Lifestyle | Page 89 | Your Delray Boca

12 December, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Parades, Tuba’s and The Fab Four

December 12, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

A holiday classic.

Arts Garage Radio Theatre– It’s a Wonderful Life

From Orson Welles and the thrilling Mercury Theatre broadcasts of the 1930’s to Guy Noir and the hilarity of Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”, the radio play has been one of America’s most beloved art forms.

The Arts Garage is proud to present a new initiative called the Arts Garage Radio Theatre.

Scripts adapted from classic movies during the heyday of radio will be performed live, with performers utilizing specially designed sound effect devices, providing a nostalgic trip to the past with a modern twist.

Come check out the classic story and get in the holiday spirit.

When: December 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $15-$25 in advance or $20-$30 at the door.

Timeless tunes

A Tribute to The Beatles

We are big Beatles fans.

Sure, Jeff was six when the band broke up and Dave was more into Lawrence Welk in the 60s, but we recognize greatness when we see it.

Since John, Paul, George and Ringo will never play again in our lifetimes, we have to content ourselves with tribute bands.

And as far as Beatles tribute bands go, there’s none better than “Across the Universe”.

The foursome will play Friday night at 7:30 part of the free concert series at Delray Center for the Arts at Old School Square.

See you there.

Boat Parade

The holidays in Florida take some getting used to.

Palm trees, Santa’s dressed in Hawaiian shirts, warm breezes you get the picture.

Another staple is the boat parade on the Intracoastal Waterway.

This year’s floats through Delray at 6:30 p.m.

Stake out your position along the water and catch the beautiful array of boats.

Don’t Miss the WRMF No Snow Ball

The Goo Goo Dolls, The Fray, Five for Fighting, Parachute and ZZ Ward will rock Mizner Park Amphitheater on Saturday for the No Snow Ball, presented by WRMF 97.9 and Sunny 107.9.

The concert starts at 6 p.m.; general admission, standing room only, so get there early.

Tickets are $40 in can be purchased in advance at www.frontgatetickets.com or for $50 at the gate on the day of the show.

Limited VIP seating is available on the upper colonnades for $75 in advance, $100 at the door. Park and walk for free from City Hall or the Boca Raton Library.

There is limited, paid parking in Mizner Park.

On site box office opens at 1 p.m. on the day of the show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Eat your heart out Macy’s

Delray Holiday Parade, Saturday at 6

The parade route will start on Atlantic Avenue at the Intracoastal Bridge in Downtown Delray Beach, and will continue west to NW 5th Ave., with over 70 entries in the parade to help you celebrate the holidays. Through a special connection to the North Pole, The Delray Beach Fire Department will have Santa riding along on their fire truck.

Before there was Glee…

Fame-The Musical at The Arts Garage

Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984), FAME – THE MUSICAL is a bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work.

With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today: issues of prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance.

When: Friday 12/13, 7:30PM | Sat 12/14, 2PM | Sunday 12/15, 2PM & 7PM.

Tickets in advance $20-30, $5 more at the door.

Visit www.artsgarage.org for more information.

Feel the romance of flamenco

Flamenco at The Arts Garage

Corazon y Alma (Heart and Soul) is an exciting and authentic flamenco show dedicated to preserving the art of flamenco in a fresh and engaging performance.

Award winning Paco Fonta is internationally recognized as a foremost flamenco guitarist, singer, and composer. He has been praised as an accomplished singer of Cante Jondo, the most authentic, profound, and difficult of the flamenco styles. Hailing from Andalusia, Spain, he began his professional career performing throughout Europe and the Americas. He was the winner of prestigious ”Cante Jondo” at the flamenco festival in Jaen, Spain and was the twice the recipient of the Florida Folk Life Apprenticeship Program as a Master Artist. Mr. Fonta’s guitar can be heard on numerous recordings by prominent Latin artists such as “Cuts Both Ways” by Gloria Estefan.

Flamenco dancer Celia Fonta studied Flamenco, Spanish Classical and Folkloric dance in Madrid with world famous teachers Ciro, La Tati, Paco Romero and Azorin as well as with the great masters such as Merche Esmeralda, el Guito, Antonio Canales and Carmela Greco. She has toured the USA and internationally with notable groups such as the Boston Flamenco Ballet and the Ballet Flamenco La Rosa based in Miami as principal dancer and soloist.

