Sunday, June 29, 2025
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Move Better, Feel Better

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Dr. Jonathan Shaw from Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute Shares Expert Tips for Easing Knee Arthritis Pain

By Gianna Picard

Most people, as they age, are affected by joint arthritis, and it presents as pain, swelling, and stiffness.  Living with knee arthritis can be challenging, but staying active is key to managing the condition—movement helps maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain, ultimately improving your quality of life. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, a local hip and knee orthopedic surgeon at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, is sharing four suggested exercises and stretches specifically designed to help those battling knee arthritis. These simple yet effective movements are aimed at strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving flexibility, and reducing pain, all while promoting better joint function and mobility. 

  1. Quadriceps Set (Exercise)

This exercise targets the front of the thigh, above the knee, which is better known as the quadriceps. Strengthening the quadriceps helps to support and stabilize the knee joint, reducing strain and improving joint function, which can help alleviate pain from stiff joints. 

How to perform:

  • Sit on the floor with your leg stretched straight in front of you.
  • Tighten your thigh muscles by pushing the back of your knee down toward the ground.
  • Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax.
  • Recommendation: repeat 10 to 15 times on each leg.
  1. Straight Leg Raise (Exercise)

Straight Leg Raises are an exercise that targets the quadriceps and hip flexors. This motion strengthens the muscles around the knee and improves knee stability, reducing discomfort and promoting better joint mobility. 

How to perform:

  • Lie down on your back with one leg sticking out straight and the other bent with your foot on the ground.
  • Slowly lift the straight leg upward about 6 to 12 inches, keeping it straight. 
  • Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds, then lower the leg back down.
  • Repeat 10 to 15 times for each leg.

Dr. Shaw highly suggests that if sharp pain is experienced at any point during the movement, stop immediately and seek medical attention to avoid further damage to the joint.

  1. Hamstring Stretch 

Other than low-impact exercises, stretching is also recommended for those experiencing knee arthritis. Hamstring stretches target the back of the thigh, which is known as the hamstring muscle. By stretching the hamstrings the correct way, a release of tightness will be felt in the back of the leg. This will overall improve flexibility and reduce strain on the knee joint. 

How to perform:

  • Sit on the ground and stick one leg out straight and the other leg bent, foot placed flat on the floor.
  • Slowly lean forward at the hips, reaching toward the toes, keeping the leg straight.
  • Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then relax.
  • Repeat 2 to 3 times for each leg.

Dr. Shaw stresses the importance of knowing your limits. To avoid overstretching, it’s recommended that you stop if pain occurs during the action. “If pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your knee is experienced after physical activities, it’s important to address the issue early,” said Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Hip and Knee Surgeon at the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “These symptoms may be an indicator of a strain, sprain, or even a more serious injury like a tear or fracture, which those with arthritis are at higher risk for. I strongly recommend seeing an orthopedic specialist if symptoms persist, as prompt treatment can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes.”

  1. Calf Stretch

Calf stretches focus specifically on the lower leg. These particular stretches can alleviate tension in the lower leg, reducing pressure on the knee. Overall, calf raises will promote the leg’s mobility and make it easier to perform daily tasks. 

How to perform:

  • Stand facing the wall, with your hands placed on the wall at shoulder height.
  • Step one foot back, keeping both feet flat on the floor. 
  • Gently press your back heel into the ground while bending your front knee slightly.
  • Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch legs.
  • Repeat this 2 to 3 times on each leg

Dr. Shaw encourages those with arthritis to implement exercises and stretches in their daily routines to avoid flare-ups of aches and pains. Staying active will help keep the knee joint moving, improve strength, and reduce pain, allowing you to ease some of the side effects of arthritis. 

By following these key tips and listening to your body, taking Dr. Shaw’s advice can help those who experience knee arthritis enjoy their time performing daily activities, while minimizing the risk of severe knee injuries. Ultimately, stretching and exercising can positively impact joint health!To learn more about Dr. Shaw and the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit https://www.pboi.com/jonathan-shaw.

ATLANTA:  HOW THE CITY HAS GROWN…AND CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Story and Photos By Mike May

During one of my recent trips through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I made a point of visiting the underground thoroughfare that connects Concourse B and Concourse C.  Instead of taking the Plane Train that connects the two concourses, I decided to walk.  As I walked through this section of the airport, I noticed that the walls are adorned with a series of portraits, paintings, pictures, images and quotes from former leaders of Atlanta.  The images and their short descriptions helped showcase and describe the evolution of the City of Atlanta.  It truly is a remarkable documentation of the growth of one of the world’s leading cities.

