Boca Magazine May/June 2026 by Palm Beach Media Group

STRIKE A POSE

PAPAS

LOCALS TALK PARENTHOOD AND LIFE LESSONS

Cristina Lewis with her daughters, Liliana, Isabella, and Alessandra

LUXE LOOKS FROM WORTH AVENUE

Van Cleef & Arpels

Majestueux Ear Clips

Vintage Bulgari Platinum & Diamond Bracelet

Rare Bulgari Sapphire, Diamond, & Peridot Necklace

Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring

As a Life Care community, Harbour’s Edge offers something increasingly rare: confidence without compromise.

Designed to support residents over time, a Life Care community provides long-term security, continuity, and priority access to care, so you can remain in the community you love, even as needs change. It removes uncertainty, protects both lifestyle and resources, and allows you to live fully today – knowing important decisions have already been made. This is luxury elevated by foresight, where peace of mind is simply part of how life is lived, every day.

Schedule a private tour. Call (561) 529-9455 or visit HarboursEdge.com

Advanced Proton Therapy for Breast Cancer.

For women with breast cancer, especially left-sided disease, protecting the heart and lungs during radiation is essential. Proton therapy at the Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton offers a safer, more precise option that reduces exposure to these critical organs.

Receiving care right in your community means less disruption to your daily routine and easier access to support during treatment. Our specialists create highly personalized plans designed to protect your long-term health while providing exceptional care. Advanced treatment without leaving Boca Raton is just one of the many advantages of proton therapy at the Lynn Cancer Institute.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

38 Family Values

We celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day by pairing prominent local families—led by influencers, philanthropists, small business owners, and restaurateurs— with outfits from Elegant Child and visuals from the Boca Raton Museum of Art. They share their takeaways on parenting in the 21st century.

Written

by CHRISTIANA LILLY

46 Window Shopping

We take a stroll down Worth Avenue, sporting the latest looks from the fashion houses and boutiques that define the Palm Beaches’ street of dreams.

Photography by GABOR JURINA

54 The Hunger Crisis

Federal cuts to nutrition-assistance programs, the lingering effects of a government shutdown, and changes to school lunch protocols have a created a perfect storm of food insecurity in Florida’s fifth-richest county. Our deep dive surveys the stakes and seeks solutions from the nonprofit leaders working to alleviate it.

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS

62 Taking the Bait

With more than 4 million licensed anglers, Florida leads the nation in fishing boat sales. An expert on all things maritime in the Sunshine State breaks down 10 seaworthy options for the rod-and-reel set, at price points from the lower six figures to vessels of unparalleled luxury.

Written by HOWARD WALKER

16 Editor’s Letter

A perusal of various best-seller lists yields no shortage of parenting books. But as the editor learned from her experience as one of three kids from an industrious family, raising children is a mercurial muddle of on-the-job training that no guidebook can encompass.

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

19 The Local

Meet the tabletop gamer reintroducing mahjong for younger demographics, the Hometown Hero providing purpose and opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum, and an environmental author whose study of an endangered Everglades bird yields insights for all of us. Plus, a robot dog joins Boca’s police force, gifts for mom and dad, globally minded art exhibitions, and much more. And, our local boutiques showcase fashionable knits and BBQ-ready accessories for shoulder season.

Written

by CHRISTIANA LILLY and JOHN

THOMASON

33 Worth the Trip

A visit to the actual Amazon, not the e-commerce behemoth, provides the editor a different kind of fulﬁllment: a journey deep into the Peruvian rainforest, where an adventure cruise provides an up-close view of bustling wildlife and indigenous culture. Plus, a weekend of eastern-inspired wellness awaits just up the road at Singer Island’s Amrit Ocean Resort.

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY and KRISTEN DESMOND-LEFEVRE

69 Backstage Pass

Boca-based musician Oteil Burbridge reﬂects on his eclectic career amid the Venn diagram of funk, rock, jazz, and blues, from The Allman Brothers’ marathon jams to communing with the Dead in Las Vegas’ splashiest venue. Plus, The Wick toasts a pop diva, a comedy icon riffs on menopause, the HARID Conservatory presents a world-premiere ballet, and more notable A&E events.

Written by JOHN THOMASON

95 Florida Table: Eat & Drink

See what our food critic has to say about Ke-uH and True Vegan by Chef Rahein. Plus, discover the legal THC-infused social tonics helping to destigmatize cannabis consumption, and read why beef tallow is what’s for dinner—and lunch, too.

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

114 Social

In this issue’s society pages, our Boys & Girls Club raised more than $6.5 million for hunger relief, The Boca Raton Historical Society bid a fond farewell to its longtime director Mary Csar, local luminaries ﬁlled “Empty Bowls”for the residents who needed them most, and more.

Written by TYLER CHILDRESS

120 Speed Bumps

A.I. might just be the quicksand of our time—a phenomenon that, once it burbles to life, takes over everything in its proximity. That proximity is extending to envelop the globe, whether we’re ready for it or not.

Written by MARIE SPEED

For Moments That Matter

With architecturally stunning settings and a golden beach, The Boca Raton resort and private club has hosted Florida’s most magical events for generations. Whether you’re a Club member, a newcomer, or anything in between, our team of world-class planners, designers, and renowned chefs will work with you to create a celebration that exceeds all expectations.

Web Extras

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

INTO THE WILD

Editor in chief Christiana Lilly had more to say about her transformative voyage to Peru’s Amazon rainforest aboard the luxury Aqua Nera cruise (page 33). Visit bocamag.com/mayjune-2026.

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

Oteil Burbridge, bassist for The Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, his own projects, and much more, shared too many insights from his storied career to ﬁt on one spread (page 70). Continue the conversation at bocamag. com/may-june-2026.

TWENTY YEARS OF ELEGANCE

Elegant Child, which supplied the stylish threads for the kids featured in our Family Values story (page 38), recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of dressing up the city’s future fashionistas. Read about the shop’s backstory at bocamag.com/may-june-2026.

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t miss Boca on everything from FACEBOOK (facebook.com/ bocamag) to INSTAGRAM (@bocamag) and TWITTER/X (@ bocamag) for community news, retail trends, foodie updates and much more.

Oteil Burbridge, center, and friends

IN THE KNOW

Join Boca magazine’s weekly newsletter, The Scoop, for a roundup of the week’s top web stories. Get everything from city and dining news to arts and community happenings around town delivered straight to your inbox! Visit bocamag.com to sign up!

ON THE COVER:

Which cover did you get?

Cristina Lewis and her daughters, Liliana, Isabella, and Alessandra, in front of Untitled by Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.)

Eddie Pozzuoli and his sons, Eddie and Vinny, in front of The world as I am by TYPOE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Carina Mask at the Boca Raton Museum of Art; children's clothing provided by Elegant Child

Aqua Nera cruise

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Christiana Lilly

MANAGING EDITOR

John Thomason

WEB EDITOR

Tyler Childress

FOOD EDITOR

Christie Galeano-DeMott

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Desmond-LeFevre, Marie Speed, Howard Walker

CREATIVE

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Lori Pierino

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

James Karpinen

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aaron Bristol, Ian Jacob, Gabor Jurina, Carina Mask, Christina Mendenhall

FASHION STYLIST

Zlata Kotmina

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Selene Ceballo

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Rafael Quiñones

ADVERTISING DESIGN COORDINATOR

Michael Kramer

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Courtney Bryant

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Tyler Sansone

FOUNDERS

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PUBLISHERS OF Boca Raton • Delray • 1926: The Boca Raton • Worth Avenue • Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Annual • Palm Beach Illustrated • Naples Illustrated • Palm Beach Charity Register • Naples Charity Register Florida Design • Florida Design Naples • Florida Design Miami • Florida Design Sarasota • Florida Design Sourcebook • Palm Beach Relocation Guide • Southwest Florida Relocation Guide • Fifth Avenue South • Naples 100 • Art & Culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County • Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation

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Parental Advisory

No

one knows what the heck they’re doing, parents included. And that’s OK.

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

s far as I’m concerned, my parents have always had adult children. Teenagers, at the youngest. It’s odd to think that once upon a time, my mom and dad were thirtysomethings figuring out how to buckle a newborn in a car seat. Or discovering that an infant cries as much as I did at the time (turns out I had colic, whoops). My mom tells me about how when I turned 1 month old, she celebrated that she had kept me alive. My parents would have two more kids in quick succession, my sister two years later and a brother 18 months after that. They claim having three kids under 4 years old was easily manageable since we were delightful children, but they’ve probably blocked out a lot of it, to be honest. Now, as I see my siblings and my friends become parents, and as I climb the ladder of adulthood, it makes me realize that my parents didn’t have it all figured out. Just like generations of parents before them, they had no idea what they were doing, and hoped that the decisions they made with three rowdy kids were the right ones. They tried to keep their tempers in check as we tested the limits (wandering off in Walmart, making a spectacle in public, me crying out that they just don’t understand!), and crossed their fingers we were eating enough vegetables. Of course, this was also in the ‘90s, when you could leave your kids in the car with the A/C on while you ran into the bank to make a quick deposit (I’m sure the statute of limitations on this has run out? I hope?). But I digress.

In honor of Mother’s and Father’s Day, we gathered local parents with young children to discuss parenthood—what they’ve learned from their kids, what lessons they hope to impart, and how differently they see their own parents from this lens. It only made sense to partner with Elegant Child, a Boca Raton mainstay that is celebrating 20 years in business. They dressed the kids for our photo shoots at the Boca Raton Museum of Art (yes, children are allowed in museums!), and our team had a blast capturing moms and dads with their brood—mini meltdowns included. You can see those portraits on page 38. Family seems to be an ongoing theme for this issue. Our Hometown Hero started the nonprofit Autism After 21 after seeing how difficult it was for families like hers to find appropriate and accommodating employment for special-needs adults. And as the mahjong hype seems to explode around town, we talked to Mahj on the Beach founder Kari Long about bringing back this nostalgic game that our grandparents loved. Finally, for our main feature, Web Editor Tyler Childress tackled the issue of hunger in Palm Beach County, a complicated, tentacled problem plaguing our community’s families. You can dive into that piece on page 54.

I can’t pretend to understand the intricacies of parenthood, but I love on my siblings’ and friends’ children as much as I can, trying to be a member of that village everyone talks about.

So parents, for whatever it’s worth, this auntie thinks you’re doing a great job.

Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day,

CARINA MASK

MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS™

THE ART OF LIVING FULLY

“Moving to MorseLife gave me more freedom than I ever expected. It feels like I’m creating a new masterpiece every day.”

– Joan R., Independent Living

Snail kite in flight; read more on page 26.

IT’S ELECTRIC

See Spot run! The newest member of the Boca Raton Police Department’s Bomb Squad is Spot, a robot dog built by Boston Dynamics. With his presence, he’ll be able to keep ofﬁcers safe by“performing high-risk tasks and providing situational awareness.”Such technology is becoming more prevalent in local departments, including Margate and Miami-Dade Police. One of Spot's ﬁrst tasks was delivering the keynote speech to the police chief at the podium of the Boca Raton Police Foundation’s breakfast; what a good boy.

Locals sound off on issues affecting our community.

How did your parents come up with your name?

1908 & 1910

First Mother’s and Father’s Day

1/10

Food-insecure residents in Palm Beach County

“My parents chose my name by honoring my great-grandparents, Ignatz on my mother’s side and Leah on my father’s side, and combining them to create Ivy Lynne. Although kids sometimes teased me about sharing a name with the poison ivy plant, as I grew older, I came to appreciate my name, and the special meaning and heritage that comes with it.” Ivy Patron, senior director of Regional Business Development at Florida Blue

"It’s all about alliteration. I’m the third of three boys, with older brothers named Jonathan and Jeffrey, so when my parents named me, they wanted another J name. My paternal grandfather suggested Joshua, which perfectly rounded out the J names.”

— Joshua Simon, D.O., founding partner of South Florida Premier Surgery

“My parents unfortunately experienced multiple miscarriages before having me, so my arrival meant everything to them. When they found out they were having a girl, they chose the name Sarah Elizabeth; Sarah means ‘princess’ and Elizabeth means ‘God is my oath.’ My name reflects both the deep love they had for me and the strength and faith that carried them through such a difficult journey.”

— Sarah Vielot, events manager at the Boca Chamber of Commerce

Spot meets local kids at a recent event

So Spoiled

Gifts to treat your parents like the kings and queens they are (and if that’s you, let’s go shopping).

ITALIANA

This 100% silk scarf will have her daydreaming about that family trip to Sorrento … and how it’s time to go back. $98, Nikka Silk Scarf, J.McLaughlin Boca Raton, jmclaughlin.com

PINK LADY

In time for the 130th anniversary of the LV emblem, Mom will be pretty in pink with this shoulder bag. $4,150, Side Trunk PM, Louis Vuitton Boca Raton, louisvuitton.com

Don’t-Miss Events

SMOOTH SAILING

Nothing says Florida like a little raffia, and these slip-on loafers whisper casual cool. $449, Ramsey Venetian loafer, Paul Fredrick Boca Raton, paulfredrick.com

INSPIRATION, CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY

WHEN: May 5 at Lynn University

WHAT: Tony- and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. serves as a speaker and performer for this uplifting event ﬁlled with conversation and community, hosted by Michelle Maros and Barb Schmidt. Proceeds beneﬁt Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life. eventbrite.com

AMERICA 250: THE 14TH COLONY

WHEN: May 13 to Aug. 27 at Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

WHAT: Florida may not have become a state until 1845, but it still had a lasting impact on the American Revolution. This exhibit explores the Sunshine State’s contributions, including 18th-century Florida maps, memorabilia from the era, and rare war artifacts from collectors. bocahistory.org/america250

PILATES IN THE PARK

POP ART

From the Men’s Stuff line of Lilly Pulitzer, this blazer is a dream for the man who isn’t afraid of a little color. $498, Flagler blazer, Lilly Pulitzer Boca Raton, lillypulitzer.com

TABLE READ

WHEN: Saturdays through Aug. 29 at Wildﬂower Park

WHAT: Wildﬂower Park has had a glowup, and that includes hosting Pilates on Saturday mornings and yoga on Sunday mornings. Plus, check out Food Truck Fridays on the last Friday of the month. myboca.us/2825/wildﬂower-in-bloom

In honor of its 100-year anniversary in 2026, The Boca Raton has teamed up with Assouline to produce its coffee table book, The Boca Raton: A Century of Being Iconic. Journalist James Reginato worked alongside Susan Gillis, historical advisor at the Boca Raton Historical Society, to tell the story of the last century of this storied resort and club, from its Mediterranean Revival architecture to celebrity guests, black-tie events and the moments on the property that have gone down in history. $120, assouline.com

Leslie Odom, Jr.

VINELAND PLACE

WHEN: May 15-31

WHERE: Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach COST: $95

CONTACT: 561/5144042, palmbeachdramaworks.org

Steven Dietz is one of the most prolific and produced playwrights in regional theater, penning some 39 original plays since his 1981 debut, plus 15 adaptations of works by Bram Stoker, Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and others. If there isn’t a signature Dietzian style, a la Neil Simon or David Mamet, it’s because Dietz disappears into his versatile oeuvre, whether working in comedy, thriller, tragedy, or some hybrid of the above. Dietz’s latest play, Vineland Place, centers on a young writer who accepts a surreally fulfilling opportunity: finishing the final book of his most admired novelist, who died while writing it. But, while being bankrolled by his hero’s widow, he finds himself tangled in a dangerous mystery.

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

WHEN: May 17, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

COST: $64.35-$111.15

CONTACT: 305/949-6722, arshtcenter.org

There is neither a Belle nor a Sebastian in Belle and Sebastian, the seminal Scottish indie septet that took its name, way back in 1994, from a short story written by its longtime frontman and songwriter, Stuart Murdoch. It’s an appropriate conception for one of Europop’s most bookish outﬁts. For the band’s formative records, Belle and Sebastian married a minimalist, gossamer sound with literary lyrics brimming with both wit and acidity: “I could kill you, sure, but I could only make you cry with these words,” Murdoch declares, in “Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying.”That tune is from the group’s most universally beloved LP, If You’re Feeling Sinister, which turns 30 this year. To celebrate, the band will play the album live in its entirety, alongside a suite of newer cuts that showcase its more expansive, danceable material of recent years. in cuts

“FRÉDÉRIC

BRULY BOUABRÉ: SELECTIONS FROM THE 404 ART COLLECTION”

WHEN: May 20-Oct. 18

WHERE: Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton

COST: $16 adults, $12 seniors

CONTACT: 561/392-2500, bocamuseum.org

It takes a certain conﬁdence in one’s artistry to name a series The Knowledge of the World, but Frédéric Bruly Bouabré was anything but arrogant. The Ivory Coast artist, who died at age 90 in 2014, created much of his corpus while working as a government clerk, drawing his subjects on found cardboard pieces the size of postcards, and using the implements he had nearby— ballpoint pens, crayons. The results have transcended the restrictions of their production, referencing aspects of folklore, daily life, and politics that spread from his native country to all of Africa. Writing accompanied many of his drawings, which function as pictograms to help elucidate and preserve the oral traditions of the Bété tribe of the Ivory Coast. This survey of Bouabré’s colorful and distinctive art marks a rare spotlight on an artist overlooked in much of the Western Hemisphere.

“FRANTZ ZÉPHIRIN: THE MESSENGER”

WHEN: May 31-Oct. 4

WHERE: NSU Art Museum, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

COST: $16 adults, $10 seniors

CONTACT: 954/525-5500, nsuartmuseum.org When it came time to immortalize the devastating Haitian earthquake of 2010 on its cover, The New Yorker selected a painting by one of that country’s most celebrated artists. Frantz Zéphirin’s The Resurrection of the Dead depicted members of a skeletal family opening their door to a natural disaster in which a piece of plywood ﬂoats by the stoop of their home, and innumerable faces—the ghosts of those lost, perhaps—gaze from the tiled exterior of their abode. A self-taught wunderkind, Zéphirin received a lot of media attention in the aftermath of the quake, and interest has seldom waned for his phantasmagorical works, with their feverish, outsider visions of Biblical passages, Vodou rituals, chimeric creatures, and mystical voyages. Claiming to channel the Haitian mermaid goddess La Sirène, Zéphirin has painted her form more than 2,000 times, while asserting the completed works “made themselves.”“The Messenger” marks Zéphirin’s ﬁrst solo museum exhibition.

Belle and Sebastian

La Metamorphose d’Erzulie

Bete Mythologies

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A lot of our students are isolated. They don’t have a lot of friends, and they rely on their families, and a lot of it falls on their family and siblings to try to give them a life and to make it work.”

— Michelle Rubin

Michelle Rubin

When her own son aged out of school, she found a way to prepare adults with autism for an independent life

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

When Scott Rubin goes to work at Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s dining hall, he runs the dishwasher and prepares trays to be loaded with meals. His other job is with a manufacturing company making security tags. To get to work, he rides his bike to the bus, which includes crossing Military Trail. Sometimes he takes the Palm Tran.

As an adult living with autism, Scott has made strides further than his doctors ever imagined.“He’s so proud of himself at work; he loves it,”says his mother, Michelle Rubin. “He’s learned skills like if you’re going to be late, you call your boss. If it’s thundering and lightning, you don’t go stand at the bus stop.”

It’s been Michelle’s mission to make this level of independence a reality for other adults with autism. Through her nonproﬁt, Autism

After 21, adults with autism who have aged out of the school system have the opportunity to prepare for the workforce and learn life skills. Its signature program is SOAR (Summer Opportunity for Adult Readiness), a sort of summer camp that allows them to explore independent living and create a foundation for the workplace. There’s also pre-employment training, career assessments, and ﬁeld trips to companies. And, of course, there’s making friends.

“When you see them ﬁguring things out for themselves, making a friend, getting together when they leave SOAR, contacting us that they’re ready for us to help them look for a job, it’s very rewarding for me,” Rubin says.

According to Autism Speaks, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by a range of traits, such

as “challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.” Scott, the eldest of Rubin’s three sons, was diagnosed with autism at 2. The Rubins were told there wasn’t much that could be done for him, but they didn’t accept that outlook. Scott was nonverbal until the age of 14, so Rubin took an 18-week sign language course and taught it to him and his teachers.

She also noticed that his self-injuring behavior and tantrums waned when she took him on her morning runs. The family got creative in pushing Scott out of his comfort zone to try new things and learn skills he needed for the real world.

“I often tell people I had such anxiety about him leaving school. It’s been such a part of his life since he was 3 years to 21 years old,” Rubin says.“I actually found it more stressful than when he was diagnosed [with autism].”

Rubin’s friends encouraged her to start her own program, and in 2011 Autism After 21 was born. Four years later, they started the SOAR program.

“Scott has had an amazing life, and he’s getting ready to live in an independent living situation, but there is no agency and there is no person that’s going to do this for your child. It’s on the parents,” Rubin says. (autismafter21.org)

COUNSELING PARENTS: I always tell them, try everything that’s available. The younger you start on the therapy the better, and then I kind of couch a little bit by saying part of the reason that Scott has been able to become Scott is I started doing a lot of things he doesn’t want to do, that made him

happy, pushing him outside of his comfort zone. But the breakthroughs can be incredible if you can do it. … I always tell the moms, look, it’s OK to be upset about this, this is a huge thing. Nowadays everybody wants to feel like everything is good. … You just want to act like everything’s ﬁne. It’s not ﬁne, and it’s OK to be upset about this.

MEETING ABILITIES: We have separate sessions in SOAR where we kind of try to peer-match our students. One session is devoted to students who are in college, community college, or who are ready for inclusive employment, and another session is for maybe the middle-of-the-road guy, [who] maybe wants to go to a vocational school, get certiﬁcate training. Then we do a group for the Scotts of the world that have intellectual disabilities. They would not be able to successfully attend a post-secondary education, but they can learn how to work and learn to be independent. The curriculum doesn’t change much; we just have to present it on the level of the students in front of us.

SEEING GROWTH: I always say I get way more out of the program than the students do. Just watching them have that lightbulb moment that they’re away from home [and] capable of making decisions without their parents or teachers doing it for them … to realize they can have a life; they’re just going to have to put some work into it.

Michelle Rubin

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

IN TH E HEA RT O F D OWNTOWN

RATON

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It’s not fundamentally a bird story. ... It’s about Florida, and what Florida we want, and the two Floridas rubbing up against each other, and finding our future and our values.”

—Hilary

Flower

Bird’s Eye View

A Florida scientist’s new book on an endangered raptor is a clarion call to our fraught ecosystems

Written by JOHN THOMASON

Hilary Flower’s latest book, The Kite and the Snail, sounds like a lost Aesop fable, and it exudes a similar sense of wisdom and purpose.

The kite in question is the Everglade snail kite, a bird of prey whose only U.S. presence, until very recently, was in Florida. Its titular companion is the apple snail, the kite’s primary food source, which feeds on freshwater periphyton historically found in the Everglades.

For millennia, the Everglades were the ideal ecosystem for this circle of life: Snails consumed the periphyton, kites ate the snails, and both species ﬂourished. But as water-level controls and habitat destruction in the Everglades transformed the historic river of grass, native snails gradually disappeared, and so did the region’s namesake bird.

The snail kite made the country’s ﬁrst list of endangered species in 1967, after its numbers plummeted to as low as 25 individuals. Flower, an ecohydrologist (someone who studies the interactions between water, organisms, and their shared environments) and associate professor of environmental studies at Eckerd College on Florida’s Gulf Coast, writes that she saw her last snail kite in the Everglades in 2013.

But The Kite and the Snail (University Press of Florida) is not a despairing text. On the contrary, its subtitle,“An Endangered Bird, Its Unlikely Prey, and a Story of Hope in a Changing World,”speaks to the guarded optimism of her research, buttressed by ﬁrst-person experiences in wetlands such as Palm Beach County’s Grassy Waters Preserve and Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area, and copious interviews with experts in kites, snails, conservation, and Florida eco-politics.

“It’s not fundamentally a bird story,” Flower says. “Although it’s told through the lens of this bird, it’s a much bigger story. It’s about Florida, and what Florida we want, and the two Floridas rubbing up against each other, and ﬁnding our future and our values.”

The book’s 200 pages contain scores of revelations that speak to the snail kite’s remarkable adaptability. For one, snail kites are among the 1% of bird species that engage in ambisexual mate desertion—meaning that in declining habitat, while one partner cares for its nest, the other leaves its tenuous home to search for more appropriate foraging grounds. When native apple snails began to dwindle as a food source, the kites underwent rapid adaptation—bigger bills, longer leg bones, heavier body weight—in order to feast on an invasive South American snail species ﬁve times larger than the native snail.“The snail kite story was one of these rare instances where an

invasive species is saving an endangered one,” Flower writes.

“If we can get the Everglades healthy again, and we have the native snail, we don’t need the invasive snail. But for now, the snail kite would tell us, ‘I do need that invasive snail, or I would go extinct,’ and the invasive snail needs hydrilla [an invasive aquatic plant that has caused ecological damage in the Everglades.—Ed.].”

Flower embarked on The Kite and the Snail during a recent sabbatical from her St. Petersburg college, after learning that, unlike with panthers and manatees, nobody had written a snail kite book.“The snail kite is this endangered raptor, but it’s so tightly connected to the hydrology,” she says.“I realized that it would unite my research interests with the broader implications. And I realized I would learn so much. ... I saw parts of Florida I didn’t know existed.”

The reader discovers these places—Grassy Waters emerges as a Goldilocks zone where the snail kite and native apple snail continue to coexist—along with Flower, who writes with a journalist’s attention to detail and an enthusiasm that’s infectious to the lay reader. For Flower, it was important that the book’s audience reach beyond the scientiﬁc community.“I wanted to be able to engage my friends and people in Florida in general, in a conversation about what’s really happening with our conservation,” she says.

