Wednesday, April 30, 2014

RESTAURANT REVIEW OF THE SEA

This South East Asian kitchen brings to west Boca Raton a Thai/Sushi cuisine that covers over a hundred dishes from soups, salads, small plates from the Sushi Bar, Asian Market Noodles to entrees, sushi rolls and sashimi/sushi treats.

This standard menu is in addition to Chef Specials that change monthly, this April featuring a half dozen chilled taste delights that set the pace for the selection of standard menu fare.

Carlene, Joanne, Barry and Marc tasted a fantastic Lobster, Shrimp Wonton soup with enoki mushrooms, scallions and asparagus in a clear broth…a perfect soup! The Tom Yum Young Coconut soup has a half dozen ingredients but no discernable cocoanut flavor. Two other soups are listed.

Of the seven salads presented, we chose the Mango Soft Shell Crab Salad with fried crab, tomatoes, mango, red onion, bell peppers, cashew nuts, mixed greens and a nice Thai lime dressing. A large portion of fresh, crisp palate treats.

“The small plates from the kitchen” list had the usual edamame, chicken or pork or vegetable dumplings… available steamed or fried with a variety of dipping sauces. All were light wrappers with distinctive tastes. We tried a Soft Shell Crab Summer Roll, a Viet Roll and a Summer Roll, all well stocked with a myriad of fine ingredients.

Three outstanding items to order are the fine lobster shrimp shumai, the tender fried calamari tempura rings with a chili sea salt and sweet chili sauce-then a superior Tamarind Glazed Sea Scallops with Thai  mango salad of red shallots, cilantro and tomato in a lime dressing- don’t miss it! The Lemongrass Mussels in broth was much too salty for us to enjoy but the standard shrimp tempura, fried giant shrimp with sweet potato slices, zucchini slices and sprigs of broccoli were just fine.

Some fourteen listings are featured as Small Plates, From The Sushi Bar. These are excellent plated dishes, both hot and cold. We sampled an unusual dish…Wagyou Beef … thin slices of superior beef which we gently cooked at tableside on a hot river stone to dip into yuzu dipping sauce – a wining “event”.

Seventeen Asian Market Noodle dishes are listed – we’ll sample on our next visit.

Of the fourteen entrees, we selected the Boca Shore…a gently steamed 8 ounce Chilean Sea Bass with sautéed ginger, red onions, peppers, shitake mushrooms, snow peas, scallions and cashew nuts – available with jasmine rice or, our choice, brown rice. This was the finest treatment of sea bass – a must try! The other entrée tasted was Blue River Shrimp. Jumbo Grilled Shrimp in Asian spices topped with a tamarind reduction, shallots, scallions and tempura bok choy shards – also a choice of jasmine or brown rice. Both these entrees were large portions with superior tastes.

We noted 29 sushi rolls, 4 cucumber wrapper rolls and 7 small rolls in addition to a roster of single- portion fresh fish cuts of the day.

FYI – each dish was an artistic presentation - each dish was an ample portion and each dish had a distinctive flavor. We cannot recall tasting better.

The Sea is located at 16950 Jog Road in Boca Raton (561-270-3569), seating 100 diners inside and 24 on patio. Luncheon is served from 11:30AM to 4PM Monday through Friday, from noon to 4PM on Saturday. Dinner hours Monday through Thursday from 4PM to 10PM, Friday and Saturday from 4PM to 10:30PM and Sunday from 5PM to 10PM. Reservations suggested.

The Sea serves wine, beer and sake only. It is a lively modern bistro, opened in December of 2013 with a caring and informative staff and management. We suggest you…Go and Enjoy!