Created by Paco and Celia Fonta, “Siempre Flamenco is dedicated to preserving the tradition and pure art of flamenco in a fresh and engaging performance where the trilogy of guitar song and dance come together in dialogue and are moved in unison by the flamenco “duende.”

When: Saturday 12/14 | 8PM

For ticket information visit www.artsgarage.org

FAU Tuba Concert Sunday

Looking for something unique to cap your weekend? Well, look no further.

Friends and families are invited to join Florida Atlantic University’s tuba and euphonium players in a Tuba Christmas celebration at 5 p.m. on December 15 in Mizner Park.

This special tradition originally began with Indiana University’s professor Harvey G. Phillips, and will be the third annual presentation for FAU students. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to this free outdoor event. For more information, please call (561) 297-3853.

All music concerts at FAU are sponsored in part by Wells Fargo and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

25 November, 2013 1 Comment

Charity Dine Offers A New Way to Support Good Causes

November 25, 2013 By Jeff Perlman 1 Comment

50 Ocean is one of 200 SoFla restaurants on charity dine.

Going out to eat is a popular pastime in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
But did you know you can help charity while dining at your favorite local restaurant?
Charitydine.com, an industry leader in connecting restaurants and patrons for the benefit of charity, has established a strong presence in Delray Beach and Boca Raton.
Among the local restaurants partnering with Charity Dine are: 50 Ocean, Boston’s on the Beach, Villagio, Japango, Jimmy’s Bistro, Prime, Karma Sushi Steakbar, La Cigale, La Stella’s, Patio Delray, Breathe, Tucci’s Fire N Coal Pizza, Scuola Vecchia, Solita, Rocky’s Italian Bistro, Kapow Mizner Park and Sushi Masa Hibachi.
The Charity Dine model is based on a win-win formula.
Restaurants receive new customers when charities reach out to their supporters and the non-profits benefit every time someone buys a dining certificate from Charity Dine.
Customers are motivated to spend their money at participating restaurants after purchasing 60% off dining certificates from Charitydine.com. Unlike Groupon and Livingsocial, Charitydine.com protects its restaurant partners with minimum purchase and gratuity requirements, which is why their program has been widely accepted by South Florida restaurants. The program is launching soon in Philadelphia. So far, about 200 restaurants in South Florida are participating.
Rich Anderson, Executive Director of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, is one of the charities benefitting from Charity Dine’s business model.
“We are extremely diligent when approached with a fundraising or cause marketing opportunity,” said Anderson. “Because of the League’s strong brand awareness in the community we are presented with these opportunities almost daily. Our partnership with Charitydine.com has been one of the most beneficial promotional programs we’ve ever entered into…easy, seamless, and completely transparent. CharityDine is truly a win-win-win program for the animals, for the socially conscious public, and for participating restaurants.”
Other charities involved include: Hospice of Palm Beach County, American Lung Association, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
For more information and to purchase certificates visit www.charitydine.com

18 November, 2013 2 2 Comments

Real Estate Focus: Millpond A Boca Classic

November 18, 2013 By David Reeves 2 Comments

Towering oaks and meandering paths set Millpond apart

As one of Boca Raton’s premier developers, the now-defunct Arvida Corporation became synonymous with quality real estate development in the area.

With such signature communities as Broken Sound and Boca West, Arvida certainly put its stamp on the area, beginning in the 1970s.

One of its top communities was Millpond, located between Glades and Yamato roads on St. Andrews Blvd. We at www.yourdelrayboca.com, we suggest you take a look at this community. It is ideal for families and the retired who are seeking an active lifestyle.

This tree-lined community with meandering pathways and roads features 306 single-family homes that blend seamlessly with the heavily wooded environment. Unlike most brand new communities, Millpond has huge shade trees with sprawling canopies. With a variety of homes, ranging from 1,800 to more than 3,400 square feet, Millpond has retained its value as an enclave with easy access to schools, parks, and privacy that rivals any other neighborhood in the area.

This peaceful, non-gated community has two lakes, a dock, pavilion areas, a scenic footbridge, picnic areas, playgrounds and tennis courts.

Prices in the neighborhood range from the $400,000s to over $500,000.

Other nearby amenities include beaches, Town Center Mall, Spanish River Library, Patch Reef Park, and much more. For more information visit https://www.mymillpond.net/

If you’re thinking about re-locating to the Delray Beach/Boca Raton area, please contact us at dave@yourdelrayboca.com and we’ll recommend the Realtor who is just right for your home search.

