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September 3, 2024

Rubixx brings the ’80s to life

Just like the iconic symbol of the 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube, the local tribute band Rubixx takes its name from that symbol of purity, stability, and endless possibilities.

Founded in 2018 by Coconut Creek resident Rob Lankenau, 60, the tribute band specializes in ’80s music, including New Wave, Top 40, and pop.

“I’m part of the MTV generation,” says Lankenau. “I graduated high school in 1983, and I’m fascinated by ’80s music.”

The six-member group consists of Thomas Pisani on keyboards/rhythm guitar, Rory Hickey on bass guitar, Francis Cast on lead guitar and backing vocals, Dominick J. Daniel on drums and percussion, and female lead vocalist Lisa Maciolek (also of the rock band Fifth Wheel’d). Both Daniel and Cast were members of the ’90s punk-rock band Livid Kittens, and Pisani was a leader in the rock-and-roll band Happy Daze.

Rubixx was founded as a five-piece band. Lankenau, a New York native, knew he needed to add a woman to the mix. “You cannot call yourself an ’80s tribute band without the ‘ladies of the ’80s,’” he jokes. “What would the ’80s be without Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, or Olivia Newton John?”

“I wanted to do it right,” he says. “And with Maciolek, we hit pay dirt. Lisa is one of the hardest-working people in the business and takes the bull by the horns.”

Trying to think of a good ’80s name for the band, Lankenau experimented with “The Breakfast Club” and “Members Only,” but when he hit on “Rubixx,” he knew he had a winner.

“What’s more ’80s than a Rubik’s Cube?” he comments.

Lankenau’s interest in singing began in high school, where he sang in chorus and in the “select chorus,” which competed throughout New York state. He credits his choral teacher, Ellen Levine, for her instruction and still keeps in touch on Facebook. “She was a big influence,” he remembers. “I loved to sing, and she taught me harmony and gave me purpose.”

Known for their breadth of ’80s music, the band plays locally at THROW Social in Delray Beach, Café 27 in Weston, Gigi’s Bar & Café in Pompano Beach, Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton, and Sharkey’s Bar & Grill in Coral Springs, where they will be playing on Sept. 21.

Lankenau, the owner of Rad Pest Services in Coconut Creek, gives a shout-out to Richard Kushner, owner of Sharkey’s Bar & Grill. “We love Richard,” he says. “Sharkey’s is one of our favorite places to play, and we always get a huge turnout.”

Lankenau does his due diligence listening to ’80s music to rediscover new songs for the band’s repertoire. “It never gets old,” he says.

And while he can appreciate the energy of hard rock, metal, and dance music, it’s Freddie Mercury and Queen that hold a special place in his heart.

Queen’s 1991 hit, “These Are the Days of Our Lives”—which recounts a story about looking back with pleasure on your life and seeing it through the eyes of your kids—resonates most for Lankenau

“It always brings a tear to my eye,” he says.

Other bands that Lankenau likes include Van Halen, Long Island’s Blue Oyster Cult, U2, and his favorite, the Australian rock band INXS.

For his wedding, he danced to Elton John’s “Your Song” and serenaded his wife with Eric Clapton’s ballad, “Wonderful Tonight.”

“It was a satisfying moment,” Lankenau says. And while he says, “I killed it,” the actual proof is on a long-forgotten VHS tape.

Lead vocalist Maciolek, 48, whose singing style has been compared to that of soul singers Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin and vocal abilities to Celine Dion, says she is blessed to make her living doing what she loves.

In addition to performing with Rubixx, the Boca Raton resident has performed on the cruise-ship circuit and has her own business, Songbird Sessions, along with Fifth Wheel’d.

Growing up in New Jersey listening to Motown, Doo-wop, the blues, Jackie Wilson, Smokey Robinson, and Aretha Franklin, Maciolek entered a talent competition at the age of 11. With no formal training (“I came out whaling”) other than singing along to the radio in her basement, she prepared and sang “The Rose” by Bette Midler.

“It was the most exciting, frightening, and exhilarating moment of my life,” Maciolek remembers. “It sparked passion and changed my life.”

She spent six years in the program at a local performing arts high school where her career goals as a singer and entertainer were cemented. Later, she worked with many of her childhood heroes such as Benny King, Leslie Gore, and Frankie Lyman on the Doo-wop circuit and at oldies radio WCBS-FM in New York.

Maciolek opened for Vito Picone & The Elegants and Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge. “I sing with heart and power,” she says. “It makes people feel what you’re feeling.”

Maciolek says she is excited to work with Lankenau and Rubixx and that she and Lankenau hit it off vocally. “It’s the music of my time,” she says. “Even though we all come from different worlds, I feel at home.”

They are all on the same page musically, Maciolek says. “We want the same heartbeat. We are the most driven, passionate, and talented individuals and make magic happen out of nothing.

“It’s inspiring to find others filled with the same passion,” she says. “It’s great to be a part of something greater than yourself and share the fire.”

Rubixx will perform live at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 10365 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, on Saturday, Sept. 21. For more information, visit sharkeysfl.com, call (954) 341-9990, or

visit them on Facebook.

July 23, 2024

Cooling off at S. Florida’s best water park

In the hot doldrum days of a Florida summer, there’s one place guaranteed to cool you off: Rapids Waterpark in Riviera Beach.

I went recently when family was visiting, which included my two 20-something sons, and they loved it. The place is big—probably the largest, most expansive water thrill park in South Florida—and has everything my sons love: more than 40 slides and attractions, including the new Mega Mayhem dueling water coasters, floating tube rides along the lazy river, a wave pool with music videos on a huge screen, the FlowRider surf simulator, and rows of elevated ropes to test your strength before dumping you in crystal-blue water. And there are souvenir booths, dining pavilions, and tiki bars for pina coladas and other tropical drinks. What’s not to love?

