As a concierge General Contractor company in South Florida, we specialize in high-end luxury projects, from breathtaking renovations to bespoke custom builds. Our commitment to excellence and passion for our craft sets us apart in the industry. Collaborating with top designers and architects across the country, we bring our clients’ visions to life with unparalleled precision and creativity.
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WITH US AND DISCOVER A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.
26 Restaurants + Galleries, Spas, Boutiques and More
Dining & Shopping Destination in Downtown Boca Raton
We
Perla Lichi Design
We create interiors in the client’s preferred style: Classic, Modern, Palatial — or anything in between.
At GlowU Med Spa, we believe beauty is more than skin deep, it’s about confidence, wellness, and self-care. Our mission is to empower you to look and feel your best with advanced aesthetic treatments, personalized care, and cutting-edge medical expertise. Whether you’re experiencing fatigue, weight fluctuations, or signs of aging, our tailored therapies optimize your well-being from the inside out, because true beauty starts with balance.
Unlike traditional spas, we bridge the gap between beauty and medicine, offering a holistic approach that enhances both your appearance and your health. GlowU Med Spa offers a serene and sophisticated escape where you can rejuvenate, refresh, and restore your natural glow.
Services include:
Wrinkle Relaxer
Dermal Fillers
Microneedling
Biostimulators
IV Therapy
Hormonal Balancing
GLP-1 Treatments
Regenerative Peptides
Hydrafacials
Custom Facial
Chemical Peels
Comprehensive blood analysis including food sensitives and allergies, vitamin deficiencies, hormone panel and more
UPCOMING
MUSIC FEST – Wednesdays, October 2025 through April 2026, 6-8pm YOGA ON THE GREEN – First and Last Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00pm EASTER EGG HUNT – Saturday, March 28, 11:00am-2:00pm
Arsy-Varsy
Batch Gastropub
Burt & Max’s Bar and Grille
Care Dental
Chase Bank
Chico’s
Club Champion
Curated Home
Deka Lash
Diamonds & Pearls
Dos Amigos Tacos
European Wax Center
Foot Solutions
Ganzo Sushi
Glam Cosmetics
Harmony Studio
Luxury Furniture
Hoffman’s Chocolates
Hooky Entertainment IT’SUGAR
Laughing Lizards Boutique
LOFT
Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ
ManCave Salon
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Mustafa Hair Design
Natural Beauty Laser
Orangetheory Fitness
Perspire Sauna Studio
POSH Design Studio
Publix Super Markets
Restore Cryotherapy & Hyper Wellness
Revival Boutique
Ruby and Jenna
Salt Pilates
Sand Brazil
Shoes ‘N’ More
Skillets
Soma Intimates
StretchLab
Techy
Terra Fiamma
Venetian Nail Spa
Verizon Wireless
Versona
Visual Eyes
White House Black Market
Xfinity
Yonutz! COMING SOON
The Designery
In Every Issue
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The best tips & trends + the newest products
Achieving South Florida style has
European-inspired festivals aboard Celebrity Xcel
Location, Location, Location Real Estate directory
Are you ready to feel younger, heal faster, and revitalize your body from the inside out?
Call Dr. Brandon Hollenberg today for a free consultation about this powerful new treatment to help your quality of life.
STEM CELL THERAPY
Stem cells are powerful cellular messengers that are filled with proteins, growth factors and RNA that signals the body to produce young healthy cells to support cellular regeneration.
As of July 1st Florida state law now approves treatment of stem cells for Orthopedic, Pain and Wound Healing.
• IMMUNE SUPPORT • BRAIN HEALTH • JOINT & MUSCLE RELIEF • HAIR GROWTH & SKIN RENEWAL • IMPROVED ENERGY & SLEEP QUALITY
INTEGRATED CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER
Yamato Road, Suite 2 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (Between Congress Ave. & Military Trail) 561-826-3808 www.integratedchiropracticofboca.com
Dr. Hollenberg is a Board Certified Chiropractor with over 20 years of experience and expertise.
ONLY THE BEST
As spring arrives, it brings with it a sense of optimism and fresh possibility—and that spirit is exactly what inspires everything we do at Simply The Best
This season is about celebrating what’s new while staying true to what matters most: quality, authenticity, and meaningful connections. As the owner and publisher of Simply The Best, I’m incredibly proud of the way our brand continues to grow while remaining grounded in the values that started it all—curating exceptional offerings, supporting outstanding businesses, and delivering experiences that truly stand out.
Spring is also a time of gratitude. I want to personally thank our partners, readers, and supporters for being part of this journey. Your trust and enthusiasm motivate us to keep raising the bar and finding new ways to bring you the very best—simply and thoughtfully.
In the months ahead, you’ll see exciting features, fresh collaborations, and carefully selected highlights that reflect the energy of South Florida. We’re focused on innovation, creativity, and community, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a vibrant spring filled with growth, inspiration, and excellence.
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW!
Join me at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, where we will be showcasing an exceptional lineup of yachts. Step aboard and experience the craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury that defines our brands.
Private showings are available by appointment, please call or email me directly to reserve your time.
If you’re unable to attend the show, I would be happy to welcome you to my showroom in Pompano Beach, Florida. I specialize in a wide range of new construction, pre-owned, and brokerage vessels across many leading brands.
I look forward to helping you find the perfect yacht.
Janaina Pina SENIOR YACHT CONSULTANT
Psychiatry redefined
jarred.smoke@allstate.com
Food News
In South Florida, the dining scene is where the spirit of our community truly comes alive. From chef-driven concepts and family-owned favorites, to diverse international cuisines that reflect cultural richness, each and every establishment plays a role in shaping our area’s identity.
From city to city, an elevated dining landscape blends upscale establishments with neighborhood charm, creating gathering places that have cultivated a food culture that supports local, attracts tourism, fuels small-business growth, and strengthens social connections.
With this in mind, turn to page 58 to read Kenny Spahn’s annual “The Restaurant Year in Review”, which chronicles all of the latest restaurant openings and closings in Boca Raton and Delray Beach throughout the past year.
Additionally, we’ve prepared an assortment of mouthwatering content, including tasty meal and cocktail recipes, culinaryinspired travel, and food trends for you to savor.
Enjoy!
GLP-1’s
• Tirzepatide Shots (Mounjaro)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic)
• Peptides
• Oral Appetite Suppressants
• Wellness Injections
• Fat Burning Injections
• Nutritional Counseling & Accountability
• Body Sculpting
• Muscle Sculpting
• In-House Weight Loss Products
CUSTOM BACKLIT GLASS WALLS • SCULPTURAL FOCAL POINTS • DIGITAL STONE REPLICATION, ART, IMAGES, WALLPAPER, FABRIC WALLS
At Alexandra Glass Design, we turn everyday spaces into timeless statements. Our backlit glass panels—precision-crafted stone visuals—bring elegance to various architectural settings. WE SPECIALIZE IN:
BATHROOM SHOWER WALLS ART WALLS • FEATURE WALLS BACKSPLASHES PARTITIONS
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LOBBY AREAS
With over 35 years of experience, our team delivers refined design and lasting craftsmanship for both residential and commercial spaces.
DESIGNED TO INSPIRE. BUILT TO LAST. (954) 200-3212 (407) 800-3320
www.alexglassdesigns.com info@alexglassdesigns.com Serving South Florida, Orlando, Tampa & Sarasota
PRIDE FOR PRATT
I wanted to share how much I enjoyed the recent edition of your magazine. The cover immediately caught my attention, and the feature on Chris Pratt was especially engaging. The interview felt authentic and insightful, offering a great look at both his professional journey and personal perspective.
Marcia Boca Raton
I would like to commend you and your team on the January/February issue of Simply the Best magazine. The articles were engaging, well-written, and offered a refreshing mix of inspiration and practical insights. I especially appreciated the diverse range of features, which made the issue both informative and enjoyable to read. Thank you for continuing to deliver high-quality content that resonates with your readers. I look forward to future editions.
I thoroughly enjoyed the January/February issue of Simply the Best magazine, especially the feature on Chris Pratt. What stood out to me most was his humility and sense of gratitude despite his success. His comments about staying grounded and valuing family were both refreshing and inspiring, and they added a meaningful depth to the interview.
James Delray Beach
Sonya Boca Raton
ABOVE THE BEACH
The Break House Kitchen + Beach Bar —Deerfield Beach’s first rooftop bar, is quickly becoming a favorite gathering spot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The oceanfront dining destination, founded by Oceans 234 owner Danielle Rosse, offers an all-day, coastal menu in addition to social, wellness and after-work programming, including a Run Club, Mahjong Night, Coffee Club, and Happy Hour! thebreakhouse.com
Time for Three will perform on Sunday, March 7 at Mizner Park Amphitheater.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS
One of Boca Raton’s most beloved annual events, Festival of the Arts BOCA, is running now through March 8. Since its inaugural year in 2007, the Festival has been an unprecedented celebration of cultural arts, and has been heralded as a resounding success year after year. It features world-renowned artists and newcomers alike with one goal in mind: to promote the cultural arts and enrich the quality of life of the residents of Boca Raton, North Broward and Palm Beach County. festivalboca.org
FIRST IN FLORIDA
Florida Atlantic University is stepping into the future as the first university in Florida to publicly host a large, dedicated quantum computer on campus. Through a new partnership with D-Wave Quantum Inc., FAU will install the cutting-edge Advantage2 system at its Boca Raton campus later this year. The move promises to accelerate breakthrough research, immersive student training, and real-world applications spanning logistics, transportation, and materials science. Timed with D-Wave’s new headquarters at the Boca Raton Innovation Center, the collaboration cements South Florida as an emerging hub for quantum innovation. fau.edu
Lauren Desberg
As one of the most experienced system integration companies in South Florida, AudioTec Designs’ premium automation solutions make you the true master of your domain. Easily and intelligently control every aspect of your house—from lights, security, climate control, home theater, music and more—even if you are miles away. Or let things happen automatically. Music can stream throughout the house from any source. When it’s game time, have the lights dim, the shades lower and the TV tune to the right input, with one tap. Your security system arms automatically as the lights go out the minute everyone’s safe in bed. It’s that simple and fully customizable for any home, big or small. AudioTec Designs. Automation for an easier life.
FRESH PRODUCE The Foundation of Healthy Living
As concerns about childhood obesity and chronic disease reach crisis levels, public health experts are urging Americans to eat more fresh produce.
For the first time in history, more children worldwide are obese than underweight — a reversal driven largely by diets dominated by ultra-processed foods and a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to UNICEF. It’s not just an issue impacting children. In the United States, adult obesity rates have hovered at approximately 40% from 2021-2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fresh produce in the United States has never been safer with extensive federal requirements for leafy greens. Farmers and produce companies have also taken food safety concerns seriously, investing heavily in prevention, testing and traceability systems. Many farmers and food companies voluntarily comply with industry-wide standards. For example, in California, the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) sets measurable and verifiable standards for the produce industry, further enhancing food safety.
younger in age. A study by the “Institute for Functional Medicine” discovered diets rich in leafy greens sparked DNA changes that reversed biological aging by up to 3.23 years.
The cardiovascular benefits extend beyond mortality reduction. A study published in the “European Journal of Nutrition” found consuming 1.5 cups of leafy greens daily could help prevent heart disease in older adults. As has long been documented in medical literature, consuming more fruits and vegetables is associated with lower mortality rates.
“This isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about maintaining quality of life and independence as we age.”
“This isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about maintaining quality of life and independence as we age. It’s also important to remember that,” said Dr. David Acheson, a medically trained food safety expert who previously served in leadership at both the FDA and USDA.
The numbers tell a compelling story about both safety and benefits. Americans consume 130 million servings of leafy greens every day, according to the Western Growers Association. Meanwhile, the evidence linking leafy green consumption to better health outcomes continues to mount.
Research published in the journal “Neurology” found eating approximately one serving per day of leafy greens was associated with slower cognitive decline — equivalent to being 11 years
Access to fresh produce has also never been more convenient or varied. From bagged salads and pre-cut vegetables to readyto-eat fresh cut fruit bowls or vegetable trays, there are countless ways to incorporate healthy foods into diets. These options reduce barriers to healthy eating by eliminating prep time and providing portion-controlled servings that help minimize food waste while making nutritious choices more accessible. This means the real challenge is translating this abundance of fresh produce into better dietary habits and improved public health.
In a nation grappling with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline, doubling down on fresh produce isn’t just good advice. It’s a public health imperative.
STRIPED RIGHT
A MODERN CLASSIC REIMAGINED
Preppy stripes step confidently into 2026 with a renewed sense of energy and expression. Still anchored in timeless collegiate tradition, the look evolves through richer color stories, unexpected pairings, and an artful mix of widths that feel both intentional and fresh. The crisp, neutral stripes that defined 2025 give way to bolder palettes — think sun-warmed hues, saturated primaries, and layered tones that add depth and personality.