According to the National Audubon Society, the snail kite population dropped to 2,000 in 2025. Flower describes the bird, despite its relative rebound, as occupying “this razor’s edge of being exquisitely vulnerable, because if the invasive snail has a couple years where it doesn’t have a population boom, the snail kite population will tank.

“And at the same time, they are just phenomenally adaptive. If a farmer ﬂoods their pasture, and the invasive snail takes off, the snail kites will ﬁnd it and have an incredible nesting year. And if it’s not going well, the next year they’re going to be somewhere else. They are just so aware of conditions in Florida and how to exploit that to make babies. They’re ahead of us. … We need to be looking to the future too, so that we are making changes now that will make us more resilient for what’s coming.”

Hilary Flower, right, watching for birds near her home

MAXI BABY PALMIER bag, $275, MICHELLE FARMER linen top, $465, MICHELLE FARMER sequin short, $485; all from Michelle Farmer

VALENTINO

Cherryfic sandals, $1,450, RAG & BONE bucket hat, $248, GUCCI sunglasses, $605; all from Saks Boca

Block Party

Chic looks for this season’s cookouts and gatherings—a last call before the heat descends

Styling by ZLATA KOTMINA

CHLOÉ basket bag, $850, POLO BY RALPH LAUREN flag sweater, $398, RALPH LAUREN PURPLE LABEL button-down shirt, $690, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Loubishark sunglasses, $585; all from Saks Boca WALTER BAKER navy stripe top, $158, red cardigan, $198; both from Walter Baker

HAPPY SHEEP red sweater, $375, SIMONE striped vest, $315, IN BED WITH YOU contrast cardigan, $350; all from Filly & Colt

There have been so many times that people will come to [classes] and don’t know anyone, then leave with phone numbers of four new friends.”

— Kari Long

READY, SET, GO Mahjong sets that look as stylish as they are fun to play.

$400, Anthropologie

$375, The Mahjong Line

Mahjong Madness

Once a game reserved for our bubbes, mahjong is making a comeback outside of the country club set

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

For many of us, mahjong was the game our moms would host on Wednesday evenings, or that our grandmothers would play at the senior center. But 100 years after it ﬁ rst made its introduction in the United States, it’s seeing a resurgence—and Boca Raton is no different.

Kari Long founded Mahj on the Beach when she moved to Boca Raton in the summer of 2025. An avid player when she lived in Birmingham, Ala., she was disappointed to see that there weren’t groups meeting outside of country clubs. So she founded Mahj on the Beach, a way to teach the game to newbies as well as make connections in her new city.

“My ﬁrst class was June 26, 2025 in Boca, a group of eight women, and then from there it just kind of took off by word of mouth,” Long says.“By August I was pretty much fully booked.”

A year later, she has hosted mahjong parties and private lessons and been hired by resorts and companies to host team-building events. Mahj on the Beach has made it to The Boca Raton, The Seagate, The Breakers, The Country Club at Mirasol, Break House, Replay Club, Emily’s Garden, and more.“Post-COVID, we were really, really searching for the opportunity to have face-to-face interaction,” Long explains about mahjong’s appeal. “People are just so sick of being on their phones and being tied to it.”

And with players at her events ranging from 25 to 55 years old, Long says,“the younger generation is seeing what our parents and grandparents have known for so long: that you need to have the community.”(mahjonthebeach.com)

FOUR WINDS

Mahjong was invented in China in the 1800s as mainly a gambling game for men. When engineer Joseph Park Babcock visited in 1920, he knew it would be a hit back home. He sold the game to Abercrombie & Fitch (back when it was a sporting goods store), leading to thousands of sets sold for parlor games enthusiasts and American housewives planning their next girls’ night. Fun fact: The Flagler Museum has a mahjong set on display that belonged to Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. To create uniformity in the game, a group of five Jewish American women created the American Mah Jongg League in 1937 to regulate the rule cards and official standard hands. Today, mahjong remains embedded in Asian American and Jewish American culture, with a comeback we’re now watching unfold.

$695, Jonathan Adler

$15,200, Brunello Cucinelli

Kari Long leads a mahjong class

WORTH THE TRIP

Rolling on the River

Aboard the luxe Aqua Nera, explore Peru’s Amazon River, teeming with wildlife and intrigue

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

We’re gliding along the Amazon River in a Zodiac boat when our guide, Vladimir, suddenly signals for us to stop—now. Then he calls out for his fellow guides over the radio, alerting them to what he’s spotted. It’s an anaconda, wrapped within the twisted mangroves next to us. Its triangular head peeks through the brush to see what the commotion is about, its tongue darting in and out to taste the air. As we get closer (not too close, we’re warned), we see a gash in his ﬂesh. He’ll be ﬁne, thankfully, and little

do we know that this is not the ﬁrst anaconda we’ll come across in our time aboard the Aqua Nera river cruise. There will be another anaconda, plus countless sloths, piranhas, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, pink dolphins, and birds that ﬁll the horizon—far more animals than any humans we will come across on our voyage.

Before we board the Aqua Nera—a part of the Aqua Expeditions family of luxury cruises—our journey begins in Iquitos, Peru, the largest city in the world not acces-

The Aqua Nera traverses the Amazon River

sible by car. While we traverse the streets in a taxi, three-wheeled motocarros and motorcycles swerve around us, from moms picking up their kids from school to girls hanging on tight to their beaus. We pass the throng of trafﬁc and drive on a straight shot south to the river village of Nauta, where the mighty rivers of the Marañón and Ucayali join to form the Amazon, the longest river in the world— and one of the most storied.

Before us is the Aqua Nera, a black, 20-suite boat ﬁt with a sun deck and pool, dining room, game room, and other luxe accommodations. They were far more comfortable than the quarters of Percy Fawcett, the famed English explorer determined to ﬁnd the Lost City of Z and prove to his fellow explorers that South America boasted ancient civilizations teeming with wealth and science. He disappeared into the Peruvian jungle in 1925. Meanwhile, we’re greeted with drums, guitar tunes, and a cocktail in our hands.

The digs are more than comfy, but we’re here for adventure. As the boat winds through the Amazon River, our three guides take turns leading excursions out onto the water, where their eagle eyes manage to spot the unique animal life high up in the treetops or skimming the surface of the river. What to us resembles a bundle of leaves turns out to be a sleepy sloth, its comical smile revealed through the lens of the binoculars we pass around. In the water, what looks like a pod of sunburned dolphins rise to the surface. They’re pink river dolphins, larger than their grey counterparts and with a less dramatic dorsal ﬁn.

It was on my wish list of animals for the trip, and just a day in I’m already checking them off one by one. I hoped to ﬁnd a capybara (the water hadn’t

receded enough, and the river rodents moved inland) and a jaguar (after the fur trade exploded in the 1970s, there are only about 22,000 in the area); I settled for videos from our intrepid guides.

“Remember, we are not at a zoo,”Vladimir says. On another excursion, we attempt to use makeshift fishing rods to catch piranha with raw chicken. I bob the bait in the water, swirling it from side to side to mimic bugs skating on the surface, but the meat-eating fish are not new to this trick. Thankfully we aren’t relying on our own skills for food, as the chef onboard the Aqua Nera creates dishes using ingredients from the area, including snake fruit, chayote, peppers, chorizo sausage, and paiche. There’s also the “comfort meal” menu with pizza and burgers, but we’re too enamored with the Peruvian fare to even think about it. For lunch one day, the chef surprises us aboard another inflatable boat, armed with trays of plantains and juane de gallina, or banana leaves wrapped around rice, chicken, and other treats.

It’s during these meals we chat with our fellow travelers—a father-daughter duo from Northern Ireland, a couple from Mexico, sisters-in-law from Colorado and Texas, a couple from Vietnam. Languages and accents scatter throughout the boat, and for the handful of times that we disembark along the Amazon, we hear nearly extinct languages, too.

There are 48 languages spoken on the river, among 40,000 residents. Before we dock at a village, children run along the banks of the river, then lean onto our boat to sing: “¿Como están mis amigos como están? ¡Muy bien!” At the school we visit, a child is selected by her

This page, clockwise from above: excursions on the river, macaw, pygmy marmoset, hoatzin, and a dip in the pool aboard the Aqua Nera

teacher to perform a song in Kokáma, her elders’ native language that the community is working to revive. For these families, living on the Amazon is a story of preservation; parents make the daylong trek to buy new school uniforms in Iquitos, and they travel by hand-carved canoe. However, the odd teenager here and there manages to sneak away with a cellphone. Because yes, even in the depths of the Amazon River, there are cell towers.

While we are aboard the Aqua Nera, other Amazonians are traversing the river, too. Ferries filled with passengers travel from town to town, armed with their own hammocks and food to last them the trip. Around here, travel isn’t measured by distance but by time; how many days on the ferry from one destination to the next.

During another excursion, a guide shares that the Amazon is home to 1,000 bird species—and it’s this piece of trivia that lends to one of the most breathtaking moments on the cruise.

As our inflatable boat winds through lily pads in one of the river’s veins, our view is framed by jutting trees and the sounds of the rainforest. Then, as our boat speeds through the water, hundreds of thousands of white egrets take flight from their nests and hunting grounds. The corridor before us is filled with the flapping wings of these graceful birds, and soon we’re surrounded by them, a scene AI could only attempt to recreate. Everywhere we look, these birds fly alongside us, a reminder that the Amazon is one of the last truly wild places on this planet.

This page, clockwise from top left: sloth, dining aboard the skiff, boat lounge, local child with a sloth, river village children with their teacher, and dishes prepared by the chef

WEB EXTRA: For more of our editor’s adventures on the Amazon, visit BOCAMAG.COM/MAYJUNE-2026.

Wellness Weekend

Find a new you at Singer Island’s Amrit Ocean Resort

Written by KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

Some weekend getaways are meant for debauchery—cheat-day foods, an “it’s5-o’clock-somewhere” attitude, and poolside naps. But others are about restoring mind, body, and soul. Singer Island’s Amrit Ocean Resort is the latter. Meaning “elixir of life” in Sanskrit, Amrit merges Eastern holistic practices with Western levels of luxury, offering guests a stay inspired by the resort’s five pillars of wellness: mindfulness, nutrition, fitness, relaxation, and sleep. Nowhere are those pillars more prevalent than inside the four-story, 103,000-square-foot Amrit Wellness & Spa. There, a team of coaches, aestheticians, and practitioners stands ready to curate your wellness road map. Want to jump-start your fitness journey? Amrit’s Personal Wellness Support System provides coaching before, during, and after your stay when you book a three- or five-night all-inclusive wellness package. Need to zero in on some mindfulness and meditation? Daily restorative classes include mat Pilates, a variety of yoga practices, and more in indoor studios or on outdoor terraces that overlook Amrit’s pristine shoreline. Feel like you need a fresh start but don’t know where to start?

“longevity,”this circuit includes a lap pool to increase heart rate, a Kneipp Hydrotherapy Walk to stimulate nerve centers, a whirlpool to relax muscles and release toxins, and a cold plunge to reduce inﬂammation, plus an effusion shower, a salt-inhalation chamber, a sauna, and a steam room. Use these components individually or combine them in a series of 70- to 100-minute self-guided rituals for a full-body hydrotherapy experience.

team practitioners stands ready to curate your wellness

you need a fresh start but don’t know where to start?

By employing integrated health assessments—from the personal wellness guide assessment focused on the ﬁve pillars, to a nutrition assessment by a registered dietician, to the InBody evaluation measuring your balance of muscle and fat mass, to an Ayurvedic assessment that focuses on pariksha (pulse examination) and marma point evaluation (points for energy ﬂow)—Amrit’s experts can help put you on the right path.

Between treatments, take part in the Aayush Hydrothermal Experience. Named for the Sanskrit word for

Amrit doesn’t skip the more traditional pampering, either. Home to one of the few hammams in South Florida, the facility offers body treatments that blend time-honored Moroccan bathing traditions with modern technology. The Amrit Signature Body Experience (a series of exfoliating, smoothing, and hydrating steps that include a body wrap, foot and scalp treatments, and a massage) will leave you feeling brand new. For facial rejuvenation, try Amrit’s MediSpa Facial for a youth-enhancing combination of oxygen infusion, radio frequency, microcurrent skin tightening, and a hydra-dermabrasion aqua peel.

When it’s time to refuel, Amrit boasts a series of wellness-inspired dining concepts, including Tula (the resort’s vegetable-forward signature restaurant) and Taaza (a beachside eatery featuring fare from wood-burning ovens). Perhaps most exciting is the recently unveiled Ayre by Karma, where you can savor light yet impactful plates that are at once beautiful to behold and nourishing to the body, as they uphold Amrit’s commitment to Ayurvedic principles and mindful consumption.

No matter which of the pillars you rest upon while at Amrit, your stay is an experience. It’s a sanctuary. You’ll check out and return home as a new (or at least renewed) you in mind, body, and spirit. (amritocean.com)

The Aayush Hydrothermal Experience

FROM TOP: A treatment inside the resort’s hammam; a veggie-forward breakfast at Tula; a guest room overlooking Amrit’s 300 feet of shoreline.

As

Family Values

we celebrate our parents, we talk to local moms and dads about parenthood and life lessons

Written by CHRISTIANA LILLY

Photographed by

CARINA MASK AT THE BOCA RATON MUSEUM OF ART

Children’s clothing and accessories supplied by Elegant Child

Jesse Rack and Jagger, 3.5 and Ryder, 1.5

Second-generation owner of Rack Electric

BUSINESS LEGACY: Growing up, you don’t get to see the things that [your dad] had to deal with and the sacrifices that he’s made for your family, so once I got introduced into the family business, I can see how hard both of us really work to provide for our family. So I hope that the legacy is that my kids—if they want to work at Rack or they don’t want to work at Rack, the opportunity is there for them, but it’s also seeing that there’s no short cuts to success and there’s a lot of hard work that goes into it.

LESSONS FROM FATHERHOOD: Time is extremely valuable … Work was my first baby, and now that I have two little boys and a little girl on the way, I want to be able to spend as much time with them as possible. Those memories, those first-time memories, they only come ‘round so often.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS: Jagger said to me…”You know, dad, you’re my best friend.”And I was like,“Thanks, man.” I walked out of the room with tears in my eyes.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PARENTS: You live in this fantasy land of school, and you have no idea until you go into the real world what your parents were trying to accomplish and create for you. Now [that] I’m 38 years old, I think about all the fun memories that we have, whether it was my mom or my dad … they did everything they could. They did the best they could; they gave us our time and energy. That lives on forever. … It was the time spent together.

FAMILY MEMORIES: We do movie nights. [My wife Amanda and I] set up the movie chairs, the boys have little custom mini couch chairs. We set them up, we get them blankets … we get them treats. Ryder, being so little, he’s just looking up at the TV screen, [and] Jagger is a Chatty Cathy; he doesn’t stop talking until something catches his attention.

NEXT GENERATION RACK: Jagger loves everything about Rack, so we’ll build Magna-Tiles. He loves to build the Rack tower, and he loves to build the Rack garage, and he loves to build the mechanic shops and where the trucks are going to park … then Ryder will come down and knock it down and hysterically laugh.

WELCOMING A GIRL: Every time I open that door, Jagger is running to me, and now Ryder is running to me, and eventually Goldie will be running to me, too. That’s the part that makes it all worth it.

QUICK 5

1. Phrase you never thought you would actually say until you became a parent: “Stop using your brother as a weapon.”

2. Family-friendly activities in town: They love going to Sugar Sand Park. We’ve gone to the Pumpkin Patch every year since the boys were born. We love to go to the beach. The boys love the sand.

3. Go-to restaurant for the family: Pizza Fridays are always big for us. We go to Tucci’s or we’ll go to The Boca Raton because they have family pizza night.

4. Funny words: Ryder says “see sah” for pizza. Jagger, his ess’s sound like “ph” so he says “Phiderman.”

5. Date night for mom and dad: We’re foodies, we love good food. … We like to sit at the bar and have a few drinks and decompress and talk.

Cristina Lewis and Alessandra, 12; Lily, 10; and Isabella, 6

Board member of Sweet Dream Makers, outgoing Go Pink Challenge chairperson, Boca Raton Hospital Foundation volunteer

GETTING INVOLVED: Both my mom, who raised me, and [my husband] Tim’s parents were really involved in the community and giving back. ... When we got together and started to build our life and our family together, we wanted to do the same, give back in an impactful way. We started thinking of how we could be of service, and as we started to have children, and being a woman, both things matter to me.

TEACHING PHILANTHROPY: The best thing that we’ve ever done, the four of us, is we went to visit a recipient of a bed [from Sweet Dream Makers] here in Boca. When I went to go put in the Google Maps directions, it was an apartment a little over 2 miles from my house, and so we were kind of surprised that right down the street from us, there was a family that needed our help, and we were able to give a bed to. So we visited. It was a little girl who received a bed. She was kind of in between my daughters’ ages, and we brought some sleep essentials like a book, a little stufﬁe, games, and we spent time hanging out with them, playing and getting to know one another. After that visit I feel my kids’ lives were transformed.

“They realize they can have an impact too. Just being there, being kind, offering friendship, they can make a real difference.”

— Cristina Lewis

LEARNING FROM MOTHERHOOD: If I drill it down to the simplest answer, motherhood is a mirror. It reflects to me all of the love, energy, patience, values that I’m pouring into my children, and at the same time, mirrors are honest. It also reflects some of the areas where I can continue to grow, and I feel like that’s something I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. It’s a journey of learning, and I’m trying to be the best student I can so I can be the best mother I can for my children. It gives me incredible strength and purpose. Every mom I think can relate to the beginnings of when their children are born and the sleepless nights, and then the fact that you can still function and carry out and care for others and have your day-to-day responsibilities despite not sleeping over an hour or two night after night. … Now looking back at it, I am amazed of what mothers are capable of, and that gives you this confidence, because you kind of think, OK, I’ve done that, I can do anything.

LESSONS FROM HER DAUGHTERS: How to deal with emotions—every emotion in the rainbow, the “good” ones and the “bad” ones. Just dealing with them honestly and naturally, just because kids naturally do that; they feel, they express. I’ve learned a lot from them based on that.

LESSONS FOR HER DAUGHTERS: I’ve taught them the importance of dealing with others with kindness and compassion, but it’s just as important to expect that grace inward to yourself. I know sometimes I’ve forgotten to do that, so I’ve been reminding them it’s OK to make mistakes.

QUICK 5

1. Favorite family activity: We love playing Uno together. It gets super competitive! We’re also an outdoorsy family and spend as many weekends as we can out four-wheeling in the Central Florida woods.

2. A word to describe your girls: Alessandra is joyful. Liliana is athletic. Isabella is a leader.

3. Your husband as a girl dad: Growing up with a strong single mother, I often wondered what an incredible dad would look like. Tim has exceeded every expectation. … He has even mastered the art of the perfect ponytail and braid!

4. Go-to family restaurant: Taverna Kyma is at the top of our list. My girls love the fries, lemon potatoes, and chicken, and the lively Greek family atmosphere makes it such a fun experience for all of us.

5. Weirdest Gen Alpha word: It has to be “6-7.”

Eddie Pozzuoli and Eddie, 8, and Vinny, 5

Principal of P Hospitality Management (Prezzo, Corvina, Eddie & Vinny’s, and more)

LESSON FOR YOUR SONS: The American Dream. Although it’s not easy, it’s still there, and you can still chase after it. But it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of perseverance and dealing with a lot of outside forces trying to force you off track. I want them to learn how to be able to maneuver around situations and be able to think on their toes, because I think that’s become a lost art or just a lost ability, unfortunately, with this generation. I want them to kind of always be able to think independently and be able to make changes to their day-to-day.

LESSONS FROM FATHERHOOD: It’s important to be present. My family restaurant prior to us selling it, one of the things that [my wife] Christina and I learned while working there with my dad—and my dad is like a ridiculously hard worker, never stopped doing anything, he still keeps his brain going—but the one thing we recognized is we want to be as present as possible for our children, so we knew when it came to building our future businesses from

“Everything is about making sure your family and those closest to you are always taken care of.”

— Eddie Pozzuoli

QUICK 5

1. Naming their sons: Christina’s dad is named Vinny, and my dad and my grandfather’s names are Ed.

2. Family-friendly activities: The boys like going to Gumbo Limbo, [and] they love going to Sugar Sand Park and going to the Science Explorium.

3. Describing Eddie and Vinny: Think of Sonic the Hedgehog with a lot of energy and just going 150 miles an hour all day until they fall asleep. But in the best way. They have that “go go go” mentality, and there’s never a dull moment.

4. Weirdest Gen Alpha word: Little Eddie says “sus.” I don’t know where he got it from. He says “Dad, that’s so sus.”

5. Your wife as a boy mom: I think she was nervous originally, because she grew up in a house of girls, but I think now she wouldn’t have it any other way.

when we bought Prezzo to when we opened the second Prezzo and took over Corvina … everything we do in our business is about making sure we can still have the time to coach baseball, do a family trip, spend as much time as we can with our kids so that they know that we’re present.

APPRECIATING YOUR PARENTS: I’m sure I was the reason my dad has as many gray hairs as he does. … It’s seeing what my dad and mom went through to do their best to raise me. They’ve given me the tools to be able to do what we’ve done, the ability to communicate well with anybody, know what’s right from wrong, all those little things that you just take for granted growing up.

PASSING DOWN HERITAGE: I think it’s mostly the family aspect of things. That’s probably the biggest part of Italian heritage. Everything is about making sure your family and those closest to you are always taken care of and that you have good support for everyone in your ecosystem or your bubble. That’s what we feel is most important.

MAKING MEMORIES: I’m coaching little Eddie’s baseball team, and Christina signed me up for it without me knowing. I’ve actually come to really enjoy that time, despite it being at 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock on a Friday night and then waking up at 8 in the morning Saturday to go to another practice. It’s fun to not even have the opportunity to look at my phone and to check out for that two hours

Michelle Olson-Rogers and Avery, 13

Founder of modernbocamom.com and community consultant for Grandview Preparatory School

BUILDING MODERN BOCA MOM: I’ve always been that person that friends came to for recommendations. That’s just been my MO my entire life, and I love to share the scoop. So starting Modern Boca Mom, I really launched the website initially as a blogger and writer, because I wanted to be a resource not only for local parents but for myself, because I was a new mom at the time. My business is as old as my daughter; it really does follow her path growing up. When she was younger I was focusing my content more on the baby and toddler stuff, and while I still do focus my content on that, now I’m able to just kind of share content that aligns with my motherhood journey locally.

WATCHING YOUR CHILD GROW UP IN YOUR HOMETOWN:

It’s been a bit surreal but super joyful and just satisfying, because I had a wonderful childhood growing up here in Boca. … It’s great, because there are just so many more things for kids to do here now. Everything has grown in terms of just the schools and extracurricular and opportunities, and really Boca has switched its focus from being that city that was really catering to retirees and snowbirds to families. I’m thrilled to have witnessed that growth ﬁrsthand, and I’m able to share the beneﬁts with my daughter.

“A new part of my heart was unlocked when she was born.”

— Michelle Olson-Rogers

QUICK 5

1. Family-friendly activity: High school theater! [My husband Andy], Avery, and I just saw West Boca High’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone because Avery’s school, Grandview Prep, is putting on the same show this spring. Tickets are always super affordable, and kids deserve an audience!

2. Go-to family restaurant: La Mesa Cafe Bistro in Sanborn Square.

3. Favorite mother-daughter memory: Going to London to see Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour in 2024.

4. Memories in the works: Visiting Paris in June for Avery’s 13th birthday and eighth grade graduation next year! I can’t believe high school is already on the horizon for our girl.

5: Weirdest Gen Alpha word: Gyat.

THE BLOG IS GROWING UP: I would say recently a lot more just Boca residents, not just parents, are recognizing me because of my Secret Boca and Spill the Tea series, because that is Boca content for the most part that’s not targeted just to being a parent. It’s reaching a new segment of our local residents, and that’s really exciting to me. … I hope to share great mom-oriented content, because I’ll never stop being a mom, but my day-to-day will be extremely different.

LESSONS FROM YOUR DAUGHTER: Above all, just a new part of my heart was unlocked when she was born. I think love, above all, but also patience as we enter these teen years. That is a big one. And the ability to communicate better [and] smarter. I really try to picture myself in her shoes at this age.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PARENTS: I now have so much respect for my mom, mainly because I don’t know how she did it without things like social media and the internet. You were really just winging it or relying on your village, because you had to build a village back then in order to get through this. It can be lonely being a mother, and luckily we have the beneﬁt of social media and resources at our disposal.

