The Johnnie Brown’s building at the corner location near the FEC railroad tracks along Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach was sold to a division of Menin Development. Photo provided

By Christine Davis

A company associated with Menin Development has purchased the Johnnie Brown’s restaurant and bar building in Delray Beach.
The Menin division Rosebud JB LLC paid $7.3 million for the Atlantic Avenue restaurant building on Jan. 31. That works out to just over $2,470 a square foot for the building, built in 1939, on .16 of an acre at Northeast Third Avenue.
The seller, 301 East Atlantic LLC, bought the property for $1 million in 2009.
Another Menin division owns the vacant space to the east that housed Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza. Rosebud 307 LLC paid $5.5 million in December 2018 and plans to open the Lionfish restaurant in the 4,112-square-foot space. The building dates to 1955.
In addition to the two restaurants, Menin owns a variety of properties in downtown Delray Beach, including a 1936 building housing the Urban Outfitters store and a 1927 building with Capital One Café and bank.
Menin also is developing The Ray hotel on Northeast Second Avenue and the Delray City Market, a food hall on Southeast Third Avenue.
 
South Florida-based real estate investors Shane Neman, principal of Neman Ventures, and Richard Waserstein and Mauricio Bello of Waterstone Capital acquired the Residence Inn by Marriott Boca Raton from the Blackstone Group for $14.5 million in February. The 120-room extended-stay hotel sits on four acres at 525 NW 77th St.
The property will be redeveloped in three phases and is expected to be completed by 2030.
Phase 1 includes a full-scale remodeling and a marketing campaign aimed to increase occupancy. Phase 2’s goal is to increase visibility of the property. Phase 3 will include the addition of a new lodging project that leverages the Marriott brand name as well as a multifamily building complex adjacent to the hotel. 
“There are numerous indicators that peg Boca Raton as South Florida’s next high-growth locale as it further evolves into a live, work, play destination for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Neman said. “We have a grand vision for what this project will become, both in the near term and into the next decade.” 
The Residence Inn by Marriott Boca Raton, which was built in 1988, last traded hands in 2014 for $12 million. 
 
Ralph and Mary Gesualdo bought the waterfront Manalapan mansion at 1920 S. Ocean Blvd. for $10,299,100 from South Ocean Living LLC, managed by Francisco Gonzalez. The eight-bedroom estate, built in 2004, totals 8,706 square feet. Ralph Gesauldo was president of Milwaukee-based International Autos Group, a group of car dealerships in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.
The deal closed in late January. Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate represented the buyer and the seller. The property last sold for $11.8 million in 2014.
 
Atlantis resident Amy Snook, co-partner in the All About Florida Homes Team of Lang Realty with Noreen Payne of Delray Beach, was recently appointed assistant manager for the Lang Realty Boynton office, where she will assist agents with contracts and client issues.  
 
Kaufman Lynn Construction, headquartered in Delray Beach, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Other news from the company: Tim Bonczek was promoted to vice president of operational excellence and innovation, and Elaine Hinsdale was promoted to vice president of integrated marketing. Bonczek is responsible for the company’s quality control, safety, training and technology research. Hinsdale manages the company’s marketing department and internal communication.
 
Political campaign veteran Joy Howell of Delray Beach is the new communications director for the Florida Democratic Party. Howell has served as communications director and senior strategist for the Federal Communications Commission, as a communications director for the Gore/Lieberman presidential campaign and the 2000 Democratic National Convention and, more recently, was a founder of a national consulting firm. She has had senior strategy roles on dozens of congressional and issue-based campaigns in Florida and nationally. She holds an MPA from Harvard University and an MBA from the University of Redlands.
 
The County Commission has appointed Shirley Erazo, president and CEO of the Delray Beach Housing Authority, to the board of directors of CareerSource Palm Beach County. A company chartered by the state, CareerSource has a team of career counselors, business coaches and training providers to help area businesses with training, grants and talent acquisition. It also offers job seekers career assessments, training and employment help. 
 
The Arc of Palm Beach County has named Ellie Marshall as its new chief operating officer. Marshall joined The Arc, a nonprofit that assists people with developmental disabilities, to oversee the organization’s day-to-day business. Previously, she spent eight years in Washington, D.C., working with the White House Conference on Aging, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Marshall was a senior manager for a luxury homebuilder and started her own art studio.
She has bachelor’s degrees in political science and creative writing from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in philosophy and social policy from George Washington University.
 