1 November, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Strings, Tomcats and Waxing For A Cause

November 1, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

String Theory plays tonight at the Delray Center for the Arts

String Theory Gives Free Concert at Delray Center for the Arts

The Friday night concert series continues this evening with a performance by “String Theory”, a South Florida band that plays favorites from the 60s through today.

The four piece band is known for its guitar work and has been a local favorite since 2007.

The music starts at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy gourmet food trucks and a cash bar. Limited chair rental is available or bring your lawn chairs, but please no pets or outside food/beverage.

Tomcat Blake brings his fretwork to The Arts Garage

Tomcat Blake rocks the Arts Garage

With a name like Tomcat Blake you gotta be cool. You just gotta be.

Tomcat will rock The Arts Garage, Saturday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m.

If you like blues, country, rockabilly and soul, you’ll like Tomcat, who performs original music.

He’s renowned for his guitar work and showmanship.

Check it out at www.artsgarage.org

Mention Bethesda not Kelly Clarkson and make a difference

Make a Difference Monday

We know Monday is technically not part of the weekend, but we couldn’t resist this item as a best bet.
Monday, Nov. 4 is MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAY!

European Wax Center (1000 N Congress in Boynton Beach) will donate $10 to Bethesda Health Foundation for every new guest that mentions Bethesda.

New guests (with a valid FL ID) are entitled to a FREE WAX! Ladies: eyebrow, underarm or bikini wax. Men: eyebrow, nose or ear wax. You know who you are.

Call 561-734-4200 for more information.

28 October, 2013 0 Comments

The Bridges; Captures Delray’s Luxury Lifestyle

October 28, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

The Palazzo highlights the Empire Collection and lists at $1.6 million

GL Homes has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1976.

Today, GL Homes is the 13^th largest private homebuilder in the United States. That’s a ranking based on the measure that counts the most: sales. And the bottom line is GL Homes has carved out a reputation among home buyers for sustained excellence.

GL’s reputation is such, that when it announces a new project there’s immediate interest and buzz, especially among those who own or have owned a home in a GL community.

GL Homes’ new community “The Bridges” ( https://www.glhomes.com/the-bridges ) has sparked a lot of word of mouth publicity. Located less than a mile from the new Delray Marketplace, a retail and entertainment center, The Bridges is a high-end luxury product that has earned rave reviews from those who have toured the models.

“It’s absolutely magnificent,” says Fran Goldman, who lives in a GL community in Lake Worth. “They’ve reached a whole new level.”

The Bridges features 21 distinct home designs ranging in size from 2,450 square feet to over 7,506 air conditioned square feet with one- and two-story plans. Luxury features include granite kitchen countertops, Moen sinks, marble bathroom countertops and too many amenities to mention.

In typical fashion, The Bridges includes outstanding community features such as a 17,000 square foot clubhouse, with a large social hall, catering kitchen, yoga studio and fully equipped fitness studio.

The clubhouse will also offer a card salon with poker tables, a gaming room and a children’s center. The poolside bistro will give residents a casual place to grab a snack while enjoying the great outdoors. The resort-style swimming pool and spa will be surrounded by a spacious pool deck and shade cabanas. Children who live at The Bridges will be able to enjoy an aqua lot, wading pool and shaded playground adjacent to a large party pavilion.

Tennis enthusiasts can play in a league, take lessons or just catch a match with friends on The Bridges six Har-Tru courts and One Hard Court, lighted for night play. The lifestyle complex has a Tennis Pro Shop, shaded courtside pavilions and a spectator viewing area.

Prices range from $595,900 to $1,602,900.

The facts:

Office Hours: Open daily 10am – 6pm

Address: 16850 Lyons Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446

Directions: Turnpike or I-95 to Glades Road/Boca Raton. Go west to Lyons Road. Head north on Lyons Road past Clint Moore Road. The Bridges will be on your right.

Phone: (561) 509-5400

24 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bets: Brews, Wine, Music, Costumes, Jazz and Parades

October 24, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Crane’s Tiki Bar samples six fall brews tonight

Things are starting to heat up in Boca/Delray this weekend. Here’s our picks for your best bets.