This season’s stripes strike a refined balance between structure and playfulness, offering a polished aesthetic that feels uplifting rather than rigid. It is preppy, layered with confidence, charm, and a touch of joyful rebellion that makes the classic feel entirely new again. stb
J.Crew relaxed linen T-shirt in Branford Stripe. $59.50, jcrew.com
Adidas Gazelle Indoor shoes in green/glow pink. $120,
best obsessions
1 DYSON OMEGA™ LEAVE-IN CONDITIONING SPRAY
When used before heat styling, this 8-in-1 multitasker nourishes, detangles, smooths, reduces frizz, minimizes breakage and moisturizes hair with a proprietary mix of seven omega-rich plant oils, including sunflower oil harvested on Dyson Farms in the United Kingdom. $69.99, dyson.com
2 TATA HARPER SCULPTING BODY STONE
Use this spa-grade sculpting tool in the comfort of your own home to help ease tension, promote lymphatic drainage, and tone the body for lifted look. It is crafted from 100% Feng Cheng Jade, which has been used in rituals for centuries because of its grounding properties, making it the perfect stone for all your massage needs. $70, tataharperskincare.com
3 THRIVE CAUSEMETICS EMPOWERGLOSS
An ultra-glossy lip serum that drenches lips in hydration while creating a naturally fuller-looking pout, this serumgloss hybrid can be applied sheer for everyday freshness or layered for a bold, high-shine finish that leaves lips smooth, soft, and luminous. $28, thrivecausemetics.com
4 SAINT JANE RICH RESCUE PHYTO-MUCIN CREAM
Powered by mucin made from Yam Root, a plant-based source that mimics the texture and skin benefits of snail mucin, Saint Jane’s unique, vegan formulation provides all the benefits of snail-mucin including hydration, elasticity, and softness — without using any animal ingredients. $45, saintjanebeauty.com
5 MERIT THE UNIFORM™ TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 45
Achieve a natural, everyday look with Merit’s non-comedogenic tinted mineral sunscreen with buildable coverage, which can be worn alone or layered with your favorite foundation. $38, sephora.com 4 5 2 1
beauty buzz UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE
For Spring 2026, luxury speaks softly —and it starts at the fingertips. Short, meticulously manicured nails in understated neutral hues have emerged as the season’s most covetable beauty statement, signaling a shift away from excess. In an era where elegance is increasingly measured by intention rather than impact, the minimalist manicure has become the ultimate status symbol.
Today’s tastemakers are embracing nails that feel effortless. Think clean silhouettes finished in shades of milky ivory, warm beige, soft blush, dove gray, and barely-there taupe. Short neutral nails transition seamlessly, photograph beautifully, age gracefully, and — perhaps most importantly — signal a woman who values precision and performance.
This trend also reflects a broader cultural return to “quiet luxury,” where quality, grooming, and subtlety reign supreme. Nail artists report a growing demand for healthy nail beds, highshine finishes, and custom-blended neutrals tailored to individual skin tones. It’s less about trend-chasing and more about personal refinement.
As we move beyond Spring 2026, the short neutral manicure shows no signs of fading. Instead, it’s cementing its place as a timeless symbol of being impeccably put together.
1manicurist Green™ Nail Polish in Beige. $14, us.manucurist.com
2
Essie Nail Polish in Marshmallow. $10, ulta.com
3
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rose Coquille. $60, bloomingdales.com
4
OPI Nail Lacquer in Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around. $11.99, target.com
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE KRONISH FUNERAL SERVICES:
Committed to serving the local Jewish conmmunity.
We are here for you, any hour, any day. We are not like other Jewish funeral homes: we are locally owned and family controlled.
We are your neighbors and friends and have deep roots in the Jewish community. We always treat you with dignity and respect.
We can also support the deceased’s wishes to be buried out of town or in Israel.
We offer consecrated and segregated Taharah and Shomer facilities.
UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY AT A FAIR PRICE
Transparent, high-integrity care without inflated costs or hidden fees.
TRUSTED BY ALL JEWISH DENOMINATIONS
Fully equipped to honor Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox traditions with precision and respect.
GLOBAL TRAVEL PROTECTION
Coverage that ensures dignified repatriation and burial—even if death occurs far from home.
COMPLIMENTARY GPS TRACKING FOR OUT-OF-TOWN BURIALS Peace of mind when flying your loved one—never worry about airline mishandling.
ETHICAL, HALACHIC, AND CONSUMER-CENTERED STANDARDS
Certified practices that protect families & uphold Jewish burial values.
AVAILABLE 24/7, NATIONWIDE
Immediate response, wherever and whenever you need us.
NO CORPORATE OWNERSHIP—JUST COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP Family-led, mission-driven, and accountable to the Jewish community— not shareholders.
beauty buzz
TRENDING NOW: GOURMAND FRAGRANCE
FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE PAST YEAR, SWEET SCENTS — FROM RICH CARAMELS TO CANDIED CHERRIES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN — HAVE BEEN ALL THE RAGE, AND THEY AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE SOON.
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KAYALI YUM BOUJEE MARSHMALLOW | 81 Eau de Parfum Intense
This scent boasts a tempting blend of sweet and inviting notes, such as soft pink marshmallow, juicy strawberry, toasted coconut, airy freesia, creamy vanilla, and gentle pink musk. $150, sephora.com
CLEAN RESERVE | Caramel
Swirl Eau de Parfum with Mango
A blend of caramelized coconut and tangy Italian tangerine, accented by a hint of lemon, transports you to a citrus-infused paradise. Here, the sweet nectar of mango and the subtle fragrance of strawberry blossom come together in harmony. The experience is further elevated by a velvety cloud of creamy white chocolate and whipped cream, all wrapped in the warmth of sandalwood and soft, airy musk. $118, cleanbeauty.com
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SKYLAR | Double Dates
Eau de Parfum
Double Dates embodies the essence of indulgence with a luxurious, comforting gourmand fragrance. The deep richness of brown sugar and luscious dates combines with smooth toffee, creating a mouthwatering, cozy sweetness. A golden warmth wraps around the skin, leaving behind a scent that’s both delectable and refined. $96, skylar.com
PHLUR | Heavy Cream Body and Hair Fragrance Mist
Heavy Cream is a dreamy blend of rich sweetness with a playful, sugary charm that feels both luxurious and light. Whipped gourmand notes dance in the air, while vibrant citrus and radiant florals gently caress the skin, creating a soft, velvety aura. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and silky, with a weightless, almost ethereal quality that lingers like a confectionery dream. $38, sephora.com
Enter a World of Serenity
Forget about the stress and worries of daily life. At Eden Day Spa, our experienced staff will transport you into a world of complete calm with our personalized spa treatments. We provide
style palm BEACH
1. Anagram D-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, $420, Loewe Eyewear NET-A-PORTER 2. April Poplin Collar Pullover Top, $475, L’Agence neimanmarcus.com 3. Sofie Wide-Leg Jeans, $288, rag & bone rag-bone.com 4. Brushed Brass Vera Earrings, $228, Cult Gaia tnuck.com 5. Polo ID leather backpack, $1,135, Polo Ralph Lauren NET-A-PORTER 6. Perrita Leather Penny Loafers, $626.50, Manolo Blahnik neimanmarcus.com
Elodie Bomber Coat in Neutral, $490, Reiss reiss.com
Aria Woven Medium Shoulder Bag, $169, JW PEI macys.com
Slingback Woven Flats, $148,
Pierre Pleated Wool-Silk Wide-Leg Pants, $495, Staud saksfifthavenue.com
south florida style MIAMI
trend REPORT
GET THE LOOK: Bigger is
Better
Go bold with your Spring 2026 style, and embrace the bigger-is-better choker trend. While chokers have been making a quiet comeback in the past few years, you won’t be able to miss them this season — they are bigger, bolder and better than ever!
1. Amber Necklace in Gold, $62, 8 Other Reasons revolve.com
Taxpayers pay their taxes late. Tax returns are filed late. WHY? They relied on their tax preparers and filed an inaccurate return. Family gets sick. Your records got lost when the hard drive failed. You moved and did not respond to an IRS Notice. There was a Hurricane, Tornado or Flooding. The dog forgot to mail your tax return. Things just happen. You may have a better reason. All scenarios result in the IRS ASSESSING A PENALTY for Filing Late and Paying Late. YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PENALTY REDUCED, REMOVED AND REFUNDED even after many years. We offer a FREE CONSULTATION to review YOUR UNIQUE situation. We cannot help every situation, but what have you got to lose? CALL US TODAY. We have experienced CPAs that have helped hundreds of clients over 35 years.
FOUR NEW EUROPEANINSPIRED FESTIVALS ABOARD CELEBRITY XCEL
Celebrity Cruises is redefining the art of Mediterranean travel with the debut of four European-inspired festivals aboard Celebrity Xcel, launching Summer 2026. Designed to blur the boundary between ship and shore, the experience unfolds within The Bazaar, an immersive, first-of-its-kind destination space that transforms sea days into a sensorial journey through Europe’s most captivating cultures.
Unveiled as Celebrity Xcel sails her inaugural European season, The Bazaar is more than a venue—it’s a living, breathing expression of place. From morning to night, the three-story space evolves through immersive design, dynamic programming, and sweeping LED visuals that transport guests from the sun-washed cliffs of Santorini to the art-lined streets of Florence, long after the ship has departed port.
“Since launching aboard Celebrity Xcel, The Bazaar has revolutionized destination immersion,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “We’ve transformed sea days
into deeply engaging cultural experiences, and we’re thrilled to bring the heartbeat of the Mediterranean on board every European sailing.”
At the heart of The Bazaar are four thoughtfully curated festivals, each celebrating the flavors, traditions, and rhythms of the Mediterranean. Together, they create a rotating calendar of discovery where no two days alike.
The spirited Opa Festival channels the infectious energy of Greece. By day, guests savor iconic dishes like moussaka and honey-soaked baklava while crafting traditional “mati” evil-eye jewelry. As evening falls, live musicians strike up familiar melodies, inviting guests to dance, twirl napkins, and shout “Opa!” in a joyful celebration that feels straight from a seaside taverna.
Italy’s romance takes center stage during the La Dolce Vita Festival. Daytime indulgences include limoncello tastings and hands-on culinary workshops focused on fresh pasta and tiramisu. By night, the atmosphere shifts to Venetian-inspired
“WE’VE TRANSFORMED SEA DAYS INTO DEEPLY ENGAGING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES, AND WE’RE THRILLED TO BRING THE HEARTBEAT OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ON BOARD EVERY EUROPEAN SAILING.”
glamour, where elegance, music, and la dolce vita converge in a scene worthy of an Italian film.
Bold and passionate, Spain’s Salud Festival is a vibrant showcase of color and flair. Guests sip sangria, sample regional bites, and craft flamenco roses and fans before the evening erupts into dramatic performances by flamenco dancers and matadors—an homage to Spain’s fiery soul.
Rounding out the experience, Silk & Spice Festival offers a sensory voyage through the rich traditions of Morocco and Turkey. Fragrant teas, Turkish delight, and artisanal activities fill the day, while night brings hypnotic rhythms and whirling dancers in a mesmerizing celebration of movement and music.
Culinary exploration is woven throughout The Bazaar. At Mosaic, an open-kitchen dining concept, chefs present elevated interpretations of regional dishes inspired by cities like Naples, Mykonos, and Lisbon. Nearby, Spice offers casual daytime bites that rotate with each itinerary, paired with panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
On at-sea days, Market at The Bazaar invites guests to browse artisan treasures sourced from across Italy, France, Spain,
Greece, Portugal, and Morocco—think fragrant olive oils, handpainted tiles, and Italian silk scarves, perfect for taking a piece of the journey home.
For hands-on food lovers, Chef’s Studio at Mosaic—Celebrity’s first destination-inspired cooking school—offers immersive classes that evolve with each festival, allowing guests to master regional recipes while creating lasting memories.
Beyond the ship, Celebrity Xcel continues the journey ashore with itineraries that include Florence, Palma de Mallorca, Mykonos, and Santorini, plus overnight stays in Madeira for unhurried exploration.
Beginning May 2026, Celebrity Xcel will sail seven-to 11-night Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Athens, offering a new standard of cultural immersion—where Europe isn’t just visited, it’s lived. stb
A Veritable
BY VIOLET WILDER
Veritable Star F
THERE IS A STILLNESS TO DAKOTA JOHNSON THAT FEELS INCREASINGLY RARE IN MODERN HOLLYWOOD. IN AN INDUSTRY FUELLED BY REINVENTION, VOLUME AND VELOCITY, SHE HAS BUILT A CAREER DEFINED BY RESTRAINT, CHOOSING NUANCE OVER NOISE. IT IS A QUALITY THAT HAS FOLLOWED HER FROM EARLY BREAKOUT FAME INTO A PHASE OF CREATIVE CONTROL THAT NOW FEELS UNMISTAKABLY HER OWN.
