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MAGDA LINETTE

A TENNIS PHENOM TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

10 Editor’s Letter

As we highlight local businesses that have stood the test of time, our editor writes an ode to the little guy.

BY CHRISTIANA LILLY

13 Hot List

Local “witches” jettison broomsticks for bikes at the city’s most eccentric fundraiser, a disco-inspired restaurant boogies into Delray Beach Market, and a local fashionista strikes a collab with a vital nonprofit. Plus, five pizzerias worth their weight in pepperoni, a Florida chocolatier debuts his artisanal confections, and a celebrated chef takes us to Bourbon Street.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

16 Try This

Puppy yoga may not be the preferred workout for fitness buffs, but for cuteness bingers, there’s no better way to downward dog.

BY CHRISTIANA LILLY

18 Top 5/Calendar

Rembrandt masterpieces tour the Norton Museum, Stephen King’s Misery earns a theatrical makeover, and indie-pop legends the Magnetic Fields bring a rare twonight concert to the Kravis. Plus, Pop Art at the Cornell, a bevy of blues-rock at Arts Garage, a Winston Churchill monologue at Delray Beach Playhouse, and other autumnal happenings.

BY JOHN THOMASON

22 Up Close

Meet the women’s tennis star who defeated Coco Gauff earlier this year while navigating the physical and mental pressures of her high-stress sport, and an artist whose earthy watercolors bring nature onto her canvases.

BY JOHN THOMASON

28 Style

From chic place settings to whimsical décor, Delray retailers have everything you need to elevate your next dinner party.

33 Home

With fall temperatures on the horizon, the time is nigh to bring the inside out. Whether it’s a refreshing pool or a capacious patio, local interior designers share their tips for al fresco living at its best.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO - DEMOTT

46 A Legacy of Business

They’ve witnessed the transition to the digital age, multiple recessions and a global pandemic. Discover the Delray businesses that have survived where others have fallen—from a clothing boutique to a bicycle emporium and a watering hole with a northeastern accent.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS, CHRISTIANA LILLY, BRET MARBACH AND JOHN THOMASON

54 Go Pink

Want to stay in Florida’s most illustrious national park without the hassle of camping? The Everglades’ Flamingo Lodge brings comfortable hospitality to the end of the world.

BY JOHN THOMASON

69 Dining Guide

Our review-driven dining guide showcases great restaurants in Delray and beyond— including a Boynton-based New American staple and a Victorian-styled café that’s been driving Instagrammers wild.

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO - DEMOTT AND CHRISTIANA LILLY

81 Out & About

Foodies Savored the Avenue for the 16th year, Lilly lovers shopped to benefit area debutantes, the Spady Museum “Rocked the Block” for its centennial, and much more.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

ConnectionCommunity

A board member for the Delray Chamber Education Fund schools us on why it’s necessary to support learning initiatives for the students who need it most.

BY RICH POLLACK

COVER PHOTO BY RADKA LEITMERITZ

Group Editor-in-chief

Christiana Lilly

Managing Editor

John Thomason

Web Editor

Tyler Childress

Editor Emeritus

Marie Speed

Senior Art Director

Lori Pierino

Production Manager

Rafael Quiñones

Graphic Designer

James Karpinen

Photographers

Aaron Bristol, Michael Connor, Carina Mask

Editorial Intern

Bret Marbach

Contributing Writers

Christie Galeano-DeMott, Margie Kaye (promotional writing), Rich Pollack

Director of Advertising and Marketing

Nicole Ruth

Account Executives

Alex Fahmy, Karen Kintner, Bruce Klein Jr., Jenna Russo, Skyler Ruth

Special Projects Manager

Gail Eagle

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 christiana@bocamag.com (editorial) publishers of Boca Raton magazine Delray Beach magazine 1926 Worth Avenue magazine 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.

SERVICES

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CHRISTIANA LILLY

A Toast to the Little Guys

THROUGH CHANGING TIDES, THERE ARE BUSINESSES WHO HAVE MANAGED TO HANG ON TIGHT

Being in the community news business, we see the revolving door of restaurants, boutiques and services come and go. As soon as there’s an announcement that a restaurant is sadly closing, the next tenant is already at the door, blueprints in hand to execute their own concept. In a place as buzzy as Delray Beach, sometimes we fear that a place we write about might not make it to the time that our magazines hit the streets.

Last summer, the Sun Sentinel published an article aptly named “Restaurant Whiplash,” looking at the closures in Broward and South Palm Beach. As a person who married into a family of small business owners, I understand the literal blood, sweat and tears that goes into operating a restaurant. And that’s before dealing with customers, the city and the health department. Closing time doesn’t mean it’s time to go home; it’s finally a chance to do repairs and upgrades.

In this economy, even the most successful businesses shutter—remember the collective disappointment in town when Lionfish announced on social media that it was closing in a matter of days? Then Sugar Factory moved in shortly after, quickly changing the dressings of the interior before they, too, called it quits. We’re told that Beach House Pizza is moving in, and best of luck to them.

All the right amount of dedication, creativity, perseverance and maybe even a little pixie dust is needed for a business to survive, and in this issue, we salute the small businesses around town that have stood the test of time (since before 1990). From a nearly century-old sign company and breakfast hotspot to a camera store and a women’s clothing boutique, these places have grown up right alongside Delray Beach. They’ve had to adjust to the new millennium and the advent of the digital world, but without sacrificing on service and the heart of what has kept them in business for so long. You can read all about them on page 46.

In the middle of our interview for this story, Randy Straghn, the owner of Straghn & Son Tri-City Funeral Home, took a call from Xfinity. The funeral home’s internet had been knocked out the night before in a thunderstorm, and the company promised it would be back up … in a day or two. For any business in 2025, that’s not going to work. Straghn told the man on the phone, “People don’t give you no time when they’re going to die. … We have to be in a position to console these families.” He inherited the business from his father, the beloved Zack Straghn. Not only does he have the expectations of his customers on his shoulders, but I imagine the family name, one that carries a lot of weight in Delray Beach (his father led the charge to desegregate the city’s beach, after all).

As we get into the busy season for South Florida, particularly the holidays, take that extra step to seek out a small business. Take out-of-town guests to a mom-and-pop restaurant, explore local vendors during markets and festivals, or have a generations-owned business handle repairs. They may not have a fancy website, but they’ll go the extra mile for you.

LEGACY BUSINESSES

We couldn’t fit all of them in our pages; here are a few others who have witnessed how Delray Beach has grown.

• The Colony Hotel, owned and operated by the Boughton family since 1935. It originally opened as the Alterep Hotel in 1926, and under foreclosure, it was rescued by newlyweds whose trip to Cuba was canceled. Keep an eye out for the original Ficks Reed furniture still on site.

• The Boys Farmers Market, a part of the Delray food scene since 1985 when the Palermo family opened the market. They expanded to include The Girls (known for its u-pick strawberries), Gramma’s Bakery and Bambini’s Pizzeria.

• In the era of chain pharmacies, Delray Shores Pharmacy has stood strong since 1975. Now helmed by second-generation owners, the new location downtown includes the Foxworth Fountain soda fountain.

• Bill Hood & Sons Art & Antique Auctions is truly a family affair, founded by the Hood family in 1989. Its namesake died in 2021, but his wife, sons and grandchildren keep things running, hosting regular auctions of highvalue art and furniture from estates.

CARINA MASK

6751 North Federal Highway, Suite 400 Boca Raton, FL 33487 561.210.7339 intercoastalwealth.com

With the season of giving quickly approaching, Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Elizabeth Bennett has some important advice for those who are philanthropically inclined: “If you are of required minimum distribution age, (RMD), which is currently 73-years old plus, you may want to have your RMD sent directly to the charity of your choice, so you do not have to recognize that distribution as taxable income.”

When asked about the volatility in the market, Bennett offered these insights: It is important for you and your advisor to be looking at Tax Loss Harvesting as the second half of the year arrives. Given there is volatility in the market, Tax Loss Harvesting in years like this helps to offset years like we had in 2023 and 2024. Many people owed taxes this year. This was because many accounts were up 20% last year, which is the good news. The bad news is that if you’re making money, of course, you must pay taxes. So, in a year where there’s volatility, it could present an opportunity for Tax Loss Harvesting to help carry forward some losses into years when you have gains in your nonretirement accounts.”

Bennett adds, “I can offer the most comprehensive advice when we address both your taxes and investments together. By looking at both areas simultaneously, we can create a strategy that aligns with your goals and maximizes your financial growth.”

UNE BELLE TROUVAILLE with its refined selection of fashion, homewear and gifts is poised to become a destination for shoppers who appreciate quality craftsmanship and unique global treasures.

HOT LIST

NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH

A Delray Fall Rememberto

This autumn, Delray is all about boogie nights, finding your new favorite pizza, steak dinners, and gathering the coven for a ride.

BY TYLER CHILDRESS

Disco revelry at Good Night John Boy

THE DELRAY HALLOWEEN

The Witches of Delray will once again take flight on Oct. 25 to raise funds for the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. The cackling coven’s annual bike ride will make its way through historic Downtown Delray Beach and Atlantic Avenue, ending with a contest to award the best decorated bike, best witch cackle, and best costume. Then, the festivities continue with trick-or-treating on the Ave and the annual Halloween parade, wrapping up with crafts, games and live music at KidsFest at Old School Square Pavilion. downtowndelraybeach.com/events/halloween-festivities

AFTER DARK: Good Night John Boy

The Delray Beach Market has come a long way since temporarily shuttering in 2023, and now there’s another reason to plan a visit. Good Night John Boy debuted earlier this year in an expansive space to provide ample boogie room. Inspired by the aesthetics of the swingin’ ‘70s, Good Night John Boy features all the disco balls, wood paneling, crocheted throw blankets and shag carpeting of the era. Its food and beverage program matches the groovy ambiance, with bites provided by the famous Sexton’s Pizza and craft cocktails like the rum-based kaleidoscopic Mood Ring. Break out those platform shoes, and hit the dance floor! goodnightjb.com/ delraybeach

The New Delray Steak Dinner

Chef Michael Mina, the culinary mind behind two Michelin-starred restaurants, has expanded his steakhouse concept, Bourbon Steak, to Delray Beach. Located at the Seagate Resort, Bourbon Steak’s interior combines gold and emerald accents to create an elegant atmosphere in which to enjoy its premium cuts of Kobe, American and Wagyu beef. Meals here start off with duck fat fries with a trio of house-made sauces in lieu of bread, and a trip through the menu isn’t complete without caviar service before a hearty steak entree. Pair a 36-ounce tomahawk seared tableside with decadent sides like the truffle mac and cheese, creamed spinach and crispy fried Brussels sprouts. bourbonsteakdelray.com

Good Night John Boy

Bourbon Steak

Delray Witches’ Ride

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

REY LOPEZ PHOTO

Chocolates You’ll Love

Internationally renowned chocolatier Norman Love Confections has landed in Delray. Coming to us by way of its flagship location in Fort Myers, Norman Love Confections has been named the best chocolate shop in the United States six times since its 2001 debut, and one bite is enough to make you believe the hype. The shop is known for its ultra-premium selection of confections, ranging from gourmet truffles to an electric array of milk, white and dark chocolate creations. Its peanut butter cups will have you swearing off Reese’s, and the fivelayer birthday cake chocolates will keep you coming back. Pro tip: Visit on the first Friday of the month for free samples. normanloveconfections.com

DELRAY BY THE NUMBERS:

300 Witches at last year’s Witches’ Ride

$223,000+

Amount raised for Delray’s Achievement Centers for Children and Families by the Witches’ Ride since its debut Oct. 15

When stone crab season begins—we’ll see you at J&J Seafood

1,000

The number of pizzas Square Peg Pizzeria gave away at its opening

GET THRIFTY

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County’s Delray Beach ReStore recently unveiled an exciting new collection.

Curated by local fashion maven Amanda Perna, Amanda’s Corner features gently used and upcycled items from her House of Perna line as well as selections she finds throughout the store. Amanda’s Corner is updated each month with new selec tions from Perna, so there will always be new treasures to find for eco-conscious fashionistas on a budget.

Every Kind of Pizza

Delray Beach is the premier pizza destination of Palm Beach County, with the nation’s top pizza regions represented. Here are the best new places to grab a slice:

DEATH BY PIZZA

This Detroit-style pizza joint recently opened its new West Delray outpost. Unlike its downtown takeout-only location, the new space welcomes guests to sit and sample its deepdish pies in an expansive dining room. deathbypizzadelray. com

SQUARE PEG PIZZERIA

Established in Connecticut, Square Peg Pizzeria brings the state’s famous wood-fired pies to Delray. The menu boasts an eclectic selection of pies like the New Britain Ave, loaded with fennel, sausage and hot and sweet peppers, and at the end of each slice is a thin and bubbly crust that crunches with every bite. squarepegpizzeria.com

FRANK PEPE PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

This coal-fired pizza restaurant served up pies for nearly a century in New Haven before expanding to Delray Beach.

With the recent debut of the Char Bar, diners can pair their favorite pie with a specialty cocktail. pepespizzeria.com

GESTO

The culinary masterminds behind Amar Mediterranean Bistro have opened their own pizza restaurant, Gesto. The pies here are made with glyphosate-free Petra flour and fresh, kettlecooked tomatoes that add an authentic taste of Italy to each bite. gestopizzeria.com

AH - BEETZ NEW HAVEN PIZZA

Another New Haven original, Ah-Beetz has finally made its way to Delray with its new flagship location on Jog Road. Enjoy thin, crispy slices with the signature New Haven char. ah-beetz.com

Norman Love Confections

Amanda’s Corner

Square Peg Pizzeria

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Prosciutto and poached egg avocado toast, the interior of Glimmer Cafe, and lavendar honey matcha

CHRISTIANA LILLY

Puppy Yoga

Whether it’s a quest for finding inner peace, flexibility or mindful movement, yoga has long been the workout du jour among Americans—in 2022, 17% of Americans practiced yoga, according to the CDC. Putting aside talks of the loss of the true meaning of yogic practice, it’s more popular than ever, especially in new forms that have animal lovers stopping in their tracks.

Enter the rise of puppy yoga, as well as goat yoga or even baby capybara yoga (offered at Jungle Island in Miami). I’ve done the first two, and as a dog lover, puppy yoga is the easiest to find and perhaps the most soul-melting of the bunch.

Puppy Yoga Club has studios around the country, including in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area. When I first signed up with two friends, we were told it would be on Atlantic Avenue but was relocated to a studio next to the Flamingo House in Boca Raton; there is also a studio on Palm Beach. A few days before our puppy yoga class, we received an email announcement that we would be playing with … drum roll … goldendoodle puppies.

