By Becki Coffy

Anniversaries are always something special. They are a celebration filled with joy and the recognition of a very special occasion.

My son, Ben, and I had the good fortune of enjoying the second anniversary festivities at Heart Rock Sushi Japanese restaurant last Wednesday night. Heart Rock Sushi restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale has been run for over 20 years, by owner, Ann Yamusenor, and her son, Moose. They have done an outstanding job in providing Lighthouse Point with a wonderful local spot to enjoy fine food and great friends.

The beauty of the restaurant, decorated in earth tones with greenery and soft lighting, immediately relaxes you and sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Soft jazz music for the anniversary special enhanced the night. To the delight of the crowd, Miss Sunset Place Teen U.S.A. enchanted the room with classical Tai dancing.

Where to begin on this extensive menu is always a difficult decision. With 13 appetizers, 12 sushi bar appetizers, seven soups and six salads to choose from, it is no easy feat. Our waiter, Faizal, helped us navigate through the many choices.

He suggested we begin with the Chicken Satay, which was prepared in a light sauce of coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric and a hint of curry. The curry added just enough heat to keep the dish vibrant. It was served with a side of creamy peanut sauce (one of my personal favorites) and a light chopped cucumber, carrot and red onion salad in a sweet and tangy dressing. The combination of the cool salad with the curried chicken satay was a wonderful pairing.

For our second appetizer, we chose the Lobster Rangoon. The moment my son and I bit into this appetizer, we both agreed it was the best we’ve ever tasted. I’ve had Rangoon appetizers many times in my life and all were good, some great. But this dish topped them all. The delicately-fried shell, so crisp and light, seemed to melt in your mouth and the pop of flavor from the lobster and cream cheese filling was heavenly. I recommend this dish to anyone who dines at the Heart Rock.

My son has sampled many different sushi rolls from the Heart Rock, so our waiter suggested he try the Heart Rock signature roll for something different. It was a large roll stuffed with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and white fish. It was delightfully fresh and clean. We both enjoyed every bite of this delicacy.

For my selection, I chose the Monsoon Shrimp. This dish was served with a choice of soup or salad. The house salad came with a light ginger dressing and was very good. Large butterflied shrimp, marinated with oyster sauce and garlic, were served with snow pea pods, broccoli, carrots, squash and onion served in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. I ordered the dish mild and enjoyed the slight kick of heat that the chili sauce delivered.

We were just too full and too satisfied to order dessert. However, I can personally suggest the deep fried tempura banana and ice cream if you have any room left. What an indulgence!

The Heart Rock Sushi Restaurant, located at 4460 N. Federal Hwy. in Lighthouse Point, offers a happy hour Monday through Friday from 5-8 p.m. with several appetizers ranging from $3-$7. House drinks are $5.

Reservations can be made at 954-532-1763.

Until we eat again …

By Gary Curreri

Blaise Leone is looking forward to the city’s first ever Extreme Aquathon on Saturday, April 20.

Leone, a Parks and Recreation Manager II for the city of Deerfield Beach, has slated a run/swim/run event for boys and girls ages 7-12 at the Deerfield Beach Middle School Athletic Complex at 501 SE 6 Ave.

“We wanted to do something new and different,” said Leone. “We wanted to make it fun for the kids. I see a lot of those kinds of extreme races for adults, the mud races and those types of things, so I wanted to do something different than just a running race. To increase the fun factor, we added obstacles to the first run portion of this race.”

“They will go through a series of tires and a series of foam obstacles before maneuvering through a low crawl like a cargo net,” Leone said. “They will go about 100 yards and go through a transition area, which is a 50-yard swim in the pool and, when they come back out, there will be about a ½-mile run through one of our baseball fields and then a lap around the track.”

The 7-9 age group will start at 8 a.m., while the 10- 12 age group will start at 9 a.m. The course will be the same for both age groups.

Leone said he would consider adding a cycling component once they get the race management down and doing a more extreme event for kids and also putting together an event for adults.

There will be Olympic-style medals for The top 3 places for both male and female participants in each age group. All participants also get a T-shirt, backpack and lunch provided by Muscle Maker Grill.

