in 1966, when terms like “mentally retarded” were still in vogue.

“I remember going into this huge room; it seemed like hundreds of beds,

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Hurley starts each game day with a group run, followed by obstacle courses, with ropes and cones, to engage the participants. Then come the modified soccer games, in which the sport’s typical rules do not apply.

“They keep trying to score goals, and basically that’s it.” Hurley says. “They don’t know anything about winning or losing. They think they win all the games. They’ll say, ‘did we win?’ I’ll say, ‘of course you won!’ Thanking the parents and the kids, I always make something special up about each one of them—maybe it’s ‘you’re a goal-scoring machine!’ A lot of it is being a cheerleader for them.”

Though long associated with Boca Raton, Hurley moved with her husband, Pat, to Delray Beach in 2015, in part to downsize. On the day of our conversation with Hurley, she and Pat were about to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary with dinner reservations at Jimmy’s Bistro.

A youthful 72, Lin shows no signs of slowing down her commitment to special-needs children. When asked to reflect on her aptitude for teaching this population, she says, “I think love is really important, having that love for them. And patience. I have a lot of patience, always have—God gave me that. I have faults, but impatience isn’t one of them.”

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AARON BRISTOL

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[ up close ] B Y J O H N T H O M A S O N

Gina Pierre

How the independent owner of Amazon Hub Delray navigated a tragic and transformative year—and made history

G

ina Pierre likes to think of her business, an Amazon Hub on 401 E. Atlantic Avenue, as “Cheers without the alcohol.”

“We know our customers by name,” she says. “We have a ‘bar’ (for socializing; no alcohol is sold) and people come, and they sit down, and we have conversations about all kinds of stuff.”

It is, indeed, her business: Though affiliated with the second-largest retailer in the world, the Hub is an independent store, largely free of corporate influence. When Pierre, 51, opened the business in May of 2020, she made history as the first African-American woman to run an independent Amazon Hub, which handles the e-giant’s pickups and returns and provides printing services, passport renewals, Virtual Mailboxes and community meeting space.

“It’s almost like a UPS Store but for Amazon,” as Pierre puts it.

Aside from aesthetic decisions regarding the design of the business, Amazon’s influence has been hands-off. “We’re pretty much on our own,”

ing jokes with us. He was fine. And the nurse said that his lungs filled up with fluid, and that it happened really fast.

“When we went to the hospital, it was like a Stephen King movie. All the nurses’ stations were empty … and you could hear patients screaming for help. And he was all the way at the end of the corridor. And we get there, and sure enough, it was him.”

Pierre describes 2020 as a year of “blood, sweat and tears,” one that also involved moving her business from one side of Atlantic to the other, all while servicing customers. This year, she says, is the first she’s been able to “chillax” since the pandemic.

Born in the Bahamas, reared in Miami from age 12, and educated at Florida A&M University, Pierre discovered Delray Beach when consulting for a construction management job, and was captured by the city’s “village by the sea” vibe. After moving here—she lives right atop the Amazon Hub—she became entrenched in charitable and civic life, attending Elders’

“I wasn’t expecting the award at all. It’s crazy , because I didn’t feel like we were making a milestone. ... For me, I’m just getting up and going to work.”

Pierre says. “It’s not like I get to collect a check and cash it every two weeks.

We have to decide, OK, is this working, or is this not working, and take it from there.”

As improbable as it might sound, Pierre was unfamiliar with Amazon until the early days of the pandemic, when her daughter Alycia was quarantining at home, and the smiling boxes started piling up outside their front door.

“I said, ‘what is this stuff?’ And she was like, ‘it’s Amazon, mom.’ … I was so oblivious to it; I was thinking trees out in Brazil somewhere. When I Googled it, I saw it was this huge online store. And so she was like, ‘mom, you should do Amazon.’ The Hubs were popping out throughout the country. … This was an opportunity for us to get in.”

So Pierre, who was then involved in construction management, went all in on the Hub, opening the essential business in a fraught time not only for retail but for Pierre’s personal life. She unexpectedly lost her father to COVID-19 in July of 2020.

“I remember getting a call around midnight,” she recalls. “I said, ‘you’ve got the wrong person, because I just talked to my dad;’ he was always crack-

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Table meetings on Thursdays, and giving away upwards of 50 bicycles for underserved children last Christmas.

Every Friday, KOP Mentoring, a local nonprofit, records a podcast in the Hub. At the time of this writing, Pierre is looking for sponsors to donate 100 of the Hub’s 500 Virtual Mailboxes to provide locals experiencing homelessness with a place to receive mail. “If I’m in a position where I can help, I’m going to help,” Pierre says.

Her work has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received a President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for being the first minority mother-daughter duo to own and operate an Amazon Hub. Alycia has been a part of things from day one, serving as junior manager. “I always tell people she’s the brains of the operation,” Pierre says. “She tells me what to do, and I do it. And I always tell people, it’s great to have a millennial in your pocket.”

Of the award, Pierre says, “I wasn’t expecting that at all. It’s crazy, because I didn’t feel like we were making a milestone. … For me, I’m just getting up and going to work.”

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AARON BRISTOL

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9/19/23 8:56 AM

[ dine ] B Y C H R I S T I E G A L E A N O - D E M O T T This page, grouper at Drift; opposite from top, maple and pomegranate Brussels sprouts, Drift burger, whipped Feta

DRIFT PARKING: Hotel valet, street parking HOURS: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

PRICES: $12-$52 WEBSITE: opalcollection.com/opal-grand/ restaurants/drift

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Drift

This stylish coastal restaurant at the Opal Grand is a crowd-pleaser

AARON BRISTOL

D

rift may be part of the Opal Grand Resort & Spa’s recent multimillion-dollar renovation, but its location is rooted in history. In different iterations, a hotel has embraced the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A for decades. Its first denizen, The Seacrest Hotel, debuted circa 1925. More recently, we remember it as the Holiday Inn and then the Marriott.

Even before stepping into Drift, the hotel’s makeover is front and center, its façade transforming from dated Mediterranean to a modern and clean island-inspired style. Once inside, the sophistication continues, with its lobby boasting whimsical, lush trees that seem to float in an illuminated pond, tony swinging chairs and a lively lobby bar with an impressive living wall (there was live music and a decent Happy Hour crowd when I walked by). The indoors and outdoors seamlessly come together in the lobby, and that continuity extends into Drift.

The restaurant’s coastal décor is polished, with warm woods, textured stone walls, rope detailing, and even more living walls. The bar is spacious, and several lounge-y nooks are outside, overlooking the ocean and the buzzy Atlantic Avenue. The all-day menu covers all the bases but isn’t basic. You’ll find easy dishes to snack on post-beach or for an extended Happy Hour experience, like a 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.

We started with the whipped feta ($14), the table’s

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favorite. It’s served in a petite jar and topped with honey, tomato compote and toasted pine nuts. I slathered the creamy dip over the herbed lavash (a thin flatbread) and was very satisfied. In between bites, I also enjoyed the spicy pickled vegetables that added an acidic balance to the dish. The maple and pomegranate-glazed Brussels sprouts ($14) followed. The lobster and avocado toast ($22) that arrived next was beautiful, but the flavor was slightly underwhelming.

For entrées, we ordered the pan-seared grouper ($40) and Drift burger ($20). The fish was well cooked and served with a root vegetable caponata (chopped vegetables, similar to ratatouille), broccolini, and parsnip potato purée. While the purée was silky smooth and delicious, I would have loved a more pronounced taste of parsnip. Burger lovers should try the signature burger that came sky-high with all its accouterments, including roasted wild mushrooms, red onion marmalade, smoked mozzarella, truffle aioli and crispy shallots in between toasted buttery brioche buns.

We finished the night with the house-made chocolate truffle crunch ($10), a nutty and fluffy combination that reminded me of a festive Ferrero Rocher chocolate ball.

While some plates fell just a tad short, Drift makes for a stellar venue for an extended Happy Hour with its chic coastal vibes, the sea in the background and refreshing cocktails paired with uncomplicated shareable plates in the foreground.

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[ drink ] B Y T Y L E R C H I L D R E S S

Holiday Cheer(s)

You’ll be on everyone’s nice list with these specially crafted holiday cocktails

CHOCORANGE MARTINI 2 ounces whipped cream vodka 1 ounce Grand Marnier 1 ounce white creme de cacao Dash of half-and-half TO MAKE: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, pour in all ingredients, shake until chilled, then strain into martini glass.

Garnish with rim of chocolate shavings and orange peel.

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COLD CHOCOLATE MARTINI 2 ounces vanilla vodka 1 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream 1 ounce dark creme de cacao TO MAKE: Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice, pour in all ingredients and shake until chilled, then strain into martini glass. Garnish with marshmallows.