Inside the studio, yoga mats lined the room, and the puppies were kept in the corner to rest before their play session. We claimed mats, phones at the ready for our new friends to be released like a miniature Running of the Bulls. When it was their time to shine, the room erupted into squeals of delight. About eight puppies pranced around the room, chasing after chew toys and getting into mischief. This included chomping on my long braid with their baby teeth, which I didn’t mind because it meant they would hang out with me (the sacrifice).

Oh right, we’re here for yoga.

At the front of the room, the yoga instructor led the class through a light flow, guiding us through low-impact poses like cat and cow pose, downward dog and warrior. Some puppies kept her company, climbing under her. We really did try to follow along, but truthfully we were trying to get the attention of a puppy to cuddle in our laps. So much for tree pose. We also alerted staff to any “accidents”—they are puppies, after all. In the back, a row of three women had the ultimate cuddle when a puppy fell asleep in each of their laps and on their bellies, promptly stopping any yoga flow from continuing. I was filled with a jealous rage.

We claimed mats, phones at the ready for our new friends to be released like a miniature Running of the Bulls.

The yoga session itself was only about 30 minutes long, and afterward, we were invited to free play with the puppies. The manager explained that the puppies were all from a local breeder, and the activity helps them with socialization before they go to their forever homes. He also mentioned that they were hoping to work with local shelters, which I would love to see more of. A few animal lovers in the group passed along information for shelters they recommended.

When it came time for our hour-long romp with the puppies to end, the pack was herded back into an enclosure for some downtime before the next group would arrive later in the day. We bid farewell to the puppies, squirming to find out the next time we could indulge in their soft paw pads.

Puppy Yoga Club, puppy-yogaclub.com

Abbi Perry plays with a goldendoodle puppy

TOP 5 September/October 2025

[ 5 ] [ 4 ] [ 3 ]

MISERY

WHEN: Oct. 26-Nov. 9

WHERE: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter

COST: $74 and up

CONTACT: 561/575-2223, jupitertheatre.org

This theatrical adaptation of one of Stephen King’s most notorious novels arrives just in time for Halloween. If you’ve read the harrowing page-turner or seen its Oscarwinning 1990 film adaptation, then you know the broad contours of its plot: Paul Sheldon, an author of historical romance novels, is injured in a car crash in the remote, snowedin town of Sidewinder, Colorado. He awakens to find himself in the care of ardent fan Annie Wilkes. But what initially seems like a period of grateful convalescence becomes a waking nightmare for Paul, as the psychotic Annie, ravenously eager for the next book in the author’s series, will do anything to keep her charge bed-ridden and under her control. Unlike its various other forms, playwright William Goldman’s stage version of “Misery” jettisons any scenes of the outside world, confining the action entirely to Annie’s remote cabin—thereby enhancing the story’s inherent claustrophobia and amplifying its menace. If the play does its job, you’ll never hear Liberace quite the same way again.

FRANK VIGNOLA AND VINNY RANIOLO

WHEN: Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach

COST: $45-$50

CONTACT: 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org

One of the leading lights of contemporary jazz guitar, Frank Vignola has been helping to expand the definition of the style for more than 45 years. Growing up on Long Island surrounded by string music—he’s the son of an accomplished banjoist—Vignola has mastered the work of artists as varied as George Gershwin and gypsy-jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt. Imbued with a transportive, dulcet tone honed through decades of still-daily practice, his oeuvre includes 30 releases as a leader and countless others as a sideman, including for Leon Redbone and Donald Fagen; he’s also played with Madonna and Ringo Starr, and he has been a generous teacher of his art, penning 18 instructional books and recording a myriad of lesson videos on YouTube. For this gig, the lead-guitar giant will be accompanied by his rhythm-guitar protégé Raniolo, whose two albums together tackle everything from Mozart to bossa nova to Roberta Flack to standards from the American Songbook.

THE MAGNETIC FIELDS

WHEN: Oct. 29-30, 7:30 p.m.

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

COST: $46-$92 per show

CONTACT: 561/832-7469, kravis.org

A singular artifact of indie music at the time of its 1999 release, the Magnetic Fields’ 3-CD set 69 Love Songs is a unicorn of an album. Far from leapfrogging on alternative-music trends, its 69 tracks, which span nearly three hours, mostly harken back to the traditional tunefulness and lyrical effervescence of composers such as Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim. In fact, Stephin Merritt, the low-key, low-voiced creative force behind the loose-knit collective known as the Magnetic Fields, drew inspiration from modernist composer Charles Ives’ 114 Songs, and he originally conceived the collection as a theatrical revue performed by a cast of singers and musicians. Ultimately, the album is hulking enough to encompass a sweeping range of musical styles, touching upon folk, country, jazz, punk, synthpop, madrigals, even a murder ballad—with artists ranging from Peter Gabriel to bluegrass’ Mollie Tuttle eventually covering them. This tour, continuing the 25th anniversary celebration of the album, features live performances of all 69 songs spread over two nights.

The Magnetic Fields

“Misery”

Frank Vignola and Vinny Raniolo

“ART AND LIFE IN REMBRANDT’S TIME: MASTERPIECES FROM THE LEIDEN COLLECTION”

WHEN: Oct. 25, 2025-April 6, 2026

WHERE: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

COST: $18 general admission, $15 seniors CONTACT: 561/832-5196, norton.org

To be in the presence of even one painting by Rembrandt van Rijn is a rare occurrence outside of the world’s most prestigious art capitals. But the opportunity to experience 17 Rembrandt works in one exhibition is a revelation, and it arrives in West Palm Beach courtesy of the Leiden Collection, a two-decade effort from Thomas and Daphne Kaplan to amass the greatest masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age of Painting. This unprecedented exhibition takes some 70 examples of their 200-plus-piece collection on the road, with its Norton premiere coinciding with the arrival of the season and ultimately the December return of Art Basel Miami Beach. Rembrandt’s boundless emotion and extraordinary technique will be on display in works such as his seminal history painting “Minerva in Her Study” and his youthful “Self-Portrait with Shaded Eyes.” Seldom-toured paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Carel Fabritius and others will expand museumgoers’ appreciation for 17th-century Dutch art, whose impacts on various art movements can still be felt today.

“THE MOUNTAINTOP”

WHEN: Oct. 24-Nov. 9

WHERE: Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach COST: $75-$115

CONTACT: 561/514-4042, palmbeachdramaworks.org

The version of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we meet in Katori Hall’s 2009 play “The Mountaintop” has seen better days. It’s April 3, 1968, the world is on fire, and King has just orated one of his indelible speeches, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” He has returned to the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, not knowing that the following night he would fall to an assassin’s bullet, but showing signs of wavering physical and mental health: a persistent cough, a fear—justified, as later reporting would reveal—that he’s being surveilled by the FBI. As he struggles under the weight of the entire civil rights movement, a flirtatious hotel maid, seemingly wise beyond her years, enters his room, beginning a journey that will grow more surreal as their conversation takes unexpected turns. By placing her protagonist’s challenges with marital fidelity in the spotlight, Hall endeavored to script a “warts and all” play that wrestles with King’s many complications.

READ THIS

Of Slash Pines and Manatees: A Highly Selective Field Guide to My Suburban Wilderness by Andrew Furman Penned by an FAU English professor—and astute nature and science writer—this new book explores Furman’s evolving relationships with South Florida’s flora and fauna through personal essays interwoven with history, zoology, botany and cultural criticism. Topics range from his efforts to transform the backyard of his home in the Palm Beach Farms subdivision into a wildlife refuge—with its canopy of nine live oaks—to the biodiversity hazards of algae blooms, the complicated majesty of the painted bunting, and the bloody history of the yellow-crowned night heron.

WATCH THIS

“The Hitmen” Shot on location throughout Palm Beach County in 2023, this darkly comic feature film made its streaming premiere on Amazon Prime earlier this year. The production is predicated on a nifty role reversal: Actors Anthony N. Galizia Sr. and Danny Klapadoras are better known as law enforcers, having worked a combined 55 years for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Here, they play bumbling contract killers who unexpectedly find themselves caring for their boss’ infant— while weighing a hit on the baby’s mother. Filming locations included the Acreage and Score’s Gentlemen’s Club in Lake Worth Beach.

LISTEN TO THIS

Zombies! Organize!!: Before It’s Too Late It’s never too late to stream one of South Florida’s most unsung musical projects of the 21st century. Zombies! Organize!!, a cheeky electro-pop trio from Boca Raton whose songs literally addressed zombie outbreaks—often with a sociopolitical undertone—only released one album, 2008’s Before It’s Too Late, but it remains a still-relevant and unorthodox soundtrack this Halloween season.

Gerrit Dou’s “The Herring Seller and Boy” from “Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time”

“The Mountaintop”

September/October 2025

Now-Sept. 14:

“West Side Story” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $45; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com.

Rooting the story in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” composer Leonard Bernstein and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s shattering musical about young lovers on opposite sides of a New York City gang war has lost none of its power, humor and empathy over its nearly 60 years of productions and adaptations.

Now-Sept. 28:

“The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono” at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; $10-$16 museum admission; 561/4950233, morikami.org. Translating as “articulated decorative objects,” the sculptures known as jizai okimono flourished in Japan’s peaceful mid-Edo period. These finely detailed creations typically focused on animal and insect life. “The Art of Peace” gathers 19 examples of the remarkably realistic art form.

Oct. 3:

Commodores at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7:30 p.m.; $44.85-$159.85; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. With founding member and multiinstrumentalist William King still leading and choreographing the band, the Grammy-winning Commodores will perform selections from their decades of eclectic and foundational funk and soul classics, from the ballads “Easy” and “Night Shift” to the roofraising “Brick House.”

Now-Sept. 28:

“Pop Culture” exhibition at Cornell Art Museum, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; free (donations welcome); 561/654-2220. This splashy exhibition showcases modern adherents of the Pop art style popularized by Andy Warhol and others. Among the participating artists is GWAK, whose celebrity “Army Men” sculptures riff on G.I. Joes; and Annina Rust, a technology-based artist whose playable works of art include a “Pac-Mom” game that explores gender inequity and food insecurity.

Oct. 3-19:

“The Little Shop of Horrors” at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach; various show times; $40; 561/586-6410, lakeworthplayhouse.org. Based on a 1960 B-movie by schlock maestro Roger Corman, “The Little Shop of Horrors” was adapted into this 1982 stage musical about a meek employee of a flower shop who discovers an unusual plant, names it after his unrequited beloved, and watches it grow … and grow … and grow, all the while feeding off—what else?—human blood and flesh.

Sept. 6:

Selwyn Birchwood at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $45-$50; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Florida native Birchwood, a towering blues-rock presence with a cult following in his home state and beyond, returns in support of his sixth LP Exorcist, an apt name for his raucous, spirit-moving sound, which combines psych-rock, blues, funk and soul into a signature gumbo he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues.”

Oct. 5:

Phil Varca & the Slamjammers at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. This Long Island trio, fronted by guitarist-vocalist Varca, has been plying its durable rockin’ blues trade for more than three decades, wearing its Jimi Hendrix/Stevie Ray Vaughan influences on its sleeve. Varca’s Slamjammers opened for rocker Robin Trower on his last tour and have shared stages with Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa and many others.

Oct. 11:

“The Café on Main” at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 2 and 8 p.m.; $40; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. Jeff Perlman, mayor of Delray Beach from 2003 to 2007, remains actively involved in the city’s commercial, nonprofit and civic sectors, while moonlighting as a writer. His play “The Café on Main,” directed in this production by Michelle Diaz, is inspired by the song “Moon River” and takes place in a Long Island café where love stories unspool at its prime table.

Selwyn Birchwood

Commodores

Art from “Pop Culture”

Art from “Jizai Okimono”

TALITHA KAUFFMAN

Sept.

13:

Pantera at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $56 and up; 561/795-8883, westpalmbeachamphitheatre.com. Billed as “the heaviest tour of the summer,” this outing continues Pantera’s comeback tour that began in 2023, with metal royalty and Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante filling in for the late Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. Arrive early for Swedish death-metal veterans Amon Amarth.

Sept.

19:

Tom Segura at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 7 and 9:30 p.m.; $68.43$114.43; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Segura, a top-charting comedian with a loyal following and a gifted command of long-form comic narrative, is the co-host of the long-running podcast “Your Mom’s House,” and has five Netflix specials to his credit. Segura also penned a book of comedic essays, 2022’s I’d Like to Play Alone, Please, and created and starred in the 2025 Netflix series “Bad Thoughts.”

Oct. 15:

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $43.70$129.95; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. Opposites attract in this singular marriage of disparate genres, as 14 classical musicians join rock instrumentalists for inspired interpretations of Metallica, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, AC/DC and more, supplemented by elaborate sets, costumes and lighting.

Oct. 21-26:

“The Wiz” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $TBA; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. “The Wiz,” a Tony winner for Best Musical in 1975, reimagined “The Wizard of Oz” through the lens of contemporary African-American culture, from its all-Black cast to its rousing songs blending soul, rock, gospel and funk. This latest Broadway tour features choreography from Beyoncé collaborator JaQuel Knight.

Sept. 26:

Eric Johanson at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m.; $50-$55; 561/450-6357, artsgarage.org. This accomplished guitarist from the American music capital of New Orleans comes from a lineage of musicians—his grandfather was a jazz clarinet player, his grandmother a pianist— which he continues through a raw but accessible blend of blues rock that acknowledges the style’s forbears while looking forward to a genre-fluid future.

Oct. 24-26:

“Churchill” at Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 N.W. Ninth St., Delray Beach; various show times; $60; 561/272-1281, delraybeachplayhouse.com. In this solo play, actor David Payne inhabits the U.K.’s most consequential prime minister, complete with pin-striped suit and signature cigar, as he holds court on topics ranging from his tenure in the Boer War to his relationship to America’s leaders to the women who drove him—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

Sept. 27-28:

Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival on East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free; 561/746-6615, artfestival.com. This 30th-annual tradition on the Avenue will feature artists offering their creations in mediums including glass art, mixed media, jewelry, wood, ceramics, furniture, fiber art, photography, metal and more, at prices to meet any budget.

Oct. 26:

The Joe Cotton Band at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 7 p.m.; $30-$35; 561/4506357, artsgarage.org. “Joe Cotton” is the musical nom de plume of South Florida singer, songwriter and guitarist Steve Martel, whose original music echoes with the classic rock of a generation, from the Beatles to Neil Young to the Grateful Dead. Martel and his fourpiece will perform selections from their 2020 release My Place and beyond.