Rapids Waterpark is 35 acres of colorful, bustling, water-filled fun. There’s an attraction for everyone, of all ages and thrill levels. There are kiddie sections for the youngest splashers, as well as super-fast water slides for the most intrepid visitors. I recommend wearing water shoes or flip flops for the hot concrete around the park, and lots of applications of waterproof sunscreen if you’re spending the whole day under the bright sun. I also always had a hat and sunglasses on, though those going under water or down speed slides would have to put them aside.

We started our day in the 25,000-square-foot wave pool, which was refreshing and fun. The smooth waves begin rolling in timed increments, and when they stop, it’s just a nice, big pool to splash around in. We all enjoyed jumping in the waves when they were coming at us, with my sons going over to the deepest (6-foot) section at the back for extra fun. After we had enough of that, we headed to the lazy river, grabbing tubes and moving in one direction along the lagoon that circles around the park. We figured it was a good chance to see what the other attractions were, as the sky-high tube slides and platforms loomed over us while we floated on by. Eventually, my sons got out at one of the exit points and ran over to a large slide they had spotted. The rest of us continued drifting along—very relaxing and chill.

Eventually we walked around and toured the park. I’d never seen so many slides in one place—there were closed tube slides as well as wider, open slides, including ones where you sit on a mat and glide down—all ending with a splash in a small pool below. The high slides involved climbing steep staircases to reach the take-off spot. Not for the faint of heart. There were tamer slides for those who didn’t quite want the high-thrill experience.

Long lines were the norm for many of the slides. My sons spent a lot of time waiting. But they enjoyed the variety of rides and things to do there, and they are raring to go back. For one day, they turned into excitable little kids again. Like everyone at the park, they had a blast.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that a day at the Rapids is not cheap. We were throwing out money there left and right. Parking costs $15/vehicle for general parking ($20 for the “preferred” lot). Admission is a whopping $64.99/person ($5 off if purchased online, or coupons can be found). Once in the park, you invariably need to rent a locker to store valuables for your time spent in the water. A small locker costs $25 and a large one $35 (both with $10 refunded if you return the key at day’s end). Cabana rentals start at $249/day, which we did not do. Then there is the cost of food and drinks, which of course adds up quickly. You can’t bring your own food in, so we bought lunch there, which was a bit overpriced for what you get. Then of course everyone has to have ice cream.

So for a family, a day here is an expensive way to cool off. Some people buy the Gold Season Pass, which gets you discounts every time you go, throughout the year. This season was the 45th year for Rapids Waterpark. It’s a lot of money to spend at a park, but there’s a lot of fun to be had. Just watch out for sunburns!

For more information, go to rapidswaterpark.com.

July 23, 2024

Smokin Renegade The amazing world of playing in a rock cover band

Finding a niche in the South Florida cover band scene was not easy, but Frank Vestry, 62, lead vocalist of the Smokin Renegade classic rock tribute band, found a niche covering the music of rock bands Boston and Styx, both popular in the late 1970s–80s.

The band takes their name from the Boston song “Smokin’ ” on its 1976 debut album, the B-side to its first single, “More Than a Feeling,” and the 1979 Styx hit song “Renegade” from its “Pieces of Eight” album.

“When the band gathered together for the first practice, it was in a word—amazing,” Vestry writes on the band’s website. “Once the first run-through of the songs was complete, we knew we had something special.”

Vestry says, “Everything gelled together.”

He put the two song names together and “it seemed to work.” He notes that the band have been playing together in South Florida since 2018.

The band—which spotlights Boston’s “More than a Feeling” and Styx’s “Come Sail Away”—is known for their searing guitar licks, vintage synthesizers, pounding rhythms, and vocal harmonies, led by Vestry.

In addition to Vestry, the band comprises Dean Summers, lead guitarist and vocals; Ken Urquhart, keyboards, vocals, and musical director; Rob Darmanin, drums, percussion, and vocals; and Howi Hughes, bass guitar and vocals (who changed his name from Patrick to Howi because the real Howard Hughes wasn’t using it, he says).

The musicians have toured with national acts and played in some of the biggest tribute bands.

Vestry, a Long Island native, came to his vocal abilities naturally, as both parents were musical. His mother, Marie Elena, was a singer before marrying his father, Frank Vestry, a professional tenor. His dad played at renowned nightclubs in New York City, including the Copacabana and the Latin Quarter, and filled in for Tony Bennett.

A shy kid, Vestry started a garage band at age 15, and by 18 he decided that singing was what he wanted to pursue as a career. His band, Devias, played iconic venues in and around New York City and Long Island—including the Cat Club, the Limelight, the China Club, L’Amour, the Stage Door, Industry Steel, and My Father’s Place. Its members later went on to play with Alice Cooper, Dokken, and Ted Nugent.

Among his top musical Influences, he counts vocalist Brad Delp from Boston (“love his voice”), Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and the Beatles.

Driven by the love of music, the desire to be the best he can be, and the joy of seeing people loving the music is what gets Vestry up and going in the morning.

Now married and the father of two daughters, Vestry says he’s thrilled to be making music all these years later. “It’s amazing to be doing something I love and earning a living doing it,” he reflects. “It’s a blessing.”

Highlights of his career including writing original songs in the melodic rock genre and releasing an album with Rob Marcello, a Swedish guitar player, which garnered 100,000 views on YouTube, as well as playing with Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and White Snake, among others, at the National Association of Music Merchants trade show in California in 1998.

Urquhart, 53, a Florida native who now lives in Delray Beach, met Vestry when the two played together in a bar band called the Evil Monkeys.

Learning keyboards from his father as a child on an electric Lowrey organ, Urquhart sang in the church choir, where he learned to harmonize. He found his early musical influences in Billy Joel and Elton John and later with British keyboardists Howard Jones, Rick Wakeman, and Keith Emerson.

