Indholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2022 i Palm Beach Illustrated

It’s another summer scorcher—but it’s never too hot for a breezy beach picnic, says Felicia Ramirez, owner of The Magical Table, which specializes in picnics, gatherings, proposals, micro weddings, and event styling. At right, Ramirez shares heat-friendly tips for your next picnic. (themagicaltablepb.com) Plan your menu: A baguette with slices of mozzarella cheese and heirloom tomato makes for a fancy snack that’s filling and easy to bring. Fruits are always a good idea at the beach since they’re hydrating. For a sweet finish, pack cookies and your favorite wrapper-free candy. Bring the basics: You’ll need a strong basket that will fit all your picnic goods, plus a cooler backpack for ice, drinks, and food. Get a board that fits in your basket to assemble an aesthetically pleasing, easy-snacking spread. Set the…

A toast to luxury. A toast to the good life. And life is definitely good in the back seat of the all-new, best-of-the-best 2023 Range Rover SV. A flute of Cristal, perhaps? Open the chiller compartment in the rear console to find a bottle of bubbles, plus a pair of cut-crystal glasses. Of course, you’ll need a table to perch them on. At the touch of a button, a handcrafted “club” table levitates majestically from the console. Another button initiates the rising, flute-holding cupholders. Time to recline. The seat goes back, the footrest comes up, and the builtin massager gets to work. How about a little Beethoven or Bach? Crank up the 1,600-watt Meridian surround-sound system, with its 35 speakers and noise-canceling tech, and you’ll be transported to, well, ecstasy.…

Spanning more than 2,400 square miles, most of which remains impenetrable, Everglades National Park is an untamed beast of subtropical wilderness that begs an honest question from luxury travelers: Is it possible to immerse in these extreme wilds without completely roughing it? The short answer is yes, thanks namely to Clyde Butcher, the celebrated photographer synonymous with the Florida Everglades. On the park’s outskirts but still within the Everglades’ ecosystem in Big Cypress National Preserve, Butcher invites travelers to experience the best of the region through his Big Cypress Gallery swamp rentals (explorebigcypress.com). The duo of accommodations—one a cozy one-bedroom bungalow and the second a two-bedroom, family-friendly cottage—are located directly behind Butcher’s gallery (clydebutcher.com), where his black-and-white masterpieces are on display. (Many of these captivating images were snapped in the…

THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER CAPE CANAVERAL Is there anything cooler than feeling the power of a rocket launch? Floridians can do that and more in their own backyard. Make a day of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can experiment with high-tech simulators inside Space Shuttle Atlantis and visit the national memorial honoring fallen astronauts from the American space program. New this year is Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which chronicles current and forthcoming advances. Pro tip: Keep an eye on launch schedules as they often change due to weather conditions. (kennedyspacecenter.com) —Melissa Puppo THE DALÍ Museum St. Petersburg A cultural beacon in the heart of downtown St. Pete, The Dalí Museum is home to more than 2,400 works by the late Spanish Surrealist…

JAXSON’S ICE CREAM PARLOR & RESTAURANT DANIA BEACH THIS SOUTH FLORIDA MAIN-STAY SINCE 1956 IS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS GOT-TO-SEE-IT-TO-BELIEVE-IT HEADLINER: THE ORIGINAL KITCHEN SINK. CONCEIVED BY FOUNDER MONROE UDELL AND SERVED IN AN ACTUAL KITCHEN SINK, THIS SUNDAE ON STEROIDS BOASTS A POUND OF ICE CREAM PER PERSON, TOPPED WITH BANANAS, HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM, MIXED NUTS, AND CHERRIES. IT’S THEN LIT WITH SPARKLERS BEFORE ARRIVING TABLE-SIDE. AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE ARE REQUIRED TO DEVOUR THIS BEAST OF A DESSERT. (JAXSONSICECREAM.COM) —M.P. DIXIE FRIED CHICKEN BELLE GLADE “Fried and gone to heaven’’ is the unofficial mantra at this half-century-old local favorite, affectionately known as DFC. Go for the freshly fried chicken by the box or bucket, but don’t miss the chicken wingettes or the catfish fingers. On Mondays only, make the…

