Think our fair community didn’t make its share of headlines over the past 12 months? Think again. A-list (and B-list) celebs entertained us. Our chefs, retailers, cultural institutions and business owners created buzz. A host of benevolent locals made a difference with their generosity. And a few folks found the kind of trouble that has to be read to be believed. Join Boca Raton magazine in celebrating a year in the life of Boca and beyond.
Here’s a peek at a few things we ran in our 22-page feature on the best of Boca in 2014.
Best new Restuarants
13 American Table: Proprietor Alberto Aletto and chef Anthony Fiorini have made this modest little space one of the most exciting restaurants in the county, focusing on dishes cooked in the high-tech Josper oven.
HMF: Posh decor by celeb designer Adam Tihany, a roster of expertly crafted small plates and an encyclopedic wine list are enough to earn this restaurant at the Tony Breakers resort a spot on anyone’s Best Of list.
Racks Fish House + Oyster Bar: This handsome upscale seafood house from Gary Rack, one of our savviest restaurateurs, fills a real need for anyone who appreciates pristinely fresh fish and shellfish served in all manner of tasty guises.
Twenty Twenty Grille and Farmer’s Table: See the spotlight profiles on Ron Weisheit and Joey Giannuzzi for more on these two hot spots.
Best Live Music Venue
At Jazziz Nightlife—the hottest entertainment addition to Mizner Park since iPic Theaters—there is no bad seat in the house. It’s elegant and intimate, to the point that each of its concerts feels like a private gathering of musically sophisticated friends, a gourmet speakeasy for the modern jazz niche. The sound and lighting are impeccable, and owner Michael Fagien has attracted the jazz stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow to grace his stage, from locally bred chanteuse Nicole Henry to jazz fusion group Spyro Gyra to actress-singer Molly Ringwald. Ticketed acts are not cheap—but most nights of the week, there’s no cover.
Best Bang For Your Retail Buck
The February opening of Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach drew more than 1 mil-lion shoppers in the first month alone, evidence that our county was hun-gry for its own version of Sawgrass Mills. The space is expected to expand 200,000 square feet by this fall.
Best Places for Cougar Sightings
By day: Houston’s, around 1:30 p.m., after some serious power shopping at Town Center. By night: Blue Martini, where cougars come to play right in the lion’s den. Distinctive markings include bee-stung lips, pronounced cleavage and, of course, Jimmy Choos.
To read the full feature – including best new music festival, best places to propose and five reliable standout local restaurants – pick up the July/August issue of Boca Raton magazine.