YULETIDE LEMONADE 1 1/2 ounces vodka 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur 2 ounces lemonade TO MAKE: Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice, pour in all ingredients and shake until chilled, then strain into martini or highball glass. Garnish with basil and cranberries.

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A renowned figure in his field, Dr. Cabrera prioritizes artistry and compassion in every procedure. His consultations, often extending beyond an hour, take a holistic approach to understanding a patient’s specific goals more completely. “My job is to validate their concerns and offer them solutions to achieve their best outcomes,” he asserts.

Every patient is unique, and Dr. Cabrera approaches each case with precision and care. Facial rejuvenation procedures, both surgical and non-invasive, rank among the most frequently sought-after services in his practice.

He provides the full spectrum of treatments, from superficial fillers and toxins through deep-plane and more complex facelifts. “It’s about enhancing natural beauty and aligning patients’ external appearance with their inner vitality.”

Understanding the profound impact of his work, Dr. Cabrera underscores the importance of informed decisions. His goal is to subtly reverse the signs of aging, not to alter one’s natural features. These transformations are not just skin-deep but truly life-changing.

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Find out more about these Faces that grace our community with their contributions, and teach us a few things along the way.

The 561 Face of The World’s Most Exclusive Diamonds Rosenberg Diamonds & Co. David Rosenberg, Founder, President, Diamantaire

David Rosenberg is always on the go, engaging with clientele in search of rare, large, important white diamonds and natural fancy color diamonds. Although headquartered in Boca Raton, his company’s reach extends worldwide, serving clients from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. “If someone is looking for the best of the best, we are the ultimate destination,” says the founder, president and diamantaire of his sought-after collection that’s adorned some of the world’s most alluring individuals. Ensuring the integrity of his business, Rosenberg is committed to ethically and responsibly sourced diamonds. He recently partnered with a cutting facility in Johannesburg, South Africa, and strengthened his relationships with the mines in Botswana and Angola, making Rosenberg Diamonds vertically integrated from the rough to the end consumer.

While there’s much to appreciate in this business, Rosenberg takes the time to forge relationships with his clientele and ensures everyone feels like family. He finds joy in hearing clients’ unique stories and paints a picture of these frequent romantic moments: scenes of a longmarried couple sitting across his desk, where the wife’s eyes illuminate with delight upon seeing the diamond her husband purchased. “Witnessing these heartfelt exchanges,” he explains, “makes the jewelry business truly special.”

ROSENBERG DIAMONDS & CO. 561.477.5444 RosenbergDiamonds.com

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Rosenberg’s collections mirror the unique essence of the diamonds he sources, presenting timeless jewels that transcend generations. Personally curated by Rosenberg, each piece radiates unparalleled quality and vibrant color, like the new Candy collection, a display of the rarest and finest fancy-colored diamonds. Describing it as a “kaleidoscope” of every color, the dazzling assortment features exquisite earrings, stunning bracelets and opulent rings.

Frederic J. Norkin, DMD

André De Souza, DMD

Liliana Aranguren, DDS, MDSc

The 561 Faces of Healthy Smiles and Dental Implant Solutions South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Having a beautiful healthy smile is important for everyone at every age. Dental problems like periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss and bone loss often deprive people of that effortless, sparkling, radiant smile and the confidence that comes with it.

The doctors from South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry have focused their careers, services, and facilities on personalized, state-of-the-art care in Boca Raton for more than 30 years. Whether you need to maintain your natural teeth with laser-assisted gum treatment, replace missing teeth with robotically placed dental implants and immediate restorations, restore lost jawbone structure, or enhance your smile with gum repositioning, our doctors excel in these areas. Our vast experience makes us uniquely qualified to help patients overcome failures and complications encountered with previous treatment.

But that’s not all. We wrote the book on many of these procedures (literally)! Our doctors are known worldwide for clinical advances, enhancements, and excellence. We have contributed to technical books, dozens of scientific, peer-reviewed articles and hundreds of professional presentations sharing our developments and techniques. We are known for these innovations and excellent results nationally and internationally!

SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY 561-912-9993 Flsmile.com Jeffrey Ganeles, DMD, FACD

Samuel Zfaz, DDS

JESUS-ARANGUREN

The physical resources in our office including digital technology, sedation options and a skilled team combine with our commitment to individualized, efficient and excellent results distinguish us. You don’t need a referral to see our doctors; just contact us for an evaluation.

The 561 Faces of Spine Care and Surgery FLORIDA SPINE ASSOCIATES The Florida Spine Associates’ team of Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained spine surgeons and pain management physicians have trained at some of the world’s most renowned institutions. Together, they have more than 50 years of combined experience in all aspects of orthopedic care. The doctors are able to offer world-class comprehensive spine care, from simple, outpatient procedures to complex revision surgery and scoliosis surgery.

The team commonly treats compression fractures, disc herniations, arthritis and degenerative disc disease.

Procedures routinely performed include kyphoplasty, radio frequency ablation, epidural steroid injections and many others.

FSA has eight locations serving Palm Beach and Broward counties. The comprehensive centers offer convenient, on-site procedure facilities, diagnostic testing and physical therapy.

FLORIDA SPINE ASSOCIATES 561.495.9511 floridaspineassociates.com Pictured left to right, back row Dr. Michael Auerbach, Dr. Javier E. Sanchez, Dr. Jonathan Kamerlink, Dr. Brian Burrough Pictured left to right, front row Daniel Burkholtz, PA-C, Dr. Arthur Germain, Charlotte Vinton, APRN

Dr. Michael Auerbach Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist Dr. Javier E. Sanchez Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist Dr. Jonathan Kamerlink Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist Dr. Brian Burrough Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist Dr. Robert P. Norton Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Milad Alam Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Dr. Seth MacMahon Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist

Dr. Arthur Germain Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Pictured left to right, back row Dr. Robert Norton, Dr. Milad Alam, Dr. Seth MacMahon, Dr. Ariel Morales Pictured left to right, front row Nicole Vega, PA-C, Elizabeth Moore, APRN, Ryan Horton, PA-C

JASON NUTTLE

Dr. Ariel Morales Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist

The 561 Face of Life-Changing Hair Restoration DR. ALAN J. BAUMAN

Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Bauman Medical Dr. Alan J. Bauman is a passionate pioneer in the field of hair restoration and one of only 200 physicians worldwide to achieve certification from the American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery.

At Bauman Medical in Boca Raton, Dr. Bauman and his dedicated team provide state-of-the-art procedures including follicular unit extraction (FUE), a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that doesn’t leave telltale linear scars and allows patients to recover quickly. He also offers all-natural and effective drug-free restorative solutions including PRP, PDOgroTM, topical exosome therapy and low-level laser light therapy.

Early on during his surgical residency in New York, Bauman met a patient who said that his hair transplant had not only transformed the way he looked, but entirely changed his life, both socially and professionally. “I was blown away by the 100-percent natural looking appearance and the power of hair. I wanted to learn more,” said Bauman.

With more than 25 years of expertise as a boardcertified Hair Restoration Physician, Bauman has indeed learned more, changing the lives of more than 33,000 patients he has treated.

“At Bauman Medical, our full-time dedicated team has been able to maintain our reputation of excellence, attracting men and women patients worldwide who seek our services, and they are thrilled with their results. Pioneering new techniques and sticking to our credo of offering the most advanced treatments and the ultimate hair restoration experience have been the keys to our success,” says Bauman.

BAUMAN MEDICAL 561.394.0024 baumanmedical.com

JASON NUTTLE

He adds, “My patients’ happiness is the part of my profession I enjoy the most.”

The 561 Faces of Successful Women In PR Elizabeth Kelley Grace and Julie Mullen Co-Founders, The Buzz Agency

Julie Mullen and Elizabeth Kelley Grace recently celebrated two milestones in their public relations firm’s history. The co-founders of The Buzz Agency were named the largest PR firm in Palm Beach County, according to the South Florida Business Journal’s 2022 Book of Lists, and in July, they celebrated their 14th anniversary in business.

Together, they work in harmony, one-on-one, with their consumer-facing and business-to-business nonprofit and corporate clients.

They agree that their long-term success can be attributed to a number of factors, first and foremost being the relationships they forge with their clients and media partners. “We are proud to be a local firm continually growing and representing out-of-market clients,” says Julie.

“These include Marriott International, Aviation Week Network and the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar,” Elizabeth adds.

WARNER PROKOS PHOTOGRAPHY

“We have established solid relationships, and we invest in a very strong team,” Elizabeth explains.

“We have a deep bench, if you will,” she adds, citing a favorite sports reference.