When chef Clay Conley began re-envisioning the menu at Grato, his popular West Palm Beach restaurant, from a strictly Italian concept to a rotating collection of chef-driven, multi-cuisine dishes, he knew he wanted to include more plant-based fare. Having read Dr. Michael Greger’s book, How Not to Die, and embraced a more vegan diet himself, Conley wanted to give Grato patrons—as well as those dining at his Palm Beach eatery, Buccan—healthier, more sustainable options. One such example is Grato’s grilled asparagus crostini. Here, Conley shares insight into the flavors, ingredients, and techniques behind the dish. (gratowpb.com) INSPIRATION: “With this dish, it is the great texture and color of the vegetable. I wanted to showcase the bright green asparagus that is bountiful in the spring and summer. Regardless of the seasonal…

FRANCESCA DUNHAM IN ELEUTHERA “It’s better in the Bahamas, which is why we built our dream home and guest cottage on the island of Eleuthera,” says Delray Beach photographer Francesca Dunham. Make the connection: After getting married on Harbour Island in 2017, Dunham eventually built Cocomo Collective (cocomocollective.com), a boutique retreat hidden in the Bahamian bush. Get there from here: There are three airports on Eleuthera (ELH, GHB, and RSD) and daily commercial flights from FLL (Silver Airways) and MIA (American Airlines). Aztec Airways out of FLL or a private charter from PBI is never a bad option, but you can also take your boat. Must-do: Since Eleuthera is more than 100 miles long, rent a car to explore the pink-sand beaches, deep blue holes, and crystal-clear waters. Head to…

For those who dream of traveling to undiscovered destinations, the Caribbean likely doesn’t come to mind. Yet, among the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles lies a secluded island nation underscored by dramatic beauty and a lost-in-time allure. Welcome to Dominica, a magnificent, mountainous, independent country, 72,000 citizens strong, hidden between more touristed neighbors Martinique, St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. Rightfully known as the Nature Island, this untouched land teems with extreme natural phenomena such as towering waterfalls, boiling lakes, and coral reefs that bubble from geothermal activity. Across its 289.6 square miles of rugged terrain and lush rainforest, biodiverse Dominica harbors more than 1,000 species of flowering plants and 170 bird species, and its coastal waters receive 20 species of whales…

It’s rare for a boat brand to be instantly recognizable. So many fall into the floating Clorox bottle category: generic, practical, functional, yet easily forgettable. Not so for Axopar. Since 2014, the Finnish builder has been cranking out 22-to 37-foot day boats that have been setting the market on fire. So far, more than 3,500 examples have been sold around the globe. It’s easy to see why. With their razor-sharp axe bow, distinctive twin-step hull, and faintly militaristic lines, these go-fast day boats spin heads from Miami to Maine. See one screaming up behind you, piercing waves at 50 knots, and you half expect Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt to be at the helm, chasing the baddies in some new blockbuster novel. Building on the success of its 37-footer, Axopar is…

RAINBOW Springs Ocala Rainbow Springs, at the headwaters of the Rainbow River, is known for water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. It’s best to experience the springs in the early morning, as the fog lifts and the resident wildlife is active. The preferred mode of transport is the kayak, though tubing is supremely popular with families. Either way, you’ll cross crystalline waters and gaze at fish darting in and out of aquatic grasses on your way to view the area’s famed waterfalls. Swimming is a must, with the water averaging 72 degrees and a depth of 5 to 18 feet. (visitrainbowsprings.com) —Daphne Nikolopoulos DEVIL’S DEN SPRING WILLISTON THIS PREHISTORIC SPRING HAS LONG ENTRANCED FLORIDIANS, WITH EARLY SETTLERS NAMING IT “DEVIL’S DEN” BECAUSE OF THE…

THE TERRACE HOTEL LAKELAND Rewind to 1924, when the Lakeland Terrace Hotel debuted as Florida’s first air-conditioned hotel. Back then, little Lakeland was experiencing a big economic boom, fueled by Florida’s growing status as a vacation destination. Soon, the high-rise hotel overlooking serene Lake Mirror became a favorite of the roaring twenties elite. Fast-forward nearly 100 years, and today’s traveler can again bask in the glory of the 88-room property, reinvented after a head-to-toe renovation as The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. In its current form, the hotel commingles Art Deco flair with contemporary works by local artists. Patterned furnishings and soft goods in common spaces are inspired by native flora and fauna, while guest rooms skew mid-century modern. Base yourself here for easy access to Central Florida’s…

FIORELLI WINERY & VINEYARD Perhaps the most traditional of all Florida’s wineries, Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton has been making dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines fermented from grapes for 20 years. The Fiorelli team produces nine wines on their scenic property, which overlooks acres of Muscadine-filled vines. The Breeze variety—a blend of Noble and Valvin Muscat—is a medium sweet wine that makes for a lighter riff on the classic rum mojito. The winery also regularly hosts events with live music, wine tastings, and food. (fiorelliwinery.com) While Florida might seem like an unlikely choice for a wine destination, it is actually one of the original homelands of American wine. Spanish missionaries harvested native Muscadine grapes to make wine as early as the sixteenth century, and Florida is currently home to around 20…

