By Rachel Galvin

Did you hear the music as you drove down Federal Highway in Deerfield Beach? The rockin’ tunes were probably from St. Ambrose Catholic Church & School where the annual carnival was held Feb. 27 to March 1. 

“We had fabulous bands,” said Carol Schottenfeld, who volunteers at the event yearly. “Every year gets better and better.”

This year, said fellow volunteer Kathy Capobianco, they added Mexican Corn to the food court, which was a big hit. Their usual Polish dinner was sold-out. 

Something else new … The DoubleTree by Hilton had their employee appreciation party there. 

“Every year, it gets better and better,” added Schottenfeld, who thanked all the volunteers who support the event year after year. 

There were plenty of carnival rides and games again and plenty to eat, including carnival faves like funnel cakes. 

Rena Varoli, a volunteer selling baked goods while wearing this year’s new tie-dyed t-shirt for the carnival, added, “We had beautiful weather. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer weekend.”

Proceeds from the event go back to the students at the school.

Carol Schottenfeld & Kathy Capobianco volunteer at the event every year.

Next is the annual Fish Fry, in time for Lent, on March 13. For more information, call 954-427-2226. St. Ambrose is located at 363 SE 12 Ave. in Deerfield Beach.

By Rachel Galvin

Bubbles & Burgers is just one of the events leading up to one of the hottest culinary events of the year in our area — the Boca Bacchanal Grand Tasting, which is this Saturday, March 7 (more on that later). The events began with Bacchus Beckons and then, there also are the Vintner Dinners coming up in private homes on March 6.

Bubbles & Burgers was held on Feb. 20 at the Boca Beach Club. Guests could try a variety of burgers, including the 24 Hour Braised Short Rib Burger, Moroccan Lamb Burger, The Last King Scotland, made with salmon and spinach slaw, an All American Slider or a Latin Veggie Burger, so there was something for everyone. There was also a “French Fry Bar,” which had different types of fries, and other items like tater tots and chips. Of course, there can’t be Burgers without Bubbles and that is where the various spirit stations came in pouring a bit of the bubbly. In addition, there was dessert! ALINA Residences sponsored the unique photo booth so everyone could leave with a memory, or have it emailed to them.

As was mentioned, the next event is the six different Vintner Dinners at private homes on March 6 from 7 to 11 p.m., followed by the very popular Grand Tasting on March 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Here guests can try tasty tidbits from over 25 local restaurants and select from over 130 champagnes and wines from around the world. There also will be a silent auction, a a pop-up jewelry shop by Yvel; a pop-up shop by Crown Wine & Spirits; luxury items from select vendors, including Park Luxury Sporting Accessories; and a pop-up art gallery by Thomas Arvid, the nation’s pre-eminent painter of wine, who will be painting a piece of artwork during the Grand Tasting. He also donated a piece of artwork to the silent auction. Guests can also get a touch up from Bloomingdale’s professional makeup artists at the Bloomingdale’s Red-Carpet Cosmetic Touch-Up Station throughout the evening. There will also be a range of products for sale.

Restaurants who will be serving up their specialties include Benihana, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, Bolay, Bonefish Grill, Burton’s Grill & Bar, City Fish Market, Chops Lobster Bar, J&D Cakes, Just Salad, Loch Bar, M.E.A.T. Eatery & Taproom, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Potions in Motion, Raw Juce, Rebel House, Rex Baron, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sommer’s Cupcakes, The Capital Grille, The Melting Pot, and THE POKÉ COMPANY.

Featured Vintners include Cakebread Cellars, Flora Springs Winery, Montes Wines, Silver Oaks & Twomey Cellars, and Truchard Vineyards. Participating wineries include A to Z Wineworks, Balletto Vineyards, Brady Vineyards, Blanc de Bleu, Bocelli Family Vineyards, Bodegas Callia, Boneshaker, Cass Winery, Castello di Verrazzano, Chateau de Berne Estate, Francis Tannahill, Gravel Bar Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Invivo Wines, Island Grove Wine Company, Jam Jar Wines, JP Chenet France, Mercer, Moillard, Picket Fence Vineyards, Relax Wines, Rex Hill, Santa Margherita, Santa Rita, Smith and Hook, Taittinger, Torbreck Barossa Valley, and Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery.

Tickets, for the Grand Tasting, are $125 per person. Vintner Dinners are $350 each. All proceeds benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum (www.bocahistory.org). For more information or to www.bocabacchanal.com or call 561-395-6766, Ext. 101.

Ready for some bubbly?	Serving up burgers.	Macarons that look like mini burgers.
Boca Raton Historical Society’s Executive Director Mary Csar welcomes guests.	Silent auction!	The DJ pumped out great tunes.
Serving up some wine.	ALINA crew was on-hand to talk about ALINA Residences.	Enjoying the event!

It’s time again for the Tipperary Pub’s annual Bearman & Cubs Pig Roast from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 1. Besides roast pork and all the fixins, they will have live music. They are located in The Cove Shopping Center at 1340 SE 4 Ct. in Deerfield Beach. For more information, call 954-421-9769.