He jumped at the chance to join Vestry in the Smokin Renegade band and says, “It’s an incredible honor to play on stage in front of so many enthusiastic people.”

Urquhart jokes, “This is as close to rock-stardom as we get.”

When the band formed, they released a recording of their first live stage show on Facebook to determine fan reaction and were gratified that band promoters reached out and contacted them immediately.

They have performed as far away as Kansas and Georgia, but these days they prefer to stay within driving distance. In July, they returned to the Daytona Bandshell for the city’s Star-Spangled Summer Concert Series where they performed for a crowd of 3,000. Other highlights include playing the Plantation Seafood and Music Festival, Rock the Park in Abacoa, the Riley Center in Ocala to a sold-out audience, and the House of Blues in Orlando.

Although the band takes their music seriously, Urquhart says they don’t take themselves too seriously. He says they are all motivated to go on stage and indulge in a musical conversation.

“We’re genuinely having fun,” he says. “We’re all on the same page. What sets us apart is the focus and detail to the sound.”

Because the original Boston doesn’t tour anymore, Urquhart says, audiences are excited to hear their music live. “Music is memory,” he notes. “It’s so touching when people tell us the moments they remember when they first heard this music.”

This fall, the band plans to add the music of Foreigner, now on its farewell tour, to their repertoire.

Still on an upward trajectory, Vestry and Urquhart say the band has no plans to slow down, although Urquhart does admit to a fantasy of going out on tour. “Just once,” he says. “It’s on my bucket list.”

Whether or not that happens is yet to be determined, but doing what they love is the immediate priority.

“It’s special to participate in this magic,” Urquhart says. “We can’t ask for more.”

Smokin Renegade will perform live at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 10365 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, on Saturday, Aug. 24. For more information, go to sharkeysfl.com or call (954) 341-9990. Visit: SmokinRenegade.com.

July 23, 2024

Meet one of Florida’s Smallest Owls The Threatened Florida Burrowing Owl

The cute, brown and white speckled Florida burrowing owl, (Athene cunicularia) with its long legs and short tail, white eyebrows and big round yellow eyes, is the only own species out of 171 species worldwide, that lives and makes its nests underground.

Weighing in at a mere 6-oz., 9-in. tall with a 21-inch wingspan, the owls, listed as “threatened,” in the state of Florida, due to loss of habitat, can be found year-round in Florida, Mexico and parts of South America.

“The main threat (to the burrowing owl) is the continued loss of habitat,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says on its website. “Threats to habitat include construction activities, development and harassment by humans and domesticated animals.”

The burrows, owls and their eggs are protected from harassment and disturbance by Florida state law.

In addition to their loss of habitat, the owls are at risk from flooding and natural predators, especially iguanas, an invasive species in Florida.

“Once you see them, they capture your imagination,” says Kelly Heffernan, an avian biologist and the founder and director of Project Perch, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Florida burrowing owl.

She founded Project Perch with the South Florida Audubon Society in 2008.

“They’re one of the only bird species with eyes in front of their face, like humans,” she says. “This gives them an endearing quality.”

Typically, the Florida burrowing owl may dig its own nest or utilize the abandoned burrows of prairie dogs, armadillos, skunks, or pocket gophers. Project Perch creates artificial burrows using inexpensive, 40-in. PVC sewer pipes which act as nesting chambers for the birds and irrigation control boxes, which become their home.

They get buried in the ground and covered by 6-in. of dirt and connected to the pipe which goes up to ground level. In front, volunteers put a bed of white sand to attract the owls to the burrow. When the birds fly out at night to hunt, they’re attracted to the white sand to burrow.

Breeding season is February 15 to July 10 and the owls live an average of six to eight years. Both parents take care of their young until they are ready to fly the coop, about 40 days after hatching.

Females lay up to eight eggs within a one-week period, and they will incubate the eggs for up to 28 days. Once the babies are born, they remain in their burrows for two weeks. They begin learning how to fly at four weeks, but will not be able to fly well until they are six weeks old. They continue to live with their parents until 12 weeks old.

Burrowing owls are different than other owls as they are active during the day time (diurnal) rather than at night.

Known as Florida’s “original homegrown pesticide,” the owls eat bugs, frogs, lizards, snakes, palmetto bugs, baby birds and mice and are a “holdover species,” from when Florida was (believe it or not!) a desert.

“They are an essential part of our environment,” Heffernan says.

As green spaces are developed, forests are cleared and wetlands are filled in, the owls turn to other open spaces, making their homes in parks, golf courses, school yards, vacant lots and airports.

Project Perch works with developers and other landowners to relocate the burrows and works to protect the owls by installing fencing around their burrows to keep power mowers away from the tunnels and by nurturing the birds by constructing artificial perches to give them a lift.

Perches help the owl see ground predators by increasing their field of vision and allowing them to spot nearby prey.

The non-profit’s artificial burrow design attracts the owls to high-dry ground instead of being susceptible to the burrows’ possible flooding and collapse.

Locally, both the Coral Springs Sportsplex and the Parkland Golf & Country Club, an Audubon certified gold community, have successful initiatives, led by Cooper City volunteer Paul Kragh (“Owl Man Paul”), a retired operations manager for McDonalds and the director of burrowing owl conservation for Project Perch.

Kragh worked with Joe Postel, director of agronomy for the Parkland Golf & Country Club, who reached out to the non-profit in 2023 when the golf course was undergoing an $8M renovation.

“A week before construction began, a burrowing owl showed up on the 18th hole,” remembers Postel.

Although the diminutive bird threw a potential monkey wrench into the club’s renovation timeline, Postel says members were captivated by the bird, they named Bunker.

“They took a liking to the little guy,” he says, noting that a photograph of Bunker, taken by a member, hangs in the British consulate in Miami.