AMERICAN AQUAGRILLE Savor coastal cuisine in beach house–inspired environs. 14121 U.S. Hwy. 1, Juno Beach (aquagrillejuno.com) $$ AVOCADO GRILL Chef Julien Gremaud offers flavorful Florida-Caribbean bites. 125 Datura St., West Palm Beach (avocadogrillwpb.com) $$ BEACON This waterfront grille boasts Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary American feel. 1107 Lighthouse Road, Jupiter (thebeaconjupiter.com) $$$ THE BLIND MONK At this hip tapas bar, the focus is on wine and small bites. 410 Evernia St. #107, West Palm Beach (theblindmonk.com) $$ BREEZE OCEAN KITCHEN Enjoy craft beer, specialty cocktails, and distinctly Floridian cuisine at this seaside gem at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan (eaupalmbeach.com) $$ BUCCAN Chef Clay Conley offers a wide-ranging menu of small plates that changes with the seasons. 350 S. County Road, Palm…

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Designer Lisa Peterson of Pineapples, Palms, Etc. created this foyer to make guests feel warm and welcome upon first stepping into the home. “I selected organic elements that felt very natural, while maintaining a stylish uniqueness that breathed a special life into the home’s front entrance,” Peterson says. “These included an amazing one-of-a-kind mirror, the texture of the chair, classic shiplap walls, and live plants to really bring the outside Florida feel in.” Jupiter (pineapplespalms.com) BRANCHING OUT Handmade in India, Walker Zabriskie’s Bunee Leaf Loomed pillow ($465 for large size) offers dynamic textures and a neutral color palette perfect for an organic aesthetic. Walker Zabriskie Furniture, Palm Beach (walkerzabriskie.com) BOX SCORE  Palecek’s abalone shell box ($295) is a marriage of land and sea with shiny abalone shells arranged…

BUSINESS UNUSUAL Re:Utilize backpack briefcase ($77), Solo, solo-ny.com A travel briefcase that is uber-functional, lightweight, ergonomic, and sustainable? Sign me up. This hybrid briefcase can organize a laptop, printed materials, and other business essentials, then convert into a backpack for easy carrying through airports. The best part? It’s made from recycled PET bottles that are melted into a fiber and spun into yarn. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editor in chief SUPER STACKED Subtl Beauty starterr stack ($60), Subtl Beauty, subtlbeauty.com I recently discoveredd this brand and have found its curated makeup stacks to be e a lifesaver when it comes to life on the go. Each set comes with seven essential beauty products (based on skin tone), which helps me save serious packing space and time. —Melissa Puppo, contributing editor CATCHING Z’S PeaPod Camp…

Big-ship cruising is back—in a big way. After a lengthy pandemic pause, major cruise lines are rolling out one stunning ship after another, freshly minted with state-of-the-art amenities, elevated dining spaces, and contemporary designs in tune with the desires of today’s cruising elite. One such vessel is the MSC Seashore, a new incarnation of the Italian brand’s slick Seaside class fleet, dubbed Seaside Evo (which stands for evolution). With nearly 140,000 square feet for outdoor endeavors, the 2,270-room mega-ship features the highest ratio of outdoor space per guest of any MSC ship and several firsts for the brand. Think: a seafront boardwalk, an aft infinity pool (bringing the total pool count to six), a massive aquapark, and an impressive glass skywalk. The onboard excitement never ends thanks to more than…

WITNESS Mass Coral Spawning Florida Keys Every year around the full moons of August and September, the reefs of the Florida Keys erupt with colossal clouds of gametes as corals of all shapes and sizes—from brain to elkhorn to staghorn—engage in synchronized mass-spawning rituals. Peep this rare spectacle with a scheduled night dive through a professional dive operator. (fla-keys.com) ROAM AMONG WILD HORSES AND BISON MICANOPY One of Florida’s best-kept secrets is the 21,000-acre savanna at the state’s core, protected as Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and home to herds of wild bison and horses. Take your pick of eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, in hopes of frolicking among these unlikely residents—and capturing some stunning images along the way. (floridastateparks.org) SWIM WITH SHARKS JUPITER WHILE MOST…