Pine Tree Camps at Lynn University appointed Jayson Rubin camp director. He will oversee operations, programming, and camper and staff recruitment. Rubin, who was director and co-owner of Camp Waukeela in New Hampshire, will lead a team of 100 camp counselors at Lynn and welcome more than 1,800 campers each summer.
 
Palm Beach State College has earned national top-10 rankings from two military publishers for the third consecutive year. Military Times and Viqtory have placed PBSC third and fourth respectively on their lists of the best higher education institutions for veterans, which in turn makes PBSC the highest-ranking Florida school in its category. In addition, Viqtory has again designated the college a Gold “Top 10” Military Friendly School, the highest level possible. For information about the college’s Veterans Services department, call 561-868-3380 or visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/VeteransServices.
 
The Institute for Regional Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection, restoration, and long-term management of ecological biodiversity, received a $5,000 grant from the state of Florida and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. This grant will expand the institute’s Natives for Your Neighborhood website as the go-to source for native plant selection for Florida landscapes.

Josie’s Ristorante and the front of the old Winn-Dixie (right) are all that was still standing on March 2 after demolition in part of Riverwalk Plaza in Boynton Beach. A 326-unit apartment complex is planned for the Winn-Dixie site, and Josie’s will not be allowed to stay in its current location after its lease expires Nov. 30, 2026.

Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star

 
Steven Abrams, executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, spoke to members of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber Government Affairs/Economic Development First Friday Forum and gave an update on the Tri-Rail system.
He said that with the state’s population projected to reach 24 million people by 2030, road congestion is expected to worsen. As a result, Abrams and other regional transportation leaders believe that commuter rail and intercity high-speed rail should be part of the state’s plan for managing the challenges that come with population and economic growth in Florida. 
 
Veteran financial trader and Boca Raton resident Larry Benedict helped Boca Helping Hands receive a large annual-match contribution. Through a live online Trade-a-Thon event, Benedict traded options to demonstrate how revenue could be generated using his techniques. In just a few hours, he turned $25,000 in seed funding into more than $100,000, which he donated to Boca Helping Hands. In addition, 1% of sales of online subscriptions during the event to Benedict’s newsletter, The Opportunistic Trader, were donated to Boca Helping Hands.
“We hoped to generate a minimum of $70,000, but were pleased that the total raised ended up being $106,000,” Benedict said. 
The nonprofit Boca Helping Hands provides food, medical and financial assistance to meet basic human needs as well as education, job training and guidance to create self-sufficiency. In January, Charity Navigator named Boca Helping Hands a Four-Star Charity for the 13th consecutive year.
Boca Helping Hands is at 1500 NW First Court. For more information, visit www.bocahelpinghands.org.
 
In January, experts from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem spoke to a full house at the Four Seasons Resort during American Friends of the Hebrew University’s annual Leadership Education Forum. The conference, “A Tradition of Innovation: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Future of Israeli Society, Technology and Medicine,” highlighted fields ranging from health, agriculture and nanotechnology to the humanities, environment and life sciences through Israeli innovations.
Other topics included repairing DNA using advanced genomic methods, and bioengineering future meat technologies. Professor Asher Cohen, president of the university, made a special appearance. Among this year’s chairpersons was Ety Alcalay of Boca Raton.
 
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties hosted its seventh annual Founders Luncheon on Feb. 4, showcasing a panel discussion, “Power of Place — A Conversation on Housing.”
WPTV anchor Hollani Davis moderated the discussion. Panelists included Jonathan B. Brown, director of Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability; Suzanne Cabrera, president and CEO of Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County; Anne Gerwig, mayor of the village of Wellington; and Jack Weir, president of Eastwind Development Group. 
The luncheon’s founding sponsors are Northern Trust; Rybovich Marina; Lovelight Foundation/Julie & Peter Cummings Family Fund/ Marjorie S. Fisher Fund, and The Grand Tour. Community sponsors included Sherry and Tom Barrat, Florida Power & Light, Palm Beach Illustrated, South Florida PBS, Templeton & Company and WLRN radio.
 