Barrys Buzz - April 30, 2014

     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
      Former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker at the Florida Democratic Party's annual fundraising dinner renamed Leadership Blue Gala June 28 at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood. Tickets start at $175 and increase to $225 Thursday.
     Following reports in this column and Letters to the Editor in the Boca Raton Tribune from Boca Raton resident Mark Seigel, the state took action and shut down 101 Cantina in Royal Palm Plaza for various violations.
     The public is invited to sit in, and even comment during designated time slots at the city's two goal-setting sessions Thursday and Friday. Goal setting is how the Boca Raton City Council and department heads decide on their spending priorities for the money they have in hand from taxes and fees and anticipated revenue. The sessions take place in the Municipal Services Complex, 2500 NW First Ave., building A. Public comment is invited twice on Thursday, from 11:30 to noon and again from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and from 11:30 to noon on Friday. Goal-setting sessions are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. both days with a break for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. after public comment. Thursday's session resumes from 1 to 3 p.m. and after public comment from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
   Operating in the technology incubator of the Research Park at FAU, Boca Raton based Commerce Data Science, the parent company of Wish-Clouds, a shopping app that lets people know when merchandise goes on sale, has been named the 2014 H. Wayne Huizenga Start-Up Of The Year and recognized at the South Florida Business Journal annual event recognizing the most successful and most promising companies of the local market.
    Just before hurricane season, Heritage Property Insurance Company joined Peoples Trust Insurance in not writing polices for homeowners in 2 Palm Beach County and 8 Broward County zip codes while Peoples cancelled thousands of policies three months after they were written. Both were major donors to Gov. Rick Scott's re-election campaign.
    Political junkies can watch live coverage of the final week of the 2014 state legislative session by turning on PBCTV Channel 20.
    Despite gains in home values, nearly 120,000 Palm Beach county mortgage holders are still underwater on their loans and they owe about 25% more than their property is worth, an improvement from the 145,000 homeowners underwater a year ago. Still the market rebound is helping improve the outlook for many borrowers. In the first quarter, nearly 48,000 mortgage holders regained equity in their homes or were on the verge of doing so.
     South Florida's foreclosure filings are hitting a brick wall, despite a new state law intended to speed them up. Real Estate pros say lenders are dragging their feet because they don't want to take costly ownership and are unfamiliar with the new system. Judges and lawyers report the new law has done little to unclog court dockets swamped by foreclosure filings. 
      Eric Afriat of Montreal, Canada walked away with $1,081,184 and the coveted WPT Championship trophy after winning first place in the televised WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship tournament series.  The tournament brought a record 1,795 entries, surpassing the $5 million guarantee and generating a $5,788,875 prize pool - the largest ever for a $3,500 buy-in tournament.
     As a continuing effort to deliver meaningful content, members of the 25 year IBM South Florida Boca Raton club and public are invited to join 1:30 p.m. May 5, 2014 at Sugar Sand Park Community Center, 300 South Military trail south of Palmetto Park Road to celebrate prior to Memorial Day, honoring those past and current veterans who have served in our military. In a first for Palm Beach County, Cpl. Burt Richards from the Veterans Speakers Forum, who has been highly instrumental in classroom education will be bringing his collection of military artifacts for display in the meeting room for all to view.  The display includes full military uniforms, pictures from theatres of war, including news articles from 1940, chevrons, unit patches, U.S. Medals, German & Japanese and a first time display of a 6 foot x 10 foot American Flag 75 years old with 48 stars.  If you have any military artifacts that you would like to donate to the collection or share them, have any pictures of your time in the military bring them with you. If you have any pictures of your time in the military you would like to share, bring those as well. There will be a group picture of veterans of all branches of service attending. Plenty of free parking.
   Mary Damiano has been appointed the new Managing Director of the Carbonell Awards, recognizing excellence in South Florida regional theatres. She can be reached at CarbonellHotline@gmail.com.
   CrossFit Hype, a fitness center focusing on strength and endurance opened at 374. E. Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton.
     We Rock the Spectrum Kid's gym, a play venue for children opened at 19635 State Road 7, including optional swings for children on the autism spectrum, trampolines, zip lines, imaginary stations and arts and crafts areas. They also host birthday parties, private play dates and special events.
    The Faulk Center for Counseling offers weekly support group for Widows and Widowers every Wednesday 1 to 2 pm, 2245 Boca Rio Road. Cost is $5. Call 561.483.5300 for more information.
   Palm Beach International Airport, the 9th largest airport in the state, serviced 2.3 million passengers in 2013 and had 135,587 takeoffs and landings.
   Romantic musical comedy Ghost at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has the most unique lighting, staging and set direction with superb audio visual effects. Don't miss it, through May 11! Tickets at www.browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222.
     The Trouble with Doug is 7:30 p.m. through May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.
    The 2014/2015 season for the Wick Theatre includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.
    The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is "tipping off" its new men's programming NBA Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier
, who led the New York Knicks to the franchise's only two titles, 6:30 p.m. April 30, with dinner and drinks. Cost is $85.For more information, visit www.jewishboca.org/mens or contact Felice Naide at 561.852.6084 or felicen@bocafed.org. Call Lori Grossman at 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.
    South Tech Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary 6 pm May 1. See www.southtechacademy.com for more information.
Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl and Barry Epstein on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.
   Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.
     Watch Barry Epstein live with The People's Choice Public Adjuster Michael Klavan, Best Stop Trafficking (B.E.S.T.) Case Management Cooridination Rosie Johnson and Palm Beach Senior Placement Senior Relations Coordinator Candy Cohn on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.
      The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres, Movies of Delray and Movies of Lake Worth. Dancing in Jaffa and Finding Vivian Maier opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. Heaven is for Real opens at the Movies of Delray. The Other Woman opens at Movies of Lake Worth. Richard II from the Royal Shakespeare Company is 10:30 a.m. May 3 and 7:00 p.m. May 7 at the Movies of Delray.
      Office Depot Foundation hosts its 7th annual weekend in Boca May 2 and 3 at Office Depot's corporate headquarters for nonprofit organizations and anyone in serving the community. Register at www.officedepotfoundation.org/weekeninboca.com.
      A free Celebration of the Arts is 5:30, May 2 at the Lynn University Wold Performing Arts Center including a street fair, art and fashion gallery,  a main stage performance at 7:30 pm featuring the Conservatory of Music and several talented actors, dancers, singers and poets. Reserve at 561.237.9000 or register at http://lynn.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=630472.
    It's the last few weeks of the Boca Raton Green Market!  The Market, in its 17th year, has farm-to-table, freshly-picked produce (organics, too) from local growers and lots more,  8am to 1pm every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton, now until May 10th.  "It Takes Two" are entertaining at this week's market.   Call (561) 299-8684 for information.
    Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     
    Congressman Ted Deutch gives a briefing on Greece, Cyprus and Israel relations, noon- 1:30 p.m. May 4 at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 NW 51st St. (Yamato Road). Light refreshments will be served. RSVP and questions to Brandey.Edelson@mail.house.gov or call 561.470.5440.
     Federation of Boca Raton Homeowner Associations' Meeting is 8:30 a.m., May 6th, 2014, Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. (next to City Hall). Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie will report "The State of the City Address" with a Community Spotlight on Boca Helping Hands.
     Palm Beach State College Foundation's 2014 Golf Classic is May 9 at the Country Club of Mirasol. Sponsorship opportunities and registration information is at www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/golf or contact Ana Thomas at 561.868.3569.
     The sixth annual FREE score business conference with Google and Godaddy, etc. coming to Boca is 8 am. To 3:30 pm May 10th. Reserve your ticket at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sixth-annual-score-business-conference-tickets-8777996223.
     Tina Turner Tribute Band, Simply Tina, is free 7-9 pm May 10 at the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park Amphitheatre, 20405 Amphitheater Circle, off Glades Road, West Boca. Lawn chairs and picnic baskets ok. Food available for purchase on site. Call 561.488.8069 for more information.
    Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
   
  Red White and Blue Salute Our Troops-Fundraiser for FSO is 7 pm May 23 at Blue Martini 6000 Glades Rd in Boca Raton (outside Town Center Mall), $10 a person with MC Former SFC William Schedneck - served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more info, contact Tara Laxer 561-289-6031.
  The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com.
or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.
     Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
     The National Walk to End Alzheimer's will be in Boca Raton for the first time on Oct. 11 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. The kickoff for the Alzheimer's Association fundraiser is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 29 at JAZZIZ Nightlife, 201 Plaza Real in Mizner Park. The event will include cocktails and appetizers, a silent auction, photo booth and a deejay. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door at http://goo.gl/wq17A5. Registration for the walk is free at www.alz.org/walk. Volunteers are also needed. Contact Pamela Polani at polani@bellsouth.net or call 561-496-4222.
      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance - the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 
     www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.
     Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to the column.
     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com - www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

REVIEW OF CAVALIERI’S TRATTORIA

Located at 7491 North federal Highway in Boca Raton’s Hidden Valley Shopping Center, Carolina and Carlos Amado bring a family style Trattoria/Pizzeria to this area.

Seating 80 diners in their attractive, modern bistro, Cavalieri’s is open 7 days, Monday through Friday from 11AM to 10PM, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10PM (561-989-9922).