AS SHE EXPLAINS TO SIMPLY THE BEST, HER EVOLUTION HAS NOT BEEN ABOUT CHASING RELEVANCE OR RESISTING CHANGE, BUT ABOUT TRUSTING HER INSTINCTS, EVEN WHEN THE INDUSTRY AROUND HER MOVES AT A DIFFERENT PACE.
rom a distance, Dakota Johnson fits neatly into the mythology of Hollywood royalty. The daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, the granddaughter of screen icon Tippi Hedren, she grew up in close orbit of film sets, premieres and paparazzi. With all that in mind you would expect the now-36-year-old to be a rather purposeful, punchy version of the Tinseltown A-lister; yet she’s not.
“My parents always taught me the value of humility,” she begins. “That was something instilled right at the start; and I think now more than ever, the idea of the big, bolshy entertainer is something people turn away from.”
Indeed, spend any time listening to Dakota speak and you will hear someone incredibly grounded, thoughtful, introspective, and quietly self-directed… right down to how she arrived in the business.
“I never really made a decision to become an actress,” she reflects. “It’s just something I always knew.”
Film sets, she explains, felt less like places of spectacle and more like home. When her father worked on Nash Bridges, she spent long days on location in San Francisco, absorbing the throes, processes and techniques of production. “It was like a playground where I could use my imagination,” she says. “A film set very quickly felt like where I belonged, and where I felt most at ease.”
That sense of ease, however, was tested early. Johnson’s global breakthrough in Fifty Shades of Grey arrived with unprecedented scrutiny. Fame amplified overnight, with her image shaped by forces far beyond her control. It would have been easy to lean into repetition, to follow the safest commercial path forward. Instead, she pivoted, selecting projects that were darker, stranger, and less predictable.
Her performances in Suspiria and Persuasion confirmed what many suspected: that beneath the surface glamour was an actor deeply interested in emotional complexity. “I’ve always loved stories that aren’t black and white,” she says. “The ones that leave an impression on you for some time afterwards.”
In 2026, that instinct finds its clearest expression yet in Verity, the psychological thriller in which she plays Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling author trying to complete the successful book series of Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) who, after a severe accident, is left incapacitated.
“It feels like a pivotal experience,” Dakota admits. Working alongside Anne
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
“The way people meet now feels weird to me. I’m not really into social media. I have a more traditional, romantic view."
Hathaway and Josh Hartnett, she describes a set driven by trust and shared intention. “We all came at it from the same place, in that we were really exploring psychological tension and moral ambiguity, but in a very intimate way.”
The role demanded emotional precision rather than spectacle — a quality the actress has come to prize. “It taught me a lot about inhabiting characters who are morally complex and layered,” she explains. “You have to understand their inner world… their fears, their motivations. There’s always a bit of me in every character. You decide how much of you is there.”
Away from the camera, Johnson’s life is defined by simplicity rather than excess. She speaks candidly about the importance of routine, privacy and small, grounding rituals. “I’m just a normal person,” she insists. “I cook, I read.” Literature, in particular, has become a refuge. Anne Brontë is her constant companion — a writer she credits with “solving all manner of emotional ills.”
She continues: “Bronte has a way of transporting the reader to another dimension, and I do think that kind of escapism is vital in a world that’s so complex and unpredictable.” It was this belief that inspired the actress to launch her TeaTime Book Club; not as a branding exercise, but as a way of sharing the communal power of reading. “That’s exactly why book clubs are so good. In the same way that you can go on to YouTube and read the comments on a film or piece of music, so too does a book club offer the same thing.
“After all, one person’s interpretation of a novel can be completely different to another’s,” she notes. “It’s all a matter of perception.”
Public life, inevitably, intrudes. Asked how she navigates media attention outdoors, her answer is pragmatic. “To a large extent, you can’t,” she says. “If someone is following you with a camera, there’s not really much you can do.” Instead, she focuses on what remains within her control: “My work, my family, my personal values.”
Those values have sharpened with experience. “Patience and self-trust,” she says, are the most valuable lessons she’s learned. “Success doesn’t come overnight. Every project contributes to growth.” She is particularly candid about finding her voice on set. “Unless you’re willing to stand up and be heard, you will be missed out. Age and experience aren’t the be-all and end-all. Confidence in your opinion matters.”
That confidence has translated into greater creative agency behind the scenes. In recent years, Dakota has increasingly taken on producer roles — a shift she describes as transformative. “Producing gives you a respect for the entire ecosystem of a film. The tone, the pacing, the safety of the environment, the way people are treated.
“It has also made me braver. I’m less afraid to say, ‘This doesn’t feel right,’ or, ‘Let’s try something else.’” Building collaborative sets, she believes, is essential. “When people feel listened to, the work improves. It’s not about control, it’s about responsibility.”
This philosophy extends naturally to her approach to fashion; an area where Johnson has become an unlikely style authority precisely because she resists the usual rules. “Style is very internal for me,” she says. “It’s not about being fashionable. It’s about feeling like yourself in your body.
“The pressure to constantly reinvent yourself visually can be exhausting, especially for women,” she notes. “What matters to me is longevity — wearing things I’ll love for years.
“I guess that’s the same approach I take to relationships and career. I am trying to build something lasting, not chasing whatever feels loud or immediate.”
Following her split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in 2025, the star speaks openly about societal expectations. “Women have always faced more pressure to marry and have kids,” she says. “If you don’t follow that path, there can be criticism.”
Her response is characteristically calm. “Making choices about relationships is like making career decisions — you listen to your heart.
“The way people meet now feels weird to me. I’m not really into social media. I have a more traditional, romantic view.”
Family, meanwhile, remains a steady anchor. Though Dakota no longer seeks advice in the same way she once did, she credits her parents and grandmother with instilling resilience and perspective. “What I had was a beginning,” she says simply. “They taught me not to get caught up in the hype.”
Overall, there is no sense of someone restless or dissatisfied. Instead, there is quiet assurance; someone open to risk, but grounded in self-knowledge. “I feel a newfound freedom now, and the confidence to embrace risk when the right thing comes along… whenever that is.” stb
Old World Meets New
A SAN JUAN CULINARY JOURNEY
BY ANNE KAZEL-WILCOX
Old San Juan walls
Inset photos (L-R): Mofongo with Shrimp; Crystal Diaz, owner of El Pretexto, with coffee beans; MARO restaurant
I’m on a culinary journey of San Juan and surrounding environs, discovering culinary traditions ranging from amazing street foods to fine dining and farmto-table. The cornucopia of vibrant flavors combines Taíno (indigenous), Spanish, and African cultures, together with modern twists. As the owner of Ocean Restaurant in the Caribe Hilton says, “People want to see on a menu things they’re familiar with—but also Puerto Rican.” Welcome to the fusion of old world and new.
I once heard that the best of tales “all started in a bar.”
So that’s where I start, at the Caribe Hilton, the birthplace of the pina colada. It was 1949, and Conrad Hilton had won the government’s bidding to create the finest-ever hotel in Puerto Rico for attracting international tourism. Supposedly, he won because his was the only organization to
submit a bid in Spanish. The hotel—Hilton’s first outside the continental US—became iconic, attracting the stars of the day. When the hotel’s bartender was then challenged to create a drink capturing the flavors of the island, the pina colada was born, a refreshing blend of coconut cream, fresh pineapple, and aged rum—stirred, not shaken back then. Invigorated by the drink’s freshness, I’m ready to conquer local cuisine.
First up is mofongo, a classic Puerto Rican dish made of mashed green plantains, garlic, and pork rinds (chicharrón), usually served in a half-dome mound as a side dish or a main dish topped with meat or seafood… like heavenly lobster ajillo (garlic cream sauce) at Ocean Restaurant. I’m to find mofongo in some shape or form at most every stop, as I begin my exploration.
Old San Juan
To get a lay of the land, I straddle an electronic moped with Loop Experiences, a fun way to explore Old San Juan. Whisking past beaches, parks, and the white marble capital building, I reach the cobblestones and colorful colonial buildings of the historic district. Standing sentinel over Old San Juan are two magnificent forts: Castillo San Cristóbal, the largest fortress built in the Americas, and San Felipe del Morro. The forts date to the Spanish colonization of the island during the 1500-1700s and were built to defend against enemy marauders, who grew to include the British, Dutch, French, and pirates seeking the island’s strategic location in the New World. The fortresses are a sight to behold up close, with massive gun decks, statuesque sentry boxes—and spectacular ocean vistas.
Traditions Piqued
For lunch, La Casita Blanca is on my radar, situated in a picturesque house in the nearby Santurce district. Plantain soup and bacalaitos—tasty codfish fritters—are served up like bread and butter to each guest. For a main course, I opt for avocado stuffed with crab salmorejo (stewed crab). I’m not sure which is more mouthwatering, the enormous fresh avocado or the flaked crab meat in a traditional Puerto Rican pique sauce, the house’s version combining habanero, tomato paste, sugar, salt, oregano, and cilantro. The same pique adds zest to an appetizer of coconut arepas (a crispy flatbread) topped with crab meat. There’s enticing meat concoctions as well, from beefsteak to pork feet, but my pork tasting will wait for a visit to the locals’ hotspot.
Local Specialties—
Molding Alcapurrias
To try my hand at local cooking, I take a short ride east to Piñones, a beachside community known for lively food stands. It’s only a Monday, yet the open-air Chompy’s is hopping. Here I tackle the Puerto Rican specialty alcapurrias, a torpedo-shaped pie. The fried shell is made from ground yuca and yautia (root vegetables like potatoes), while stuffed inside is flavorful ground or corned beef, crab, or fish. The cook shares a fascinating ageold preparation trick: we use the large, glossy leaf of a nearby rubber tree to serve as a mold, given the large leaf’s elongated shape. Au natural works to perfection. Even better yet is silky marinated octopus, so tender it melts in my mouth. The marinade includes olive oil, vinegar, garlic, onions, pepper, cilantro, and a secret ingredient, according to master Chompy, “Lots of love.” As I test out various menu offerings, they dispel my misconception of Puerto Rican foods, which I’d assumed to be mostly super spicy, like many Latin foods. Instead, I find savory
Molding alcapurrias in rubber leaf at Chompy's
Arepas with crab at La Casita Blanca
Caribe Hilton
Courtesy of Hilton Hotels
Travel Info
NO PASSPORTS REQUIRED
As a US territory, Puerto Rico does not require passports of US citizens. It’s a quick 2 1/2-hour flight from Miami.
WHERE TO STAY CARIBE HILTON:
An historic, luxury beachfront resort near Old San Juan. Amenities include five restaurants— ranging from regional cuisine to Morton’s steakhouse—spa, tennis, three pools, on-site snorkeling, and more.
ABOVE (clockwise): El Pretexto kitchen in the clouds, Duck nachos from MARO; El Rancho's lechón; custard quesito from Ocean Restaurant
not spicy, with intricate blends of seasonings. Savory gets better with each stop on this culinary journey.
Back at the Caribe Hilton, I dine on a dock that extends into the secluded coastal bay. Waves lap at the reef, lit by a full moon that beams upon a fort in the distance, the rich history of bygone eras omnipresent around San Juan. It’s at the Caribe Hilton that I have also found the best desert to top off an evening: Ocean Restaurant’s custard infused with cream cheese and topped with quesito (caramelized puff pastry). Sweet dreams!
Mountain Agro-culinary Experiences
The mountains call next, so it’s up to a culinary farm lodge called El Pretexto. Situated at 2,500 feet in Cayey, or “city of fog,” the mist envelops the farm before trade winds make way for roaring Caribbean sunshine. El Pretexto is the vision of a vivacious young woman obsessed with how much the island imports for culinary purposes—about 90%. Crystal Diaz set about changing that ratio in her small corner of the world. “We want to show visitors the Puerto Rico we dream of,” says Diaz. Her lush property, with a few country-elegant villas for rent, is resplendent with Caribbean cherry trees, guava, soursop, figs, and bananas, and she has a small harvest of coffee beans—for guest-only enjoyment, straight from mountain to coffee cup. She hosts twice-weekly farm-to-table dinners and takes her agro-culinary show on the road, bringing authentic dining/wining experiences to locales like the foothills of the El Yunque rainforest. On my visit, simplicity reigns in the form of a fluffy quiche topped with pesto, the eggs sourced from the farm’s hens just hours earlier. Delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Pork Highway
Simplicity is also the case at El Rancho Original, a cafeteriastyle pork restaurant not far from El Pretexto. So popular is its lechón—marinated slow-roasted pig—the restaurant spawned an entire road of similar restaurants, creating what some call “pork highway.” The pig is rubbed with a traditional Puerto Rican sofrito base of cilantro, garlic, onions, and peppers, with many families having their own secret twists. The pigs are roasted over flames for hours, resulting in succulent pork served with rice, beans, and perhaps a side of blood sausage.