Worth Avenue’s fashion offerings make it worth the drive

Window Shopping

Embroidered shirt from Carolina Herrera; scarf, stylist’s own; Fernando Jorge “Flame” earrings from Greenleaf & Crosby

Photography by Gabor Jurina

Shot on location on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Dress from Marina St Barth; Hermès

Kelly Elan Foile Bleu bag from Madison Avenue Couture; pumps from Rangoni Firenze; Fernando Jorge “Fluid” earrings, Vhernier “Ardis” ring and bracelet, all from Greenleaf & Crosby

All clothing and accessories from stores on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Skirt, white T-shirt, cardi coat, all from Frances Valentine; Hermès Kelly Sellier 20 from Madison Avenue Couture; sandals from Rangoni Firenze; Verdura “Copa” ring and “Falling Leaves” drop earrings, both from Greenleaf & Crosby

Top and skirt, silk scarf, all from Marley’s; Hermès Birkin 30 from Madison Avenue Couture; Mark Davis Bakelite bangles from Greenleaf & Crosby

Crewneck T-shirt from Frances Valentine; Verdura “Copa” ring, “Falling Leaves” drop earrings, both from Greenleaf & Crosby

Pant with flower detail, cardigan, and bucket bag, all from Carolina Herrera; Verdura necklace, flower earrings, and assorted Buccellati Macri bracelets, all from Greenleaf & Crosby

“Y”

Tweed jacket and skirt from Carolina Herrera; Hermès Kelly Sellier 20 from Madison Avenue Couture; pumps from Rangoni Firenze; Verdura

necklace, Assael ear clips, both from Greenleaf & Crosby

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gabor Jurina

LOCATION: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

MODEL: Zoe Gegout/Wilhelmina Miami

FASHION STYLIST: Zlata Kotmina

HAIR & MAKEUP: Gina Simone using

ARTISTBOXXX @ab_beautyboxes

DIGITAL TECH: J.P. Cunningham

ART DIRECTOR: Lori Pierino

Striped T-shirt from Frances Valentine; button-down shirt, jeans, jacket, chain belt, all from St. John; zebra slipper from Stubbs & Wootton; Hermès Constance bag from Madison Avenue Couture; David Webb dome ring, Verdura cuff, and Vhernier cuff, all from Greenleaf & Crosby

THE HUNG

ER CRISIS

Federal funding cuts and policy changes have left already fraught local nonprofits reeling to cover a record need for food assistance

Written by Tyler Childress

he last thing a food bank wants to do, says Jamie Kendall, is buy food. But in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palm Beach County Food Bank CEO has seen this last resort become routine.

“Every year over the last four years, we’ve had to purchase more and more food to keep up with the need,”Kendall says.“That means we have to find the money and budget the money to buy the extra food needed to make sure that we’re following our mission of helping end hunger in Palm Beach County.”

Food banks saw historic federal support during the pandemic, when more than $6 billion in funds were directed to address a record demand for food assistance.

But last year, new federal policies enacted under the Trump administration clawed back the programs that food banks had come to rely on at a time when more than 192,000 Palm Beach County residents, including 50,000 children, are struggling with food insecurity.

To see how Palm Beach County is meeting the demand for food assistance, we reached out to the nonprofits that are on the front lines in the fight against hunger.

Two months into its second term, the Trump administration announced that it would be slashing more than $1.5 billion in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds for food assistance. The decision—made as part of sweeping cuts to the federal budget to reduce costs and fraud—affected three programs: the Local Food for Schools program, which provided funding for school meals; the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement, a pandemic-era program that provided funds for food banks to purchase produce from local farmers; and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), an initiative that since 1981 has directed surplus food commodities to low-income households.

Compared to some food banks, the PBCFB was only mildly affected.

“We were very nervous that we were going to be facing a drastic shortage in the food that we get in from that program [TEFAP],” Kendall says.“We were alarmed and able to kind of pivot some of our internal programs.”

Feeding South Florida, however, felt the cuts more acutely.

“In total, Feeding South Florida saw about a $17 million cut,” says President and CEO Paco Vélez.“The ﬁrst thing [I thought] is that a lot of families are going to be negatively impacted, and it’s an unfortunate state of affairs where we’re struggling to take care of folks who need help.”

The largest portion of cuts for Feeding South Florida was from the LFPA, from which they expected $14 million. Another $3 million in cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and nutrition education forced Feeding South Florida to downsize its nutrition education team from 17 to four.“We’re working with some funders to see if we can expand our nutrition education back to where it was,”Vélez says.“We want to make sure that folks are eating properly, and hopefully that will mitigate a lot of the health care issues that people [have].”

To cover the funding gap, Feeding South Florida turned to its donors. With private donations, as well as $8 million that was routed through the Feeding Florida network from the State of Florida, the nonproﬁt“made up a little bit more of [the funds] but nowhere near the amount of funding that we lost,”Vélez says.

The effect on larger food banks was magniﬁed at smaller ones, like Boca Helping Hands. The LFPA cuts resulted in a drop of 150,000 pounds in produce in the ﬁrst quarter of 2025.

“We had problems getting the same amount of produce that we were accustomed to,” says Boca Helping Hands CEO Andrew Hagen. “The federal government’s program cuts in January [2025] were the main culprit.”

Like Feeding South Florida and the Palm Beach County Food Bank, Boca Helping Hands reached out to its network of donors for support, and “people responded immediately,” Hagen says,“and we’ve had a very good year, donation-wise.”

But with food insecurity affecting a growing number of area residents, philanthropy alone can’t cover the demand. The combination of the cuts, increasing food costs, and a higher cost of living have created a situation where Boca Helping Hands’ services are at record demand, while the organization’s ability to provide them is

Paco Vélez

Jamie Kendall

Left and above: Palm Beach County Food Bank donations and volunteer

“The thing that is hard for us is to look and say, this week we’re probably giving out less food than we gave out last week"

—Andrew Hagen, CEO of Boca Helping Hands

increasingly unpredictable. Hagen says that Boca Helping Hands’ Boca Raton location has had a nearly 25 percent increase in cars coming for food.

“The thing that is hard for us is to look and say, this week we’re probably giving out less food than we gave out last week,” Hagen says.“Maybe next week will be back to normal, but there’s less certainty of that.”

SNAP AND THE SHUTDOWN

while volunteers stepped in to provide meals for federal workers and SNAP recipients. But while federal employees returned to work with back pay following the shutdown, some SNAP recipients have not seen their beneﬁts restored to pre-shutdown levels.

On Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government shut down due to stalled budget negotiations. The shutdown lasted for 43 days—the longest shutdown in American history—during which time SNAP beneﬁts were paused or reduced and many government workers were furloughed. For food banks, the shutdown resulted in the largest spike in demand since the pandemic.

“The whole of 2025 was a challenging year,” says CROS Ministries Executive Director Ruth Mageria.“But then especially when we got to that last quarter. … There was a time we were not sure whether we would be able to get the funding that we needed, or the food that we needed, and even having to ... start thinking, how do we make ends meet?”

Maria, who requested her name be changed for this article, is a 67-year-old woman on disability who has been an American citizen for 24 years. Prior to the shutdown, she was receiving $100 a month in SNAP beneﬁts. Those beneﬁts were paused during the shutdown, and when they resumed were cut to $50 without explanation.

“I tried to call them, but they don’t answer,” Maria says. “Everything is machine, machine, machine. They don’t have people who listen to our voice.”

CROS Ministries, like other food banks, fell back on the only recourse for nonproﬁts when federal funds are removed: turning to its community of supporters. The generosity of donors more than covered the 7 percent of the budget CROS lost from the federal cuts,

Included in H.R. 1, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, was a provision that would cut SNAP by $186 billion over the next 10 years. Its implementation has already begun. Seniors like Maria, who live on a ﬁxed

Andrew Hagen

Volunteers at the Palm Beach County Food Bank and Feeding South Florida

income, are among the populations projected to be most affected, along with children and individuals with disabilities. These three groups make up 70 percent of SNAP’s 42 million recipients.

“They have new rules,”Maria says.“But what I receive in Social Security is $1,100 [per month]. I cannot survive, because I need to pay condominium, light, and water [bills].”

For Maria, who has been a client of CROS Ministries for more than a year, the services delivered by food banks have provided a necessary supplement to what she’d been able to purchase with SNAP, even before her beneﬁts were halved.

“Now I buy more bread [to] ﬁll my stomach,”she says.“I need to count the bread, [ration] how much I’m going to eat during the week.”

H.R. 1 expands work requirements from ages 18 to 64 (previously capped at 54), reduces previous work exemptions for parents with children under 18 (now under 14), and eliminates exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults who have aged out of the foster system. Estimates for how many SNAP recipients will have their beneﬁts reduced or eliminated range from 2 to 4 million.

“What we’re going to continue seeing is an increase in people who need food assistance, because the new requirements of SNAP mean that some people will either be getting less SNAP beneﬁts, or some will not be getting any beneﬁts at all,” Mageria says.“Which means that people will require more food from us … We’ll have a new group of people who may never have had to seek food assistance doing that.”

As food banks prepare for an even larger demand for their services, the SNAP crisis threatens another program that provides free daily meals to more than 190,000 Palm Beach County children: school lunches.

NO SUCH THING AS A FREE SCHOOL LUNCH

The Palm Beach County School District provides free meals to students through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Under the CEP, if a minimum of 25 percent of students qualify for federal beneﬁts, including SNAP, the entire school is eligible for free meals.

“There was a time we were not sure whether we would be able to get the funding that we needed, or the food that we needed, and even having to even start thinking, how do we make ends meet?”

– Ruth Mageria, executive director of CROS Ministries

Ruth Mageria

Allison Monbleau

Above: Prepared meals at Feeding South Florida; right: Volunteers at CROS Ministries

“That SNAP benefit is a large portion of what creates what’s called directly certified,” explains Allison Monbleau, the school district’s director of school food service.“If they qualify for SNAP benefits through the Department of Children and Families, they automatically qualify for our program.”

In Palm Beach County, 47 percent of students are directly certiﬁed. The school district receives reimbursement for meals from the USDA based on the number of directly certiﬁed students multiplied by a federally set factor of 1.6. In Palm Beach County, that means that more than 75 percent of meal costs are reimbursed through the CEP and the rest is covered by the school district. That number, however, is directly tied to SNAP participation, which has become more restrictive due to new requirements.

“Just a slight drop in percentage really makes it ﬁnancially not responsible to do those free meals for all,” Monbleau says.

Another concern, she adds, is the district’s declining enrollment as the cost of living, among other issues, has pushed more families out of Palm Beach County. The most recent count shows a decrease in enrollment of more than 7,500 Palm Beach County School District students.

THE NEW FOOD PYRAMID

The United States Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has brought the food pyramid back and turned it upside down—literally. At the top of the new pyramid are now proteins, fats, and vegetables, while carbs—the former base—have been deprioritized. The new nutritional guidelines present healthy recommendations like minimizing the amount of sugars and carbs consumed, but also create new challenges, particularly in public schools, which will have to prioritize protein—a higher-cost commodity that will affect the price of meals. Food banks, meanwhile, are optimistic that the government is shifting focus away from processed foods. “I hope they look at their pyramid and say, ‘How can we help those in need get more of the valuable food—the food that’s really needed in their diet?’” says Andrew Hagen.

Boca Helping Hands volunteers

“Philanthropy can’t meet this demand alone.”

– Danita DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation

“That decrease in enrollment is obviously a decrease in who we can feed, and then that’s a decrease in the funds back into our program, because the only way we get money is for every meal that we serve,” says Monbleau. Monbleau says that the school district is “doing everything that we can” to ensure it can provide free universal meals for the 2026-27 school year, but nothing so far has been ﬁnalized. A state bill from the 2026 legislative session that would have funded free meals for all public school students died in committee. If a school no longer qualiﬁes for the CEP, families can still apply for $0.40 reduced-price meals through the federal National School Lunch Program—an option that comes with its own hurdles.

“There’s people that don’t feel comfortable ﬁlling out paperwork right now,” Monbleau says, speciﬁcally immigrant families who are wary of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. For many students, the PBCSD’s participation in the CEP also alleviates social concerns related to applying for reduced-price meals.

“If you’re [providing] 100-percent free meals, there’s no stigma attached to the meal,” Monbleau says.“Everybody gets a meal for

free, but when you start to say, well, you have to apply to get the meal for free, then students feel uncomfortable. Then they say, you’re only going up to get that meal because you can’t afford anything else.”

WHAT’S BEING DONE?

At the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ annual luncheon this year, the nonproﬁt announced the creation of the Hope for Hunger Fund, a campaign established with the goal of supporting local nonproﬁts addressing food insecurity. The fund launched in part due to cuts to food banks last year.

“That inﬂuenced it,” says foundation President and CEO Danita DeHaney,“because our nonproﬁt partners called us in a panic. They needed help, because those funds are used by individuals and families to buy food.”

The fund was started with a $50,000 matching challenge by Delray Beach philanthropists Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, and as of writing has raised more than $150,000. While every

Danita DeHaney

Dr. Laurie George

Feeding South Florida warehouse

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

World Hunger Day is May 28. Join the fight against hunger by donating your time or money to the nonprofits in this story:

• United Way of Palm Beach County: unitedwaypbc.org

• CROS Ministries: crosministries.org

• Boca Helping Hands: bocahelpinghands.org

• Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties: yourcommunityfoundation.org

• Feeding South Florida: feedingsouthflorida.org

• Palm Beach County Food Bank: pbcfoodbank.org

“It’s going to be a long road ahead,” she says.“A lot of nonproﬁts still haven’t recovered from the federal cuts, and neither has the affordability crisis gotten any better.”

To keep up with the rising cost of living, more nonproﬁts are developing job programs to train workers and place them in careers that will pay a living wage. United Way of Palm Beach County speciﬁcally works with a population termed ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed), which refers to the “working poor” who have jobs but are still unable to cover basic necessities.

“[We’re] really looking holistically at their ﬁnancial stability and helping hardworking folks in the ALICE population be able to afford their own food,” says United Way President and CEO Dr. Laurie George.“That means skills training, jobs training, advancing their education, understanding ﬁnancial literacy. … We’re mapping out what assets we have in our community, and then how we need to weave those together to help support a system for ALICE locally.”

dollar counts in the ﬁght against hunger, DeHaney believes there is more to addressing the crisis than just fundraising.

Beyond the efforts of nonproﬁts, Tendrich argues that addressing the

Beyond the efforts of nonproﬁts, Tendrich argues that addressing the hunger crisis, and broader affordability crisis, requires systemic change.

“Every system really needs to be evaluated to where we are today,” says Tendrich.“Poverty and struggling looks so much different now than it did 50 years ago … Back then, one [salary] was able to sustain a household. [Now], you’re looking at kids having to work after school just to help their two parents work and pay their bills.

The question of policy, however, is one that will remain open at least until the next legislative session in January 2027.

“Philanthropy can’t meet this demand alone,” she says.“So that begs the question about policy, and are there things that we can do as a community to make food available to those who need it. … We see the gap, and that’s why we try to ﬁll it with philanthropy. But you can’t do that all the time.”

people where they are. Someone will take [a] promotion

“This system is designed to keep people where they are. Someone will take [a] promotion but not the raise, because

“This session, all the bills have been filed, and there’s really nothing else that can be done,” says State Rep. Debra Tendrich, who also founded the nonprofit Eat Better Live Better in Delray Beach. As the head of a nonprofit, Tendrich understands the limits of a charity in addressing the increasing demand for food assistance.

lose every-

if they take the raise, their kids wouldn’t get food beneﬁts. … You make one dollar too much, you thing.”

Above: Eat Better Live Better Founder and State Rep. Debra Tendrich; right: Feeding South Florida volunteers

Taking the Bait

The Sunshine State is rightly dubbed “The Fishing Capital of the World,” boasting over four million licensed anglers—which explains the enduring appeal of the center console sport boat. Climb aboard 10 of the latest and greatest fishing machines on the market now.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD WALKER

DOUBLE TROUBLE

Aquila 28 Molokai

AAquila’s twin-hulled 28 Molokai power cat stretches almost 10 feet wide, yielding the perfect, stable platform to cast a line. Standing on that full-beam, 4-foot-deep bow platform and hurling out a bait net couldn’t be easier. Those slender twin hulls can also slice through troubled waters like a knife through butter, making for a smooth, stable ride and impressive performance and fuel efﬁciency. With twin 200 hp Mercury Verados, top speed nudges 46 mph. Dial back to 22 mph and your fuel burn drops to around 9 gallons per hour with a 307-mile range.

This 28 Molokai, the smallest in Aquila’s ever-expanding range, is all about fishing. Headline features include two huge 94-gallon insulated fish boxes, a 30-gallon livewell, 14 rod holders, outriggers by Taco Marine, pullout tackle boxes, and under-gunwale rod storage. For family fun days, there are comfy seats up front for up to 10, with a removable table. The Molokai’s Hawaii-developed hull shrugs off the waves courtesy of it boasting the highest tunnel clearance in class, which creates a pocket of air under the deck. Are we flying yet? (aquilaboats.com)

FACT FILE

Price: from $161,515

Length: 30 feet, 9 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 9 inches

Draft: 30 inches

Displacement: 6,166 pounds

Fuel: 150 gallons

Standard engines: 2 X Mercury 150 hp or 2 X 200 hp

Top speed: 45 mph (with 200s)

COURTESYOFBERTRAM

COURTESY OF AQUILA BOATS

KING OF THE HULL

Bertram 34CC

IIt’s all about the hull. Back in the early ‘60s, Richard “Dick” Bertram pioneered the wave-slicing deep-V hull design with the race-dominating Bertram 31 he called Lucky Moppie. Fast forward, and you’ll see the same hull design principles used on Bertram’s newest model: the 34CC center console. This is a boat that will shrug off the gnarliest of seas, getting you safely and comfortably to and from your favorite offshore ﬁshing grounds. And it’ll get you there fast. With a pair of Mercury 400 V10s hanging off the transom, expect a top speed of 60 mph. Also on the options list? Triple Mercury 300 V8s or 350 V10s.

This sleek 34-footer is designed as much for comfort as speed. There’s a trio of comfy helm seats, wraparound bow seating, and fold-down transom seats. Throw in an air-conditioned cabin with a convertible queen-size bed for naps, a head, and a vanity, and you’re cruising in style. But it also excels as a ﬁsh-catcher with its deep bulwarks, wide, walk-around decks, multitude of rod holders, and four large insulated ﬁsh boxes. Dick Bertram would be proud. (bertram.com/cc-series)

FACT FILE

Price: from $529,000

Length: 35 feet, 10 inches

Beam: 11 feet, 7 inches

Draft: 37 inches

Displacement: 12,616 pounds

Deadrise: 23 degrees

Fuel: 330 gallons

Standard engines: 2 X Mercury

Verado 350 V10

Top speed: 60 mph

C00L CAT

Freeman 28

JJimmy Buffett loved Freeman Boatworks power catamarans. Back in 2020, the beloved singer commissioned the South Carolina yard to build him a special 42-footer that he customized with a pilothouse (because Buffett famously hated to be cold and wet). He called it Last Mango after his yacht rock anthem,“Last Mango in Paris.”

Buffett would have loved the Freeman 28 for its searing 60-plus mph top speed, its flats-fishing features like a 16-inch draft and multitude of livewells, plus its bait tanks, its fish boxes, and its sheltered helm. This is the smallest, and most affordable, of the Freeman cats. Yet it has all the quality of construction, the fit and finish, and lavish fishing-focused feature list of the bigger models.

FACT FILE

Price: from$399,000

Length: 28 feet

Beam: 10 feet

Draft: 16 inches

Displacement: 6,500 pounds

Fuel: 250 gallons

Take your pick from either Mercury 300 Racing Verados or Yamaha 350s for eye-watering performance. Those twin hulls and the generous 10-foot beam make for terriﬁc stability at speed or rest. And for the times you’re not wetting a line, comfy seating in the bow and at the helm makes the 28 a perfect sandbar boat or sunset cruiser when it’s ﬁve o’clock somewhere. (freemanboatworks.com)

Standard engines: 2 x Mercury 300R

Top speed: 60+ mph

REGULATORS MOUNT UP

Regulator 28 CC

IFACT FILE

Price: from $392,495

Length: 27 feet, 8 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 5 inches

Draft: 36 inches

Displacement: 9,480 pounds

Deadrise: 24 degrees

It’s hard to believe that the much-loved, lean mean fishing machine that is the Regulator 28 center console was first introduced way back in 2011. But it’s not hard to believe that this rugged, well-constructed 28-footer continues to be Edenton, North Carolina–based Regulator’s best-selling center console. Sales are likely to only increase when production of the much-improved 2026 model ramp up. Top features include a switch to a pair of bracket-mounted 350 hp Yamaha V8s as standard—upping power by 100 hp compared to the previous 28. Seakeeper Ride automatic trim tabs are now also standard. Build-wise, the hull gets a new cap design with more defined toe rails on the extra-wide gunwales for added sure-footedness, while the T-top gets a new forward air vent and integrated grab handles. There are modifications to the tackle center, too, which can include a clever, slide-out Yeti cooler. Yes, the changes are evolutionary, but nevertheless key. What hasn’t changed is the Regulator 28’s remarkable sea-keeping abilities, its smooth, impressively dry ride, and terrific build quality. Fishies be afraid ... very afraid. (regulatormarine.com)

Fuel: 219 gallons

Top speed: 50 mph

Standard engines: 2 X Mercury 350 V10

FISHABILITY AND FAMILY FUN

Cobia 245 CC

FFresh out of the mold, Cobia’s feature-packed 245 CC is the new first rung on the Cobia center console model ladder, sitting just below the 265 CC. Priced from $161,515 with a single Yamaha 300, it’s one terrific, well-priced, high-style fisher.

FACT FILE

Price: from $161,515

Length: 24 feet, 6 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 5 inches

Draft: 18 inches

Fort Pierce–based Cobia, a division of the Maverick Boat Group, dates back to 1959 when it was founded in Orlando. Before being acquired by Maverick, it was owned by Yamaha. That’s a lot of boat-building experience—and it shows in this new, easily trailerable 245 CC, which does a great job of blending ﬁshability with family fun. For the serious angler, there’s a 30-gallon livewell, a side tuna door, dedicated tackle storage, and endless rod holders. For the family, there’s a drop-down cockpit seat and roomy U-shaped forward seating area with a lift-up console seat that leads down to a head. Check the options box for the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer for no-roll anchoring.

While the single 300 is the standard outboard, also on offer is a Yamaha 350, or twin 150s—all with the option of joystick control. With the twins, expect a top speed of 45 mph. (cobiaboats.com)

FACT FILE

Price: from $1.6 million

Length: 40 feet, 7 inches

Beam: 11 feet, 7 inches

Draft: 34 inches

Displacement: 12,616 pounds

Deadrise: 21 degrees

Fuel: 520 gallons

Standard engines: 4 X Yamaha

XTO 450 V8

Displacement: 6,600 pounds

Deadrise: 20 degrees

Fuel: 135 gallons

Standard engines: 1 X Yamaha 300

Top speed: 45 mph (with twins)

LET FREEDOM RING

Grady-White Freedom 415

WWhen you want to ﬁsh in comfort and pampered luxury, Grady-White’s new Freedom 415 is the gold standard. Did we mention the air-conditioned helm, the standard Seakeeper 6 gyro stabilizer, and the cockpit wet bar with Dekton sintered stone countertops? Plus a cozy cabin with a 24-inch ﬂat-screen TV?

Here is what’s reckoned to be the largest outboard-powered dual console ever built. It borrows much of its angling DNA from Grady-White’s benchmark Canyon 456 bluewater center console with its smooth-riding SeaV2 hull design. Only here, however, you get the beneﬁt of a fully protected, hard-topped enclosure with wraparound windows and a comfy dinette.

Fishing features include twin livewells, 22-foot outriggers, four rocket launchers, and endless rod holders all around the cockpit. For family fun, there’s a huge bow seating area with an easy walk-through from the helm, and a pair of mirror-varnished tables. It’s speedy too: with its quartet of Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 V8s, you’ll reach top speeds of 60 mph … or relax and cruise at 30 mph. (gradywhite.com)

Top speed: 60 mph

COURTESY OF COBIA BOATS

IN HOT PURSUIT

Pursuit S 388

YYou’d think that Pursuit’s brand-new S 388 center console would measure 38 feet, 8 inches bow to stern, right? Wrong. It’s actually 41 feet, 1 inch. Confusing, but this is the second-largest model in Fort Pierce–based Pursuit’s Sport range—a model that replaces the popular S 378 and sits below the ﬂagship S 429 (which, in case you’re wondering, measures 43 feet, 9 inches).

Here is a terriﬁc, high-luxury, bigcatch-chaser with a truly distinctive style. We love the in-hull windows, the racy, swept-back windshield, and the extended hardtop. Other perks? A surprisingly spacious cabin with a convertible double bed, head, and separate shower. With this new S 388, Pursuit has also added massive amounts of storage (up a whopping 93 percent over the previous model). The ﬁsh boxes are now much deeper than previous

models, and there are more rod holders, more tackle storage, and more cold storage. Don’t miss the classy, high-gloss teak accents—especially below deck—that heighten the upscale look. A trio of 450 hp Yamaha XTOs punches the S 388 to a 59 mph top speed, while throttling back to 30 mph gives a 352-mile range. (pursuitboats.com)

FACT FILE

Price: from $369,000

Length: 29 feet, 6 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 8 inches

Draft: 25 inches

Displacement: 8,538 pounds

Deadrise: 22 degrees

Fuel: 180 gallons

Standard engines: 2 X Mercury 225 hp V6

Top speed: 55 mph

Price: from $965,180 Length: 41 feet, 1 inch Beam: 12 feet Draft: 32 inches

Displacement: 21,700 pounds

Deadrise: 22 degrees

Fuel: 500 gallons

Standard engines: 3 X Yamaha XTO 450 V8 Top speed: 59 mph

ETERNAL REWARD

Valhalla V-29 Hybrid

TThe word “hybrid” might have you conjuring up an image of a fuel-sipping Prius running on a mix of gas and battery power. But in the case of Valhalla’s brand-new V-29 Hybrid, the term refers to its ability to feel right at home ﬁshing a shallow bay, coastal estuary, or 60 miles offshore in the roiling Atlantic.

This hardcore center console ﬁshing machine is truly a dream machine for any serious angler. Featuring the patented stepped-V ventilated tunnel running surface from the drawing board of Michael Peters Yacht Design, this wonderhull rides super-smooth, with reduced drag, increased speed, and excellent fuel efﬁciency.

