out & about

2021 BOCA BALLROOM BATTLE

WHAT: For the second year in a row, the 2021 Boca Ballroom Battle did not take place at The Boca Raton, but was instead held at the WPTV Channel 5 Studios and broadcast live on television. The 14th annual iteration of the beloved event, which was chaired by Steve Bernstein, Robin Bresky, Bill Donnell and Kirsten Stanley, had a “Disco” theme and was emceed by Paige Kornblue and Glenn Glazer. In all, more than 22,000 supporters tuned in to watch dancers Elmar R. Benavente, Kelly Fleming, Dre Garcia, Dr. Melyssa Hancock, Ryan Reiter, Mindy Shikiar, Robert Snyder and Dr. Jeffrey Stein. In the end, Kelly Fleming and Dr. Jeffrey Stein received the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. WHERE: WPTV Channel 5 Studios

Brian Altschuler and Donna Biase

Matthew Maschler and Fran Nachlas This year’s “Elite Eight” with Fred Astaire dancers

Dre Garcia and Scott Lappin James Brann and Dr. Melyssa Hancock

Steve Bernstein, Robin Bresky, Mike Effron, Kirsten Stanley and Bill Donnell

Mindy Shikiar and James Brann Glenn Glazer, Paige Kornblue and Tim Snow

Call Center

SPADY MUSEUM 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

WHAT: In late summer, guests came together at the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum to celebrate the Delray Beach institution’s 20th anniversary. The celebration was also an opportunity to raise funds for the organization, and the Jim Moran Foundation pledged to match donations up to $20,000. WHERE: Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach

Charlene Farrington, Brandy Brownlee and Elizabeth Burrows

Marjorie Waldo and Nancy Chanin Dr. Christopher Noe and Elizabeth Burrows

Colleen Rhodd attending to guests at the VIP party Laura Simon and Adam Schmitt

Rod and Rev. Dr. Cecie Titcomb Laura Russell and Eileen Acello

Maggie Zeidman and Bobby Lindsay Distributing soup at Palm Beach Empty Bowls Soups at Palm Beach Empty Bowls

PALM BEACH EMPTY BOWLS

WHAT: The eighth-annual Palm Beach Empty Bowls broke fundraising records with its reimagined drive-through event, raising more than $100,000 for the Palm Beach County Food Bank. The local nonprofit has seen needs triple during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now processing an average of 1.5 million pounds of food per month. Cordella and Rick Miessau chaired the event, which featured soups from local chefs and fresh-baked bread from Old School Bakery. WHERE: The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach

Volunteers at Palm Beach Empty Bowls Rick and Cordella Miessau

AVDA HEART OF A WOMAN LUNCHEON

WHAT: AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) hosted its 14th-annual Heart of a Woman Luncheon at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in early summer to celebrate strength, courage and determination of women, particularly survivors of domestic violence. The event was chaired by Anne Vegso and Dr. Heidi Schaffer, and raised funds to support AVDA’s programs. Helen Babione and the students involved with the S.A.V.E. (Stop Abuse and Violence Everywhere) Club were honored for their efforts in the community. WHERE: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club

Members of the Delray Beach Police Department

Standing: Senator Lori Berman, Representative Emily Slosberg, Alex Ortiz, Carole Wilson and Kim Champion. Seated: Jennifer Thomason, Dr. Heidi Schaeffer and Leticia Carrazano Margaret Mary Shuff, Liz and Mike Wilsman, (seated) Ben and Rosemary Krieger

Dr. Jackson Katz

Luncheon Co-Chairs Anne Vegso and Dr. Heidi Schaeffer Student honorees from the S.A.V.E. Club with Dr. Heidi Schaeffer CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes served as the event emcee.

Michael Salmon

"Just Feed Me!"

What did you do before FlyBird?

After graduating the CIA, I had a stint as the saucier at the “21 Club”, where I was taught proper seasoning techniques by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. I then became Chef de Cuisine at the posh eatery “Arcadia” in New York. “Arcadia” was a pioneer of farm to table, before the expression even existed, and this approach to simple and seasonal food is the foundation of my cooking style. I had a great run as a chef in New York, this included being the personal chef to Mayor Ed Koch for three years, where I cooked for Jackie O and many other A-listers. I continued as executive chef at Mickey Mantles, which was a favorite hang-out for sports legends. Mickey himself was a huge fan of my cooking, and I shared many memorable moments with him.

Tell us about being a finalist on the Next Food Network Star!

Being invited to participate in The Next Food Network Star was the icing on the cake. I am an entertainer at heart, and cooking on a national stage was a lot of fun. I was later invited back to participate on the 24 Hour Restaurant Challenge with my daughter Geri, and it was a fantastic experience to share with her. Both my daughter and wife are involved in every aspect of FlyBird, and being able to be on this culinary adventure with family is a dream come true for me.

What is your food philosophy?

My mission is for you to taste the freshness of the food and escape mediocrity. I have distilled all my knowledge into creating the best chicken possible. My custom built wood and charcoal grill creates a wonderful flavor that is truly unique. Our food is prepared like fine dining, but the menu is everyday food you can eat guilt-free, in an unpretentious chicken joint.

What does “Just Feed Me” mean?

I have cooked for my friends since I was in high school. When I asked them what they were hungry for, they always said “We love everything you make , just feed us”. So to this day I tell anyone coming to FlyBird to say “Just Feed Me”, and we will take care of the rest.

FlyBird Chargrilled Chicken

335 East Linton Blvd., Delray Beach 33484 www.flybirdfood.com Sponsored Content