J anua ry 2 0 1 2 • vo l.1 0 • is sue 1

January 2012 • vol.10 • issue 1
2
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fromthepublisher
A
t South Florida Social, this is more
than ringing in a new year. It’s also the
ringing in of our second decade!
It’s hard to believe but we’ve been filling these pages for 10 years. (Actually, we
launched in December 2002. But since our
volume number rolls over to 10 with this issue, we decided to celebrate throughout this
calendar year.
How did it all begin?
I left the Sun-Sentinel in May 2002, activated my Florida real estate license and decided to jump in the real estate market.
“You know everybody,” friends kept
encouraging me. I listened, but only for a
brief time.
My phone soon began ringing. On the
other end were many of you women who
support our wonderful non-profit causes on
the other end.
J a n u a r y 2 0 12
“How could you do this to us?” they chimed.
Truthfully, I didn’t “do” anything to you,
as today the Sun-Sentinel has a very good
Society section, and the world is still turning.
But at the time (I’m as easy mark), I kept
hearing those voices in my head, and decided
to see if I could go it alone with a publication.
Never mind that the real estate market was
just taking off in South Florida (this was be
before the bubble burst), and I probably would
have a lot more money in the bank today if I
had stayed in real estate.
As anyone in the publishing business will
tell you, it is not the easy road to wealth.
But wealth is not always the wheel that
drives me.
Thus was born South Florida Social. At
the time, I had an incredible advertising man
manager, another former Sun-Sentinel staffer,
Louise Mains of advertising.
Louise knew a lot more about the business
side of publishing than I. She helped me adjust to the nuts and bolts side of the publication, and heaven forbid, sell ads!
At the time, I had always been driven
by the creative side of the product, and the
adrenaline rush of deadline. I still have fond
memories of working in the Sun-Sentinel office, sometimes until 2 a.m. on deadline days,
editing our final proofs.
We launched South Florida Social from a
small one-room office in Pompano Beach.
I had the task of making the editorial work,
which included a lot more than writing. You
have to find the right printer, the right graphic
designer and also acquire knowledge of running a corporation. I quickly learned that you
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couldn’t wait until deadline if you expected
to procure enough ads to pay for the product.
I will never forget that first issue. The cover was beautiful, but when you opened the paper, I was convinced that all the photos were
green. We printed 50,000 copies, but I didn’t
want to distribute them on the street. The direct mail was out, of course, but it was like
pulling teeth to convince me to put the flats
(the papers we drop in condos, businesses and
racks) out. Then the calls started coming in
from you readers, saying how much you enjoyed the paper.
That made it all worthwhile: the 5 a.m.
trips to a northwest Miami print shop (which
has since gone bankrupt) where I was one of
about three who spoke English, and quickly
learned what the word “calibrate” means;
the realization that I could no longer wait
for that adrenaline rush of deadline, because
of the domino effect it would have on other
people working on the publication; and the
long nights sitting in the homes of various
designers who literally put the paper together
on their computers.
We made plenty of mistakes along the
way. We forgot to factor in our direct mail
cost, a huge mistake, which pretty much
turned all the money we brought in right
back to our vendors, and still impacts the
profit line.
Louise soon felt the call to return to her
homeland of Canada, a great loss to me.
Since that frightening first issue, I have
learned a lot about the business of running
a newspaper, mainly through mistakes made
along the way.
fa c e b o o k.c o m/S o u t h Fl o r i d a S o c i a l
Challenge? You bet. Worth it? You bet.
But I have a lot of people to thank for this
ongoing venture.
First, the incredible graphic artists, Juan
Millan and Peter Windsheimer. (Juan brought
me into the world of organizational terms like
“Content Map” and spread sheets.) Several
wonderful writers who are featured on these
pages or in previous issues also made a difference. Our operation has changed dramatically. No more trekking to printers or graphic designers. We communicate solely by Internet.
People who put their faith in the publication with advertising contracts that first year:
Beth Beauchamp of Intercoastal Realty;
Holy Cross Hospital; Bob Brantmeyer of Sun
Dream Yachts and many more. Later, when
we were finally getting our act together in reproduction quality, along came such incredibly nice people as Patrick Daoud of Daoud’s
Jewelers; Jim and Ann Marie Dunn of JR
Dunn Jewelers; Steve Day of Blue Martini,
the Carroll family at Carroll’s Jewelers; Dr.