New World Cuisine
Then it’s time for the newer-world traditions of renowned chef Mario Pagán. Having left architectural studies in Miami for a culinary career—and competing in the Food Network’s Iron Chef competition—he now has five restaurants in Puerto Rico and one in Orlando. At his newest San Juan restaurant, MĀRO, he mixes Latin with Pacific influences. Where to begin among my favorites? Duck nachos chicharrón (fried), bluefin tuna poke with avocado chili aioli, and a succulent black cod with miso coco that is out of this world. (Black cod is actually not cod but sablefish, a prized deep-sea fish with a rich, buttery taste.) There’s plenty of vegetarian and meat options as well. Both the restaurant setting and dish presentations are five-star stunning.
Rum Running
Along with San Juan culinary exploration, there’s the requisite rum factory visit, given that Puerto Rico produces more than 70% of all rum sold in the US. I visit the oldest factory, Ron del Barrilito, trying my hand at mixology. Their Encanto recipe wows me: 2 oz. rum, 1 oz. kiwi puree, and 1 oz. lime juice, shaken and topped with coconut foam.
Then it’s back to the Caribe Hilton to wrap up my exploration, but not before one last pina colada—shaken, not stirred these days—and a year’s worth of culinary ideas dancing in my head. stb
The Restaurant Year in Review "Another Crazy Year"
BY KENNY SPAHN
Lobster Paella at La Terraza
2026 has arrived
, and already seems to bring new headlines by the minute. Time will tell if this year surpasses the wild ride of last year (some of which you may have already forgotten) — so let’s take a quick look back at the year that was, shall we? 2025 began very tragically on New Year’s Eve, with the ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans, followed by a car bombing the very next day in Las Vegas — and concluded with an even more horrific Islamic mass shooting in Australia. And every day in between brought more major news. Most significantly, a new American President, Congress, and administration, bringing a multitude of ensuing changes: DOGE was created. All the American hostages were released by Hammas, followed by the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. Human trafficking, fentanyl deaths, and overall crime drastically declined. The whole world breathed easier as a Mideast peace agreement was finally reached, along with the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities and air defense. And the news faucet never stopped flowing: The death of a beloved Pope, followed by the coronation of the firstever American pontiff. The omnipresent rise of AI. Our abandoned Astronauts were finally brought home. Israel readily defeated Iran in just 12 days. Russia continued its merciless bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Mother Nature was ferocious, unleashing historic forest fires in L.A., tornadoes in Kentucky, and flash floods in Texas — America’s deadliest natural disaster in 100 years. An alarming series of airline crashes. A seemingly endless spree of religious attacks, including the murders of Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC, firebombings in Boulder, and the horrific church school shooting in Minneapolis. Ongoing social unrest and political violence reached a new level of depravity with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The government shutdown. The list goes on... On a lighter note, the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and our own Florida Panthers took home the Stanley Cup for the second year in row!
But at least we could assuage the world’s woes a bit by enjoying our favorite activity — eating!
A marked preponderance of local and regional players (mainly from Miami), plus a few national big guns expanded their foot-
hold into the Boca/Delray market in 2025. Faced with such deep-pocket competition, the percentage of independent operators continued to decline — but we still welcomed many local mom ‘n pop startups, the true backbone of neighborhood dining. And as always, we bid a fond farewell to many restaurants, including eager startups and beloved institutions alike. Italian and Pizza eateries re-established their dominance, after a slowdown over past few years. I also note a strong influx of mixed Asian, Latin, and Asian-Latin fusion concepts, reflecting our local demographics, as well as national trends. And so, my fellow foodies, here again is your annual guide to our culinary happenings, lovingly entitled, “The Restaurant Year in Review.”
Now Open!
BOCA RATON
Downtown Boca has historically been the epicenter of restaurant openings, but witnessed a surprising downturn of activity last year. Mizner Park welcomed the reincarnation of Tryst, filling the space left by the shortlived Penelope. Old-timers may fondly recall the original Tryst, a staple along Delray’s Atlantic Ave back in the day. With its creative Contemporary American / eclectic menu (from Apple Cider Donut Cheeseburger Sliders to Vegan Mushroom Lasagna), convivial outdoor patio, and lively bar scene, the new Tryst is a welcome return of an old friend. In nearby Palmetto Place, Patsy’s Pizza moved into the former Santa Anna spot, right next to Corvina. In addition to its namesake pizza (authentic Roman style — some of the best in town!), Patsy’s offers a full menu of authentic Italian cuisine, with a special focus on Sicilian cuisine, all with chef-driven amore. The name may be unassuming, but Patsy’s is the real deal. Fellow paisano Cultura Southern Italian Cafe opened nearby on North Federal, with Chef Giovanni’s Napoletana style pizza, panini, and bakery goodies.
But last years’ main action occurred in central Boca, providing diners with easier access, free parking, and less traffic. January saw the highly anticipated opening of CVI. CHE 105 in Boca Town Center, replacing the former California Pizza Kitchen. The highly
Affogato & Cookies at Roka Hula
successful Miami-based concept brings its inventive Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) fusion cuisine, cool Latin-AsianTropical vibe, and killer cocktail scene — breathing new life into the iconic shopping mall. Town Center also welcomed fast-casual eateries La Boom Bakery and Apropo Crêpes. Just across the mall on Restaurant Row, Pubbelly Sushi (finally) opened, after nearly 3 years of teasing us with “Coming Soon” signs. Famed Chef Jose Mendin’s (also Miami-based) Izakaya style (small tastings) modern Asian fusion cuisine adds a new dimension to the popular strip. Pubbelly opened right next to fellow newcomer Stage Kitchen & Bar, expanding Chef Pushkar Marathe’s PBG Indian-inspired modern global menu to Boca.
In the nearby Boca Village Square on St. Andrews Blvd., La Terraza Spanish Tapas & Bara (replacing Moon Thai) brought a much-needed taste of real Spanish cuisine. Chef/Owner Carlos Mendez delivers authentic artistry, reflecting his Spanish upbringing and lifelong devotion to its cuisine. This charming chef-owned “Spanish trattoria” offers an expansive wine bar, affordable prices, and genuine Mediterranean hospitality. Here you’ll find authentic Spanish cuisine, including dozens of Tapas, fresh
“Faced with such deep-pocket competition, the percentage of independent operators continued to decline — but we still welcomed many local mom ‘n pop startups, the true backbone of neighborhood dining."
seafood, nightly specials, and even live Flamenco dancing on weekends — plus the best Paella in south Florida — period. Don’t miss this hidden gem! The Boca Del Mar neighborhood welcomed Cannoli Kitchen to the beleaguered Village Tower Shoppes on SW 18th Street, replacing the long-beloved institution, Cillufo’s. The new location follows the same formula that has developed a loyal Cannoli Kitchen following, with a select menu of high-quality pizza, ever-popular pizza by the slice, and of course, its namesake cannoli. Village Tower Shoppes also welcomed Sushi House (replacing the former Me Sen Thai). This humble mom ’n pop shop offers some of the best sushi and Asian fusion dishes in town, in a relaxed, affordable, and genuinely friendly atmosphere, making Sushi House my new neighborhood ‘Go To’ sushi stop. Meanwhile, the popular NYC-based Bagel Boss opened on Powerline Rd. (near the Gardens Shops, in the old Einstein Brothers spot), bringing its impressive selection of fresh-made bagels (made with NYC water), sandwiches, and famous spreads (try the honey mustard tuna salad) Albi Mediterranean quietly moved into the Shops of Boca Center (in the defunct Copperfish Kitchen space), but then quick-
Pesca Y Mariscales
Al Ajillo at CVI. CHE 105
Pubbelly Sushi
Famous cannoli at Cannoli Kitchen
ly closed just a few weeks later (go figure!)
The dining options of north and west Boca also expanded, especially with the launch of Café Landwer in The Reserve shopping center (replacing Quates Mexican). Café Landwer, the extremely popular institution throughout Israel, continues to expand globally — including (fortunately for us!), its newest location right here. Now locals can finally get a taste of authentic Israeli comfort food, from traditional mezze, chicken shawarma, and Shakshuka, to kebabs, schnitzel, and famous Israeli breakfasts and desserts — plus a full bar. Bombay Grove Indian Kitchen opened on W. Yamato, taking the spot of fellow Indian, Bombay Café; followed by 818 Dim Sum on W. Glades Road (replacing Shanghai Chinese). Ernie’s Acai Bowls, the fast-growing Miami sensation, then opened in the Polo Club Shops on N. Military Trail (replacing Duck Donuts), offering its healthy, Brazilianinspired frozen fruity delights, featuring create-your-own bowls and smoothies with endless options, from fresh fruits and juices, to protein powders and granola. Other new venues include 3Natives in the Uptown Boca center, and the reincarnated Tall Boy back in its original birth-
place on Spanish River Blvd., which later morphed into Whistle Stop, and then back to Tall Boy.
DELRAY BEACH
Delray Beach continued to attract exciting new ventures as well, including some national players. Most notably, the highly anticipated Bourbon Steak opened in the Seagate Hotel (taking the former Atlantic Grille space), bringing Michelin-starred Celebrity Chef Michael Mina’s signature creations (think butter-poached Prime steaks cooked on a wood-fired grill, Authentic A5 Kobe Wagyu, and jawdropping Maine Lobster Pot Pie with Black Truffles!). Bourbon Steak was followed by another high-end outof-town steakhouse, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse from Ohio, which also opened on Atlantic Ave. (next to Hampton Social). We were excited to see Roka Hula take over the former Taverna Opa space on Atlantic Ave. The selfdescribed “Modern Asian Tiki Bar” brings its inventive take on Pan-Asian cuisine, hip tropical-themed vibe, and lively bar scene — and quickly became the “Must Try” hot spot along the Ave. Another modern Asian concept,
Shakshuka & Challah at Café Landwer
Egg and Cheese on Rainbow Bagel from Bagel Boss
Tapas spread at La Terraza
Kapow Noodle Bar also opened on Atlantic, expanding the popular Mizner Park concept. The Ave also welcomed Beach Club Pizza, taking the former Lionfish-then-Sugar Factory spot; and fellow pizzeria Gesto Artisan Pizzeria (replacing Amar Bistro); along with Selini (Greek) in the former Costa spot; plant-based True Vegan; and the short-lived La Boulangerie Boul’mich, which bid adieu, less than a year after it took over the former Opal & Ore Coastal Kitchen locale.
Many new Delray restaurants opted for a more accessible (and affordable) locale off the Ave. Italian eateries predominated, including Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Atlantic Crossing; Ah-Beetz New Haven Pizza on Jog Road (by the same folks who introduced New Haven-style pizza to Boca with the original Nick’s New Haven Pizza); Casalina Italian in Addison Place (also on Jog Road); and Death By Pizza (one of the only places to get real Detroit-style pizza) on S.R. 7. Also new to the Delray scene: Novecento (Argentine steakhouse) moved into the historic Falcon House (which more recently housed Death or Glory, followed by The Falcon); Cava (fast casual Greek) in the Delray Plaza; Good Night John Boy (night club) in the former Delray Beach Market, next to Bounce Sporting Club; and both Table 165 (Contemporary American) and Popup Bagels in Pineapple Grove.
“Sorry, we’re
closed”
2025 certainly brought us a veritable smorgasbord of new dining options to explore. But alas, the restaurant gods wield a vicious two-edged sword, and struck down many valiant warriors as well, from hopeful rookies to long-term veterans. To wit, the venerable Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, one of the very first steakhouse chains to enter our market, finally sizzled its last sirloin after its 25-year reign in Mizner Park. Mizner Park also lost upscale seafood eatery Loch Bar, along with newcomer Penelope, which launched its NoLa cafe-themed concept in the original Kapow spot. In nearby Royal Palm Place,
long-time favorite Saquella Café closed temporarily, but then reopened under new ownership. Downtown Boca also lost Santa Anna Bar & Grill in Palmetto Place, Le Rivage French Bistro on NE 20th Street, and Suspiro Peruvian on N. Federal Hwy., amongst others.
In central Boca, Walt’s American Grille & Bar in the Village Point Center on SW 18th Street called it quits; as did long-time beloved veteran Cilluffo’s Pizza across the street in the Village Towers Shoppes, after decades of being the neighborhood’s favorite local independent pizzeria. The nearby Shops of Boca Center lost the troubled Copperfish Kitchen, as well as its short-lived successor Albi Modern Mediterranean. Long-timer Toojay’s Deli in Glades Plaza, Ditma’s Kitchen in Boca Grove, and Moon Thai in the Boca Village Square also lost their Boca address. Speaking of institutions, one of our longest-lasting restaurants, The French Gazebo (fka Kathy’s Gazebo) sadly closed after 40+ years of holding its own on N. Federal. Another long-term veteran, Pavilion Grille on Yamato Road called it quits after surviving 20 years in its challenging office building locale; while Smokey Bones on SR 7 smoked its last slab o’ ribs after 22 years. That same center also lost the young 818 Asian Fusion. 818 was about the only restaurant in town serving authentic Korean cuisine and Chinese Dim Sum — and its short-lived demise brings a tear to my culinary eye. Also on the 2025 chopping block: Bar Bombay, Shanghai City, and Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, all on Glades Road; plus Quates Mexican in the Reserve.