“Liz and I are very hands on with our clients and share them 50/50. We are intimately involved in every aspect of the relationship, and our clients appreciate working directly with the co-owners.

We’re really blessed to have such a powerhouse team of professionals who work so well together,” Julie adds.

THE BUZZ AGENCY 855-525-2899 thebuzzagency.net

Elizabeth Kelley Grace

Julie Mullen

The 561 Faces of The Women Making an Impact Kimberly Boldt Jeannine Morris

Impact 100 Palm Beach County Kimberly Boldt and Jeannine Morris are not only close friends and neighbors, but also professionals and copresidents of Impact 100 Palm Beach County. They lead an organization of more than 800 women who come together each year to change our community for the better.

This volunteer, women-led 501(c)(3) organization connects, engages and inspires women to improve our community by collectively funding multiple $100,000 grants to local nonprofits.

“I love being part of an organization that is so committed to reinvesting in our community. Serving with other women to uphold Impact 100’s mission motivates me. It’s very rewarding to integrate my professional and personal lives to improve the community,” says Jeannine, who serves on several charitable boards, was the national sales director for Bank of New York on Wall Street, and presently is a principal of The Morris Group at Lang Realty, a team in the top 1 percent at the firm.

Each woman contributes $1,000 to fund grants in five focus areas: Art, Culture & Historic Preservation; Education; Environment & Animal Welfare; Health & Wellness; and Family. Since Impact 100’s inception in 2011, more than $6 million has been awarded to local nonprofits, including 56 $100,000 grants and an additional 43 merit grants.

“We believe that women are uniquely suited to do the job that we’re doing in our community. We have an aspirational goal to award $1 million a year in grant funding with 1,000 women members. We’ll certainly celebrate when we reach this milestone,” says Kimberly.

IMPACT 100 PALM BEACH COUNTY 561-336-4623 Impact100pbc.org

Jeannine Morris

Kimberly Boldt

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Kimberly Boldt has been a lawyer since 1992 and boardcertified in civil appeals since 1998. She is a named partner at Ratzan, Weissman & Boldt, a Miami law firm.

The 561 Face of the Dress Whisperer Andrea Karabatsos, Owner Jenna Studio

When women walk into Jenna Studio in Town Center mall, they are amazed, inspired and perhaps a bit starstruck by the stunning array of special-occasion eveningwear and sought-after luxury gowns from around the world.

Often armed with a lengthy wish list and a bit of emotional baggage about their body type, they are warmly welcomed by boutique owner Andrea Karabatsos. Within moments, they feel at ease sharing the details of their upcoming event, and what they envision themselves wearing.

This is where Andrea’s 25 years of retail expertise in Canada—where she worked with top designers and the most discerning and sophisticated clientele—comes into play.

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

“I make my clients look and feel gorgeous when they are able to surrender to what I see in them.

That is my craft. I ask them to listen to me, try on what I give them and come out of the dressing room with an open mind. Moments later, they approach the podium, gaze into the mirror and the tears begin to flow. They are ecstatic at how beautiful they look and feel,” Andrea boasts.

Clients of all sizes and body types can choose from the exquisite selections of Canadiandesigned dresses and gowns, all made from silk and crepe, fully-lined and boned, with impeccable construction. “I also do any size modification and any color choice, customizing their piece for their comfort and unique, statement-making appeal. … the Dress Whisperer can glam up every client, one gown at a time,” Andrea adds with a confident smile.

JENNA STUDIO 561-888-3378 Jennasstudio.com

the 561 Faces of Ultra-Luxury Real Estate Jim Pappas and Paul Bidva Lang Realty

Boasting more than 35 years of combined experience and selling thousands of homes, Jim Pappas and Paul Bidva are the leaders of ultra-luxury real estate in Palm Beach County.

They are the epitome of success, proven by their Diamond Star ranking under Lang Realty, signifying their unmatched sales in the market.

Their keen attention is set on Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods. Together, the dynamic duo weaves its distinctive strengths and personalities to help homeowners find their dream homes. Their focus is to craft tailored experiences for every buyer they meet.

“We build relationships with our clients,” explains Pappas, underlining their commitment to genuine partnerships. Their clientele encompasses everyone from pro tennis stars to first-time buyers alike, a testament to their universal appeal.

Their devotion to client-centric service emerges as their defining trait. “Paul and I are very tenacious,” says Pappas. “We’ll keep at it until we get a solid agreement.” Their unwavering dedication ensures that clients’ visions evolve into tangible reality.

LANG REALTY 717.314.4099 561.900.8602 pappasbidva.com

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

The agents’ commitment to a “white-glove” service is apparent from the first interaction.

They never miss an appointment and always keep their clients updated, establishing a standard of reliability. While buying a home can be likened to a roller coaster ride, Bidva and Pappas offer supportive guidance through the highs and lows of the process.

The 561 Face of Taxes and Retirement Decisions Elizabeth M. Bennett, MBA

Principal and Certified Financial Planner™ Intercoastal Wealth Planning As the holiday season is upon us, tax time isn’t necessarily on your mind right now. But, if you are approaching retirement age, do yourself a favor and consult with your CFP® to understand the taxes that you may be incurring as you are approaching distribution phase of your financial assets,” advises Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Financial Fiduciary, Elizabeth Bennett.

“When you think about retiring and believe that you’re going to be in a lower tax rate, your tax rate could actually be higher, which in turn increases IRMAA. However, the amount that you pay for Medicare is really going to be based on your adjusted gross income that you reported to the IRS two years prior; since we’re in 2023, it’s going to be based off of your 2021 tax return,” Bennett explains.

“IRMAA (income-related monthly adjustment amount) is the actual payment that is going to be taken from your Social Security.”

Bennett cautions that if you’re still working and have additional income, your Medicare IRMAA can go from $170.10 to $587.30, based upon your tax bracket.

“When you begin creating an income stream from your assets in the distribution phase of your retirement, and you’re starting to take money from your investments, having an after-tax account and a pre-tax account are very important. You want to have the option of where to take your money from, and how it is taxed, so that it doesn’t push you into another tax bracket, causing an avalanche of additional increases that you weren’t expecting,” says Bennett. “I’m here to guide you through those important financial decisions.”

JASON NUTTLE

INTERCOASTAL WEALTH PLANNING 561.210.7339 intercoastalwealth.com “Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory, Insurance, and Tax Services offered through Bay Financial Planning and Tax Services, DBA Intercoastal Wealth Planning LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Bay Financial Planning and Tax Services, LLC are not affiliated.

The 561 Face of Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Paayal K. Patel, MD

Brain Matters Research “In this day and age, we’re able to target patients with genetic risk factors or early evidence of Alzheimer’s disease, and try to either delay or prevent it completely,” says Neurologist Dr. Paayal Patel of Brain Matters Research.

“We don’t have a way to reverse what’s already happened in the brain, because we don’t have a cure just yet, but two new FDA-approved medications are helping to either stabilize or reduce the rate of decline both cognitively and functionally,” she says optimistically.

Unlike at most medical offices, patients at Brain Matters have the option for a complimentary memory screening called Know in 90, a program where patients can be evaluated, as long as they’re open to the prospect of treatment through research and to learning more about what health treatments are available. This involves basic cognitive testing, and meeting with all the staff to provide basic history about cognitive changes they’ve been experiencing, or concerns loved ones have observed in terms of cognitive functional decline. “Then they get to meet with myself or Dr. Brody to discuss the treatment options.

Above all, our patients’ safety is our main concern,” Dr. Patel emphasizes.

BRAIN MATTERS RESEARCH 561-374-8461 brainmattersresearch.com

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

“We are also conducting a new research study that is giving people living with Alzheimer’s disease a different treatment option. The HOPE Study is investigating the capability of a new, wearable headset device to potentially slow the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, and people can participate in the study from the comfort of their own home.”

The 561 Face of More than a Ride, An Experience A1A Global

Rick Versace, President & CEO President and CEO Rick Versace leads the luxury ground transportation company A1A Global in its unwavering commitment to clientele. Since 1996, A1A Global has distinguished itself by going beyond transportation, crafting an experience renowned for its top-rated and reliable service.

Versace started franchising A1A in 2014, and with nearly 100 franchises in operation, he is now focusing on expanding across the country. His confidence in providing on-time, every-time service is reflected in A1A’s 200-percent on-time service guarantee. “No other limo company in the world has that kind of guarantee,” says Versace.

No matter the destination, A1A’s exceptional chauffeurs ensure punctuality and a smooth journey, making it the preferred choice, even among visiting celebrities. A1A’s versatile fleet includes luxury sedans, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz sprinter vans and fullsize motor coaches.

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

To stay at the forefront of the latest technology, Versace recently introduced “Allie,” an AI-driven chatbot that allows customers to book or gather information online. “Allie is so lifelike, people call the office asking to speak with her,” he says.