Start your weekend early at Crane’s
Go to Crane’s Beach House in Delray and find your new favorite fall brew Thursday, October 24th from 6-8:30pm.
The Tiki Bar at Crane’s Beach House Hotel, 82 Gleason Street, and Boston Brewing Company present six fall craft beers for your tasting pleasure.
Enjoy Taps and Tapas while you sample the Fall Brews, and create your own pairing with delectable and savory bites from area restaurants.
Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, Harvest Pumpkin, White Lantern, AO Cinnful Cider, Double Agent IPL, and Whitewater IPA are the fall brews.
Cost is $25 for entry. Brew specials all night.

Fine Wine Soiree in Boca
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation & The Fresh Market are hosting a “fine wine soiree” benefiting JDRF and Diabetes Research Thursday, October 24 from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the The Fresh Market, 100 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton.
Delight your palate with some 50 wine varieties; enjoy crab cakes, shrimp cocktail other delightful hors d’oeuvres and distinctive cheeses at this exclusive tasting event.
100% of proceeds benefit JDRF and diabetes research.
Tickets: $25 per person.
Online Purchases: https://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/event/fmboca/
Tickets are limited, so RSVP today! And support a great cause.
Questions? Call JDRF at 561.686.7701

Halloween in Delray can’t be beat, trust us on that one.

Halloween Downtown
If you haven’t been to downtown Delray for Halloween, you really want to make it a point to do so.
Hundreds of kids, their parents and even their pets will converge on Atlantic Avenue Saturday , Oct. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. for the annual Halloween parade and trick or treating tradition.
Merchants will have candy and treats for the kids and its fun to watch the little ones parade down the street as super heroes and more.
During the parade, the following road closures will be in effect:

NE 2nd Avenue will be closed from Old School Square Park to Atlantic Avenue on Saturday, October 26th, between 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm. Detour signage will be posted to assist motorists.

Atlantic Avenue will be closed from NE 2nd Avenue to the west side of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) on Saturday, October 26th, from 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm. Eastbound traffic on Atlantic Avenue will be detoured at Swinton Avenue to SE 1st Street to Palm Square. Beach area traffic traveling westbound across the Atlantic Avenue Bridge will be detoured at Ocean Blvd/A1A to George Bush Boulevard or Linton Boulevard.

NOTE: Roads will reopen to vehicular traffic as the parade completes that section of the route.
While road closures are in effect, the Downtown Roundabout will operate on a modified route on Saturday, October 26th from 12:30 pm until approximately 2:00 pm, providing free roundtrip service from the Tri-Rail Station on Congress Avenue to NE 6th Avenue (Northbound Federal Highway) via the NE and SE 1st Street by-passes. Eastbound trolleys will use SE 1st Street with westbound trolleys using NE 1st Street. Normal service will resume when road closures are no longer in effect. NO SERVICE will be provided east of the ICW during road closures. Due to anticipated traffic, please expect scheduling delays during the event.

Kidsfest

Immediately following the Halloween Parade, all children are invited to attend Kidsfest!

Kidsfest is a free family event in Veterans Park, 802 NE 1st Street, that features live entertainment, a bounce house, food vendors, a make-and-take craft area and much, much more. In addition, local children’s services/organizations that target health, safety and fun will be featured to provide additional information to parents. Kidsfest, which is sponsored by the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreation, will run until 4:00 pm.

Delray needs you

Volunteer Delray
Have you ever wondered how you can give back to your community?
Wonder no more.
Volunteer Delray is an event that seeks to match “missions to interested volunteers.” The event is set for Friday, Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave., just prior to the Friday Concert Series. (see below).
About 30 local non-profits will be in attendance and will be offering volunteer opportunities.
The event is the brain child of Leeanne Griffith, who works at the Delray Center for the Arts. This is the second year for the event which was a great success last year.
Come and find out how you too can give back.
If you still want to volunteer but can’t make the event, send an email to volunteer@delraybeachcenterforthearts.org

Brings the funk

Free Friday concert series continues
If you love funk, blues and R&B bop on down to Delray Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. for a free concert at the pavilion.
This week’s performer is the high energy South Florida based funk band “Pocket Change”.
The Friday concert series features food trucks, lawn chairs and an energetic crowd. It has become a great place to see a ton of friends, enjoy beer and wine and dance. Make sure to check it out.
Union Hosts Down For Whatever Halloween Party
After the Friday night concert series you may want to walk over to Union Delray, 8 E. Atlantic Ave., for what promises to be a memorable “Down For Whatever” Halloween Party from 9:30-11 p.m. Friday night.
No themes. Just costumes. And $1,000 in prizes will be awarded for the best, including the sexiest costume.
Visit www.uniondelray.com for more info. Say hello to owner Scott Kennedy while your there.