Paul Meli of Meli Orthopedic, Susan Rindley
of Sotheby Realty; Realtor Larry Rowe and
the list goes on.
But the real gratitude goes to you, the
reader, for allowing me to continue this little
passion of mine, and supporting the advertisers who make it possible.
Without you, this could never have happened.
Stay turned for more reflections on our
first 10 years in future issues.
Wishing you a great 2012!
Until next time... BETTY
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JA World Uncorked! II
J
unior Achievement of South Florida will host the second annual JA
World Uncorked, starting at 6:30
p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the JA World
Huizenga Center at Broward College.
This Circle of Wise Women Signature event, presented by Southern Wine
& Spirits of Florida, will combine food,
wine, spirits, craft beers and decadent
desserts in a swanky, speakeasy-themed
setting. Kit Schulman will chair the event
which benefits the educational programs
at Junior Achievement of South Florida.
The Circle of Wise Women is committed to supporting the resources necessary
for Junior Achievement to provide its full
range of educational programs.
From 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., guests will
stroll through JA World enjoying tantalizing bites, delicious wines, craft beers and
decadent desserts from stations hosted by
a multitude of area restaurants and inter-
presented by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida
national wineries.
Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida
will provide the jazz-infused libations.
Guests are encouraged to check out the
“Bath Tub Gin Bar.”
“We’ll be puttin’ on the Ritz with our
unique food and dessert stations offering
tantalizing bites in the Culinary Alleys,”
said one of the event organizers.
Publix Apron’s Cooking School, along
with South Florida’s favorite chefs, will
whip up culinary creations in signature
cooking demonstrations with specialty
beers hosted by Brown Distributing Baron of Beer, John Linn.
Others who are contributing to the event
include the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale,
Go Riverwalk Magazine, New Times Broward/Palm Beach and Lifestyle Magazines.
Fabulous auction items will be featured, while music by The Edge Band is
certain to get guests dancing.
In addition to the Publix Apron’s Cooking School, signature chefs will include
Marc Gruverman of the Capital Grille;
Curt Hicken of Olive Oregano Catering;
Wes Bonner of Publix Apron’s Cooking
School in Boca Raton and Curtis Hawke
of Timpano Italian Chophouse. Food and
Wine Committee co-chairs include Executive Chef Erik Mathes, kitchen coach;
and Circle of Wise Women founding
member Renee Quinn.
Tickets are $150-per-person, with a
limited number of VIP tickets at $250-perperson (including a VIP Uncorked post
sponsor party). Call Diana Metcalf at 954979-7120 or visit www.jasouthflorida.org.
Seated, front, from left: Reisha Roopchand, Diana Metcalf, Kit Schulman, Virginia ‘Ginny’ Miller and Renee K. Quinn. In back, from left: Janet Davis,
Stacie Weisman and Lorraine Thomas.
Publisher/Editor
Betty Williams
Graphic Design
Peter Windsheimer
Associate Editor
Mary Preece
Web Video
Tom Weber
Advertising Account
Manager
Ree Cole
Contributing Writers
Jennifer Cohen
Bob Leonardi
Mary Giuseffi
Arianne Glassman
Elliot Goldenberg
Kevin Lane
Deborah Hartz-Seeley
Advertising Account
Executives
Randi Joy Brofsky
Mary Jo Rogers
Kathryn Summer
Creative Director
Juan J. Millán
Contents
Person to Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Many of South Florida’s most well-known women in the philanthropic world have a
new passion: painting. Read about two new galleries that have been opened by area
women.
Dining Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reviewer Debra Hartz-Seeley takes us to Spazio’s, a beachfront restaurant that
turns out be a palate-pleaser as well as providing the beautiful oceanfront view.
Gridiron Griller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Former Miami Dolphin John Offerdahl hosts the second annual ‘Gridiron Griller
Grill Cook-off. Check out the winners.
South Florida Social is published bi-monthly
during the high social season by:
South Florida Social Inc .
3032 E. Commercial Blvd., #21
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
You may also view the entire paper and
annual social calendar at:
www .southfloridasocial .com
On The Cover
For editorial, call: 954 .781 .1715
For advertising, call: 954 .781 .1790
South Florida Social Inc . accepts no liability
for the accuracy of statments made by outside
contributors, third party articles or advertisers.
We welcome your press releases and
photographs. Material submitted become the
property of South Florida Social .
