7960642678?profile=originalStory and photos by Mary Thurwachter  
    Once known as the Pink Plaza, Royal Palm Place is no longer pink — it’s more of a variety of beige hues now. But the shopping center, off Federal Highway south of Palmetto Park Road, retains the old-world charm it has been known for over the years.

    Boutiques, salons, art galleries, spas, bars and restaurants serving international cuisines surround Mediterranean fountains and tranquil piazzas.  
    On Saturday mornings, a green market occupies the southwest corner of the center near a 54-foot monument topped with a bronze statue of famed architect Addison Mizner and his pet spider monkey, Johnnie Brown. The statue was commissioned by shopping center owners Jim and Marta Batmasian in 2005.

    Surrounding the monument is the Walk of Recognition, where names of people who have made significant contributions to Boca Raton have been set into the sidewalk.
    In addition to the monument and Walk of Recognition, here are five spots not-to-miss at Royal Palm Place:

7960643062?profile=originalSaquella Caffe  
    (410 Via de Palmas). Sit down at a table here and feel like you’re in Italy. The baristas prepare cappuccinos like they do in the movies and the coffee is divine. Diners won’t want to pass up the freshly baked breads, pastries and quiches and the bacon is hard to resist. Everything is made fresh in house, from pestos to braised roast beef. And, like many restaurants in Royal Palm Plaza, Fido is welcome — as long as he dines al fresco.

7960642497?profile=originalBiergarten  
    (309 Via de Palmas #90). If you feel like you’re in Italy at Saquella, you’ll feel like you’re in Bavaria at Biergarten, an authentic beer garden with whimsical touches. The indoor/outdoor bar comes with tree stump barstools, festive lighting, vintage Oktoberfest artwork, an entertainment stage and, oh yes, 50 craft and bottle beers. For beer, brats and bands, this is the place. Prost!

7960643101?profile=originalYaacov Heller Gallery 22   
    (282 Via Naranjas). Even if shoppers don’t walk into his gallery, they can view some of Yaacov Heller’s bronze sculptures outside his shop. His 12-foot bronze Fiddler on the Roof, dancing musicians and Eve tempting Adam with an apple sculptures all grace the garden outside his shop. His creations, he says, celebrate the inspiration of the Bible, the traditions of Judaica, the beauty of nature and the joys of living.

7960643265?profile=originalBe-Friend Boutique    
    (406 Via de Palmas, No. 83). This trendy fashion shop has everything from torn blue jean short-shorts to sparkly dresses perfect for clubbing. Shoppers here will also find inexpensive tiaras, handbags and chic hats to show their style. The young and sleek are attracted here.

7960643479?profile=originalSwimland   
    (350 Esplanade, #55). The young and sleek can find a swimsuit anywhere — but for those who require a bit more bathing suit structure, Swimland stands ready to serve. The shop has been at the center for 55 years and offers a variety of swimsuit choices to satisfy any woman’s sense of style, regardless of age, shape or size. Specialists are on hand to make sure customers are fitted with just the right style and cut to emphasize best attributes and camouflage areas of concern.

This is the last in a series of five shopping areas The Coastal Star has featured this season. If you have suggestions of shopping destinations for next season, please send them to maryt@thecoastalstar.com.

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