They set up a live stream camera in the burrow so members could observe Bunker, featured him in the community’s “Critters of Parkland Golf & Country Club” newsletter and created an artificial burrow to relocate him from the 18th hole.

“They’re an interesting species,” says Postel. “This is a perfect example of how natural habitats are so important to our threatened wildlife and how we must act to protect them.”

“Bunker brought us so much joy and wonder,” he says, noting how otherwise busy members took time to rally around him and go out of their way to ensure his survival.

And, although Bunker left the golf course presumably to find a mate, Postel hopes another will take advantage of the artificial burrow they created.

Additionally, Kragh has implemented successful mitigation projects in the Florida Keyes at Radio Marti in Marathon, a government-owned island and radio towers known for broadcasting news and information to residents of Cuba during the Cold War.

Now, situated on acres of open field, Kragh and a crew of volunteers installed six pairs of artificial burrows.

Other mitigation projects include the Isle Casino in Pompano Beach and at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where due to runway construction, the owl colony diminished significantly.

If, however, you are fortunate to spot a burrowing owl, it’s best to leave them alone, advises Kragh.

“People love to look at these cute birds,” he says, “but it’s best to leave them be.”

“Observe them from a distance,” he says. “Get a pair of binoculars or use a long camera lens when you go ‘owling’.”

Having survived since the late 1880s in South and Central Florida, this species needs some help from its human counterparts to better adapt and survive into the future.

“It’s up to us to save this native species,” says Heffernan. “They don’t fly or migrate anywhere else; they’re ours to keep or lose.”

What You Can Do To Help:

Add T-perches near a burrow being careful not to disturb/puncture the tunnel. It is best to have Project Perch or a registered agent from the SFWC help with that.
Restrict the use of rodenticides and pesticides. Burrowing owls also
feed on mice.
Consider installing an artificial burrow. Look at ProjectPerch.com to see if your home is a good location for owls and contact them if interested. You can also create a starter burrow.
Report medically injured owls to the SFWC at (954) 524-4302.
Keep pets away from the owls’ burrow sites and put a bell on the collar of your outdoor cat to reduce the loss of birdlife.
Report malicious destruction or harassment of burrowing owls or their nests to (888) 404-3922.

Visit projectperch.org

southfloridawildlifecenter.org

July 23, 2024

Exercise safely in hot weather

Many people flock outside in warm weather to jog, play basketball, or do yard work. But when the temperatures rise, “easy” exercise becomes a huge physical undertaking, and intense exercise can be deadly. If your body’s temperature regulation system is overtaxed, you’re at risk of developing a heat-related illness. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself in extreme summer heat.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Exercise and warm weather increase your core body temperature. When you combine the two —for example, when you run on a hot, humid day—even seasoned athletes need to exercise caution. Your body cools itself by sweating, but cooling down is harder in humid weather because perspiration doesn’t evaporate as quickly from your skin. Your heart rate rises as your body works hard to keep itself cool.

Before you lace up your running shoes or head to the tennis courts, take a look at the weather report. If the temperature or humidity is high, scale back your workout. A workout that feels easy on a temperate day can be dangerously intense on a hot, humid afternoon. Respect your body and your own limitations. People with larger bodies, the elderly, kids, and those not accustomed to rigorous exercise should be extremely cautious in hot weather.

Dress Appropriately

When exercising in heat, what you wear matters. Light-colored, sweat-wicking clothing is best for hot weather; dark, heavy clothes can make you even hotter. Gear such as protective padding or a helmet also traps heat and raises your body temperature. If you have to suit up, shorten your workout intensity and duration.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen. Choose water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels), and apply it 30 minutes before going out. Continue to reapply sunscreen according to the package directions. Sunburn decreases your body’s ability to cool itself.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

When the temperature heats up, make sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated, and enjoy water-rich foods such as crisp lettuce, watermelon, grapefruit, broccoli, and tomatoes.

It’s surprisingly easy to lose a few pounds of water weight through sweating. Weigh yourself before and after working out, and replace each pound of weight lost with 2 to 3 cups of water. Water is a good choice because it moves quickly through your digestive tract and into your tissues. If you’re sweating heavily or exercising for more than 60 minutes, sports drinks can help your body rehydrate more efficiently.

Know the Warning Signs: Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Dehydration is a serious medical condition. Exercising in hot, humid weather can rapidly raise your body’s core temperature, putting you at risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures, and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. The following are signs of heat exhaustion:

Heavy sweating
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Dark urine
Cool, moist skin

If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Body temperature may rise to 103°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

With heatstroke victims, look for the following symptoms:

Dry, hot skin (no sweating)
Rapid, weak pulse
Confusion
A body temperature of above 103°F
Seizures
Unconsciousness

If you see someone with any warning signs of heatstroke, call 911 immediately, then cool the victim however you can (for example, move them to a shady spot or an air-conditioned location, or wet their skin with a sponge or hose).

July 1, 2024July 1, 2024

Taste the Season: Locals Share Their Favorite Summer Recipes

As the warmer days of summer roll in, we share some recipes from local chefs, markets and eateries that you can easily create at home and are sure to delight your taste buds.

These portable pastries are perfect to pack for the beach or snack on by the pool.

Steak & Blues Empanada

Submitted by MANKA, a family owned business dedicated to the pursuit of dips with unique flavors

mankafood.com

Ingredients:

(for 6 empanadas)

¼ cup of butter

¼ cup of flour

½ cup of whole milk

¾ lb of cooked shaved steak

¼ lb blue cheese

1 diced pear

¼ cup of chopped walnuts

6 Large Empanada Discs

Salt & pepper

Preparation:

Make a bechamel sauce by melting butter over low heat in a suace pan. Once fully melted, add in the flour and stir it in. Then little by little add the milk while constantly stirring till you get a nice creamy sauce.