The Boca Chamber’s Community Cookout, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7, will be at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, 6631 Palmetto Circle S., Boca Raton. Entry is free with food tickets priced at $5 adults and free for children under 10.  
 

Jane Smith contributed to this column.
Send business news to Christine Davis at cdavis9797@gmail.com.

Lois Pope and Jan McArt (l-r) will join Jay Stuart and Carolyn Marcell for the musical Gigi March 14-15 at Lynn University, where McArt directs the theater arts program. She cast her longtime friend Pope as Aunt Alicia, Stuart as Honoré and Marcell as Mamita. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Update: Gigi postponed at Wold Performing Arts Center

Pope ‘perfect’ for role in Gigi, says director and longtime friend McArt

By Larry Keller

Lots of people in Palm Beach County and beyond know Lois Pope as a wealthy philanthropist who has given generously to organizations that help disabled veterans, animal welfare groups and disadvantaged kids, as well as many others.

Fewer are aware, however, that Pope was a stage actress when she was young. Now, decades later, she’s dusting off her thespian skills for a role in the musical Gigi, with three performances March 14-15 at the Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center on the Lynn University campus. Pope plays the character Aunt Alicia.

The play — backed by the Lynn Philharmonia — is being produced and directed by Jan McArt, director of theater arts program development at Lynn, where she presents shows ranging from cabaret to new play readings.

She and Pope go way back.

“We met as Young Turks and were assigned to the same agency,” McArt said. Both were represented by the William Morris Agency in New York, the venerable entertainment and literary firm.

“There were a lot of good-looking girls,” including Florence Henderson and Shirley Jones, McArt recalled. “Lois looked like Grace Kelly and sang like a bird. We didn’t exactly love her for that.” This assessment from somebody who sang opera professionally and bore a more-than-passing resemblance to Elizabeth Taylor.

Jan McArt as she appeared in the 1960s, when she was the star of the Maisonette Room at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.

Modeling, commercials, stage

McArt’s long and varied career includes performing on Broadway and in concert venues abroad. She was even a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. She ran the Royal Palm Dinner Theatre before it closed in 2001 as well as Jan’s Rooftop Cabaret Theatre and the Little Palm Children’s Theater, all in Boca Raton.

Pope was a stage actress for about a dozen years. She was Henderson’s understudy in the lead role of Laurey in a national tour of Oklahoma! in the 1950s. Henderson would later become best known as the mom on The Brady Bunch.

Pope stars in Oklahoma! in the 1950s at the City Center in New York. She remembers it mostly because Richard Rodgers conducted the overture. ‘What a thrill!’ she said. Pope’s stage name was Lois O’Brien. Photo provided

Pope — whose stage name was Lois O’Brien — eventually succeeded Henderson in the Oklahoma! role. She also performed in other Broadway and regional play productions. She co-starred with Phyllis Diller in Wonderful Town in Chicago in the early 1960s, did some modeling and made television commercials for products ranging from cigarettes to laundry detergent. “I made every commercial except for laxatives and tampons,” she said. “The pay was fantastic, and I was able to support myself.”

Pope’s life shifted in another direction after she married George Wood, a prominent agent at William Morris, whose clients included Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. He died a few years later, and she later married Generoso Pope Jr., who founded the National Enquirer. He died in 1988 and she sold the tabloid for $412.5 million.

Since then, Pope has been renowned for her philanthropy, which includes $12 million to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Palm Beach Gardens for research into retinal and macular degeneration.

Pope, who lives in Manalapan, seems most proud of devoting 16 years to spearheading and helping finance construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated in 2014.

Now she’s bringing that same resolve to Gigi.

The movie Gigi was released in 1958. It was directed by Vincente Minnelli and starred Leslie Caron in the title role. It made its Broadway debut in 1973. The story takes place in turn-of-the-20th-century Paris, where a young woman, Gigi, is groomed by her Aunt Alicia to learn etiquette and charm and become a courtesan.

A playboy member of high society named Gaston is Gigi’s friend, but his interest in her turns romantic.

And what is a courtesan? “A courtesan is a woman who has been trained for a certain skill and luxury and style of life, always supported with a man’s money,” McArt explained tactfully.

Pope didn’t mince words. “A whore. They were high-class prostitutes. But only one man at a time.”