Delray Beach lost some major restaurant tenants, as well. Blue Anchor Pub, one of the city’s longest lasting
and most iconic landmarks, dropped its last anchor after nearly 30 years of maintaining its Atlantic Avenue stronghold. Blue Anchor’s forced closing was “temporary,” but its future remains uncertain, at best. Atlantic Avenue also lost Sugar Factory, less than a year after it moved into the former Lionfish spot; along with Costa, Opal & Ore, and its short-lived successor La Boulangerie Boul’mich
Nearby Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Granger’s Grille on SE 5th Ave, Palm Trail Grill, and Pei Wei Asian Kitchen in Delray Plaza likewise folded their hand last year. It’s always sad to see our long-time favorites fade away, but it’s also disheartening to witness optimistic new ventures fall within their first year. Albi in the Shops of Boca Center, for instance, lasted just a few weeks. Other newcomers who never even got to celebrate their first birthday include Penelope, Bar Bombay, Shanghai Chinese, and
818 Asian Fusion in Boca; along with Sugar Factory and La Boulangerie Boul’mich in Delray.
Yes, 2025 was quite a tumultuous year on all fronts, but it also brought us an expansive new menu of dining options. And this year looks to be just as exciting, with many new ventures already in the works — including some scheduled to open by the time you read this article. And so, my fellow foodies, here’s wishing you all a delectable 2026, full of health and happiness — and of course, Good Eatin’! stb
Kenny Spahn is a renowned food critic, culinary author, restaurant authority, and veteran contributor to Simply The Best since 2004. He is President of Restaurant Placement Group restaurant recruiters, an exclusive recruiting and consulting firm for the Restaurant and Hospitality industry. www.RestaurantPlacement.com.
Bento boxes at Kapow Noodle Bar
True Vegan's cheeseboard
Bourbon Steak
LOCATION •LOCATION •LOCATION
THE BEST REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS AND PROPERTIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA
LA’S STAHL HOUSE LISTS FOR $25 MILLION
BY KIMBERLY RIDLEY
In 1945, Arts and Architecture magazine commissioned major architects to create the Case Study Homes, an experiment in architectural design intended as a creative solution to the impending post-war housing boom. Constructed from industrial materials, these homes would help to define the mid-century modern movement, none more so than Case Study House #22, known as the Stahl House. The Pierre Koenig masterpiece is cantilevered over a Hollywood hillside, which had been deemed unbuildable by previous architects. The home was immortalized by renowned photographer Julius Shulman in an image that shows two women in white party dresses lounging in the living room that seems to float above the glittering city. It is perhaps the most famous modern-style US home and architectural photograph since Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Fallingwater. A true cultural landmark, the home is a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Owned by the Stahl family since its inception, this one-of-akind icon of modern design has hit the market for the first time. It has been listed for $25 million.
Representing the optimism of the atomic age, the Stahl House features the steel-and-glass construction so emblematic of the modern movement. Its legendary glass walls were created from the largest glass panels commercially available when it was built between 1958 and 1960. They offer sweeping 270-degree views of Los Angeles. A picture window in the primary bathroom frames the Hollywood Sign.
An airy open floor plan connects the living spaces in the 2,200-square-foot home, anchored by a central fireplace with natural stone details. Blonde wood enhances the charming kitchen, which features a spacious island with counter seating that
Photo Credit: Cameron Carothers / Original Photos by Julius Shulman, courtesy of The Getty Museum
Drone
Photos by Jilbert Daniel
visualmediala.com
ingeniously tucks away when not in use. The concrete floors sport radiant heating for ultimate comfort. Sliding doors open onto the gorgeous pool deck with an expansive swimming pool and more awesome views. Situated at the end of a gated drive, the property offers a rare combination of discretion, security, and serenity high above the city. Since 2007, the house has offered public tours, and the family seeks not just a buyer but a custodian who will honor the house’s history, respect its architectural purity, and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
Located in the Hollywood Hills, the house is about a mile from the legendary Sunset Strip, the epicenter of LA’s rock-and-roll scene in the 1960s and still home to top-notch venues for music, comedy and food. The neighborhood is very popular with celebrities, with A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry and Taylor Swift owning homes in the hills. The Stahl House is a celebrity in its own right, having been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Columbo, Nurse Betty and Galaxy Quest. The listing is held by William Baker of the Agency Beverly Hills. toptenrealestatedeals.com stb
Turnkey waterfront living in one of Lighthouse Point’s most desirable neighborhoods.
$2,375,000 | 4 BD • 4 BA • 2,816 SQ FT 2800
Located on a deepwater canal with no fixed bridges, this extensively updated single-family home features over $500,000 in upgrades completed within the last two years, offering the best of South Florida living—whether you’re an avid boater, outdoor entertainer, or simply looking for a move-in-ready waterfront property. The home includes an 80-foot dock, fully rebuilt in 2024 with raised concrete (to 5.0 elevation), along with a 24,000 lb boat lift. The home has a split floor plan, with the primary suite located upstairs for added privacy and the additional bedrooms downstairs on the opposite side of the house. With major updates already completed, this home offers low-maintenance, turnkey waterfront living in one of Lighthouse Point’s most desirable neighborhoods.
SEAN CONNERY’S SOUTH-OF-FRANCE VILLA
BY KIMBERLY RIDLEY
Sir Sean Connery was not only one of the world’s most famous actors, but in 1999 he was named the “Sexiest Man of the Century” by People magazine. The screen’s original James Bond: smart, handsome, refined, debonair, and by far the most popular of the nine actors who took on the classic spy role created by British naval intelligence officer Ian Fleming in 1953. One of the world’s most cherished celebrities, the Scottish-born star won numerous American and British film awards, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globes, and an American Film Life Achievement Award. He was granted knighthood by Queen Elizabeth in 2000.
Similar to 007, who enjoyed the best food, drinks, cars and girlfriends all over the world, Connery was able to live in some of the world’s prime real estate spots with his ritzy homes in England, Spain, France and the Bahamas. His longtime house in the South of France has just hit the market for $26.4 million (US).
Still referred to by locals as “Sean’s place” or the “Bond Villa,” Connery’s former home is one of the French Riviera’s prettiest and well-located villas with views overlooking Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. Adding a touch of reality to his English-spy roles, the home was used in several scenes of his Bond movie Never Say Never Again when it was filmed in Nice and Monaco.
Sited on over one acre, Connery’s home is located along a winding path at the edge of a cliff with views of the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Port. Behind an entrance gate providing privacy from overzealous fans and paparazzi, the stone mansion is styled in the classic French architecture of the 1920s and dressed in colorful wisteria vines, adding more romance to its already idyllic setting. The property consists of a main house of exceptional proportions with a reception area that confronts you with the
Photo credit:
Savillis
hot property
proximity of the sea as soon as you enter the room. The elegant architecture and period details are present throughout the property and have been lovingly preserved, mosaic inlays, wood panelling, wrought iron banisters, ceiling mouldings and even the original lift cabin.
There is a dedicated spa area with a heated infinity pool opening onto lawned gardens and a gymnasium. The main bedroom suite occupies the entire top floor and is fitted with walk-in cupboards and 2 ensuite bathrooms. The dining room is surrounded by vast terraces and served by a fully fitted professional kitchen with a wine cellar and there are 3 further guest suites on the lower levels, a study and fifth bedroom at the entrance level. There is also a separate apartment for a caretaker and a guest villa at the entrance to the grounds that has been divided into two independent guest apartments. The gardens stretch down to sea level with pathways hovering over the shore and landscaped to provide intimate outdoor spaces. The sensational roof terrace on top of the main house, fitted with a barbecue area offers what must be the most spectacular view available in Nice. The home is listed with Savills. toptenrealestatedeals.com stb
CRUISE DATES & ITINERARY
NOV 29-DEC 6 • 7 NIGHTS FT LAUDERDALE-DOMINICAN REPUBLICST THOMAS-ST MAARTEN $2858 PP DBL OCC
DEC 6-13 • 7 NIGHTS FT LAUDERDALE-NASSAU-COZUMELGRAND CAYMAN $2820 PP DBL OCC
DEC 13-20 • 7 NIGHTS FT LAUDERDALE-DOMINICAN REPUBLIC-ST THOMAS-SAN JUAN-NASSAU $2894 PP DBL
DEC 20-27 • 7 NIGHTS FT LAUDERDALE-ST KITTS-SAN JUANCHRISTMAS COCO CAY $4205 PP DBL
DEC 27-JAN 3 • 7 NIGHTS FT LAUDERDALE-NASSAU-COZUMELNEW YEARS GRAND CAYMAN $4205 PP DBL
LONGER CRUISES - 10 & 11 NIGHTS
NOV 13-23 • 10 NIGHTS FT LAUD-ST MAARTEN-ST LUCIA-GRENADABARBADOS-ANTIGUA $4345 PP DBL OCC
DEC 4-14 • 10 NIGHTS FT LAUD-ST MAARTEN-ST LUCIA-GRENADABARBADOS-ANTIGUA $4034PP DBL OCC
DEC 14-24 • 10 NIGHTS FT LAUD-ST MAARTEN-ST LUCIA-GRENADABARBADOS-ANTIGUA $3920PP DBL OCC
DEC 24-JAN 4 • 11 NIGHTS ST.MAARTEN-ST LUCIA-ANTIGUA-BARBACHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS DOS-ROSEAU-ST KITTS $6767 PP DBL OCC
NOTES
DR. ANDREW TURKELL
AND THE USE OF AMNIOTIC CELLS FOR HEALING AND RECOVERY
BY DEBY GOLDFARB
“I’M DOING A PROCESS THAT USES ‘AMNIOTIC CELLS,”
said Dr. Andrew Turkell from Calusa Veterinary Center. He explained, “This bio-tissue contains billions of growth cells in it from a life-giving birth.” He described the process in which fluids are extracted and used to create injections that can reduce inflammation, redness and pain and promote tissue regeneration for conditions from sports injuries to chronic pain, with results lasting for months after treatment. Dr.Turkell added, “The amniotic cells can have massive therapeutic properties.”
Dr. Turkell discussed the concept of xenogenics which refers to materials originating from a different species. This is often utilized in medicine for cross-species transplants or tissue grafts such as using animal organs for human applications or cells for treating diseases. He stated, “I can take the growth factors, for
example, from a female bull dog or a horse and demonstrate that they provide massive reductions in inflammation and pain.” He shared a personal experience when he had a torn rotator cuff; one orthopedic physician recommended injecting PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) while another suggested shoulder replacement. (Note: PRP is a therapy that involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own blood platelets into an injured area to promote healing.)
In order to experience it first hand, Dr. Turkell opted to try an injection of amnion to treat his own injured shoulder, finding that the growth factors stimulated cell reproduction and tissue
regeneration. This was over a year ago and his shoulder still feels healed and strong.
Dr. Turkell clarified that this process is not yet covered by insurance although it is being performed worldwide. For instance, The Stem Cell Institute of Panama has a team of renowned experts and a state-of-the-art facility that offers high quality stem cell therapy for chronic conditions from illness or injury. The umbilical cord donations are collected after normal births from healthy women and are not controversial as they do not involve fetal or embryonic stem cells.
Regarding pets, Dr. Turkell said, that “Veterinarians are the kings and queens of using medications ‘off label’.” This means they legally and frequently use medicines “off-label” (extra-label) because, unlike human medicine, approved species-specific drugs are often
“AMNION IS A REGENERATIVE MATERIAL THAT IS SAFELY COLLECTED DURING LIVE BIRTH. IT OFFERS INCREDIBLE POSSIBILITIES
IN HEALING AND RECOVERY FOR BOTH ANIMALS AND HUMANS IN THE FUTURE.”
unavailable or limited for the vast array of animals treated. This authorized practice allows vets to use human drugs for different species based on professional judgement, knowledge of physiology and the pharmacological cascade rule. It is a heavily-regulated essential component of veterinary practice, and in many cases veterinary pet insurance will cover the use.”
He went on to cite the wide range of conditions that amnion can address, from bone fractures to ligament and tendon tears as well as simple wounds. “It’s also ‘immune privileged’ meaning that it lacks MHC Type 2 expressions,” he explained. These are blood antigens which would typically be rejected. However, the body does not provoke an immune response and recognizes amnion as safe for tissue rebuilding. He concluded by saying, “Amnion is a regenerative material that is safely collected during live birth. It offers incredible possibilities in healing and recovery for both animals and humans in the future.” stb
Dr. Andrew Turkell
Calusa Veterinary Center 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton 33487 561-786-1100 • www.CVCboca.com
Deby Goldfarb has taught at Boston University, been a newspaper columnist and TV show host in Boston, and has contributed to Simply the Best since 2008.
Good Advice
news, views & tips from experts and professionals
Torque Release Technique: Precise & Reliable Chiropractic Care
By Dr. Yale Gordon, Concierge Neurologic Chiropractor
Dr. Yale Gordon is a concierge neurologic chiropractor serving Palm Beach County with a focus on pain relief, nervous system balance, and functional performance. He uses the FDAapproved Integrator instrument to deliver specific chiropractic adjustments without twisting or cracking. Dr. Gordon provides elite housecall care for families, professionals, and athletes.