The City of Deerfield Beach would like to inform the public that sea turtle nesting season will begin on March 1.  This season run through Oct. 31.  The city would also like to remind residents to reduce the amount of visible light to the beach as this can cause disorientations in nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.  For further information on the proper lighting guidelines, please see the link provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) www.dfb.city/seaturtlelighting.

For further information, please contact the City’s Coastal & Waterway Coordinator, Patrick Bardes, at pbardes@dfb.city.

By Rachel Galvin

For six years, La Boulangerie Boul’ Mich has been serving up its French bakery specialties with a Latin Twist down in the Miami area, with its first location in Key Biscayne followed by locales in Coral Way, Aventura, Pinecrest and Ft. Lauderdale. Now, this unique restaurant is bringing its fusion flavors to the Town Center Mall at Boca Raton.

Located between Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, the restaurant wows from the first step into its doors. The décor is fresh and inviting, both modern and nostalgic all at once. The fourth wall opens to the outside allowing the outside in, with a view of the beautiful birdhouse filled tree. They plan on adding more seating there as well. There is an industrial feel but with bright bold colors to wake up the senses. It is juxtaposed with cozy elements like the earthy-colored walls and tables and the intricately handmade lighting fixtures. Everything is made with an eye for the sustainable. They use all reclaimed woods. The booth backs are made form coffee bean bags. They sign on the wall was created from a discarded fence. The desserts are served up in jars that guests can take home and use again. They add in a few antiques to the mix – items like cameras owned by one of the owners’ grandfather. Together, all of these elements make for locale that is both quaint and exciting.

For breakfast, try an omelette, including this huge one filled with veggies!

If you think the décor is ecclectic, wait til you try the food! The name Boul’ Mich is a nickname given to the Boulevard St. Michel in the Latin Quarter of Paris, known as a “hotbed of student life and activism” and filled with culture with its bookstores, cafes, cinema and shops. The addition of this name to the restaurant moniker explains the French portion of their cuisine. But, then, there is the Latin twist. That comes from the owner’s background. They all come from Latin roots. The founders and partners have collectivelt managed over 300 restaurants in the past 35 years in the U.S. and Venezuela.

Their menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items. They have eggs benedict, omelets, French Toast, bagels and more, but they also have gourmet sandwiches, chorizo, empanadas, pastas, salads, soups, bakery items –including typical French specialties like croissants and quiche, as well as Latin items like Pan de Bono (Columbian cheese bread), Ham Cachito and Tequeno (Venezuelan cheese stick) — and plenty of dessert items like cookies, Key Lime Pie, Tres Leches, different Mousses, Cheesecake, tarts, tiramisu and more.

This Bravia beet carpaccio is delicious!

The Pappardelle Al Funghi was luscious and rich.

Sandwiches or empanadas are among the choices.

What did I eat? For breakfast, this writer dove into the huge omelette (pictured above) with sautéed vegetables, including zucchini, red onions, mushrooms, artichoke, tomatoes and red and green bell peppers. For lunch, Bravia (on far left) is a refreshing and delicious choice. It is a beet carpaccio filled with mixed greens, goat cheese and apples topped with almonds and balsamic and olive oil topped with nuts and balsamic vinaigrette  — surprisingly refreshing and delicious. Another tasty treat was the slightly spicy chorizo,  (pictured left, between the Caprese and Turkey and Cheese sandwiches). The mushroom and cheese empanada was also tasty. The Pumpkin Soup was surprisingly good. The Pappardelle Al Funghi (above left) was rich and luscious. 

The croissants are light and flaky.

Many of the items I was able to try due to a recent media event, including the light and flaky crossaints, some filled with Nutella to celebrate World Nutella Day (below).

The Nutccino.

They also showed the artistry they used to make their Nutccino coffee. But they also have espresso, macchiato, cortadito mochaccino, capuccino, cafe au lait, cafe bombon and regular American coffee. Their fresh squeezed orange juice is also delicious for breakfast. Of course, they have other juices and sodas, tea, hot chocolate, etc. as well. 

They are open daily, Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.laboulangerieusa.com/bocaraton.php

By Rachel Galvin

Just in time for the Big Game, Delray Beach Fashion Week kicked off their week of fashion with a football theme. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, they had their kickoff event — Fashion Bowl “54,” a runway show and Studio 54 Dance Party. Over 80 models strutted their stuff on the runway, set up in front of the Colony Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. Before the fashion show even began, guests could browse through vendor tents, take a photo on the red carpet and enjoy light bites and drinks in the reception area; plus, opening entertainment and the appearance of some former football players. Hosts Amanda Perna, of The House of Perna, and Jules Guaglardi excitedly introduced each set of models as they hit the runway showing off fashions by over 30 local retailers. After the fashion show, people could enjoy the disco dance party, complete with DJ’d music by Parisi Events and a glittering disco ball projecting reflected light on the street below. Proceeds for the event benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