The movie role of Aunt Alicia was played by British actress Isabel Jeans, who happened to be the first of the six wives of actor Claude Rains, the hilariously corrupt Capt. Louis Renault (“Round up the usual suspects”) in the film classic Casablanca.

Agnes Moorehead played Aunt Alicia in the Broadway debut of Gigi in 1973. She died of cancer the following year and was replaced by Arlene Francis, best known as a regular panelist on the What’s My Line? game show for 25 years. (McArt and Francis were both guests on the same episode of The Merv Griffin Show in 1962).

Jay Stuart, producer-director Jan McArt, Lois Pope and Carolyn Marcell rehearse the classic musical Gigi at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

Back on the boards

Once McArt decided to produce Gigi, “I thought there was one person who would be absolutely perfect for this role,” she said. Her friend Lois Pope.

“I knew she might be interested because it’s such a wonderful part. She’s the right age. She’s the right style. She’s got a great figure for those clothes. And, she’s a hell of an actress.”

Pope said, “I like the part. I’m getting into her mind. She can be very nasty at times. She’s egotistical. But she’s knowledgeable about a lot of things, too. She’s also very good-hearted. Her goal is to make [Gigi] happy.”

Any doubts about acting after so long?

“I don’t do anything without giving it thought,” Pope said. “When I walk out on that stage, I want to give my fellow actors the very best that I can do. I’m nervous. But you know what? If you’re not nervous, you’re not any good. I work hard to be prepared.”
That she is, McArt said. “There was no hesitancy. She came into her first rehearsal and she knew all her lines. I cannot say that about many actresses.”

Pope clearly is enjoying herself. “I’m totally happy when I’m in this environment. There’s something about show people. There are no words for me to describe it.”

Is a reprise on Broadway on tap for the octogenarian?

“This is Broadway, as far as I’m concerned,” Pope said. “Broadway in Boca Raton.”

If You Go

Gigi is Lerner and Loewe’s musical comedy about a free-spirited young girl living in Paris at the turn of the 20th century and the wealthy young playboy who falls in love with her as she is transformed into a poised courtesan. It includes songs Thank Heaven for Little Girls, I Remember It Well and The Night They Invented Champagne.

When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 14 and 4 p.m. March 15

Where: Keith C. & Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton

Tickets: $50-$70 Info: 561-237-9000 or www.lynn.edu/events

Co-chairs Allan Hendricks and Paula Melley. Photo provided

Live music, food and beverages, a silent auction and a ‘Too Cool for School’ theme are on tap to benefit programs at the Boynton Beach museum. Time is 6 p.m. Cost is $110. Call 561-742-6780 or visit schoolhousemuseum.org.

Co-chairs Debra Ghostine and Bernadette O’Grady (seated) with committee members (l-r): Kristin Calder, Sabine Dantus, Seran Glanfield, Grace Halabi, Kenneth Spillias, Bettina Young, Carol Rose and Laura Silver. Photo provided

Featured speaker Jean Kwok, a best-selling author who wrote Searching for Sylvie Lee, will highlight the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County’s annual fundraiser. Time is 11 a.m. Cost is $150. Call 561-279-9103 or visit literacypbc.org.

By Amy Woods

Boca Raton Regional Hospital has received another transformative donation toward its $250 million “Keeping the Promise” campaign to expand and improve the hospital.

Philanthropists Bernie and Billi Marcus have made an additional gift of $15 million. It will supplement a $25 million commitment from their foundation in 2012, which created the Marcus Neuroscience Institute.

“There are few who understand the value of ensuring the next generation of health care better than Bernie and Billi Marcus,” said Lincoln Mendez, the hospital’s president and CEO. “We are forever grateful to them for their foresight, relentless spirit, selfless generosity and commitment to their passion — the Marcus Neuroscience Institute.”

Keeping the Promise has raised $153 million toward its goal.

Nonprofit is looking for a few good women

Impact 100 Palm Beach County has issued an open invitation to women who want to make difference in their community.

Through March 31, a membership drive is taking place for the organization, which is dedicated to giving high-impact grants to nonprofits that rely on donations to further their missions. The grants will be presented April 15 during the Grand Awards event.