Engine options include twin Mercury 225 hp V6s, twin Mercury 300 Verado V8s, or twin Yamaha 300 V6s; the V-29 should comfortably hit 55 mph with the twin 300s, and cruise economically at close to 40. With a 180-gallon tank, getting to and from your favorite ﬁshing hole should be a breeze.

As Valhalla is part of the New Jersey–based Viking sportﬁsher juggernaut, the quality and craftsmanship of this new V-29 is a cut above. Case in point? Those “looks just like teak” forward toe rails and steering wheelbase, along with the Bentley-esque diamond-quilted upholstery. (valhallaboatworks.com)

IN THE BLACK

Blackfin 262HB

FFor a 26-footer, this brand-new Blackfin 262HB packs a huge punch. Designed to be just as adept at handling big seas 50 miles offshore as it is negotiating the skinny shallows of the Boca Inlet, the Blackfin blends performance, fishing functionality, and real comfort. The headliner is its smooth-riding Twin Step hull design, which helps give it a 50 mph top speed, plus the ability to stay on the plane from as low as 17 mph. Throw in a 17-inch draft with the standard Mercury 350 hp V10 motor tilted, and the 262 can go where others fear to tread.

FACT FILE

Price: from $170,000

Length: 26 feet, 3 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 2 inches

It’s obviously been designed by true ﬁshermen. Just look at the dual 30-gallon aft live wells, the twin aerated 5-gallon port and starboard wells, the wide and sure-footed bow and stern casting decks, plus the multitude of storage drawers and lockers.

It has an impressively designed center console, too, with the option of an upper helm, along with the sturdy hardtop frame integrated into the console itself. There’s also a toilet/storage compartment at the front, though the fact that the bottom-hinged panel folds forward is a little odd.

In addition to that 350 Merc, there’s the option of a 400 hp V10 for some real high-speed thrills. (blackﬁnboats.com)

SCOUTS HONOR

Scout 670 LXS

BBehold the world’s biggest center console outboard fishing boat: the Scout 670 LXS. There are not enough superlatives in the angling lexicon to describe this South Carolina-built monster. Stretching a massive 67 feet from pointy bow to angled stern, and over 16 feet across, the Scout is powered by a quintet of 600 hp Mercury Verado V12s for a total of 3,000 horsepower. We gazed in amazement as we saw 60 mph flash up on the Garmin screen during a test drive. It makes a spectacular fishing machine with its massive cockpit and deep side decks. And screaming across to Bimini or your favorite Bahamas fishing spot has to be a blast. But the 670 LXS is also about luxury with its Ritz-Carlton suite-like cabin. All this luxury doesn’t come cheap. Think around $6.8 million (or $7.5 million loaded). The upcoming flybridge model will no doubt set you back even more. As for owning the ultimate outboard-powered center console? Priceless. (scoutboats.com)

FACT FILE

Price: from $6.8 million

Length: 66 feet, 9 inches

Beam: 16 feet, 2 inches

Draft: 41 inches

Displacement: 60,000 pounds

Draft: 28 inches

Displacement: 6,000 pounds

Deadrise: 17 degrees

Fuel: 100 gallons

Standard engines: 1 X Mercury

350 hp V10 Top speed: 50 mph

Deadrise: 18 degrees

Fuel: 1,500 gallons

Standard engines: 5x Mercury 600 hp V12

Top speed: 60 mph

BACKSTAGE PASS

Eric Darius, performing May 16 at The Funky Biscuit

We did it all, just trying to make a living. … I haven’t played death metal yet, [but] I’ll try anything. If I can catch the vibe, I’m game.”

Oteil Burbridge

From Boca Raton to the Sphere, this musical polymath keeps on truckin’

Written by JOHN THOMASON

T— Oteil Burbridge makers

WEB EXTRA: For more of our wide-ranging conversation with Oteil Burbridge, visit BOCAMAG.COM/ MAY-JUNE-2026.

rying to pigeonhole Oteil Burbridge is a fool’s errand. From the beginning of the bassist’s professional career, in the late ‘80s, he had been cross-pollinating so many genres that critics didn’t know what to make of him. Reviewing a 2005 album from his quintet, AllMusic’s Scott Yanow wrote: “the music of Oteil & the Peacemakers is certainly impossible to classify. Is it jazz, blues, fusion, rock, pop, R&B or a jam band? Actually, it is all of the above ... this set will drive musical purists crazy but should delight those who enjoy all of these different styles of music being played in a very different way.”

For Burbridge, this eclecticism was by design. The Washington, D.C. native grew up with a brother, the late Koﬁ Burbridge, who had developed perfect pitch by age 7.“He was doing super-heavy jazz and classical stuff by the time he was 12,” Oteil recalls.“I grew up with that, and with my dad’s absolute love of music. It was his religion, and he was very against organized religion; music was his chosen passion, to the point of being a religion. He was into all types of music—European classical, Indian classical, every American type, gospel, jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, funk, R&B, soul.

“So I was ready for The Grateful Dead, because I was used to diving into so many different worlds.”

Burbridge, who in 2020 ranked as the 64th best bassist of all time per Bass Player magazine, may be the quintessential “musician’s musician”—a groove merchant and improvisational wizard who played with The Allman Brothers Band from 1997 to 2014, and Tedeschi Trucks Band from 2010 to 2012. He’s a founding member of Dead & Company, the current iteration of The Grateful Dead, and joined the band on its 2024 and 2025 residencies at the Sphere, the extravagant 20,000-seat multimedia venue in Las Vegas. His latest solo album, Lovely View of Heaven, is a suite of newly arranged ballads by the Dead’s Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, recorded while in the throes of grief for numerous friends and family members.

These days, Burbridge lives in Boca Raton with his wife, visual artist Jess Burbridge, and he occasionally gigs at The Funky Biscuit and Crazy Uncle Mike’s, in addition to touring with other projects, many of them Dead-adjacent. He loves Boca’s flatness and warm climate, adding,“I live barefoot or in flip-flops.”

When Dead & Company recruited you in 2015, were you a full-on Deadhead by that point?

Not at all. I had learned some of the music because I had played in a trio with Bill Kreutzmann, one of their drummers. I think I learned my ﬁrst 15 or so Dead tunes, but I hadn’t really dug in.

There’s hundreds more. And at that point, it was the ballads that really killed me. That’s what hit me in the face with the skillet with The Grateful Dead—“China Doll,”“Standing on the Moon,” “Morning Dew,”“Comes a Time,” “High Time.”

You wrote the arrangements for “Lovely View of Heaven” while dealing with a lot of grief. Why is music so healing?

That’s the question for the materialist me to ponder. I know why it heals, because of spirit. But to a materialist, what am I doing, actually? To a materialist, music is just speciﬁc numbers in combination of frequencies coming out of a speaker. But why would it make someone cry?

This just gets back to our consciousness. … When I was a teenager, the only thing that made sense to me was music. I dove into it deeply, and I kept diving, and I’m still diving. And the crazier the world gets, the more I dive. Your spirit needs it, man, because otherwise you’ll go nuts.

The Dead recently lost two more of its founders, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. Do you see yourself as one of the stewards of this music, to keep it alive for future generations?

Absolutely. Every day, people come up to me, and they say two things: “I’m so sorry, Oteil,” and, “Please keep it going. Don’t let it stop.”And I tell them, there’s no way it’s going to stop. Don’t you worry about a thing. But it does bring it home to me that they see me as responsible for doing so, and I’m deeply honored.

What is it like to play the Sphere?

In the Sphere, if you look at pictures, we’re so small you can’t even see us. We’re like ants. You feel kind of insignificant. Which is great, because

not everybody’s just sitting there staring at you the whole frigging time. … I feel like the organist at The Phantom of the Opera movie in the old days, where you’re just the music for the movie.

Does the fact that Dead & Company doesn’t tour all year give you a better balance between family life and your other projects?

Yeah, and I had kids late, too; I had my ﬁrst kid at 50. I don’t

want to be on the road all the time. I’d like to be on the road as little as possible. If I had money to retire already, I’d probably be doing a house gig here, like ﬁve nights a week, and not going on the road at all.

Cutline

Oteil Burbridge, second from right, performing at The Funky Biscuit

May/June 2026

Now-May

24:

“May I Help You, Madame?” at Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; $28 museum admission; 561/6552833, flaglermuseum.us. The Flagler’s high-season exhibition explores the making of the modern department store— from its origins at institutions such as Le Bon Marché in 19th century Paris through modern purveyors like Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor— and its role in transforming the lives of the women who shopped and worked at these palaces of commerce.

May 9-10:

April 30-May 31:

The Cher Show at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; $119; 561/995-2333, thewick.org. In this bedazzled Cher bio-musical from writer Rick Elice, three actresses, referred to in the show as Babe, Lady and Star, portray different eras of Cher’s life, and occasionally interact with each other, temporal logic be damned. The music, 35 songs deep, is nearly all Cher’s, and the show earned a Tony Award in 2019.

Now-Aug.

16:

“60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton.org. The original Polaroid Corporation may have gone defunct in 2001, but the brand lives on—and so does the timeless, tactile appeal of instant film.

“60 Seconds” features Polaroid photography from the Norton’s Permanent Collection, its depth and breadth arguing for the vitality of this once-endangered analog medium.

Miami City Ballet: Spring Mix 2 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m. Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun.; $47.20-$112; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. Titled “Vamos! To the Beach,” this program ends Miami City Ballet’s season on an infectious and upbeat note, complete with a vintage pop-forward repertory that includes Twyla Tharp’s Deuce Coupe, set to Beach Boys music, and Paul Taylor’s Andrews Sisters-scored Company B.

May 10:

Young Singers of the Palm Beaches: “American Mosaic” at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 4 p.m.; $17.25-$74.75; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. In honor of the U.S.’s 250th birthday, this program will include material dating back to the nation’s founding and on through the centuries, from spirituals to folk, jazz, Broadway anthems, and contemporary favorites that channel the American melting pot.

May 10:

Ivy at Respectable Street, 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $34.66; 561/832-9999, sub-culture.org/respectable-street. New York City trio Ivy recorded six albums of dreamy, critically adored indie-pop from 1995 to 2011 before disbanding. A reunion seemed unlikely following the death of founding member Adam Schlesinger, also of Fountains of Wayne, in 2020, but the now-duo has returned with a new album pieced together with old Schlesinger demos and a renewed spirit.

Ballet Palm Beach: Giselle

Miami City Ballet: Spring Mix 2

Image from “May I Help You, Madame?”

Work from Jenny Saville from “RAW: In Retrospect”

Now-Sept. 27:

“RAW: In Retrospect” at Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; $15-$18 museum admission; 561/832-5196, norton.org. Established in 2011, the Norton’s RAW, or Recognition of Art by Women, series of solo exhibitions from women artists will soon celebrate its 10th iteration. To mark the occasion, this retrospective showcases dynamic and thought-provoking work from the previous nine RAW artists, including Jenny Saville and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

May 16:

Ballet Palm Beach: Giselle at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 2 and 7 p.m.; $28.75-$109.25; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Adolphe Adam’s full-evening ballet follows an effervescent peasant girl who, discovering her lover’s infidelity, dies from madness and heartbreak, and spends Act II in the afterlife. Giselle is a romantic tribute to dance— an activity deployed in life, death and beyond.

Now-Oct.

11:

“Exploring Jess: Beat Generation Visionary” at Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; $12-$16 museum admission; 561/392-2500, bocamuseum.org. A staple of San Francisco’s Mission District in the 1950s and beyond, single-named painter Jess is one of the more underrated artists to emerge out of the 1950s Beat Generation, creating maximalist work that integrated concepts of alchemy, chemistry, the occult, literature, and popular culture.

May 16:

Eric Darius at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 6 and 9 p.m.; $40-$50; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. Saxophonist Darius joined his first group—the aptly named America’s Youngest Jazz Band—at age 11, playing Ellington and Armstrong standards with players as young as 5. As a grownup, he’s cut his teeth in the Tampa scene and recorded eight successful albums, funneling his appreciation for R&B and pop into a smooth jazz aesthetic.

May 8:

Herbie Hancock at Glazer Hall, 70 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach; 8 p.m.; $316.25-$373.75; 561/5767860, glazerhall.org. In a career that has spanned more than 60 years, few artists have impacted as many genres as Herbie Hancock. His mellifluous piano runs and hard-bop precision helped develop the foundations for modern jazz, and as a bandleader in the 1970s, he helped pioneer funk through his fusion group the Headhunters. At 86, he’s still a warhorse on the keys, playing piano, synthesizer, and Keytar.

May 8-15:

Side by Side by Sondheim at Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach; show times vary; $55-$65; 954/5457800, pompanobeacharts.org. Produced by The Pompano Players, this revue remains the best introduction to Stephen Sondheim, the greatest musical-theater composer of the 20th century. A narrator strings together more than 30 songs from Sondheim’s first 15 years, including classics from Company, A Little Night Music, and Follies

May 16:

Samantha Bee at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 7:30 p.m.; $64.90-$124.20; 954/4620222, browardcenter.org. This Canadian comic rose to fame as a correspondent on The Daily Show before departing to start her own late-night talk show, Full Frontal, which landed her on Time ’s list of 100 Most Influential People. Her new solo show, How to Survive Menopause, explores the mercurial reality of perimenopause from an observant, comedic perspective.

May 17:

Palm Beach Symphony at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 3 p.m.; $31.63$120.18; 561/832-7469, kravis.org. In the Symphony’s last performance of the season, Gerard Schwarz will conduct virtuoso piano soloist and seven-time Grammy winner Emanuel Ax in a recital of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22. The powerhouse program also includes Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Holst’s cosmic journey The Planets

Eric Darius

Samantha Bee

Emanuel Ax

Herbie Hancock

ARICTHOMPSON.COM

JAMES MACARI

DOUGLAS KIRKLAND

May/June 2026

May

21 and June 18:

Sunset Stroll at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach; 5:30 p.m.; $12 adults, $7 children; 561/4950233, morikami.org. Taiko drum musicians will perform their thunderous show three times each night in the second and third Sunset Strolls of the 2026 season. Visitors are also invited to wander this cultural treasure of the Palm Beaches after hours and at a discounted price.

May 21-June 14:

Light Switch at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors; various show times; $50-$55; 954/9289800, islandcitystage.org. This humorous and heartfelt drama draws from playwright Dave Osmundsen’s own life as a neurodivergent gay man. It follows a 27-year autistic devotee of 19th-century British novels as he navigates a contemporary dating scene that is far removed from the pageantry of the Brontë sisters.

May 22-24:

HARID Conservatory 2026

Spring Performances at Countess de Hoernle Theatre, 5100 Jog Road, Boca Raton; 7:30 p.m. Fri., 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; $35-$40; 561/997-2677, harid.edu. This program will showcase the talents of HARID Conservatory’s 2026 graduating class, and will include a selection of classical ballets, plus the premiere of a new contemporary work by internationally acclaimed choreographer Mark Godden.

June 2-7:

Beetlejuice at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; various show times; $57.50-$126.50; 561/8327469, kravis.org. Adapted from the Tim Burton cult movie, this ghoulish horror-comedy-musical revives the Jamaican classic “Day-O” alongside a slate of fresh songs from Australian musical comedian Eddie Perfect, and a script that updates the 1988 original with a flurry of contemporary pop-culture references.

June 5-6:

The Caribbean Connection at Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton; 6 and 9 p.m.; $60.42-$81.59; 561/395-2929, funkybiscuit.com. A supergroup of smooth jazz luminaries convened just for this occasion, The Caribbean Connection features a trio of established bandleaders engaging in a tropical musical dialogue: flute maestro and Grammy nominee Nestor Torres; former Yankees center fielder and classically trained guitarist Bernie Williams; and saxophonist Elan Trotman.

June 6-7:

Tito Puente Jr. at Arts Garage, 94 N.E. Second Ave., Delray Beach; 8 p.m. Sat., 7 p.m. Sun.; $60.50-$65.50; 561/4506357, artsgarage.org. The son of legendary mambo musician Tito Puente—and a South Florida resident—carries on his father’s legacy through his music and repertoire. The Billboard Music Award winner’s latest album, Got Mambo?, features a bevy of guest stars singing alongside Puente’s exuberant and precise Latin percussion rhythms.

Beetlejuice

Taiko drumming at Sunset Stroll

Tito Puente Jr. HARID Conservatory Spring Performance

MICHELLE GRACE HUNDER

DENISE THOMPSON

May 23-24:

Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival on East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free; 561/7466615, artfestival.com. This 28th-annual Memorial Day weekend 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.

May 24:

Delray String Quartet: Masterworks 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 3 p.m.; $35-$50; 561/8085084, delraystringquartet. com. In its final performance of the 2025-2026 season, the quartet will perform Dvořák’s Piano Quintet No. 2, considered a masterwork of the form, and Robert Schumann’s adventurous String Quartet No. 1 in A minor, which premiered as a present for his wife Clara on her 23rd birthday.

June 11:

Evanescence at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $38-$265; 561/795-8883, ithinkflamp.com. Scoring a generationally defining hit, in “Bring Me to Life,” off its 2003 debut album Fallen, Evanescence all but invented a genre—symphonic goth metal—that fused influences dating to Mozart and Bach with brooding sounds more associated with A Perfect Circle and Soundgarden. The group’s 2026 world tour includes opening slots from Spirit Box and Nova Twins.

May 27:

MGK: Lost Americana Tour at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach; 7 p.m.; $35.10-$426.40; 561/7958883, ithinkflamp.com. Formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly, this multitalented actor, director, singer, songwriter, and rapper launched his career firmly in the hiphop realm before surprising fans by transitioning to poppunk and alt-rock directions in the 2020s. The show’s opening acts, Wiz Khalifa and Beauty School Dropouts, reflect the headliner’s bigtent appeal.

May 28:

Rick Monroe & the Hitmen at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 7 p.m.; $38.50-$48.50; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. Playing country music with a rock ‘n’ roll swagger and a bluesman’s drawl, Clearwater-born singer-songwriter Monroe has performed with Dwight Yoakam and Eric Church and has recorded six albums of loose and raucous tunes rooted in tradition. He tours with his latest quartet, the Hitmen.

June 11-14:

Blue Man Group at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sun.; $48.68-$119.48; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. Part percussionists, part clowns, part acrobatic showmen and part mimes, the Blue Man Group have been entertaining audiences with their performance art for nearly 40 years, anchored by their core delights of pounding drums and explosions of multicolored paint.

June 13-28:

Jagged Little Pill at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; various show times; $96.76-$126; 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org. Alanis Morissette reworked songs from her 1995 landmark LP Jagged Little Pill into this jukebox musical. The 15-time Tony-nominated musical follows a family riven by various addictions and conflicts, with Morissette’s iconic tunes adding depth, color, and a rock pulse.

June 19:

Christopher Titus at Boca Black Box, 8221 Glades Road, Suite 10, Boca Raton; 7 and 9 p.m.; $43.50-$63.50; 561/483-9036, bocablackbox.com. From his debut comedy special “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding,” about his dysfunctional family, to acclaimed themed tours such as “Zero Side Effects” and “Carrying Monsters,” this charismatic comedian, storyteller, and progressive podcaster continues to weave the personal and political into his act. His latest and 11th tour is titled “Doomed to Repeat.”

Delray Beach Craft Festival

Blue Man Group MGK Evanescence

EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Champions for Children

The

Boca Raton

Proceeds from this record-breaking fashion show, presented by The Boca Raton, directly supported Place of Hope’s Leighan and David Rinker Campus, and its affordable transitional housing program, Villages of Hope, in Boca Raton.

More than a celebration of style, the event co-chaired by Sean Dunn, Haley Winstead, Allison Stewart, and Catie Feder made a meaningful impact by providing safe housing, critical support, and life-changing resources for children, youth, and families working to overcome abuse, homelessness, and exploitation in our community.

Learn more at placeofhope.com

Place of Hope’s 2026 Male Champion for Children Hank Carpenter wearing Mister Pink, and wife Amy Carpenter.

Photo credit: Coastal Click

Luxury PR Group’s Marianna Abbate wearing Michelle Farmer, and The Boca Raton’s Justin Ely wearing Mister Pink

Champion for Children Meryll Bangsil wearing Michelle Farmer

Leaders in BUSINESS

is featured collection of business leaders celebrates a select group of professionals chosen for their profound expertise and dedication to their cra . By blending creative vision with years of industry knowledge, these individuals go above and beyond to deliver meaningful impact for every client they serve. ey don’t just participate in their elds— they embody the very best of their professions, setting a high bar for excellence and passion.

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leaders in Fine Jewelry and Watches for Generations

CUTLER ALTIER & WILLIAM ALTIER Owners

Altier Jewelers

e legacy of the Altier family continues today as the third-generation owners, brothers William and Cutler Altier, carry forward their grandparents’ sterling reputation for excellence.

Cutler‘s oldest son, Tristan, 23, follows in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps as the fourth generation of the Altier dynasty.

Furthering the Altier family’s commitment to Boca Raton, the brothers purchased the City National Bank building directly across the street from their current establishment. Altier Jewelers will be opening its agship store there later this year with an impressive expansion of Patek Philippe, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget, and ne jewelry. In conjunction, Altier Jewelers’ current store will close for renovation in preparations for several new brands coming on board.

“We could not be more excited about building a new destination for watch collectors and jewelry connoisseurs. It will be a unique setting where collectors can meet to discuss the depths of watchmaking, and where new collectors can come for education. Jewelry clients can explore our expansive diamond inventory in an inviting yet private and intimate environment,” say the Altier brothers.

“Our grandparents opened the very rst jewelry store here in 1960. e Altier name has become synonymous with luxury for over 65 years, and we could not be prouder to have our name branded on another beautiful building in our hometown.”

Altier Jewelers

701 S. Federal Highway

Boca Raton, FL. 33432

561-395-3462

altierjewelers.com

William Altier

Cutler Altier

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leaders in Professional Security for the Modern Age

ART EISENSTEIN AND MAVERICK MARQUARDT

Founders

Top Gun Security Consultants

At a time when security has become a top-of-mind priority in everyday life like never before, Top Gun Security Consultants provides clients with peace of mind by providing highly trained and vetted armed and unarmed o cers, private security solutions, the latest technology and top-tier customer service with 24/7 communication.

As the premier provider for security guard services in South Florida, Top Gun’s scope of services includes roving patrols for gated communities, country clubs, commercial properties, houses of worship, schools, social events and more.

Founders Art Eisenstein and Maverick Marquardt share diverse backgrounds, each with a strong foundation of law enforcement and high-end security detail. Bound by the passion to bring the utmost level of professionalism and communication to their organization, they have created a strong culture with a very tight-knit team.

“We are consistently making sure that every single one of our o cers follows the post orders to address our clients’ individual needs, helping to problemsolve and create solutions as a team,” explains Marquardt.

“What Truly makes Top Gun unique is our boutique-style approach to every single contract by not treating it as a cookie-cutter-style solution. Every community’s got its own needs and wants. By having the conversations with each of them and then executing on those conversations, that is the key to our success,” explains Eisenstein.

Top Gun Security Consultants

1300 NW 17th Ave., Suite 161 Delray Beach, FL 33445

561-971-0114

Topgunsecurity.co

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leader in Luxury Real Estate Properties for Celebrity Clientele

JACKIE FELDMAN

Global Real Estate Advisor, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

A er being recognized as a 2025 RealTrends veri ed Top Advisors in the nation, No. 1 associate in the Boca Raton o ce, and No. 1 female agent companywide with $460 million in career sales, Global Real Estate Advisor Jackie Feldman was recently hand-selected as a member of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty’s Sports and Entertainment Division.

is prestigious appointment enables the accomplished and engaging professional to work closely with high-level sports gures and celebrities in nding their luxury dream homes—o en in her own Royal Palm neighborhood.

Jackie is already revered for her polished people skills and ability to e ortlessly connect with clients from around the globe, and this added clientele in her repertoire marks another spectacular stepping stone in her career—one she navigates passionately.

“I sometimes have to pinch myself when I re ect on the outstanding opportunities I encounter every day working with ONE Sotheby’s,” Jackie shares. “It is truly a career I treasure and love.”

Her appreciative clientele consistently praise her steadfast dedication and the exceptional bene ts they experience with every transaction she oversees. Never one to shy away from the smallest tasks or the most signi cant challenges on behalf of her clients, she dedicates each day to ensuring a seamless and successful real estate experience.

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

200 E Palmetto Park Road, Suite 104 Boca Raton, FL 33432

561.400.2156

Jfeldman@onesothebysrealty.com

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

The Leader in Succession Planning for Business Owners

ELIZABETH M. BENNETT Certiﬁed Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Intercoastal Wealth Planning

Beth Bennett brings more than 35 years of experience helping clients make the most of their nancial assets during their working years and into retirement. She specializes in guiding business owners preparing to retire or sell their companies, working with them in advance of a major nancial windfall to create a customized preretirement investment plan.

Bennett emphasizes that while most business owners rely on CPAs and attorneys to manage the tax and legal aspects of a transition, a nancial advisor should be involved early to help shape a clear vision for life a er the business. is team approach, she notes, can strengthen and maximize succession planning.

She also understands the challenges that come with shi ing from business income to living o the proceeds of a sale. Bennett works with clients to answer key questions: how to create a sustainable lifelong income stream, how to structure assets to reduce taxes, and what personal goals should guide their plan.

Her priority is to help business owners build a realistic, forwardlooking nancial strategy while collaborating with legal and tax professionals when needed. Contact Beth Bennett directly for more information on her investment or business succession planning services at admin@intercoastalwealth.com.