“They don’t have to be elite athletes,” Leone said. “It is a relatively short course that anyone can come and have fun.”

The registration fee is $23 and the registration is limited to the first 100 participants. Registration can be done in advance at the Middle School Athletic Complex office or online at www.deerfieldbeach.com. They will also accept registration on the day of the event.

For more information, contact the athletic office at 954- 480-4426.

Randall named coach of the year

Blanche Ely’s Melvin Randall was recently named the state’s overall boys basketball Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year.

Randall guided the Tigers to a 27-2 record and their second consecutive state championship. It was also Blanche Ely’s third state title during his tenure at the school as it also won the 6A title in 2007. Blanche Ely finished the season ranked No. 8 in the final MaxPreps XCellent 25.

Randall finished ahead of runner-up Neal Goldman of Tampa Jesuit, the Class 5A Coach of the Year who led his Tigers to a 31-1 record and the program’s first state title since 1984.

The Tigers concluded its campaign this season with a heartbreaking 66-65 overtime loss to Dallas Texas’ Prime Prep in the quarterfinals of the National High School Invitational, a postseason tournament that featured some of the best high school basketball teams in the nation.

Ely, which was making its second appearance in as many years at the tournament, was led by Kahlil Thomas’ team high 20 points and nine rebounds, Lance Tejada (12 points) and Therrell Gossier (11 points, 10 rebounds). Prime Prep’s Jordan Mickey had a game-high 28 points for the Spartans (37-1).

The moment music lovers wait for all year has almost arrived. Sun Fest (May 1-5) is just around the corner and has a plethora of fantastic acts coming in. Groups from Barenaked Ladies, Offspring, The Black Crowes and The Smashing Pumpkins to Ed Sheeran, Boz Scaggs and Gavin DeGraw (and many more!) will be gracing the stage.  Visitors can rock all day and night long.

SunFest brings in more than 165,000 people annually to listen to music, browse through art and vendor booths, enjoying the food, fun and festive atmosphere.  Their BB&T Juried Fine Art Show runs Friday through Sunday at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. at the Artist Demonstration Booth feature many types of media.

From providing college scholarships to helping the environment, SunFest continues to help the community and provide a wonderful creative showcase for art and music.

Can’t wait for the music event of the year to come into downtown West Palm Beach? Neither can we! For more information, to buy tickets and to see the line-up and schedule, visit www.sunfest.com.

By Rachel Galvin

Home of the Coney Island Hot Dog and Brew Burger, Brew Dogs is really starting to attract attention. Not only are there many hot dogs to choose from, but there are also burgers, chicken and other sandwiches, and even breakfast.

Their authentic Coney Dogs, like those made in Michigan (owner Steve Brewer’s home state), Ohio or Pennsylvania, bring flocks of hot dog fans. The hot dogs are made without beans, but plenty of cumin, Greek style. Brewer is testing out some new prototypes, including the Big Papi, a hot dog wrapped with swiss cheese, ham, pulled pork, mustard and pickles, and the Big Texan, a bacon-wrapped hot dog with BBQ pulled pork, jalapenos and cheddar cheese. Their juicy hamburgers are 50 percent beef brisket with Angus. Both hot dogs and burgers can be customized. Breakfast items range from a sandwich or burrito to assorted pastries or a bagel. A potato pancake, bacon and sausage are welcome sides. Entrées are under $8! They also have beverages, including miniature Copa de vino wines and beer. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday with $2.50 longneck beers and Copas.

Brew Dogs, at 131 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Take-out available delivery to certain areas. For information call 754-333-8648 or visit www.brewdogs.net.

VIP chef and winery selected for DB Wine & Food Fest

By Rachel Galvin

PJ Rex, of Deerfield Ranch Winery, and Chef Angelo, from Angelo’s Station House Grille, try to balance culinary delights and the fruit of the vine.l Galvin

On April 2, Chef Angelo Morelli of Angelo’s Station House Grille and PJ Rex of Deerfield Ranch Winery from Sonoma, CA had a special private Q&A about their upcoming partnership at the Deerfield Wine & Food Festival. Also in attendance was Alejandro Ferrari, CEO of Strategic Importers Inc, which sells wines from Deerfield Ranch Wineries. Chef Angelo will be serving a four-course dinner paired with the wines that Rex has hand-picked to pair with each course. The festival will be held April 26-28 at the Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.

