Pride of Place
Architect Stuart Debowsky’s boutique design firm makes every house a home By Michelle F. SolomonPhotos by Justin Namon Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but plenty goes into making a space the pinnacle of personalized style. Sometimes it’s difficult to create that certain look solo. You need a helping hand. “I think of
happy campers
Coconut Creek’s Chiera Family Foundation is changing the lives of children with cancer By Becky Randel | Photography by Luccia Photos When Lou Chiera’s father passed away from cancer over 25 years ago, his family searched for the perfect way to honor their patriarch, a lover of children and the outdoors who served as commissioner
From the Grounds Up
Just a few steps into the foyer of his Coconut Creek home, artist Steven Mikel greets a reporter with a question that hardly seems out of the ordinary: “Do you want a cup of coffee?” Then again, this is the same man who looks at dark roast the way a sculptor views a brick of
say hello to ciao
Italian restaurant at The Promenade is far from traditional By Michelle F. Solomon Ciao Cucina & Bar at The Promenade at Coconut Creek will have you at hello with its welcoming marquee lights on the side wall spelling out Ciao! and the cute Vespa just begging diners to be included in their selfies. Beyond the
Sweet Charity
Photography by Evelyn Robles Residents of Parkland and Coral Springs are known for their charitable efforts, a benevolent streak that seems to start earlier with each passing generation. Not only are middle school and high school students joining their peers to raise awareness—from school-related fundraisers to taking the ice bucket challenge for ALS—some are venturing
Trust & Co.
Coral Gables’ Newest Gastropub By Gail Scott As you walk through the door of Trust & Co., you get a local vibe; it’s definitely a place where you want to meet your friends. And although the new darling of Coral Gables and the brainchild of restaurateur Jerry Flynn may feel like a casual watering hole
the ultimate wingman
Chad Barb oversees a kingdom at Butterfly World It would be easy to mistake Chad Barb’s workspace for a mad scientist’s laboratory, what with all the test tubes and Waterpiks—not to mention the containers filled with small fuzzy creatures. But there’s nothing evil happening inside a room where Barb performs day-to-day duties that only a
Spa in the Family
A mother-daughter outing prompts Holly and Cayla McDonald to say Aloha to an entrepreneurial venture By Michelle F. Solomon | Photography by Luccia Photos Mother and daughter Holly and Cayla McDonald do everything together. “We’re best friends,” they say in unison. Despite their 34-year age difference, the two connect on a variety of levels—traveling abroad,
7 Questions with Jim Couper
Photo by William Kuan Photography, courtesy of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum 1 You were one of the first faculty members at Florida International University when the campus opened in 1972. What brought you to Miami and specifically FIU? I was in Miami before FIU was created. I came here in 1963 via Florida
7 Questions with Ellen Book
1 How did your library career get started? In my teens, I had a part-time job as a shelver at the Hollywood Branch Library. I felt so at home. The combination of organization, research, creativity and helping the public hands-on was a perfect fit. When I left for college, I knew that librarianship was my future.