Marc, Audrey, Barry and Simon sampled from their standard menu and a few chef specials.

The traditional Pasta Fagioli was an excellent soup with old fashioned flavor. The chef’s special Shrimp Bisque was rich and chunky and his Minestrone was a true, deep taste treat.

We sampled excellent Mussels Marinara…plump, tasty bivalves  in a fine sauce, an average tasting fried calamari in their fine marinara sauce, baked middle neck Clams Oreganata  with garlic, parsley and oregano…a nice dish! The Eggplant Caprese, unfortunately, had underdone eggplant – tough to chew- Chef, take note.

Both the Caesar salad and the Milano salad were fresh and crispy and very  tasty. Five additional salads are also featured.

Of the seven pasta entrées, we sampled a nice Gnocchi Carabonara with its applewood bacon, caramelized onion, garlic, olive oil, egg, green peas and Parmigiano Regiano cheese. We then tried an excellent Fettuccine Alfredo with a superior light cream sauce and parmesan – do try it!

Of the six chicken entrees, we ordered the Chicken Portobello Marsala- tasty and sweet. The four veal entrees included their Veal Parmigiana, a somewhat thicker cut of breaded veal than we prefer, served with spaghetti and topped with mozzarella.

One will find three eggplant entrees and ten seafood entrees listed as well as fifteen New York style pizza offerings in both a 12 inch and 16 inch size. We will sample pizzas another day.

We must mention the initial starter of fresh, warm, homemade delicious garlic rolls that whet our appetites.

The cannoli shells were filled in- house with an excellent cream. The outsourced apple rustic tart with gelato was very nice but the dessert winner was the homemade tiramisu – a superior traditional favorite! Homemade brownies and NY cheesecake complete the roster of desserts!

Cavalieri’s wines feature a very nice dry Chianti and a Pinot Grigio – by glass, ½ carafe and full carafe plus 5 reds and 4 whites by glass/bottle. Cavalieri offers ten beer choices – are both domestic and imported. Soft drinks, sparkling water and coffee selections are presented.

Pricing is reasonable for the standard menu which was initiated this April – weekly chef specials are featured, too! Cavalieri’s has a varied kids menu at a very realistic price.


For an informal dining experience and attentive service…Go and Enjoy!  

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Barrys Buzz - April 23, 2014

    Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
      Al Gortz has been elected Chair of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County succeeding Ellen Sarnoff's three year term.
     Sincere condolences to Boca Aviation Authority member and Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club director Bill Schwartz on the loss of his brother-in-law Aaron Cohen.   
     Boomers! on Airport Road in Boca has been sold to Apex Parks Group who plans improvements and job openings.   
     The 13th annual "Men with Caring Hearts" award luncheon, benefiting Florence Fuller Child Development Centers is April 25 at the Boca West Country Club, honoring Jay diPietro and others. For more information, call Lauren Kimber at 561.391.7274.
     Waterstone Resort & Marina - currently undergoing a dramatic re-envisioning from Boca Bridge Hotel - announces their super sales team, including Jennifer Graham as director of sales and marketing, Fran Bannon as director of catering, Lindsay Schwartzseid as sales and catering coordinator and Brittany Millner as digital media coordinator.
      Peoples Trust Insurance has stopped writing policies in South Florida.
       
      West Boca Relay for Life has been moved to 6 p.m. June 6 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Central Boca.
     Coconut Cove Water is open on weekends through June 5 in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in West Boca. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday April 18 and the same hours on Monday May 26, Memorial Day. Here's the link for ticket prices, hours and rules: http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/aquatics/waterparks/#.UzWE6qJv8dU or call 561-274-1140.
    Need organizing? Jaclyn Gross is a Professional Organizer. Her company is Tip Top Organizing LLC and you can reach her at 917.280.3106 in Delray.
     The Sawgrass Expressway is now using cashless tolling, so drivers must use Sunpass for paying tolls or pay a $2.50 fee when you get a bill in the mail.
     Palm Beach County bed tax revenue soared to a record $5.1 million in February up 28% from last year due to the miserable rotten weather up north that created a hefty 90% occupancy rate at area hotels and resorts. When March and April tallies are in, tourism officials forecast a record $40 million in bed tax tourism revenue on track for the year.
    People buying South Florida residences for residency requirements to beat taxes in other states could still face the tax man. Former New York and New Jersey citizens establishing residencies in South Florida are still being hounded by state tax collectors looking for their pound of flesh and they are relentless according to lawyers handling residency cases. The focus is source income received from New York and New Jersey, no matter where you live its taxable.
    South Florida�s luxury home market is picking up steam. Toll Brothers Royal Palm Polo 120 acre site development at Jog and old Clint Moore Roads in Boca, bought from the Oxley family for $80 million, is seeing heated interest in pre-construction sales of 223 homes priced from $1.2 million to $2 million, and should gross $200 million from the build-out. More than 60% of South Florida homes are selling for over $500,000.
    The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood serves thousands of well-heeled poker players and staged a $5 million world poker tour event recently which cost $3,500 to enter and the top player in the tournament was none other than movie actress Jennifer Tilly, who won the world series of poker for women in 2005, and turned down an acting job to play in the tournament, which had a $1 million first prize.
    State lawmakers plan to wrap up this legislative session without green-lighting any destination casinos in South Florida or splitting off dog racing from slots and card rooms from pari-mutuel tracks. This despite lawmakers spending $400,000 on a gambling study and all sides of the gaming issue shelling out $7 million in lobbying fees and campaign donations to influence lawmakers.
    Palm Beach County population is 1,404,520.
    The 2014/2015 season for the Wick Theatre includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.
    Palm Beach Dramaworks presents Horton Foote's Dividing the Estate, through April 27 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org or call 561.514.4042 for tickets and further information.
    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.
   Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.
     Watch Barry Epstein live with TEDx Boca Raton Executive Director Becky Woodbridge and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.
       The Other Woman, The Railway Man, Brick Mansions and The Quiet Ones opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres. Joe and Jodorowsky's Dune opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. The Other Woman and Walking with the Enemy opens at the Movies of Delray. Walking with the Enemy opens at Movies of Lake Worth. Special showing of Mary of Nazereth 12 noon April 26 at Movies of Delray.   
   Coming to South Florida:  A Day with the Masters Marketing Mastery Conference April 25, at the Broward County Convention Center.  At this one-day event, Bob Burg, JB Glossinger, Kathleen Gage, Susan Lassiter-Lyons, Christina Rowe and Heidi Richards Mooney - masters in business - will "pull back the curtain" and reveal the exact steps they take and the tools they use to generate sales and revenue for their businesses. Tickets are $77 (while they last); for more information visit www.daywithmasters.com.
     It's the last few weeks of the Boca Raton Green Market!  The Market, in its 17th year, has farm-to-table, freshly-picked produce (organics, too) from local growers and lots more,  8am to 1pm every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton, now until May 10th.  �It Takes Two� are entertaining at this week�s market.   Call (561) 299-8684 for information.
    Meatball Room, 3011 Yamato Road in the Regency Court Shopping Center presents Legends 7 pm April 26. Call 561.409.4111 to reserve your table for dinner and show; only $34.95 or visit https://www.facebook.com/meatballroomboca?ref=stream
for more information.  
     Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     
   The Trouble With Doug is 7:30 p.m. through May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.
     The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066.
     The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County presents Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson at the 2014 Annual Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Benvenuto, 1730 N. Fed. Hwy. Boynton Beach. $55 per person/$500 per table of 10. Pay at www.lwvpbc.org, email: mercpo@hotmail.com  or call 561.392.1262 for more information.
      The South Palm Beach County Jewish and Christian communities will walk together in solidarity in commemoration of the Holocaust at the March of Remembrance on Yom HaShoah, (Holocaust Memorial Day), 3 p.m. April 27, 2014, at Boca Raton Christian School (470 NW 4th Avenue). Hundreds of community members will join Holocaust survivors, their families and their supporters to march together on the streets of Boca Raton. Their destination will be Temple Beth El of Boca Raton (333 SW 4th Avenue) for a meaningful Holocaust Remembrance program at 4:00 pm.
    A fundraising reception for County Commissioner Steven Abrams is 5:30 pm to 7 pm April 29 at Jazziz Nightlife, 201 Plaza Real Suite 1203 in Mizner Park. For more information or to RSVP, call Jamie, 561.212.6662 or email jamie@electstevenabrams.com. Visit www.electstevenabrams.com to pay online.
    The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is "tipping off" its new men's programming NBA Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier
, who led the New York Knicks to the franchise's only two titles, 6:30 p.m. April 30, with dinner and drinks. Cost is $85.For more information, visit www.jewishboca.org/mens or contact Felice Naide at 561.852.6084 or felicen@bocafed.org. Call Lori Grossman at 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.
    South Tech Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary 6 pm May 1. See www.southtechacademy.com for more information.