The first image gives a brief pictorial overview of what life was like in that part of Georgia from 1540 until the mid-1830s. 

The documentation of life in the greater Atlanta area started when Atlanta established itself as a Railroad Town in the 1830s.  At the time, Stephen H. Long, a chief engineer for the Western & Atlantic Railroad, was not very optimistic about Atlanta’s immediate and long-term future.

“A good location for one tavern, a blacksmith shop, a grocery store, and nothing else,” said Long, back in 1837.

Clearly, his assessment of Atlanta’s long-term prospects was not very accurate.

Of course, one of the most significant periods of time in Atlanta’s history was the Civil War, which took place from 1861-1865.  To say that the Civil War years were traumatic for Atlanta residents and its business community is an understatement.

“The shells of General Sherman were the strokes of the hammer of liberty, unfastening the fetters of the accused and inhumane institution of slavery,” said Reverend Dr. Edward Randolph Carter, a writer and social activist back in 1864.

From 1866-1895, Atlanta went through a period of time known as the Resurgens.  During this time, Atlanta was rebuilt during Reconstruction following the Civil War.

“I want to say to General Sherman, that from the ashes left us in 1864 we have raised a brave and beautiful city,” said Henry W. Grady, editor, Atlanta Constitution, in 1886.

From 1896-1946, life in Atlanta was labeled The Color Line.

“Bucks, ballots and books are the keys to African-American freedom,” declared civic and political leader John Wesley Dobbs, circa 1940.

From 1925-1971, that time period was known as Forward Atlanta.  During those years, businesses became firmly established in Georgia’s capital city.

“Office buildings are to Atlanta what furniture is to Grand Rapids (Michigan) and automobiles are to Detroit,” said Charles Palmer, Atlanta-area businessman and developer, in 1930.

By the 1930s, Atlanta was truly the leading city in the Southeast of the U.S.

“The Southeast is on wheels and Atlanta is the hub around which the wheels revolve,” said Ivan E. Allen, Sr., businessman and civil booster, in 1925.

The Civil Rights Era in Atlanta stretched from 1946-1973.  The fact that Martin Luther King, Jr. and his family lived in Atlanta made the city the focal point of the civil rights movement in the U.S.

“We are not satisfied and will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream,” said King back in 1963.

From 1973 to the present day, life in Atlanta has been labeled Global Getaway.

Clearly, the presence of CNN in Atlanta, Delta Air Lines utilizing Atlanta as its main hub, and the arrival of the Summer Olympics in 1996 confirmed Atlanta’s status as a global destination. 

“We stand not so much as a gateway to the South, but as a gateway to a new time, a new era, a new beginning for the cities of our land,” said Maynard H. Jackson, Atlanta Mayor, in 1974.

Without a doubt, the maturation of Atlanta is the direct result of people and businesses working together for the greater good.

“We have a beautiful, fragile planet where all people and all things are interdependent and interconnected,” said Ted Turner, CNN founder, businessman, and philanthropist, in 2006.

Atlanta is also one of the great sports cities in the U.S. as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four (for college basketball), and a massive sporting goods trade show known as The Super Show have all been held in Atlanta since the late 1980s.  Atlanta is also the home many professional sports franchises:  Atlanta Braves (Major League Baseball), Atlanta Hawks (National Basketball Association), Atlanta Falcons (National Football League), and Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer).  And, Atlanta has been selected as one of the venues in the U.S. for games affiliated with soccer’s World Cup in 2026.  The games will be held inside the Mercedes-Benz Dome in downtown Atlanta.

It’s also worth noting that Atlanta is where you’ll find the global headquarters of Coca-Cola and Chick Fil-A, as well as major universities such as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University.

You will see all this local history and more on your next trip to and through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  The history of the City of Atlanta – currently on display between Concourse B and Concourse C at the airport — awaits your arrival.

Reading and Writing and Your Kids!

By Heidi Hess

Well, we are now counting down the days for the 2024/2025 school year. For me, it is the end of an era. My son will be graduating high school and starting college in the late summer. I have mixed feelings about this, as I’m sure you can imagine. I’m proud of both of my kids. Their journeys have been, and continue to be, completely different – unique. Just like them. They have their own style, mannerisms… things that have nothing to do with me and as strange as it seems, I am quite proud of that. Why? Simply put it means that I gave them enough space to figure things out on their own. As a stay at home mom, that is hard.