Joe Cotton Pantera

DOUG HARDESTY SHAUN NIX

Eric Johanson

Tom Segura

Magda Linette

Backhand Compliment

A WTA PRO BALANCES MENTAL WELLNESS WITH A GRUELING LIFE ON THE COURTS

When Magda Linette, then ranked 34th in women’s professional tennis, defeated No. 3 Coco Gauff this past March at the Miami Open, the result sent shockwaves through the sports media. A New York Times headline reflected the consensus: “Coco Gauff falls to Magda Linette in Miami Open upset, underlining recent serve struggles.”

But the focus on Gauff’s unforced errors failed to credit the exceptional play of Linette, a Polish native whose impressive stamina and dominant two-handed backhand have propelled her ascent into the top ranks of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Like Gauff, Linette is a competitive globetrotter who trains here in Delray Beach. But unlike Gauff, Linette enters most tournaments as an underdog, embodying both the glamour and the grind of the pro tennis world, a stubborn staircase of success where, in her words, “one step forward, two steps back” is common.

athletes also raised issues about the Cancun facility’s playing conditions. After a severe weather event forced a suspension of a semifinal match, Linette partially defended the WTA to a Polish newspaper, arguing “we cannot control everything, such as the weather.” Even a statement this benign was met with a wave of criticism on X.

“Whatever I said was taken way further than I was used to,” she recalls. “I had to learn how to be OK with the consequences. You have to try to predict what’s going to happen, and it’s impossible with social media right now. You put your words in a river and you have no idea where it’s going to take them. It showed me how much more careful I had to be. Everything is a lesson.”

Linette has also learned to manage her reactions to inevitable errors on the court, which she says she let define her for too long. “It’s such a constant battle with yourself, because you’re used to doing the same mistakes, and then you become so disappointed,” she says.

“I’m loving Florida. We have so many good girls in that area of Delray and Boca; for training, it’s so convenient to have so many athletes at the same level that you can practice with.”

“It was a very long and very painful route” to reach her level of play, she says. “There were a lot of struggles, because you also don’t have much money, and you don’t earn much money on [smaller] tournaments. You have to travel alone to some very weird or dangerous places sometimes. It’s a bumpy road, and only the most persistent ones can get through it.”

Linette was groomed to be a tennis star from virtually the day she was born. Her father coached the sport, and a photo captures her, at age 3, attending her first challengers tournament in her hometown of Poznań. She recalls “begging” her parents for a tennis racket, and stepping onto a court for the first time at age 6. By 17, she had ascended to the pro tennis circuit, and she’s spent the last 10 years in the top 100 worldwide.

Linette has won three WTA singles titles and two titles in doubles, participated in three Olympic Games, and reached the semifinals of the 2023 Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in pro tennis. She has peaked at No. 19 in the global rankings, netting more than $7 million in prize money in the process. But as she is always quick to point out, her fame has not come easy, and her elevated profile has invited more scrutiny than in the past.

In November 2023, for instance, the WTA faced backlash among some of its players for scheduling its finals in Cancun during Mexico’s rainy season;

A regular hypnosis practice and sessions with a neuroscientist have proven invaluable to Linette’s mental health. “I had a massive problem with finding somebody to help me deal with losses, with anxiety, with anger,” she says. “Hypnosis really changed a lot for me. It’s one of the things that honestly made a tangible change inside of me. I learned how to be calmer, how to feel calmer.”

At 33, Linette is, in WTA terms, “a grandma,” she jokes. “Steffi Graff, with 22 Grand Slams, finished her career at 30. Imagine if she continued playing, how many more she would win?” But she adds that times have changed, and her genes are strong; retirement is not yet on Linette’s horizon, even if she’s vowing to play fewer tournaments in the year ahead—which still means up to 24 tourneys annually. “This year it’s a goal to play less and be OK with things, and really try to play my best tennis, and don’t worry when I don’t do as well,” she says.

Her reduced schedule also allows her to devote more time to pursuits outside the court, such as her educational nonprofit the Linette Foundation, which supports the development of children and youth through sports. “It’s important to have a completely different life outside of tennis,” she says. “Tennis gets people crazy. I try to have friends that are completely unrelated to tennis, where we don’t talk about my matches, and there is a completely different life. It’s so crucial, and I advise that for everybody.”

Force of Nature

LAYERED WITH TEA DYES AND FLORAL ESSENCES, LUCIANA BOAVENTURA’S ART GETS TO THE ROOT OF THE MATTER

When we say that an artwork is full of life, we’re usually speaking metaphorically. But in the mixed-media collages of Luciana Boaventura, the compliment is quite literal. This past spring, the Delray Beach artist debuted a slate of works at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County in Lake Worth Beach whose very materials had recently consumed oxygen. The artist combined tea dyes and leaves and seeds from her garden with various papers to form her “Alchemy of Plants” series—earth-toned abstractions with a hypnotic allure.

Gaze at Boaventura’s canvases long enough and you’re bound to detect familiar shapes—like the “seahorse” and celestial objects traversing her “Alchemy of Plants S4.” But the works are intended to resist straightforward readings. They are propelled by feeling, not interpretation, and Boaventura

Around this time, she became a student of Chinese medicine and anthroposophy, the spiritual philosophy founded by esotericist Rudolf Steiner that attempts to raise human consciousness and bridge gaps between science, art and spirituality. “Eventually, I began integrating this knowledge into my paintings—using herbs, teas and roots from my garden not just as materials, but as carriers of energy.”

Boaventura continued her combination of artistic practice and spiritual exploration after she moved with her family to Delray Beach in 2015. Her husband was offered a job here, and Boaventura embraced rural Delray’s proximity to farmland and nature as a “refreshing contrast” to the bustle of São Paulo. Four years later, she competed in Arts Warehouse’s inaugural Art Throwdown competition, winning first place and earning a 2019 solo exhibition in the gallery, appropriately titled “Abundance of Consciousness.”

“My work is about making the invisible visible. It’s an ongoing process of studying materials, energy and perception— and I’m still learning every day.”

worked to silence her logical mind and tap into pure intuition when creating the collages. “My work is about making the invisible visible,” she says. “It’s an ongoing process of studying materials, energy and perception—and I’m still learning every day.”

Indeed, Boaventura’s practice embraces ideas that some might deem, affectionately or not, as woo-woo. When she’s not creating art, she is a flower therapist, crafting floral essences to promote healing in her clients, in the manner of the pioneering British homeopath Dr. Edward Bach. These floral essences also find their way into her artwork.

“This energy, this frequency, is supposed to be for all of us,” she says, adding that nature “uses me as a tool.”

This direction in Boaventura’s life may have surprised her younger self. Boaventura, 52, grew up in Brazil and graduated from a São Paulo university with a degree in fashion design. That’s when she started working with textile patterns and color development, but she began to drift away from her major, citing a lack of originality in the Brazilian fashion scene.

“There was a lot of copy and pasting,” she recalls. “Over time, I felt called back to the art that had always surrounded me, and I began investing seriously—studying with artists, curators and researchers in both traditional and experimental settings. I knew this was becoming more than a hobby.”

And last year, the Cultural Council selected Boaventura as one of just six local artists to receive solo exhibitions for the center’s 2024-2025 season.

Dubbed “Fragile Beauty: Steeped in Life,” the exhibition featured work mostly completed since the pandemic, when Boaventura challenged herself to start and finish a collage every day. The exercise helped sharpen her approach to form and color.

“At the same time, I was having tea, and saving the tea bags,” she says. “For many years, I didn’t throw them away, because I didn’t know if I would use them. And one day, I made the connection that I have a blend of nature in my hands. [Tea dyes] are full of frequency. They are full of DNA. So I’m going to use this DNA as ink. … I started looking at patterns that nature was arranging for me, and showing me in the paper. So things came together.”

Boaventura even deploys tea bags and sachets themselves in hanging sculptures such as “Soft Plumage” and “Blush Wing,” which feel like threedimensional constructions that leapt off her canvases. As with most aspects of her life, Boaventura lets nature and her own appetites decide how much tea she consumes, and therefore how much of its remnants will be at her artistic disposal. “I don’t take more tea to have the teabags,” she says. “If I have only two teas that week, then I have two teabags.

“But if you come to my home, I will offer you tea!”

Luciana Boaventura

Hand woven bowl, $16; oval serving dish, $129; matching serving set, $57; woven wine holder, $24; wood bowl,$85; matching serving set, $50; scalloped plate, $16 set of 4; throw, $98; all from Iron and Oak Home; Juliska dinner plate, $62; napkin, $22; napkin ring, $26 set of 4; wine glass, $64 set of 4; fish planter, $72; Paige Gemmel pillow, $238; all from Snappy Turtle Home; serving tray, $449; from Clive Daniel home; triple bowl set, $180; salt and pepper, $90; all from Une Belle Trouvaille

Globally Inspired

ELEVATE YOUR FALL FEASTS WITH THESE WELL - TRAVELED TABLE SETTINGS

[ STYLE ]

Smeg tea kettle, $235; bamboo bowl, $45; napkin ring, $15 set of 4; Bevilacqua Moorish head vase, $285; all from Une Belle Trouvaille; Ichendorf mushroom mug, $50 each; Ichendorf lemon tumbler, $70 set of 2; coup glass, $62 set of 2; serving tray, $449; all from Clive Daniel home; cherry placemat, $52; napkin, $26; silverware, $98 set of 5; from Snappy Turtle Home; scalloped dish, $16 set of 4; mini bowl, $15; from Iron and Oak Home

CLIVE DANIEL, 1351 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton; 561/440-4663, clivedaniel.com

IRON AND OAK HOME, 47 S.E. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; 561/908-2447, ironandoakhome.com, @ironandoakhome

SNAPPY TURTLE HOME, 1319 N. Federal Highway #3, Delray Beach; 561/894-8634; snappy-turtle.com

UNE BELLE TROUVAILLE, 200 N.E. Second Ave., Ste. 101, Delray Beach; 561/835-4299, @unebelletrouvaille

Wood bowl and serving set, $260 set; cashmere throw, $335; all from Une Belle Trouvaille; MacKenzie-Childs Go Fish lowball glass, $50 each; dinner plate, $54; and bowl, $46 each; silverware, $98 set of 5; fish hook pillow, $64; wine glass, $64 set of 4; napkin, $26; napkin ring, $14; all from Snappy Turtle Home

STYLING/ART DIRECTOR: LORI PIERINO

DESIGN INSPIRATION TO BRING HOME

Take It Outside

From patios to pool houses and everything in between, our favorite space in the home is actually outdoors

BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

Laetitia Laurent designed a linear fireplace to mirror the pool’s sunken living room fire pit, which perfectly enhances the backyard’s resort atmosphere.

[ HOME ]

LIVING EN PLEIN AIR

In South Florida, where our weather treats us to seemingly endless days of sunshine and our summers are filled with radiant warmth and sultry nights, outdoor living isn’t an afterthought—it’s an essential part of life at home. Everywhere we look, talented designers are embracing nature, crafting outdoor living spaces that are just as stylish as they are comfortable, come rain or shine.

Take the pool cabanas of yesteryear. What these function-forward spaces lacked in style, they made up for in utility with their moist shower floors and piles of soggy towels and pool toys. But that was then. Today’s pool bungalows are lavish destinations, enticing us out to the backyard for afternoons of leisure and pleasure.

RESORT LIVING

One of the best ways to bask in our eternal sunshine is by taking a dip in a sprawling resort-style pool. Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors was tasked with renovating her first-time client’s primary residence while also designing an 82-foot pool and a detached, nearly 6,000-square-foot bungalow resembling a five-star resort. The clients, who love hosting large-scale parties, wanted the backyard to be used to its full potential, so Laurent teamed up with Compson Homes to deliver exactly that.

Laurent credits the evolution of performance fabrics and weather-rated materials for elevating her designs while ensuring they remain sustainable and resilient against the elements. Interior decorative elements and floor coverings that were once limited to indoor spaces can now luxuriate in the sun, such as the performance chenilleupholstered sofa and woven coffee table. The

clients wanted the main home and pool cabana to resemble one cohesive resort, so while the guest house embodies a fun, coastal vibe with a West Indies flair, it remains relevant to the main house. Both residences offer direct views of the expansive pool, where Laurent designed sub-areas and unique features like towering palm trees for shade, a glass shelf for looking into the pool and swim-up stools for enjoying a poolside cocktail.

POOL HOUSE

Designers like Matthew Boland of MMB Studio are creating pool houses that mirror their main home’s interiors, complete with separate living and dining rooms. In a recent Palm Beach project for a longtime client, Boland aimed to create an outdoor living space that felt as if it belonged indoors. His clients wanted a private pool pavilion where they could transition from sipping coffee

Three-dimensional tiles chosen by designer Matthew Boland create a whimsical, reflective fireplace with subtle art deco undertones.

SUN TO STORM:

Tips for outfitting your outdoor living spaces

at sunrise to late morning business calls to a poolside lunch and then sunset cocktails paired with dinner. Mission accomplished.

While this pool house retains a hint of a utilitarian role, it is much more an elevated alternative living space. Beyond being beautiful, it also needed to withstand all the elements, so Boland focused on selecting sustainable products that are weatherfriendly and durable. For instance, to activate the walls, he passed on wallpaper, choosing a handpainted yellow floral mural instead. He also painted the black cocktail tables with automotive paint that mimics black lacquer. He featured exterior weatherrated upholstery and draperies throughout, and even the colorful pillows are embroidered with UV-resistant thread. “You can jump out of the pool, sit everywhere, and affect nothing,” he says.

OUTSIDE IN

Instead of featuring only one space in the home that serves as an outdoor retreat, Ste-

ven Gurowitz’s entire house fully opens to the outdoors and lets the sunshine in. The founder of Interiors by Steven G, his biggest challenge for this project was ensuring all spaces were livable and maintenance-free by selecting materials that could withstand the sun, wind, salt and rain. His secret? Sunbrella. “It’s the No. 1 fabric. You can hose it off,” he says. Another key feature was the impact sliders with floor tracks that allow expansive glass panels to be stacked for a seamless indoor/outdoor feel. Gurowitz, who has designed homes for more than 40 years, tips his hat to Affiniti Architects and admits that if he were ever considering leaving Miami, this would be the house to get him out of the Magic City. The home’s openness provides a sense of depth where the water views and backyard effortlessly blend into the inviting living and dining areas, which are sheltered from the elements in the most natural way. And the best part is that these clients never have to ask for a rain check.