    Office Depot Foundation hosts its 7th annual weekend in Boca May 2 and 3 at Office Depot�s corporate headquarters for nonprofit organizations and anyone in serving the community. Register at www.officedepotfoundation.org/weekeninboca.com.
      A free Celebration of the Arts is 5:30, May 2 at the Lynn University Wold Performing Arts Center including a street fair, art and fashion gallery,  a main stage performance at 7:30 pm featuring the Conservatory of Music and several talented actors, dancers, singers and poets. Reserve at 561.237.9000 or register at http://lynn.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=630472.
     Congressman Ted Deutch gives a briefing on Greece, Cyprus and Israel relations, noon- 1:30 p.m. May 4 at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 NW 51st St. (Yamato Road). Light refreshments will be served. RSVP and questions to Brandey.Edelson@mail.house.gov or call 561.470.5440.
     Federation of Boca Raton Homeowner Associations' Meeting is 8:30 a.m., May 6th, 2014, Boca Raton Community Center, 150 Crawford Blvd. (next to City Hall). Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie will report "The State of the City Address" with a Community Spotlight on Boca Helping Hands.
     Palm Beach State College Foundation�s 2014 Golf Classic is May 9 at the Country Club of Mirasol. Sponsorship opportunities and registration information is at www.palmbeachstate.edu/foundation/golf or contact Ana Thomas at 561.868.3569.
     The sixth annual FREE score business conference with Google and Godaddy, etc. coming to Boca is 8 am. To 3:30 pm May 10th. Reserve your ticket at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sixth-annual-score-business-conference-tickets-8777996223.
     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
   
  Red White and Blue Salute Our Troops-Fundraiser for FSO is 7 pm May 23 at Blue Martini 6000 Glades Rd in Boca Raton (outside Town Center Mall)
$10 a person with MC Former SFC William Schedneck - served in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more info, contact Tara Laxer 561-289-6031.
  The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com.
or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.
     Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein�s Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance - the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 
     www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.
     Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business report for contributing to the column.
     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com - www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.       

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Barrys Buzz – April 16, 2014