I think it’s really important to, at a certain point, let the kids decide or do for themselves. The things that make us us … should be determined by each individual person. My job is to monitor, to make sure their choices are healthy (no, you aren’t drinking Monster) and safe (nothing good happens in parking lots after midnight. Your curfew is midnight), and then to lay down the foundation. Besides helping them develop good healthy friendships and making good choices, I’ve really tried to instill a love of literature or just reading in general. It’s one of the things I’ve insisted upon.

Wanna watch a movie? Did we read the book first? Extra time on our hands – read a book. Trip to the library and can we get some DVD’s? You can get two DVD’s and as many books as you want. Time for bed – snuggling and a book. Too much TV? Book. Summer vacation – rewards for reading books. You see where I’m going with this…

And now, my son, packing for a trip to Universal, is being forced to listen to an audio book I have playing in the background. His taste in many things (movies, books, music) tends to be a little darker than normal, but the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree. I’m listening to Reincarnation Blue by Michael Poore. There is a lot of dark humor and has made me laugh out loud. My son, who is more interested in his music lately, peaks his head around the corner – “What is this?” I tell him. Humm… he seems interested. They say that everyone likes to read, you just have to find your book. But now it has me questioning, does the book choose you?

I think I’ve harped on this before in my column, but if you want your kids to read, they need to catch you reading. And I have the solution. Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival is happening Saturday, June 14, 2025 in the Mall at Wellington Green. Think of it as an adult book fair. Although, it’s really for all ages and it’s absolutely free. That’s right – something to do on a summer day and it’s indoors and FREE admission. Find your new author obsession. Buy a book and have it signed. Bring the kids and have them watch you engage with the author and then – here’s the real challenge – read the book and make sure they see you reading it.

You don’t have to wear the same clothes or even agree on political view points, but it’s important that your kids see you, or in my case, hear you reading.

The Skinny on Tirzepatide

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By Jaime Joshi Elder 

When patients come into Advanced Surgical Physicians, they run the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Anxiety and fear when first diagnosed, cautious optimism during treatment and wild hope and joy when realizing they are in remission. 

Andrew Shapiro, MD also noticed that when his breast cancer patients would come in, they would struggle with weight gain due to hormonal therapy and more often than not, this would have an adverse effect on their mental health. 

Dr. Andrew Shapiro

As the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center and leader of the Breast Cancer Support Group at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Dr. Shapiro wanted to do more for his patients and he started researching deeper into the advancements in GLP-1 receptor agonists. 

This research eventually led to establishing a weight-loss program at Advanced Surgical Physicians which quickly opened to the entire community and not just breast cancer patients. 

The program uses Tirzepatide, a medication that has shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control and can be found in GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound and Mounjaro. 

It is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking two natural hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolism and work in several ways to promote weight loss:

  • Decreased appetite: It helps you feel full longer after eating, so you’re less likely to overeat.
  • Slower digestion: It slows down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines, which also helps you feel full for longer.
  • Improved blood sugar control: It increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.

In addition to significant weight loss – studies have shown that people taking Tirzepatide can lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight in 72 weeks – the drug can also improve blood sugar control by lowering A1C (measure of average blood sugar) levels over time and also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as a result of both of these outcomes. 

As with any medication, there are side effects and the most common ones for Tirzepatide include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions, and, if nutritional intake isn’t maintained during significant weight loss, hair loss.

Mild allergic reactions are also possible and Dr. Shapiro emphasizes that these side effects are often mild and temporary and can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.

Initially, the Advanced Surgical Physicians weight loss program was for patients of the practice but now, the program is open to adults who are overweight or obese and have a BMI of 27 or higher and eligibility depending on medical history such as type 1 diabetes, a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

A proud veteran and strong supporter of the community, Dr. Shapiro is offering a special discount for first responders, teachers and military members, both active and retired. 

To learn more about the Tirzepatide, the weight-loss program and the discount, contact Advanced Surgical Physicians directly at: 561-333-1335.

Roasted Vegetables: A Colorful Sidedish

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Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms
  • 2 cups chopped butternut squash
  • 1 zucchini, sliced and quartered
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced and quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or more, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
  • Place broccoli florets, mushrooms, butternut squash, zucchini, squash, bell pepper and onion in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
  • Place into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.*
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

*Baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the vegetables.