Dr. Yale Gordon 561-523-0089 drgordon@housecallchiropractic.com housecallchiropractic.com
As a neurologically oriented chiropractor, my work centers around one core objective: balancing the nervous system. When the nervous system is functioning optimally, the body has a remarkable capacity to heal, adapt, and perform. When it becomes overwhelmed, distorted, or dysregulated, dysfunction develops— sometimes as pain, sometimes as numbness or tingling, sometimes as anxiety, and sometimes as a loss of overall vitality. My passion is helping people restore this neurologic balance through the Torque Release Technique, a highly specific chiropractic approach delivered using the first FDA-approved chiropractic adjusting instrument in the world: the Integrator.
My journey into neurologic chiropractic care began with a simple realization: the spine is not just a stack of bones—it is the protective chassis for the central nervous system. Every spinal segment, every joint, and every tendon receptor sends information to the brain. When that information becomes distorted due to spinal tension patterns or neurologic interference, the brain cannot accurately perceive what is happening within the body. When perception is altered, function follows. Muscles tighten or weaken, organs receive incorrect autonomic signals, and stress hormones elevate. Patients often describe this as feeling “out of sync,” “overloaded,” or simply “not like themselves.”
ity that human hands cannot consistently replicate. Its controlled recoil and preloaded tension allow me to influence spinal and neurologic receptors with exceptional accuracy—without force.
When I assess a patient, I am not attempting to “crack a joint” or simply reduce pain. My focus is identifying where the nervous system is under stress, how that stress is expressed, and where to adjust—and just as importantly, where not to adjust. Using neurologic scans, palpation, postural analysis, and autonomic indicators, I locate the primary interference. Once identified, the adjustment is delivered precisely using the Integrator. There is no twisting, no cracking, and no guessing. Patients often feel a light tap followed by an immediate sense of ease or unwinding, with changes occurring either instantly or gradually as the nervous system integrates the correction.
“Torque Release Technique utilizes the Integrator to deliver a reproducible, specific mechanical impulse at an exact angle, depth, and velocity that human hands cannot consistently replicate. ”
This is where Torque Release Technique matters. Traditional chiropractic often relied on manual adjustments that were broad and forceful. While effective in some cases, they are not always precise enough for the level of neurologic correction I aim to achieve. Torque Release Technique utilizes the Integrator to deliver a reproducible, specific mechanical impulse at an exact angle, depth, and veloc-
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is watching patients move from survival physiology into a state of balance. I have seen numb feet regain sensation, stressed executives regain clarity, athletes improve coordination, and seniors restore mobility. I have seen children overwhelmed by stimulation finally relax, and adults who had not slept deeply in years begin to rest again. These outcomes reinforce that chiropractic is not merely musculoskeletal—it is profoundly neurologic. Ultimately, my purpose as a chiropractor is not to chase symptoms, but to recalibrate the nervous system so the body can heal itself. Torque Release Technique, delivered through the Integrator, gives me the precision and reliability to serve that mission at a high level. It represents the evolution of chiropractic— from forceful manipulation to neurologic specificity, individualized care, and lasting results.
This is the future of chiropractic, and I am honored every day to help people tap into the intelligence and resilience already built within them. stb
Dr. Garvin attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois where he earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. In order to keep up with the latest advances in podiatric medicine Dr. Garvin regularly attends continuing medical education seminars throughout the country to enhance his medical training.
Dr. Garvin specializes in the care and treatment of medical conditions and deformities of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Dr. Garvin’s mission is to provide his patients with the highest quality of podiatric medical and surgical care in a professional yet comfortable setting. Patients are always treated with courtesy, dignity and respect by a competent, highly-trained podiatric physician with many years of experience.
Dr. Garvin treats a wide array of patients including, but not limited to, those with sports and running injuries, common conditions related to golfing, dancing, congenital deformities, and age related conditions.
FLORIDA FOOT SPECIALISTS
7050 W Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 18
Boca Raton, FL 33433
561-447-7571
floridafootspecialists.com
Ingrown Toenails
by Dr. Michael A. Garvin, DPM
Ingrown toenails, often dismissed as trivial, can rapidly evolve into a painful and debilitating condition that significantly impacts daily life. At Florida Foot Specialists in Boca Raton, we deeply understand the discomfort and disruption caused by ingrown toenails and are committed to providing expert care that swiftly restores your mobility. Our approach extends beyond symptom treatment. We prioritize patient education and empower individuals with preventive care strategies to minimize the risk of recurring issues.
WHAT ARE INGROWN TOENAILS?
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause swelling, redness, and even infection if left untreated. The big toe is most commonly affected, though any toenail can develop this condition.
I once treated a young athlete who ignored their ingrown toenail for weeks be-
is the body’s natural response to the irritation and potential infection.
Warmth: The affected toe might feel warmer than the others due to increased blood flow to the inflamed area. This warmth is often a sign of underlying inflammation.
Drainage of fluid or pus: If the ingrown nail becomes infected, the body may attempt to fight off the infection by producing pus, which can drain from the affected area. This is a clear indication that the condition requires immediate medical attention.
HOW WE TREAT INGROWN TOENAILS
For mild cases, we often recommend Soaking and Cleaning (Warm saltwater soaks to reduce swelling and disinfect the area), Padding and Lifting (Use a small piece of sterile cotton to lift the nail edge gently) and/or Topical Antibiotics (To prevent or treat infections). For more severe or recurring cases, we recommend Partial
“Ingrown toenails occur when the edge or corner of your toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This can cause swelling, redness, and even infection if left untreated. he big toe is most commonly affected, though any toenail can develop this condition.”
cause they thought it would “fix itself.” When they came to us, the toe was severely infected, requiring partial nail removal and weeks of recovery. This case highlights the importance of seeking early treatment—don’t wait for it to worsen!
SYMPTOMS OF INGROWN TOENAILS
The most common early indicators of an ingrown toenail include: Pain and tenderness: A persistent ache or sharp pain, particularly along the edge of the nail where it’s growing into the skin. This discomfort can intensify with pressure, such as when wearing shoes. Redness and swelling: The area surrounding the ingrown nail may become inflamed, appearing red and swollen. This
Nail Removal or Matrixectomy. Both procedures are administered under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
WHY TREAT INGROWN TOENAILS PROMPTLY?
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can lead to severe complications, such as:
•Chronic infections
•Abscesses
•Difficulty walking
•Permanent nail damage
At Florida Foot Specialists, we focus on early intervention to avoid these outcomes. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. stb
How effective is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for Treatment Resistant Major Depression? (TMS series Part 1 of 3)
By Raul J Rodriguez M.D., Founder, CEO and Medical Director of the Delray Center For Healing
Raul J Rodriguez M.D. is the founder, CEO and Medical Director of the Delray Center For Healing and the Delray Center for Brain Science, outpatient Mental Health Treatment Centers, which follow a holistic approach and offer comprehensive Major Depression treatment programs that include advanced treatments such as Brain Network Analytics (BNA), therapeutic Ketamine infusions, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), advanced psychopharmacology, DBT psychotherapy and skills training, exercise therapy, nutritional therapy, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga.
DELRAY CENTER FOR HEALING 403 SE 1st Street Delray Beach, FL 33483 561-266-8866 www.delraycenter.com www.delraybrainscience.com
Treatment Resistant Major Depression (TRD) is one of the most dreadful conditions that anyone could ever suffer from. TRD is a painful existence devoid of happiness and pleasure. TRD, the most severe grade of depression defined by multiple medication and therapy failures, often becomes a hopeless situation. Quality of life suffers, as do personal relationships. Functional capacity is impaired and progressively declines over time in afflicted individuals. Many people raise the white flag and surrender, believing that chronic depression is their said lot in life. Others want to keep fighting but do not know what to do. After 1 or 2 bad years of failed treatments, those affected by depression start to fear they are running out of options. Major advances in Psychiatry over the last decade have created new and powerful options for the treatment of TRD. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, referred to as “TMS” is the most groundbreaking of these new options.
Q: What is TMS?
TMS is the acronym for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which is a cutting edge treatment for depression that involves stimulation of brain tissue using electromagnetic pulses. This noninvasive procedure improves symptoms of depression by activating the parts of the brain associated with mood control and depression. TMS has grown in popularity due to the high degree of effectiveness for Treatment Resistant Depression while having very few side effects and absolutely no circulation of medication in the bloodstream.
Q: What is the TMS procedure like?
The process starts with the placement of an electromagnetic coil over the scalp near the forehead. The motor strip, the area of the brain responsible for movement of limbs and muscles, is then mapped out. This is necessary in order to subsequently determine the location
“TMS has grown in popularity due to the high degree of effectiveness for Treatment Resistant Depression while having very few side effects.”
of the lateral pre-frontal cortex. The actual procedure involves a delivering a sequence of magnetic pulses to the left lateral pre-frontal cortex to induce stimulation. The magnetic pulses pass through the scalp and the skull to reach the target brain tissue. TMS activates the actual neurons by inducing an electrical current in the part of the brain cell called the axon. This current travels to the nerve cell body and then affects other connecting brain cells. This stimulation ultimately creates the powerful antidepressant effect.
Q: When is TMS indicated?
TMS is indicated when conventional treatments for Major Depression have not worked. Insurance coverage is typically approved for individuals who have been diagnosed with Major Depression and have failed at least 4 different medication trials. TMS can be used to treat pregnant women suffering from depression, with the notable advantage of not exposing the unborn child to any potential ill effects from medications. TMS is also an option for individuals who suffer from Major Depression and do not wish to take medications, even as a first line option.
Q: When was TMS approved by the FDA?
TMS was approved by the FDA for the indication of treatment resistant depression in 2008. Deep TMS, possible with the newer generation of TMS technology, was approved by the FDA for the indication of treatment resistant depression in 2013. stb
What 30 Years of Business Sales Taught Me About Timing
By Andy Cagnetta
Andy Cagnetta owns and operates Transworld Business Advisors. He joined the company as a sales associate and later purchased it. Transworld is an international franchise business and franchise brokerage, with thousands of businesses for sale and over 200 franchisees in the United States and Internationally.
TRANSWORLD BUSINESS ADVISORS
1-800-205-7605
754-224-3109
ac@tworld.com www.tworld.com
“The best time to start thinking seriously about selling is almost always earlier than you think.”
After more than three decades working with business owners, one lesson stands out above all others: no one ever sells their business at the “perfect” time.
Owners often tell me they are waiting for the market to peak, interest rates to fall further, or one more strong year to appear on the books. Timing, in their minds, is something dictated by external forces. In reality, the biggest risk rarely comes from the market as it usually comes from waiting too long for personal certainty. Something that never fully arrives.
I have seen businesses sold in strong economies and weak ones, during periods of rising rates and falling rates, amid optimism and uncertainty alike. What separates successful exits from disappointing ones is rarely macro timing. It is preparation, realism, and the owner’s readiness to act.
The truth is that markets move constantly, but life moves faster. Health issues arise. Energy changes. Key employees leave. Competitive pressures shift. When owners delay solely in pursuit of better conditions, they often underestimate the cost of maintaining all their risk in one asset, their business, year after year.
Another misconception is that owners must feel “ready” before selling. In practice, emotional readiness usually follows action, not the other way around. Many owners expect a moment of clarity that tells them the time is right. That moment almost never arrives. Instead, the most successful sellers begin planning while they still enjoy running the business and have options in front of them.
From a buyer’s perspective, timing is
about consistency and credibility, not perfection. Buyers are not looking for a flawless year; they are looking for understandable financials, sustainable operations, and a business that does not depend entirely on the owner. A company that is stable, documented, and well-run, will attract interest in almost any market. A company that is disorganized will struggle even when conditions are ideal.
I have also learned that “good enough” timing often beats waiting for “better.”
Owners who take advantage of solid, if imperfect, conditions frequently achieve outcomes that exceed expectations. They control the process, choose their buyers, and negotiate from a position of strength. Those who wait too long often find themselves reacting, often rushing to sell due to fatigue, health concerns, or unexpected disruptions.
None of this is to suggest that timing does not matter at all. It does. There are moments when waiting makes sense, when a business is undergoing a clear turnaround, when a major contract is about to stabilize earnings, or when ownership succession planning is underway. The key distinction is intention. Waiting should be a deliberate strategy, not a default setting.
After 30 years, I can say this with confidence: the best time to start thinking seriously about selling is almost always earlier than you think. Not because you are ready to leave, but because planning creates options. And in business, as in life, options are where real leverage lives.
Selling a business is not about predicting the future. It is about being prepared for it. stb
AMARKETING MISTAKES THAT COST YOU THOUSANDS (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
BY CHRIS JACQUES
fter 15 years in marketing, one truth remains: most businesses lose money not because they aren’t marketing, but because they’re marketing wrong.
