Known as the “Oscars” for canines, the annual campaign to honor America’s top dogs moves into its 14th year
Above: Christie Brinkley and Maverick. Photo: Getty.
PALM BEACH, FL – Today, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—is officially kicking off the 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards. The nationwide competition searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs. Winners are often ordinary four-legged companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives on the battlefield, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall contributing to the wellbeing of people.
“Through the Hero Dog Awards, we honor and celebrate the immense hope, courage, and quality of life that dogs bring to our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We look forward to sharing inspiring stories of these canines with the voting public so we can give our hero dogs the recognition they truly deserve.”
People across the United States can nominate their four-legged champions starting today at HeroDogAwards.org.
This year’s five categories include:
· Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs
· Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs
· Therapy Dogs
· Military Dogs
· Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs
Nominations are open now through August 1, 2024.
Every year, American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards honor the exceptional working dogs from around the country. After votes are cast, Hero Dogs concludes with a star-studded gala awards show that will air on national television. Celebrities who have participated in the past include Carson Kressley, Christie Brinkley, Kristen Chenoweth, among many others.
American Humane thanks its sponsors, including PetsBest and Lulu’s Fund. Without them, the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards would not be possible. For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, visit HeroDogAwards.org. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.
American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information, visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Get fabulously fit this summer at the iconic Hilton West Palm Beach. In June, the West Palm Beach hotel’s back lawn will transform into a verdant oasis showcasing group fitness and wellness classes, inviting guests to recharge and reconnect in the great outdoors.
June programming:
Changing Frequencies: A Sound Healing Class
June 13
8-9PM
$10 per person and free for hotel guests
Local guru Martha Popova will guide participants through the ancient art of sound healing which helps promote relaxation and mindfulness. The 60-minute moonlight class also includes meditation and reiki techniques to help attain a higher state of well-being. Mats are provided.
F45 Training
June 15
10–10:45AM
Free for the public and hotel guests
The “F” in F45 stands for “functional fitness,” and “45” is for 45 minutes. Each monthly class will merge three leading-edge fitness training styles into one heart-pumping cardio workout, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training. All skill levels welcome and ages 18+.
Surf & Turf
June 30
9-10AM
$20 per person andfree for hotel guests
Join Natalie Addison of MVMNT West Palm Beach for a dynamic and exhilarating exercise experience that targets every major muscle group. Get your heart pumping and calories burning with a variety of cardio exercises, functional movements, and core strengthening. The class will end with a guided cool down dip in the pool and a brief mindfulness session leaving one feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
HIIT with 1 Fitness
Wednesdays
8-9AM
$10 per person and free for hotel guests
These HIIT workouts are designed to improve strength, build lean muscle, and maximize calorie burn. Classes are low-impact and perfect for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Mats are provided.
Sculpt & Sweat with 1 Fitness
Saturdays
9-9:45AM
$10 per person and free for hotel guests
Join personal trainer Cloe Mimun from 1 Fitness for a low-impact HIIT-style class which incorporates barre and Pilates inspired movements while using bodyweight and bands to increase intensity. All ages and levels are welcome. Mats are provided.
Yoga with 1 Fitness
Sundays
10-10:45AM
$10 per person and free for hotel guests
Start your Sunday outdoors with breath, yoga, and a soulful connection with nature. 1 Fitness will lead guests through vinyasa yoga flow sequences to warm up the body, as well as focus on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. All ages and levels are welcome. Mats are provided.
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
Delray Beach FL, June 5, 2024 – Le Colonial, the acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant located at 601 East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, will feature three specials for Father’s Day. Le Colonial offers divine upscale French-Vietnamese cuisine, with an ambiance that is elegant and romantic.
Specials include Cari Sò, PEI Mussels, coconut, lemongrass, ginger, jalapeño, galangal, lime leaf and a baguette ($28); and Thịt Bò Nướng, grilled heritage angus petite 12 ounce tres major filet, rice noodles, butter lettuce, pickled cucumber, with a ginger cilantro dipping sauce ($38). The dessert special is Xì gà sô cô la, a chocolate cigar with Valrhona Équatoriale chocolaté, Jasmine tea, Cocoa nibs and almond praline ($15).