 Ensure furniture and accessories use stainless-steel nails or similar rust-free fasteners.

 Choose performance fabrics like Perennials or Sunbrella, but be mindful that textiles rated for outdoor use can still fade, so choose lighter colors if that is a concern. If you’re embroidering these fabrics, utilize UV-resistant thread.

 Choose stainless-steel appliances and nonporous countertops and flooring, such as porcelain or sealed natural stone.

 Invest in high-end lighting, polypropylene area rugs, and furniture made of teak, powder-coated aluminum or synthetic wicker.

 Consider using shade structures to prevent direct UV exposure and provide some rain protection.

 Invest in quality misters, fans and roll-down hurricane screens.

Steven Gurowitz’s mellow, timeless design is accentuated with porcelain floors, white oak detailing and a granite fireplace.

What makes Omnio unique?

We set out to reinvent it entirely – with something smarter, faster and built around the lives of high-value homeowners. Omnio combines concierge-level service with comprehensive home coverage, all seamlessly managed through a single trusted point of contact. It’s not about fixing things. It’s about removing the burden, anticipating your needs, and delivering peace of mind with every interaction.

The Face of MERGING MINIMALISM & MAXIMALISM DESIGN STYLES

Rita Christensen

Interior Designer

The

Bô Casa

Working as a banker in Dubai, Rita Christensen was accustomed to dealing with high-net-worth individuals’ financial portfolios. One such client, a sheik, had recently purchased 48 homes in a GL community.When the designer hired to decorate the models failed to deliver, Christensen took on the project with her typical enthusiasm.

Eight model homes and three months later, the project was completed with rave reviews, and Christensen was promoted at the bank. During a subsequent vacation to Florida, she met her future husband and decided to move to America, where she pursued a degree from NewYork School of Interior Design and launched a new career.

Since 2013, Christensen has been immersed in highend and modern interior design projects at her firm,The Bo Casa, where her ability to balance the simple to the elaborate has yielded stunning results and national acclaim.

“While Dubai had a manufactured gold, extravagant look, my tastes are more natural and neutral, which I incorporate into my clients’ projects. I spend hours in the first complimentary consultation listening intently to uncover their goals. I then provide them with a manifesto of design elements to envision their masterpiece in the making,” she explains.

Utilizing a blend of unique furnishings and finishes, lighting and accessories to create stunning, one-of-akind residences, Christensen’s projects exude the perfect combination of balance and function. Each exquisite home reflects the finest European accents curated from her vendors in Italy and Portugal—chosen for their superior inventory and artistry, and the 30-40% savings which Christensen graciously passes on to her clients.

310-773-8894

thebocasa.com

Michael Connor Photography

The Face of MEDITERRANEAN

SIMPLICITY AND WARMTH

Maria Giraldi

Co-Owner

Iron & Oak Home

Iron & Oak Home boutique showroom in Delray Beach welcomes shoppers to embark upon a unique Mediterranean and California seaside-inspired journey of furniture and home design options that seduce the senses from moment one.

Thoughtfully conceived by co-owner Maria Giraldi and her business partner of 30 years, Barry Tartarkin (whom she affectionately refers to as her “superpower”), Iron & Oak’s sprawling selections consist of distinct one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, artisanal accessories and high-quality manufactured custom-built furniture from North Carolina.

A multifaceted fashionista, Giraldi possesses a sophisticated sense of style, honed from her previous career with Chanel and decades of design expertise as co-founder of Lemon, a brand that helped elevate loungewear into the luxury clothing space.“Just like in the world of fashion, you can layer elements here to find what is pleasing to your eye.There are no rules.The magic is in the mix,” she says with conviction.

The boutique’s inventory is a shopper-friendly symphony of colors, textures and eclectic elements made with natural materials in calming neutral tones. A series of vignettes invites clients to touch, feel and leisurely contemplate the selections that abound. Interesting, organically driven, recycled, reclaimed and repurposed accessories from consoles to light fixtures, candles to kitchenware, pillows to serving pieces and aromatic diffusers are among the pieces to beautify a space or transform an entire home.

The tremendous array of awe-inspiring choices fills the 3,000-square-foot showroom, with a nearby warehouse brimming with ready-to-take-home treasures. Immediate gratification and white-glove service adds to the experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

561-908-2447

@ironandoakhome

The Face of ITALY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE TILE & MARBLE

Michael Hummel Owner Just Tile & Marble

For more than 37 years, Just Tile & Marble has been specializing in exclusive lines of imported porcelain tiles, slabs and other beautiful natural stones, waterjet mosaics and unique glass and handmade tiles from around the world, earning owner Michael Hummel a prestigious standing in the industry.

“I always strive to bring only the most exclusive products to the forefront of the marketplace, with 85 percent of imports from Italy’s finest factories,” says Hummel, who is renowned for being one of the largest facilities in the country for 48X48 tiles, with more than 115 varieties in stock.

“I also carry over 100 24X48s, and have more than 250 slabs on display. Inspired by my unrelenting passion to continuously elevate our inventory’s wow factor to new heights, I have added grand-scale 63X63s to the mix that I personally designed, featuring today’s warmer palette with ivories, beiges, creams and taupes,” he explains.

Hummel boasts that he is now about eight months ahead of schedule with materials he purchased seven months ago in Italy that are just being introduced into the U.S.The timing couldn’t have been better to have these products delivered before the tariffs were imposed.“It saves my clients a great deal of time and money,” he assures.

Hummel is proud to share that he has welcomed the next generation into Just Tile & Marble with the addition of his daughter, Hayley, who brings with her a wealth of construction knowledge and the drive to be the best in the business … just like Dad.

561-272-4900

justtiledelray.com

Michael Connor Photography

The Face of ELEGANT EMERGING DESIGN

Ray-Lee Mezentsev

IDS Principal Designer Ray-Lee M. Interiors

With an engineering background and an astute eye for design, Ray-Lee Mezentsev began selectively buying and selling fixerupper homes in 2000.

Impressed by her accomplishments and immense talents, a friend persuaded Ray-Lee to pursue a Certified Interior Designer degree. After fulfilling that milestone, Ray-Lee went on to create her own award-winning full-scope interior design firm, Ray-Lee M. Interiors, specializing in new construction, remodeling and interiors. Ray-Lee employs a team of designers, contractors, architects and specialty artisans who lend their expertise toWest Palm Beach’s historical homes, and about six large projects a year throughout the country.

“While many seek inspiration about aesthetic design through books and magazines, my elegant perspective includes a technical point of view, looking at the space, and considering what it is you desire to accomplish with it,” Ray-Lee explains. She finds today’s clients are quite sophisticated and want to integrate smart technology into interior design to enhance their lifestyle.

“This can be handled from anywhere in the world with the design management software programs I utilize.With over 50% of my clients having second homes out of state, whatever movement or minute detail I need done on the project, they can plug into my software and follow along. Even if they are away in Italy, they can see exactly what’s happening here and now.That connectivity lends itself to open communication, open eyes, and little margin for error,” she assures. The photo gallery on Ray-Lee’s website is testament to the design excellence her clients experience, and confirmation that her friend, indeed, steered her in the right direction.

561-429-7724

rayleeminteriors.com

Michael Connor Photography

The Face of INTUITIVE INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTISE

Nichola DePass

Interior Designer & Owner

Nichola Francesca LLC®

Nichola DePass and her full-service interior design team have provided project management and client representation for high-end and highprofile residential interiors, domestic and international hotels, restaurants and retail boutiques since 2017. Much like her early passion for creating her own line of custom jewelry and fashion, each project is distinct and resonates with the clients’ dreams, their space and their experience.

“I’m a very intuitive person, which has helped me throughout my career. I listen intently to their goals and dreams. I observe people’s mannerisms, the way they move [and] dress, and I recognize their idiosyncrasies early on.That wealth of information guides me in capturing the essence of their personality to infuse into each project.”

From Boca Raton’s sophisticated and sultry Baciami Boutique—where the showroom aesthetic is as alluring as the chic designer clothing—to the exclusive Bear’s Club home in Jupiter, where Nichola’s expertise united four distinctly different design styles in European-style elegance and harmony, delivering interiors from the heart and soul of her clients is the driving force behind everything she and her team does.

With new projects flourishing from Manalapan to Boca’s Seven Bridges and the booming new communities in Port St. Lucie, Nichola is in her element, transforming the ordinary into uniquely extraordinary interior designs.

“We are consistently on top of every detail throughout the entire design process. Our customer service is extremely personalized and impeccable, and we pride ourselves on the pleasurable experience our clients, team and vendors enjoy with every collaboration we share,” says Nichola.

305-414-9703

nicholafrancesca.com

The Face of

RENOVATIONS AND HOME BUILDING

Jeff Burns Founder Sandhill Builders

Jeff Burns has spent the last 45 years carving out a notable niche in high-end home building, custom residential renovations, penthouse renovations, additions and historic property renovations. His current business slate includes three unique projects in Delray Beach’s historic landscape between Swinton and Seacrest, and three more Lake Ida properties ongoing, with two more to follow.

Burns started building his career at 15 years old, when he enrolled in trade school and became the youngest licensed general contractor in the state of Delaware in 1983. He built one addition after another and soon had six carpenters and 20 subcontractors working for him. He and his team became a wonderful asset to his community and had a positive impact on the city ofWilmington and the state of Delaware.

In 2000 he moved to Delray Beach and has been building there for the past 25 years. Mr. Burns is known for his honesty, his integrity and the quality of his work. He is also known to be one of the most experienced on-site contractors in the area with a reputation for being very personable, well-spoken and friendly. His popularity comes through in the countless referrals that suggest,“If you don’t know this guy, you should take the time to meet him.”

With hundreds of projects under his belt and many more on the horizon, he is living his best life and doing his best work for our community, leaving an indelible mark professionally and personally.

Michael Connor Photography

The Face of ZEN-INSPIRED CUSTOM CLOSETS & STYLISH STORAGE

Lori Hoyt Owner California Closets of Broward/Palm Beach

Ecaliforniaclosets.com “

verybody likes to have a place for their stuff, whether it’s in their closets, on display or tucked away in storage. Organization helps with quality of life by helping people to not be encumbered by things strewn about all over the place,” says Lori Hoyt, who has provided customers with attractive and functional solutions for organizing their possessions for more than 41 years.

Since taking the reigns as manager of California Closets in 1997, Hoyt is proud to report that the yearly revenue has quadrupled. She works alongside her brother, Scott Schiff, and sister, Patti Schiff, and a dedicated staff of designers and installers, who together help to transform homes and businesses into personalized havens of order and happiness!

“The key to organization is creating designated places for everything—hampers for laundry, built-in storage for jewelry and accessories, and customized shelving with specific sections for clothing. One of the newest proprietary offerings, Contour, accomplishes all those needs with neutral-colored inserts to ‘divide and conquer’ cluttered spaces,” Hoyt says. California Closets’ expertise also extends to garages, where custom stylish cabinets with doors conceal items stored inside. Slat wall materials allow clients to attach the gamut of gadgets they use—everything from tools to bikes and luggage for easy access off the garage floor.

“Our creative, artistic innovation continues to evolve and change with the times. As a leader and innovator in the industry since 1980, there isn’t any room that California Closets cannot bring our style and organization to enhance your home or office,” says Hoyt.

954-946-2218

Michael Connor Photography

The Mountaintop · Oct 24 - Nov 9, 2025

The Seafarer · Dec 12 - 28, 2025

Driving Miss Daisy · Feb 6 - Mar 1, 2026

The Crucible · Apr 3 - 19, 2026

Vineland Place · WORLD PREMIERE May 15 - 31, 2026

The Mountaintop, 2025-26 Season

Rita Cole and Christopher Lindsay Jason Nuttle Photography

Cathy Sauer and Bobby Wollenberg with their late mother, Joanne Wollenberg

COURTESY OF

DELRAY BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Businesses have come and gone over the lifespan of Delray Beach, but there are a handful that have stood the test of time. Meet the businesses that have grown up in our Village by the Sea.

A Legacy of Business

By Tyler Childress, Christiana Lilly, Bret Marbach and John Thomason

Nina Raynor

210 N.E. Sixth Ave., 561/276-5714

YEAR FOUNDED: 1958

ORIGIN STORY: Nina Raynor has stood the test of time, demonstrating it’s more than just an elegant boutique—it’s a long-lived part of the Delray community.

When its namesake opened the doors to her iconic boutique on Atlantic Avenue in 1958, the store featured casual sports- and daywear. In 1983, Raynor sold the store to Robert and Joanne Wollenberg. Joanne then put her stamp on the store and gradually transformed it, allowing the brand to evolve into a legacy institution.

During the ‘80s, as more people were moving to South Florida, customer needs shifted. “People were coming in and saying they’re having a black-tie wedding, they’re going to a black-tie ball, they needed formal clothing,” says Bobby of

Nina Raynor, Joanne’s son. “[My mother] heard it and slowly made the transition.” This transition helped Nina Raynor create its niche, and in “any business, you need to have a niche, and the store has a niche,” Bobby adds.

Over the years, the boutique has become a go-to shop for special occasions such as weddings, bat mitzvahs, mother-of-the-bride outfits and, literally, anything and everything else that requires a special piece of clothing.

BEHIND THE BIZ: Loyalty is a huge aspect of the business’s long-term success—some customers have been shopping here for 45 years. “Some families are on their second and third generations shopping here,” Bobby shares. “You hear stories all the time, like, ‘my mom shopped here, my grandmother shopped here.’”

Beyond the clothing, “People say it’s like a zen moment,” when entering the store, Bobby says, because of the level of care and attention the staff gives each customer. He prides their attention to detail; the goal is for customers to feel special, leave happy, and receive amazing compliments.

In 2019, Nina Raynor moved just a few blocks north of Atlantic Avenue, but otherwise, not much has changed. The standards are still high, as “everything is pressed and steamed, and it’s perfection,” Bobby says.

As a longtime Delray Beach establishment, community is a huge part of the business. Nina Raynor gives back to the community while embracing the culture of Delray. “People are asking for referrals constantly, and we keep you local; we want to promote Delray and Boca,” Bobby says.