“The goal of Impact 100 Palm Beach County is to turn a nonprofit’s visionary idea into reality in a high-impact way that helps the local community,” President Kathy Adkins said. “Since 2011, Impact 100 Palm Beach County has awarded more than $3.3 million in grants to over 30 nonprofits to make positive change in southern Palm Beach County.”

For more information, call 561-336-4623 or visit www.impact100pbc.org.

Luncheon raises $45,000 for Crossroads Club

More than 200 attended The Crossroads Club’s Gratitude Luncheon to benefit the nonprofit haven for people fighting addiction.
Longtime Delray Beach resident Tony Allerton, the club’s executive director and one of its original members, was honored for six decades of service to the community.

“For 37 years, The Crossroads Club has helped tens of thousands of people who suffer from addiction — from local residents to snowbirds to visitors to our community,” said Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia, who served as honorary chairwoman. “This nonprofit helps empower individuals to reemerge as positive contributors to our city.”

A total of $45,000 was raised.

Poverty-awareness initiative launched

The Junior League of Boca Raton’s Little Black Dress Initiative will take place March 9-13, raising awareness for the needs of underserved women and children in Palm Beach and Broward counties.

League members will wear the same dress every day for five days along with a button that reads, “Ask Me About My Dress.” The goal is to address the reality of limited resources and lack of choices among people who live in poverty.

The event was to kick off March 5 at Rex Baron Boca Raton. It will coincide with the Association of Junior Leagues International’s Day of Impact on March 10. On March 25, members will donate their dresses to Dress for Success Palm Beaches. Chairwomen Cheryl Marcus and Tara Patton are aiming to raise $20,000 through the initiative to buy diapers for mothers in need.

The Arc receives national award for innovation

It was an amazing year for The Arc of Palm Beach County.

The charity earned 11 awards in 2019 recognizing its programs, services and staff. The Arc received a national Program Innovation Award for designing a student mentor program.

It also recognized two team members, with the Leadership in Education Award (to Bairbre Flood) and the Direct Service Staff Award (to Brooke Teta).

“I see the work my team does and the lives that they impact on a daily basis,” said Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County. “To have our peers, partners and the community recognize our dedication is both satisfying and humbling.”

Celebrations mark milestone for Toastmasters

The Bill Gove Golden Gavel Toastmasters Club of Boynton Beach recently celebrated its 20th anniversary along with the birthday of its namesake.

Mr. Gove, who died in 2001 at age 89, was a charter member of the local club, which has earned Toastmasters International President’s Distinguished Club status for 17 of its 20 years. He also served as the first president of the National Speakers Association.

The mission of the Bill Gove Golden Gavel Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment for members to develop communications skills. For more information, call 561-737-7388 or visit billgovetoastmastersclub.com.

Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.

Rock and Lyn Tate of Hypoluxo Island and Gordon and Melanie Andrews of West Palm Beach announce the marriage of their children, Linda Elizabeth Tate and Brendon Richard Andrews. 

Linda and Brendon were married before family and friends with Pastor Jordan Smith officiating. Hayley Carmo Sheldon was the matron of honor and Richard Andrews was the best man.  The brother of the bride, Rock Tate Jr., and the sister of the groom, Sarah Andrews, did the readings. The groom’s brother, Tyler Andrews, was an usher.  The reception was at E.R. Bradley’s Saloon in West Palm Beach. 

The couple’s honeymoon was at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Linda was born and raised in Lantana. She graduated from Rutgers University, earning degrees in journalism and psychology.

Brendon was born and raised in West Palm Beach. He graduated from John I. Leonard High School and from the University of Louisville, earning a degree in human health performance with a concentration in physical education and a minor in health education. 

Linda and Brendon were both competitive swimmers and met through the Lake Lytal swim team. Linda captained the team at Rutgers and was a Big East Academic All-Star.  Brendon was a Big East champion and an NCAA Scholastic All-American at Louisville.

They live and work in West Palm Beach.

Sue Benach, Bridget van Arnem and Louise Kornfeld. Photo provided by Studio B Squared

The Arts Garage welcomed nearly 200 friends and supporters to the Soul Party-themed event featuring live performances, silent and live auctions, complimentary cocktails and a three-course dinner. Guests danced the night away, and among the special guests were bandleader Tito Puente Jr. and digital artist Laurence Gartel.