INTERCOASTAL WEALTH PLANNING

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

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leader in Real Estate from Westchester to Boca

SCOTT COHEN

Balistreri Real Estate

For 30 years, licensed real estate agent Scott M. Cohen has specialized in one of the most competitive and coveted markets in the United States: Westchester County, in New York’s Hudson Valley. Since relocating to Boca Raton in 2021, Cohen has brought his decades of Northeastern home sales experience to Balistreri Real Estate. While Cohen maintains his real estate business in Westchester, he describes his transition to Balistreri as “seamless” and considers his new company, with its 60+ years in the South Florida market, as like “being part of a family. And for a buyer or seller, you’re getting a strong support network throughout Balistreri and all of our a liates.”

With some 50-plus listings on the market at any given time—ranging from multimillion-dollar luxury properties to condominiums and modest starter homes—Cohen’s expertise extends from the Palm Beaches through Broward and into Vero Beach. He credits his success as a real estate agent for his ability to listen intensively to his clients, provide an emotional sounding board when necessary, and respond to their speci c needs. “For sellers, it can be very hard for a person to let go of a home where they raised their family. Being a good realtor is 50 percent reassurance,” he says.

In Boca Raton, where he lives in the Camino Gardens subdivision with his longtime husband, fashion entrepreneur Anthony Vecchione, Cohen enjoys paying it forward by supporting his preferred nonpro ts, Big Dog Ranch and the Lynn Cancer Center at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Scott M. Cohen

561-870-6115

Scottmcohen18@gmail.com

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

The Leader in Private Golf and Tennis Club Living

JENNIFER M. JOLLY, CCM

General Manager/COO

Boca Grove

As General Manager and Chief Operating O cer at Boca Grove, Jennifer Jolly has brought her years of diverse experience and unique talents to the private golf and tennis club.

Her impressive career led her to Boca Grove in 2018, where she’s been its fearless leader for the past 9 years.

“Great leadership isn’t about standing in front— it’s about empowering people to grow, innovate, and succeed together,” she explains. Jennifer was recognized for her leadership by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce when she was presented with the 2024 DIAMOND award as a “true leader who shines bright among the most brilliant Diamonds.”

She played an integral role in establishing the new, revolutionary Longevity & Integrated Vitality Center at Boca Grove, which optimizes health span through precision science, curated wellness, and intentional living.

“We’re moving away from that tness center mentality,” Jennifer shares. “It’s just as much about putting life in your years as it is years in your life.”

Boca Grove

21351 Whitaker Drive

Boca Raton, FL 33433

561-487-5300 bocagrove.org

Her passion, too, for horses is front and center in her life and her future. She’s a horse owner/rescuer certi ed in Equine-Assisted erapy and believes that “horses restore balance to the body, calm to the mind, and renewal to the spirit—reminding us that true longevity begins with connection. ey have taught me so much about kindness.” And it shows.

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leader in Philanthropy

KIMBERLIE GLASER-FRECKA

President Scutti Enterprises

Kimberlie Glaser-Frecka has built a standout career at the intersection of commercial real estate and philanthropy. With more than three decades in the industry, she is known for taking on longhorizon projects that require sharp instincts, steady leadership, and the ability to transform opportunity into lasting value.

Her commercial real estate portfolio includes nationally recognized tenants such as CVS and Walgreens, re ecting a strong track record of assembling land, securing anchor tenants, and developing successful retail properties. Over the years, she has earned a reputation for identifying potential early and bringing projects to life with both strategic precision and long-term impact. Her work continues to expand across the country, including signi cant momentum in upstate New York, where nearly 3,000 apartments have been approved.

Philanthropy is central to Glaser’s life and leadership. Raised by a single mother and shaped by early hardship, she is especially committed to supporting children facing instability and advancing animal welfare. She actively supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club, and organizations such as Big Dog Ranch. She also serves as Chairman of Furry Friends, helping lead its mission through community engagement, advocacy, and measurable impact. For Kimberlie Glaser-Frecka, real estate is the platform, and giving back is the legacy.

scuttiproperties.com info@scuttiproperties.com

The Leader in Luxury Home Building, Renovations, and Painting

JEFF BURNS Founder Sandhill Builders & Sandhill Painting

For 45 years, Sandhill Builders has built its reputation on high-end homes and luxury residential renovations throughout Palm Beach County. From estate homes and luxury additions to detailed kitchen and bath remodels, the company has consistently operated at the upper tier. Precision, nish quality, and disciplined project management have de ned their work.

Central to that standard has been a painting team that has worked alongside founder Burns for more than 20 years. at long-standing collaboration has evolved into a formal expansion: the launch of Sandhill Painting, a new division created to serve both residential and commercial clients directly. Sandhill Painting will also focus on coastal and Intracoastal properties, where salt air, humidity, and tropical weather accelerate wear.

Sandhill Builders is excited to announce that they were recently awarded two historic properties in Delray Beach—one on Swinton Avenue and another on Second Avenue—projects that re ect the rm’s continued involvement in restoration work requiring specialized nishes and careful material selection.

With the launch of Sandhill Painting, Sandhill Builders is extending decades of custom home cra smanship into a dedicated painting service structured to deliver the same level of discipline, durability, and nish quality that has de ned their work for nearly half a century.

Sandhill Builders & Sandhill Painting

8323 44th Court S. Boynton Beach, FL 33436

561-424-1117

sandhillbuildersﬂ.com

Leaders in BUSINESS

The Leader in Community Impact

JASON HAGENSICK President & CEO

YMCA of South Palm Beach County

With more than 36 years of service to the YMCA, Jason Hagensick leads an organization that impacts over 40,000 children, teens, families and seniors annually through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“Our strength comes from a community that believes in this work,” Hagensick shares. “Together, we’re building possibilities by creating something that will serve families not just today but for generations to come.”

Looking ahead, the YMCA is expanding inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs while deepening its investment in teens through leadership development, mentorship and programs that foster con dence, character and connection. By continuing to invest in facilities, sta ng and innovative programming, the Y is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of a growing community.

e addition of three new preschool classrooms will expand early learning access and prepare more children for lifelong success. Plans are also underway to renovate the Wellness Center, ensuring a modern, welcoming space where health and community thrive.

“Our vision is simple. It is to be the place where potential is realized and community grows stronger every day,” says Hagensick.

YMCA of South Palm Beach County 6631 Palmetto Circle S. Boca Raton, FL 33433

561-395-9622

ymcaspbc.org

MICHAEL CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

The Leader in the Most Desirable Italian Tile

Michael Hummel Owner

HAYLEY HUMMEL

Vice President

Just Tile & Marble

For more than 38 years, Michael Hummel has remained a prominent gure in the tile and marble industry, consistently elevating both product standards and customer expectations. His daughter, Hayley, shares his passion and expertise. Together, they bring a collaborative approach that has strengthened the organization over the past year.

rough a disciplined work ethic, keen design perspective, and longstanding client relationships, he has built a reputation for sourcing exclusive porcelain tiles, slabs, natural stones, water-jet mosaics, and handcra ed glass tiles, with a particular emphasis on premium Italian imports.

As owner of Just Tile & Marble, one of the nation’s largest facilities dedicated to 48×48 tiles, Hummel maintains more than 115 varieties in stock, supported by a carefully curated inventory that continues to expand. e showroom’s focus is constant evolution, ensuring clients consistently discover new and distinctive materials thoughtfully selected for both residential and commercial spaces.

Among the newest additions are leathered porcelain tiles paired with matching 48×110 slabs. e surface is smooth with subtle textured veining, inspired by the elegance and cra smanship associated with Florence.

In addition to more than 100 options in 24×48 formats and over 250 slabs on display, Hummel has also designed a grand-scale 63×63 tile collection featuring warm contemporary tones such as ivory, beige, cream, and taupe, creating re ned yet inviting interiors.

Just Tile & Marble

241 N. Congress Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33445

561-272-4900

Info@justtiledelray.com

Michael Hummel

Hayley Hummel

private education camp guide 2026

e following section presents helpful information provided by prominent private schools and camps in Palm Beach County.

All listings include a brief synopsis of the programs’ achievements, curriculum highlights, and many more important details families look for when choosing the best t for their children. is comprehensive guide is designed to help you make informed decisions at a glance.

At Levis JCC Zale Early Childhood Learning Center, we believe children are capable of extraordinary things. Our passion and goal is to provide your child with developmentally appropriate learning opportunities, love and support while nurturing their academic growth. Featuring:

• Baby & Me to Pre-K Programs

• Low student to teacher ratios

• Secure, gated

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

ADVENT LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Grades: K-8th Tuition Range: $12,900 Students: 284 Student-Teach Ratio: 1:18 Denomination: Lutheran

Advent School Boca is a Christian school dedicated to raising children from Kindergarten through 8th grade with strong character while providing the academic excellence needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. Rooted in faith and guided by purpose, we are committed to developing confident, capable, Christian leaders who are prepared for success both inside and outside the classroom. For over 50 years, Advent School Boca has proudly welcomed families from Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield, and surrounding communities, offering a nurturing environment where faith, learning, and leadership grow together.

300 E. Yamato Road, Boca Raton • 561-395-3631 • adventschoolboca.org

BOCA ICE

Camp ages: 6 - 12 Camp Rate: $495 Weekly / $119 Daily - incl. Lunch Students: 50-75 Counselor/Camper Ratio: 1:12

Boca Ice offers exciting summer camps that keep kids active, engaged, and having fun on the ice. Our camps feature a mix of ice skating, hockey instruction, games, and supervised off-ice activities in a safe and energetic environment. Designed for ages 6-12, and a variety of skill levels, our programs focus on building confidence, teamwork, and fundamental skills while having fun. Boca Ice field trips provide schools, camps, and groups with a unique on-ice experience, making them a pertect option tor educational outings, end-of-year celebrations, or summer fun. Skate, Play, Party at Boca Ice!

BRICKS, BOTS, & BEAKERS

Ages: 4 - 12 Tuition Range: $395-$425 per week

Students: 40

Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Denomination: N/A

Bricks, Bots, & Beakers inspires young innovators through hands-on STEAM focused learning in a supportive, creative environment. Serving families in Boca Raton and surrounding communities, our programs engage students from preschool through middle school in robotics, coding, engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology experiments that spark curiosity and build deep understanding. Focused on critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence, we empower children to become problem-solvers and scientific leaders prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. For years, Bricks, Bots, & Beakers has cultivated a community where scientific discovery, innovation, and fun grow together.

East Boca: 499-2 NE Spanish River Blvd. • West Boca: 23116-A Sandalfoot Plaza Dr. 561-235-0917 • bricksbotsbeakers.com/southfl

DONNA KLEIN JEWISH ACADEMY

Grades: K - 12th Tuition Range: $30,940 - $35,060

Students: 780

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1

Denomination: Jewish

Donna Klein Jewish Academy (DKJA) is proud to be ranked among the top Jewish schools in the nation, offering a premier K-12 college preparatory education rooted in academic excellence. Through a rigorous, individualized curriculum, DKJA meets the needs of a diverse student body while fostering personal growth and academic excellence. Students engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, from JV and Varsity sports to an extensive fine arts program that includes music, dance, drama, and visual arts. DKJA equips its students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in college and beyond.

FLORIDA SWIM SCHOOL

Ages: 3 months to adult Tuition Range: $116-$348 per month Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1 (1x-3x per week)

Let us guide you through your journey of learning to swim. Florida Swim School advocates water safety through education to save lives and reduce drownings. Our Team uses a nurturing method that builds confidence in water. We are Passionate. We are a Team. We are Kind. We Are Professional. Learning to swim is a necessity, not a luxury. Join our Summer Camp located at Boca Prep International School ages 5-12. More information on our website.

GRANDVIEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Grades: Early Chilhood 3 - 12th Tuition Range: $18,500 - $31,500

Students: 400 Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1

Virtual Classes: Yes Denomination: Non-denominational

Grandview Preparatory School is an independent private school grounded in the belief that learning is personal and shaped by relationships. At Grandview, we focus on knowing each student well and designing an experience that honors curiosity, confidence, and character. Through strong academics, flexible learning, and meaningful real world experiences on and off campus, students develop the skills, judgment, and resilience needed to navigate modern life.

9701 Donna Klein Blvd • Boca Raton • 561.852.3310 • DKJA.net

Private Education & Summer Camp Guide

LEVIS JCC BETTY & MARVIN ZALE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER

Grades: Two - PreK Tuition Range: $8,035 - $25,065

Students: 235

Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:4, 1:5, 1:6

Denomination: Jewish

At the Levis JCC Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center we provide an enriching multi-faceted early childhood program designed to foster your child’s imagination, curiosity and intellect. Our fundamental goal is to provide the highest quality preschool education in a warm and nurturing environment. Zale teachers work closely with each child to provide innovative experiences that help build a strong foundation in language, math and early literacy while instilling a love for learning that will truly last a lifetime.

9801 Donna Klein Blvd. • Boca Raton • 561-710-4340 • levisjcc.org/early

NOVA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Ages: 8 - 14

Tuition Range: $21,000 - $23,000

Model: Private (12 Students max.) Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1

Denomination: Secular, Non-Denominational

Nova Leadership Academy is a highly curated, modern-day schoolhouse built for families seeking a more intentional and elevated approach to education. With a maximum of 12 students, the environment is calm, focused, and deeply engaging. Students move beyond passive learning, actively building, creating, and thinking through academic mastery, entrepreneurship, music, and movement. At any given moment, learners may be solving complex math problems, debating history, developing a product, or strengthening both mind and body through structured fitness. The years between ages 8–14 are a critical window. At Nova, the environment is intentionally designed so confidence, independence, and leadership grow: not shrink. Schedule a Private Tour or Attend Our Open House.

6699 N. Federal Hwy. Ste. 103 • Boca Raton • 561-203-5823 • novaleadershipacademy.com

PINE CREST SCHOOL BOCA RATON

Grades: PreK - 8 Tuition Range: $39,010 - $45,685

Students: 878 Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

Virtual Classes: No Denomination: Independent

At Pine Crest, we cultivate academic excellence and develop future leaders who thrive in an ever-changing world. Our students master adaptability, collaboration and empathy while building deep global and cultural understanding. They learn that perspective is power, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. We graduate confident, compassionate leaders who know their strengths and forge their own paths to success. They emerge ready for both personal fulfillment and professional achievement. Discover how Pine Crest can shape your child’s future.

PINE CREST SCHOOL FORT LAUDERDALE

Grades: PreK - 12th Tuition Range: $39,010 - $49,670

Students: 1,825 Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1

Virtual Classes: No Denomination: Independent

SAINT JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY

Grades: 9th - 12th

Students: 590

Tuition Range: $18,975 - $20,000

Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1

Denomination: Catholic Based

Saint John Paul II Academy, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is a Catholic coeducational college preparatory school in the Diocese of Palm Beach following the tradition of Saint John Baptist De La Salle and the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Saint John Paul II Academy provides a rigorous academic curriculum designed to prepare students for success in college and in life. Our faith-based learning community fosters excellence in all programs and enables the spiritual, academic, artistic, and physical development of each student. Dedicated faculty and staff instill the Gospel values of tolerance, concern for the poor, justice, peace, and responsibility while welcoming students of all beliefs and backgrounds.

4001 N. Military Trail • Boca Raton • 561-314-2100 • sjpii.net

SLAM BOCA RATON

Grades: 6th-12th Tuition Range: (admission through application and lottery process)

Students: 1,000 Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1

SLAM Boca Raton delivers an innovative, sports-infused education for students in grades 6–12. An “A”-rated school by the Florida Department of Education, SLAM Boca is STEM-certified, a Cambridge International School, and accredited by Cognia, offering a rigorous academic experience that prepares students for college and careers. Students can participate in AP courses, dual enrollment, and sports-focused majors such as Sports Medicine, Media, and Marketing. As a Project ADAM Heart Safe School, student safety and well-being are a priority. Through partnerships, mentorships, internships, and leadership opportunities, students gain real-world experience. Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 school year. Visit www.slamboca.com, become a Panda, and follow @slambocaofficial on Instagram.

22500 Hammock Street • Boca Raton • 561-299-6969 • slamboca.com

WAVES SURF ACADEMY

Camp Type: Surf Camp Camp Rate: $350 Weekly M-F / $100 Daily Camp ages: 5-15 Camp Times: 9:00 A.M -2:30 P.M.

Camp Dates: Summer Break Jun. 1st - Aug. 21st

Waves Surf Academy offers exciting surf camps in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach for kids ages 5-15. Activities include surfing, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, swimming, beach games, dodgeball, and more. All staff are lifeguard certified, background checked, and screened for safety. The camp runs daily M-F from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, with indoor shelter and games for weather days. Join the fun and make waves this summer!

Delray Beach & Boynton Beach • 561.843.0481 • wavessurfacademy.com

Chirashi roll at Ke-uH

Ke-uH

Clockwise from above: Salmon truffle pear, grilled octopus, Nutella spring rolls, and hamachi jalapeño

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Valet and lot

HOURS: Monday –Thursday 12 – 3 p.m. and 5 – 10 p.m.; Friday 12 – 3 p.m. and 5 – 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 12:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

PRICES: $9 – $49

WEBSITE: keuhrestaurant. com

5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton; 561/295-8616

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

What do a group of friends from Venezuela have in common with a Japanese sushi restaurant? A passion for hospitality. It’s that love of welcoming guests as family and serving them only the highest quality ingredients that has allowed them to continue to ﬂourish with now three locations, including Weston and Sunny Isles within the Acqualina Resort.

When I asked what Ke-uH meant, co-owner Daniel Fernández quipped,“it’s a play on a Venezuelan contradiction of the phrase: ¿que hubo?, which ends up sounding like ‘que-u’ and loosely translates to ‘what’s up?’” I applauded the creativity and foreshadowing of a fusion experience.

The menu is set up for sharing, which I love. While most of the menu does stay true to its Japanese roots with izakaya plates like shishito peppers, edamame, crispy rice, and gyozas, it also has interesting options like the spicy honey shrimp, wagyu sliders topped with a delicate quail egg, and a nod to the Latin community with grilled corn, tuna and rib-eye tacos, and ceviche.

We started with the salmon truffle pear ($19), the crispy tuna rice ($17) and the grilled octopus ($18). The salmon was a perfect way to whet our appetite with its delicate, thin pieces wrapped around a slightly sweet pear, drizzled with a subtle hint of yuzu and topped with micro cilantro, which I enjoyed. I also admired that the tuna comes with a sizeable portion of six hearty pieces of lightly crisped rice topped with a flavorful mix of tuna, sriracha, wasabi, and microgreens that pulled all the flavors in. The octopus,

another hearty portion, was tender and charred with a wasabi aioli. I could have done without the side salad it came with.

For the entrées, the menu features signature rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and a few larger plates. We opted for three rolls: Hamachi Serrano ($19), Chirashi ($20), and Bea ($20). I was most excited to try the Bea, because it’s a red chili soy paper roll with crispy shrimp, avocado, cream cheese, and one of my favorites—fried plantain. This true fusion roll made my palate extremely happy. The creaminess blended with the crunch, perfectly paired with hints of heat and sweetness.

The Hamachi slices were on the smaller side compared with the Chirashi, but it’s never a negative when I don’t have to contemplate how I’m getting a full piece into my mouth. I enjoyed both; the Hamachi delivered a bit more spiciness, and the Chirashi was a well-balanced roll of tuna, Hamachi, and salmon with a whisper of mint, topped with salmon roe and served with a ponzu kimchi sauce for dipping.

Usually, desserts aren’t the stars of a sushi menu, but not at Ke-uH. Two piqued my interest, so I said “yolo” and ordered both. Cutting into the Nutella Spring Rolls ($11), I found the crispy crepe oozing with warm banana and Nutella that then needed to share the fork’s real estate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream before I could enjoy it. The Sweet Maki ($14)—trust me on this—is soy paper that hugs strawberry bits, wrapped in Oreo cookie and mascarpone, then topped with paper-thin slices of kiwi. I’d happily start with dessert next time because, frankly, why not?

CARINA MASK

Clockwise from above: Vegan fried chicken, mushroom Bolognese, and falafel burger

IF YOU GO

PARKING: Lot & street parking

HOURS: Monday –Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 8:30

p.m.; Friday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

PRICES: $10 – $24

WEBSITE: true-vegan.com

True Vegan by Chef Rahein

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

Iam not a vegan—but I do love exploring a chef’s creativity through their dishes. True Vegan delivered a surprising journey through chef Rahein Jones’ culinary creations. If his name sounds familiar, it’s because his ﬁ rst concept, The New Vegan, opened in Pineapple Grove 13 years ago. Now, four years after that shuttered, he’s back in a marquee spot along Atlantic Avenue.

The space is contemporary, with wicker accents, plush banquettes and a lively patio with front-row views of Atlantic Avenue under its navy awning. We sat outside, and I quickly confessed to our jovial server that I was not vegan. Neither was she, and I instantly felt more comfortable; I’ve been to other vegan and vegetarian restaurants where the vibe was more standofﬁsh. Certainly not here. However, there was a missed opportunity to better educate diners. When I asked what certain items were made of, our server was hesitant or unsure.

While the menu is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, it’s certainly not ﬂavor-free. Chef Jones became a vegan more than a decade ago, and he’s mastered the art of crafting dishes that appeal to both vegans and those simply looking for a healthy meal. He sources his fruits, vegetables, and spices from his Loxahatchee property and neighboring farms. Jones also hosts monthly plant-based cooking classes.

We started with the vegan fried chicken ($14) and mac & cheese ($13). Whenever mac & cheese is on a menu and it’s not just a side, it calls to me. The “chicken” is a mixture of jackfruit and cauliﬂower that’s fried and served with a Thousand Island-esque sauce. Visually, the bites looked like fried chicken. I just wish they were a little less fried so I could enjoy the mixture’s ﬂavor a bit more.

The mac & cheese is made with tapioca cheese and quinoa pasta.

A vegan would love the creamy texture, but for someone who eats

cheese, the mouthfeel and sharpness fell short.

For entrées, we tried the falafel burger ($19) and the mushroom Bolognese ($22). I am used to a falafel ball, but Jones ﬂattens the chickpea mixture and slides it between a toasted pretzel bun, which was top-notch. As someone who eats meat, I had trouble distinguishing the penne’s mushroom-driven sauce, which was properly accented with onions, carrots, celery, and basil. This was the table’s favorite by far.

We ended the meal with another surprise: cheesecake. The two slices, topped with strawberries drizzled with maple syrup, had an unconventional ﬂavor I couldn’t pin down, but the decadent scoop of whipped cream redeemed it.

I don’t think I could give up cheese or eggs, but I knew for certain that after this meal, I didn’t feel bloated or overly stuffed. Instead, I felt fulﬁlled and energized, and that’s certainly something to applaud and be grateful for.

CARINA MASK

Boca Raton Insider

BOCA NURSING SERVICES, INC

Rose Glamoclija, RN, is the founder and administrator of Boca Nursing Services for over three decades. The concierge private nursing care is made available in the comfort of your home, hospital room, facilities stay and while residing at assisted living or rehabilitation facilities. With compassion, and concern for every person they serve in the surrounding areas in four counties. Rose provides guidance and resources for families needing in-home support nursing care.

342 E. Palmetto Rd. 255 Sunrise Ave. Ste 200 Boca Raton Palm Beach

561-347-7566

561-833-3430 bocanursing.com bocanursing.com

EXCITING GROWTH IS UNDERWAY AT THE Y!

The Peter Blum Family YMCA Preschool in Boca Raton is expanding to better meet community needs, adding three new classrooms and a dedicated STEAM room to welcome 34 additional children by Fall 2026. This expansion will help reduce waitlists while continuing to provide high-quality, affordable early education, including swim instruction for ages 3–5. More classrooms mean more opportunities for children to learn, grow, and succeed.

6631 Palmetto Circle S., Boca Raton, FL 33433

561.395.9622 ymcaspbc.org

FILLY & COLT

After over 25 years in Boca Raton we’ve definitely carved out a niche. Come by and be ready to let one of the “fillies” dress y’all up! Remember “Life can be hard, clothes should be fun!”

Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.