In addition to providing clients with a memorable experience, Versace takes pride in supporting the community. He’s active with the Chamber of Commerce, Boca Helping Hands and the George Snow Scholarship Fund. This September, Versace will be one of the dancers in Boca’s Ballroom Battle to support education. “A1A gives Palm Beach County teachers 50 percent off their rides during August, so when they asked me to dance to raise money for scholarships, I was all in,” he says.

A1A GLOBAL 561.622.2222 A1ALimo.com

The 561 Face of Remote Bilingual Staffing Sergio Calderon, CEO VA Scaler

In law and health care, new ideas can come from surprising places. Sergio Calderon, a lawyer with big plans, decided to get help for his legal practice by creating VA Scaler (Virtual Assistant Scaler). This special company could change how American doctors and lawyers find workers.

Sergio’s’ company, VA scaler, helps U.S. doctors and lawyers hire bilingual, hard-working and motivated staff to increase productivity by expanding their workforce.

Staying true to his roots, Sergio began by hiring bilingual workers in South America to handle tasks such as answering phones, updating databases and calling clients on the status of their cases.

“The people that we hire overseas are very hard workers, and many have experience in customer service or medical and legal experience. We take care of the hiring, HR and payroll. We normally review 20-30 resumes to hire that one special person,” he adds.

Sergio explains that the main benefit of VA Scaler is that labor costs overseas are very affordable compared to those costs in the U.S. You are basically paying less for someone who will do the same job.

VA SCALER 800-561-0375 VAscaler.com

DENIS VIRGUETTI

“We know what law firms and medical practices need from employees. Most importantly, since these practices involve very sensitive information, we have a lot of systems in place to prevent data breaches,” Sergio assures.

The 561 Face of Compassionate Nursing Care Boca Nursing Services, Inc.

Rose Glamoclija, RN When the quality of life you’ve known is compromised by illness, you want the highest caliber of care. And since none of us know when that time will come and impact our lives, we are often overwhelmed when it does. At times like these, you need to rely on the comfort and connection to people who will be there for you when you need it most.

Rose Glamoclija, RN, the founder and Administrator of Boca Nursing Services, and a Registered Nurse for more than 30 years understands. She knows the chemistry between caregivers and patients is paramount, especially when patients are vulnerable and out of their element. With compassion, and concern for every person they serve in the surrounding four counties, Rose provides guidance and resources for families needing in-home support and nursing care. Patients are treated with the highest level of respect for their rights, personal beliefs, and privacy.

AARON BRISTOL

Rose oversees the entire operation and personally reviews the qualifications and experience prior to selecting each Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, Live-in and Therapist for hire, along with continuous supervision by her and the Nursing Department. The concierge private duty nursing care is made available in the comfort of home, a hospital room, during facility stays and while residing at assisted living or rehabilitation facilities.

Rose prides herself on the community support she receives and the generations of patients who recommend her services to their friends and family, year after year.

BOCA NURSING SERVICES, INC. Boca Raton Palm Beach 561-347-7566 561-833-3430 bocanursing.com

Delray Up d Here’s a status report of what’s on Delray’s development agenda

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this year and beyond BY RANDY SCHULTZ

“We’re booming.”

That’s how Anthea Gianniotes described Delray Beach during a late-July interview. She ought to know.

Gianniotes runs the city’s development services department.

Through it come all building applications. These days, the staff has trouble keeping up.

From East Atlantic Avenue near the ocean to Congress Avenue, major and minor projects are forming the newest phase of Delray Beach’s transformation that emerged from the early 1990s recession. There is new housing. There is new office space. There are new entertainment options.

Like the rest of South Florida, Delray Beach is benefiting from the pandemic-influenced surge of residents and businesses from the Northeast and Midwest. But the city remains uniquely attractive on its own to investors.

Private money, however, isn’t going throughout the city evenly. Many of the minority-heavy northwest and southwest neighborhoods, despite some investments, still await their full transformation, like areas east of Swinton Avenue. As happened three decades ago with the Decade of Excellence bonds, Delray Beach is using public money—most of it from the community redevelopment agency—to prime the pump in those areas.

If all that wasn’t enough, Delray Beach soon will start spending $120 million from two construction bonds that voters approved last March. Most will go toward public safety projects, the biggest share for a new police station. Another $20 million will upgrade parks. The water plant, a vital project that is scheduled to start operating in 2026, will cost between $100

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million and $120 million, based on early estimates.

For all the focus on high-profile projects such as Atlantic Crossing and Sundy Village, much new demand is for custom-built, single-family homes, whether rebuilds or teardowns. Philadelphia-based Stamm Development Group opened a Delray Beach office during the pandemic and has become a major player in that market. Delray Beach-based Azure Development and Seaside are others.

“It’s been crazy,” says Chuck Halberg, president of Stuart & Shelby Development, which has operated in the city since 2006. He notes that while higher interest rates might be hurting large projects, many single-family buyers are paying cash.

Halberg cited the example of a 2,400-square-foot home on a small lot on Southwest Fifth Avenue. That’s far from the buzz of East Atlantic Avenue. The property sold for $600,000 in March 2021 and for $825,000 six months later. In late July, it was on the market for $1.29 million.

Regularly within Delray Beach comes the debate about how to balance development with “village by the sea” charm. It arose during the March elections.

Incumbent City Commissioner Juli Casale and former Commissioner Angie Gray accused their opponents, Rob Long and Angela Burns, of supporting unchecked growth. They lost.

Commissioner Ryan Boylston, running for mayor next March, has faced the same criticism. With Delray Beach “booming,” Boylston offers a different narrative, one that supporters of Long and Burns articulated.

“Name me another coastal city,” Boylston says, “that has done a better job of managing growth.” He notes that Parks of Delray, the residential project on Congress Avenue, got barely half the density the developer could have obtained. The four-story height limit remains in effect on Atlantic Avenue.

Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach regularly approve high-rises of 40 stories and up. Delray Beach’s downtown density remains below those in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach.

During his five years, Boylston said, the commission has approved just five large, multifamily projRyan Boylston ects—Parks at Delray, Alexan, Aura, Delray Central and The Linton. None was very controversial. Despite those approvals, Delray Beach remains well below the amount of housing set out in the city’s comprehensive plan to accommodate current and future populations—especially affordable housing.

“We’re a hot town,” Boylston said, “but a lot of developers stay out.

We ask a lot.” The city also is continuing an effort that began several years ago to update all of Delray Beach’s development regulations.

Another reason that some developers avoid the city is Delray Beach’s duplicative review process. It breaks up

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components such as density, height and the site plan and assigns responsibility to the commission, the planning and zoning board, and the site plan review and appearance board.

It also requires review by the commission of countless minor details. Does the commission, as happened recently, need to decide whether a homeowner can use Benjamin Moore Sterling Light Grey for stucco walls and a Taco Bell can use Sherwin-Williams Brainstorm Bronze for part of its walls?

This system burdens the staff, Gianniotes says, because they write multiple reports for different reviews. When we spoke, she hoped to present a streamlined system to the commission in August or September. She called it the department’s “highest priority.”

The goal, Gianniotes says, would Jordana Jarjura be to “look at projects holistically” rather than piecemeal. Staff could provide “a better review.” Applicants from developers to homeowners could get answers sooner. Staff could handle those minor details.

Jordana Jarjura, a former commissioner, is president of Delray Beach-based Menin Development. She says streamlining also would make things clearer for people who oppose a project and find that what they thought was the final vote wasn’t the final vote. “There’s frustration either way.”

Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Laura Simon says her members support such a change. Her agency, which markets downtown Delray Beach, is focused on increasing “daytime use,” meaning office and retail.

Commercial occupancy, Simon says, is “very strong. We are getting lots of calls about leasing.” The Atlantic Avenue building with the iPic theater is home to a pair of corporate headquarters: International Materials and financial services firm InspereX. Because of that height limit, Simon says, downtown has fewer options for office space. Sundy Village and Atlantic Crossing are offering some.

Certainly, recent development has rounded out downtown.

Two new hotels—The Ray and the Hampton Inn—have given visitors more options. Bookings have been good, Simon says, adding, “Downtown has changed.” Pineapple Grove has become “a secondary Main Street.” New homeowners are transforming Osceola Park, Cannery Row and SofA. “The Federals,” meaning Fifth and Sixth avenues, “are filling in.”

Few big pieces of open land remain. Parks at Delray took the largest at that time. Still uncertain is how the Live Local Act will affect Delray Beach. It prohibits commission review of multifamily developments in Laura Simon

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certain areas. The Legislature passed it to create more affordable housing.