Winners surround Kirsten Stanley and Kathy Adkins after the 2019 Grand Awards. Photo provided by Sherry Ferrante Photography

Impact 100 members will decide which projects earn $100,000 grants after hearing presentations at the Grand Awards event. Time is 5:30 p.m. in Lynn’s Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. Free for members. RSVP at 561-336-4623 or www.impact100pbc.org.

Update: Bethesda Hospital cancels Bethesda Ball

By Amy Woods

The Bethesda Ball turns 65 this month, but this will be the first ball for the new CEO of Bethesda Hospital.

Nelson Lazo took the reins in December following a nine-year stint as CEO of Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables.

“I am very excited to attend the ball to meet community members and supporters of our hospital,” Lazo said. “That is what the night is all about.”

The event will take place March 14 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, where attendees will enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and an exclusive auction featuring a European cruise and a Mediterranean yachting excursion, among other items.

“The funds this year will directly support Bethesda Hospital’s greatest need,” Lazo said, noting that he expects upward of $600,000 to be raised. “I envision the funds being used for projects like the emergency room, registration areas, the women’s center and more.”

He plans to unveil key highlights of the hospital’s $300 million capital campaign, Vision 2030, and its impact on Bethesda West Hospital.

“It is a growing community, and we feel that investing in our west facility long term is a very smart investment from our end,” Lazo said. “Plus, it would provide a main expanded service to that community.”

Among his goals as CEO, in addition to enhancing and improving operations at both Bethesda East and Bethesda West hospitals, is to change the format of the ball in 2021. He favors fun over formality.

“I am a strong believer in having a good time,” Lazo said. “You can still wear your tux, but let’s dance, let’s have fun, and let’s have an after-party.”

If You Go
What: Bethesda Ball
When: 6:30 p.m. March 14
Where: The Breakers, 1 S. County Road, Palm Beach
Cost: $650
Information: 561-737-7733, Ext. 84428 or www.bethesdahospitalfoundation.org

Conte, vocalists Carlos Manuel Santana and Josephine Dolce and keyboard player Dino DeMarco. Photo provided

Knights of Columbus St. Padre Pio Council No. 17215’s community event featured a six-course meal of traditional foods catered by Doris Italian Market & Bakery as well as dance hits by a musical trio. A sold-out crowd of 350 helped raise $14,430. ‘We were very happy with the outcome, the great company, good wine and sold-out crowd,’ organizer Dominick Conte said.

Perry Isenberg, John and Meryl Guerrero, Matt and Stephanie Scupp, Tami Isenberg and Bari and Michael Zahalsky. Photo provided

Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options’ annual event raised more than $1 million for abused and neglected children and those with developmental disabilities. Chaired by Stephen and Nanci Beyer and Stephen and Helene Weicholz, the elegant evening featured a cocktail reception, fine dining, silent and live auctions, dancing and a heartwarming presentation about the agency’s life-saving work.

Donald and Linda Silpe and Tracy and Jay Silpe. Photo provided by CAPEHART

Donned in festive attire and masks, guests gathered to cavort, frolic and raise funds for the nonprofit institute. The annual extravaganza took place amid a backdrop of art and artisans complete with pomp and circumstance. ‘We are so thankful to the community for joining us again this year to celebrate the start of the carnival season and helping us raise funds to support the Armory’s creative future,’ Executive Director Tom Pearson said.

Paul Finizio and Michique. Photo provided

Il Circolo, the Italian Cultural Society, had a night of gourmet cuisine enjoyed by 100-plus guests. The Campanese dishes, exquisitely prepared by Chef Fabrizio Giorgi, were enhanced by musical entertainment from Fabian Michique. Co-chairs included Rose De Angelis and Regina Peters.

Marcia Caruselle, Gail Guy, Madeline LoRe, Rosaria Gismondi, Audenzia Lo Fria, Carol Trojan and Trish Savides. Photo provided

A fun time was had by all at the third annual cigar and dance party hosted by the UNICO Highland Beach chapter to raise funds for scholarship programs and local charities. The parking lot became an al fresco dining area with tents, tables and music.