Next add in the blue cheese and melt into the sauce as you stir it. Once fully melted add in the pears, nuts, and cooked shaved steak and mix it all together.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Grab your empanada discs and fill them with the mixture and seal them by hand or with a fork and freeze them in a container wrapped in plastic wrap for at least half an hour.

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Bake the empanadas on a tray with baking paper for 7-10mins or until golden brown.

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy a delicious, mouth watering steak for dinner. Local culinary enthusiast Lavina from Luv’s Kitchen shares her favorite summer steak recipe that promises to make your next meal unforgettable.

Luv’s Monty Ribeye Steak and House Roasted Potatoes

Courtesy of Luv’s Kitchen Seasoning

Luvskitchen.com

Ingredients for steak:

Luv’s Monty Blend
Luv’s Extra virgin Olive oil
Ribeye steak

Begin by drizzling evoo on both sides of the steak.
Sprinkle Luv’s Monty blend on both sides of the steak.
Set the steak aside for at least 30 mins to marinate.
Drizzle oil in the pan; Heat your pan on high heat.
Once the oil is hot place the steak in the pan for about 2-3 mins, turn the steak over on the other side and continue to sear for another 2 mins.
Place the steak in a oven safe dish. Put the dish in the oven and broil for about 3-6 mins depending on the size of your steak and how well you prefer to have your steak cooked. Optional: For a more juicier steak; Cover the dish with foil before putting it in oven to broil.
Once the steak is done set aside for at least 5 mins before cutting it.

Ingredients for Potatoes:

– Luv’s House Blend

Luv’s Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7 Potatoes

After peeling the potatoes, slice them scallop style about 1” thick.
Boil the potatoes in a med pot for about 5 min.
Drain the potatoes and place in a bowl; drizzle about 2 – 3 tbsp all over the potatoes.
Sprinkle about 1tbsp of The House blend on the potatoes and mix
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
Place the potatoes on baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between them
Place the baking sheet in the oven for 15 mins. Then flip the potatoes over and bake on the other side for another 5 – 10 mins. Stick the potato with a fork to make sure the inside is soft.
Once the potatoes are finished baking set aside for 5 ins before eating.

What better way to cool off and refresh your taste buds than to turn summer fruits into summer smoothies.

Pineapple-Blueberry Smoothie

By Edible Arrangements

What you’ll need:

A blender
One cup of water
Two cups of pineapple
One cup of blueberries
A handful of ice
Whipped cream (optional)

The steps:

Pour one cup of water into the blender, along with two cups of pineapple, one cup of blueberries, and a handful of ice.
Blend on high until your smoothie reaches uniform consistency.
(Optional) Add whipped cream or fruit garnish to top off your delectable smoothie creation.

Sipping on these flavorful summer mocktails may actually make you forget you’re not at the beach.

Summer Mocktails, courtesy of The Fresh Market

Strawberry Orangeade:

3 strawberries, trimmed and halved
1 slice blood orange or navel orange, cut in half, plus more for garnish
1 c The Fresh Market Orange Strawberry Juice
Sparkling water

Blueberry Mint Lemonade:

2 mint leaves
2 tbsp Blackberry Patch Blueberry Syrup
The Fresh Market Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
Sparkling water
Fresh blueberries for garnish

Kiwi Cucumber Basil Spritzer:

1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
4 slices cucumber
4 basil leaves
1 tbsp + 1 tsp simple syrup
Sparkling water

Directions:

Strawberry Orangeade: In a shaker or glass, muddle strawberries and orange slice together. Add the juice and stir well. Divide into 2 tall glasses over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange wheels.

Blueberry Mint Lemonade: In a shaker or glass, muddle mint leaves and blueberry syrup together. Divide into 2 tall glasses over fresh ice and top with lemonade and sparkling water. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

Kiwi Cucumber Basil Spritzer: In a shaker or glass, muddle kiwis, cucumber, basil and simple syrup together. Divide into 2 tall glasses over fresh ice and top with sparkling water, stirring well to incorporate.

The prettiest said you’ll eat all summer!

Beet & Avocado Salad

Courtesy of The Cheesecake Factory

Ingredients

1/4 cup Honey Yogurt Sauce* (see recipe below)
4 oz. Red Beets, cooked, cooled, cut into 1″ pieces & glazed with a little honey
1 ea. Orange, cut into 1″ segments
1 tsp. Honey
1/2 ea. Avocado
1/2 Cup Arugula
1/2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 ea. Lemon Wedge
6 ea. Radish Slices, halved
1/8 tsp. Maldon Salt
2 tsps. Crispy Quinoa

Honey Yogurt Sauce

3/4 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 Tbl. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tbl. Honey

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl with a whisk.

Directions

Spread the honey yogurt sauce across the plate.
Place the glazed red beets and orange segments evenly over the sauce.
Drizzle the honey evenly over the beets and oranges.
Dice the avocado into 1/2″ pieces and place evenly onto the beets and oranges.
Place the arugula into a small mixing bowl.
Squeeze the lemon wedge evenly over the arugula and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, gently toss to incorporate.
Place the arugula evenly over the beets, oranges, and avocado.
Place the radish halves evenly over the arugula.
Sprinkle the Maldon salt and crispy quinoa evenly over the salad.

May 24, 2024

Ensuring bone health for men

Happy Father’s Day! Strong bones are just as important for men as for women. Your body needs calcium, vitamin D, other important nutrients, and regular weight-bearing physical activity to make and keep bones strong and hard. Not getting enough calcium during childhood can lead to osteoporosis later in life, a disease in which bones become weak and easily fracture or break.

Adults usually reach peak bone mass by the age of 30. Choosing foods first to meet nutrient needs is recommended, but in some cases a multivitamin-mineral supplement may be needed. Learn more about the essential ways to ensure healthy bones for life.