I’ve seen seven-figure companies cripple growth with poor targeting, vague messaging, and “set it and forget it” ad campaigns. I’ve watched small businesses bet their budget on the wrong platform. I’ve also had countless conversations with owners who say the same thing:
“We tried marketing, but it didn’t work for us.”
The reality is that marketing did not fail them; their strategy did.
Below are the most common marketing mistakes that reduce profits, along with solutions to address them before further losses occur.
1. NO CLEAR STRATEGY, JUST RANDOM TACTICS
Many businesses move from one tactic to another—such as Facebook Ads, SEO, or TikTok—without a clear objective or plan.
THE FIX: Strategy is the priority. At Simply The Best Digital, we develop tailored growth plans aligned with your goals, audience, and budget. We measure, test, and optimize every aspect.
2. TARGETING EVERYONE, CONVERTING NO ONE
Marketing to everyone is ineffective. Generic messaging produces weak results. If your ads or website copy could apply to any business in your industry, your approach needs refinement.
THE FIX: We help you define buyer personas and create targeted, persuasive messaging for your ideal customer. Precision consistently outperforms broad appeal.
3. NEGLECTING YOUR WEBSITE (YOUR #1 SALESPERSON)
Your website is more than a digital brochure; it plays a critical role in closing sales. However, many business websites are slow, outdated, confusing, and not optimized for conversions.
THE FIX: Our team develops high-performance websites that are fast-loading, mobile-responsive, SEO-friendly, and designed to convert visitors into customers.
4. WASTING MONEY ON THE WRONG PLATFORMS
Not every platform is suitable for every business. Investing in Google Ads or Meta without understanding your true return on investment can lead to wasted resources.
THE FIX: We conduct comprehensive audits to identify where your audience is most active, what they respond to, and how to maximize your return on investment. Every dollar is tracked and justified.
5. IGNORING SEO (UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE)
SEO does not deliver immediate results, but it is essential. If your business is not visible in search results, competitors will capture potential customers.
THE FIX: Our SEO team implements effective keyword strategies, content marketing, and technical audits to improve and maintain your search rankings.
6. NO FOLLOW-UP STRATEGY
Most leads do not convert immediately. However, many businesses overlook the importance of nurturing leads who do not purchase right away.
THE FIX: We set up automated email and SMS nurturing workflows that keep your
brand top-of-mind and increase conversion rates without extra effort from your team.
7. NOT TRACKING RESULTS— OR MISREADING THE DATA
Are you making decisions based on assumptions instead of analytics? Data doesn’t lie—but it can be misunderstood.
THE FIX: We deliver clear, transparent reporting with expert insights, so you know exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what to do next. No more marketing in the dark.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Marketing done wrong is expensive. Marketing done right is an investment. If your current marketing efforts are not delivering results or you are falling behind competitors, it is time to consider a new approach.
At Simply The Best Digital, we apply a strategic, performance-driven approach to every campaign. We focus on delivering measurable growth for your business. If you are ready to move from uncertainty to growth, we invite you to contact us:
If hectic weeknights leave you feeling like time is constantly slipping away, saving a few extra minutes in the kitchen can begin with alternative cooking methods and easy recipes without all the fuss. Rather than waiting for the oven to preheat, you can tackle family dinners by stir-frying and air-frying your way to delicious meals.
For a fast and flavorful dinner, this Simple Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies and savory soy sauce to hit the spot without calling for takeout. It delivers on both taste and ease with the addition of Minute Sticky Rice Cups. Ready in 1 minute, they provide a perfect sticky texture to complement bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you’ll plate a delicious recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Endless customization is another benefit of stir-frying, allowing you to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu while mixing and matching your loved ones’ favorite veggies. Drizzle it with sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an added flavor boost, serve with spring rolls or wontons for extra crunch or pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame for light, refreshing contrast.
Delivering the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience of
baking but typically with a shorter preheating wait, air-frying is another solution for creating tasty family meals while taking back precious time. Loaded with rice, vegetables and melted cheese, these Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites make for an easy, cheesy snack or light meatless meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes with Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups serving as a rich and savory base that complements the mixed veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar. Don’t forget, you can take them to the next level with flavorful dipping sauces like:
• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
• Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
• Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
• Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.
To find more fast, family-friendly meal ideas, visit MinuteRice.com
SIMPLE CHICKEN STIR-FRY
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-4
2 Minute Sticky Rice Cups
2 tablespoons sesame oil
AIR FRYER VEGGIE RICE BITES
Servings: 1-2
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1 cup mixed vegetables
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Heat rice according to package directions.
• In large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and saute 6 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked through.
• Add mixed vegetables to skillet and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
• Add cooked sticky rice to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring rice is evenly coated and heated through.
• Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions; garnish with sesame seeds, if desired; and serve hot.
TIPS: Chicken can be substituted for shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh; cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
1 Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
1/4 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 egg
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon salt barbecue sauce or ranch dressing (optional)
• Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
• In blender, roughly chop vegetables.
• In bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
• Divide rice mixture into four portions and hand form into mounds.
• Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired. stb
Healthy Everyday Recipes for Real Life:
NUTRITIOUS, ENERGY-BOOSTING, EGG-INSPIRED BREAKFASTS THAT SAVE TIME
When planning meals, particularly breakfasts, there are a few critical factors many families consider: taste, simplicity and nutrition. Eating healthier doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach. With the right inspiration, healthy food can be delicious, nutritious and convenient.
By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best.
In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table. Backed by expert nutrition guidance, recipes such as Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust are wholesome, flavorful and fast, perfect for busy weekdays or anytime you need a nutritious boost. The sweet potato crust offers a better-for-you twist on ready-made or traditional crusts made with butter, and it can be served with slices of honeydew or berries for an added touch of sweetness.
For a protein-rich dish any day of the week, Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Scramble on Whole-Wheat English Muffins can help you solve the morning rush. Or for a true timesaver, these Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms can be made over the weekend and frozen or refrigerated for quick, go-to meals throughout the week.
Remember, healthy eating isn’t just about one food - it’s about a combination of wholesome ingredients to make well-rounded meals. For example, eggs can be included as part of a hearthealthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the American Heart Association. Eating eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat — like bacon — is different than eggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains or a side of fruit.
To find more healthy eating tips and recipes that help you eat smart, move more and live healthier, visit Heart.org.
TURKEY BACON AND SPINACH QUICHE WITH SWEET POTATO CRUST
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best Servings: 5
• Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly spray 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In medium bowl, using box grater, grate sweet potato. Measure out 2 cups. Gently press sweet potato on bottom and up sides of pan, forming crust. Sweet potato will be loose but will hold together once cooked.
• Bake 20 minutes, or until crust is cooked. Remove from oven. Let stand to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F.
• In medium skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 6 minutes, or until almost translucent, stirring frequently. Add turkey bacon. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until onion and bacon begin to brown, stirring frequently. Add spinach, dillweed, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until water from spinach is released. Remove from heat. Transfer mixture into sweet potato crust.
•In medium bowl, whisk egg whites, eggs and milk. Pour over mixture in crust. Sprinkle feta over top.
• Bake 35-40 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.
BROCCOLI AND CHEESE EGG WHITE SCRAMBLE ON WHOLE-WHEAT ENGLISH MUFFINS
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best
Servings: 4
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets, thawed if frozen
1/4 cup water
8 extra-large egg whites
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
2 whole-wheat, low-sodium English muffins
• Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli and water 4-5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Remove from heat. Transfer broccoli to dish. Using paper towels, wipe skillet clean.
• In large bowl, whisk egg whites, milk and pepper until combined.
• Lightly spray skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Pour in egg white mixture. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until almost firm, stirring constantly with spatula. Stir in broccoli and cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
• Just before serving, split and toast English muffins. Transfer to plates. Spoon egg mixture onto muffins.
EGG “MUFFIN” CUPS WITH TURKEY SAUSAGE AND MUSHROOMS
Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association with support from Eggland’s Best Servings: 6
• Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In medium nonstick pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook onions and mushrooms 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.
• Warm turkey sausage according to package directions. Chop turkey into bite-size pieces. Stir into onion mixture until well blended. Spoon into muffin cups.
• In small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and pepper. Pour egg mixture into muffin cups. Top with cheddar cheese.
• Bake 25 minutes, or until eggs are set. Remove from oven. Let cool slightly. To easily remove muffins from pan, run knife around edges of each muffin. stb
Feeling Lucky?
THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, SKIP THE PREDICTABLE GREEN BEER AND INSTEAD TOAST WITH COCKTAILS THAT FEEL A LITTLE MORE REFINED — BECAUSE CELEBRATING THE IRISH SPIRIT CAN BE JUST AS STYLISH AS IT IS FESTIVE.
Jameson Irish Coffee
1 1/6 Parts Jameson Original
2 Parts lightly whipped cream
1/3 Parts demerara sugar syrup*
3 Parts espresso
Grated nutmeg
Add the Jameson, Demerara syrup and coffee to a pre-heated tempered glass. Top with lightly whipped cream. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
*How to make sugar syrup: Add 500g Demerara sugar, 250ml water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, allow to cool, bottle and refrigerate.
Blackthorn
1 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 1/2 oz Sloe gin
1 twist of Lemon peel
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add sloe gin and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass. Stir well until the mixture is chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Irish Eyes
1 oz Irish whiskey
1/4 oz of Baileys
1/4 ounce of green Crème de Menthe
2 oz cream Mint sprig
Chill serving glass of choice. In a shaker, combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with mint sprig.
The HISTORY of CHAMPAGNE From Monasteries to Modern Luxury
By Stu Nudelman aka Stu The Wine Guru
Guruvians, I often find myself wondering how much the average Champagne drinker truly knows about what’s in their glass. For those of us in the wine industry, it’s easy to take for granted the artisanship, patience, and precision required to create these celebrated bubbles. Over the past half century, Champagne producers, their wines, and the market that consumes them have evolved dramatically. What do Baby Boomers reach for versus Millennials or Gen Z? This article is the result of a deep dive into Champagne’s past, present, and where this iconic wine may be headed.
Champagne, the iconic sparkling wine, originates exclusively from northeastern France’s Champagne region, where cool climates and chalky soils create grapes of high acidity and finesse. Vineyards existed as early as the 5th century, but Champagne as we know it emerged in the 17th century. Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk at Hautvillers Abbey near Reims, did not invent sparkling wine but refined blending techniques, improved clarity, and elevated overall quality, laying the groundwork for modern Champagne.
By the 18th century, advancements in stronger English glass allowed wines to safely withstand the pressure of secondary fermentation. Merchants began systematic production and export, particularly to European royal courts, cementing Champagne’s reputation as the wine of celebration and luxury. Legal protec-
tion followed: an 1891 treaty and the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system defined Champagne’s region and production standards.
HOW CHAMPAGNE IS MADE
Champagne’s effervescence results from secondary fermentation in the bottle, or méthode champenoise. After initial fermentation, yeast and sugar (liqueur de tirage) are added, and the bottle is sealed. Carbon dioxide forms and remains trapped, creating bubbles. Aging on lees develops complexity and texture. Riddling collects sedi ment in the neck, and disgorgement removes it by freezing the neck and ejecting the plug, leav ing clear, sparkling wine.
Champagne primarily uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Blending across vintages and villages allows houses to maintain consistent styles.
LEGENDARY CHAMPAGNE HOUSES
RUINART (1729) is the oldest Champagne house, known for Chardonnay-driven elegance. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs features lemon, white peach, pear, and acacia aromas, with a crisp, creamy pal ate and chalky minerality. $95–$115.
VEUVE CLICQUOT (1772), under Barbe-Nicole Clic quot, created the first vintage Champagne and the riddling table. Its Yellow Label golden, offering green apple, pear, citrus, and bri oche aromas, with a lively, medium-bodied palate and clean, mineral finish. $80–$90.
MOËT & CHANDON (1743) gained fame as the Champagne of European royalty. shows green apple, citrus, and subtle brioche aro mas with a crisp, balanced palate. $50–$60. Its prestige vintage Dom Pérignon only in exceptional years, revealing toasted bri oche, almond, citrus, and stone fruit on a vibrant, creamy palate. $200–$250.
BILLECART-SALMON (1818 is family-owned, and excels in precision and balance. refined, with pear, green apple, citrus, brioche, and honeyed floral notes; the palate combines
“Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk at Hautvillers Abbey near Reims, did not invent sparkling wine but refined blending techniques, improved clarity, and elevated overall quality, laying the groundwork for modern Champagne.”
creamy texture, bright acidity, and a polished mineral finish. $70.
anc de Blancs highlights citrus, white flowers, and almond, with a crisp, creamy palate. $130–$160. offers white flowers, citrus, brioche, and green apple with subtle almond and minerality. $200–$230.
(1843) epitomizes luxury ChamGrand Cuvée is complex, reveal-
ing toasted brioche, hazelnuts, orchard fruits, honey, and spice with rich, balanced flavors and creamy mousse. $200–$250.
Clos du Mesnil is a single-vineyard Champagne of precision, offering citrus, white flowers, orchard fruits, minerality, and persistent mousse. $450–$550.