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Getting ready for the second annual JA World Uncorked event are, from
left: Stacie Weisman of Southern Wine and Spirits; Patrick Daoud, owner
of Daoud’s Fine Jewelry; Kit Schulman; Jo Lynn Lombardi, kneeling,
center; Lorraine Thomas and Broward Sheriff Deputy Eric Hoff. (Photos
by Kara Starzyk. See story, above.)
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Seen above, from left, front row, A. Louise Harms; Dr. Gloria Kline and Rebecca Spinale. Back row, standing, from left, Douglas Evans; Irvin Lippman; David Melin and Eric Koskoff.
(Photo by Tiffany Photographic, Fort Lauderdale.)
Opera Society
to host ‘Diva Impresario Awards Luncheon’ on Feb . 23
T
he Opera Society’s Diva Impresario Awards Luncheon will take place Thursday, February 23, in
the Panorama Room of the Hyatt Regency Pier 66
Hotel. The committee has been working on all aspects of
this event, chaired by Carol Frei with Barbara Copanos as
event founder and Dr. Linda Balent as advisor.
The Opera Society selected honorees based on their
outstanding leadership, generosity and support of Florida
Grand Opera. This year’s honorees are Grand Diva Dr.
Gloria Kline, past Opera Society president, board of Directors member, treasurer and event chairman; A. Louise Harms, president, the Guild of Florida Grand Opera;
Rebecca Spinale, president, the Young Patronesses of the
Opera; Impresario Mr. Douglas Evans, general manager,
Classical South Florida, supporter of Florida Grand Opera on the air; Eric Koskoff, Opera Society vice president
of membership and computer consultant; Irvin Lippman,
executive director, Museum of Art /Fort Lauderdale, (cohost of lecture series); and David Melin, Florida Grand
Opera board of directors.
The Diva Impresario Awards Luncheon is the The
Opera Society’s major annual fund-raiser. Other events
include their popular “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” series of elegant parties in homes, restaurants and
aboard yachts; the annual Mad Hatters Tea and the “Lyrical Luncheon” series of lectures by FGO artists to enrich
our knowledge of opera. The Opera Society also reaches
out to thousands of Broward County elementary students
each year with their sponsorship of the In-School Opera
Project in which an age-appropriate 35-minute production
visits 5-7 Broward elementary schools each year. Mrs.
Carol Harrison has funded this program for many years.
The Diva Impresario Awards Luncheon will begin with
a cocktail reception and silent auction at 11 a.m. Luncheon
will follow at noon. There will be outstanding raffle prizes
including a one-week cruise for two aboard a Holland America Cruise ship. The event will feature music by members
of the Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio. All luncheon proceeds will directly benefit Florida Grand Opera.
Other luncheon committee members include Eileen
Perillo, Roger Hinkley, Tracy Roloff, Helena Caplan,
Barbara Parent, Isobel Sturgeon, Betty Young, Maria
Emilia Salgado, Eric Koskoff, Ruth Molina, Joyce Walker, Linda Grabowsky Aurelia Bickler, Gloria Kline and
Opera Society president, Kim Naimoli.
The luncheon price is $85.00. For information about
becoming a sponsor or underwriter or for reservations
call Carol Frei at 954 566-1369 or Cconfry@aol.com
Continues on page 9 >>
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Huizengas
host receptions for Gilda’s Club
Red Door Society; JA Laureate
M
arti and Wayne Huizenga opened their beautiful home in Rio Vista for receptions for two
worthy non-profits.
More than 80 attended the Gilda’s Club Red Door Society reception.
Marti and Wayne, both cancer survivors, also offered
to help the Gilda’s Annual Fund to ensure that men,
women and children who have been touched by cancer
will have the support they need to recover.
Beatriz and Albert Miniaci were guests at the JA reception.
Gerry Greenspoon, left; Jamie Stiles and Andy Cagnetta.
Wayne Huizenga, left; Shelley Goren; Denise Wittich; Elizabeth Wynter; Marti Huizenga; and Dr. Nick Tranakas.