Healthy Bones and Calcium

Males who are between 19 and 70 years old should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. After age 70, calcium needs jump to 1,200 milligrams a day

Good sources of calcium include low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Sardines, tofu made with calcium sulfate, and calcium-fortified beverages such as soy milk and 100% fruit juice are also good sources. Leafy greens such as collards and kale and fortified ready-to-eat cereals can provide variable amounts of calcium.

To get the recommended amount, men need at least three servings of calcium-rich foods or beverages every day. A calcium-rich serving is equivalent to the following:

1 cup low-fat or fat-free milk
1 cup low-fat or fat-free yogurt
1½ ounces low-fat or fat-free cheese
1 cup calcium-fortified soy milk
1 cup calcium-fortified 100% fruit juice
3 ounces canned sardines, with bones

How Much Calcium Is in Your Food?

Read the Nutrition Facts label to learn how much calcium you are getting in each serving.

Calcium has a daily value (DV) of 1,300 milligrams a day:

If a label reads 30% DV of calcium, it equals 390 milligrams.
If a label reads 20% DV of calcium, it equals 260 milligrams.
If a label reads 10% DV of calcium, it equals 130 milligrams.

The Role of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a key nutrient that helps bones absorb calcium, so it’s important to meet daily vitamin D needs based on age. Per day, infants need approximately 400 IU of vitamin D; children 1 to 18 years old need 600 IU of vitamin D; men under 70 need 600 IU of vitamin D; and men older than 70 need 800 IU of vitamin D.

There are three ways to get vitamin D: sunlight, food, and supplements. Vitamin D is found naturally in just a few foods, such as fatty fish including mackerel, salmon, and tuna; egg yolks; and mushrooms grown under UV light. Milk typically is fortified with vitamin D. Other dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified non-dairy beverages and some brands of orange juice and cereal. Men who do not get enough vitamin D from foods should talk to their physician about taking a vitamin D supplement.

Four Ways to Keep Bones Strong

Bone health is dependent on lifestyle choices.

Here are some key things that men can do to keep their bones strong for life:

Get enough calcium and vitamin D every day from foods and/or supplements.
Participate in regular weight-bearing physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.
Avoid smoking, and if you are a male of legal age and choose to drink, limit alcohol intake to two or fewer drinks per day, on days when it is consumed.
Talk with your health-care provider about bone health.

May 24, 2024

A pet-friendly summer getaway

Planning a local trip with your furry friend can be a pawsitive adventure for both you and your dog. With so many hotels and attractions now welcoming pets, it’s just one more reason to take them along for the family fun. Not to mention, it’s an ideal way to help pass the time of those dog days of summer.

Here are some key points to consider when organizing a trip with your pup:

Be sure to choose pet-friendly accommodations for your hotel or vacation rentals, or if “ruffing” it at a campground. Check their pet policies, fees, and amenities they offer for pets.
Destination selection. Make sure your destination offers activities suitable for dogs—parks, trails, or pet-friendly locations where they can enjoy the outdoors.
Pack the essentials. Don’t forget their food, water, bowls, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, toys, and any medications they take.
Health and safety. Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations and preventative treatments are up to date. Bring a copy of the dog’s medical records and contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergency.
Buckle up. When traveling in the car, secure your dog with a harness, crate, or pet barrier approved for car travel. Don’t forget to take regular breaks for quick walks during the car ride.
Plan dog-friendly activities such as exploring pet-friendly beaches, visiting dog parks, and dining at outdoor restaurants that welcome dogs.

Pet-Friendly Resorts Within Driving Distance

Costa d’Este—Vero Beach

Costa d’Este is a pet-friendly, oceanfront hotel in Vero Beach. Four-legged friends can dig into breakfast on the pet-friendly Bamboo Patio, then head out for a fun-filled day on the beach. If they’re in need of a break from the sand, simply head to the nearby open-air dog park on the beautiful Indian River.

Naples Bay Resort & Marina—Naples

Naples Bay Resort is pet-friendly, and with its own marina, it’s a great place to rent a boat and take your four-legged family member with you on a boat ride across Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island. This beautiful barrier island beach allows leashed dogs, and it’s the only dog-friendly beach in the greater Naples/Marco Island area.

Hawks Cay Resort—Duck Key

From the moment you and your pup arrive, you’ll be assigned a dedicated pup planner who will be there to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need travel information or recommendations for pet services, your pup planner will ensure that your vacation is seamless and stress-free. To make your dog’s stay even more enjoyable, they’ll provide a Vacay Pup amenity package at check-in. If you need any additional pet supplies during your stay, simply let your pup planner know, and they’ll arrange for them to be delivered to your room.

May 24, 2024

Shane Duncan Band S.D.B.—going the extra country mile

It’s been full speed ahead for the Shane Duncan Band (S.D.B.) for the past 15 years, and contrary to its 2014 hit, “Life’s Snooze Bar,” the band hasn’t hit the snooze bar once. The five members include singer and guitarist Shane Duncan, 46, lead singer Tiffany Rosario, 40, lead guitarist Dave Scully, 51, drummer Bryce Kretz, 27, and bass guitarist Hernan Motley Rodriguez, 44.

Formerly known as South Florida’s “premiere party band,” the homegrown South Florida band is known for its wide variety of musical genres, including country, rock, top 40, pop, disco, dance, and Latin.

Duncan says what sets S.D.B. apart from other bands is its ability to capture the audience from the get-go. In addition, the band performs all songs live with no backing tracks or studio enhancements.

“We love seeing everyone on the dance floor having a good time,” says Duncan by phone from Knoxville, TN, where he and Rosario (a couple) went for a mini-vacation. “Come Friday night, people want to cut loose, have a drink, have a good time, and dance, no matter what’s going on in their life.”

S.D.B.’s repertoire ranges from Toby Keith’s “Get Your Drink On,” to Mily Cyrus’s “Party in the USA,” to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The group has written and performed songs for a 2024 film, “The Rocket Club: Across the Cosmos,” and TV, including the History Channel’s “It’s How You Get There” theme song, the Cooking Channel, Velocity Channel, and Fox Business Channel.