Australian sensation Troy Roberts

Sax in the City
The Jazz Times says Troy Roberts is “… a force to be reckoned with… He is more than one to watch, he is one to follow closely.”
And you can follow him closely this Saturday night at 8 p.m. when he takes the stage of The Arts Garage.
Roberts comes to Delray with music from his new release Nu Jive 5. From Perth, West Australia, he has won four Downbeat Jazz Soloist Awards, two West Australian Music Industry Awards, Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition finalist, and a Grammy Nomination Medal.

Tickets range from $25-$35 visit www.artsgarage.org for more information and to purchase reserve seats.

21 October, 2013 0 Comments

Boca #2 Best Dressed Small City

October 21, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Lynn U’s annual fashion show may be one reason why Boca is a best dressed city.

Well, in the coming year, as the Avis ads state, Boca Raton will just have to work a little harder.

In a recent survey by the Movato Blog, Boca was ranked No. 2 as the “best dressed small city in the country,” just behind Santa Monica.

With so much going in the world, this is not earth-shattering news, but here at www.yourdelrayboca.com, we just thought this would be of interest, something to bring up while you’re tailgating at an FAU game over a few cold ones. P.S. Delray was nowhere on the list…sigh.

So, what’s the criteria? There are plenty, but you’ll be happy to know that Boca ranked numero uno in tailoring and dry cleaning. According to the blog, Boca has one tailor for every 2,928 residents and one dry cleaner for every 1,273 residents. Guess it takes a lot to look good at the pricey, trendy spots in Boca.

The Movoto Blog https://www.movoto.com/blog/ is published by the Movoto Real Estate firm. The firm surveys cities with populations between 99,999 and 75,000. They used Yelp to determine how many of each type of store or service they have and counted the highest-priced results for clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

Here’s the full rankings of the Top 10

Santa Monica, CA
Boca Raton
Newport Beach, CA
Westminister, CA
San Mateo, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Albany, NY
Evantson, IL
Mission Viego, CA
Miami Beach, CA

17 October, 2013 0 Comments

Weekend Best Bet: Green Market Returns & Other Fun Stuff

October 17, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Delray’s GreenMarket is a local tradition

You know “season” is around the corner when the choices for your weekend expand exponentially.

Here’s our recommendations for the best bets this weekend:

The GreenMarket Returns

The Delray GreenMarket will begin its 18th season on Saturday, October 19th, returning to the Old School Square Park for the second year. The Market will take place every Saturday morning through May 10, 2014, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The Delray GreenMarket is a favorite weekend destination for many local residents and visitors, offering fresh produce, plants, baked goods, gourmet food items, and other unique fare from local vendors in an open-air setting. With free live entertainment each week, playground equipment, and a variety of special events, the Delray GreenMarket is a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, there will be more kids activities at the Market this season. The nonprofit will debut its “Budding Artists” booth, offering fun, meaningful crafts each weekend using natural and recycled materials. Crafts will be led by art teachers from the Center for the Arts, assisted by volunteers from Atlantic High School. “We’ve always wanted to offer more quality kids activities at the Market,” said GreenMarket Manager Lori Nolan. “The Delray Beach Center for the Arts is the perfect partner, and we’re glad to have them on board this season.”

Many new vendors are also joining the market this season – offering products such as paella, Thai tacos, fresh baked fruit pies, pet products, and tropical fruit trees – while many familiar vendors return. With space for more than 60 vendors, the Delray GreenMarket will offer shoppers a wide variety of products.

The Old School Square Park is located on NE 2nd Avenue, a half block north of Atlantic Avenue. Free public parking is available immediately north of the park, in the Old School Square Parking Garage, at the southwest corner of NE 2nd Avenue and NE 1st Street. Valet service is available at the garage after 10:00 am, with a fee of $2/hour.

The Delray GreenMarket is a project of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Elvis is in the Building (or park)

Scott Ringersen is the King

Start your weekend early with a dose of The King.

Scott Ringersen, one of the best Elvis impersonators you’ll ever likely to see, will perform a free concert Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. at the outdoor pavilion at the Delray Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave.