This 7th annual Delray Beach Fashion Week ran from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 and included not only this kickoff party, but also Art & Couture All-Stars-Designer Fashion Show & Art Experience on Thursday night, Jan. 30 at the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, which included a chance to meet the designers and enjoy light bites and signature cocktails, with proceeds benefiting Old School Square. It was followed on Friday, Jan. 31 with the Half-Time & High Heels Presented by Vince Canning Shoes-Resort Wear Luncheon Show at Che!!! Restaurant. Proceeds again benefited the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. The event included the RTW fashion show plus a silent auction, entertainment and lunch. That night was the Old School Square Super Pep Rally-Swim & Active Wear Show, a free event that included local marching bands, cheerleaders, meet and greet with NFL alumni and local football legends, tailgate games and a concert. On Saturday, Feb. 1, people had a chance to shop and buy the runway fashions they saw weeklong. For every purchase, guests received a raffle ticket and a chance to win prizes. After checking in at Rose’s Daughter, they also were treated to a continental breakfast complete with a mimosa, a post-event reception  at L’Acqua Ristorante Italiano and, as always, a swag bag. Later, they could come back and watch the Big Game itself at Old School Square Park for free. 

Did you miss the festivities? Not to worry, fashion fans, there is always next year! Keep an eye on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com.

Photos ©Rachel Galvin, 2020

Look for more photos soon on The Observer’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Observer-Newspaper-118917374853101/?ref=bookmarks

Antica Sartoria	Biba	Blings & Things
Haystacks	Cellardoor Boutique	C. Orrico
Tommy Bahamas	Amanda Perna of House of Perna and the Neon Bohemians	Glavidia by Glavidia Alexis

By Rachel Galvin

Bacchus Beckons, held on Jan. 21 at Bloomingdale’s at the Town Center Mall at Boca Raton, signaled the kickoff to the popular culinary event Boca Bacchanal. Hosted by the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum, this first event of many was a perfect time for everyone to mingle and try some delicious hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Sandy James Fine Food & Productions, as well as taste different wines from featured vitners. Over 150 were in attendance. Models showed off some of the fashions available there and the DJ played some pumping retro tunes.

Another purpose of this event was to announce this year’s pairing of these acclaimed vitners with award-winning chefs for the upcoming Vitner Dinners, which will be held on March 6 from 7 to 11 p.m. at five elegant homes and one new restaurant throughout Boca Raton. (See pairings and more info below).

Before the Vitner Dinners take place, there will be another event –Bubbles & Burgers.

Held on Feb. 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Boca Beach Club, 900 S. Ocean Blvd. in Boca Raton, this informal get together will include specialty burgers and sparking wines and champagne.

Hosted by Alina Residences. Tickets are $100. Parking is complimentary.  

The Boca Bacchanal events culminate with The Grand Tasting on March 7 from

7 to 10 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There, guests can enjoy tantalizing tastes of specialties served up from over 25 local restaurants to be enjoyed with over 130 champagnes and wines from all over the world. There also will be a silent auction and plenty of pop ups to experience.  Thomas Arvid, America’s preeminent painter of wine, will also be at the Boca Bacchanal with a pop up art gallery, will be donating a piece of his art to the hundreds of items within the silent auction and will be doing a live painting demo. Don’t miss one of the hottest foodie events in the area! Tickets are $125.

For more information on all the events, visit https://www.bocabacchanal.com/

 Vitner and Chef Pairings

At the home of Barbara and Bobby Campbell, the dinner will feature Chef Tim Nickey, of Kapow! Noodle Bar in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, with Tim Duncan, of Silver Oaks & Twomey Cellars, of Napa Valley, California.

Maria & Todd Roberti’s dinner will debut Chef Nathan Duensing, of Marsh House in Nashville, paired with Tim Duncan, of Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, of Napa Valley, California.

 Joyce & Thom DeVita and Joni & Al Goldberg will feature Chef John Thomas, of Sassafras in West Palm Beach, and John Schulz, of Flora Springs Winery of Napa Valley, California.

Stacey Packer, Robin Deyo, Carrie Rubin and Donna Nero — all women for the first time– will host at the Packer home. For that dinner, Chef Amy Mehrtens, of Copper Vine in New Orleans, is paired with Aime Dunstan, of Cakebread Cellars, of Sonoma, California. 

LeAnn & Russell Berman’s dinner features Chefs Shanna & Brian O’Hea, of The Academe Brasserie at the Kennebunk Inn in Kennebunk, Maine, paired with Anthony Truchard, of Truchard Vineyards, of Napa Valley, California. One of the evenings special guests will be Thomas Arvid, the nation’s pre-eminent painter of wine.

The Rex Gryphon Restaurant Group will hold their Vintner Dinner at their unique Rex Baron Survivors Kitchen/VRex Lounge located at Town Center at Boca Raton. This avant-garde post-apocalyptic themed restaurant concept includes interactive, multi-sensory elements and a hi-tech VR escape lounge. The al fresco evening will be co-hosted by the company’s Culinary Director and acclaimed Chef Ralph P. Fernandez, and former N.Y. Giants running back, best-selling author, youth advocate, and philanthropist Rashad Jennings, who joined the Rex Gryphon (RG) Restaurant Group in December 2019. This dinner debuts Anita Correas of Montes Wines of Chile.