The Huizengas also recently hosted the 2nd annual Business Hall of Fame Laureate Reception for Junior Achievement of South Florida. This was a kick-off for the “Business Hall of Fame” celebration, an
annual event that recognizes community leaders who have made a significant impact in Broward County. This year’s laureates are Alligator Ron Bergeron, Bergeron Family of Companies; Andy Cagnetta,
Transworld Business Brokers; Gerry Greenspoon, Greenspoon Marder, P.A.; and Mike Jackson, AutoNation. Guests enjoyed wonderful and cocktails, catered by Bob Leonardi. A live auction also took
place to raise additional funds. The main event, chaired by Tom and Maureen Shea, will take place at the JA World Huizenga Center at Broward College, starting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
For information about the Hall of Fame event, call Anna Parker at 954-979-7116.
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Pinion hosts annual holiday party
T
he picturesque waterfront home of
Jim and Carol Stein was the setting
for the annual Pinion holiday party,
“Unwrap the Holidays.
Vanessa Lopez-DeLalla and Jacki
Liszak, assisted by cuisine chair Valerie
Kowanetz created an incredible festive
evening for more than 230 guests.
Galaxy Productions got the evening
started with a 20-foot-life “toy soldier,”
along with a crew of holiday performers.
McFatter Culinary School, served fabulous foot, with students doing the serving honors. Alan Lieberman of Fresh-
Point donated the food.
Libations from several bars included
the popular Mini Martini Bar, compliments of Steve and Debbie Day of Blue
Martine.
Tony Rao and the Topazz Band played
music for dancing while Jon Paul Jewelers provided a display of some fab baubles and gems.
The event benefited the Broward
County Special Olympics and residents
of Victory Living Programs. Pinion has
raised more than 2 million dollars since
1991 for the charities.
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1 Clover Hamilton, left; Bob Burrows; Patti Lang; Gregg Salmon; Lauren Lee and Adriana San Miguel
served the food prepared by the McFatter Cooking School. 2 Jackie Johnston, left; Valerie Peru
with Pam and Steve Nowata. 3 Katie Parker and Joey Lazzara. 4 Laura Schroeders, left; Steven
Betzler and Matthew Schroeders man the table of jewelry on display from Jon Paul Jewelers.
5 Back Row, from left: Dave Gillen; Jon Gorman; Chris Bucher; front row: Kathy and Rich Sherman;
Kathy Gillen; Linda Rae Spaulding-White and Cheryl Gorman
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward
FORT LAUDERDALE: Hugh’s Catering was again the setting for the third annual “Future Tastes Great” Iron Chef
Competition that benefited the BGCBC Culinary Arts
program of the Leo Goodwin Foundation Teen Center at
the Levine/Slaughter Boys & Girls Club in N. Lauderdale.
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hosts 3rd annual ‘Future Tastes Great’
Iron Chef Competition at Hugh’s Catering
The event raised more than $60,000 for this worthy cause.
Renowned chef Hugh McCauley, owner of Hugh’s
Culinary and his talented culinary staff hosted the participants, along with guests to this always fun fund-raiser.
Competing teams included chefs from area restaurants
and the BGBCB’s Club youth assistants. Each team was
given the same ingredients before being judged in a culinary cook-off.
Continues on page 14 >>
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1 Dr. Kim Hackett, left; Bill Rotella of The Rotella Group Inc.; and Hugh McCauley, owner of Hugh’s Culinary. 2 Daniel Hotte, left; Jaime Copley; Cyndi Copley; Bill and Maureen Rotella and Kitty Rotella.
3 Dr. Hackie Reitman, a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward; has some fun with members of the Levine/Slaughter Boys & Girls Club in North Lauderdale. 4 Members of the Levine/
Slaughter Boys & Girls Club Culinary Arts Program busy themselves in the commercial kitchen of Hugh’s Culinary. 5 Brian Quail, left, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward; with D. Kim Hackett,
president of the Levine/Slaughter Boys & Girls Club.
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(Continued from page 5.)
Committee prepares for annual
‘Diva Impresario’ luncheon
Committee members, from left, seated: Carol Frei and Barbara Copanos; standing, from left, Dr.
Linda Balent and Helena Kaplan.
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page
10
person
Red Trombone Gallery owner Sheila Bechert.
(See photos from jazz concert opening in
February issue of South Florida Social.)
A
rt is the operative word if you’re talking
with either Sheila Bechert or Trish Rutsis.
For Sheila, you need to pepper that
with jazz, as she has recently opened her quaint,
inviting Red Trombone Art Gallery in the North
Beach Arts District.