Scott has been thrilling audiences with his electrifying tribute show “The Elvis Experience” for 10 years now. Known for his outstanding vocal range, energy and charisma, he has amassed an extensive and extremely loyal following. With his indisputable showmanship, stage presence and authentic costumes, Scott’s show completely captures the look, sound, moves, style and excitement of the greatest entertainer and pop icon of our time.

Enjoy gourmet food trucks, and they are truly fabulous. A cash bar and limited chair rentals are available. Bring your lawn chairs and bring the family, but PLEASE no pets or outside food/beverage.

P.S. Little known fact: Scott Ringersen was once a Delray Beach Police Officer.

Tommy Can You See Me? (Yes, at the Crest Theatre)

While you’re visiting the Delray Center for the Arts you may want to check out a guest production of The Who’s classic “Tommy”, featuring the music and vision of Pete Townshend.

The show runs Oct. 17-27 at the Crest Theatre.

For tickets and information, please visit entractetheatrix.org

Shows are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20, children 12 and under $10 and group rates are available.

The Legendary Duffy Jackson

Jazz legend to give master class this weekend

This weekend only, jazz great Duffy Jackson will play Delray’s famed Arts Garage (www.artsgarage.org).

By his 18th birthday, drummer Jackson was touring the country with Lena Horne.

At 20, he was performing in concert with Sammy Davis, Jr., and appearing on the popular weekly TV show, “Sammy & Company”.

Since then, Jackson’s powerful, swinging style has driven such big name bands as Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jacquet. He’s also performed with such Jazz legends as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Harry “Sweets” Edison to name a few.

This weekend, he will perform alongside vocalist Michelle Amato, best known for her work with Yanni and Cirque Du Soleil.

Performances are Friday at 8 p.m. a master class($10) Saturday at 2 p.m. featuring a lesson on “how to swing” with a question and answer session and autographs and photos, followed by a Saturday evening performance at 8 p.m. and a Sunday evening performance at 7 p.m. For tickets please visit artsgarage.org.

Have a great weekend!

9 October, 2013 0 Comments

In Praise Of Living Room Theaters

October 9, 2013 By Jeff Perlman Leave a Comment

Not your typical movie experience

If you haven’t been to the Living Room Theaters in Boca Raton, you are in for a treat.

We took advantage of a rainy Sunday recently to catch a matinee showing of the charming little independent film “In A World” a fascinating look at the movie voice over industry.

Located on the campus of FAU, Living Room Theaters offers the discerning moviegoer a chance to see an array of eclectic films and documentaries in a cozy, intimate venue featuring comfy chairs, good food, chair service and reasonable prices (tickets are $8.50 and can be purchased online at https://fau.livingroomtheaters.com/).

The Living Room has a hip, urban vibe to it. Art from the Boca Raton Museum of Art’s Guild adorn the walls and the theater is modern and smartly designed.

Let’s start with the café which offers lunch, dinner and late night menus. Fare ranges from paninis, salads and gourmet pizzas to wine, microbrews and signature coffees and tea. There are also a wide range of entrees if you bring a big appetite as well as delicious desserts including several flavors of gelato and a lava cake that is so good it just be might illegal in some states.

You can drink a variety of craft beer on tap, including three local brews: Monk in The Trunk (Jupiter), Native Lager (Fort Lauderdale), Cigar City, Maduro Brown (Tampa). Prices are $4-$6.

The wine list is over 20 deep and includes red, white and sparkling selections by the glass or bottle.

Bottles range from $23-$44. Glasses of wine range from $6-$10. Selections include wine from California, Spain, Italy, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and France.

And oh yeah, they show movies too.

And this is where it gets interesting. While the local multiplex is showing “The Avengers Part 97”and “Scary Movie 42”, Living Room Theaters distinguishes itself with a wide variety of cinematic fare.

Independent films (read: more interesting) are Living Rooms unique selling proposition.

The company is passionate about growing the local film community and serving people who love serious movie making.

Living Room’s proprietary digitizing technology enables first-time directors and producers to distribute their independent films – without the prohibitively high costs of making and shipping traditional celluloid prints. As a result, Living Room is able to showcase acclaimed films and independent filmmakers, from local to international, as well as groundbreaking movies that otherwise might be screened only at festivals. They also premiere many films that have not yet had distribution in the U.S.

Launched in December 2006, in Portland, Oregon, Living Room is a smart concept that is sure to be a hit with audiences who demand just a little more from the movie going experience.

We urge you to check it out.