Atlantic Avenue in the 1940s

Delray Camera & Studio

217 N.E. Fourth Ave., 561/278-3331

YEAR FOUNDED: 1972

ORIGIN STORY: By the early 1970s, cameras had shrunk in size and cost, with 35mm film cameras such as the Kodak Instamatic and Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic helping to democratize what once was a luxury item. Local purveyor Lilly’s Drive-In Photo, as it was then called, satisfied this boom in picture taking. Delray civic leader Richard “Dick” Healy established Lilly’s in 1972, and in 1985 he sold it to Chris Reich, who rebranded it as Delray Camera Shop. Current owner James Greene, who purchased the store from Reich in 2020, remembers buying his first camera from Healy in the early 1980s so that he could photograph his newborn daughter. Greene was then working full-time as a mechanic, but he soon developed an aptitude for photography, encouraged by experts like Reich.

“Chris had someone who wanted their wedding [photographed], and he said, ‘I think you’d do a good job,’” Greene recalls. “I said, ‘well, if they want

their transmission overhauled, I can do that.’ He said, ‘No, your pictures are good, they’re sharp, they’re focused; I think you’d do a good job.’ I shot her wedding. She told her girlfriend; I shot her wedding, so on and so forth … here we are.”

BEHIND THE BIZ: Two location changes later, the shop, steps from the Hampton Inn in downtown Delray, is something of a lone survivor. It has outlasted myriad contemporaries, as cameras, in the age of the smartphone, have become a niche item. “There used to be approximately 20 stores in Palm Beach County,” Greene says. “Just four months ago [at the time of this writing], the last one in Palm Beach County other than me closed their doors.” Now, as Greene likes to say, Delray Camera & Studio is the only business from Miami to Orlando that sells and processes film—up to 80 rolls a week.

An authorized dealer of Leica, Sony, Nikon, Canon and Fuji, Delray Camera also offers microphones, binoculars, lighting equipment, camera

bags, photo albums—virtually anything amateur shutterbugs or professional photographers would need to pursue their hobby or vocation—and it rents studio space for $60 an hour. “We have wildlife photographers, birders, people that are retired who want to take pictures of their grandchildren,” Greene says, of his eclectic clientele. “I have semiprofessionals that work part-time; they may have another job, and take photographs. So they come in for advice, equipment—some new, some used.”

Film cameras are most popular, Greene says, among 18-to-35-year-olds, part of Gen Z’s embrace of all things analog. And because shops like his are so rare, he sees loyal customers visit from as far afield as Jacksonville. Among the newer digital cameras, demand has exceeded supply for bestsellers like the Canon G7x pointand-shoot, hopefully ensuring that after more than 50 years, the store isn’t going anywhere. “I get five or six calls a day for that little camera,” he says. “I order between five and six at a time. They don’t come fast enough.”

James Greene of Delray Camera & Studio

CARINA MASK

Boston’s on the Beach

40 S. Ocean Blvd., 561/278-3364

YEAR FOUNDED: 1979

ORIGIN STORY: When a group of friends from Worcester, Mass., took over the Old Boston House in 1979, they had their minds set on something bigger than the sleepy cafe that once occupied the space.

Bobby Parquette, a Boston’s veteran of nearly 40 years, recalls the original scene before the Boston crowd settled in. “[The owners] were from Sweden, and they just served breakfast and lunch, and they were closed at 3 in the afternoon.” That all changed when some rowdy northeasterners introduced to Delray Beach a beloved landmark that would endure for more than 45 years.

“Little by little they transformed the place,” says Parquette, creating a space that was equal parts sports bar and music venue, with TVs lining the bar and the walls, and a stage for nightly live music.

“When we opened this place, it would go strong from 11 in the morning through lunch, and at happy hour at 4 you couldn’t get in here,” says Parquette. “This place [had] like a cult following. It was insanity—everybody wanted to get to Boston’s.”

BEHIND THE BIZ: With time came new challenges for Boston’s on the Beach, mainly the burgeoning scene of new restaurants along Atlantic Avenue.

“Back then there wasn’t a lot in Delray Beach,” says Parquette. “It’s been tough lately, because there’s a lot of competition.”

He recalls in the early days a happy hour “wheel of fortune” that bartenders spun—the number landed on would be the price of drinks for 15 minutes. “We even had a zero on it, which many times it landed on zero, but the insurance company made us take that off,” laughs Parquette.

While the antics of those halcyon days are behind Boston’s, the bar has still found ways to evolve with the times. After being purchased by Ocean Properties in 2006, Boston’s underwent a renovation in 2011 that included an overhaul of the upstairs space into the elevated coastal dining concept 50 Ocean, and the creation of its sister bar, Sandbar, a hotspot for crowds to cool off with a frozen rum runner after a day on the beach.

Through all the changes, the characteristic

“When you start here as a kid and you grow up with it, you care about everything. ... It just becomes part of you.”

- Millie Wilkinson

northeastern charm at the core of Boston’s, which has attracted generations of visitors, has remained. It can be seen in the Boston sportsthemed tables, the jerseys lining the walls, and in the staff, many of whom have been with Boston’s for decades. Corporate Beverage Director Millie Wilkinson joined as a server almost 30 years ago,

and her love of Boston’s has kept her onboard ever since.

“When you start here as a kid and you grow up with it, you care about everything; you care about the flooring, you care about the walls, you care about the staff, you care about what goes on the menu,” she says. “It just becomes part of you.”

Millie Wilksinson and Bobby Parquette CARINA MASK

“You occasionally have customers that want to have a dictionary on a sign, and what they need is just a Reader’s Digest.”

- David MacLaren

MacLaren Sign Company

318 N.E. Sixth Ave., 561/276-5191

YEAR FOUNDED:

1932

ORIGIN STORY: Anyone who’s walked a downtown Delray Beach street in the past 90 years has likely seen the handiwork of one of the city’s oldest family-owned businesses, MacLaren Sign Company.

Founded by Robert MacLaren, the business has been in the care of his son, David, for more than 30 years. “I literally grew up in [the shop] as a kid,” the younger MacLaren says.

“I started out mostly fabricating things in the back of the shop and then, little by little, learned how to swing a brush and got good enough that my father would let me actually letter stuff. … I was 14 when he first sent me out to do service calls for the neon signs. I wasn’t old enough to drive, but he let me drive anyway.”

MacLaren recalls watching his father’s workers hand-letter signs and bend glass and fill it with mercury to create neon lighting. “That was cool as a kid,” says MacLaren, “watching a guy do that and playing with the mercury.”

MacLaren has since gone on to make countless signs for local businesses and city organizations like the Community Redevelopment Agency and Downtown Development Authority. Some signs are retired from use and end up right back at the Delray Beach shop, where they cover the walls and form a sort of timeline with their distinct styles from past eras. Among these myriad signs is a metal calendar from the 1950s with the MacLaren’s logo emblemed at the top; the phone number listed is 399.

BEHIND THE BIZ: The sign business has evolved significantly since the days of the business’s founding, as the medium has changed from meticulous hand lettering to graphics designed by computers and printed with large-format printers. But nothing has changed so much, MacLaren says, as the process for actually putting the signs up.

“It used to be you didn’t have to have a permit for a sign,” says MacLaren. “You could do pretty much anything you wanted. Then the Community Appearance Board [in 1975] came, and they wanted everything to be absolutely uniform and small, and that doesn’t lend itself to much of anything.”

Fortunately for MacLaren, being a local staple has helped cut through the red tape. “Leon Weekes was the mayor at the time [from 1978-1982], and I complained to him about it, and he said, ‘OK, well I can take care of that. You are now on the Community Appearance Board,’” recalls MacLaren.

Despite the bureaucracy, there’s still a passion for the art that keeps MacLaren hard at work. “There is a particular enjoyment out of doing these things, creating stuff,” he says. “I think that’s probably it, because it isn’t the money.”

David MacLaren

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Richwagen Bike and Sport

298 N.E. Sixth Ave., 561/276-4234

YEAR FOUNDED: 1961

ORIGIN STORY: Life has been an endless cycle for the Richwagen family, which has sold and serviced bicycles in Delray Beach for 65 years. A native of Massachusetts, Robert Richwagen grew up as a pharmacist’s son in Boston, became a welder at the Boston Shipyard during World War II, and then found employment as a model maker at aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney in Hartford, Conn. He accepted a transfer to Pratt’s West Palm Beach campus around 1958, but evidently he never showed up for the job, finding his passion in Delray Beach instead. He opened Richwagen Cycle Center, as it was then called. Robert died of a heart attack in 1988, and his wife and sons took over the business, with Albert Richwagen, 62, currently running the operations.

BEHIND THE BIZ: From go-karts and Vespa scooters to three-wheeled bicycles designed by Robert Richwagen to service the area’s growing population of retirees, the shop has followed, and led, industry trends. These days, electric bikes have become a major sales draw at Richwagen. The shop contains dozens of bicycles arranged from floor to ceiling, as well as hoverboards, paddleboards and accessories.

Dominick Lapore, a 12-year employee and a master bike mechanic, has witnessed multiple generations of customers darken its doors. “Albert went to school with the first generation of people that have been coming in, and their kids have been coming here, because their parents recommended it. Everybody that walks through the store says something to that nature,” Lapore says.

“Everybody knows Albert. Albert is like Mr. Delray,” Lapore adds. “He was born here, he’s worked here his entire life. … He’s a great man.” [Albert and his family were on a lengthy vacation at the time of this writing. – Ed.]

That same sense of customer loyalty helped sustain Richwagen during the pandemic, when cycling became a top choice for socially

distanced fitness. “We sold out the entire store, as far as bicycles go,” Lapore says. “But then, we weren’t able to get any bicycles, so it was feast to famine real fast. But curbside service and rentals kept us going still.”

Lapore says that it’s the reputation of the staff and owners, as much as Richwagen’s products, that has kept it in business for more than six decades. “I always say, if they buy something, they’re buying exactly what they want, and they’re comfortable, and I help them the best I can. You go to some other places, and they try to push to make the sale. … I make sure we do the best service for the right price.”

“Everybody knows Albert. Albert is like Mr. Delray. He’s lived here his entire life. ... He’s a great man.”

- Dominick Lapore

From left, Bertha, Albert and Lisa Richwagen, Delray Beach Vice Mayor Juli Casale and Suzanne Boyd, marketing director for the Delray Beach DDA

Straghn & Son Tri-City Funeral Home

26 S.W. Fifth Ave., 561/272-8396

YEAR FOUNDED: 1980

ORIGIN STORY: The Straghn name is well known in Delray Beach—Alfred “Zack” Straghn was a native son, and even after his death, the name lives on with his children and the family business. After working for another funeral home for more than 20 years, Straghn and his wife, Elois, purchased the building on Southwest Fifth Avenue and transformed it from an apartment and retail space into a funeral home. “My mom and dad, they prayed for this funeral home,” says Straghn’s son, Randy, who now runs the business. “They prayed to God. They said, ‘Father, if you give us this funeral home, we’ll give it back to you.’ So, we don’t look at it as a funeral home, per se. We look at it as a funeral home with a ministry.”

BEHIND THE BIZ: The first time Randy Straghn picked up a body for burial, he was in the third grade. He didn’t know it then, but his

father did—the maturity and respect the youngster showed proved he could take over the family business one day.

“Death is nothing to play with. It’s painful, it’s hurtful, and you got to have that comfort that we give families,” Randy says. “That’s what Straghn & Son is all about. It’s a funeral home that really cares about people.”

The home has two hearses, two limousines, a pickup van, a pickup truck and a lead car. They don’t use a third party to do removals; the Straghns want to ensure quality control from beginning to end. That includes guiding families through the legal process of requesting copies of death certificates, executing wills and handling the deceased’s bank accounts.

Of the roughly 40 employees at Straghn & Son, about a quarter are family members. Straghn’s four children work in transportation, public relations, legal representation and makeup services— “My daddy taught her very well,” Randy says, of

his daughter’s skills. And at 95, his mother still has the final say in all decisions. “Don’t let her fool you. She’s 95 years old but sharp as a whip. … When we have funeral services, I have to give her a schedule, and she gotta look at that schedule. That schedule ain’t right? She’s gonna tell me.”

The funeral home has sponsored the Delray Rocks football and cheerleading teams, and donated to local causes. And thanks to Zack, the city’s beach is desegregated; a plaque was installed in his honor in 2024. Randy’s late brother, Keith, founded the family’s annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway in Pompey Park.

When Zack passed away in 2020, a family friend came to Randy and told him that his father came to her in a vision. “Tell [Randy],” his father relayed, “run the funeral home how he wants to run it, but don’t change the core.” And that he has—updating the business with the times but never forgetting the tenets of respect, empathy and fellowship.

Standing: Dedrick Straghn, Jessica Straghn and Randy Straghn. Seated: Randell Straghn, Elois Straghn and Lynnard Straghn

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Green Owl

11 S.E. Fourth Ave., 561/270-7894

YEAR FOUNDED: 1983

ORIGIN STORY: As Atlantic Avenue has evolved into a hotspot of trendy dining concepts with pricey menus, there’s one unspoken rule of local dining that rings as true now as it did in 1983: If you want a quality breakfast at an affordable price, Green Owl is the place to go.

“When I started, one of the breakfast specials was $1.29; the other was $1.79,” recalls David Gensman, who began working at the restaurant in 1983 when his mother took over the cafe.

“When my mom bought it, there were big signs outside, Plexiglass signs that said ‘Green

“I am so blessed. Everybody that comes in the restaurant are really good people.”

- David Gensman

Owl’, and they lit up at night,” Gensman says. “My mom couldn’t afford to change the [signs], so she decided to keep the Green Owl name.”

Gensman’s mother, Carol Savage, ran the Green Owl for its first seven years before selling it to a local couple. “She wanted to get rid of it, but she didn’t think I was ready to buy it, and she was right,” says Gensman, who stayed on and managed the restaurant until finally purchasing it in 1995. “I learned a lot when I bought the place in ‘95. I learned that they weren’t paying me enough for what I was doing,” he jokes.

As Delray’s dining scene changed, Gensman bucked the trend of his downtown neighbors by keeping his prices low and his menu simple, an approach that has endeared him to generations of loyal patrons.

“I get kids that were in a high chair coming here; now they drive here for breakfast,” he says.

BEHIND THE BIZ: After rising rent costs pushed Green Owl off Atlantic Avenue in 2015, Gensman relocated to its current location on Southeast Fourth Avenue. While he misses the homey feel of the former space, he finds the new location better suits the needs of the restaurant.

“It was old, it was rustic, but people felt comfortable in there,” Gensman says of the

former location, but the new location provides a better space for serving guests. “The flow is so much better,” he says. “This place is a lot more manageable, which is good for me, because I’m getting older every day.”