     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
     Sincere condolences to the family of Alan Grubow, leader of the West Boca Community Council who passed away last Thursday.
     Sincere condolences to the family of Steve Brown, Brown’s Interiors, killed in a bicycle/car accident on Lyons Road, north of Clint Moore Road.
  Creative City Collaborative (CCC), which operates the popular Arts Garage in Delray Beach, FL, is a proud winner of the prestigious and highly competitive $100,000 grant from Impact 100 Palm Beach. The award was bestowed at the World Theatre at Lynn University where several outstanding non-profits, selected by the women who form the Impact 100 membership, gave impassioned presentations about their organizations’ missions.   
     55% of Palm Beach County residents are over 40.
     Alexandra Clough, ace business reporter at the Palm Beach Post reported that Cancer Treatment Centers of America, bringing 225 jobs to Boca may take 75,000 Sq. Ft. at 5900 Broken Sound Parkway, where SBA Communications Corp. is planning a move to the 167,276 sq. ft. Beacon Square building it purchased on Congress Avenue. Boca is home to 25 out of 62 corporate headquarters in the county.
     Clough also reported that Richmond Homes is building 60 homes in The Oaks from under $1 million of 4,300 to 6,600 sq. ft. and sold 5 already.
     Donald Trump wants to buy the Buffalo Bills but keep the team in Buffalo.
     Steel Magnolias is at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Fed. Hwy. to April 20. Call 561.995.2333 or visit www.thewick.org for tickets. The 2014/2015 season includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.
    The G-D of Isaac is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs through April 20. Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets and more information.
  Palm Beach Dramaworks presents Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate, through April 27 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org or call 561.514.4042 for tickets and further information.
    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.
   Congressman Ted Deutch invites residents of Florida's 21st District to join him for a Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, April 17th, 2014 at 7:00 pm at the West Boynton Recreation Center located at 6000 Northtree Boulevard in Lake Worth, Florida. Ted will provide an update on his legislative initiatives in Washington and take questions from constituents. RSVP at https://teddeutch.house.gov/forms/form/default.aspx?ID=2678.
     Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.
     Watch Barry Epstein live with Best Stop Trafficking lead staff attorney Ramon Guillen, Jr., Asset Accumulation and Conservation President John Borawski, Eagle Arts Academy Charter School for the Arts Gregory James Blount and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.
  Transcendence, Heaven is for Real, A Haunted House 2, Bears and Le Week-End opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres. Child’s Pose and Le Week-End opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. Le Week-End opens at the Movies of Delray.    
    The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: The Pajama Game, through April 20; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.
   Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     
  Keep the Faith "Bon Jovi Tribute Experience" Comes to Boca to help raise research funds for ALL cancers. 7:00 p.m. April 16 at the Funky Biscuit, 303 SE Mizner Blvd.  Tickets are $15-$25. The first 50 people get a complimentary drink. Comedian and cancer survivor Wayne Felber opens. If you love Bon Jovi and hate cancer, join us for an amazing night. Please purchase tickets in advance at www.funkybiscuit.com and look at upcoming events.
     The Boca Raton Republican club features a dinner and book signing with former Congressman Allen West, 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 17 at Deer Creek Golf Club, 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach. Costs are $40 members, $50 guests, $200 seating with Allen West, $400 Table sponsor (10) RSVP by March 23 to www.http://bocagop.com/Boca_GOP_Events.html or email info@bocagop.com for more information.
    The Trouble With Doug is 7:30 p.m. April 23-May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.
     The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066.
     The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County presents Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson at the 2014 Annual Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Benvenuto, 1730 N. Fed. Hwy. Boynton Beach. $55 per person/$500 per table of 10. Pay at www.lwvpbc.org, email: mercpo@hotmail.com  or call 561.392.1262 for more information.
      The South Palm Beach County Jewish and Christian communities will walk together in solidarity in commemoration of the Holocaust at the March of Remembrance on Yom HaShoah, (Holocaust Memorial Day), 3 p.m. April 27, 2014, at Boca Raton Christian School (470 NW 4th Avenue). Hundreds of community members will join Holocaust survivors, their families and their supporters to march together on the streets of Boca Raton. Their destination will be Temple Beth El of Boca Raton (333 SW 4th Avenue) for a meaningful Holocaust Remembrance program at 4:00 pm.
    The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is "tipping off" its new men's programming NBA Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who led the New York Knicks to the franchise's only two titles, 6:30 p.m. April 30, with dinner and drinks. Cost is $85.For more information, visit www.jewishboca.org/mens or contact Felice Naide at 561.852.6084 or felicen@bocafed.org. Call Lori Grossman at 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.
    Office Depot Foundation hosts its 7th annual weekend in Boca May 2 and 3 at Office Depot’s corporate headquarters for nonprofit organizations and anyone in serving the community. Register at www.officedepotfoundation.org/weekeninboca.com.
      A free Celebration of the Arts is 5:30, May 2 at the Lynn University Wold Performing Arts Center including a street fair, art and fashion gallery,  a main stage performance at 7:30 pm featuring the Conservatory of Music and several talented actors, dancers, singers and poets. Reserve at 561.237.9000 or register at http://lynn.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=630472.
     The sixth annual FREE score business conference with Google and Godaddy, etc. coming to Boca is 8 am. To 3:30 pm May 10th. Reserve your ticket at
     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com  luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. RSVP on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
    Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance – the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 
     www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.
     You can win a pair of tickets to an upcoming movie at any Regal Entertainment Cinema Theatre. Send an email to pr@publicrelations.nu and two winners will be chosen each week.
     Happy Passover and Easter to all my readers. Enjoy the holidays with your friends and loved ones or your family.  
     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.comwww.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Barrys Buzz - April 9, 2014