Samantha Sexton, Angie Myers, Nancy Walsh, Shari Matz, Linda Marenus, Tunis, Renee McCabe Johnson, Nicole Skellenger and Yvette Drucker. Photo provided

The Junior League of Boca Raton’s Public Affairs Committee received the Outstanding Committee Award from the Junior Leagues of Florida’s State Public Affairs Committee. In addition, Boca Raton Public Affairs Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Tunis received the Advocacy Impact Award. ‘We are beyond proud of this committee and the work they have done to advocate for important issues that affect families throughout Florida,’ said Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, president of the local league.

Steven Locante and John Deese. Photo provided

More than 300 supporters of the armed forces joined American Humane in an effort to help save America’s vets — and pets — by investing in trained service dogs. ‘There are many worthy causes in the world, but few inspire more people than working to help our nation’s brave veterans and our nation’s animals in need,’ American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert said. ‘Tonight, with your help and the support of some of the nation’s leading advocates for our military heroes and homeless animals, we will save more lives — on both ends of the leash.’

Caron and Bob Dockerty. Photos provided by CAPEHART

Chapter 14 of the Delray Beach Public Library’s fundraiser featured comedian Sarge Pickman, a local resident who entertained nearly 400 attendees. A highlight of the evening was a ‘Call to the Heart’ that honored the late Robert Currie, a longtime member of the library’s board. More than $185,000 was raised.

Becky Walsh and Heidi Sargeant. 

Nancy Zarcadoolas and Alissa Rabon.

By Scott Simmons

The Plate: Half BBQ Chicken

The Place: Mississippi Sweets BBQ Company, 2399 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-394-6779 or www.mississippisweetsbbq.com.

The Price: $11.50

The Skinny: I’d been to Mississippi Sweets’ location in western Lake Worth/Wellington eons ago and had enjoyed it.
I’m glad I finally checked out the restaurant’s Boca Raton location, if for no other reason than it proves there’s great, affordable fare in Boca.

This barbecued chicken half was moist and tender, with just the right smokiness. I liked the fact that the smoker had burnished the skin of the chicken to a rich mahogany. The crew finished the chicken on the grill, leaving a tasty bit of char. It was served with a sweet, tangy sauce. Baked beans served on the side were hearty and warm, and the waffle fries, dubbed “tractor treads,” were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

The Tupelo Chicken sandwich ($8.79) also was a hit, with a chargrilled chicken breast served with onions, mushrooms and Monterey Jack cheese.

Andrea Jourdan and Russell Arnold, her chef de cuisine, prepared a multi-course meal for dozens of patrons at the opening of Chez Andrea Gourmet Provence. Photos by Jan Norris/The Coastal Star 

By Jan Norris

A ribbon-cutting and mayoral welcome preceded the inaugural dinner at The Little House’s new tenant: Chez Andrea Gourmet Provence.

The restaurant in Boynton Beach’s historic house is the first of two that Andrea Jourdan, from Quebec, is opening in Palm Beach County.

Jourdan, a food celebrity who has owned specialty groceries, created gourmet products, written cookbooks, and opened restaurants in Los Angeles and Montreal, is bringing two styles of French cuisine to her restaurants.

“The Provençal menu here seems to match Florida well. The bright flavors, tomatoes, the seafood,” she said, setting out the amuse bouche of a cucumber and strawberry “gazpacho” shot.

Her opening menu was prix fixe, but offered a taste of dishes on the menu served at two seatings.

“It’s a little difficult in this tiny kitchen,” she said. “With everyone seated at once, it’s like catering. I could not do it without his help.” She put her arm around her chef de cuisine, Russell Arnold, who most recently cooked in Fort Lauderdale.

The modernized house was previously a restaurant called The Little House. Because of historic restrictions at the time, kitchen upgrades were limited and a professional outfitting was not possible.

The 1920s building on Ocean Avenue, the former Ruth Jones Cottage, was converted to the small restaurant/tavern in 2012 with the Community Redevelopment Agency’s backing. The restaurant closed two years later and was vacant until Jourdan moved in.

A complete renovation and addition of a professional kitchen made it marketable in 2017; Jourdan found it in 2019, calling it “a homey nest” that works with the modern French country cuisine she offers.

Diners seeking French onion soup typical in French restaurants may be unfamiliar with her version, a rich bouillon-based pearl onion soup with the cheese in the croutons.

The meal included a seared scallop with bacon foam.