Change, though, clearly will continue. In ways large and small, Delray Beach’s boom goes on.

Here’s a rundown of key development projects:

SUNDY VILLAGE: In 2019, Pebb Capital took over the mixed-use project that had been called Midtown. The company renamed it to highlight Sundy House, arguably Delray Beach’s most iconic historic property and one of the holdings that once belonged to investor Tom Worrell.

Overall, Sundy Village will include 129,000 square feet of office, restaurant and retail space. It will include the entire block on the southwest corner of Swinton and Atlantic avenues, Sundy House directly south and portions of two other blocks.

Behind the building on Swinton and Atlantic will be historic properties that Pebb is rehabbing and making part of the project. A public walkway, which Pebb calls “The Paseo,” will bisect that full block and link it with Sundy House, now closed.

As of late July, Pebb had commitments from two restaurants—Double Knot, which also operates in Miami’s Wynwood arts district, and Barcelona Wine Bar, which is now in Denver.

Telecommunications provider Vertical Bridge, Rosenberg said, will move its headquarters from Boca Raton to be part of Sundy Village. So will Pebb Capital.

For Sundy House, Pebb plans a “reintroduction” that will “really up the level of, call it, the culinary game” in Delray Beach.

Rosenberg would not disclose names, but he hopes to announce the new operator “in a few months.” Sundy House will remain a hotel and an event venue.

Construction on the parking garage began in March, with completion scheduled for October. Work on the buildings is set to begin in April with a move-in date six months later. Sundy Village will be the centerpiece of the Old School Square Historic Arts District.

ATLANTIC CROSSING: It’s been nine years since the city commission approved what will be a $300 million mixeduse project on the two blocks west of Veterans Park. Ohio-based Edwards Cos. will revive what had been a fading section of downtown Delray Beach and better connect both sides of the Atlantic Avenue Bridge.

In mid-summer, the project’s first phase was complete except for a second apartment building. Phase I covers the block between Sixth and Seventh avenues and includes apartments, stores and offices. There’s also a pedestrian promenade on Sixth Avenue. Completion is set for January.

According to an Atlantic Crossing representative, the first apartment building is nearly full. All office space has been leased. Most of the retail is leased, and the tenants include three restaurants.

Demolition has begun for Phase II. It will feature condos along with more retail and office. Phase II will have three buildings and two garages. Edwards estimates completion in 2027.

Edwards touts Atlantic Crossing as the city’s eastern gate-

“Name me another coastal city that has done a better job of managing growth...We’re a hot town... We ask a lot.” —Ryan Boylston Atlantic Crossing

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A Compromising Situation

Does Sundy Village offer a lesson in how Delray Beach can grow without sacrificing its appeal?

Todd Rosenberg thinks so.

Pebb Capital, where Rosenberg is president, took over a project previously known as Midtown that many residents disliked. They thought the Midtown plan didn’t value the historic properties that are part of the project. The city commission approved Midtown in March 2018 after a nine-hour meeting that featured open negotiations between the developer at the time and then-Mayor Cary Glickstein.

Four years ago, Pebb acquired the seven acres for $40 million. First off, Rosenberg recalls, “We looked at the hearings. We asked, ‘What was contentious?’”

As it turned out, Pebb didn’t like the concept, either. “We thought, ‘Maybe we’re more aligned with the public,’ and that was a good thing.”

Pebb then made changes, assuring preservationists—a vocal slice of the city—about the historic properties. They will make up a prominent part of the project, along the walkway that Pebb calls The Paseo.

A Pebb representative says, “The approach to the development changed from a commercial project with a historical element to a historic project with a commercial element.” Pebb based the main building—at Swinton and Atlantic avenues—on the Cathcart house, which was built in 1902. Pebb took out the residential component and reduced the retail, to allow more restaurants and offices. The underground parking garage got smaller.

“We decreased the intensity,” Rosenberg says. Of the opponents, Rosenberg says, “They had to trust us not to pull the wool over their eyes.”

Without private investment, cities wither. Excess development, however, can destroy a city’s character. Speaking of the continuing popularity, Rosenberg says, “You live here, whether you like it or not. That’s the push and pull. There’s definitely a psychological component” when seeking approval for a project.

When Sundy Village opens, Rosenberg says, “There will be more than there was but less than what we could have built.” Sounds like a good compromise.

Sundy Village

way. Downtown Development Authority Director Laura Simon calls the project “a really big deal. That area had been quiet for so long.”

THE LINTON: This Menin project will add 277 apartments.

The interesting aspect is that they will replace two commercial buildings on Linton Boulevard just west of Dixie Highway.

According to studies, traffic actually will decrease in that busy area, because housing generates less traffic than retail. The project could be a model for developers seeking to repurpose other underperforming shopping areas.

DELRAY BEACH MARKET: Also a Menin project, it was highly touted as a foodie paradise when it opened in 2021. But Jarjura says pandemic-era issues overwhelmed small vendors who were most of the tenants. The food hall closed last January.

Jarjura says construction is underway to accommodate larger tenants in the 150,000-square-foot space. Bounce Sporting Club will fill the north end, and Menin is seeking another tenant for the south end.

PARKS AT DELRAY: This mixed-use project is a joint venture involving Key International, 13th Floor Investments, CDS Holdings and Wexford Capital. It is going up on the roughly 40-acre South Congress Avenue site of the former Office Depot headquarters that had been vacant since the company moved to Boca Raton in 2008.

Phase 1 of the residential component began this year. It will have 420 rental units and open next year. Phase 2, with another 327 units, will start next year. The companies expect the residential work to be complete in 2025.

In addition, Parks at Delray will have 40,000 square feet of retail—oriented around a grocery store—and 68,000 square feet of office space. To appreciate the size of the project, the city in March negotiated a fee of nearly $1 million to handle the projected fire-rescue calls.

Sundy Village

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The Linton

“Downtown has changed. Pineapple Grove has become a secondary ‘Main Street.’ New homeowners are transforming Osceola Park, Cannery Row and SofA.” —Laura Simon CONGRESS AVENUE: Parks at Delray is the largest, but not the only, multi-family project approved for a part of Delray Beach that the city long has targeted for redevelopment.

Delray Central (277 units) and Alexan (267 units) are just north of Parks at Delray. Aura Delray, near Atlantic High School, will bring 292 units. All those projects will have affordable housing components.

City officials also would like the county to redevelop its dated government complex around the Tri-Rail Station on Congress Avenue just south of Atlantic Avenue. Delray Beach’s consultants recommend that it become a transit-oriented development with housing.

THE SET: The biggest player in the northwest and southwest is the community redevelopment agency. Executive Director Renee Jadusingh says the CRA’s current focus is Northwest Fifth Avenue, which once was the area’s business corridor and is home to the Spady Museum. Two CRA-seeded projects seek to spur commercial investment along the historic spine of the West Settlers District.

A much larger investment will come with the Northwest Neighborhood Improvement Project. It will pump roughly $75 million into road, alley and sidewalk improvements west of Swinton to Interstate 95 and between Atlantic Avenue and Lake Ida Road.

It is the second such project, the first having been for Osceola Park. It will take place in three phases, with completion scheduled for 2030. After that will come a similar program for the Southwest neighborhoods.

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The project, which will be done in nine stages, is out for bid.

Completion is scheduled for 2025. Because of delays, the cost is now roughly $40 million.

In 2019, the CRA signed a contract with a developer for the three blocks west of the Fairfield Inn. The CRA terminated the contract because of delays that the developer blamed on the pandemic. There is no new plan for the property.

OLD SCHOOL SQUARE: The Downtown Development Authority, which has a contract to operate the complex until Sept. 30, 2024, hopes for a packed schedule of exhibitions at the Cornell Museum and outdoor events by high season. There are no plans to reopen Crest Theatre this year.

GOLF COURSE: Last spring, the commission rejected the idea of allowing development on a portion of the course and using the money to renovate it. There was strong community opposition to the proposed public-private partnership.

At deadline for this article, the commission was planning to hold a workshop meeting to hear ideas from a citizens’ group.

The commission also was preparing to review the maintenance contract, given the terrible condition of the course.

Finally, the city might designate the course as historic and apply for a grant. “That will depend,” Boylston says, “on how much we decide as a city we want to put into the course.”

DOC’S ALL AMERICAN: The iconic burgers-fries-shake joint will reopen as part of the project that combines the Doc’s site with the adjoining property on West Atlantic Avenue. It will be across the street from Sundy Village. delray beach magazine

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Turn the page to learn about these experiences and more.

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Are You Experienced?