     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. Register on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
    Sincere condolences to the family of Boca resident Sandy Grossman, eight-time Emmy Award-winning director and lead director of the NFL Super Bowl coverage on Fox Sports and CBS, working with Pat Summerall and John Madden for 21 years.
   Michael Shaw is the new head basketball coach for the FAU Owls, taking over from Mike Jarvis.
   Heather Shaw was appointed vice president and general manager for the flagship store of Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center, Boca Raton.
  Michelle Gunning, media teacher at Sandpiper Shores Elementary school was named Palm Beach County's teacher of the year.
  U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Broward-Palm Beach County Democrat, is headed to the Ukraine when Congress is off next week for its Easter-Passover recess.
   The Palm Beach Post reported that Boca Raton based casualty insurer Peoples Trust abruptly cancelled thousands of South Florida policies written less than 90 days ago, leaving policy holders out in the cold just 60 days before hurricane season. The insurer was established 6 years ago and became a takeover company for state-owned Citizens Property Insurance campaign to unload thousands of policies.  
     Le Macaron, a French bakery selling macaroons gelato, coffee, tea and hot chocolate opened at 331 Plaza Real and Faces365 Spa opened at 21200 St. Andrews Blvd. in the Boca Village Square.
     State and national politicos are urging Alex Sink to jump into the race for Florida Governor, with polls indicating she could win over Governor Rick Scott.       
    Improvements to the Turnpike/Glades Road intersection has been delayed until 2015.
    Just released numbers show South Florida's Indian tribes posted $2.2 billion in revenue for 2012, the latest year available, up $65 million from the previous year and recorded non-gambling revenue up 25% to $156 million. The Seminole Tribe pays the state $250 million per year for exclusive rights to table games like blackjack and baccarat.
   Sales of South Florida distressed homes fell sharply last year with Palm Beach posting a little over 3,500 short sales or foreclosed home sales, reflecting 23% of all sales, off 29% from 2012. Stabilizing the market were a shrinking inventory and higher prices that led to more homeowners obtaining equity in their property and avoiding foreclosure. The trend is expected to continue through this year.
     In a related matter, Palm Beach County developers are gearing up for a sizeable recovery in the home building market, with over 5,000 building permits issued last year and considerably more are on track for this year. Developers are looking for new neighborhoods to meet with what they say is pent-up demand for housing, pushing for more land in the Ag Reserve west of Delray and Boynton Beach.
  Palm Beach International Airport served 2.8 million passengers in 2013.
 The Palm Beach International Film Festival concludes April 10. Call 561.362.0003 or visit www.pbifilmfest.org for tickets, theatres and more information.
  Steel Magnolias is at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Fed. Hwy. to April 20. Call 561.995.2333 or visit www.thewick.org for tickets. The 2014/2015 season includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.
   The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan presents Dirty Blonde, through April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net or call 561.588.1820.    
  The G-D of Isaac is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs through April 20. Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets and more information.
  Palm Beach Dramaworks presents Horton Foote�s Dividing the Estate, through April 27 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org or call 561.514.4042 for tickets and further information.
    There is a free concert 5 to 7 pm April 10 at the Delray Beach Marketplace, northwest corner of Atlantic Ave. and Lyons Road.
    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.
    Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.
     Watch Barry Epstein live with Immigration attorney Robin Gray, Boca Locals Meatball competition founder Shana Overhulser, Top Flite Financial Mortgage Banker Charlie Harris, Rand Marketing president Seth Rand and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.
   Draft Day, The Raid 2, Oculus and Rio 2 opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres. The Unkown Known
opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. Draft Day and Mary of Nazareth opens at the Movies of Delray. Non Stop opens at the Movies of Lake Worth.
   Teenage singing star, 17-year old Brooke Galmarini, will be entertaining with her country music vocal and instrumental selections at the Boca Raton Green Market on Saturday, April 12.  The Ladies Guild of St. Paul Lutheran Church will also be exhibiting their handcrafted handiwork�all for sale.  In its 17th year, the Market offers  farm-to-table, freshly-picked produce (organics, too) from local growers, plants and flowers, bakery items�. and lots more,  8am to 1pm every Saturday at the southwest parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S Fed Hwy and SE Mizner Blvd in downtown Boca Raton.  Open through May 10.  Call (561) 299-8684 for information.    
   Boca Helping Hands hosts its 8th Annual Monopoly Event & Casino Game Night, 6 pm April 12 at the Via Mizner Golf and Country Club. Tickets start at $150. Call 561.367.1193 or visit www.bocahelpinghands.org for more information.
   The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: The Pajama Game, through April 20; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.
   Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     
   Renowned Flamenco Guitarist, Howard Greenblatt
performs free to the public at the Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert, April 13, 3-4pm, at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. Register at www.bocalibraryorg or call 561.299.8684 for information.  
  Keep the Faith "Bon Jovi Tribute Experience" Comes to Boca to help raise research funds for ALL cancers. 7:00 p.m. April 16 at the Funky Biscuit, 303 SE Mizner Blvd.  Tickets are $15-$25. The first 50 people get a complimentary drink. Comedian and cancer survivor Wayne Felber opens. If you love Bon Jovi and hate cancer, join us for an amazing night. Please purchase tickets in advance at www.funkybiscuit.com and look at upcoming events.
     The Boca Raton Republican club features a dinner and book signing with former Congressman Allen West, 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 17 at Deer Creek Golf Club, 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach. Costs are $40 members, $50 guests, $200 seating with Allen West, $400 Table sponsor (10) RSVP by March 23 to www.http://bocagop.com/Boca_GOP_Events.html or email info@bocagop.com for more information.
    The Trouble With Doug is 7:30 p.m. April 23-May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.
     The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066.
     The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County presents Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson at the 2014 Annual Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. April 26 at Benvenuto, 1730 N. Fed. Hwy. Boynton Beach. $55 per person/$500 per table of 10. Pay at www.lwvpbc.org, email: mercpo@hotmail.com  or call 561.392.1262 for more information.
      The South Palm Beach County Jewish and Christian communities will walk together in solidarity in commemoration of the Holocaust at the March of Remembrance on Yom HaShoah, (Holocaust Memorial Day), 3 p.m. April 27, 2014, at Boca Raton Christian School (470 NW 4th Avenue). Hundreds of community members will join Holocaust survivors, their families and their supporters to march together on the streets of Boca Raton. Their destination will be Temple Beth El of Boca Raton (333 SW 4th Avenue) for a meaningful Holocaust Remembrance program at 4:00 pm.
    The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is "tipping off" its new men's programming NBA Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier
, who led the New York Knicks to the franchise's only two titles, 6:30 p.m. April 30, with dinner and drinks. Cost is $85.For more information, visit www.jewishboca.org/mens or contact Felice Naide at 561.852.6084 or felicen@bocafed.org. Call Lori Grossman at 561.852.3374 or email: lorigo@bocafed.org.
    Office Depot Foundation hosts its 7th annual weekend in Boca May 2 and 3 at Office Depot�s corporate headquarters for nonprofit organizations and anyone in serving the community. Register at www.officedepotfoundation.org/weekeninboca.com.
      A free Celebration of the Arts is 5:30, May 2 at the Lynn University Wold Performing Arts Center including a street fair, art and fashion gallery,  a main stage performance at 7:30 pm featuring the Conservatory of Music and several talented actors, dancers, singers and poets. Reserve at 561.237.9000 or register at http://lynn.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=630472.
     Reza-Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, is the featured speaker at the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com luncheon, 11:30 a.m. May 20. Register on the site or call 561.852.0000 for more information.
     Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance - the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 
     www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.
     You can win a pair of tickets to an upcoming movie at any Regal Entertainment Cinema Theatre. Send an email to pr@publicrelations.nu and two winners will be chosen each week.
     Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business Report for contributing to this column.
     Happy Passover and Easter to all my readers. Enjoy the holidays with your friends and loved ones or your family.  
     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.com - www.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.

Monday, April 7, 2014

RESTAURANT REVIEW – BALTIMORE IN BOCA

RESTAURANT REVIEW – BALTIMORE IN BOCA

Nestled in a courtyard at 147 SE lst Avenue (419-5100) in Boca, the True Bistro offers food with a Maryland flair. Open 6 days – closed Mondays – from 11:30AM to 2:30PM for lunch, 5PM to 9PM for dinner plus Sundays from 4PM to 8PM.

Carlene, Barry, Simon and Marc sampled starters beginning with feta comply, a cool plate of feta, tomatoes and avocado drizzled with basil olive oil. We had the “Devils on Horseback”, bacon wrapped dates with herbed cream cheese and served with a ginger soy dipping sauce. A delicious repast!
The shrimp salad Old Bay sliders, a fine chunky salad on fresh bun was a winner as were the crab sliders and crab cake with homemade tartar sauce.

We tasted a cream of crab soup and found it somewhat watery with just a pale taste. Off the standard menu this evening was a Crab Imperiale, an excellent rich dish – do try it if it is on your menu.

Other entrees included farmhouse chicken with caramelized shallots, plus sides…vegetarian lasagna topped with a creamy pesto sauce…beef brisket on roll with cheddar, mayo, onion and cherry peppers. Tasty side dishes included a fine potato salad and a rich mac and cheese.

