By Jan Norris
They’re playing shuffle-the-restaurants in the plaza on Woolbright at South Federal Highway.
It’s Phase 1 of the Isram Realty project Riverwalk, in progress at the southeast corner of the intersection where the old Winn-Dixie once served the neighborhood.
The Bond & Smolders bakery, popular for its quiche and almond croissants, has just reopened around the corner from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts — directly across the parking lot from its old location. Co-owner Irina Van Egmond said the breakfast and lunch spot would expand service to dinner with wine and beer soon. Permits are in the works, she said, and there will be a grand opening once they happen. A Sunday brunch also is planned. Meanwhile, new items are being added as specials daily, particularly on the weekends.
With the build-out for a new Sushi Simon almost in place, the popular restaurant plans to reopen in the new space Feb. 5 — Chinese New Year. “It’s a special day, so we want to be open,” manager Lucy Chen said. The restaurant has been operating in its original space, where Chen said it would remain until Feb. 4.
“Everything is new,” Chen said. While it looks smaller than the original, it’s because of the configuration and lighting; the size is the same, she said.
The new interiors feel similar to what the eateries’ old locations had. ABOVE: Bond & Smolders. BELOW: Sushi Simon. Photos provided
Walgreen’s has remained at the west end of the remodeled strip, where a covered drive-thru now accommodates its customers.
Nearby a stand-alone commercial space is being constructed. No word yet on tenants.
Two other eateries relocated away from the mall. Rice Fine Thai and Asian Fusion moved to Oakwood Square on Congress Avenue.
Primo Hoagies is now in the Cross Creek Centre on West Boynton Beach Boulevard.
The eastern strip of the plaza is being demolished and will become the retail strip plus a 10-story apartment building with parking garage and waterfront public area. Work is already begun to redesign the parking lot.
For now, Josie’s Ristorante on the east end of the L-shaped original plaza is staying put. Chef Mark Militello said, “They’re leaving us alone. They’ve decided we’re a neighborhood institution, so they’re building it around us.”
Prime Catch, also on the site, isn’t part of the project and will remain.
In Boca Raton
Take a food trip around the world at Flavors, the Junior League of Boca Raton’s big early-year do.
It’s the 10th anniversary of the organization’s food and wine extravaganza, said spokeswoman Caryn Morris — and the largest so far.
“This is our biggest amount of restaurants participating. We have 35 vendors coming,” she said. “We’re hosting 700 guests.”
The theme at the party Feb. 7 is “Jetset, a global celebration.”
Foods will represent continental dining from around the world. The ballroom at The Addison will be transformed into several rooms where diners will find different cuisines represented in each.
“This presents a chance for our sponsors to give back to the community,” Morris said.
Sponsors include Tito’s Vodka, which is responsible for the spirits at the event, and Eau Spa, donating the champagnes.
The event includes live performances, a silent auction and an open bar. Money raised goes to the Junior League’s programs to promote volunteerism, help women succeed in the community, and aid in community efforts such as hunger relief and child welfare.
Tickets are $85 for general admission and $125 for VIP. For more information, visit the Junior League website at jlbr.org.
If continental isn’t your style, go for seafood — with the family. A weekend-long seafood fest returns for its second year at the Mizner Park Amphitheater Feb. 8-10.
The Boca Raton Seafood & Music Festival has a number of restaurants and vendors preparing myriad fish dishes and sides for sale, while arts and crafts booths serve up a marketplace for shoppers.
Performers are scheduled throughout the weekend, with several local bands playing a variety of styles. Caribbean reggae and steel pan drum bands are highlighted.
General admission tickets are $5; the under-12s are free. Foods are priced individually. No pets are allowed within the festival site.
For more information, visit seafoodfestivals.com, or call 941-487-8061.
In brief
Newcomers in Delray include Tin Roof, a country bar and Southern eats spot that took over the Smoke BBQ location on East Atlantic Avenue; and Veg Eats, at 335 E. Linton, which has a solely plant-based menu. ... Jupiter Donuts puts its fourth location on Boca’s Northeast Spanish River Boulevard. ...
Joseph’s Classic Market will be added to the Town Center roster as the shopping mall continues its transformation. The 14,700-square-foot market will be in a wraparound space that formerly housed Piñon Grill and Blue Martini, on the southeast side of the mall. True Food Kitchen, Dr. Andrew Weil’s “health based” restaurant, and La Boulangerie Boul’Mich, a mix of French and Latin American foods and baked goods, will also open in the mall. ...
Chicago’s popular breakfast-lunch chain Yolk Park Place has put its first Florida location at 5570 N. Military Trail in Boca Raton. Look for unique breakfast items on its test kitchen menu — such as the Brussels Sprout Skillet with sprouts, sweet potatoes, ham and eggs, or Kentucky Fried Bacon with a bourbon glaze and blueberry barbecue sauce — to share.
Food writer Jan Norris can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com. Thom Smith is taking some time off and can be reached at thomsmith@ymail.com.
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