Bigger is Better

For three straight summers during my grade school years, our family traveled from Dayton, Ohio, to the same hotel on St. Pete Beach, a quaint oceanfront property called the Normandy Inn. Though I had relatively little to complain about growing up in the Midwest—outside of winter waits for the school bus and being recruited to

Fish Out of Water

For all the in-with-the-new anticipation that comes with developing seasonal menus at a beloved restaurant like YOLO in downtown Fort Lauderdale, there’s also the potential for out-with-the-old disappointment. “It’s difficult sometimes because you want to change, but then certain items become so popular that you have to make tough decisions,” says Peter Boulukos, executive chef

Green Scene

There was a brief lull in John Crean’s office at Broken Sound Country Club, but buzzing filled the silence. “Oh, yes, those are some of our bees,” he says, pointing to the insect-filled frame on the back table. “I wanted to you to see them.” That was in September, when Crean, general manager and chief

In it for the Dough

Last year, hundreds gathered at The Wynwood Yard to pay homage to (i.e., devour) our favorite morning treats at Miami’s first “Donuts!” festival. The event proved to be a South Florida sensation, paralleling the success of several local gourmet doughnut shops, and it looks like the craze is far from fading. On March 30, Vine

Roll with the Changes

The continuing education of Danielle Rosse brought one of South Florida’s most forward-thinking restaurateurs to a realization as inspired as the cuisine and backdrop at her beachfront gem, Oceans 234 in Deerfield Beach. Pouring dollars into her business—which, in Rosse’s case, included an all-encompassing $1.8 million interior facelift last year—ultimately would mean little if she

The Dish / Valentine’s Edition

Eat One for the Gripper Miami’s pastry scene has reached new heights at The Dutch (2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.938.3111, thedutchmiami.com) thanks to award-winning chef Joshua Gripper. The New American spot inside W South Beach offers decadent desserts year-round, but Valentine’s Day will be exceptionally sweet for those who indulge in the Gripper’s Grail

By Popular Demand

Perhaps the only thing that fills the air at Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale more than the aroma of award-winning, Tuscan-style cuisine is the love to which chef/owner Angelo Elia bears witness—especially during the month of February. “Oh, my god, we’ve had so many proposals at the restaurant,” says Elia of his flagship establishment (1201

In Good Taste

South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s first foray into Broward County was with a single dinner in 2015. It was a hit, making clear the hunger for more festival events north of the main attraction. Cue the Taste of Fort Lauderdale series, which will return for the second year with seven events Feb. 22-26. It

Indulge Yourself

Drunk in Love Champagne and Caviar Couple’s Journey Where: Eau Spa Address: 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan The experience: The aptly named “Caviar Couple’s Journey” is an indulgent, five-hour itinerary designed for couples seeking uninterrupted relaxation. It’s a luxury also to be enjoyed by singletons, I can attest. The experience has much to do with

All That Glitters

In the thick of the minimalist fashion movement, glamour reclaims the spotlight at Lulu’s Vintage, the new Fort Lauderdale boutique carrying decades of designer jewelry and extravagant hats. “We’re not for the faint of heart,” says owner Laurie Davis as she repositions a pearl and citrine Iradj Moini necklace in its case. “Isn’t this fabulous?”