Key lime cheesecake, pumpkin pie and a deep chocolate treat completed our tour.
True happy hour has $5 bar bites Tuesday-Saturday from 5PM to 6:30PM.

Seating 39 inside and 25 on their patio, True offers only beers and wines, daily chef specials and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Established in November of 2013, we suggest that you …Go and Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Barrys Buzz – April 2, 2014


   Gossip columnist Jose Lambiet is the featured speaker at the www.GoldCoastTigerBayClub.com lunch, 11:30 a.m. April 8 at City Fish Market, 7940 Glades Road opposite the Turnpike. RSVP at http://goldcoasttigerbayclub.com/2014/03/14/luncheon-meeting-tues-april-8th-2014/ or call 561.852.0000.
     Gold Coast Tiger Bay Club director and community philanthropist/activist/TV talk show host Arlene Herson received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Community Relations Committee of The Polo Club.
   Boca resident Bruce Rosetto, co-managing shareholder at Greenberg Taurig in Boca Raton, was elected chairman of the Florida Atlantic Research and Development Authority, Robert Parks was elected vice chairman and Michael Daszkal was re-elected treasurer.
   Boca Raton resident and Bernie Madoff secretary Annette Bongiorno was found guilty last week on charges she helped Bernie engineer a massive $20 billion Ponzi scam. As part of the loot, Bongiorno acquired a million dollar in Woodfield, a Bentley, two Mercedes and made a $1.6 million down-payment on a $6 million luxury condo in Boca’s Beach Club, all of which have been confiscated by the Feds.
     Boca Raton broker Pete Bruno was suspended for disciplinary sales practices and Sean Mollard had his ticket yanked for six months for failing to provide timely information requested by regulators.
    Boca Raton man and wife team Paul and Christine Shumack were rocked with a breach of contract lawsuit claiming the couple reneged on thousands of dollars in profits related to business investors. The Shumacks sold $3,500 virtual kiosks to investors that were placed in hotels to service guests with promises of future commissions that soon dried up. The FBI is currently investigating and a Grand Jury has been convened.
   Miller Legg was chosen to update the 30-year-old red Reef Park, including the beachfront, a nine-hole golf course and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
  Coconut Cove Water is open on weekends through June 5 in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in West Boca.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday April 18 and the same hours on Monday May 26, Memorial Day. Here’s the link for ticket prices, hours and rules: http://www.pbcgov.com/parks/aquatics/waterparks/#.UzWE6qJv8dU or call 561-274-1140.
   Florida Atlantic University’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing recently cut the ribbon on a 5,000-square-foot expansion. For more information or to make a gift, contact David Rutherford at 561-297-2119 or druthe7@fau.edu.
    Lending at South Florida banks was up sharply last year with Bank United leading the way with a solid $3.7 billion in loan growth, up a whopping 71% from the previous year when lending was curtailed by federal regulators. The growth came in multi-family and commercial real estate loan portfolios and industrial credit lines. Bank United has $13 billion in assets with over 90 branches in South Florida.
    In a déjà vu all over again saga, South Florida developers are scrambling to build high priced condos, with 2,000 units on the drawing board in Palm Beach County and 60% of South Florida condos slated for construction are already under contract or have been sold, according to surveys
     There was a good news/bad news scenario in Palm Beach County for 1,020 existing February home sales. Good news saw prices jump 16% from February last year with a median price of $272,000. Bad news revealed number of sales stalled, due to a lack of inventory with fewer than 1,000 homes for sale in February but local Real Estate pros say listings are perking up as higher prices are drawing sellers into the market.
    Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton presents the 16th Annual Honor Your Doctor Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. April 3, at Broken Sound Club to benefit the Helen M. Babione Medical Scholarship Fund, Call 561.212.8866, email robintromp@aol.com or visit www.rotarydowntownbocaraton.org for tickets or more info.
    The Palm Beach International Film Festival is April 3-10. Call 561.362.0003 or visit www.pbifilmfest.org for tickets, theatres and more information.
  Steel Magnolias is at The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Fed. Hwy. April 3 to April 20. Call 561.995.2333 or visit www.thewick.org for tickets. The 2014/2015 season includes: Swing, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Mame, Dec. 4-Dec. 28; La Cage aux Folles, Jan. 8-Feb. 15; Man of La Mancha, Feb. 26- March 22; Oklahoma, April 2-April 26 and Dames at Sea, May 7-24. Order tickets at www.thewick.org or call 561.995.2333.
   The American Fine Wine Competition and Gala benefitting Deliver the Dream is 6:30 pm – 11 pm April 4 at the Boca Resort & Club, with David Letterman announcer Alan Kalter and Hilary Kole. Tickets are $310. Visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.org or call 305.627.3409 for more information.
    The First Annual South Tech Academy Staff Talent Show to benefit the Rock and Roll Academy is 4:30 p.m. -10 pm. April 5 at the American German Club, 5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 561. 364.7935. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
     Slow Burn Theatre Company presents Chess, through April 5 in the West Boca Performing Arts Theatre at West Boca High School, 12811 W. Glades Road, Boca Raton. Call 1.866.811.411 or visit www.slowburntheatre.org for tickets and further information.
   The Plaza Theatre, 262 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan presents Dirty Blonde, through April 13. See www.theplazatheatre.net or call 561.588.1820.     
  The G-D of Isaac is at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs through April 20. Visit www.stagedoortheatre.com or call 954.344.7765 for tickets and more information.
   American Idiot is at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, through April 6. Go to www.browardcenter.org or call 954.462.0222 for tickets.
   Palm Beach Dramaworks presents Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate, through April 27 at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Visit www.palmbeachdramaworks.org or call 561.514.4042 for tickets and further information.
    Watch Movie Talk with Morrie Zryl on www.wrpbitv.com Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m.
    Cafe Cinematheque Foreign Films with Shelly Isaacs is every Thursday at 10:30am at Movies of Delray 561-638-0020 and Friday at 1:00pm at Movies of Lake Worth 561-968-4545. Visit www.moviesofdelray.com for more information.