SALON produces only Blanc de Blancs from Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in exceptional years. Its Le Mesnil shows white flowers, citrus blossom, almond, and brioche with vibrant acidity, silky texture, and remarkable aging potential. $450–$500.
LAURENT-PERRIER is known for refined, modern style. La Cuvée offers floral notes, green apple, pear, and fine mousse with bright acidity and minerality. $50–$60.
Grand Siècle is a multi-vintage Champagne of elegance, with white flowers, citrus, brioche, almond, and lightly toasted bread, silky and creamy with a long finish. $160–$180.
NICOLAS FEUILLATTE, a large cooperative brand, makes Champagne accessible. Réserve Exclusive balances white flowers, ripe apple, pear, and brioche with a bright, silky palate, versatile for toasts or food pairing. $50–$60.
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Historically, vineyards were ranked via the Échelle des Crus: Grand Cru (100%), Premier Cru (90–99%), and Village Cru. Though no longer used for pricing, these labels still indicate vineyard quality. Since 1950, Champagne sales quadrupled, establishing it as a global luxury symbol. Growth slowed over the past 10–15 years due to competition from Prosecco and changing drinking habits, but market value is projected to grow 4–5% annually into the 2030s, driven by premiumization.
GENERATIONAL PREFERENCES & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Baby Boomers and Gen X are consistent buyers of classic houses and prestige cuvées. Millennials seek authenticity, sustainability, and casual enjoyment, while Gen Z drinks less but explores intentionally via social media and environmental values. Champagne’s future lies in premiumization, sustainability, and versatility. Its heritage, craftsmanship, and protected identity ensure it remains the global benchmark for sparkling wine—no longer only for milestones, but for everyday moments worth elevating. stb
Follow Stu on Instagram and Twitter @stuthewineguru. Visit his website: www. stuthewineguru.com. Email him any of your wine questions at: stuthewineguru@ me.com; And, as he always says: “Wine evolves in your mind as well as in your glass.”
MARCH
10
The Boca Raton Achievement Center (BRAC) will transform The Studio at Mizner Park into a night of music, connection and purpose with GET BRAC!, a Beatles-themed fundraising event benefiting students ages 5-22 with autism and related disabilities. "Get BRAC! is more than an evening out—it’s a celebration of the students BRAC serves every day and the community that supports them", explains Evelyn Falconer, the school’s Founder and Executive Director. The VIP reception and live performance will feature cocktails, fabulous food, a live auction and an energetic set by Jason Colannino and the 4 Peace Band, creating a lively atmosphere where generosity and joy go hand in hand. bocaratonachievement.org
14 LAKE WORTH’S ANNUAL BIBLIOARTE FESTIVAL, hosted by the Lake Worth Beach City Library, is a celebration of art, culture and storytelling. This year’s special guest is award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh, a Mexican-American author of children’s books relating to the Latino experience, with subjects that include social justice issues, art, history, and immigration. facebook.com/BiblioarteLWB
27
ERIC CHURCH is coming to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with Kashus Culpepper to open the show. A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including 2020’s Entertainer of the Year), and 10-time GRAMMY nominee — including three nods for Best Country Album — Eric Church has built a passionate fan base through his critically acclaimed catalog of music. Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio,” his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and recently celebrated the first anniversary of Chief’s, his six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway. myhrl.com
28
Mizner Park will host BOCA STREET FEST, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. This afternoon of fun and community engagement features live music and cultural performances, and Mizner Park will transform into a pedestrian promenade with dozens of local vendors. Boca Raton Mayor, Scott Singer will give a presentation to celebrate and highlight Boca Raton’s current services, priorities, accomplishments, and its vision for the future. myboca.us
29
DANCING WITH THE STARS is hotter than ever — and hitting the road with a 74-date tour across North America! After a soldout tour in 2025, DWTS returns in 2026 with a brand-new live show. This year’s stage spectacular — Dancing with the Stars Live! 2026 Tour — will feature fan-favorite professional dancers from the No. 1 hit television series in a mix of standout routines from DWTS’ record-breaking Season 34 and fresh performances created just for the stage. myhrl.com
25-29
THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW returns to downtown West Palm Beach, transforming Flagler Drive into the ultimate playground for boating and luxury lifestyle aficionados. One of the East Coast’s most prestigious marine showcases, PBIBS will feature over 800 vessels and 600+ premier brands, from sleek express cruisers to opulent superyachts valued in the billions, including standout power catamarans and performance craft. Attendees can expect exclusive unveilings, expert panels, VIP lounges, and refined social experiences set against an elegant waterfront backdrop. It’s where nautical innovation meets Palm Beach glamour — perfect for connoisseurs of design, performance and coastal living. pbboatshow.com
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happening
APRIL
5
2GLADYS KNIGHT is coming to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood at 8 p.m. The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY winner has enjoyed No. 1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. A humanitarian and philanthropist, Knight has devoted to various worthy causes, including the American Diabetes Association — for which she is a national spokesperson, the American Cancer Society, the Minority AIDS Project, amFAR, and The Boys and Girls Club. myhrl.com
THE CITY OF BOCA RATON’S INTRACOASTAL ADVENTURES series of events presents STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING (SUP) AT GUMBO LIMBO NATURE CENTER
This beginner-friendly program will provide instruction and practice to help you become familiar with using a stand-up paddleboard. Beginners (and experienced) paddleboarders will enjoy gliding over the shallow waters of the Intracoastal while learning about the mangrove and estuary ecosystem and wildlife. myboca.us
10-12
THE 64TH ANNUAL DELRAY AFFAIR, famously known as the Greatest Art Show under the Sun, will take place April 10–11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and April 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along seven vibrant city blocks of Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach. The Delray Affair will showcase more than 400 artists, crafters, and food vendors from across the United States. The festival is celebrated for its eclectic blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, and unique products, offering attendees an immersive experience that highlights both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. delrayaffair.com
19
THE 5TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DELRAY BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE will feature international culture, art and historic automobiles via a downtown garden party festival for the whole family in Delray Beach’s historic Old School Square. This celebration of automotive excellence will showcase historic automobiles from around the world, national museums, and legendary Concours icons from Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Cavallino, Moda Miami, Goodwood, Mille Miglia, Formula 1, and many more! delrayconcours.com
24
THE BLACK KEYS ‘Peaches ‘N Kream’ is coming to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood at 8 p.m. “Peaches!”, the band’s fourteenth studio album, is a visceral and raw 10-song collection described by singer Dan Auerbach as the band’s “most natural record” since their 2002 debut, “The Big Come Up.” The project was born in the wake of Auerbach’s late father’s diagnosis of esophageal cancer, as he was staying in Dan’s Nashville home, in rapid decline. Patrick Carney, Dan’s Black Keys bandmate and oldest, closest friend, knew without asking “that it would be good for Dan to have something to do.” That something, of course, was to head into the studio and crank up the amps. myhrl.com
25
Boca Helping Hands (BHH) will host its inaugural HANDS & HEARTS GALA: A LEGACY IN ACTION, at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, located at 2425 West Maya Palm Drive, Boca Raton. The evening will honor retiring Board President, Gary Peters, for his 20 years of distinguished service and leadership. During Peters’ tenure, Boca Helping Hands has grown from a modest soup kitchen to serving more than 35,000 individuals annually at five locations throughout South Palm Beach County. The gala will celebrate this remarkable legacy while raising critical funds to support BHH’s mission. Proceeds from the event will provide vital assistance to 35,000 people in the South Florida community through BHH’s programs, including hunger relief, job training, healthcare, emergency financial assistance, childcare, and weekend meals for Palm Beach County school children. bocahelpinghands.org/handsheartsgala
Image
Derek Blanks
people watching
HOLLYWOOD
HomeSafe rocked the house with their annual Classic Rock & Roll Party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Four hundred guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. More than $750,000 net was raised in support of HomeSafe’s mission to protect South Florida’s most vulnerable children and families.
Photos by Downtown Photo
Ana and Andrew Waldman
Doris and Neil Gillman
Celebrity Host, Nicko McBrain with Co-Chairs Abby Bernstein-Henderson and Steve Bernstein
Joe and Kimberly Scaggs
Jo Ann and Philip Procacci, Carrie Rubin
Kelly Smallridge and Rex Kelly
HomeSafe Hero, Rob Vargas and his wife Rebecca Vargas
Elyse Rallo and Ed Ventrice
Ken and Holly Schwieterman
people watching
FORT LAUDERDALE
Leadership from the YMCA of South Florida, Broward Health and the City of Fort Lauderdale welcomed donors, partners and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the newest YMCA Family Center and adjacent Broward Health Emergency Department (ED) at Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale. Rooted in Holiday Park’s more than 75-year legacy as Fort Lauderdale’s “backyard,” the new Y will honor the park’s rich history while building a healthier future for generations to come Photos ourtesy of YMCA of South Florida
John Herbst, Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor; Shane Strum, President & CEO, Broward Health; Steven Glassman Commissioner District 2 Fort Lauderdale; Sheryl A. Woods, President and CEO, YMCA of South Florida; Marilyn Pascual, Board Chair YMCA of South Florida; Dean Trantalis, Fort Lauderdale Mayor; Ben Sorensen, Commissioner District 4 Fort Lauderdale; Pamela Beasley-Pittman, Commissioner District 3 Fort Lauderdale; Rickelle Williams, City Manager, Fort Lauderdale
Strum, President & CEO, Broward Health and Sheryl A. Woods, President and CEO, YMCA of South Florida
and
Shane
Albert
Beatriz Miniaci with their dog, Chico
Jerry Capote, Chief Medical Officer at Broward Health Medical Center/Broward Health Physician Group; Sheryl A. Woods, President and CEO, YMCA of South Florida; Manny Linares, CEO Broward Health Medical Center; Stacy Angier, Vice Chair, Broward Health Board of Commissioners; Steven Glassman Commissioner District 2 Fort Lauderdale; Mary Anne Usher, Regional Director Emergency and Trauma Services, Broward Health Medical Center; Lamar Fisher, Broward County Commissioner District 4; Kathy Salerno, Executive Director, Community Relations Broward Health
Al Gil, President of Construction, ANF Construction & Development Group; John Scherer, President & CEO, Gulf Building; Sheryl A. Woods, President & CEO, YMCA of South Florida; KC Cross, Executive Vice President, Gulf Building; Al Fernandez, CEO, ANF Construction & Development Group; Nelson Fernandez, President of Development, ANF Construction & Development Group
Amy Jean-Baptiste, Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Deputy Director; Sheryl A. Woods, President & CEO, YMCA of South Florida; Shane Strum, President & CEO, Broward Health; Steven Glassman, Commissioner District 2 Fort Lauderdale; Carl Williams, Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Director; Rickelle Williams, City Manager, Fort Lauderdale; Stephen Gollan, Chief of Fort Lauderdale Fire & Rescue
Nancy Stamper, Broward Health Commi ssioner; Paul Tanner, Chair Broward Health Board of Commissioners; Stacy Angier, Vice Chair, Broward Health Board of Commissioners; Melida Akiti, Chief Transformation Officer at Broward Health; Dr. Jason Mansour, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine, Broward Health Medical Center
Shane Strum, President & CEO, Broward Health
YMCA of South Florida staff
people watching
BAL HARBOUR
The Pegasus World Cup presented by 1/ST kicked off its 10-year anniversary with the annual Off To The Races Fashion Show at Bal Harbour Shops. This exclusive pre-race event, presented in collaboration with Bal Harbour Shops, celebrated the perfect intersection of fashion, philanthropy, and race-day tradition. Guests enjoyed a runway presentation showcasing elevated race-day fashion with a thoughtfully styled line up of sophisticated silhouettes and occasion-ready looks from Alaïa, Brunello Cucinelli, Chloé, Etro, Givenchy, Pucci, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, and Valentino.
Katharine Rubino, Elizabeth Resnick, Marysol Patton, Alexia Nepola
Julia Lemigova, Larsa Pippen, Marysol Patton, Elizabeth Resnick
people watching
BAL HARBOUR
The Pegasus World Cup presented by 1/ST continued
Brittany Kujawa & Shea Curtin
Caitlin Collins
Alexandra Gonzalez & Krista Rosenberg
Belinda Stronach & Jessica Cristobal
WEST PALM BEACH
The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches welcomed headliner and “60-minutes” correspondent, Bill Whitaker, for its luncheon conversation at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The program was also moderated by award-winning journalist and longtime “60 Minutes” producer Rome Hartman. The ongoing luncheon series is part of the Forum Club’s 50th anniversary season focused on nonpartisan civic dialogue.
Photos by Tracey Benson Photography
Patrick Franklin and Mayor Keith James
Rome Hartman, Bill Whitaker, Harvey E. Oyer III
Maggie Elwell, Paige Elwell and Sarah Elwell
Renee Layman, Sarah Alsofrom, Barbara Suflas Noble
PBC Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks, Alexandra Chase, Shannon O’Shea Darsch, Christina Oyer
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