Le Colonial’s summer hours are Sunday through Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Lounge opens at 4:00 p.m. daily. Social Hour is Monday through Friday in the Lounge from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Piano Nights are Monday through Wednesday from 5:30 – 8:30. Lunch will be offered again starting December 1, 2024.
About Le Colonial
Le Colonial is a celebration of the seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Delray Beach and Lake Forest, IL, the famed Vietnamese restaurant launched over three decades ago by celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King and has been raved about by countless American critics, celebrities, and tastemakers in New York. Under the direction of acclaimed Vietnamese chef and cookbook author, Nicole Routhier, along with culinary director Hassan Obaye, the culinary team balances classic Vietnamese recipes and today’s health-conscious preferences, bringing the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and premium seafood and meats to life through an artful use of herbs and spices.
Delray Beach, FL – 6/5/24 Open Hearts for Orphans hosted a pre-screening of the new film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot on June 2 to raise awareness about the needs of children in the foster care system.
Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot follows Donna and Reverend W.C. Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural Texas church to embrace children in the foster care system who needed adoptive families, proving that steady, determined love can transform the lives of vulnerable children.
“This film sends a powerful message about the impact one community can make in the lives of vulnerable children,” said Lisa Murphy, Founder & CEO. “We’re honored to be a Movement Partner with Angel Studios to share this moving story with our community.”
Following the screening, Murphy shared specific opportunities to get involved along with a brief Q&A session featuring representatives from Children’s Home Society, who stated that there are roughly 150 children in Palm Beach County whose parental rights have been terminated and are waiting for adoption. “While the total number of children impacted by the foster care crisis in our country is staggering, understanding the local numbers helps our community rally around the kids living right here,” said Lisa Murphy. “Each and every one of us can do something to help them thrive.” The pre-screening took place at 6:30 p.m. on June 2 at The Movies of Delray. Tickets and show times are available online: www.angel.com/openheartsfororphans. When purchased through this link, Open Hearts for Orphans receives a portion of the proceeds. Pay it forward tickets and flexible booking are options. Theaters are offering a special showing time on June 19, and the movie officially premieres on July 4.
ABOUT OPEN HEARTS FOR ORPHANS:https://openheartsfororphans.org/ Open Hearts for Orphans provides resources for abandoned and at-risk children in the U.S. and abroad through medical intervention, meeting basic needs, and adoption assistance. Jim and Lisa Murphy founded OHFO in 2016, six years after losing their 2-year-old son Daniel, adopted from China, to congenital heart disease. Lisa shared their son’s life story in a memoir “With an Open Heart.” The Murphys returned to China three more times to bring children into their home. In 2016 they were given signs for a new chapter to begin and founded Open Hearts for Orphans.
A Celebration of Camaraderie, Competition, and Charity
FORE!!! Just as expected, it was shouted quite a few times during the Student ACES Golf Tournament at PGA National’s Fazio Course on Friday May 17, 2024.
It was a day to remember, filled with excitement, friendly competition, and a strong sense of community spirit. With over 100 participants, the event was a resounding success, bringing together golf enthusiasts – and those who have never even picked up a club – for a common cause.
From the first tee to the final putt, the air was filled with laughter, cheers, and the occasional groan of a missed shot, all contributing to an atmosphere of camaraderie and enjoyment. Old friends reconnected, new friendships were forged, and everyone left with a smile, knowing they had been part of something special and something that supports the mission of Student ACES – to create CHAMPIONS an acronym for the organization’s core values: Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle, and Sacrifice for Self and Team.
But beyond the enjoyment and the competitive spirit, the Student ACES Golf Tournament had a profound purpose. Every swing of the club and every hole completed helped raise funds for Student ACES, an organization dedicated to creating CHAMPIONS. By participating, golfers not only enjoyed a challenging and rewarding day on the greens, but also contributed to a cause that inspires young student-athletes to continue to lead.