The name Red Trombone goes back to Sheila’s
high school days when she owned the very first
“RED Jiggs P Bone in America, a light-weight
instrument manufactured by Conn-Selmer and
endorsed by Jiggs Whigham. The gallery plans
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to person
by Betty W illiams
to donate Jiggs P Bones trombones to Broward
County young musicians throughout the year.
“My concept for the gallery was inspired by
photographs that I took while in Cabo San Lucas,”
she says. Her signature piece of photography,
“Flores en el mar,” taken in Cabo last spring,
hangs in the gallery.
In addition to Sheila’s works, she also is selecting
pieces created by guest artists. Selections of
photography, paintings, sculpture, glass, pottery and
jewelry created by established artists are featured at
the Red Trombone.
Sheila plans to hold intimate receptions
throughout the year, such as her recent opening
that feature both music and art.
The gallery also offers the creative skills of
a gifted photographer who is available as your
personal creative consultant.
Like all of Sheila’s efforts in South Florida,
Red Trombone Gallery supports the arts in Fort
Lauderdale. She will continue her ongoing
involvement with the Symphony of the Americas,
Gold Coast Jazz Society, along with her special
charities, The Pantry of Broward and PACE Center
for Girls, Broward.
Red Trombone Gallery is located at 3313
NE 33rd St. in the North Beach Arts District. For
information, call 954-530-9539.
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Artist Trish Rutsis, founder of Brush Strokes
Gallery. (See photos of opening exhibit in
February issue of South Florida Social.)
A
nother Fort Lauderdale artist, Tricia
Rutsis has also opened a working
artists studio, Brush Strokes, in the
Galleria Mall.
Rutsis’ vision of opening a studio in the
thriving mall environment led her to find a
space in the first parking level next to the
escalator that goes to Mayors (Mango parking).
Today, Brush Strokes is not only a thriving
art studio where artists (most of them local)
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exhibit a wide range of talent and styles, but
also serves as a venue and meeting place for
special groups interested in the art.
Works by a mixture of 13 accomplished
artists are featured. Many of the artists have
fine arts degrees and are well known while
others traded in corporate careers to become
artists.
More than 200 attended a recent
reception, which was an upstairs/downstairs
art celebration in conjunction with the
studio’s partners, Mayors at the Galleria.
Rutsis and Mick Howard, store director of
Mayors, joined forces to promote fine art
for the mutual benefit of Brush Strokes and
Mayors, Galleria.
Artists in residence include Elaine
Krupnick, Daniel Caldwell, Jana Hanbury,
Jacquelyn Roch, Marilyn Williscroft, Debbie
Gernert, Barbara Castell, Bette LeStrange,
Connie Commette, Ellen Weiss, Joyce
Spencer, Sandra Moss and Tricia Rutsis.
Sculptor Stanley Goodman and graphic artist
Leah Gernert are associates.
For information or to schedule a visit, call
Tricia Rutsis at 954-610-3880.
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Winterfest Ball
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ushers in the holiday season
T
he Seminole Hard Rock Hotel’s grand ballroom
was the setting for the always over-the-top Winterfest Ball.
And a dazzler this 40th anniversary black-tie gathering was, bringing out a diverse crowd of South Florida’s
movers and shakers.
Kudos to Susan Renneisen and Kara Wolf, event cochairs.
Sixth Star Entertainment provided the musical and
show backdrop for the almost 1,000 guests.
Kendall-Jackson, UV Vodka and Jack-Daniels were
the event’s co-sponsors.
The ball has become a tradition, always happening one
week before the popular Winterfest Boat Parade.
1 Lisa Scott-Founds, executive director and president of
Winterfest; with her husband David, right; and John Bends,
center, of Memorial Health. 2 Mary Jo Clair and Robert Stanfield,
event planner who was the creative force behind the incredible
Las Olas Grand party which will be featured in an upcoming
South Florida Social. 3 Michael and Robin Davis of JM Lexus.
4 Debbie and Steve Day, owners of Blue Martini, couple at left;
with Angela Nowland, managing partner with Capital Grille;
and her partner Lily Sadorit. 5 Dave Radliff and Julie Durda,
Channel 7 meteorologist. 6 Tonda Angly, left; Steve Savor and
Kairee Hall. 7 ‘Belle of the Ball’ Connie Chaney, left; receives
a celebratory hug from friend, Jen Klaassens of The Wasie
Foundation. 8 Wanda and Mark Trouba, Galleria Mall general
manager; Melissa Milroy, director of marketing of Galleria; and
her hubby Rick Milroy. 9 Gary and Arlette Spaniak, a former
‘Belle of the Winterfest Ball.’ 10 Ric Greene, president of the
Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, with his wife Crystal.