Among other tweaks to the traditional: foams. Parmesan bubbles are spooned over slightly garlicky escargot removed from their shells, and bacon foam surrounds seared diver scallops in a pool of celeriac cream.

Pastry figures into many courses as well, with lamb pithiviers served with grilled lamb chops, and a warm bread pudding served alongside seared foie gras.

Although she’s happy with this restaurant so far, Jourdan is looking forward to her second opening in Lake Worth Beach, Chez Andrea Bistro, in the coming weeks. She’ll take over the former South Shores Tavern on Lucerne downtown, a much larger space that will afford two bars — one wholly for champagne — a dining room and a courtyard. There, a bistro menu will be served.
She calls South Florida, a coastal home to friends and family, a “natural setting” for her foods.

Chez Andrea Gourmet Provence, 480 E. Ocean Blvd., Boynton Beach. Phone 561-248-0612; chezandreagourmet.com. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner and weekends for brunch.
 

Savor the Avenue returns for its 12th year to showcase restaurants in a five-block-long party on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
March 23 at sunset, the avenue from Swinton to U.S. 1 will be set up with banquet tables, each decked out as restaurants vie for “Best in Show” tablescape.

Reservations filled up last month. Restaurants hold waiting lists, however, so you may find last-minute seats.

Some of the participating restaurants offer a “Savor Off the Avenue” menu for the night as well. Diners who choose to eat indoors at the restaurants may be offered the same menus as the banquet diners.

Restaurants participating include 50 Ocean, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, Che!!!, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Death or Glory, Elisabetta’s, Lemongrass, Rack’s Fish House & Oyster Bar, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen, L’ACQUA, LionFish, Rocco’s Tacos, Rose’s Daughter and Vic & Angelo’s — all from Delray Beach.

The dinner is put on by Delray and Boca magazines along with the Downtown Development Authority. Some proceeds are earmarked for Community Greening, an urban forestry nonprofit in Delray Beach.

For menus, wait lists, and more information about the event, visit downtowndelraybeach.com/SavortheAvenue.
 

Delray’s Pineapple Grove is the setting for a Wine Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. March 26. Participating businesses include many non-food types in the Grove, such as Hyatt Place Hotel, Nada’s Italy, Claudia Dog Grooming, Salon 5, and others.

They will offer sips of wine and light bites to walkers. Cost is $25 per person.

The Wine Walk is sponsored by Wine House Social, which will stand as the check-in where glasses and swag bags will be given out.
The Beatles on the Beach Festival begins in earnest the next night, and Wine Walk participants are urged to dress in Beatles-era attire (’60s and ’70s, for those not remembering).

Go to www.winehouse-delray.com for all the details and tickets ($25).

A new bakery getting buzz is La Boulangerie Boul’Mich — a mashup of French artisan bakery meets Latin cafe at Town Center in Boca Raton.

The owners’ grandmothers are responsible for several recipes on the menu of artisan breads, pastries, egg dishes, sandwiches, fresh salads, entrees and desserts. The latter include tres leches and Nutella as well as guava cheese croissants.

It’s one of five in this South Florida mini-chain, this one at the Oak Tree valet entrance to the mall. Open daily for breakfast through dinner.

 
In brief: Boca Bacchanal celebrates everything Bacchus with its exclusive vintner dinners with noted chefs, and its Grand Tasting, the latter of which is still available to the public. It’s 7-10 p.m. March 7 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Bring your comfortable shoes; the dine-around features multiple stations of small-bite plates, and 130 wines and champagnes to taste. Proceeds go the Boca Raton Historical Society to fund heritage education programs. Tickets are $125, available at www.bocabacchanal.com. …
Prime Catch in Boynton has completed its renovations and now has opened all its dock space and the new Prime Island bar, surrounded by water as it sits dockside in the Intracoastal. It’s been a total makeover with new menus, all water-view tables and new decor throughout. Go to www.primecatchboynton.com to see photos and get all the details.

Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com.

Arthur Gutterman with retired Admiral James Stavridis, a former NATO commander who holds a copy of his new book. Photo provided by CAPEHART

American Friends of the Hebrew University facilitated speakers who touched on topics ranging from agriculture to health to nanotechnology and from the humanities to the environment. Designed to showcase the work and importance of the university, the event was titled ‘A Tradition of Innovation: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Future of Israeli Society, Technology and Medicine.’