The funds raised will go directly towards programs that support the development of leadership, character, and academic excellence in high school student athletes. This year’s tournament was a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision of making a difference.
Hats off to winners: Ariel Browning, Bo Schlechter, Chad Freeman, Ryan Fowler from Everglades Farm Equipment.
None of this would have been possible without the support of sponsors and random drawing donors.
Sponsors: D3 Energy, Hypower Inc., Kitson and Partners, The Garcia Companies, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Everglades Farm Equipment, St. Thomas University, FPL, Babcock Ranch, Advanced Roofing, Haynes Scaffolding, Keiser University, Palm Beach Aggregates, Titan Structural, AndersonBryant LLC, Florida Blue, Waymore Land Management, Ventana, JLevin Communications, Lou LoFranco Edward Jones, MJC Land Development and Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida.
Random Drawing Donors: Lola Chiq Boutique, Estetica Institute, Vagabond Apparel Boutique, SeaLustre, Stretch Zone, PGA National, El Car Wash, Hog Snapper, Hawley Trucker Hats, Hannah Lopez Photography, ESPN and Otherland Society Rum.
Together, all participants made a positive difference and created a brighter future for our youth.
Pictured L-R: Ariel Browning, Bo Schlechter, Chad Freeman, Ryan Fowler of Everglades Farm Equipment
Wellington Community Center – Open Daily- Admission is FREE!
The Wellington Art Society is pleased to present their latest exhibition,” Soaring” now on display until August 20, 2024. The Opening Reception is Tuesday, July 9, from 5-7pm at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. For more information, please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.
All artwork on display at this exhibition is for sale with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the WAS Scholarship fund and Outreach Programs. Please join us in Celebrating Creativity!
Meet the Artists – Special Silent Auction – People’s Choice Awards – Refreshments
Original Member Artwork features painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, and more.
The exhibition includes 45 works from 17 member artists:
Halyna Albanese * Betty Brodie * Lisa Campbell * Judith Darucaud * Erica Dos * Cynthia George
Jan Gmitter * Kris Hilles * Lou Ann LaBohn * Joe Marcou * Ali Mendoza * Dinah Mirson
Susan Mosely * Susan Oakes * Leslie Pfeiffer * Marion Roberts * Lois Spatz
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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
SOUTH FLORIDA (May28, 2024)— Father’s Day is just around the corner, falling on Sunday, June 16. Plan a Father’s Day Feast at one of these South Florida hotspots.
Atlantic Grille
Atlantic Grille will be open for both brunch and dinner on Father’s Day. Brunch options include sweet deals like Bananas Foster French Toast ($22), made with brioche and topped with caramelized bananas and maple syrup, and savory selections such as the Spinach & Goat Cheese Frittata ($23) with tomatoes, roasted peppers, and an arugula lemon side salad. For dinner, the celebrated seafood spot will offer surf specials like Crispy Skin Branzino Veracruz ($42) with tomato sauce, capers, garlic, olives, and potatoes.
Atlantic Grille at The Seagate Hotel is located at 1000 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 665-4800 or visit seagatedelray.com.
Josie’s Chicken Parm. Photo: Lana Davis.
Josie’s Ristorante
Josie’s Ristorante will entice customers with brunch and dinner options this holiday. For brunch, Josie’s will serve fan favorites like Avocado Toast ($12), with fresh avocado, a poached egg, crispy bacon, and everything seasoning on multigrain toast. For brunch-goers with a tooth for sweet and savory, the spot will serve Chicken and Waffles ($18), which includes a Belgium waffle, crispy fried chicken, chipotle aioli, and dill pickles, with maple syrup and powdered sugar on top. For dinner, the restaurant will offer Italian classics with authentic flavors, such as their Parmigiana ($24-$36), where customers can choose between eggplant, chicken, or veal with San Marzano sauce and fresh mozzarella over a bed of spaghetti.
Josie’s Ristorante is located at 650 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach. For more information, call (561) 364-9601 or visit josiesristorante.com.