11 Barbara Wells, left, and Tom Schom.
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(See more photos on page 13.)
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12 Bob Leider, GM of WSVN Channel 7 and Winterfest board present, surrounded by his daughters:
Kim Ball, left; Courtney Beavy and Kelly Dalsmener. 13 Johanne Marcoux and Paul Sallarulo,
couple at left; with Gail and Paul Van Dusseldorp. 14 Representing Carroll’s Jewelers: Robert
‘Bob’ Moorman, left; his sons Luke and John Moorman with John’s wife Mona. 15 Tony Lord, left;
with Ann Vento; Jen Klaassens and Maurice Dubec. 16 Bill Cook and Helena Kolenda. 17 John
Haley, Winterfest Boat Parade chair; with his date Cassandera Feist.
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Boys & Girls Clubs
of Broward
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(Continued from page 8.)
Chef Baron Skorish of
the Blue Moon Fish Company took first place. Chef
Marco Vico, owner of the
popular Café Vico Ristorante came in second, and Chef
Teresa Ruiz of the BGCBC
Culinary Arts Program
placed thirds.
Guests enjoyed an exclusive dinner in addition to
wine tastings, libations, live
entertainment and a silent
auction.
For sponsorship information on the 2012 “Future
Tastes Great” Iron Chef
Competition, call Marika
Guyton, events coordinator,
at 954-537-1010, ext. 226.
The Boys & Girls Clubs
of Broward County is a
non-profit
organization
with 12 local facilities and
a membership of more than
12,000 youth. Its mission is
to keep kids off the streets,
through its numerous programs such as the culinary
arts program.
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6 Debbie and Bob Case, couple at left; Terri and Larry Kibler; Louise and Dan Marks and Alan Goldberg, president
of Diversified Companies. 7 Sandra Rolon, left; Larry Searle; Sherry Shokripour; Lisa Hirschenson; Kamani Yamez;
Traci Singh; Lisa Donato and Tina Spires. 8 Chef Marco Vico of Café Vico Ristorante, center, with his team.
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Royal Knights hosts holiday ‘Friends of Museum’
dinner at Coral Ridge Country Club
R
oyal Knights of Chivalry for Cancer Research recently hosted their
annual holiday party at the Coral
Ridge Country Club.
The Royal Knights are the male counterpart to the Royal Dames of Cancer Research.
Many members of the Royal Dames
were among the party group.
hosts annual holiday luncheon
T
he beautifully decorated Coral Ridge Yacht Club was the setting for the
Friends of the Museum’s annual luncheon.
Continues on page 19 >>
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1 Richard and Mary Kazares with Harvey Young, right. 2 Ave and Zola Keller of Zola Keller on Las
Olas, couple at left; with Larry Rowe. 3 Royal Knight Larry Rowe with Royal Dame Carol Harrison.
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Imogene Redmond and Irv Lippman, executive
director of the Museum of Art, downtown Fort
Lauderdale.
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‘Friends’ President Lynda O’Brien
welcomes guests.
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DINING REVIEW
by Deborah S. Hartz-Seeley
The Gridiron Griller
By Johnny Offerdahl
Spazio offers beach-front
dining with South Beach flair
A
lthough there is outdoor
seating, be sure to step inside Spazio restaurant on
the Fort Lauderdale strip. You’ll
feel like you’ve been transported
to South Beach.
The evening we dine, a hip crowd
in glitter and Spandex perches on
white leather stools around the
large bar. Thin screen televisions
broadcast silently overhead as the
young friends order classic cosmos
and French martinis.
This central bar is surrounded
by the two-level dining room
where you’ll be seated on white
leather chairs or gray banquettes.
A wall of yellow light emanates
from behind gauzy white curtains.
And six oversized white lampshades illuminate from overhead.
They offer a touch of glamour you
might not expect this close to the
Elbow Room.
Spazio also provides good
homemade Italian food at prices
that are reasonable for this part of
town. Perhaps that’s why the restaurant not only attracts the smart
crowd but also families who might
enjoy individual pizzas ($11.95
to $14.95), calzones ($12.95 to
$15.95) and pasta dishes ($14.95
to $24.95).