Puppy Yoga at Retro Fitness in Wellington

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On April 26, 2025 Retro Fitness Wellington presented “Puppy Yoga” and encouraged donations for Barky Pines Animal Rescue.

USPA Open Championship Finals

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Father vs Son

Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

For the second consecutive year father, Adolfo Cambiaso’s team La Dolfina/Tamera faced off against his son’s team La Dolfina/Catamount.

The results were different this year with Tamera coming out ahead 12-8.

With a very even first half and a tie score of 6-6, Tamera turned on the power during the second half by outscoring Catamount 6-2.

Tamera’s team was made up of the game’s MVP Alejandro Poma, 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, Matt Cappola and Diego Cavanagh.

10-goaler Poroto Cambiaso, Scott Devon, Rufina Merlos and Jesse Bray played for Catamount.

This win was the 10th time that Adolfo Cambiaso was part of the winning team.

Well known sportscaster Chris Fowler of ESPN served as the game’s analyst and broadcaster.

Norman Love Confections Unveils Ten Limited-Edition Flavors Just In Time For Mother’s Day

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The award-winning, luxury chocolatier also debuts a special Mom’s Day Cake available only in retail locations

Delray Beach and Boca Raton, FL (April 24, 2025)— Norman Love Confections, the premier chocolatier specializing in edible artistry, has curated 10 new flavors for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11.)  The company’s limited-edition 2025 Mother’s Day Collection features a delicious assortment of elegant, new flavors that are the perfect gifts for that special mom, grandmother or mother-in-law in your life.

“Moms deserve the extraordinary —a luxury chocolate experience as unforgettable as they are,” said Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections. “Crafted with the precision of a chocolatier and the soul of an artist, our creations are more than confections — they’re truly designed with love.”

Available online at NormanLoveConfections.com as of this week, the Mother’s Day 2025 Collection includes:

·      Sweet Tea–Southern charm meets luxury in this smooth, fragrant sweet tea ganache in a white chocolate shell. Light, refreshing and perfectly balanced with a twist of fresh lemon.

·      Apple Pie–Inspired by homemade comfort, this piece captures the warm, spiced essence of Mom’s apple pie in a luscious white chocolate shell. With notes of cinnamon, baked apple, and a buttery finish, it’s a nostalgic bite of love and sweetness.

·      Lemon Bar–This piece captures the bright, tangy sweetness of the classic dessert with a vibrant lemon curd ganache, all nestled in a silky white chocolate shell. Sweet, tart, and irresistibly smooth.

·      Sangria–Bold red wine and vibrant fruit notes in a rich, jammy ganache, encased in decadent dark chocolate. Sophisticated and juicy, it’s a spirited bite that lingers with warmth and depth.

·      Vanilla Cupcake–A playful twist on a classic treat, this Vanilla Cupcake bonbon features a rich vanilla bean ganache with hints of buttercream sweetness, all wrapped in smooth dark chocolate. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and delightfully unexpected.

·      German Chocolate Cake–Inspired by the beloved dessert, German Chocolate Cake, this piece has layers rich chocolate ganache with toasted coconut, enrobed in creamy milk chocolate. It’s a decadent, indulgent bite of cake in confection form.

·      Rum Cake–The warmth of spiced rum and buttery vanilla cake in a smooth, indulgent ganache, wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. Rich, festive, and full of charm in every bite.

·      Waffles & Syrup–Like a cozy meal around the breakfast table with Mom; this piece packs all the flavor of a plate of homemade waffles & syrup. Encased in creamy milk chocolate, Waffles & Syrup is sweet, nostalgic and perfectly comforting.

·      Caramel Turtle–Layers of silky caramel and toasted pecans nestled in a smooth dark chocolate shell. Rich, nutty, and indulgently gooey—an elevated take on a classic treat.

·      Peanut Butter Pie–Fluffy peanut butter ganache with the crunch of graham cracker crust, all wrapped in smooth milk chocolate. Rich, nutty, and irresistibly decadent—just like a slice of the real thing.

Additionally, a special Mother’s Day cake is available this year– a Fraisier Cake, which is a French strawberry vanilla cake, with layers of rich vanilla cream, fresh strawberries and vanilla cake. It’s lavishly garnished with edible chocolate tulips, white chocolate Chantilly and chocolate decorations.

Norman Love Confections has been named Best Premium Chocolate in the United States six times over the past 20 years, and prides itself on sourcing the highest-quality ingredients from around the world, and transforming them into stunning, gourmet works of art.