Despite the rising costs of keeping the restaurant in Delray Beach, Gensman couldn’t imagine relocating anywhere else. “I have a lot of locals that I don’t want to leave,” he says. “They’ve supported me for 25 years. Plus, I love Delray. I love the downtown vibe.”

As for keeping a business running for so long in such a competitive dining scene, Gensman’s biggest asset has been the restaurant’s consistent quality and warm staff.

“[The staff] pretty much know 80% of the people and already know what they’re going to order when they walk in the door,” says Gensman. “I know how important that is. You don’t want to see a different face every time you go into a restaurant.”

David Gensman

CARINA MASK

Go Pink

FLAMINGO ADVENTURES REINVENTS THE SOUTHERN TIP OF EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

WRITTEN BY JOHN THOMASON

Our riverboat has barely moved from its moorings at the Flamingo Marina when the first American crocodile materializes in full view, leisurely parting the waters adjacent to the hull. It won’t be the last time our naturalist on the boat, Ry—a native Midwesterner with a booming voice and an encyclopedic knowledge of the Everglades’ flora and fauna—directs our attention to a croc.

Over the next 90 minutes of the Backcountry Boat Tour, we’ll spot three more crocodiles of various sizes, each time savoring the novelty of the sighting; the Everglades is the only place in the country where American crocodiles and alligators coexist. While gators may dominate the cultural consciousness of Florida, they’re only tourists in the Glades. Because these freshwater beasts can’t survive for more than a couple of days in the climate’s brackish waters, the Everglades are croc country.

On the boat tour—which runs four times daily and traverses the mangrove-lined passage of Buttonwood Canal, through the vast seascape of Coot Bay, and into Tarpon Creek and Whitewater

Bay—scaly reptiles aren’t the only wildlife you’re likely to encounter. Ry called our attention to an enormous osprey nest, to which the predatory birds have returned for 11 years to raise their young, and to a number of tri-colored herons fishing in the canals. If you’re lucky, the fins of a shark or a massive tarpon—females of the species can weigh up to 355 pounds—will crest the waters, or even leap into the air for a full breach.

But the prevailing vibe is stillness. Much of the charm of cruising the Everglades involves basking in the relative quiet of this subtropical escape. On our tour, Ry paraphrased a mythology about the place: While other national parks, such as Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, communicate in loud tones, she said, “The Everglades speaks in whispers. You have to listen closely to see the magic of this national park.”

This past shoulder season, just before the summer swelter, we spent two nights attuning our ears to the Everglades’ plaintive rhythms at a press trip courtesy of Flamingo Adventures. This authorized concessioner of Everglades National Park operates a campus of hospitality and recreational opportu-

Clockwise from left page: Sunset over the Everglades, Flamingo Lodge, a tricolored heron, manatees and osprey.

nities at the southernmost terminus of the park, a region of the Glades that is truly away from it all:

After entering the national park from Homestead (a commute of approximately 80 minutes from Boca Raton), it takes another 40 minutes for motorists to arrive at the Flamingo Adventures complex. It’s no wonder the company considered branding itself as “the end of the world.”

But once they get there, visitors to Flamingo aren’t expected to rough it. Over the past five years, the concessioner has erected an array of comfortable—even, for the great outdoors, luxurious—lodging opportunities, from an RV park to four fully furnished houseboats, 20 glamping tents complete with beds and electricity, and the 24 suites of the Flamingo Lodge, the only hotel within Everglades National Park.

We stayed in the latter, a structure of utilitarian gray metal that opened less than two years ago. Inside, the rooms offer many of the trappings of upscale lodging—branded soap bars in the shapes of leaves, an A/C system that keeps the interior as chilly as a meat locker, and a balcony with a stunning view of the Florida Bay and its avian theatrics. There’s even free Wi-Fi, but the concessioners drew the line on in-room TVs; as

BONNIE BARNES

one representative put it to me, “you shouldn’t be bingeing Netflix while at the Everglades.”

The Flamingo Restaurant and bar, adjacent to the lodge, satisfies dining needs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its options vary from excellent (the veggie quesadilla, the black bean burger, the chicken empanadas) to serviceable (the garden burger, the hummus platter; as a reducetarian, I gravitate to plant-forward options). But with the closest grocer more than 40 miles away, its presence is more than welcome.

Speaking of which, the Guy Bradley Welcome Center, situated between the marina and the lodge, is another recent amenity, opening in 2023 and offering an indoor refuge from the blistering heat. Its highlights include a giant interactive touch screen with information about Everglades

IF YOU GO

Flamingo Adventures at Everglades National Park

WHERE: 1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead

COST: Prices vary by lodging and activity, $35 park fee for up to seven days

CONTACT: 855/708-2207, flamingoeverglades.com

National Park, detailed and realistic dioramas of the park’s sea and bird life, and a “Mosquito Meter” tallying the amount of stinging insects from “Enjoyable” to “Insane.” (On my weekend, mercifully, the meter fell on “Enjoyable,” though just shy of “Bearable.”)

Flamingo Adventures also provides kayak, canoe and full-day boat rentals—plenty to keep one busy during their National Park Serviceinstituted maximum two-week stay. And there’s no extra charge to hike the myriad trails within the park, some of which are just minutes from the Flamingo complex.

Christian Point, the closest of these trails, is a singular wonder. Hikers enter a single-file pathway through dense thickets of forest only to suddenly find themselves in a wide-open desertlike biome of resplendent desolation. Punctuated

by the occasional cry of a red-shouldered hawk or a visitation from a murder of crows, the trail is an otherwise silent vista of dead white mangroves— gnarled remnants of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma in 2017—that makes for a sci-fi showrunner’s ideal alien planet.

And there is much to see even when hanging around the marina. On our last night, we strolled the site near sunset to find many of the morning boat ride’s beastly denizens still active. Needlefish darted about the shallow waters, disappearing into an array of floating pine needles. An osprey chick departed its hulking nest, we think for the first time, for a few rounds of reconnaissance over the bobbing boats. And a crocodile chased an alligator away from its territory, a vision you can pretty much only see at the Everglades.

With scenes like this, you won’t miss Netflix.

Clockwise from left page: Kayaking through the mangroves, Everglades at dusk, an American alligator, mahi mahi sandwich at the Flamingo Restaurant, exploring on a riverboat, and Flamingo Lodge.

S OUTH F L ORIDA’ S MEDICAL EXPERTS

Now more than ever, protecting our health has become one of our biggest concerns. Sit back, relax and take advantage of the knowledge and advice gathered from some of the area’s top medical experts. Whether you are a tele-call away, or merely exploring ways to improve your well-being, the answers are here for the taking. Stay well and informed....and read on!

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI

Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry; Fellow, ITI

LILIANA ARANGUREN, DDS, MDSc

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, AO, ITI; Fellow, Diplomate and Member of the Board of Directors, Academy of Osseointegration

Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Fellow, ITI

ANDRÉ DE SOUZA, DMD

JEFFREY GANELES, DMD, FACD

SAMUEL ZFAZ, DDS

FREDERIC J. NORKIN, DMD

SOUTH FLORIDA CENTER FOR PERIODONTICS & IMPLANT DENTISTRY

Periodontal and Implant Dental Care

3020 North Military Trail, Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33431

561-912-9993

Flsmile.com

The South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is comprised of a team of highly skilled, board-certified professionals utilizing the most advanced, state-of the-art technology to treat their patients. The practice holds the distinction of being the first in the world to offer YOMI® robotic-assisted surgery, the only FDA-approved robotic system designed for dental implant surgery. In addition, the dentists utilize minimally invasive gum and bone regeneration, Piezosurgery® bone surgery, LANAP® laser-assisted gum surgery, digital intraoral scanners, 3D printing, dental implant patient education software and T-scan® digital bite analysis. The doctors also provide cosmetic/esthetic procedures, including minimally invasive gum grafting, crown lengthening, lip repositioning and gummy smile correction.

Q: What is the TEETHTODAY® method that you created?

A: Our doctors pioneered and honed TEETHTODAY® more than 25 years ago. Our most popular treatment option for replacing teeth with dental implants, it is a practical solution to immediately replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch of teeth in a single visit. We also remove failing teeth and place implants, with patients leaving our office with teeth that same day.

Q: Why is it so important to treat gingivitis?

A: If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, special “under the gum” cleaning by our periodontal hygienists may be enough to reverse the infection. If gum disease progresses, our doctors can treat it and help you manage the disease, so it doesn’t get worse. Special cleanings, antibiotic therapies, laser treatments, gum and bone grafting and other regenerative procedures may be suggested.

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Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery

A: Since 1963, patients at our practice experience thoughtful personalized treatment options based on a comprehensive evaluation, resulting in comfortable, predictable and lasting results. Our specialized facility has state-of-the-art equipment for periodontics and implant dentistry and will continue to attract and retain the very best doctors and team members, including our newest addition, Periodontist Dr. Ovadia Chocron.

OVADIA CHOCRON, DMD

CAITLIN PRICKETT, DO JARON SCHAUMBERG, DO Internal Medicine

As the founder and Medical Director of Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, Dr. Caitlin Prickett takes a proactive, whole-body approach that centers on patient health, wellness, and longevity. She is a board-certified internal medicine physician whose practice is specifically designed with the individual needs of busy individuals and executives in mind. All physicians at the practice, including Dr. Jaron Schaumberg, share Dr. Prickett’s philosophy of personalized care.

Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton’s concierge level of service offers membership-based comprehensive, proactive, personalized healthcare in a calming environment, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: What is the difference between your concierge medicine model and conventional medicine?

A: At our practice, we go above and beyond the standard of care, resulting in a much more improved experience and personalized relationship. Our goal is to be advocates during a patient’s health journey and to optimize their health. We accomplish this with longer visits, same-day sick visits, and time with them as their primary care physicians.

Q: What are the innovative tests that you offer and why are they beneficial to patients?

A: We offer expanded labs, assessing more biomarkers than the typical practice, including micronutrient testing—assessing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which affect the way our body functions. Our cardiac scans use AI technology to assess plaque buildup in the arteries to uncover asymptomatic blockages. And, our whole-body MRIs are an excellent tool to look inside the body for cancers, aneurysms, etc. By intervening early, we can be more proactive with treatment.

Photo by Carlos Aristizabal

RAFAEL C. CABRERA, MD, FACS Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Dr. Rafael C. Cabrera is board-certified in general surgery and plastic surgery. He has been practicing plastic and reconstructive surgery in Boca Raton for over two decades and is on staff exclusively at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Dr. Cabrera received his BA with Distinction from Cornell University in 1985 before graduating from New York University School of Medicine in 1989. He completed his Surgery Residency and Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the New York University Medical Center Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Dr. Cabrera also completed the Research Fellowship in Scarless Wound Healing at New York University Medical Center.

Q: What defines a good facelift?

A: A good facelift means you look beautifully natural without anyone knowing you’ve had work done. Tightening the muscle layer and ligaments are often necessary to get a more youthful contour. Adding volume with natural tissue, like your own fat and stem cells, will augment and rejuvenate your face by replacing facial deflation associated with aging.

Q: How do you achieve natural looking results?

A: No chipmunk-cheeks or duck-lips allowed! Using the correct technique ensures natural-looking results. A multitude of tools are used to regain a more youthful appearance. Over-lasering the face or over-filling the cheeks and lips to hide every last wrinkle is not flattering. Ultimately, patients rely on my expertise, esthetic judgement, trust and integrity.

Q: What procedures are popular for men?

A: Since men now work longer, retire harder, and can maintain muscle mass by exercising, it is important to have their face match their body. Droopy eyes and a sagging neck is a stark contrast from their otherwise sharp, on-the-ball appearance and physique. An eye and neck lift can greatly improve their appearance.

Photo by

Carlos Aristizabal

JANET ALLENBY, DO

Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology

6290 Linton Blvd., #204

Delray Beach, FL

561-499-0299

JANET ALLENBY, DO Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Janet Allenby is an artist dedicated to harmonizing medical prowess with an aesthetic touch. With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades in South Florida, Dr. Allenby’s approach continues to go beyond traditional dermatology, with a focus on sculpting timeless beauty that enhances both the physical and mental well-being of her patients.

“My passion lies in helping patients actualize their aesthetic goals using cutting-edge technology in injectable products, devices and skin care. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment, leading to a personalized treatment plan targeting specific concerns. Our most sought-after services include skin rejuvenation, facial balancing and structural correction, with the aim of minimizing downtime and delivering efficient, effective results,” explains Dr. Allenby.

Q: What procedures can patients do to look radiant for the holidays?

A: We offer some fantastic procedures, including a bamboo carbon facial. When used on the tissue, followed by laser, it creates a skin tightening effect we call the “Hollywood Glow.” Patients’ skin looks smooth and glossy after one treatment. It’s non-painful and can be done 2-3 days prior to an event.

Q: What treatments do you offer for intimate wellness?

A: We utilize treatments and devices to help peri-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women combat some of the bodily changes that occur as we age, including a procedure for skin laxity performed with radio frequency. There are different kinds of modifications in each category to make patients feel their best and improve their intimate health.

Q: What procedures are popular for male patients?

6290 Linton Blvd., #204

Delray Beach, FL

561-903-4945

Allenbydermatology.com BodySquad

Thebodysquad.com

A: Men typically prefer devices over fillers, and have found great success with Ultherapy, an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment that uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten loose skin on the face, the jowls and sagging skin on the neck. Male and female patients alike can choose the areas they wish to improve with this treatment.

Photo by Michael Connor Photography

MARINA YUABOVA DNP, FNP Hormone, Gut & Longevity Health

Dr. Marina Yuabova is a trusted expert in functional and holistic medicine, specializing in hormone balance, fertility, thyroid health, gut health and anti-aging. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from SUNY Stony Brook and advanced training in both Naturopathic and Functional Medicine.

An author of three books on autoimmune disease, thyroid health and fertility (available on Amazon), Dr. Yuabova also educates health care practitioners in functional medicine. She has served as faculty at the City University of New York and is known for helping patients restore health naturally through her integrative approach.

Q: With your vast expertise, what services do patients most often seek in your practice?

A: Patients come to me seeking answers to complex health challenges. My approach focuses on identifying and addressing underlying causes that prevent optimal health. Through personalized care, functional lab testing and education, I guide each patient back to their natural state of balance and vitality.

Q: What treatments help women with fertility issues?

A: I care for women from their mid-twenties to fifties experiencing hormonal challenges such as anovulation, PCOS, endometriosis or early perimenopause. By evaluating the entire endocrine system and overall body function, I uncover connections that traditional care often overlooks. Using comprehensive health analysis and advanced hormone testing, I design personalized functional treatment plans to restore balance, improve fertility and help women feel like themselves again.

