Lifting a Weight

The co-owner of a local CrossFit gym turns her battles with food into a life-altering example for others By Keren Moros | Photos by Eduardo Schneider Rachel Batista is the first to admit that the most tumultuous relationship in her life is the one she has with food. As a teenager, she developed unhealthy habits

canvas of hope

On the 15th anniversary of 9/11, an artist revisits a personal project By Keren Moros | Photos by Luccia Photos Though Edwina Corte set her passion for art aside  for 20 years while she raised her daughter, her creative wheels never stopped turning. “I always had something tucked away that I was either sewing or

Wonder Women

Lead photo by Luccia Photos Though Janell Bantz has been a member of the Women’s Club of Coconut Creek for two years, she has been involved with it since 1991, when she was 18 and moved to Coconut Creek from Michigan. Within two weeks of moving, she met the man who would become her husband,

Better Than Sliced

Variety is the spice when it comes to Bar Louie’s renowned flatbreads By Keren Moros Kitchen manager Kelvin Hutchinson calls the flatbreads at Bar Louie “the best in town”—a contention that few if any patrons of the popular restaurant at The Promenade at Coconut Creek would argue. According to Hutchinson, who’s worked with the company

Sight to Behold

Kuro puts a dazzling and delicious spin on a panna cotta dessert When Ross Evans interviewed for the pastry chef position at Kuro, the Japanese craft kitchen at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino that has had foodies buzzing since its opening last spring, he turned an open-ended challenge into a dessert that not only

A World of Good

  The Orlando World Center Marriott is just three miles south of Walt Disney World—but it feels as far from the House of Mouse as you can get. The hotel, a cluster of four towering buildings, wastes no time making an impression. The vibe—chic, clean-lined and absent of extravagant artwork and overdone production—speaks to the

Hurricane Season

Shooters gives customers plenty of reasons to brave the elements Photo by Evelyn Robles If The Old Farmer’s Almanac proves Nostradamus-like in its forecast, August will be the wettest month of the year, with above-normal rainfall and the potential for major storms—all the more reason to head toward the Intracoastal and grab a seat at

Long Live the King

Chris MacDonald continues his reign as the nation’s premier Elvis tribute artist Over the past two decades, Chris MacDonald has been pelted with G-strings, thong panties, a jeweled bustier and other assorted unmentionables. He’s had soccer moms rush the stage and rip open his leather jacket and 80-year-old women grab his behind. But despite the

Stand-Up Guy

Just about every day of the week, you’ll find Josh Smart on one Fort Lauderdale body of water or another. Sometimes he speeds along the calm Middle River or, for a bigger challenge, he’ll go up against the waves in Port Everglades. Smart recently finished a challenge on social media where he competed against other

Man on a Mission

FAU football coach Charlie Partridge reflects on the foundation he’s building in Boca Raton Everything you need to know about the head football coach at Florida Atlantic University fits on a wallet-sized card that each of his players are expected to carry. On one side are the team’s five rules: Be on time, don’t do