Garden Shops

7050 West Palmetto Park Road (at Powerline) Boca Raton FL 33433

561.447.4117 fillyandcoltboca.com @robynesobel

FLORIDA TABLE Dining Guide

DINING KEY

$: Under $17

$$: $18–$35

$$$: $36–$50

$$$$: $50 and up

Palm Beach County BOCA RATON

388 Italian Restaurant By Mr. Sal—3360 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This family-owned outpost of its Long Island ﬂagship prides itself on nostalgic, quintessential dishes. Pastas like alla vodka, marinara and spicy rigatoni share the menu with chicken and veal entrees in beloved preparations like masala, Milanese and parmigiana. Choose from half or whole portions to share with the table. It’s also known for its lively ambiance, so come here for an Italian feast but stay for the party. Dinner nightly. 561/794-3888. $$$

Abe & Louie’s—2200 Glades Road. Steakhouse. All Americans are endowed with certain inalienable rights, among them the right to a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. At this posh, comfortable (and expensive) meatery, the USDA Prime steaks are indeed thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, also massively ﬂavorful and served in enormous portions. Don’t miss the New York sirloin or prime rib, paired in classic steakhouse fashion with buttery hash browns and uber-creamy creamed spinach. Chased with an ice-cold martini or glass of red wine from the truly impressive list, it’s happiness pursued and captured. • Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. 561/447-0024. $$$$

AlleyCat—297 E.Palmetto Park Road. Japanese. Chef Eric Baker’s Japanese izakaya, or a casual spot for drinks and bites, is serving up dishes like sushi, dumplings and fried rice that have an unexpected whimsical element. Here you’ll ﬁnd king crab tacos and hot fried chicken alongside the hamachi ponzu and spicy scallop roll. And to deliver the freshest sushi in town, he has partnered with celebrated sushi chef David Bouhadana of Sushi by Bou. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/353-5888. $$

Arturo’s Restaurant—6750 N. Federal Highway. Italian. After 40 years of feeding our Boca community, the Gismondi family is still going to great lengths to take care of its patrons, who, over the years, have become honorary family members themselves. Arturo’s brings generations of diners together with its warm ambiance, classic and consistent Italian fare, and its award-winning 1,000+-bottle wine cellar. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Fri., dinner Sat.-Sun. 561/997-7373. $$$

Basilic Vietnamese Grill—200 S. Federal Highway. Vietnamese. This popular restaurant o ers satisfying food and reasonable prices. Plus, there’s bubble tea. Opened in 2014, it has a wide range of Vietnamese favorites, such as cha gio tom

heo, fried shrimp and pork Imperial rolls, all kinds of pho, noodle bowls, chicken curry and more. • Lunch and dinner six days a week; closed Tuesdays. 561/409-4964. $$

Blueﬁn Sushi and Thai—861 N.W. 51st St., Suite 1. Sushi/Thai. Arrive early for a table at this Asian hot spot—it’s popular with no reservations for parties fewer than six. Don’t skip the tempura lobster bomb, big in both size and taste. The ginger snapper will impress both Instagram and your stomach. Try the chicken satay and pad Thai. Blueﬁn o ers a variety of dishes from multiple cultures, all well done. • Dinner daily. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 561/981-8869. $$

Burtons Grill & Bar—5580 N. Military Trail. New American. Known for its reliable food as well as its non-gluten, Paleo and “B Choosy” kids menu, the ﬁrst Florida location for this restaurant is deservedly crowded, so make reservations. Don’t miss the General Tso’s cauliﬂower, the pan-seared salmon (Paleo), the crab cakes or the Key lime pie. Popular half-portions are available, too. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/465-2036. $

The Capital Grille—6000 Glades Road. Steaks. This is one of more than three dozen restaurants in a national chain, but the Boca Grille treats you like a regular at your neighborhood restaurant. Steaks, dry-aged if not Prime, are ﬂavorful and cooked with precision, while starters from the pan-fried calamari to the restaurant’s signature spin on the Cobb salad (lunch only) are nicely done too. Parmesan tru e fries are crispy sticks of potato heaven; chocolate-espresso cake a study in shameless, and luscious, decadence. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/368-1077. $$$

Casa D’Angelo—171 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. Chef Rickie Piper, who has mastered the menu and cuisine of this ﬁne-dining staple for more than a decade, knows when to say when with both plating and ingredients. His dishes, including the sides and accompaniments, are visually appetizing and aromatic. A grilled veal chop easily 3 inches thick proved tender and juicy, and the wild mushrooms served alongside in a marsala added earthiness. • Dinner nightly. 561/996-1234. $$$

Casimir French Bistro—416 Via De Palmas, Suite 81. French. Take a trip overseas without leaving the city and enjoy excellently prepared traditional French dishes, such as duck l’orange or beef bourguignon, or go with Cajun chicken and veal Milanese. The comfortable dining room is a Parisian experience, as is the apple tarte tatin. This is a local favorite, and may we add they have what is as close to real French bread as anyplace in Boca?

• Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/955-6001. $$$

Beef carpaccio at Casa D’Angelo AARON BRISTOL

Chez Marie French Bistro—5030 Champion Blvd. French. Marie will greet you at the door of this nicely decorated, intimate, classic French restaurant tucked in the corner of a strip shopping area. This feels like an intimate neighborhood bistro and is a welcome discovery. From escargot encased in garlic butter, parsley and breadcrumbs to a tender duck a l’orange to an unforgettable crepe Suzette, you’ll be in Paris all evening. Voila! Also on the menu: pan-seared foie gras, tasty onion soup, coq au vin, rack of lamb, salads and more desserts. French food in an unassuming atmosphere.• Dinner Mon.-Sat. (closed on Mon. in summer) 561/997-0027. $$

Chops Lobster Bar—101 Plaza Real S., Royal Palm Place. Steak, seafood. There is nothing like a classic chophouse every now and then for a special dinner. At this upscale downtown restaurant, steaks are aged USDA Prime—tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked under a 1,700-degree broiler. There’s all manner of fish and shellfish, but you’re here for the lobster, whether giant Nova Scotian tails flash-fried and served with drawn butter or sizable Maine specimens stu ed with lobster. Let’s face it: Trendy menus come and go, but a great steakhouse is a win-win on all occasions. • Dinner nightly. 561/395-2675. $$$$

Corvina Seafood Grill—110 Plaza Real S, Boca Raton. Seafood. The seafood-centric menu incorporates South Florida’s varied Latin and Caribbean culinary influences into it. Peruvian and Honduran ceviches share the menu with Brazilian fish stew. You’ll also find plantain crusted corvina in a Creole curry sauce alongside Jamaican jerk chicken and island spiced pork ribs. With a focus on sourcing local ingredients, the menu spotlights several daily specials so look out for those. Then there’s the indoor/outdoor bar that invites you to come in and stay a while, especially during its daily happy hour. • Dinner & Sunday Brunch. 561/206-0066. $$

CVI.CHE 105—6000 Glades Road. Peruvian. Classic Peruvian ceviches share the menu with contemporary takes. Chef Juan Chipoco ﬂexes his skills and imagination in both the kitchen and the whimsical space’s design. The menu features tiraditos, causas, sushi rolls and entrées like the lomo saltado and aji de gallina. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/221-0940. $$

Dorsia—5837 N. Federal Highway. Continental. The simple pleasures of the table—good food, personable service, comfortable ambience—are what this modestly stylish restaurant is all about. The menu has a strong Italian bent, evidenced by dishes like a trio of fried zucchini blossoms stu ed with an airy three-cheese mousse, and a cookbook-perfect rendition of veal scaloppine lavished with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes and a tangy lemon-white wine sauce. • Dinner nightly. 561/961-4156. $$

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood —201 Plaza Real. Steak & Seafood. Eddie V’s is famous for its seafood and premium steaks, but this restaurant has also perfected the art of entertaining with nightly live music and a few tableside surprises. • Dinner nightly. 561/237-0067. $$$$

Farmer’s Table—1901 N. Military Trail. American. In the pantheon of healthy dining, Farmer’s Table is a standout in Boca, one of the first restaurants to elevate natural foods to fine dining. Fresh, natural, sustainable, organic and local is the mantra at this both tasty and health-conscious o ering from Mitchell Robbins and Joey Giannuzzi. Menu highlights include flatbreads, slow-braised USDA Choice short rib and the popular Ramen Bowl, with veggies, ramen noodles and shrimp. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/417-5836. $$

Everyday Favorites

For an affordable bite at any time, consider these durable chains and homegrown Boca favorites— where the attire is understated and reservations are rarely necessary.

—309 Via De Palmas, #90. German/Pub. Part vaguely German beer garden, part all-American sports bar, this rustic eatery o ers menus that channel both, as well as an excellent selection of two-dozen beers on tap and the same number by the bottle. The food is basic and designed to go well with suds, like the giant pretzel with a trio of dipping sauces and the popular “Biergarten burger.” • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/395-7462.

Cuban Café—3350 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd., Suite B-30. Cuban. One thing Boca needs more of is co ee windows—and real Cuban restaurants. Part of the charm of South Florida is its melting pot of Latin cultures, and Cuba is the granddaddy of them all. Which is undoubtedly why diners pack this traditional Cuban restaurant for lunch specials that start at $10.95, including slow-roasted pork served with white rice and black beans. Other highlights include the Cuban sandwich, the media noche and (on the dinner menu only) lechón asado. Full bar. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/750-8860. $

Los Olivos Bistro—5030 Champion Blvd. Argentine. The family-owned bistro’s menu honors familial Argentine roots with typical crave-worthy dishes like empanadas and plenty of red meat. Still, it also honors the cuisine’s Spanish and Italian inﬂuences with its standout paellas and housemade pasta. • Lunch and dinner Mon.Sat. 561/756-8928. $

Rocco’s Tacos—224 Clematis St. Mexican. Big Time Restaurant Group has crafted a handsome spot that dishes Mexican favorites, as well as upscale variations on the theme and more than 425 tequilas. Tacos feature house-made tortillas and a variety of proteins. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/650-1001. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 5250 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561/416-2131; 110 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/808-1100; 5090 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561/623-0127) $

The Sandwich Shop at Buccan—350 S. County Road, Palm Beach and 1901 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. . Like big sister Buccan Italian restaurant, the Sandwich Shop is full of ﬂavor and builds your favorite sandwich with just a touch of delicious creativity you won’t ﬁnd elsewhere. Owned by celeb chef Clay Conley and partners, the menu has hot or cold sandwiches, salads, sides and drinks (both alcoholic and non). Good-sized portions mean the Italian and prosciutto subs include leftovers if you have some willpower.• Lunch daily. 561/833-6295. $$

Tap 42—5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 247. Gastropub. This hugely popular nouveau-Industrial gastropub is not for the faint of eardrums when packed, but don’t let that discourage you. The kitchen here executes the hell out of a short, simple all-day menu. Grilled salmon chopped salad with tomatillo ranch dressing is delightful, as is guacamole studded with fat chunks of bacon and charred corn. Same goes for decadent shrimp mac-n-cheese. The wicked-good chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel sauce would be the envy of any Big Easy eatery. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/235-5819. $

Tropical Smokehouse—3815 S. Dixie Highway. Barbecue. When you take the distinct tastes of Florida/ Caribbean/Cuban dishes and pair them with barbecue, you end up with a place you visit a lot. Local celeb chef Rick Mace smokes the meats himself, and his recipes include all kinds of citrus in tasty spots (sour orange wings, pineapple carrot cake); you’ll discover new favorite ﬂavors. Don’t miss the BBQ pulled pork, brisket and ribs. Try the hot and sweet hushpuppies or the homemade chorizo queso in this very casual spot that we can happily say is also unique—there’s nothing else like it. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/323-2573.

Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen—399 S.E. Mizner Blvd. American. Natural, seasonal, sustainable. You’ll enjoy the varied menu, and won’t believe it’s made without butters or creams. Try the too-good-to-be-true bu alo-style cauliﬂower appetizer, the seared salmon or bu alo burger, and

have apple skillet for dessert. Healthy never tasted so good. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/826-2625. $$

Gallaghers Steakhouse—2006 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Steakhouse. At this chophouse, the sta is la-

ser-focused on service, the bar pours stiff drinks, and the kitchen dishes out perfectly cooked steaks—a pure embodiment of what you’d expect from a steakhouse. While Gallaghers proved itself a master of its craft, don’t overlook the other items on the menu, like the stuffed shrimp and veal chop. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/559-5800. $$$$

The Grille On Congress—5101 Congress Ave. American. Dishes at this longtime favorite range from tasty chicken entrees and main-plate salads to seafood options like Asian-glazed salmon or pan-seared yellowtail snapper. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner Mon.–Sat. 561/912-9800. $$

Houston’s—1900 N.W. Executive Center Circle. Contemporary American. Convenient location, stylish ambience and impeccable service are hallmarks of this local outpost of the Hillstone restaurant chain. There are plenty of reasons why this is one of the most popular business lunch spots in all of Boca, including menu items like Cajun trout, the mammoth salad offerings and the tasty baby back ribs. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-0550. $$$

Il Mulino New York Boca Raton—451 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. From the four pre-menu bites to the after-dinner coffee from freshly ground beans, this is a white-tablecloth venue that delivers on its upscale promises. Try the langostino, the red snapper, the risotto, the pasta, or go for the ceviches, caviars and seafood tower. Save room for dessert and complimentary lemoncello. Make a night of it. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/338-8606. $$$

Josephine’s—5751 N. Federal Highway. Italian. Tradition trumps trendy, and comfort outweighs chic at this Boca favorite. The ambience is quiet and stately but not stuffy, and the menu is full of hearty dishes to soothe the savage appetite, like threecheese eggplant rollatini and chicken scarpariello. • Dinner nightly. 561/988-0668. $$

Kapow Noodle Bar—402 Plaza Real. Asian. Kapow delivers an effervescent ambiance that makes you want to relax and stay a while. Its varied menu has something for every craving, from crispy rice and tacos to rolls and even Peking duck. Up your dinner game by reserving a seat at the separate omakase bar serving chef-curated bites that aren’t on the regular menu. And if you’re looking for a memorable night out, book one of the three karaoke rooms.• Lunch and dinner daily. 561/567-8828. $

Kasumi—999 E. Camino Real. Japanese. As the Waterstone Resort & Marina’s second waterfront restaurant, this modern Japanese eatery delivers an elevated level of cuisine. Its shareable menu features sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi and a variety of larger entrées. • Dinner nightly. 561/226-3033. $$$

La Condesa—3320 Airport Road. Mexican. Mexico’s bold, colorful and lively culture is reflected in its cuisine, and it’s evident at La Condesa. This family-owned restaurant’s take on Mexican fare offers a sizable menu with a wide selection of popular drinks and dishes like margaritas, nachos, street tacos and burritos. You can also opt for less mainstream dishes like the mole cazuelitas, and you won’t be disappointed. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/931-4008. $

La Nouvelle Maison—55 E. Palmetto Park Road. French. A dining experience at a French restaurant is never just about satiating your hunger. It’s about the entire experience, and La Nouvelle Maison embraces that joie de vivre from the moment you step inside. Whether you delight in the garlic-infused escargots, steak tartare or beef Bourgogne, none of the classic French dishes disappoint here.• Dinner nightly. 561/338-3003. $$$$

La Terraza Tapas & Bar—21170 St. Andrews Blvd. Spanish. La Terraza Tapas & Bar instantly transports you to Spain. Its brick barrel ceiling, moody lighting, crimson walls and wooden furniture create a charming, rustic aesthetic reminiscent of a Spanish taverna. Start with the Tabla Terraza charcuterie board before enjoying a few warm tapas, like the croquetas de jamon, camarones ajillo and octopus. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., dinner Mon.-Tues. 561/576-3040. $$

La Villetta—4351 N. Federal Highway. Italian. This is a well-edited version of a traditional Italian menu, complete with homemade pastas and other classic dishes. Try the signature whole yellowtail snapper encrusted in sea salt; it’s de-boned right at tableside. Shrimp diavolo is perfectly scrumptious. • Dinner nightly. (closed Mon. during summer). 561/362-8403. $$$

Louie Bossi’s—100 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. This jumping joint serves terrific Neapolitan pizza (thin crust), but don’t miss the other entrées. Start with a charcuterie/cheese plate and grab the amazing breadsticks. All breads and pastas are made on the premises. Other faves include the carbonara and the calamari, and save room for house-made gelato. Unusual features: Try the bocce ball court included with the retro Italian décor. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/336-6699. $$$

Luff’s Fish House—390 E. Palmetto Park Road. Seafood. A renovated 1920s bungalow houses this shipshape restaurant, in addition to two large, outdoor deck and patio areas. It’s known for familiar dish names with new tweaks: smoked fish-hummus dip, falafel fish fritters, crab guacamole, mussels in coconut curry broth, plus the paella on Sundays only. Don’t leave without the enormous slice of the Key lime pie, topped with meringue on a graham cracker crust. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/609-2660. $$

Start the Week Off Right

On Mondays, Matteo’s offers a three-course special of its northern and southern Italian favorites, plus a glass of house wine or sangria, for $49.99.

Ke’e Grill—17940 N. Military Trail, Suite 700. Traditional American. In this busy dining scene for more than 30 years, you will find a lot of seafood (fried calamari, blue crab cakes, yellowtail snapper Francaise and lots more), a few steak, chicken, lamb and pork options, and a quality house-made apple crisp. Your traditional choices are baked, fried, breaded, grilled, broiled, sauteed. With Provencal, Francaise, maple mustard glaze, toasted macadamia nut pesto and piccata twists. A consistent crowd for a consistent menu. • Dinner nightly. 561/995-5044. $$$

Kousine Peruvian Asian—1668 N. Federal Highway. Peruvian/Asian. Chef and owner Danny Kou shares his Peruvian heritage with a curated menu of dishes that accurately represent his country’s famous ceviche while introducing patrons to unique dishes that are just as tempting. Kousine’s space is bright and modern, with exposed industrial ceilings complemented with warm woods and greenery. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/430-3337. $$

Maggiano’s—21090 St. Andrews Blvd. Italian. Do as the Italians do, and order family-style: Sit back and watch the endless amounts of gorgeous foods grace your table. In this manner, you receive two appetizers, a salad, two pastas, two entrées and two desserts. The menu also includes lighter takes on staples like chicken parm, fettuccine alfredo and chicken piccata. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/361-8244. $$

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

Matteo’s—233 S. Federal Highway, Suite 108. Italian. Hearty Italian and Italian-American food, served in giant “family style” portions, needs no reinventing. Though there is no shortage of local restaurants cooking in that genre, it’s the details of preparation and

Camarones ajillo at La Terraza Tapas & Bar

CARINA MASK

service that make Matteo’s stand out. Baked clams are a good place to start, as is the reliable chopped salad. Linguini frutti di mare is one of the best in town. • Dinner nightly. 561/392-0773. $$$

Max’s Grille—404 Plaza Real. Contemporary American Since 1991, this modern American bistro in Mizner Park has been a true local classic. The food and decor are both timeless and up to date, and the ambience is that of a smooth-running big-city bistro. Service is personable and proficient. The menu is composed of dishes you really want to eat, from the applewood bacon-wrapped meatloaf to the wickedly indulgent crème brûlèe pie. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Brunch Sat–Sun. Dinner nightly. 561/3680080. $$

Meat Market — 2000 NW 19th St. Steakhouse. Meat Market has infused Midtown Boca Raton with glamour. Its posh interiors and high energy complement its diverse menu that revolves around steak but is also sprinkled with daily specials and sushi that shouldn’t be overlooked. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/245-6777. $$$$

Medi Terra—301 Via de Palmas #99. Mediterranean. Embracing western Mediterranean cuisine, the menu is seasonal and revolves around what the owners can freshly source, so make sure to wait for the specials before making any final decisions. The father-son duo bought Ristorante Sapori in Royal Palm Place and redesigned it to reflect their passion for Mediterranean cuisine. Dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/367-9779. $$

Mia Rosebud—150 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian. The menu is precise, focused on what Mia Rosebud does well: USDA Prime steaks and Italian specialties, including house-made

pastas. And make sure to save room for the massive slices of cake that are just as indulgent as they look. • Dinner nightly. 561/462-3000. $

Morton’s The Steakhouse—5050 Town Center Circle, Suite 219. Steakhouse. There’s seemingly no end to diners’ love of huge slabs of high-quality aged beef, nor to the carnivores who pack the clubby-swanky dining room of this meatery. While the star of the beef show is the giant bone-in filet mignon, seasonally featured is the American Wagyu New York strip. Finish off your meal with one of the decadent desserts.• Dinner nightly. 561/392-7724. $$$$

Motek—5377 Town Center Road. Mediterranean. Located in Midtown Boca’s Restaurant Row, this family-owned restaurant is known for its Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired menu. A variety of hummus, latkes and labneh za’atar share the menu with classics like the lamb shawarma, beef kebab and salmon skewers. Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/922-3319. $$$

Narbona—5250 Town Center Circle. Uruguayan. This restaurant-market hybrid offers house-made pasta, private-label herbs and honey, fresh fish and meats, grab-and-go prepared items, and countless Narbona Wine Lodge wines. You can also opt for a sit-down lunch or dinner at its central restaurant or at one of its two bars. The menu, with Italian and Spanish influences, features its pasta alongside a selection of meat and fish dishes. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/692-3933. $$

New York Prime—2350 N.W. Executive Center Drive. Steakhouse. This wildly popular Boca meatery Monday, Monday packs them in with swift, professional service, classy supper

club ambience and an extensive wine list. And, of course, the beef—all USDA Prime, cooked to tender and juicy lusciousness over ferocious heat. The bone-in rib-eye is especially succulent, but don’t neglect the New York strip or steak-house classics like oysters Rockefeller, garlicky spinach and crusty hash browns. • Dinner nightly. 561/998-3881. $$$$

Patio Tapas & Beer—205 S.E. First Ave. Spanish. Be transported to the Iberian Peninsula with a variety of tapas. Chef Bryant Fajardo, who trained under celebrated chef José Andrés, specializes in one of Spain’s most traditional and iconic cuisines and delivers both classic selections like Manchego cheese and anchovies alongside premium nibbles like seared duck and foie gras. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/419-7239. $

Prezzo—5560 N. Military Trail. Italian. A reincarnation of a popular 1990s Boca venue, this version has updated the dining room, kept the yummy oven-baked focaccia bread slices, and added a 21st-century taste to the menu. Don’t miss the tender bone-in pork chop, thin-crust pizza and seafood specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are on the menu, too. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/314-6840. $$

Rafina—6877 S.W. 18th St. Greek. If you find the ambience of most Greek restaurants to be like a frat party with flaming cheese and ouzo, this contemporary, casually elegant spot will be welcome relief. Food and decor favor refinement over rusticity, even in such hearty and ubiquitous dishes as pastitsio and spanakopita. Standout dishes include the moussaka, the creamy and mildly citrusy avgolemono soup and the precisely grilled, simply adorned (with olive oil, lemon and capers) branzino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-3673. $$

Getting Social

THC-infused social tonics and adaptogenic energy drinks have taken the beverage industry by storm, and these local companies are getting in on the action

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

America has had a prickly and oscillating history with drugs, particularly marijuana. Debates raged over whether the psychoactive drug from the cannabis sativa plant is good or evil, then the War on Drugs in the ‘80s created a taboo culture, forcing users to go underground to purchase the good stuff.

It’s still classiﬁed as a Schedule 1 substance in Florida, which can carry a felony sentence, as recreational use is illegal. But the 2018 Farm Bill created a loophole that federally legalized hemp-derived THC (with no more than 0.3% Delta-9)* and left no speciﬁed limit for other hemp derivatives. CBD, or cannabidiol, is the plant’s non-psychoactive counterpart to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.

After the bill’s passage, there was a steady uptick in edibles and, now, social tonics. In 2024, hemp production in America crossed $445 million, up 40 percent from 2023, with more than 45,000 acres planted, up 64 percent from 2023. This mainstream cultural acceptance of THC all but eviscerated the stigma of shady corners with less-than-standup dealers, replacing it with everyone from high-powered boardroom execs to adorable nannas enjoying these alternative beverages.

“This category isn’t a fad; it’s a behavior shift,”

AltBev Expo, a next-gen beverage

place in Palm Beach.“People want a more

says Joe Durkin, co-founder of AltBev Expo, a next-gen beverage convention that recently took place in Palm Beach.“People want a drink that supports how they want to feel: calmer, more focused, more social, better recovered—without centering the experience around alcohol.”

Celsius, a Boca Raton-headquartered brand, has been a main player in the functional beverage space since 2004, well before the THC or adaptogenic spaces erupted. Originally marketed for weight loss, Celsius has evolved into a broader wellness lifestyle offering that continues to use high-quality, sugar-free ingredients. So, while fans may not see THC in the brand’s ingredient list soon, chief brand ambassador Kyle Watson says Celsius is still feeling the beneﬁts of the trend.

“The reality is, people are drinking less, so we had to pivot in order to stay viable,” says Ryan Sentz, the brewery’s co-owner.

“People thinking about alternative beverages gives Celsius a lot of opportunity and a lot of white space, because when they’re not drinking alcohol, they are looking for alternatives, and one of the alternatives is Celsius,” she says.

Similarly, Funky Buddha Brewery has been an innovative force in the beer space since 2007, when it was based in a small Boca Raton shopping center. But it expanded its offerings last year, launching THC-infused social tonics with a laser focus on ﬂavor and rigorous testing in its private lab to ensure quality.

Amigos, a local cannabis cocktail and soda company, beneﬁts from the experience of its founders, David Shiffman, Jason Brietstein and Patrick Masucci, who have been in the hemp industry since 2018 and launched Amigos early last year. The team’s goal was straightforward: to create a ﬂavor-forward drink made with high-quality ingredients, including real fruit juice and organic cane sugar.

Other local companies to check out include Brez, offering cannabis and adaptogen-infused drinks; Mega Bump, a coca leaf infusion; and Odyssey, a functional energy drink made with mushrooms and green tea.

*2025 federal legislation banned most hemp-derived cannabinoid products. There are currently efforts to repeal or amend this.

ADVICE FOR NOVICES

(from Ryan Sentz)

• Use caution: Beverages take effect faster (compared to edibles) because they are nano-emulsified, meaning they are broken down into microscopic particles that are absorbed and processed more quickly.

• Best enjoyed at home: Start with one 5-milligram tonic, wait 30 minutes, assess the effects.

• Everyone is different: Starting with a low-milligram dose and stacking it slowly is the best practice.