Q: What concerns do male patients have?

A: Many men come to me feeling exhausted, experiencing low libido, low testosterone, poor sleep, digestive issues and weight gain. They’re often frustrated by being told “everything is normal.” Using a root-cause functional medicine approach, I restore their energy, hormonal health, cognitive clarity and fertility so they feel strong and confident again.

Photo by Michael Connor Photography

CHRISTOPHER RYAN SEPE, DDS General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Christopher Sepe is a highly respected professional specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry at Sepe Dental in Delray Beach. Following years of treating patients with comprehensive dental care in Delray Beach, he was chosen by Dr. Roy Stark, a renowned dental practitioner of 39 years, to take over Dr. Stark’s practice after his retirement. Dr. Sepe earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from FSU. He then graduated from New York University Dental School and completed a hospital-based residency at Staten Island Hospital.

Dr. Sepe’s career is marked by a commitment to the highest standards of dental care. He continually updates his skills and knowledge to remain at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology.

Q: What scope of services do you offer and why are they so important to patients?

A: We offer a broad range of services from restorative to surgical and smile makeovers. As part of our practice expansion, we will be adding specialists for your convenience, endodontic and periodontal services, including implant placement and other surgical procedures. A complete scope of care will be available here for all patients’ dental needs.

Q: How does your unique approach to patients’ care and needs benefit them?

A: I like to treat patients on a case-by-case basis. Everyone’s experience is different, and it’s important to individualize treatment and care. We give patients compassionate care but approach each appropriately. Our staff builds relationships with patients, and they tell us that our caring and attention to detail is appreciated.

Q: Since taking over Dr. Stark’s practice in 2023, how have you won over the trust and business of repeat patients, as well as new ones?

A: I’ve won over their respect just by following in the footsteps and ethos of Dr. Stark—by being conservative and not pushing unneeded services that many practices do.

Photo by Michael Connor Photography

DELRAY COMMONS

5054 W ATLANTIC AVE, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33484

OPEN DAILY 7AM TO 2:30PM

Breakfast · Lunch · Cocktails · Catering

DINING GUIDE

YOUR RESOURCE FOR GREATER DELRAY BEACH’S FINEST RESTAURANTS

Glimmer Cafe

A SHINY NEW ADDITION TO DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH LIVES UP TO THE HYPE

Like most places these days, I discovered Glimmer Cafe on Instagram. Its feed teased a Parisian-inspired coffee shop before its opening in March, showing off designer Nick Alain’s “romantic industrial” style.

A friend and I were eager to try out this new Delray Beach spot to see if it lived up to its social media persona; thankfully, it did.

Glimmer sits on Artists Alley, with neighbors like Barre Envy, Salty Dog Grooming and Fit Food Express. My friend had dined here before and encouraged us to get there early to avoid the crowd (especially the post-workout bunch), so we agreed to meet at 9 a.m.

Walking inside, the first thought is wow. A faux tree anchors the center of the cafe, dripping in Spanish moss and bird cages. The walls are covered in antique shop finds, garden sculptures, Victorian newspaper clippings, and a painting of Marie Antoinette swiping right on Mozart on her cell phone is hung above an ornate fireplace. Seats line the walls with chandeliers and glass orbs hanging overhead. Outside, there are tables hiding under the shade of fringed umbrellas.

We feasted our eyes, and it was time for the real reason we were here: the food. Diners order their drinks and food at the counter, which is delivered

IF YOU GO

325 N.E. Third Ave., Unit C, Delray Beach; 561/450-6137

to their table. Drinks include colorful lattes, coffees, teas, matcha, smoothies, juices, wine and bubbles. Crispy croissants, muffins, cookies and cakes lured us in, and the menu also included sandwiches, eggs, salads, bowls, flatbreads and toasts. I ordered the ginger peach iced tea and a prosciutto and poached egg avocado toast. Both arrived on elegant plates and glassware, with the toast loaded up with all the ingredients: a mountain of fresh arugula, heaps of thinly sliced prosciutto, and a perfectly poached egg. After about 30 minutes of chatting with my friend at our quartz-top tables, we looked around and realized how packed it had become— good call on getting there early, since Glimmer doesn’t take reservations. There were parents bringing in little ones for a pastry, friends meeting for brunch, a few remote workers with laptops, and people treating themselves to a snack after a barre class. Even with a slight drizzle, customers insisted on sitting outside instead of finding someplace else to go.

PARKING: Street parking, free lot across the street

HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

PRICES: $3.50 - $65

WEBSITE: glimmercafedelray.com

Atlantic Avenue used to be the main attraction, but offshoots like Pineapple Grove and Artists Alley are a welcome addition to Delray Beach—as is Glimmer Cafe, which managed to show that sometimes you do get what you see on social media.

Christiana Lilly

Prosciutto and poached egg avocado toast, the interior of Glimmer Cafe, and lavendar honey matcha

PARKING:

HOURS:

Ceviche made with tilefish

CARINA MASK

Old Faithful

LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL KEEP US RETURNING TO DRIFTWOOD

Driftwood isn’t new. But what’s better than being the hottest ticket in town? Being a beloved community staple. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of husband-and-wife team Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez, Driftwood consistently serves inventive dishes infused with Everett’s finedining training. It’s also their dedication to guests, local purveyors and their talented staff that truly makes them stand out.

Farm-to-table isn’t just a cliché at Driftwood. Everett’s goal as a native South Floridian has always been to support local farms and fishermen by sourcing hyperlocal ingredients. And that belief isn’t always easy or profitable for a commercial kitchen. The menu may change based on what’s available. On the evening I visited, Chiefland Quincey Cattle, Fort Lauderdale and Key West swordfish, and Fort Pierce golden tilefish were proudly identified on the menu.

We started with the ceviche ($20) and smoked fish dip ($16). The ceviche this evening was thinly sliced tilefish in a smooth, rich, sweet potato gazpacho with hints of local passion fruit. The creaminess of the sauce was complemented by the crunch of plantain chips, red onions and sliced radishes, while the jalapeños and cilantro added their signature flavors to round out the dish. I eat a lot of ceviche, but this was different. It was sweeter and less citrusy than others but equally as refreshing. I hesitated to order the dip because the fish is usually lost in an overwhelming amount of mayo. Not here. The smoked swordfish

was simply prepared with pickled celery, topped with dill, and served with house-made crackers. I could taste its smokiness, the Old Bay in the crackers, and the fresh dill. It was delightful.

After every course, our dishes and silverware were changed without us asking—another nod to Everett’s attention to detail. The following smoked Heritage pork jowl fried rice ($20) and smoked boneless Quincey Cattle short ribs ($38) were equally impressive. The Carolina gold rice was a great mix of fluffy and golden-brown extra-crispy rice that made the dish for me. It was mixed with collard green kimchi and crispy garlic and topped with a wonderfully oozy duck egg from Charmed Life Farm. The elevated presentation of the short ribs set the scene: Beautifully sliced radishes covered the tender meat in a burgundy-hued beet mole sauce. Its cacao dry marinade rub and smokiness came together in each bite and were balanced by the smooth horseradish crema.

We’d had our fill, but with such a remarkable meal, we had to indulge in one of the kitchen’s sweet treats, which are all made inhouse. The 51/50 s’mores boca negra ($12) is made with Delray Beach’s 5150 Chocolate Co. chocolate that’s made into a flourless cake and topped with a fluffy layer of toasted marshmallow and a side of passion fruit ice cream on salted honey streusel for a great mixture of crunchiness and softness. It was the best, most sinful way to end this meal, as it truly captured Driftwood’s passion for sustainability, supporting our local economy, and feeding us the highest quality and freshest fare.

Smoked Heritage pork jowl fried rice

Smoked fish dip

51/50 s’mores boca negra

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-

seafood-house feel to it but without any stuffiness. Instead, you’ll find dishes that entice the palate, like the loaded baked potato eggrolls and Wagyu boneless short rib. • Lunch and dinner daily, with patio dining. 561/865-5235. $$$

Akira Back—233 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. $$$$

Amar Mediterranean Bistro—25 S.E. Sixth Ave. Lebanese. From the moment you step inside, there’s a familial feeling, a hidden gem that everyone is drawn to. Amar 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. $$

Angelo Elia Pizza • Bar • Tapas— 16950 Jog 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-turkey meatballs in Parmesan-enhanced broth, and Cremona pizza with a sweet-salty-earthypungent mélange of pears, pancetta, Gorgonzola, sun-dried figs and mozzarella. • Dinner nightly. 561/381-0037. $$

Avalon Beach House 110 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This steakhouse was transformed into a chic coastal haven for seafood and lively cocktails. Its menu features a variety of casual dishes like ahi tuna poke, fish tacos, double smash burger and short rib ragu. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/593-2500. $$

Bamboo Fire Cafe—149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean. The Jacobs family joyously shares its Latin and Caribbean culture through food that’s bursting with bright island aromas and flavors. Tostones, plantain fries and jerk meatballs share the menu with curry pork, oxtail and conch. A quintessential Delray gem. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/749-0973. $

Beg for More Izakaya—19 S.E. Fifth Ave. Japanese Small Plates The large sake, whisky and beer menu here pairs beautifully with the small plates full of everything except sushi. No sushi. And that’s fine. Try the takoyaki (octopus balls), the crispy salmon tacos and anything with the addictive kimchi, such as the kimchi fried rice. There are pasta, teriyaki and simmered duck with bok choy dishes—or 16 varieties of yakitori (food on skewers). You’ll be back to beg for more. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/563-8849. $$

Brulé Bistro—200 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. 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 pistachio crème brùlée. Spirits and house cocktails steeped in speakeast style are paired with an ever-changing menu. Outside tables offer the best option for conversation. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-2046. $$

Burt & Max’s—9089 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. This bastion of contemporary comfort food in west Delray is approaching local landmark status, forging its own menu while borrowing a few dishes from Max’s Grille, like the hearty chopped salad and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Other dishes are variations on the comfort food theme, including a stellar truffle-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

Caffe Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning res-

taurant 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., Suite 208. Asian. Local hospitality veterans Tina Wang and chef Jason Zheng continue to grow their restaurant empire with this concept. The extensive menu caters to any palate, dietary restriction or craving and features both traditional and creative dishes. Soups and salads lead into sushi selections and appetizers divided into cool and hot. Cooked and raw rolls are followed by rice, noodle, land and sea entrée options. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. Sunday brunch. 561/926-9434. $$

Costa By OK&M—502 E Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Contemporary American. Costa takes chef/owner Coton Stine’s dedication to farm-to-table fare to an elevated level with its seasonal menu. Working closely with local farms and vendors, Stine curates deliciously healthy dishes that tempt your palate while fueling your body. For those with dietary restrictions, the dishes are clearly labeled gluten-free or vegan, which adds a sense of ease to the experience. The corner space is comfortable and embraces natural elements with its wicker chairs, lanterns, greenery and expansive sliding doors. • Dinner nightly. 561/501-6115. $$

Cut 432—432 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Hipper decor, a more casual vibe and an inventive take on steak-

house favorites make this sleek restaurant just different enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are first-rate, while the 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. $

GUIDE ]

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. 561/8655350. $$

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. $$$$

The Hampton Social—40 N.E. Seventh Ave. American. The Hampton Social is known for its “rosé all day” tagline, but it doesn’t just slay its rosé; its food is equally as tempting. It does a standout job of incorporating its casual coastal aesthetic into not just its décor but also its menu, from its seafood-centric dishes to its droll cocktail names like the vodka-forward I Like It a Yacht. Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/404-1155. $$

Henry’s—16850 Jog Road. American. This casual, unpretentious restaurant in the west part of town never fails to delight diners. Expect attentive service and crisp execution of everything—from meat loaf, burgers and fried chicken to flatbreads and hefty composed salads. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/2061896. $$

Il Girasole—2275 S. Federal Highway. Northern Italian. If you want Northern Italian in a low-key atmosphere, and nobody rushing you out the door, this is your spot. Start with something from the very good wine list. Try the yellowtail snapper, the penne Caprese

and the capellini Gamberi, and leave room for the desserts. Reservations recommended. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/272-3566. $$

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue— owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

Jimmy’s Bistro—9 S. Swinton Ave. International. Jimmy’s Bistro is a casual neighborhood concept serving consistently delightful dishes from a diverse menu that can transport diners to Italy with house-made pasta or Asia with its delicate dumplings and tender duck. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5774. $$$

Joseph’s Wine Bar—200 N.E. Second Ave. Mediterranean-American. Joseph’s is an elegant, comfortable, intimate nook in Delray’s Pineapple Grove, and an ideal place for a lazy evening. This family affair—owner Joseph Boueri, wife Margaret in the kitchen, and son Elie and daughter Romy working the front of the house—has all tastes covered. Try the special cheese platter, the duck a l’orange or the rack of lamb. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/272-6100. $$

La Cigale—253 S.E. Fifth Ave. Mediterranean. Popular venue since 2001, with Greek and Italian dishes and more. Highlights are seafood paella, roasted half duck and grilled jumbo artichoke appetizer. Lots of favorites on the menu: calf’s liver, veal osso buco, branzino, seafood crepes. Nice outdoor seating if weather permits. • Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/265-0600. $$

Latitudes—2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American

You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$

Le Colonial—601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians 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. 561/566-1800. $$$

Seaside fish sandwich at Hampton Social

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. 561/5670442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 1880 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, 561/733-1344). $

Lulu’s—189 N.E. Second Ave. American. Lulu’s in Pineapple Grove offers a relaxed ambiance with unfussy, approachable food. The quaint café is open every day and serves an all-day menu including breakfast until 3 p.m. and a selection of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrées that are ideal for an executive lunch, lively tapas happy hour, casual dinner or late night snack (until 2 a.m.). • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/453-2628. $

MIA Kitchen & Bar—7901 W. Atlantic Ave. 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 exception-

ally 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. 561/2783796. $$

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 Monet-colored lobster risotto, or housemade pasta, pizza, bread and desserts. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/2719423. $$

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

YEARS HAD

The Volen Center was made with the active and social senior in mind, offering a jam-packed schedule of things to do every week. From live music and dancing to themed parties, art classes, games, exercise classes, discussion groups and local trips and outings, your only problem will be finding enough hours in the day to do it all!