Our visit starts with a warm
greeting from manager Chris
Jacques who is expecting us. He
puts us in the good hands of waiter/
sommelier Puiu who is very familiar with the menu and the wine list.
Wine plays an important role at
this restaurant.
In the back of the dining room
there’s a glass-encased wine storage area that holds about 875 bottles on a conveyor system for easy
access. And as a convenience for
customers, each oversized black
wine menu has a built in light so
it’s easy to see what’s offered.
Besides wine, the restaurant offers good Italian food with some
surprises. A look at the menu will
prove this is not the cooking della
sua nonna.
For example, there’s an appetizer of creamy polenta ($17.95), one
of the daily specials described by
our waiter. This is an elegant rendition with mascarpone and mozzarella added to the basic peasant
dish for creaminess. A bit of parmesan adds rich nutty flavor.
As if that’s not enough, the dish
is elevated even higher with a garnish of earthy tasting enoki mushrooms and deep-fried scallops in
tempura batter. The moist seafood
in its crisp shell is a nice contrast
to the creamy cornmeal.
Although the price might make
you think you are in South Beach,
don’t be put off. The portion is
large enough to share as an appetizer or to satisfy one as a reasonably sized entree.
The waiter also recommends
Zuppa di Mare ($19.95) from the
list of special appetizers. It includes enough mussels, clams,
shrimp and calamari to be an entrée -- especially if you fill up on
the crisp cheese-topped flat bread
that accompanies it.
Oliver’s “Throw-A-Duck” Confit!
Five-time Pro-Bowl Miami Dolphins’ linebacker, John Offerdahl, hosted the
second annual Gridiron Grill-OFF Food, Wine & Tailgate on November 18th to a
sold-out crowd of fired-up fans! 20 Miami Dolphins’ legends teamed up with
Broward County’s best chefs while 1,500 fans gathered to EAT, DRINK, VOTE by
text on their favorite Grill-OFF recipes paired with Kendall Jackson wines, SEEK
Autographs, & COMPETE in the Gridiron Toss-OFF - a bean-bag competition that
paired athletes with fans! After all votes were tallied, the Grill-OFF winner was
announced. #25 Louis Oliver and Chef David Hackett from Hollywood Prime at the
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, defended the Grill-OFF title by winning again this
year with grilled duck confit on potato skins. For a list of all chefs, players, and
competing recipes with videos and photos, visit www.gridirongriller.com.
READY - Line up your ingredients...
Potato Skins
• 1 large baked Idaho potato
• 2 cups duck fat (available at a
specialty store)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced shitake,
button, crimini, oyster)
• Lemon olive oil
• Micro greens or chives
Sauce
• 1 pt. blackberries
• 1 pt. dried figs
• 1 tsp shallots
• 2 cups Pinot Noir
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Meat
• 2 Ducks Confit (available at
a specialty store)
PREP - Prepare your entrée, rubs, dressings & sauces…
Potato Skins: Rub potato with olive oil & kosher salt, bake and cool one day
prior. Slice the potato into 1/4" slices and fry in duck fat until golden brown, season
with salt and pepper. Roast the mushrooms in oil in the oven until tender.
Sauce: Combine the blackberries, figs, shallots, and pinot noir in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, puree and strain.
LETS GRILL! - Take it to the Grill...
Pre-heat the grill to 400 (Medium High), reduce heat and slow grill duck confit legs
and thighs. Cool, julienne and set aside. Sauté the grilled julienned duck confit
and the roasted wild mushrooms together in butter. Add the heavy whipping
cream, 1/4 cup of the blackberry fig glaze and mix until rich & creamy. Place 2 of
the duck fat fried potatoes on desired plate, top with duck and mushroom mixture,
drizzle the additional blackberry fig glaze around the plate along with lemon olive
oil. Garnish with micro greens or chives.
Recommended wine pairing... Murphy Goode Pinot Noir
Johnny says…
“Don’t throw a fit trying to grill this winning recipe,
just go to Hollywood Prime at the Westin Diplomat
Resort & Spa and “Throw-A-Duck” Confit!”
Spazio
239 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Fort Lauderdale
Phone: (954) 764-8191 • www.spaziofl.com
Open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night fare;
a 15% gratuity is added to all checks. There’s live entertainment 7 p.m. to midnight daily.