With most Americans favoring real-life experiences over gifts, think outside the box this holiday season

By John Thomason

or years in Delray and Boca magazines, we’ve steadfastly covered the hottest new gift items to place under trees and near menorahs. But perhaps, by focusing on physical objects, we’ve been missing the bigger picture: Increasingly, Americans prefer experiences to products. According to a much-cited third-party research study from 2018, almost three quarters of those surveyed would rather be gifted an experience than a thing. This is especially true of millennials, nearly 80 percent of whom desire experiences over products, per a 2023 survey by Eventbrite.

Experts believe these gaps will continue to widen, whether from a general trend toward downsizing or from years of pandemic-induced isolation. Whatever the reason, it seems we would rather go places and do things than add the latest tech gadget or hobo bag or grilling implement to our repertoires.

With this in mind, we scanned the horizons of Florida and beyond for the best holiday gifts that will make memories, not more clutter.

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Keys to the Kingdom According to the Walt Disney World number crunchers, the average wait time for one of the park’s attractions is 36 minutes, and for the hottest rides, expect an even longer slog: As of June 2023, the wait time for “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” was 127 minutes—an excruciating queue even the Force cannot quell. Visitors with typical park admission can expect to spend 82 percent of their time in line. So consider gifting that special someone with a Disney World VIP Tour, which offers front-of-the-line access, insights from a tour guide, and transportation in a private, air-conditioned SUV. It’ll run each guest a minimum of $3,000 on top of the theme park ticket, but isn’t true magic priceless?

The holiday season at Epcot and the Magic Kingdom

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The Whole Nine

This year’s NFL season may be winding down by the end of this issue, but there’s no better time than now to gift the Dolphins fans in your life with seats at Hard Rock Stadium’s most exclusive table next season. The Nine, billed as “an experience unlike any other in live entertainment,” includes an open-air suite for 20, optimally situated between the 30-yard lines. Guests will be deposited to and from the venue in black cars, and the premium game-day experience includes complimentary food and all beverages, including the good stuff, plus an in-suite concierge to handle all your requests during the game. Even if the Fins are getting creamed, your guests will be having the time of their lives.

The Nine suite

Cabin Fever

A Getaway cabin (four-legged friends welcome)

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Especially after the go-go pace of the holidays, we all need to unwind.

And there may be no better place to unplug from the matrix than a tiny cabin in the woods. A gifted room at any of the more than 25 options from the website Getaway can provide your special someone with a welcome return to nature. Partnering with cabins that have “everything you need and nothing you don’t,” Getaway’s accommodations include a kitchen, a fire pit and grill, but no TV or electronics—they even contain a “cellphone lockbox” if you’re brave enough to put away your handheld addiction for the weekend. Getaway cabins span from the Boston area to remote Washington State; the closest Florida location is in glorious Gilchrest Blue Springs State Park outside of Orlando.

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A Certain GLOW

With the moonlight glinting off the placid waters of Florida’s Treasure Coast, a nighttime GLOW Clear Kayak Tour may be the perfect excursion for the aquatic enthusiast on your list. The two- to two-anda-half-hour trips, starting at $65 per adult, leave from Fort Pierce, where a guide from Get Up and Go Kayaking will lead participants through mangrove tunnels, sharing facts about the area and pointing out marine life along the way. And with clear kayaks illuminated

by LED lights in hues of purple and blue and red, the fishes and turtles—and maybe even a manatee or a dolphin—will shine under the crystal waters.

GLOW Clear Kayak Tour

Up in the Air

Most of us, unless we’re training to be pilots or reporting for the local news or starring in an action movie or joining nefarious deep-state conspiracies, seldom have any reason to board a private helicopter. But you and your guest can live the high life—for an hour anyway—courtesy of I95 Exotic Rentals.

For $499 per person, the company’s Private Helicopter Tours leave from a hangar at Embassair in Opa-Locka, and they showcase the Magic City as you’ve never seen it before, with breathtaking views of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach and downtown Miami from the vantage of a yellow Robinson R44 copter.

Helicopter excursion from I95 Exotic Rentals

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It’s All Downhill From Here

South Florida has scores of active ski clubs—in fact, it’s a passion for us snow-deprived souls. If you have one of these intrepid downhill racers in your circle, consider giving them an IKON pass—the king of ski passes. It opens up more than 50 resorts, including international destinations in Europe (Chamonix!), South America, Australia and New Zealand. Closer to home, it includes some of the most iconic resorts in the Rocky Mountains, like Vail, Deer Valley, Alta, Snowbird, Sun Valley and … the list, well, it’s just too long to list.

Prices range from total access at $1,259 to more à la carte plans at $469; browse the options at ikonpass.com.

Skiing in Vail, Colorado

Ultimate Buzz

From “magical slippers” and “wishing wells” to dubbing its own attendants as “fairies,” Eau Spa borrows from the language of fantasy fiction to describe the offerings in its 42,000-square-foot adult playground, one of only 49 Forbes Five-Star spas in the country.

A luxury treatment at the lauded spa, part of Eau Palm Beach in Manalapan, is a surefire favorite for the beloved women on your list, with prices from $195 all the way up to the $825 per-person L’Elixir Des Glaciers Majestic Treatment.

This top-of-the-line brand, from its anti-aging Essence of Bees collection, is infused with materials harnessed from the hive, including honey, propolis and royal jelly, combined with a “bespoke” (of course) massage technique on the recipient’s neck, hands and chest.

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Eau Spa

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Luxe Miami 101

For the foodie on your list, how about a reservation at the only Michelin two-Star restaurant in South Florida? L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, in Miami’s Design District, serves up artistically plated French fare in a four-course, prix fixe tasting menu or a la carte from a selection of creative tapas and entrees. Make it a crazy rich weekend with a stay at the Villa Casa Casuarina, the deliriously over-the-top former home of Gianni Versace, with rooms from $793 and up, and complete with hand-painted murals, handmade furnishings, stained-glass windows, and the most extraordinary ceilings this side of the Sistine Chapel. You can Brightline there, but if you’ve just won the Powerball, book a Lincoln Stretch Limousine from LX Limo, and cruise around like, well, Versace himself, complete with bar, TV, DVD player, sound system and privacy divider.

Above, Villa Casa Casuarina; right, molecular cuisine from L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

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Put It In Park

In one of his celebrated documentaries, Ken Burns called our National Park System “America’s best idea.”

Thirteen years later, Barack Obama seconded that idea in an equally lauded Netflix series. But it’s one thing to experience our national parks on the small screen, and quite another to take in the grandeur of Yosemite, Acadia or Joshua Tree in the flesh. For the traveler, hiker or sightseer on your list, $80 gets them an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, valid at any of the 63 sites from the Everglades to Glacier Bay.

Grand Canyon National Park

A Raft of Options

Speaking of our national parks, a rafting trip down Grand Canyon is truly one of the world’s greatest outdoor adventures.

People wait for years to get a permit, and only a few guide companies are sanctioned to run the river. One of the oldest and best outfits, Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (CRATE), offers eight- and 11-day trips (motorized and non-motorized) down the 300-mile Colorado River through one of the wonders of the natural world, with meals, beverages and camping equipment included in the price ($3,925-$4,620). CRATE offers customized gift certificates. If your loved one likes whitewater thrills, the ideal time to embark is May through June. You’ll want to put this in a big box.

Rafting with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions

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RECORD-BREAKING SALE

10031 Vestal Place in Coral Springs - Broke the record with the highest sale to date at $1,800,000.

RECORD-BREAKING SALE

SOLD

Newport Cove - All-age gated community in Delray Beach with lake views, clubhouse and amenities. (gym, tennis courts, & saltwater pool)

Pompano Beach - Condo with ocean views, across from the beach and walking distance to the Pompano Beach pier.

Broke the record with the highest sale to date at $625,000.

Offereded at $410,000.

from Connecticut and New York City, Julia began working as a professional Julia Amsterdam Originally stage actress and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with an MFA. Throughout Realtor®

her career she has traveled extensively, from South Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, the United States, Canada, the Islands, and to most of Europe. She credits her empathy and understanding of people to the many journeys she has experienced in life.

Her business is based on trust, communication, understanding, dedication and determination. She represents buyers and sellers on a day to day basis. She always goes the extra mile and thinks outside of the box. She will find you your home or sell it, no matter what. She takes chances and does not miss opportunities. Her strong negotiating skills are an asset to her clients. Each day is a day to make it happen. She has a deep respect and appreciation for the clients she works with. Julia’s real estate transactions include Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Martin Counties.

Julia is driven by the love for her husband John, family and friends. Her goals and interests include living a healthy lifestyle, swimming, the beach, boating, gym, cooking, reading, writing, learning, the outdoors and self improvement. Julia speaks fluent Polish, yet she was born in Connecticut. She taught herself how to read and write Polish at the age of 5.

Her passion is Real Estate.