Le Colonial
The acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant will offer three delectable dinner specials for Father’s Day. For entrées, Le Colonial will offer Cari Sò ($28), which includes mussels, coconut, lemongrass, ginger, jalapeño, galangal, lime leaf and a baguette, as well as Thịt Bò Nướng ($48), a grilled heritage angus petite 12-ounce filet, served with rice noodles, butter lettuce, pickled cucumber, with a ginger cilantro dipping sauce ($38). They will also offer a dessert special of Xì gà sô cô la ($15), a chocolate cigar with Valrhona Équatoriale chocolate, Jasmine tea, Cocoa nibs and almond.
Le Colonial is located at 601 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 566-1800 or visit lecolonialdelray.com.
Cornell Café at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Overlooking a private lake and zen gardens, this celebrated Pan-Asian restaurant will offer a variety of specialties like teriyaki salmon ($16), crispy pork ($13), spicy tuna roll ($10), and Unagi Don ($16). Plus, customers can toast dad with a half-priced Sapporo beer ($3).
Father’s Day hours at the Cornell Café are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Museum admission is required to visit the restaurant.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
City Oyster & Sushi Bar
This Father’s Day Sunday, City Oyster’s Executive Chef Jordan Stilley will serve brunch specialties like Belgian Waffle ($15), served with Vermont maple syrup, fresh whipped cream, and fruit salad, Avocado Toast ($16), with olive oil on toasted focaccia, and the Omelette of the Day (MP), served with Artisan toast and fruit salad. Signature drink packages like Unlimited Mimosas ($17) and Endless Bloody Marys ($17) will be available with the purchase of any entrée.
City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272-0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.
Elisabetta’s Ristorante
Customers can enjoy a top-tier Italian feast at Elisabetta’s this Father’s Day. The celebrated restaurant will offer all their classic Antipasti dishes, like Caprese ($13.50), with fresh tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and aged balsamic, or crispy Calamari Fritti ($15.50), served with lemon and aioli. For an entrée, fathers can indulge in one of Elisabetta’s Bisteccas (Steaks), the restaurant offers New York Strip (16oz for $39, 24oz for $58) or Ribeye (16oz for $44, 24oz for $60), each served bone-in with roasted garlic and rosemary.
Elisabetta’s is located at 32 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach; and 185 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 560-6699 (Delray Beach) or (561) 342-6699 (West Palm Beach) or visit elisabettas.com
Louie Bossi’s Italian Ristorante
Louie Bossi’s, Elisabetta’s delicious brother restaurant, offers the same appetizers, cuts of steak, extensive menu, and a robust wine list.
Louie Bossi’s is located at 100 E. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; and 1032 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call (561) 336-6699 (Boca Raton) or (954) 356-6699 (Fort Lauderdale) or visit louiebossiristorante.com.
Unisolo Restaurants: Saiko-I Sushi Lounge & Hibachi, Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar, Yakitori Sushi House, Peking Duck House
Unisolo restaurants, Saiko-I Sushi Lounge & Hibachi, Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar, Yakitori Sushi House, and Peking Duck House will each be open this Father’s Day. Dads can enjoy gourmet Asian dishes, along with buy one get one beers.
Yakitori Sushi House is located at 7959 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 501-6391 or visit yakitoridelray.com.
Saiko-I Sushi Lounge & Hibachi is located at 5970 S.W. 18th Street, Boca Raton and 5791 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs. For more information, call (561) 393-5888 or 754-704-7164 (Coral Springs location) or visit saikoiboca.com.
Coco Sushi Lounge & Bar is located at 25 N.E. Second Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 926-9434 or visit cocodelray.com.
Peking Duck House is located at 1200 E. Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach. For more information,call (954) 946-0426 or visit pekingduckpompano.com.
Explore prehistoric exhibits, coral conservation, local heroes’ celebrations and more
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Dive into a summer of exploration and discovery at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium! Starting this month, escape to indoor and outdoor summer entertainment that keeps the family learning and engaged. From dinosaur-inspired exhibits to honoring local heroes, the Science Center is your ticket to summer fun.