The Gridiron Griller
. . . still undefeated!
www.gridirongriller.com
© Offerdahl’s Café Grill… the home of the Gridiron Griller!
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Friends of
Museum
(Continued from page 16.)
Linda O’Brien, president and event chair,
welcomed the group. The
event included not only
lunch, but a performance
by the Pine Crest Middle
School Chorus under the
direction of Michael Testa.
Ann Rentoumis entertained at the keyboard.
Anna Rua, left; Laura Hampton and Kathy Burke.
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Susan Greaton, right, with her mom Mary Jo Rogers.
Dr. Iris Lash, left; and Roberta Kielgaard, director of development for the museum.
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Holy Cross Hospital
Auxiliary Gala Committee holiday reception at Paradise Bank
FORT LAUDERDALE: Paradise Bank in
downtown Fort Lauderdale recently hosted a holiday reception for the Holy Cross
Hospital Auxiliary gala committee.
The Holy Cross Auxiliary will
present the 56th annual gala - the Signature Grand’s Vegas - on Saturday, 1
March 31.
Tickets are $200-per-person and
proceeds benefit the new Dorothy
Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s
Center at Holy Cross HealthPlex.
For information, call 954-229-8562;
or e-mail Elaine.lacker@holy-cross.com.
Sponsorship and auction donation opportunities also are avilable.
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1 Holy Cross physicians Dr. Raul Tapia, Dr. Anele Ramia Manfredini and Dr. Philip Valent at the
Holy Cross Auxiliary Gala Committee holiday reception at Paradise Bank. 2 Holy Cross Auxiliary
Gala Journal Committee Chair Maxine Holzworth, Holy Cross Auxiliary President Pat Feder, and
Jennifer and Christine Weare. 3 Barbara Seigel and Grace Gardiner at the Holy Cross Auxiliary
Gala Committee holiday reception at Paradise Bank. 4 Holy Cross physician Dr. Raul Tapia, Chair
of the Holy Cross Auxiliary Gala Committee Michele Tapia, Paradise Bank Area President Philip G.
McNally and Nella McNally.
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‘Tiara Ball’ is another ‘wow’
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for Royal Dames of Cancer Research
T
he cause is a serious one: to raise
money for the Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research
on the campus of Nova Southeastern University.
But the mood at the 42nd Anniversary
“Royal Tiara Ball” was pure fun and folly,
with most guests spending much of the
evening on the dance floor in the Crystal
Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Pier 66.
Music was provided by “Beth and Command Performance.
Kudos to Carole Nugent Asser, Mary
T. Kazares and Dr. Amy Swan, event cochairs for a very successful event.
Joey Stotsky, Royal Dames president,
was elated with the turnout to the ball.
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1 Michael and Carole Asser, event co-chair. 2 Patrick Daoud, left; visits with Dione Meli and Michele Cibini. 3 Patrick Daoud, left, owner of Daoud’s Jewelers, left; Stacie Weisman and Jo Lynn Lombardi.
4 Richard and Mary Kazares, event co-chair. 5 Realtor Susan Rindley of Sotheby’s International Realty, left; and Katie Adler. 6 NSU President George Hanbury with his wife Jana. 7 Suisan Rindley, left;
Zola Keller, of Zola Keller on Las Olas; with her husband Ave. Many of the women wore one of the glamorous gowns from Zola Keller. 8 Jody Stowe and Fred Lippman of NSU. 9 Patrick Daoud visits with
Royal Dames President Joey Stotsky. 10 Patti and Ted Morse. 11 Rich and Maria-Jose Higgins in a show-stopping gown from Zola Keller. 12 Ray Ferrero Jr., president emeritus of NSU; with his wife
Raquel. 13 Wilhelmina Mack, right, had a special date for the evening: her lovely daughter, Linnette Mack. 14 Sharon Gustafson and Barry Fluorescue, couple at left; with Bonnie Barnett and Dr. Bob
Kagan. 15 Carmen and Peter Hotchkiss. 16 Charlie Crawford and Diana Metcalf. 17 Sondro Hechavarria, left, owner of Sondro’s Boutique in Lauderhill, Galt Ocean and the Cove; Dr. Robert McGuire
and his wife, Dr. Nell Lewis McGuire; and Sondro’s husband Tony Hechavarria. 18 Sandy and Drew Romanovitz, couple at left; Silvia Mansons and Sharron Navarro.
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