1185 E. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33483

860.212.5129 • julia.amsterdam@floridamoves.com • juliaamsterdamsouthfloridahome.com

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

400 Gulfstream Blvd, Delray Beach FL 33444 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Mon-Sat

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.

NobleCon19. Noble Capital Markets 19th Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference has moved to FAU. More than 200 public company executive guest speakers. The 43rd President of the United States. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year. Presentations, breakouts, one-on-ones, panels.

And the legendary “After” networking evening at the Boca Airport.

If you’re looking for the next apple, this is your orchard.

[ out & about ]

Best of Show Automobile Winner Guy Lewis, Elo, and Delray Concours founder Max Zengage

Patrons enjoying the Delray Concours

DELRAY BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE WHAT: Delray Beach’s Concours D’Elegance returned for its second year, drawing thousands of car enthusiasts to Old School Square for the ultimate classic car show. More than 100 historically significant vehicles were showcased, including the Porsche 962-109 that won the 1989 Miami Grand Prix, as well as a 1925 Rolls-Royce Springfield Piccadilly Roadster, which won the “Best of Show Automobile” award for owner Guy Lewis. This year’s honorary chair was Elo, the Supercar Rooms Miami founder and creator, and the event benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families, Delray Citizens for Delray Police, Delray Fire Benevolent, Community Classroom Kitchen and Miracle League of Palm Beach.

WHERE: Old School Square

DELRAY BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE AND LIVINGFLA

Cars at the 2023 Delray Concours

Elo and Howard Dean

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Ferrari Club of America Palm Beach Chapter Events Co-chair John Vaglica

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[ out & about ]

Marni Zuckerman, Jill Poser

Carin Friedman, Amy Chapman, Jill Goldsmith, Helene Haberman, Jayne Goldstein

COCKTAILS FOR JARC WHAT: JARC Florida’s “Cocktails for JARC” broke records for funds raised during this year’s event at THRōW Social, benefiting the organization’s mission of empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chaired by Justin Tompkins and Sean Casper, the event’s 12th year saw record attendance, with more than 160 guests enjoying axe-throwing, live music, games and craft cocktails while raising more than $30,000 for JARC Florida’s various programs and services. “JARC is such an impactful organization,” said Justin Tompkins, “and we are proud to be able to support them every year while highlighting all that they do for our community.”

WHERE: THRōW Social Ronni Sommer and Jaclyn Merens Rubenstein

Janet Cohen, Gillian Kirshner, Dylan Kirshner

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Kate and Justin Tompkins, Jill Tompkins, Jennifer Tompkins, Harris Kirschner

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BARTLE BBQ HANG WHAT: Hanley Foundation, Florida’s largest provider of grant-funded prevention programs and recovery scholarships to combat addiction, officially launched the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund with a skateboard and barbecue event at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. The event was a huge success, drawing more than 150 attendees who collectively raised more than $40,000 for the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund in honor of Cory Bartle, a 34-year-old chef and skateboarding enthusiast who lost his life to addiction.

Admission included a delicious barbecue feast catered and donated by SandyJames Catering, activities, and a children’s skateboard half-pipe competition with prizes, underwritten

by Seabreeze Building and Leeds Custom Design. Pro skateboarders Kai Canubida and Mike Rogers were also in attendance, with Canubida putting on an impressive skateboard show and Rogers emceeing the skate competition.

WHERE: National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach

Glena Boxrud, Samantha Licata, Silas Peterson, James Bartle, Charlene Sherry

Mike McLeary, Derek McLean, Cory Ricardy, Shawn Cuddy

Connie Sheperd, Mary Jacobs

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Kai Canubida

John and Michelle Makris

Chauncer (dog), Mike Rogers, Danielle Ford

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FROM RESCUE & REHABILITATION TO SWIMMING IN THE SEA Sea to Preserve

Another world waits to be discovered. From eco-friendly attractions such as the Loggerhead Marine Life Center and Manatee Lagoon to protected wildlife areas, there’s no better place than The Palm Beaches to experience the miracle of nature. So please enjoy responsibly—it’s the best way to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Share your favorite outdoor memory in The Palm Beaches on social media with the hashtag #LoveThePalmBeaches.

Visit thepalmbeaches.com/seatopreserve for more information.

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dining guide

Your resource for Greater Delray Beach’s finest restaurants

STAFF PICK

Road Trip Miami

2023 MICHELIN-STARRED MIAMI RESTAURANTS:

✭✭ L’ATELIER DE JÖEL ROBUCHON – a specialoccasion restaurant that offers diners a unique tasting menu experience.

✭ ARIETE – Global dishes share the menu with elevated Cuban-inspired fare.

BOIA DE – This charming restaurant might be hard to find, but once inside

For more information, visit guide. michelin.com/us/en/florida/miami/ restaurants.

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

L’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon Stubborn Seed

AARON BRISTOL

you’re rewarded with interesting Italianinspired dishes in a relaxed setting.

COTE – come here for the meat but stay for the party. This dimly lit venue is sexy, lively and serves stellar Korean barbecue.

THE DEN AT SUSHI AZABU – This hidden sushi counter offers an impressive omakase experience that you’ll continue to crave long after your final bite.

ELCIELO MIAMI – Honoring his Colombia heritage, chef Juan Manuel Barrientos showcases his elevated take on Latin cuisine with a showstopping menu.

HIDEN – This hidden eight-person omakase experience is hyper-focused on quality raw fish prepared in a variety of exceptional ways.

LE JARDINIER – Vegetables reign supreme here, and their presentation is almost too beautiful to eat—almost.

LOS FELIX – This unassuming Coconut Grove restaurant honors Mesoamerican cuisine with its savory dishes like its tamal, arepa, grilled octopus and pork cheek carnitas.

STUBBORN SEED – “Top Chef ” winner Jeremy Ford triumphs in the kitchen with his innovative, seasonal menu.

TAMBOURINE ROOM BY TRISTAN BRANDT - The Carillon Wellness Resort restaurant offers diners a French-inspired tasting menu accentuated with Asian influences.

THE SURF CLUB RESTAURANT – Arrive early to take a few shots of the historic Surf Club and its adjacent beautiful Four Seasons hotel. Then settle into Chef Thomas Keller’s masterfully curated culinary world with a glass of Champagne.

KATIEJUNEBURTON

AARON BRISTOL

T

he esteemed Michelin Guide debuted its first Florida culinary manual last year, with several Miami restaurants making the cut alongside others in Tampa and Orlando. This year, all restaurants in Miami that received stars last year kept them, and only one new restaurant, Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt, was added. And now thanks to the Brightline train, Palm Beach County residents can comfortably zip down to Miami for a taste.

The guide, which was created by the Michelin tire company as a directory for drivers of noteworthy restaurants, also awarded its Bib Gourmand designation to several establishments. This unstarred category lets diners know Michelin stands behind the menu’s quality and that its dishes are at a lower price point. Those restaurants include Bachour, Chug’s Diner, Doya, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue, La Natural, Lucali, Lung Yai, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Michael’s Genuine, Phuc Yea, Sanguich de Miami, Tinta y Cafe, Zak the Baker and Zitz Sum. New this year to the list are Jaguar Sun and Rosie’s.

Le Jardinier

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KATIEJUNEBURTON

A look at South Florida’s 2023 Michelin-Starred Restaurants

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DINING KEY $ Inexpensive: under $17 $$ Moderate: $18 to $35 $$$ Expensive: $36 to $50 $$$$ Very expensive: $50+ DELRAY BEACH 50 Ocean—50 S. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. The former Upper Deck at Boston’s on the Beach is now the more upscale, seafood-oriented spot. The menu ranges from familiar to slightly more inventive, from a classic lobster bisque and crisp-tender fried clam bellies to rock shrimp pot pie and baked grouper topped with blue crab. The cinnamon-dusted beignets are puffs of amazingly delicate deep-fried air and should not under any circumstances be missed. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 561/278-3364. $$

800 Palm Trail Grill—800 Palm Trail. American.

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

Akira Back—233 N.E. 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 nightly. 561/739-1708. $$$$

turkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthy-pungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $$

chio 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. $$

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

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 trufflescented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

Avalon Steak and Seafood—110 E. Atlantic Ave.

Cabana El Rey—105 E. Atlantic Ave. Cuban Tropical.

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

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

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. $

Bar 25 Gastropub— 25 S.E. Sixth Ave. American.