“At the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, summer means fun-filled adventures that ignite curiosity and spark imagination,” said Cox Science Center and Aquarium President and CEO, Kate Arrizza. “Our engaging programs promise excitement for the whole family while creating memories of exploration and discovery.”
Now throughSeptember 29, Minotaur’s Dinosaur Revolution leads guests through a giant maze, giving them an exciting in-depth look at one of their favorite topics, the opportunity to puzzle and problem-solve and the chance to be a dinosaur. This powerful combination of role-play and study creates an unforgettable experience that will inspire older visitors to take a fresh look at this prehistoric topic and encourage young visitors to look to the future as we learn more about this fascinating subject.
Dinosaur Revolution is created by Minotaur Mazes, a Seattle-based company specializing in interactive maze exhibits.
On Saturday, June 8, visitors can dive into the world of corals during the Center’s colorful Coral Carnaval conservation event! In partnership with The Reef Institute, guests can participate in presentations from coral experts, get hands-on with coral-themed crafts and enjoy various vendors, food trucks and live musical entertainment between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A schedule of shows will also be offered in the planetarium including Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef, Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure and One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure to name a few. Vendors and sponsors are still being accepted for this event at coxsciencecenter.org/Coral-Carnaval.
On Saturday, June 15, show some local love by participating in Hometown Hero Appreciation Day. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., veterans, active-duty military, first responders, Gold Star Families and up to four guests can receive free admission at the Center an hour before doors open to the general public. Heroes, their families and the public can enjoy special activities such as military vehicle demonstrations, meet and greet with local armed forces as well as live science demonstrations and military ceremonies. To redeem your tickets, register online at coxsciencecenter.org/heroes and kindly bring your military or employee ID.
On Thursday, June 20, Science on Tap will begin at 7 p.m. at NOBO Brewing Company with guest speaker Annie Page, from Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Science on Tap is the only place in Palm Beach County where for the price of a cup of coffee, a quality craft beer or a smooth glass of wine, anyone can come to discuss the latest trends in science and technology with a world-class scientist. With the motto to ‘drink up – get smart,’ you know you are in for a casual-education session, as the goal of the program is for guests to have fun while learning a little bit more about everyday curiosities.
On June 22 through 26, join the CSCA for its jaw-dropping week dedicated to sharks in partnership with the American Shark Conservancy. Guests can strengthen their shark knowledge with fun activities, labs, presentations and more, including daily touch tanks and shark presentations in the 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, a feeding frenzy and daily STEAM, ocean-themed crafts. As the ocean’s top predator, it’s important to educate guests on the significance that sharks play in the marine ecosystems, including their indirect role in maintaining seagrass and coral reef habitats. Entertaining and educational conversations will also help reduce any fear tied to shark attacks as said incidents are less likely than being struck by lightning or having a coconut fall on your head.
Onthe last Friday of each month through September, from 6 to 9 p.m., join the CSCA for an evening of exploration during the Nights at the Museum events. Each event features a different theme, offering guests of all ages the opportunity to engage in interactive science crafts, activities, exhibits and planetarium shows. Some of the themes include space explorers, archaeological adventures and more.
The Center’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. The Center broke ground in May 2024 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
CSCA will remain open to the public throughout construction and will host its spring and summer exhibit, Dinosaur Revolution into the fall. To participate in the campaign or to learn more about CSCA’s current or future offerings, email philanthropy@coxsciencecenter.org, call 561.370.7723 or visit coxsciencecenter.org/ support-us. Cox Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach.
The Rip Current, the Old Fashioned and House Made Milk Bread
There’s really no other restaurant like Driftwood in Palm Beach County. They work hard to make sure their ingredients are locally sourced, and their hand-crafted cocktails are extra special. More importantly, everyone from the chef to the waiters to the general manager is genuinely excited to be there and passionate about their food. From the moment you park in their lot in Boynton Beach, you see an herb garden peppered with sunflowers and you know that a lot of the ingredients are coming to you “just-picked.” Even the New York Strip comes from locally sourced beef.