     Watch Barry Epstein live with confidence coach Michelle Balaun, Those Oldies But Goodies DJ/MC Entertainment president Fred Slabine, Trinity Development Corporation spokesperson Gulie Scherzinger, Boca resident/community activist Mark Seigel and Sun-Sentinel editorial columnist Kingsley Guy on www.wrpbitv.com at 10 pm Thursday and 10 am Friday to win free tickets to the Cinemark theatres. You can be on too to promote your business or profession. Call 561.852.0000 for details. You can also watch the TV shows ON Demand on WRPBITV. Just click on this link: https://vimeo.com/channels/barryepsteinlive.
   Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens Friday at the Cinemark Palace and Premiere theatres. Breathe In opens at the FAU Living Room Theatres. National Theatre Live: National Theatre’s War Horse opens at the Movies of Delray (and on April 4 and 19).
    A Walk to Cure Diabetes is 7:45 a.m. registration, 8:30 to 9:30 walk, April 5 at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre. No minimum to sign up, but the average walker raises 4100 by asking 10 people for $10 each.
   Boca Raton Green Market, in its 17th year, has farm-to-table, freshly-picked produce (organics, too) from local growers, plants and flowers, bakery items and lots more,  8 am to 1 pm every Saturday and featuring “It Takes Two” (Zella and Phil) performing a wide variety of musical selections at the sw parking lot of Royal Palm Place, S. Fed. Hwy, and SE Mizner Blvd. Call (561) 299-8684.
   The Delray Beach Playhouse at 950 NW 9th St. in Lake Ida Park, off Swinton Ave. Delray Beach presents: The Pajama Game, through April 20; Doubt, May 24-June 8, and musical memories shows include; Come Fly With Me, Harlem On My Mind, Call Me Madam, Good News and Make Someone Happy. Visit www.delraybeachplayhouse.com or call 561.272.1281 x 4 for more information. Tickets are $30. Call 561.272.1281 x 4 for reservations.
  The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36 offers a Boating Safety course 9 a.m to 5 p.m. April 5 in the headquarters building at Spanish River Park, 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Cost is $35. Call 561.392-3600 and leave a message. Students are also asked to bring their own lunch.
    Larry Ferber has a movie club 10 a.m. every Sunday at the FAU Living Room theatres, followed by discussion. Call 757.617.1936 for more information.     
   Randy Powell’s Roaring Kelly Band will be performing free to the public at the Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert, April 6, 3-4pm, at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, sponsored by the Friends of the Boca Raton Library. Register at www.bocalibraryorg or call 561.299.8684 for information.   
   Lynn University political professor Dr. Robert Watson speaks on “Stories from the White House”, 7:30 pm, April 6, Palm Beach Shores Women’s Club, Military Trail, just north of Gateway Blvd. Admission is $5. Call 561.752.1425 for reservations and directions.
    Coaching the Mature Driver: Florida law requires drivers over 55 to receive discount on their auto insurance for three years when they take this course. Some insurance companies allow drivers 50 and over to receive the discount. This course is designed for senior drivers, age 55 and older to review the effects of aging and driving and how to compensate for the physical and mental changes to promote defensive driving. The state of Florida has approved this course for insurance discounts, which last for three years. Course may also be court ordered. Class fee: $12. April 7   9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach. To register, visit www.safetycouncilpbc.org or call 561.845.8233 or 1.800.640.2415 for further information.
   Former Miami Dolphin and now owner of Offerdahl’s Café Grill John Offerdahl will be the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s 12th annual Inspiration breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 8 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
      Renowned Flamenco Guitarist, Howard Greenblatt perorms free to the public at the Sunday Matinee Music Series Concert, April 13, 3-4pm, at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. Register at www.bocalibraryorg or call 561.299.8684 for information.  
  Keep the Faith "Bon Jovi Tribute Experience" Comes to Boca to help raise research funds for ALL cancers. 7:00 p.m. April 16 at the Funky Biscuit, 303 SE Mizner Blvd.  Tickets are $15-$25. The first 50 people get a complimentary drink. Comedian and cancer survivor Wayne Felber opens. If you love Bon Jovi and hate cancer, join us for an amazing night. Please purchase tickets in advance at www.funkybiscuit.com and look at upcoming events.
     The Boca Raton Republican club features a dinner and book signing with former Congressman Allen West, 6 to 8:30 p.m. April 17 at Deer Creek Golf Club, 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach. Costs are $40 members, $50 guests, $200 seating with Allen West, $400 Table sponsor (10) RSVP by March 23 to www.http://bocagop.com/Boca_GOP_Events.html or email info@bocagop.com for more information.
    The Trouble With Doug is 7:30 p.m. April 23-May 11 at the Arts Garage, 180 NE 1st St. Delray. Visit www.artsgarage.org or call 561.450.6357 for tickets.
    The West Boca High School Drama Dept. presents Death by Dessert, April 25 & 26. Tickets are $15. Call 561.672.2066.
    Florida will offer a 15-day sales tax holiday for hurricane preparedness supplies from June 1-14. During that time period, Floridians can purchase flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other basic hurricane supply items, all tax-free. Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
      The 2014-15 Broadway series season at the Kravis Center includes Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Nov. 11-16; The Book of Mormon, Dec. 16-21; Flashdance – the Musical, Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2015; Anything Goes, March 10-15, 2015; Memphis, April 7-12, 2015 and Pippin, April 28-May 3, 2015. Subscribers will get renewals in April. General public tickets will go on sale midsummer. To order go to www.kravis.org/broadway or call 561.832.7469. 
     www.westbocaleaders.com  is the best networking group in the area and meets at Hurricane Grill & Wings in the Mission Bay Shopping Center, next to Office Max, 10125 Glades Road, 33498 on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Cost is $60 per quarter. Check out the website for openings in some categories. Call 561.852.0000 for further information.
     You can win a pair of tickets to an upcoming movie at any Regal Entertainment Cinema Theatre. Send an email to pr@publicrelations.nu and two winners will be chosen each week.
     Thanks to David Weir and the South Florida Business Report for contributing to this column.   

     Barry Epstein, APR, is a noted public relations, marketing and political consultant based in Boca Raton, president of the www.goldcoasttigerbayclub.com, the www.luxurychamber.com, the www.westbocaleaders.com and the founder and former president of the West Boca Chamber of Commerce; with a weekly internet television show on www.wrpbitv.com and www.publicrelations.nu. His motto is: Public Relations is the enemy of anonymity. email: pr@publicrelations.nu, or fax column items to 561.451.0000.  His blog is on www.bocatribune.com, www.facebook.com/BarryEpstein as well as on the Sun-Sentinel/Jewish Journal website at www.floridajewishjournal.comwww.http://barrys-journal.blogspot.com  and on his website: www.publicrelations.nu.