The 2025 Mother’s Day Collection gift boxes, select novelties and curated bundles will be available for purchase online at www.NormanLoveConfections.com through May 7 and all gift boxes and novelties will be available at Norman Love Confections salons in Fort Myers, Naples, Estero, Sarasota and Delray Beach beginning Monday, April 28.  The Boca Raton salon is scheduled to open in early May and will carry the Mother’s Day collection as well.

For a list of salon and other retail locations, click here. To learn more, visit normanloveconfections.com, and follow on socials @normanloveconfections.

Summer Restaurant Specials

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WINE & SPIRITS KITCHEN 

HAPPY HOUR – Daily 3-6PM 

One of the best happy hours in Delray is waiting for you at Wine & Spirits Kitchen. Every day from 3PM to 6PM, guests can enjoy $6 select wines, $5 well drinks, and $4 beers—plus 50% off all spirits (excluding allocated bottles). Feeling hungry? Don’t miss the fan-favorite $6 prime rib sliders—tender, juicy, and stacked with flavor. Pair them with creamy mac & cheese or other bar bites and settle into the ultimate late afternoon unwind.

INDUSTRY MONDAYS  – 6PM – close 

Wine & Spirits Kitchen shows some love to hospitality professionals every Monday with extended specials from 3PM to close. Guests in the industry can take advantage of 50% off all food (some exclusions apply), 50% off all spirits (excluding allocated bottles), plus $6 wines, $5 mixed drinks, and $4 beers. It’s the ideal setting to relax post-shift or gear up for the night with great food, strong drinks, and laid-back vibes.

WINE & CHEESE SATURDAYS 

Every Saturday, Wine & Spirits Kitchen invites guests to sip, snack, and learn with their signature Wine & Cheese Saturdays. The fun kicks off at 2PM with an interactive cheese class, followed by a wine class at 3PM. Each session is $25 and designed for both curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Whether attending one or both, it’s a flavorful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

MATCH IT WEDNESDAYS – 3PM – close 

Wine lovers are invited to take advantage of Match It Wednesday, a midweek special that doubles the value of any wine card purchase! Load any denomination and receive a matching amount to explore Wine & Spirits Kitchen’s impressive lineup of 170+ wines on tap. Whether you’re trying something new or pouring your favorite vintage, Match It Wednesday is your weekly reason to raise a glass.

411 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 |  (561) 243-9463

@wineroomdelray | thewineroomonline.com

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DRIFTWOOD

HAPPY HOUR – Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 6PM

Known for its inventive cocktails and chef-driven comfort food, Driftwood now offers Happy Hour Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 6PM. Guests can sip $8 handcrafted cocktails like the Rip Current or Jamaican Sorrel Spritzer, $10 bourbon classics, $4 domestic beers, $6 local craft brews, and $5 house wines.On the menu: craveable small plates like birria empanadas, dry-rubbed wings, beer-battered pickles, and Quincey Cattle sliders—stacked with American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and special sauce. With free parking and a relaxed, coastal vibe, Driftwood’s Happy Hour is the perfect way to wind down.


2005 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 733-4782
Driftwood Website |

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AMAR MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN & BAR 

HABIBI HOUR – Daily | 4–6PM

Aptly named after the Arabic word for “love,” Habibi Hour is a heartfelt celebration of flavor. Enjoy 50% off almost every item on Amar’s crave-worthy hot and cold mezze list—plus half off wine, beer, and select cocktails. It’s the perfect excuse to gather, graze, and sip your way through the Mediterranean.

HABIBI WINE NITES – Wednesdays | 4–close

Wine down every Wednesday with 50% off all bottles during Habibi Wine Nites at Amar. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing rosés, it’s the midweek moment you didn’t know you needed.

25 SE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | (561) 865-5653 

amardelray.com | @amardelray

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GESTO

SUMMER HAPPY HOUR –  Daily | 4–6PM

Just in time for summer, Gesto rolls out its first-ever Happy Hour! Enjoy half-priced wine by the glass and, beer along with 25% off their entire lineup of apps, salads, and sourdough hybrid pizzas using the finest Italian flour, Jersey-grown tomatoes, and wood-fired cooking.
When:

VINO WEDNESDAYS -Wednesdays | 4–close

Cheers to midweek indulgence with 50% off all wine bottles every Wednesday.

522 East Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | 561.403.2665 

www.gestopizzeria.com | @gestopizzeria

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