My friend and I began with cocktails and the house made milk bread, which is nicely coated in everything seasoning. She had an old fashioned, and I had a Rip Current, which is 151 rum plus their house ginger beer. If you love ginger beer as I do, you will love this homemade drink and the zing it brings. The bread comes with Florida citrus butter, as well as regular butter.
We had the opportunity to meet Chef Tommy (Thomas Coombs Jr.) who is also a partner and he truly brought his passion for excellence in cuisine to the table. He was working in a professional kitchen since the age of 15 and traveled around South Florida, learning from the best chefs. He joined the Driftwood team, along with Chef Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez, in 2020 and worked his way up from sous chef to head chef.
Chef Tommy
Now the hard choices were in front of us. Which appetizers and which main dishes to select. My friend was hesitant about the local Treasure Coast Oysters, but we were feeling adventurous, so we gave them a try. Her point was that warm water oysters would not be as good as cold water oysters. It turns out that these oysters were the best we’ve ever tasted, grown on an oyster farm located just South of the Sebastian Inlet at Indian River Lagoon. And harvested by marine biologist and environmentalist Nicolette Mariano (TreasureCoastShellfish.com). Accented with a tiny garlic flower, each oyster had a heavenly flavor up front and a savory finish.
The Treasure Coast Oysters and the Jerked Local King Mackeral
By the way, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or have allergies.
We moved onto another exquisite local appetizer – Jerked Local King Mackerel. With a house made jerk rub, the King Mackerel is grilled with the skin on and served with a mojo aioli. It’s a light appetizer, just perfectly cooked and prepared.
Now I must come clean in saying that I make a mean salad, and my friends even call me the salad queen. But once again, when we dug into the Roasted Local Root Vegetable Caesar salad, it was like nothing I had ever experienced before in a salad. The root vegetables balanced nicely with the local greens – the homemade dressing was just right.
Roasted Local Root Vegetable Caesar Salad
Let’s talk about the wait staff for a moment. Our waiter Francisco, or Cisco, was beaming with pride as he delivered details about the farm-to-table options on the menu. My friend Tosca and I noticed that all of the staff members seemed happy to be there and believed in their product, the amazing food. This is a very special place to be, not just because of the food, but because of the folks behind the scenes that make it happen.
The Main Course
We were ready for the main course – I ordered the Shrimp N’ Grits; Tosca ordered the New York Strip. I was very pleased with my Shrimp N’ Grits, as it was delectable, yet not spicy. It’s made with n’duja, which is an Italian Chili Sausage – like a charcuterie meat, so soft that it’s spreadable. This is what creates the red appearance throughout the dish and also what packs a punch of flavor. Of course, the shrimp and even the grits are locally sourced too.
Shrimp N’ Grits
The New York Strip, made from prime Florida beef, was cooked to perfection and for a refreshing change, served with vegetables other than a potato. With roasted onions, mushrooms, and broccoli, the vegetables were a lovely accent to the steak. In fact, you could say the vegetables were just as much a highlight as the steak.
The New York Strip
Room for Dessert?
So our waiter Cisco asked us the big question, “Did we save room for dessert?” Honestly, the answer was “no”; however, we were just too curious, especially after hearing the folks at the next table go on about the Warm Cornbread dessert.
One of my pet peeves is when you go to an upscale restaurant and they put no effort into the dessert, but serve a store-bought piece of pie, for example. That’s not the case at Driftwood. Living up to the rest of the meal, the dessert is homemade and crafted with care.
So, we indulged. The warm cornbread was served with homemade sour cream ice cream, blueberries and local bee pollen. It’s to die for. What else can I tell you? It was sweet, but not too sweet and every element was so fresh.
The Takeaway
In addition to taking away some yummy leftovers, my friend and I talked about what we took away from the experience. “It’s not like any restaurant I’ve ever been to,” my friend commented. She said most restaurants can be compared with another restaurant, and that’s how you generally talk about them. Driftwood was unique. There’s a passion behind the food and craft cocktails that they serve. We savored every moment of it.