Red Pine Restaurant & Lounge—1 Town Center Road. Chinese. The menu is designed to be enjoyed family-style, with substantial portions of classic dishes like house-made vegetable eggrolls, fried rice and General Tso’s chicken, to name a few. The space is bright and lively, with floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive bar, and several dining spaces accentuated with crimson banquettes. • Dinner Tues-Sun. 561/826-7595. $$

Rino’s of Boca—39 S.E. First Ave. Italian. Guests can expect nightly live entertainment that pairs perfectly with its Italian-American dishes like rigatoni vodka, bucatini carbonara, veal parmigiana and chicken marsala.• Dinner nightly. 561/244-8282. $$$

Seasons 52—2300 Executive Center Drive. Contemporary American. The food—seasonal ingredients, simply and healthfully prepared, accompanied by interesting wines—is first-rate, from salmon roasted on a cedar plank to desserts served in oversized shot glasses. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/998-9952. (Other Palm Beach County location: 11611 Ellison Wilson Road, Palm Beach Gardens, 561/625-5852.) $$

SeaSpray Inlet Grill—999 E. Camino Real. American. Unobstructed views of Lake Boca Raton, soaring palm trees and coastal décor peppered with fringed umbrellas all set the mood for a relaxing experience that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation. The menu accommodates different dietary preferences with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t sleep on the pear tortellini pasta starter; it’s a star item. Portions are hearty and can be easily shared. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/226-3022. $$

ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

Mia Rosebud shines as Boca Raton’s most preeminent Italian Steakhouse.

Six Tables a Restaurant—112 N.E. Second St., Boca Raton. American. The dimly lit chandeliers, burgundy velvet curtains and smooth Sinatra lyrics set the mood for a memorable evening that’s dedicated to fine dining without pretention. With a seasonal menu that’s ever changing, you can rest assured that whatever husband and wife chef-proprietors Tom and Jenny Finn prepare for you, it will truly be special and made with love. • Dinner Thurs.-Sat. 561/347-6260. $$$$

Stage—5377 Town Center Road. International. Located in Midtown Boca’s lively Restaurant Row, Stage offers a globally inspired menu with options for everyone, including many gluten-free and vegan choices. Award-winning chef Pushkar Marathe’s commitment to supporting local farms is clearly reflected here. Be sure not to miss the lychee ceviche and Niman Ranch churrasco. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/409-2376. $$

Taverna Kyma—6298 N. Federal Highway. Greek/Mediterranean. Hankering for a traditional Greek meal, and a menu that offers just about everything? This is where you want to try the meze plates (cold, hot, seafood, veggie), saganaki, grilled entrees and kebobs. From the taramosalata to the branzino and pastitsio, servings are generous and good. Don’t forget dessert. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/994-2828. $$

Trattoria Romana—499 E. Palmetto Park Road. Italian This local mainstay does Italian classics and its own lengthy list of ambitious specials with unusual skill and aplomb. The service is at a level not always seen in local restaurants. Pay attention to the daily specials, especially if they include impeccably done langostini oreganata and

Lauded for its USDA Prime cuts, quintessential Chicago-style Italian classics, and locally caught seafood, this South Florida outpost of the 50-yearold, family-owned Rosebud Group offers one of the longest happy hours— and best steakhouse burgers in town.

Our Rosebud Signature BRICK CHICKEN

Rosebud signature whole, crispy pan-roasted chicken, broccolini, oregano white wine sauce

150 E PALMETTO PARK RD, BOCA RATON, FL 561-462-3000 | MIAROSEBUD.COM

the restaurant’s signature jumbo shrimp saltimbocca. • Dinner nightly. 561/393-6715. $$$

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

Villagio Italian Eatery—344 Plaza Real. Italian

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

Yakitori—271 S.E. Mizner Blvd. Asian. This Japanese restaurant that has sat for nearly a decade in Royal Palm Place is still welcoming devoted diners and delivering consistent, premium dishes. Sip on one of its refreshing cocktails like the lychee martini or green tea mojito before perusing the vast menu that offers everything from sushi and sashimi to fried rice, ramen and entrées from the robata grill. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/544-0087. $$

WEST BOCA

Boon’s Asian Bistro—19605 N. State Road 7. Japanese/Thai. This is one of two Boon’s (the other is in Delray Beach), and it’s where the rush to eat excellent sushi started. The fast-moving staff is choreographed to deliver dishes such as shrimp pad Thai that’s light, delicate and happily filled with shrimp. The Thai fried rice is unusually delicate too, with lots of egg, and is some of the best around. The sushi rolls are as fresh and inventive (try the Daimyo roll) as they are beautifully presented. Go early or call for a reservation. • Lunch Mon.-Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/883-0202. $$

Chloe’s Bistro—6885 S.W. 18th St. Italian. One of the few venues that’s on the water, with food to match the view. Try the seafood linguine, the large snapper filets in Marechiara sauce, and the desserts to end on a sweet note. House-made pasta and a good wine list ensure a pleasant, satisfying meal. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/334-2088. $$

City Fish Market—7940 Glades Road. Seafood. A multimillion-dollar remodel of the old Pete’s has turned it into an elegant seafood house with a lengthy seafood-friendly wine list, impeccably fresh fish and shellfish cooked with care and little artifice. • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 561/487-1600. $$

Ditmas Kitchen—21077 Powerline Road. Contemporary kosher. This west Boca restaurant is named after a Brooklyn avenue in a district known for its food. Here you’ll find very good casual food, and no dairy products are used. Try the Hibachi salmon, all-kale Caesar salad, the shnitzel sandwich. • Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 561/826-8875. $$$

DVASH—8208 Glades Road. Mediterranean. The menu, a collection of Mediterranean fusion dishes with a variety of daily specials, caters to an array of diets, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. The Cohen family, who previously owned Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar in Coral Springs for more than a decade, now welcomes diners to this West Boca restaurant that’s tucked away in the Publix Greenwise strip mall. • Lunch and dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/826-7784. $$

Embarcadero 41—8188 Glades Road. Peruvian. Embarcadero 41 offers exceptional Peruvian and Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) cuisine. This family-owned establishment has four locations, including one in west Boca. Order a bright ceviche and a sushi roll—or two— and you’re sure to be completely satisfied. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/405-6014. $$

Start by sopping up the house olive oil with slices of crusty bread, then move on to a stellar version of clams Guazzetto and delicate fillets of sole done a la Francese. • Lunch Mon.-Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/470-0112. $$

BOYNTON BEACH

Driftwood—2005 Federal Highway. American. Driftwood consistently serves inventive dishes infused with chef Jimmy Everett’s fine-dining experience. It also stands out thanks to its dedication to guests, local purveyors and talented staff. Farmto-table isn’t just a cliché saying here. Everett’s goal as a native South Floridian is to support local farms and fishermen by sourcing hyperlocal ingredients. The menu may change based on what’s available. • Dinner Wed.-Sun. 561/733-4782. $$

Josie’s Italian Ristorante— 650 E. Woolbright Road. Italian. This cozy, family-owned restaurant is looking better than ever after a renovation that gave its dining room a more modern, elegant atmosphere in which to enjoy chef Mark Militello’s classic Italian fare. It’s easy to fill up on the hearty portions of its pasta and meat entrees, but be sure to save room for dessert to try the absolutely decadent sixteen layer chocolate cake. In the cooler months, opt for patio seating for waterfront views. • Lunch Mon.Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/364-9601. $$

Nicholson Muir—480 E. Ocean Ave. Contemporary American. A historic cottage has been transformed into a whimsical Michelin-recognized steakhouse. The Argentine chef celebrates his heritage by cooking over live fire. There are several ways to enjoy Muir’s creations, including multicourse chef’s tasting menus and the classic à la carte. Regardless of how many courses you enjoy, be sure to save room for dessert. • Dinner nightly. 561/336-3977. $$$

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

Shore Thing

Few if any establishments in Delray Beach have a better view than 50 Ocean’s—the city’s only second-floor restaurant overlooking the beach.

Oliv Pit Athenian Grille—6006 S.W. 18th St. Modern Greek. The owners’ goal of bringing together the best of Greek cooking under one roof, much like the melting pot that is Athens, is covered here in an extensive menu. The best way to enjoy the food is to share it: the Pikilia trio with tzatziki, spicy feta and eggplant spread is a starting place. Try the mix grill platter and the hearty red Greek wine. End the night with a unique, velvety frappe cappuccino. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/409-2049. $$

Skyfin Asian Bistro—8221 Glades Road. Asian. After nearly a decade of dishing out elevated Beijing cuisine at MR CHOW inside the posh W South Beach, chef Aden Lee left his sous chef position to venture out on his own. Here, you’ll find both playfully named sushi rolls and fresh sashimi alongside protein-rich house specials, fried rice and noodles. Don’t miss the Toro Roll and Tangerine Peel Beef. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/556-1688. $$

Villa Rosano—9858 Clint Moore Road. Italian. You can be forgiven for imagining yourself in some rustic Italian hill town as the smells of garlic and tomato sauce waft through the air.

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

DELRAY BEACH

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

Akira Back—233 NE Second Ave. Japanese. Chef Akira Back’s Seoul restaurant earned a Michelin star a few years ago and now he’s showcasing his talented take on Japanese cuisine at his namesake restaurant inside The Ray hotel. Born in Korea and raised in Colorado, Back blends his heritage with Japanese flavors and techniques he has mastered to deliver

Chocolate mousse cake at Oliv Pit

AARON

BRISTOL

dishes that are unique to him. With plates made to be shared, the menu is divided into cold and hot starters followed by rolls, nigiri/sashimi, robata grill, mains and fried rice. Dinner. 561/739-1708. $$$$

Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar—25 S.E. Sixth Ave. Mediterranean. No longer a quaint bistro, this new version is buzzing with energy while still as charming and welcoming as ever. Dishes deliver solid, bright ﬂavors that honor owner Nicolas Kurban’s Lebanese roots, as his family recipes take center stage alongside Mediterranean favorites that have been elevated with slight tweaks. On some evenings, there is belly dancing entertainment. • Dinner nightly. 561/865-5653. $$

Avalon Beach House—110 E. Atlantic Ave.

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

Bamboo Fire Cafe—149 N.E. Fourth Ave. Caribbean.

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

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

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

Bourbon Steak

1000 E. Atlantic Ave. Steakhouse. Acclaimed chef Michael Mina’s second outpost of his famous steakhouse features a sophisticated coastal aesthetic that’s both bright and relaxed. Start with Mina’s signature duck fat fries, then enjoy a USDA prime hormone-free steak or local fish dish that will be complemented by impeccable service. Dinner nightly. 561/656-8070. $$$$

Brulé Gastro-Kitchen—200 N.E. Second Ave. Modern American. After nearly two decades, chef-owner Suzanne Perrotto remains committed to using locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both inventive and comforting, and o ering warm hospitality. If you’re craving a juicy burger, try hers. You won’t be disappointed. The ﬁsh tacos and ceviche are also standouts. • Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 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 tru e-scented wild mushroom pizza. • Dinner nightly. Sunday brunch. 561/638-6380. $$

Ca e Luna Rosa—34 S. Ocean Blvd. Italian. This multiple Delray Beach-award winning restaurant has sparkling service, comfort food taken to a higher level, and a setting just steps from the Atlantic. A success from day one, they dish up big ﬂavors in a tiny space, so call for

Buzz Bite

Mezcal Culture Fest

This two-day event is for mezcal enthusiasts and those interested in learning more about agave culture. On June 13 and 14, the Moxy South Beach will host a variety of activations, including a rooftop brunch, agave workshops and master classes, a bar takeover, and a pool party. The event culminates in the Grand Tasting, where guests can sample more than 30 mezcal and agave spirits. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mezculture. com/mezcalculturefest.

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

reservations. Try the calamari fritto misto, then the rigatoni pomodoro and leave room for dessert. Or come back for breakfast. • Open daily from breakfast through dinner. 561/274-9404. $$

Campi Italian—233 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. The Ray Hotel’s Campi Italian exudes a warm, relaxing ambiance. It’s perfect for an aperitivo and excels in pasta. Contemporary glass chandeliers illuminate its swanky bar and cozy rattan booths, while crisp white tablecloths adorn the tables. • Dinner nightly. 561/576-8366. $$$

Casa L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano—9

S.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Casa L’Acqua is touted as a ﬁne-dining establishment, and correctly so; diners can expect white tablecloths, tuxedoed sta and attentive service. The wine list is Italian-focused but does o er a variety of bottles from around the world, and each dish is expertly prepared with sizable portions. The main dining room, with its vibey bar and wine cellar, is cozy, and so is its fully enclosed patio in the back. • Dinner nightly. 561/563-7492. $$

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

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. $$

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 di erent enough to be interesting. Starters such as ceviche (prepared Peruvian style) and ultrarich oysters Rockefeller are ﬁrst-rate, while the wetaged beef is appropriately tender and tasty. • Dinner nightly. 561/272-9898. $$$

DADA—52 N. Swinton Ave. Contemporary. You’ll find playful dishes that are artfully crafted and warm hospitality in this historic home. Start with its famous dates, and for a comforting dish that won’t disappoint, try the meatloaf. Its cheeky interiors are a nod to the namesake art movement, yet the home’s history is also reflected in its lived-in wood floors and stone fireplace. • Dinner nightly, brunch Sundays. 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. $

Drift—10 N. Ocean Blvd. American. Inside the Opal Grand Resort & Spa, the restaurant’s coastal décor is polished with warm woods, textured stone walls, rope detailing and living walls. The bar

is spacious, and several nooks overlook the ocean and the buzzy Atlantic Avenue. The all-day menu covers all the bases. You’ll find easy dishes to snack on after the beach, or if you’re craving an extended Happy Hour experience, enjoy the cheese board, hummus, baked oysters and poke alongside casual burgers, flatbreads and salads. The entrées offer something for everyone, including chicken, steak, lamb and fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/274-3289. $$

Eathai—1832 S. Federal Highway. Thai. If you’re craving approachable and affordable Thai food, put Eathai at the top of your list. While you can expect to find curries, noodles, soups and fried rice on the menu, the dishes here aren’t the typical ones you’ll find around town. Indulge in the Thai Chicken French Toasted or Crispy Duck Breast with Lychee Curry Sauce or Oxtail Basil Fried Rice to savor the true talent of owner and chef Sopanut Sopochana. • Lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesday. 561/270-3156. $

El Camino—15 N.E. Second Ave. Mexican. This sexy, bustling downtown spot is from the trio behind nearby Cut 432 and Park Tavern. Fresh, quality ingredients go into everything from the tangy tomatillo salsas to the world-class fish tacos clad in delicate fried skin, set off by tart pineapple salsa. Cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros are the perfect dessert. And check out the margaritas, especially the smoky blend of mezcal and blanco tequila. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/865-5350. $$

Elisabetta’s—32 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. An ornate Italian spot, with classically prepared dishes including spiedini shrimp, burrata de prosciutto bruschetta, costoletta di vitello (veal), a guanciale pizza, cacio e pepe pasta, malfadine Amatriciana and gemelli puttanesca. Portions are large and that, thankfully, goes for the homemade gelati, too. The best seating outdoors is the second-floor balcony overlooking Atlantic Avenue. • Lunch and dinner daily; weekend brunch. 561/560-6699. $$

Gabriella’s Modern Italian—40 N.E. Seventh Ave. Italian. Craveable, modern Italian American cuisine in a gorgeous space with a stunning circular bar and outdoor patio. The Parm Bar is the star of the menu, but there are several noteworthy supporting players like the housemade tagliatelle, meatballs and tiramisu. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/9163001. $$$

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. $$

Late to Bed, Early to Rise

There are few hours Lulu’s is not open, with its 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. menu offering breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night cocktails.

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

J&J Seafood Bar & Grill—634 E. Atlantic Ave. Seafood. This local favorite on Atlantic Avenue—owned by John Hutchinson (who is also the chef) and wife Tina—serves

up everything from burgers and wraps to a menu brimming with seafood options. Don’t forget to inquire about the stunning array of 10 specials—every night. This is is a bona fide local go-to spot that never disappoints. • Lunch and dinner Tues.–Sat. 561/272-3390. $$

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

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

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

Latitudes—2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Modern American. You should come for both the sunset and the food. This oceanfront restaurant is a gem tucked inside the Delray Sands resort. From the airy, bubbly interior to the raw bar, the décor is soothing and fun. Try the lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, the miso-glazed Skuna Bay salmon, the branzino or the veal Bolognese. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-6241. $$$

Le Colonial 601 E. Atlantic Ave. Vietnamese French. Le Colonial radiates classic elegance that is as sophisticated as it is comfortable. Created to showcase Vietnamese cuisine and its French influences, Le Colonial has a standout method of curating classic Vietnamese dishes that appeal to various palates, from meat lovers and pescatarians to vegetarians. The space immediately transports you back to Saigon’s tropical paradise of the 1920s. Lush birds of paradise and palms line the halls that lead into intimate dining nooks throughout the 7,000-square-foot restaurant.• Lunch (on weekends) and dinner daily. 561/566-1800. $$$

Lefkes Estiatorio—33 S.E. Third Ave. Greek. This redesigned space, inside the former Delray Beach Market food hall, is home to Greek wines, traditional Greek classics, and a few contemporary takes on the cuisine. Make sure to save room for the baklava. If you’re looking for a lively late-night Mykonos vibe, complete with napkin throwing and pulsating tunes, Lefkes also delivers. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/908-2331. $$$

Lemongrass Bistro—420 E. Atlantic Ave. Pan-Asian Casually hip ambience, friendly service, moderate prices and a blend of sushi and nouveau pan-Asian fare make this a popular destination. The quality of its seafood and care in its preparation are what gives Lemongrass its edge. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/567-0442. (Other Palm Beach County locations: 101 Plaza Real S., Boca Raton, 561/544-8181; 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. $

Lunch at Elisabetta’s

Buzz Bite

Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Who doesn’t love dipping warm, crunchy chips into cheesy queso, chunky salsa or creamy guacamole?

Thankfully, this month we have a full day to celebrate our love of Mexican cuisine (as if we needed an excuse). Despite popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the country’s Independence Day; that’s Sept. 16. Instead, we celebrate the Mexican army’s defeat of the French in 1862. Cheer to the victory with a cold Modelo or a salt-rimmed margarita at one of these local spots.

LA CONDESA, a family-owned restaurant that pairs warm hospitality with killer dishes, like its mole. 3320 Airport Road, Boca Raton; 561/931-4008; lacondesamexican.com

LAS FAJITAS, a quaint Boca staple that continues to deliver sizzling fajitas and cool margaritas. 2298 N. Dixie Highway, Boca Raton; 561/620-1981

EL CAMINO, a vibey chain that has outposts in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. 5377 Town Center Road, Boca Raton; 561/980-7700; elcaminobocaraton.com

—Christie Galeano-DeMott

MIA Kitchen & Bar—7901 W. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Owner Joey Lograsso and chef Jason Binder have curated a balanced choreography of fascinating yet approachable dishes. The menu travels the world from Italy to Asia and showcases Binder’s formal training with elevated dishes that are exceptionally executed. It’s vibey with a great playlist, and the design, reminiscent of a cool Wynwood bar, is industrial with exposed ducts, reclaimed wood and sculptural ﬁlament chandeliers. It’s a place that amps up all your senses. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 561/499-2200. $$$

The O ce—201 E. Atlantic Ave. Contemporary American. Your o ce is nothing like this eclectic gastropub, unless your o ce sports more than two dozen craft beers on tap and a menu that ﬂits from burgers and fries to mussels. Don’t miss the restaurant’s winning take on the thick, juicy Prime beef burger and simply wicked maple-frosted donuts with bacon bits and two dipping sauces. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/278-3796. $$

Papa’s Tapas—259 N.E. Second Ave. Spanish. This family-owned restaurant will make you feel welcomed, and its cuisine will satisfy your craving for Spanish tapas. Start with a few shareable plates and then enjoy a hearty paella that’s bursting with a selection of seafood, chicken or vegetables. Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., dinner Sun. 561/266-0599. $

Park Tavern—32 S.E. Second Ave. Contemporary American. Check out the high-top seating or bar stools during an excellent happy hour menu that includes deviled eggs, pork sliders, chicken wings and a happy crowd. Entrees are generous and well executed. Try the ﬁsh and chips, one of six burgers, ﬁsh tacos and more. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sat.-Sun. 561/265-5093. $$

Rose’s Daughter—169 N.E. Second Ave. Italian. Chef-owner Suzanne Perrotto, who also owns Brulé Bistro, celebrates her family’s Italian roots and its beloved recipes here—especially when it comes to her house-made pizza and

pasta. Perrotto’s famous short rib pappardelle was even featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Dinner Wed.-Sun. • 561/271-9423. $$

Sazio—131 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian. This long-lived venue on crowded Atlantic Avenue is a reason to sit down and take a breath. Then take up a fork and try the linguine with white clam sauce or the ravioli Sazio or grilled skirt steak or pretty much anything on the menu. Prices are reasonable; leftovers are popular. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/272-5540. $$

Table 165—165 N.E. Second Ave. Contemporary. The quaint Pineapple Grove restaurant is a contrast of moody drama and glowing cheeriness with its vintage Art Nouveau bar and dazzling adjacent dining room. Chef Coton Stine’s continued advocacy for locally sourced ingredients and her enthusiastic support for our Florida farms really shine here in dishes like the seafood rassa. • Dinner Wed.-Mon. 561/266-3629. $$$

Taki Omakase—632 E. Atlantic Ave. Japanese. Taki Omakase, a shining example of omakase done right, has opened not one but two locations in our community (the other is at 1658 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton). It is pricy—an experience is more than $100 per person—but it’s worth it, with one caveat: You must enthusiastically love eating raw ﬁsh. Every night is di erent 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. $$$

Vic & Angelo’s —290 E. Atlantic Ave. Italian . People watching is a staple ingredient here, a complement to the Italian fare. The wine menu is robust, mainly grounded in Italy but with choices from around the world. Larger than personal pies, thin-crust pizzas are family-friendly, while you won’t want to share the Quattro Formaggi Tortellini, fluffy purses filled with al dente pear and topped with truffle cream. For a protein, try the traditional chicken parmigiana, a hearty portion of paper-thin breaded chicken breast topped with a subtly sweet San Marzano sauce under a gooey layer of fresh mozzarella, and a substantial side of linguine pomodoro. If you have room for dessert, the classic sweets include cannoli and tiramisu. • Dinner nightly; brunch weekends. 561/278-9570. $$

LAKE WORTH BEACH

Oceano Kitchen—512 Lucerne Ave. Contemporary American. Chefs and owners Jeremy and Cindy Bearman, James Beard-nominated toques who trained under rock stars such as Daniel Boulud and Joel Robuchon, have a talent for crafting a simple daily menu of ever-changing dishes that explode with ﬂavors and are curated with thoughtfulness and the utmost detail. Genuine hospitality is at the core of their restaurant. Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/400-7418. $$$

Smoked brisket nachos at El Camino

Beefed Up

We’re chatting with experts to cut through the bull and learn whether beef tallow is a trend worth adopting

Written by CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT

Beef tallow is everywhere. Restaurants and chefs proudly tout it on their menus, and inﬂuencers have infused it into their skin care routines. But why now? And is it really better for your health and skin?

To answer these questions, we need to ﬁgure out what it is and then go back in time for a short history lesson. Tallow is rendered animal fat, and it’s been around for millennia. So it’s deﬁnitely not a new fad; Egyptians and Romans used it for cooking and skin care long before Instagram’s algorithm blew it up. More recently, it was also used in soaps before synthetic chemicals and processed oils replaced it. What was once a homestead staple has made a resurgence into the mainstream.

“Tallow is back with a vengeance because it supports our local farmers and it’s more in tune with our natural bio makeup,” says Eruch Hedendal, owner of Ancient Tallow, a West Palm Beach-based tallow skin care company.

Cameron Falls, owner of Beauregard’s Fine Meats & Butchery, agrees. The Boca Raton butcher shop has seen a steady increase in customers asking for beef tallow. He sources it directly from a small Florida family farm where the cattle are grass-raised and grass-ﬁnished, meaning the animals are raised on pasture and, before they’re slaughtered, are fed a nutrient-rich grass rather than the traditional grain mixture used to boost calories and, thus, fat marbling. It’s hard to know where the grain, or feed, in a conventional operation is coming from and what chemicals it’s been exposed to, he explains.

Another key point is that solely suet tallow—the fat around the rib cage and kidneys— should be used. These are key distinctions that both Falls and Hedendal stress. This highly prized, nutrient-dense fat is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, so, as a customer, it’s essential to know exactly where your tallow is coming from—whether you’re eating it or lathering up with it.

Several local restaurants incorporated beef tallow into their kitchens long before this resurgence. Charm City Burger Co., a Broward staple focused on quality beef for nearly 20 years, opened its second outpost in Boca a few months ago. It transitioned to tallow nearly two years ago.“The ﬂavor is much better, and with vegetable and seed oils, you really don’t know what you’re getting in the fryer oil,” says co-owner Mike Saperstein. They’ve kept sunﬂower oil in one of their fryers as a vegan alternative. For Saperstein, his favorite fries are deep-fried in tallow, and he loves searing steaks in it at home. If you’ve cooked with butter or vegetable oil, you can cook with tallow. Saperstein also co-owns Sunshine Provisions, a meat purveyor for local restaurants that’s also seen an increase in tallow orders.

Other Restaurants Cooking with Tallow:

• Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen

• Café Bastille

• Palm Beach Meats

• Stage

• Pluma Fried Chicken

• Taquiza Tacos

• Tryst

THE 411 ON TALLOW SKIN CARE

Eruch Hedendal, whose passion is healing skin ailments with his body butters and face balms, lays out the pros and cons of tallow.

PRO: It’s more bioavailable and better matches our sebum, or our skin’s natural oil production, than other plant-based oils.

CON: The problem, Hedendal explains, is that the skin care industry is unregulated, and some tallow on the shelves comes from other rendered fats (not suet) that can clog pores and leave you feeling greasy with a beefy smell.