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

Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese

Amar Mediterranean Bistro—522 E. Atlantic Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar is a quaint bistro amidst the buzzy Atlantic Avenue that serves Lebanese food. But this isn’t your typical hummus and pita joint. Here, the proprietor’s family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. • Dinner nightly. 561/278-3364. $$

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. $$

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas— 16950 Jog

Brulé Bistro—200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The regular menu of this Pineapple Grove favorite always has satisfying dishes. Its specialties include crab tortellini with black truffles, chicken meatballs with coconut broth and cashews, plus signature dessert pista-

Road. Italian. Nothing on the menu of Angelo Elia’s modCern, small plates-oriented osteria disappoints, but particularly notable are the meaty fried baby artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs and speck, delicate chicken-

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Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach.

Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. Open since 1993, and a success since then, they dish up big flavors in a tiny space, so call for reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561-274-9404. $$

Casa L’Acqua—9 S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Diners can expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed staff and attentive service at this fine-dining restaurant. 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. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-7492. $$

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

Outdoor dining. 561/272-0220. $$

Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar—25 N.E. Second Ave. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/908-2557. $$ november/december 2023

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Costa By OK&M—502 E. Atlantic Ave.. Contemporary American. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steakhouse favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting.

Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$ Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steakhouse favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the wet-aged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$ Dada—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary American. The same provocative, whimsical creativity that spawned Dada the art movement infuses Dada the restaurant, giving it a quirky charm all its own. The comfort food 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. $

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 toast or crispy duck breast with lychee curry sauce or oxtail basil fried rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Mon. 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. $$ november/december 2023

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EVERYDAY FAVORITES The Bridge Café—814 E. Atlantic Ave. American. True to its name, this favorite brunch spot is just to the west of the bridge on East Atlantic Avenue. It offers both traditional favorites and unique spins on brunch cuisine, and dishes like the sunrise crabcake will help you get out of bed in the morning. Frozen cocktails like the Orange Creamsicle are a particular favorite on hot days, and affordable snacks are available for canine guests joining outdoor diners. Breakfast and brunch daily. 561/403-5581. $ Flybird—335 E. Linton Blvd., #B-13. American. Celebrity Chef Michael Salmon (yes, that’s his real name) has cooked in fine restaurants in New York (and for people like Jackie O), starred on the Food Network and more—and it shows in this low-key chicken place that specializes in char-grilled chicken (and chicken pot pies on occasion) as well as downhome sides like mac and three cheeses, mashed potatoes and gravy and Peruvian corn. A hit since it opened, Flybird is still soaring. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/243-1111. $ Ramen Lab Eatery—25 N.E. Second Ave., # 114. Asian. Offering traditional Japanese ramen dishes alongside more

contemporary favorites like poke bowls and bao buns, this sister restaurant to the Boca location of the same name has become an Asian food staple just off of Atlantic Avenue. Don’t miss happy hour from 3-6 p.m. every day, with half off all drinks and select appetizers. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/455-2311. $ Sandwiches by the Sea—1214 E. Atlantic Ave. Deli. Without a website to tout its menu, this definition of a hole-inthe-wall deli has nonetheless built a 40-year word-of-mouth reputation on the quality craftsmanship and lightning-speed service of its subs, hoagies and burgers. Pop in after a beach day for an unsurpassed potato salad or Italian combo.

Breakfast and lunch daily. 561/272-2212. $ Sazio Express—1136 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian/American. This baby sister restaurant to the popular Sazio in central

downtown Delray has a loyal following for casual lunching and early bites from a menu designed to dangle your favorites before your eyes. Pizzas by the slice or whole (including grandma pizza), heroes (roast beef and gorgonzola, anyone?), wraps, salads, wings, cheese fries, chicken tenders. OK, just stop. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-2657. $ Veg Eats Foods—335 E. Linton Blvd. Vegan. This is delightful sanctuary for plant-based foodies has generated a loyal following for its seasonally changing menu of locally sourced comfort-food favorites, which work meatless magic on your taste buds. Try the smothered mushroom burger and the banh mi, made with pea protein-based sausage. Lunch daily.

561/562-6673. $$

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. 561/6506699. $$ The Grove—187 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. The Grove, which has been tucked inside the tranquil Pineapple Grove District for nearly a decade, continues to surprise diners with its vibrant dishes. The upscale but casually comfortable nook has an international wine list that spans the globe and a seasonal menu that’s succinct and well-thought-out. • Dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/266-3750. $$$$

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. delray beach magazine

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Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

5050. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

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

Lionfish—307 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. Focusing on

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

sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Lionfish’s menu is diverse while its coastal décor is both stylish and comfortable. Choose from oysters, octopus, specialty sushi rolls, fresh catches and, of course, the namesake white flaky fish in a variety of preparations, including whole fried and as a bright ceviche. Make sure to save room for the Key Lime Pie Bombe dessert.

• Dinner nightly. Brunch weekends. 561/639-8700. $$$

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. $$$ Le Colonial—601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians and everyone in between. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-square-foot restaurant. • Lunch (on weekends) and dinner. 561/5661800. $$$

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. 561/278-

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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. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural filament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$ The Office—201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your office is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your office sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/276-3600. $$

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.

While not your traditional Italian trattoria, it is a place to find new favorites and revisit old standbys updated with delicious ingredients and high standards. Try the Monetcolored lobster risotto, or housemade pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/271-9423. $$

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

• Dinner Mon.-Sat. Brunch Sunday. 561/274-7258. $$$

Sazio—131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu.

Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

Terra Fiamma—9169 W. Atlantic Ave. Italian. The pleasures of simple, well-prepared Italian-American cuisine are front and center here. Enjoy the delicate, pillow-y veal meatballs in Marsala sauce; lusty chicken Allessandro with mushrooms, spinach and artichoke hearts; and a finely crafted tiramisu that’s as satisfying as it is familiar. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/495-5570. $$

Tramonti—119 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. In a world where restaurants chase trends with the relentlessness of Casanova in full Viagra heat, Tramonti stands out as a classic outpost of authentic Italian cookery. Not trendy hardly means stodgy, however, as evidenced by expertly crafted, robustly flavorful dishes like the signature spiedini di mozzarella Romana, spaghetti al cartoccio and braciole Napoletana. Torta della nonna is a triumph of the highly refined simplicity that lies at the heart of true Italian cuisine. • Lunch Mon.– Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-1944. $$$ Veg Eats Foods—334 E. Linton Blvd. Creative Vegan. This is comfort food for everyone; the dishes will impress carnivores, too. Smell the fresh coconut vegetable curry soup, which tastes as good as it sounds. Try the grilled brawt sausage, the Ranch chixn, the banh mi and a Ruben—all from plant-based ingredients that will fool your taste buds. • Lunch daily. 561/562-6673. $ november/december 2023

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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. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and a tiramisu. • Dinner nightly, brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$ LAKE WORTH BEACH

chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$

Buccan—350 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Casual elegance of Palm Beach meets modern culinary Miami at this hot 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. $$

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. $$$

PALM BEACH

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 (not available during summer), the elegant lounge or the sophisticated dining room. • Dinner nightly. 561/655-6060. $$$

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 small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with fingerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas and Korean-style short ribs. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$

Bice—313 Worth Ave. Italian. This venerable restaurant offers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded

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,

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

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[ community connection ] B Y R I C H P O L L A C K

The Rea Family Spirit of Giving Network

THEN:

Classmates at Colgate University, where they first became a couple, Corinne and Tripp Rea settled in Chicago and, after five years and with a new baby, moved to Delray Beach in 2012. “We wanted to make our home here and get involved,” Corinne Rea said. Tripp, who had grown up in Silicon Valley, joined forces with those creating Human Powered Delray, which promoted biking and walking as energy-efficient transportation. Corinne, tapping into her teaching background, worked with Delray Students First, now Bound for College. The couple crossed paths with two members of the Spirit of Giving board and recognized the impact that organization was making by bringing together dozens of nonprofit organizations to share resources and learn from each other. Soon Corinne had joined Spirit of Giving Network’s board.

AARON BRISTOL

NOW:

Cameron and Corinne Rea

“The Spirit of Giving Network Holiday Gift Drive provides an opportunity for almost anyone to make the season magical for a child in our community. It’s also an opportunity to make a difference.”

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Corinne and Tripp were impressed while volunteering for one of Spirit of Giving Network’s signature events, the Back to School Bash, and later, the organization’s Holiday Gift Drive, which provides presents to children served by nonprofit organizations. When the couple first started working with the project as its chairs in 2015, it was serving about 1,000 children; two years later, that number was 3,000, and now it has grown to about 7,000. “We saw an opportunity to scale up the gift drive and increase efficiency,” Tripp Rea says, by creating a catalog of gifts by age and adding an electronic element that allows donors to fulfill a child’s request online. Though they stepped down as chairs of the gift drive after four years, Tripp and Corinne—and their 11-year-old son Cameron—still volunteer every holiday season sorting gifts, training volunteers and more.

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