They performed at the Super Bowl XLVI Wounded Warrior event with former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon in 2015 and at a pre-party for the American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas in 2012.

“We’re proud of our accomplishments,” says Duncan. “The producers for ‘The Rocket Club’ flew us out to Hawaii for a week, and as unsigned musicians, our music is available on all digital jukeboxes.”

Duncan began playing drums in clubs at the age of 11. His father and some neighbors had a band, and he began jamming with them and going to their rehearsals.

Early influences included 1980s pop, rock, and country music as well as country artists like Ronnie Milsap and Merle Haggard. Later, he listened to Journey, Bryan Adams, Whitney Houston, and Def Leopard.

A highlight for Duncan was meeting his musical hero, Brent Mason, a 14-time Grammy Award winner, when Mason played guitar on one of Duncan’s original LPs, titled “Shane Duncan,” in Nashville more than a decade ago.

“I think we’re doing pretty well,” says Duncan, noting that the band has accomplished all the goals they set out to achieve—good musicianship, good singers, good song list, good sound system, good lighting system, and putting together a great package. They’ve toured and been on the road, and now they’re looking forward to being the best local band and sleeping in their own beds.

S.D.B. plays private events, city events, and weddings. It also has headlined aboard cruise ships on the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines, was voted “Best Band on a Barge” in the Seminole Hard Rock Winter Fest Boat Parade in 2018, and opened for Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, Mark Wills, Clay Walker, Josh Turner, and Blake Shelton.

Lead singer Rosario has been singing since the age of 2 and always knew she wanted to be a professional singer. Growing up with a big Italian family, she said they would sit around the piano in her grandmother’s music room and sing 1950s tunes.

Rosario learned Frank Sinatra, Connie Francis, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie and Nat King Cole, and Doo-Wop. “Singing comes naturally to me,” she says, noting that she never took a lesson and is self-taught.

Later, as an adult, she listened to ’80s rock (“all the way”) and admires lead singer Steve Perry of Journey (“my all-time favorite”). She opened for singers Wynona Judd, LeAnn Rimes, and Willie Nelson at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

“It was a great experience,” she says, admitting to some jitters.

For both Duncan and Rosario, playing and singing with the band is more than a job—it’s a passion for both of them. Often, they befriend their audience and have been known to socialize with their fans, who become friends.

Having reached their goals and succeeded in their professional musical lives, what’s left for the band to accomplish?

“Longevity,” says Duncan. “We’ve been on the radio, we’ve been in the movies, we’ve written songs for TV, we’ve headlined on cruise ships. We’ve pretty much done it all.

“We want to continue the ride and continue to do what we love most,” he says. “If you want to have a good time and listen to a variety of music, come check us out.”

The band will perform June 28 at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 10365 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs. For more information, visit sharkeysfl.com or call (954) 341-9990. Visit ShaneDuncanBand.com.

May 24, 2024

Scenes for summer: Nava Lundy

Adaptability. From the plasticity of an organism, to neuroplasticity of the human brain, to simply adapting to life, this quality engulfs us all.

Nava Lundy is no stranger to it. She has been painting all her life, and professionally since 1998. Lundy has transitioned from drawing from live models, and traveling with a sketchbook in her hands, to domestically taking memories from old photographs. While life changes, so do her strategies to make her art adapt. It is a mastery that has drawn her works of gold. Quite literally, actually.

Lundy’s canvas always begins already full. Her textured backgrounds build upon one another to create her “set.” Gold shines through her muses to highlight their beauty. It accents as a complementary emphasis in her compositions.

Lundy holds a certification in painting from the first art academy in America and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Pennsylvania. She was taught in oils, but when she got pregnant with twins, her choice of medium changed to acrylics. “It was too dangerous,” she explained.

Either way, omnifying her art remains the offset to her strategies, and those who prefer oils may be fooled, if not take a double-take, when viewing her work.

This month we adapt to the summer with some of her refreshing themes.

Hats. The Studio E Gallery in Palm Beach Gardens seems to be selling several of Lundy’s hats this time of year. Why wouldn’t they? There is always a seeming mystery left to the viewer that entices wonder and imagination as to the subject. Who is behind the hat? Is that you?

There is an elegance and sophistication present in these themes that is suggested in her characters. “Escape” (2021), a 36-by-36 acrylic on canvas (sold), is one of them. It warms you up and cools you down at the same time. Who wouldn’t want to dip their feet in the water and sip on some pina coladas in the hot summer months ahead? Let’s hope to do so!

Her lively art demonstrates concepts with which the viewer can connect. It is something to appreciate. When asked what motivates her, the answer was quite a simple one:

Mood. It is a natural contributor to Lundy’s work. “Watermelon Sugar,” a 36-by-72 acrylic on canvas, is a lovely example of mood (title picture), especially this time of year.

Before 2021, Lundy may not have chosen to work with water’s ripples and reflections. She referred to it on social media as something that once was “daunting.”

However, it seems the mood got contagious, according to Lundy, as attempting the complexity of water compositions has brought joy to do them, and cooling off can be quite the observer’s delight!

For beach lovers, “Come Sit Beside Me” (2024), acrylic and mixed media on canvas (sold), brings a calming elation. Here distinctively are the vibrant accents of gold. The composition brings together the stubborn strokes of dissonance into a graceful escape.

Lundy’s work has been used in several set designs in films, is part of the permanent digital collection at the University of South Florida in partnership with the Florida Holocaust Museum, and is in the permanent collections of private collectors, universities, and museums around the world, including Australia, Canada, and Israel. More locally, Lundy has exhibited at the Fort Lauderdale airport. She is an internationally recognized artist right here in the local community.