Josie’sRistorante

or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

Taki Omakase—632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, is pricy but worth it, so long as you love eating raw fish. Every night is different, because it prides itself on importing fish, meat and seasonal ingredients from Japan that arrive daily. So, if you do pine for the delicacies of the sea, buckle in and get ready for the talented chefs at Taki Omakase to guide you through a culinary journey unlike anything else. Dinner nightly, lunch hour Fri.-Sun. 561/759-7362. $$$$

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

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

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. Thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, but you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini 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

Paradiso Ristorante—625 Lucerne Ave. Italian. A Tomasz Rut mural dominates the main dining room, and there is also a

and bar

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. $$$

PALM BEACH

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 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. $$

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. $$$

Café L’europe—331 S. County Road. Current international. A Palm Beach standard, the café has long been known for its peerless beauty, the piano player, the chilled martinis and the delicious Champagne and caviar bar. Try one of its sophisticated classics like Wiener schnitzel with herbed spaetzle, grilled veal chop and flavorful pastas. • Lunch Tues.–Fri. Dinner nightly (closed Mon. during summer). 561/655-4020. $$$

Echo—230A Sunrise Ave. Asian. The cuisine reverberates with the tastes of China, Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Chinese hot and sour soup is unlike any other, and the sake list is tops. This offsite property of The Breakers is managed with the same flawlessness as the resort. • Dinner nightly (during season). 561/802-4222. $$$

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. $$

Imoto—350 S. County Road. Asian Fusion/Tapas. Clay Conley’s “little sister” (the translation of Imoto from Japanese) is next to his always-bustling Buccan. Imoto turns out Japanese-inspired small plates with big-city sophistication, like witty Peking duck tacos and decadent tuna and foie gras sliders. Sushi selection is limited but immaculately fresh. • Dinner nightly. 561/833-5522. $$

Meat Market—191 Bradley Place. Steakhouse. “Meat Market” may be an inelegant name for a very elegant and inventive steak house but there’s no dissonance in its food, service or ambience. Multiple cuts of designer beef from multiple sources can be gilded with a surprising array of sauces, butters and upscale add-ons. Whole roasted cauliflower is an intriguing starter, while a meaty Niman Ranch short rib atop lobster risotto takes surf-n-turf to a new level. Cast your diet to the winds and order the dessert sampler. • Dinner nightly. 561/354-9800. $$$$

WEB EXTRA: check out our complete dining

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A BRAND NEW SEASON OF MASTERPIECES & MAESTROS

MATINEE SERIES

All shows at 2pm

“AN AFTERNOON WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN, PART II”

Sunday, December 21, 2025

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Saturday, January 17, 2026

THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA

Sunday, February 1, 2026

WITNESS: AN AFTERNOON OF SPIRITUALS WITH LIMMIE PULLIAM

Sunday, February 8, 2026

VIENNA PHILHARMONIC

Sunday, March 8, 2026

EVENING SERIES

All shows at 7:30pm

HANDEL AND HAYDN SOCIETY

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

ORQUESTA SINFÓNICA DE MINERÍA

Friday, January 16, 2026

JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY

Friday, February 6, 2026

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

VIENNA PHILHARMONIC

March 9, 2026

Lang Lang, piano Monday, March 9, 2026

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

Friday, March 13, 2026

BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Monday, March 23, 2026

Itzhak Perlman Violin

OUT & ABOUT

More than 300 students from S.D. Spady Elementary and Village Academy were treated to a live performance of “Garden State” at Arts Garage to inspire creativity and encourage the expansion of access to the arts. Arts Garage Artistic Director of Theater Michelle Diaz directed the show, which is an original children’s play by Sam Hamashima. For these students of underserved Title I schools, the performance was the first live show many of them had ever seen. The play was made possible through the generosity of the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Foundation. Pictured: Students enjoying “Garden State” at Arts Garage.

Little Smiles hosted its second-annual Bubbles, Bellinis and Brunch event to raise funds to bring joy to the lives of children affected by illness, homelessness or tragedy. Guests at the event, hosted by WPBF 25’s Felicia Rodriguez at Throw Social in Delray Beach, enjoyed perusing wares of local vendors, sipping bubbly drinks and sampling delicious food. A lively performance by DJ Izzy kept the party going all afternoon. “It’s amazing to see how the Delray Beach community comes together to help bring smiles to children in need while enjoying a fun, memorable day,” said Little Smiles Outreach Coordinator Rosana Vargas. Pictured: Ladies at the Bubbles, Bellinis and Brunch event.

Teams of parents, teens and preteens gathered at Old School Square Gymnasium to build miniature versions of Delray’s most iconic structures using Lego blocks. With an estimated 100,000 pieces, the 30 teams selected a local landmark and set out to make as faithful of re-creations as possible. The Lego buildings were then placed on a map of Delray Beach, providing an “aerial view” of the city’s most famous locations. The project was sponsored by the Delray Beach Preservation Trust in partnership with New Jerseybased architect Stephen Schwartz. Pictured: Stephen Schwartz helps kids make a Lego re-creation of the Historic Lutheran Trinity Church.

Local nonprofit Roots and Wings hosted La Biblioteque: Springtime in Paris at the Mariposa restaurant in Neiman Marcus at Town Center in Boca Raton. The ladies’ luncheon featured a Paris-inspired fashion show designed by House of Perna and A Little Wyld founder Amanda Perna. Created by Sherry Zepatos, Marlene Reinfield, Aidalyn Magsayo and Marcia Mithun, the event raised awareness of Roots and Wings’ mission of encouraging and supporting reading skills for children and recognizing excellence in the teachers that instruct them. Pictured: Melissa Perlman, Ted Hoskinson and Aidalyn Magsayo.

DELRAY BEACH HOME TOUR

WHERE: Marina District Neighborhood

WHAT: Homeowners in the beautiful Marina District neighborhood of Delray Beach opened their doors to more than 850 visitors for the 22nd-annual Home Tour. Hosted by the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, the event raised more than $200,000 for the nonprofit’s myriad of programs benefiting underserved families. Guests took in sweeping Intracoastal views, admired the interior of seven gorgeous homes, perused eclectic art collections, and were treated to a lavish luncheon. The event co-chairs were Deborah Dowd, Noreen Payne and Kari Shipley, and sponsors included Delray Buick GMC, Lost Craft Builders, Azure Development and many more.

Gina Griffin, Robert Norberg

Karen Cruz, Leala Dickenson, Sherrie Connor, Mike Cruz

Mark and Carolina Schmid, Jonathan Llampay

Cathleen Strader, Kelly Bagnaschi

Melinda Webster, Noreen Payne, Debra Caicedo

Erin McLaughlan-Graham, MJ Seibel, Stephanie Seibel

Robin Annexstein, Jeanine Mannweiler

Sandi Simmons, Katherine Metzger, Patty Jones

Iris McDonald, Christina Morrison, Barbara Jayne DeGolyer

ROCK THE BLOCK HOUSE PARTY

WHERE: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

WHAT: The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Spady House with a good old-fashioned house party, hosted on the museum grounds. Lori and Steve Martel, leading supporters of the museum’s ambitious $100,000 fundraising campaign, hosted the festivities, which included food, wine and live performances by the Joe Cotton Band and Mango Pie. “We believe that a community that includes a mix of good people is a necessary key to a great life,” said Steve Martel. “The Spady Museum is part of what makes our city so great, and Lori and I are honored to help it continue.”

Linda Sandwick, James Sandwick, Steve Martel

Anne Fricker, Anne Stretch

Sharon Blake, Charlene Farrington, Brandy Brownlee-Shaw

Holly Downs, Ed Flak

Mango Pie (Steve Takimoto, Tina Herman, Marc Herman)

Steve Martel, Michael and Ann Richard, Connie and Jimmy Durkin

GRAND OPENING OF GOOD NIGHT JOHN BOY

WHERE: Good Night John Boy at Delray Beach Market

WHAT: Good Night John Boy (GNJB) entered Delray Beach’s nightlife scene with an electric slide during a festive grand opening celebration. Guests were given a preview of Forward Hospitality Group’s ‘70s-inspired discotheque, enjoying groovy craft cocktails, live DJ tunes, and dancing in the neon-soaked ambiance. Taking its name from “The Waltons” TV show, GNJB marries the aesthetics of your grandparents’ woodpaneled basement with the electric disco atmosphere of Studio 54, transporting guests back to the “Swingin’ 70s” to boogie all night on the multi-colored LED dance floor.

Hitting the dance floor at Good Night John Boy

Alba Quintero

Emily Batten, Tiffany Tino, Sofie Corrigan, Elizabeth Johnson

‘70s-inspired thrills at Good Night John Boy

Beth McLeod, Bobby Sotka

Guests grooving under the disco balls

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SAVOR THE AVENUE

WHERE: Atlantic Avenue

WHAT: Delray Beach’s beloved foodie event returned for another outing of dining under the stars on South Florida’s longest dining table— spanning five blocks of Atlantic Avenue. Back for its 16th year, the event featured 13 local restaurants competing for the Best in Show table, with eclectic and over-the-top decorations that wowed diners. Lemongrass Bistro took home the title of best-decorated table for the second year in a row, with Rose’s Daughter and Le Colonial coming in second and third place. As is tradition, a portion of proceeds from Savor the Avenue benefited a local nonprofit, this year CROS Ministries, which focuses on feeding underserved members of the community. Hosted by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, sponsors for this year’s event included Delray magazine, Rothman Health Solutions, Champion Porsche, Los Linderos Tequila and more.

Guests prepare for a meal at South Florida’s longest dining table

Lemongrass Bistro Owner Art Piyat

Rocco’s Tacos table

A server prepares the table for diners

Savor the Avenue diners

Dishes at this year’s Savor the Avenue

Andrea S. Fazzino, Paul J. Fazzino

A welcome dish from Le Colonial

Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney

Taylor Wuennemann, Suzanne Perrotto, Laura Simon

Victoria DeSilvio, Liliana Fino, Marusca Gatto, Laura Simon, Alan Costilo, Vera Woodson, Suzanne Boyd, Alex Cosenza, Danielle Morien

John Peters

LONGTIME CHAMBER AMBASSADOR FOR DELRAY BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; PAST PRESIDENT OF DELRAY CHAMBER EDUCATION FUND

THEN:

As a student at Western Michigan University, John Peters focused his studies on secondary education, with the goal of becoming a teacher. Although he never got the chance to stand in front of a classroom full of students—instead, he had a successful career in banking and then building an insurance agency—his passion for helping kids remained strong. This led him to later play a key role in the development and success of the Delray Chamber Education Fund. Peters first found himself in the military after college, working as an administrative officer for the Army, and he later went to work for large national banking businesses. He was transferred to South Florida in 1980, and in 1985 he opened a State Farm Insurance agency in Delray Beach that he continues to run. One of his first connections with the community was joining the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and becoming a Chamber Ambassador.

NOW: Peters was in on the ground floor in late 2019 when the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce began discussions to resurrect the Delray Chamber Education Fund. A nonprofit sister organization of the Chamber, the DCEF is focused on supporting and funding educational initiatives at six elementary schools, plus Carver Middle School and Atlantic High School, with the goal to make them among the best in the county. Since its beginnings, the fund has raised more than $100,000 for the schools through its annual Back to School Breakfast, Delray Reads Day and, more recently, a Halloween Costume Party. An advocate for improved educational opportunities, Peters became president of the board of DCEF in early 2022 and served in that role for two years. He remains on the board and is also one of the longest serving Chamber Ambassadors, promoting the organization and mentoring new members. “Staying involved says you are not just proud of the community, it also says you want to be a part of making it better,” he says. Peters is also a volunteer with HistoriCorps, a nonprofit that provides volunteers of all skill levels with a hands-on experience preserving historic structures on public lands.

“We as members of the business community have a responsibility to help children develop skills that will give them a pathway for success in life. We have to identify and address the needs that are most important.”

—John Peters

MICHAEL

CONNOR

DBM_SO25_issuu

MAGDA LINETTE

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

10 Editor’s Letter

13 Hot List

16 Try This

18 Top 5/Calendar

22 Up Close

28 Style

33 Home

46 A Legacy of Business

54 Go Pink

69 Dining Guide

81 Out & About

ConnectionCommunity

SERVICES

DIRECTORY

Pluvicto Now Offered at Lynn Cancer Institute.

Advanced Prostate Cancer Care, Close to Home

A Toast to the Little Guys

THROUGH CHANGING TIDES, THERE ARE BUSINESSES WHO HAVE MANAGED TO HANG ON TIGHT

LEGACY BUSINESSES

HOT LIST

NEWS AND NOTES FROM DELRAY BEACH

A Delray Fall Rememberto

THE DELRAY HALLOWEEN

AFTER DARK: Good Night John Boy

The New Delray Steak Dinner

Chocolates You’ll Love

GET THRIFTY

Every Kind of Pizza

DEATH BY PIZZA

SQUARE PEG PIZZERIA

GESTO

Puppy Yoga

TOP 5 September/October 2025

MISERY

FRANK VIGNOLA AND VINNY RANIOLO

THE MAGNETIC FIELDS

“ART AND LIFE IN REMBRANDT’S TIME: MASTERPIECES FROM THE LEIDEN COLLECTION”

“THE MOUNTAINTOP”

WATCH THIS

LISTEN TO THIS

September/October 2025

Now-Sept. 14:

Now-Sept. 28:

Now-Sept. 28:

Sept. 6:

Sept.

Sept.

Sept. 26:

Backhand Compliment

A WTA PRO BALANCES MENTAL WELLNESS WITH A GRUELING LIFE ON THE COURTS

Force of Nature

LAYERED WITH TEA DYES AND FLORAL ESSENCES, LUCIANA BOAVENTURA’S ART GETS TO THE ROOT OF THE MATTER

Globally Inspired

[ STYLE ]

Take It Outside

[ HOME ]

LIVING EN PLEIN AIR

RESORT LIVING

POOL HOUSE

SUN TO STORM:

OUTSIDE IN

What makes Omnio unique?

The Face of MERGING MINIMALISM & MAXIMALISM DESIGN STYLES

The Face of MEDITERRANEAN

SIMPLICITY AND WARMTH

The Face of ITALY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE TILE & MARBLE

The Face of ELEGANT EMERGING DESIGN

The Face of INTUITIVE INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTISE

The Face of

RENOVATIONS AND HOME BUILDING

The Face of ZEN-INSPIRED CUSTOM CLOSETS & STYLISH STORAGE

A Legacy of Business

Nina Raynor

Delray Camera & Studio

YEAR FOUNDED: 1972

Boston’s on the Beach