PRO: Hedendal sources his tallow from trusted farms and creates products free of preservatives, water, alcohol, and other hormone disruptors. He blends them with quality essential oils or botanical infusions to create organic, gentle and nourishing moisturizers known to help with a variety of skin ailments. “Tallow is your new aloe,” he jests. ancienttallow.com

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

LANTANA

Malbec & More—802 N. Dixie Highway. International. This eight-seat jewel box features a spacious bar, perfect for enjoying one of its carefully curated, regularly rotated wine ﬂights. Once seated, enjoy a pizza ﬂight that pairs perfectly with a selection of its tapas. • Dinner Tues.-Sat. 561/585-0123. $

Ravish O Ocean—210 E. Ocean Ave. International. Ravish O Ocean is a delightful dining experience less than a mile from the powdery sands of South Palm Beach. The coastal vibes are evident here with sea-inspired options like local ﬁsh ceviche, tuna tartare, ﬁsh tacos and a daily catch. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/588-2444. $$

The Station House—233 Lantana Road. Seafood. If you’re hungry for Maine lobster, plucked live out of giant tanks and cooked to order, this modest replica of a 1920s train station is the place to go. Lobsters come in all sizes (up to 6 pounds) and are reasonably priced. • Dinner nightly. 561/801-5000. $$

PALM BEACH

Acqua Café—2875 S Ocean Blvd. Italian. This quaint neighborhood restaurant serves quality Italian favorites with a coastal twist. It’s part of the Al Fresco Hospitality Group portfolio, which also includes Via Mizner’s legendary Renato’s.• Lunch and dinner daily, weekend brunch. 561/547-0005. $$$

Bice—313 Worth Ave. Italian. Bice continues to hold the title of favorite spot on the island. The venerable restaurant o ers a marvelous array of risottos and fresh pastas and classic dishes like veal chop Milanese, pounded chicken breast and roasted rack of lamb. The wine list features great vintages. • Lunch and dinner daily. Outdoor dining. 561/835-1600. $$$

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

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

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

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

Henry’s Palm Beach—229 Royal Poinciana Way. American Bistro. Part of The Breakers’ restaurant properties, this venue opened in 2020 and is an elegant addition to The Island. Try the pigs in a pretzel dough blanket, beer can corn, the lobster roll, butter crumb Dover sole and chicken pot pie. All comfort food with a Palm Beach twist, and it’s all delicious. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/206-1896. $$$

HMF—1 S. County Road. Contemporary American. Beneath the staid, elegant setting of The Breakers, HMF is the Clark Kent of restaurants, dishing an extensive array of exciting, inventive, oh-so-contemporary small plates. Don’t depart without sampling the dreamy warm onion-Parmesan dip with house-made ﬁngerling potato chips, the sexy wild boar empanaditas, chicken albondigas tacos and Korean-style short ribs. The wine list is encyclopedic. • Dinner nightly. 561/290-0104. $$

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

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

Renato’s—87 Via Mizner. Italian with continental flair. This most romantic hideaway is buzzing in season and quietly charming all year long with Italian classics and a Floridian twist—like the sautéed black grouper in a fresh tomato and pernod broth with fennel and black olives and the wildflower-honey-glazed salmon fillet with crab and corn flan. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/655-9752. $$$

WEST PALM BEACH

Banko Cantina—114 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Northern Mexican. Start with the Adelita cocktail and don’t look back. The bacon-wrapped shrimp, the Al Carbon steak tacos and the house guacamole add up to a full-ﬂavor dinner. The west-facing rooftop bar is a nice sunset option, and the Pan de Elote (homemade sweet cornbread with vanilla ice cream and berries) is a delightful end to the evening. • Dinner daily. 561/355-1399. $$

The Blue Door—5700 S. Dixie Highway. Mediterranean. The Blue Door’s vibrant hospitality welcomes you the moment you step through the arched, sapphire-hued entrance. Its lush landscaping and casual yet reﬁned menu take you straight to the southern European coastline. • Dinner nightly. 561/360-2064. $$$

Café Centro—2409 N. Dixie Highway. Modern American. A cornerstone in the Northwood neighborhood, this venue

draws because of a complete package: food, drinks and great nightlife and music. Take some char-grilled oysters, add shrimp pesto capellini or a marinated pork chop with polenta, plus local singing fave Tessie Porter, and you have a fun and delicious night out. • Lunch Mon.–Sat. Dinner nightly. 561/514-4070. $$

French Corner Bistro & Rotisserie 4595 Okeechobee Blvd. Classic French. It’s France in a tiny venue, with big-taste dishes that include all the faves: beef bourguignon, rack of lamb, duck à l’orange, frog legs Provencale, veal kidneys, tender branzino and simple desserts to end the meal. Reservations are mandatory for dinner. • Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. 561/689-1700. $$

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

The House—7301 Georgia Ave. Modern American. Located inside The Park, West Palm Beach’s public golf course, The House has a bright contemporary aesthetic with massive ﬂoor-toceiling windows that spotlight the course’s natural beauty. The menu is approachable and o ers something for everyone. It also features unique and interesting takes on dishes like spiny lobster corn dogs. • Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., weekend brunch. 561/530-3791. $$

Lamarina—4050 N. Flagler Drive. Mediterranean. Pair sprawling mega-yacht views with shareable Mediterranean-inspired plates. Located at Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina, this waterfront restaurant features a seafood-focused menu. Try the Lamarina sushi roll for a ﬂavor-packed experience, or choose the Maine lobster spaghetti, a savory dish that will satisfy. • Lunch and dinner daily. 561/371-8380. $$$

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

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

Pink Steak—2777 S. Dixie Highway. Steakhouse. This steakhouse o ers plenty of choice cuts and classic chophouse appetizers, such as Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail, but don’t miss the other noteworthy options, like sushi and beef tartare. The pink-hued space is accented with tropical murals, plush avocado-green booths, plume-like chandeliers and plenty of ﬂamingoes. It’s undoubtedly a vibe. • Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 561/557-9083. $$$$

Pistache—1010 N. Clematis St., #115. French. Pistache doesn’t just look like a French bistro, it cooks like one. The menu includes such bistro specialties as coq au vin and steak tartare. All that, plus guests dining al fresco have views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Centennial Park. • Brunch Sat.–Sun. Lunch and dinner daily. 561/833-5090. $$

Rhythm Café—3800 S. Dixie Highway. Casual American. Once a diner, the interior is eclectic with plenty of kitsch. The crab cakes are famous here, and the tapas are equally delightful. Homemade ice cream and the chocolate chip cookies defy comparison. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 561/8333406. $$

Table 26°—1700 S. Dixie Highway. Contemporary American. Take a quarter-cup of Palm Beach, a tablespoon of Nantucket, a pinch of modern American cookery and a couple gallons of the owners’ savoir faire, and you have Eddie Schmidt’s and Ozzie Medeiros’s spot. The menu roams the culinary globe for modest contemporary tweaks on classically oriented dishes. Try the fried calamari “Pad Thai.” • Dinner nightly. 561/855-2660. $$$

Broward County DEERFIELD BEACH

Chanson—45 N.E. 21st Ave. Contemporary American/ French. A little bit of Palm Beach, a little bit of Italy comes to Deerfield Beach in the form of this elegant, sophisticated restaurant in the oceanfront Royal Blues Hotel. Service is as stellar as the views from the cozy, modestly opulent dining room, notable for the 1,500-gallon aquarium embedded in the ceiling. Consistency can be an issue with the food, but when it is good it is very good. • Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tues.-Sat., brunch Sun. 954/857-2929. $$$

Oceans 234—234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach. Contemporary American. One of the only oceanfront (as in, on the beach) options in South Florida, this familiar-with-a-twist venue is fun to both visit and eat. Try the Infamous Lollipop Chicken Wings, a starter that could be an entrée. Seafood is definitely top-shelf, as are the desserts. A true Florida experience. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/428-2539. $$

Tradition—626 S. Federal Highway. French. This is a petite place with a large following, for good reason. Owners Eric and Anais Heintz start meals with an amuse-bouche and a menu that spans the length of France. Order a creamy Caesar salad with a light anchovy-based dressing. Try the coq au vin (sauce cooked for two days), and if you like calves’ liver, this is the best you’ll find in the area. End with a Grand Marnier soufflé (worth the 15-minute wait), and make your next reservation there before going home. • Dinner Mon.-Sat. 954/480-6464. $$

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Happy Anniversary 2026 marks the 25th year in business for Le Bistro, a North Broward staple for European cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.

Cap’s Place 2765 N.E. 28th Court. Seafood. Eating here requires a boat ride, which is very SoFla and terrific for visitors. This is one of—if not the only—family-run, old-Florida seafood restaurants you’ve never heard of, open since the 1920s. The heart of palm salad is the best and purest version around. Seafood abounds; fish can be prepared nine ways and much more. (There are non-seafood dishes that are done well, too.) Go for the short boating thrill and for the food. • Dinner Tues.-Sun. 954/941-0418. $$

Le Bistro—4626 N. Federal Highway. Modern French. The menu is modern and healthy—98-percent gluten-free, according to chef Andy Trousdale and co-owner Elin Trousdale. Check out the prix-fixe menu, which includes pan-roasted duck to beef Wellington. • Dinner Tues.–Sun. 954/946-9240. $$$

Seafood World—4602 N. Federal Highway. Seafood This seafood market and restaurant offers some of the freshest

seafood in the county. Its unpretentious atmosphere is the perfect setting for the superb king crab, Maine lobster, Florida lobster tails and much more. Tangy Key lime pie is a classic finish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/942-0740. $$

POMPANO BEACH

Calypso Restaurant—460 S. Cypress Road. Caribbean. This bright little dining room and bar (beer and wine only) has a Caribbean menu that is flavorful, imaginative—and much more. Calypso offers a spin on island food that includes sumptuous conch dishes, Stamp & Go Jamaican fish cakes and tasty rotis stuffed with curried chicken, lamb or seafood. • Lunch and dinner Mon.–Fri. 954/942-1633. $

Café Maxx—2601 E. Atlantic Blvd. American. The longstanding institution from chef Oliver Saucy is as good now as when it opened in the mid-1980s. Main courses offer complex flavor profiles, such as the sweet-onion-crusted yellowtail snapper on Madeira sauce over mashed potatoes. Parts of the menu change daily. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sunday. 954/7820606. $$$

South Bar & Kitchen—165 N.E. First Ave. Southern. Serves southern comfort cuisine in a dazzling space with plush emerald-green banquettes, warm wood detailing, and a spacious indoor/outdoor bar leading out to an expansive terrace and second bar. • Dinner Tues.-Sun., weekend brunch. 954/890-2000. $$

COCONUT CREEK

NYY Steak—Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 N.W. 40th St. Steakhouse. The second incarnation of this Yankees-themed restaurant swings for the fences—and connects— with monstrous portions, chic decor and decadent desserts. The signature steaks are a meat lover’s dream; seafood specialties include Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab. • Dinner nightly. Brunch Sun. 954/935-6699. $$$$

FORT LAUDERDALE

15th Street Fisheries—1900 S.E. 15th St. Seafood. Surrounded by views of the Intracoastal, this Old Florida-style restaurant features seafood and selections for land lovers. We love the prime rib. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/763-2777. $$

Bistro 17—Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 1617 S.E. 17th St. Contemporary American. This small, sophisticated restaurant continues to impress with competently presented food. The menu is surprisingly diverse. • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 954/626-1748. $$

Bistro Mezzaluna—1821 S.E. 10th Ave. Italian. The bistro is all Euro-chic decor—mod lighting, abstract paintings. It also has good food, from pastas to steaks and chops and a wide range of fresh seasonal fish and seafood. Don’t forget the phenomenal wine list. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/522-9191. $$

Café Martorano—3343 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Italian. Standouts include crispy calamari in marinara sauce and flavorful veal osso buco. Our conclusion: explosive flavor, attention to all the details and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Waiters whisper the night’s specials as if they’re family secrets. • Dinner nightly. 954/561-2554. $$

Fried chicken at South Bar & Kitchen

Buzz Bite

Mother’s & Father’s Day Treats

Celebrate mom and dad this year with a meaningful gift that reﬂects their foodie passions. Mom’s big day is May 10, and a month later, pops gets his on June 21.

FOR WINE LOVERS: At the Wine Wave, you can introduce your parents to a new grape, region or wine and keep exploring with them all year long. 900 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/276-2076; thewinewave.com

FOR CHOCOLATE FANS: Norman Love Confections has spent decades perfecting its artisanal chocolates, and its specialty boxes will surely put a smile on their faces. 21200 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton; 561/2882650; normanloveconfections.com

FOR PASTRY DISCIPLES: A visit to Tartelette French Patisserie & Café will leave you overwhelmed by choices in the best possible way. Make sure to pick up one of its fruit art masterpieces. 201 S.E. First Ave., Boca Raton; 725/253-7479; tartelettepatisserie.com —Christie Galeano-DeMott

Casablanca Café—3049 Alhambra St. American, Mediterranean. The restaurant has an “Arabian Nights” feel, with strong Mediterranean inﬂuences. Try the peppercorn-dusted ﬁlet mignon with potato croquette, Gorgonzola sauce and roasted pepper and Granny Smith relish. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/764-3500. $$

Casa D’Angelo—1210 N. Federal Highway, #5A. Italian. Many dishes are specials—gnocchi, risotto and scaloppine. The marinated grilled veal chop is sautéed with wild mushrooms in a fresh rosemary sauce. A delightful pasta entrée is the pappardelle con porcini: thick strips of fresh pasta coated in a light red sauce and bursting with slices of porcini mushrooms. • Dinner nightly. 954/564-1234. $$

Chima—2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. Steaks. The Latin American rodizio-churrascaria concept—all the meat you can eat, brought to your table—is done with high style, ﬁne wines and excellent service. The sausages, ﬁlet mignon, pork ribs and lamb chops are very good. • Dinner nightly. 954/712-0580. $$$

Il Mulino—1800 E. Sunrise Blvd. Italian. This modest, unpretentious Italian restaurant doesn’t attempt to reinvent the culinary wheel. Instead, it dishes up big portions of simple, hearty, flavorful food at extremely reasonable prices. Zuppa de pesce is a wealth of perfectly cooked seafood over linguini in a light tomato-based sauce. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/524-1800. $

MAASS: Chef’s Counter—525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Contemporary. MAASS was the only Fort Lauderdale restaurant awarded a Michelin star in 2025. While it’s considered chef Ryan Ratino’s third starred restaurant, one must clarify that

it was only The Chef’s Counter, the 14 seats overlooking the open kitchen, which received the honor from the iconic gastronomic guide. The menu o ers two prix ﬁxe Japanese-inspired menus that di er in price and duration. • Dinner nightly. 954/256-0000. $$$$

Sea Watch—6002 N. Ocean Blvd. Seafood. For a righton-the-beach, welcome-to-Florida dining experience, there’s Sea Watch. Decked out in a pervasive nautical theme, this is deﬁnitely tourist country, but it’s pretty and on the beach. The perfect entrée for the indecisive: The broiled seafood medley brochette, with lobster tail, jumbo shrimp and scallops, yellow squash, zucchini, mushrooms and pineapple. • Lunch and dinner daily. 954/781-2200. $$

HOLLYWOOD

Taverna Opa—410 N. Ocean Drive. Greek. Bring all your friends here and order a million mezes (Greek appetizers). Try the keftedes, Greek meatballs, and the lamb chops or snapper, which is ﬁlleted at the table. Don’t be surprised when your waiter pulls you up on the table to dance. • Dinner nightly. 954/929-4010. (Also: 270 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561/303-3602). $$

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA

Blue Moon Fish Company—4405 W. Tradewinds Ave. Seafood. This is one of the best spots in Broward County for waterside dining. Choose from a raw bar and ﬁsh nearly every which way, as well as daily, seasonal ﬁsh specials. • Lunch and dinner daily. Brunch Sun. 954/267-9888. $$$

Miami-Dade County AVENTURA

Bourbon Steak—19999 W. Country Club Drive. Steaks Michael Mina’s elegant steak house in tony Turnberry Isle features impeccable service, an encyclopedic wine list and a roster of USDA Prime Angus, Wagyu and Kobe steaks. • Dinner nightly. 786/279-6600. $$$$

BAL HARBOUR

The Palm— 9650 E. Bay Harbor Drive. Steaks. The portions are giant, but you’ll surely clear your plate of 3- to 7-pound jumbo Nova Scotia lobster or a tender ﬁlet mignon. S&S cheesecake shipped from the Bronx is pure heaven. • Dinner nightly. 305/868-7256. $$$

CORAL GABLES

Ca e Abbracci—318 Aragon Ave. Italian. The dining room is handsome and understated, a ﬁtting ambience for Miami’s movers and shakers. That’s just part of the draw of Abbracci, though the regional Italian fare has achieved its own status as some of the best in the Gables. You can’t go wrong with the porcini risotto or the pounded veal chop “tricolore.” • Lunch Mon.–Fri. Dinner nightly. 305/441-0700. $$

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

Tartelette French Patisserie & Cafe

AARON BRISTOL

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY’S WINTER BALL

WHERE: The Breakers

WHAT: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County flagship fundraiser returned for its 45th year to benefit programs for local youths. The Winter Ball, chaired this year by Sarah Johnson, Laura Reynolds, and Andrea Wynn, raised nearly $2 million even before the night’s festivities began through local sponsorships and donors. The gala itself, which took place within The Breakers’ storied Venetian Ballroom, raised nearly $4.5 million, bringing the total to nearly $6.5 million benefiting the club’s programs, specifically the Hunger Relief Program, which provides more than 675,000 meals throughout Palm Beach County each year. “Our goal was not only to host a beautiful evening but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need us most,” said Chairs Sarah Johnson, Laura Reynolds, and Andrea Wynn. “The generosity in the room was truly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone year unforgettable.”

1: Ann and Charles Johnson

2: Deborah and Steve Barnes

3: Steve and Andrea Wynn, Lynne Wheat, Thomas Peterffy

4: David and Sybil Yurman

5: Chris and Ann Flowers

6: Lew and Ali Sanders

7: Greg Connors, Kathy Mueller, Julie and Mike Connors

8: Tom Quick, Amanda Schumacher, Michael Donnell

9: 2026 Winter Ball Chairs Laura Reynolds, Andrea Wynn, and Sarah Johnson

10: Tommy and Dee Hilfiger

11: Joe and Michelle Jacobs

12: Alina and John Paulson

EMPTY BOWLS PALM BEACH

WHERE: Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea

WHAT : This year’s Empty Bowls Palm Beach broke attendance records for the yearly event that reminds the community to “eat simply, so others can simply eat.” More than 750 attendees braved the February cold snap and warmed up with a simple meal of soup, albeit with an elevated twist thanks to tastings provided by more than a dozen local restaurants. Now in its 13th year, Empty Bowls raised more than $180,000, which will provide more than 900,000 meals throughout the community. “Empty Bowls Palm Beach is a meaningful way for our community to come together and help ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need,” said Palm Beach County Food Bank CEO Jamie Kendall. “Events like this allow neighbors to help neighbors in a very real and lasting way.”

1: The Rev. Susan Beebe, the Rev. Tim Schenck, Palm Beach County Food Bank CEO Jamie Kendall

2: Sponsor Debra Vasilopoulos

3: Lew Crampton

4: Charlotte Carl, Sara Griffin

5: Kyle Blackmon, Sandra Stern

6: Sponsors Madeline Andrews and Mariano Garcia

7: Presenting sponsors Chris and Ann Flowers

8: Presenting sponsor Laura Nicklas, Auction Chair Candice Ku

9: Marti LaTour, Nancy Bolton

10: Sponsors Ed Carter and Bob Pedrazza

11: Sponsors Paul Spencer and Jeff Marshall

12: Linda Roman, Platinum Sponsor Bill Robbins

MARY CSAR RETIREMENT PARTY

WHERE: The Boca Raton

WHAT: Former Boca Raton Historical Society Executive Director Mary Csar capped off her 27-year tenure with a lavish retirement celebration at The Boca Raton. It was a who’s who of civic leaders and local philanthropists at the party, which also celebrated the opening of the on-site Cloister Inn Museum and the resort’s centennial this year. Guests exchanged many toasts over Csar’s longtime commitment to preserving Boca Raton history ahead of a presentation to Csar of a key to the city by city council members. During the night’s festivities, Csar officially passed the baton to new Boca Raton Historical Society Executive Director Olivia Hollaus.

2: Dawn Zook, Zoe Lanham, Ann Rutherford

3: Mike Arts, Mary Csar

4: Andy Thomson, Susan Saxton

5: Helen and Jim Bellarano, Mary and Frank Csar

6: Susan Gillis, Russell and LeAnn Berman

1: Mary Csar is presented with the key to the City of Boca Raton

IMPACT 100 BUS TOUR

WHERE: Local nonprofit centers

WHAT: The ladies of Impact 100 Palm Beach County hit the road to visit six local nonprofits to see firsthand how their generous $100,000 grants have made a difference in the community. “Experiencing these programs in person reminds us why we give,” said Impact 100 PBC President Janean Mileusnic. “It’s not just about the grant; it’s about the ripple effect in our community.” Chaired by Helen Ballerano and Ingrid Kennemer, the bus tour started with a welcome breakfast before the 74 Impact 100 PBC members and guests boarded two buses and visited Morningday Community Solutions, Tomorrow’s Rainbow, Place of Hope, Milagro Center, Delray Beach Children’s Garden, and Roots & Wings. By the end of the tour, guests who had tagged along had committed to membership, bringing Impact 100 PBC that much closer to its goal of reaching 1,000 members.

1: Women from Impact 100 Palm Beach County

2: Janean Mileusnic, Susan Lachance

3: Kelly Fleming, Kathryn Woods

4: Cindy Krebsbach with Impact 100 grant recipients Tomorrow’s Rainbow

5: Lisa Sunshine, Buddy Walck, Michelle Rubin

May/June 2026 issue. Vol. 46 No. 5. The following are trademarks in the state of Florida of Palm Beach Media Group, and any use of these trademarks without the express written consent of Palm Beach Media Group is strictly prohibited: Savor the Avenue; Tastemakers of Delray; Tastemakers at Mizner; Florida Style and Design; Delray Beach magazine; Boca Raton, South Florida At Its Best; bocamag.com; Florida Table; Boca Raton magazine. Boca (ISSN0740-2856) is published 9 times a year (September/October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May/June and July/August) by Palm Beach Media Group. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices: 1000 Clint Moore Road, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL, 33487. Telephone: 561/997-8683. Please address all editorial and advertising correspondence to the above address. Periodicals postage paid at Boca Raton, Fla., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: $24.95/8 issues, $34.95/16 issues (shipping fee included for one- and two-year rates). Single copy $6.95. No whole or part of the content may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of Boca magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Boca magazine, P.O. Box 820, Boca Raton, FL 33429-9943.

Marie Speed

That Sinking Sensation

The brave new world of space-age tech has o cially gone over this particular head

Written by MARIE SPEED

In almost every old TV show there was quicksand. I remember this. Quicksand showed up everywhere, including Tarzan and Sky King, and I realized by age 7 that it was something to watch out for every day of your life—and I did. I’d do anything to avoid the slow-motion horror of being sucked into a living pit of certain suffocating, helpless death. And, so far, so good.

Except there’s a different kind of quicksand nowadays I’m trying to sidestep, and it’s a little less tangible than a bottomless pit of dangerous slime. I don’t know what to call it, but I guess it’s the breakneck speed of evolving technology, which sounds boring but is actually kind of scary, at least to me. I know this sounds like what an old person would say, and I suppose I am an old person technically, but this is not generational. It’s about 15 times harder to understand than new math, which no one understands.

I think I ﬁrst got lost way back when with The Cloud. I was too embarrassed to ask where The Cloud was exactly, although I know now that The Cloud refers to an endless bank of servers in some desert somewhere—or many wheres. I do not know how servers work, but that’s what The Cloud is.

The most recent mystery to me, and the one that looms largest in our lives, is AI, which is on the news and talked about every single day, on the hour, on the minute. I know what AI looks like, at least in a few cases like on Facebook, where you can download an AI program and make a caricature of yourself, or that meme where you can watch movie stars come back from the dead and then sit by their younger selves on a bench. Or those reels of orcas suddenly diving into boats out of nowhere.

Next was Bitcoin. Bitcoin and the blockchain have been explained to me a few times. There is a moment of clarity, and then— poof!—I am back to square one. I do not understand why people pay real money to have Bitcoin money that does not have a picture of Benjamin Franklin on it. I can’t seem to grasp how it works, why it needs to be “mined” (I thought that was for diamonds, which I do understand), and I have no idea how you get Bitcoin in case you are kidnapped and need to pay up.

There’s even a perfectly wizened Asian guru in a kimono named Yang Mun who imparts“ancient wisdom for the modern world”who is not at all real. Google made him. It’s this not real part that confuses me, because it is also very real. Kids in school writing whole essays with words that came from AI, not from them. Algorithms sending me ad after ad for cute shoes, like they know me for god’s sake. It’s pervasive, and I am not sure if AI isn’t the backdrop for everything we do these days. This is where it feels like a Stanley Kubrick movie, or that pit of pesky quicksand. Who is AI, and how do we not get swallowed whole by it? It’s harder and harder to keep up. Our operating systems (when did everyone suddenly have“operating systems?”) get“updated” all the time, and we talk with agents online named Emily who are not truly Emilys at all but chatbots (I always fall for this). And then there’s the alarming fact that some people are already buying near-self-driving cars, even ones who live in Miami, where you cannot remotely trust a human driver, much less a drive-bot. My point is I know it’s everywhere, but I do not understand how it works, and if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. I am afraid I am just going to have to trust it. And that’s a little scarier than quicksand.

The writer as a tech wizard, thanks to ChatGPT

Boca Magazine May/June 2026

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