To view some of Nava Lundy’s muses, her online gallery is at navagallery.com.

April 24, 2024

Heart health for women

As we know, in May we celebrate Mother’s Day! In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. Diet, lifestyle choices, and a few other key factors play a big role in a wide range of heart conditions. Take care of your heart by choosing foods to promote overall health.

Fruits and Vegetables Matter

When it comes to filling your plate, fruits and vegetables are where it’s at. Not only are they sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants, they also can help keep blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. What makes fruits and vegetables so good? They provide potassium and magnesium, minerals that have been shown to help lower blood pressure in clinical studies.

Aiming for 1½ to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily is a good way to help meet your potassium goals. Plus, research has shown that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease.

Fat Matters for the Heart

The type of fat you eat also makes a difference. According to the 2020-2025 “Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” a healthy eating pattern should provide less than 10% total calories from saturated fat starting at age 2. An eating plan high in saturated fat may increase the risk for heart disease. Foods such as bacon, sausages, fatty meats, butter, ice cream, and other full-fat dairy foods can be high in saturated fat.

Replacing sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fats has been shown to be beneficial in reducing “bad” cholesterol levels and may help lower the risk for heart disease. Foods such as olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds contain unsaturated fat.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a special type of unsaturated fat commonly found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring. Omega-3s also are found in walnuts and flaxseed. Fish is a good source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), whereas nuts and seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because these foods contain different types of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s good to include a variety of these foods among the foods you eat throughout the week. Women who are of childbearing age, pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult “Advice About Eating Fish” (www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish) from the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Stay Active for Heart Health

Regular physical activity also can be beneficial. Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, with some activity on most days of the week. Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage certain conditions such as high blood pressure. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, everyone varies in how much physical activity they need to maintain their weight.

Other Risk Factors

While you can change what you eat and whether you are physically active, there are some risk factors for heart disease that you cannot change:

Aging: The risk for heart disease increases with age.
Family history: Having a close blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with heart disease increases your risk of having heart disease.
Ethnicity: Some ethnicities have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Previous heart attack: A history of past heart attacks can increase the odds of having another one in the future. However, in this case, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as eating healthfully and participating in cardiac rehab.

April 24, 2024

Dining on the dock at historic seafood spot

Where can you dine on the east coast of Florida with lots of funky, kitschy appeal, scenic water views from every table, delicious seafood, and some of the best key lime pie in the state? That would be at the Old Key Lime House on Ocean Avenue in Lantana.

Located on a bustling street right near a drawbridge at the Intercoastal Waterway, Old Key Lime House is the oldest structure in the state to house a waterfront restaurant, and it claims to have the largest tiki bar in South Florida. It’s close to Route 1 and easy to find. Once you spot the historic, bright-green building, you know you’re there. From out front it looks much smaller than it really is. But behind this colorful house, overlooking the wide-open, picturesque Intercoastal, is the full sprawling property with a fun potpourri of dining and bar areas. You’ll be glad you found it.

With four bars (including one up a high staircase to a porch above the water with great views of the boats below), a central stage for live music, several large-screen TVs, and many areas for waterfront dining, Old Key Lime is popular for lunch, dinner, and nightlife. I’ve been there for all three, with various friends and family members. We always have a nice time and good food. People come for the locally caught seafood and the key lime pie—not to mention sunsets over the water. It’s always a party at the Old Key Lime House. As night falls, it’s usually rocking with great live music.

It started as a two-story home built in 1889 from sturdy heart of pine by Morris and Mary Lyman, who were among Lantana’s founders and who sold fish and oysters locally. Morris Lyman was a storekeeper and postmaster and named the town, incorporated in 1921. Their building eventually became the Old House Restaurant in 1989 and was renamed the Old Key Lime House in 2000. Owner Wayne Cordero was at the helm then, perfecting the restaurant’s famous cornbread as well as its even more famous item, the key lime pie. It came from the recipe of his grandmother, Agnes, and was part of his cherished memories from childhood summer visits to visit family in Key West.

This historic site has a storied past. “Originally a boarding house for travelers, it later became a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, attracting a colorful cast of characters and stories that still echo through its weathered walls,” according to the Dean Mitchell Group. “Today, the restaurant and bar preserve the charm of days gone by, with its original Dade County pine construction and nautical decor.”

Old Key Lime House is a colorful testament to the history and flavor of this coastal community. It’s usually packed with both locals and visitors who savor its laidback, Florida Keys–style atmosphere. Tourists often come to check it out, but with the numerous packed bars and live music on the property, it’s also a popular watering hole for the community. Everybody enjoys the lovely waterfront views as well as quirky décor inside and out.

To get out to the dining areas, you first go through the original house, which has a fireplace and vintage collection of memorabilia, photos, and documents on the walls throughout the foyers. You can read about the recipe for the key lime pie. There are lots of antiques around, such as a vintage cash register and an old gas pump. It’s like a little museum of the town’s history. You can watch aquatic life in two giant tanks in front of the check-in booth, as well as visit the gift shop and explore merchandise for sale, such as “Old Key Lime House” collectible T-shirts.

Outside, there are tables in several different covered sections, around the bars, on wooden decks, and even out on the docks. Kids can enjoy a large play area complete with giant skeletons for extra thrills.

There are plenty of spots for patrons to secure a boat for those who come by water. Signs pepper all the posts there, with messages such as the typical “No Shoes, Shirt, No Service” along with others like “Slow Please: Report Manatee Injuries,” “No Boat Boozing,” “Dock at Your Own Risk,” “No Sailboats, No Catamarans,” and, at the floating boat bar, “No High Heels.”

Old Key Lime House has weathered several hurricanes and tropical storms, and repairs always bring it back to life. Recent damage to a dock, in December 2023, happened after a storm swept through and two nearby sailboats came loose and slammed into the dock. Hopefully, nothing bad will close this place for long.