Coral Castle Museum Homestead Did Edward Leedskalnin use paranormal powers or call upon alien aid when constructing a massive sculpture garden out of tons of coral rock? You can judge for yourself when you visit the Coral Castle Museum, which hosts Psychic Saturdays—with palm readers and fortune tellers—the first Saturday of every month. (coralcastle.com) ROBERT THE DOLL KEY WEST IF KEY WEST IS WHERE THE WEIRD GO PRO, THEN ROBERT THE DOLL IS THE ISLAND’S UNOFFICIAL MASCOT. ROBERT WAS THE CHILDHOOD COMPANION OF ROBERT EUGENE “GENE” OTTO, WHO WOULD OFTEN BLAME HIS MISDEEDS ON THE SAILOR-SUITED DOLL. SINCE THE 1940S, PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED SEEING ROBERT MOVE, LAUGH, AND THROW THINGS. HE RESIDES AT THE FORT EAST MARTELLO MUSEUM, WHERE HE RECEIVES VISITORS DAILY OR NIGHTLY AS PART OF SLOAN’S GHOST…

JOE’S STONE CRAB MIAMI This South Beach icon has been cracking the claws of Florida’s prized stone crabs for more than a century—and diners still can’t get enough. While some reservations are available at this old-school institution, prepare for long waits to score chilled delicacies in jumbo, large, select, or medium, gently cracked and served with a secret mustard sauce plus a very necessary bib. When visiting outside of stone crab season (which takes place October 15 to May 1), enjoy an array of succulent dishes and sides that are almost as famous as its crabs: the chopped salad, blackened mahi-mahi, hashed brown potatoes, skinny fried sweets, and key lime pie, to name a few. (joesstonecrab.com) —P.R. BERN’S STEAK HOUSE TAMPA BERN’S RECALLS A TIME WHEN DINING WAS AN EXPERIENCE…

The local summer dining scene just got hotter. From August 1-31, The Palm Beaches Restaurant Month will serve up dozens of deals at more than 50 area restaurants. Locals and visitors alike can discover new hidden gems, established favorites, and worldly restos from Boca up through Jupiter. Here, we highlight five to add to your must-visit list. (palmbeachesdining.com) The restaurant: The Italian Restaurant at The Breakers, Palm Beach Known for: A cozy yet upscale atmosphere and elevated Italian classics The deal: A three-course dinner menu for $55, with options like eggplant rollatini, calamari with a cherry pepper vinaigrette, chicken parmigiana, grilled salmon scallopini, s’mores pie, and a cannoli. Other participating Breakers restaurants include Echo ($55 three-course dinner) and Henry’s ($25 two-course lunch and $55 three-course dinner). (thebreakers.com) The restaurant: Dada, Delray Beach Known…

Just when you thought there was no possible upside to global warming, along comes English sparkling wine. Although sparkling wine production in the South of England only began in the 1980s, it is now home to more than 100 producers. Most are using the traditional Champagne method and the same grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier). The majority of the estates are located in Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, with the largest producers being Gusbourne and Chapel Down. Given that the area has similar soil and topography to the Champagne region across the Channel, success was probably inevitable. Even the house of Taittinger has joined the party, with its first vintage from Kent expected next year. Champagne is frequently the standard by which English sparkling wine is measured, but…

Belford Shoumate (1903-1991) didn’t want to be confined to any one architectural style. Instead, he is remembered for his artistry and ability to bring his illustrative pastels to life. After studying architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, he worked for Joseph Urban in New York City. Urban greatly influenced Shoumate’s approach, especially in his interpretation of the Art Moderne style and his use of color to define space. After arriving in Palm Beach in 1936, he went on to design more than 500 projects in South Florida, including residences, renovations and additions, and conceptual plans. Shoumate also sought to protect the existing architectural fabric of Palm Beach; he served on the Landmarks Preservation Commission and was chairman of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Preservation of Historic Buildings committee for…

GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE 8264 Northlake Boulevard, West Palm Beach Once a key component of the Greater Everglades watershed and the headwaters of the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River, Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23-square-mile wetlands ecosystem comprising wetlands, tree islands, and forested hammocks. The Cypress Boardwalk is 1 mile round trip and offers visitors the opportunity to look for animal residents such as wood storks, white ibis, great blue heron, white-tailed deer, otters, bobcats, and alligators. (wpb.org) GREEN CAY NATURE CENTER 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach Ted and Trudy Winsberg sold their 100-acre property, previously used for farming, in 1999 for a fraction of its value with the stipulation that it would be converted into wetlands. Today, the nature preserve features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalks that take…