23 September, 2013 0 Comments

The Interview: “Big” Joe Stout of The Food Beat.com

September 23, 2013 By David Reeves Leave a Comment

Joe Stout, the visionary behind The FoodBeat.com

HUNGRY? VISIT THEFOODBEAT.COM

We recently caught up with Big Joe Stout, founder of www.thefoodbeat.com, a web site that reviews and features many of the restaurants here in Delray Beach. This is what he had to say about the culinary delights in Delray.

How did you come up with the idea for The Food Beat?: I was watching “Diner’s, Drive In’s, and Dives” one night and thought to myself, “Why couldn’t I do something like this for Delray Beach?” With the amazing popularity of the Food Network and Delray’s expansive array of eating places, it just seemed to make sense. And when you factor in that my life’s work has focused on food and video production, the marriage came naturally. I owned and operated a chain of five restaurants, a catering company, and a wholesale bakery in Michigan from 1980 to 1997, and then jumped into video production soon after. The Food Beat provides a restaurant and entertainment search engine where each business is featured in high definition video. This gives people looking for a place to eat a more comprehensive understanding of what they will be getting. We also have programs that provide an in-depth look at the restaurant and also gives viewers some unique insight. Everything we do is off-center and generally whimsical. Our show “Rollin with Murph” stars Danny Murphy, a chair-user for over 30 years. Danny has been in many major motion pictures including “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin.” The show brings out the user friendly attributes of a restaurant’s accessibility. “The Nutrition Goddess” features bubbly nutrition expert Coco Fry who explores the healthier side of Delray dining, and “Food Woofers” is our version of “Man VS Food.” We even have a show called “Home Cook’n” that provides our viewers with video recipes they can also print out.

What are some interesting stories you can tell about exploring the world of restaurants here?: Two things kind of jump out at me. One, the majority of the locally owned restaurateurs are extremely passionate about their work. Part of that is because they know the competition is significant, but I believe more so because they have a tremendous amount of pride in what they do. There is a huge level of satisfaction knowing customers love your food and service, and of course, that generally equates to a growing business.

The other things that jumps out is the high level of skepticism most of these business owners have. I’m from Michigan where most people are more trusting and open…certainly more guarded here in south Florida. When I tell them the listing is free and they have no obligation, you can sense they are wondering what the catch is. You really have to work at building the trust, but once you do, the entire process gets much easier.

Overall, I have met some really good people who are hard working, community oriented people that love Delray Beach.

How many different types of restaurants are there in Delray?: On one of our shows, “Street Beat” where we ask locals random food related questions, we asked what restaurants is Delray Beach missing? There is certainly no shortage of Italian joints, but a few mentioned Indian and a Brazilian Steakhouse. Other than that, I believe most cuisine bases are covered nicely. We have really made a diligent effort to locate the unique and off the radar places a lot of people are unaware of. Believe it or not, there are many great places to eat in Delray Beach that are not in the downtown section of Atlantic Avenue. Although the “Ave” is hard to beat for food and excitement, there is a bigger food picture in Delray.

Any particular favorites that you can recommend for the following activities?:

Watching a football game: Delray gives you many sports bar options, but I tend to gravitate to the great food, great people spots where I can enjoy the camaraderie. Johnny Brown’s is always fun and has a great bar menu.

Taking wife/girlfriend out for birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day: Throw a dart. It all depends what you are looking for, but again, I tend to favor the places where the people are the most welcoming and make you feel special. My wife and have been going to Da Da since we moved here and always take out of town guest’s there for a great evening. Caffe Luna Rosa is wonderful and has a great beach location. SoLita’s has a really hip, chic atmosphere that relates to romance that my wife thinks is really cool. And if you want to feel like you are going to your Italian Uncle’s for a family like gathering, Casa Di Pepe in Pineapple Grove is a great option. I would also suggest a trip out to Patio Delray where Miss Lilly will treat you like a long lost friend.

Looking for the most diverse selection of brewskis?: Believe it or not, Puccini’s Pizza has some really great craft beers and they take it very seriously too. I have been there when they host events centered around the introduction of a new ale. I also enjoy throwing back a cold one at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub. Great bar, great people, and great food. And if you like Irish Whiskey, no one has a bigger variety in Delray Beach.

Other: The organic/health craze is well represented at The Green Gourmet on Jog Road. Joey and Wilson are the gurus of great tasting organic and they really know how to treat their customers. And of course, Fit Food Express brings healthy options right to your door .