The event not only includes this special VIP dinner on Friday night, in addition to a Vineyard party, but also a Grand Tasting on Saturday with top local chefs, live entertainment, a farmer’s market, a retail bazaar and more. In addition, on Sunday is the MARTINI Jazz Bubbles & Brunch and Cruisin Classic Car Show.

Chef Angelo says winemakers have a tough time sometimes pairing with Italian food because they have to find a wine that can overpower the spiciness of the food. Even ubiquitous spices like oregano, rosemary, thyme and basil can be spicier than usual if not mixed in the right way to a dish.

Similarly, so much goes into the perfect wine. Rex’s husband, Robert, is called “the wine doctor” for his distinguishing palette and ability to coax the best flavors from their wines.

“You can’t make really good wine unless you have the best ingredients,” said Rex.

She picked a chardonnay to go with the bruschetta.

She said, “It is a nice pairing with acid from bruscetta, It is not over-oaked or over-buttered. It makes the bruscetta shine and makes the wine taste better.”

She paired the first course, the Mediterranean Calamari and Octopus Salad in a mint & herb vinaigrette served with sliced fresh tomato, arugula, and goat cheese, with pinot and the second course, fiocchi in a mascarpone, butter and sage sauce Pasta stuffed with four cheeses and a sweet pear, in a butter mascarpone and fresh sage sauce, with a merlot.

“When I see tomato sauce, I pull out the merlot,” she said.

For the third course, the Chicken Romano Involtino-with prosciutto, mozzarella, roasted peppers and spices in a butter sauce with peas and mushrooms, she picked a Cabarnet.

“It is very elegant and multi-layered,” she said.

For dessert, the tiramisu with strawberries, chocolate designs and cocoa powder, she selected Moscato.

“The tiramisu is not as sweet as you would expect. Moscato peps it up a step.”

Rex also came to South Florida to participate in the activities associated with the American Fine Wine Competition, including a cocktail party and gala held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. http://www.americanfinewinecompetition.org.

For more information on the Deerfield Beach Wine & Food Festival, visit www.deerfieldbeachwineandfoodfestival.com.

Rock The Ocean’s inaugural TORTUGA MUSIC FESTIVAL, presented by Landshark Lager will be on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale April 13-14. Twenty plus pop, rock and country artists who will perform on three stages. Headliner on Saturday is Kenny Chesney. On Sunday, Eric Church will be highlighted. Other scheduled artists include: Brett Eldredge  Chris Leudecke,  The Avett Brothers, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Jake Owen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Clark Jr., Eli Young Band, Grace Potter, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Kip Moore, Gloriana, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mac McAnally, The Wailers, Sister Hazel, Dangermuffin, Rayland Baxter and The Bright light Social Hour and more.

The concert is meant to help bring awareness about ocean conservation. In partnership with Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Ocean Conservancy, a one-of-a-kind Conservation Village will be located on site to educate audience members and provide them with the information and tools they need to help preserve the world’s oceans.

Tickets are $99 for one day, $149 for two. Go to the website to find the rest of the possibilities. Plenty of parking will be available. There will be a fleet of shuttles, riverboats and water taxis standing by to take guests to their beachfront festival destination. Shuttle passes to the festival site are available for $15 roundtrip for two days or $10 for a single-day roundtrip pass. Shuttle passes are available in advance online and are also available day of, walk up, cash only. The shuttle stop address will be 300 S.W. 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

To find out  more about the schedule line-up and to buy tickets, visit www.tortugamusicfestival.com.

BOIL ORDER has been lifted for Lighthouse Point.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

It has been 10 years since the Boca Raton Resort & Club hosted the 8th Annual (PBIFF).

It was a historical night for the motion picture industry, which featured silent screen legend Fay Wray, recent Oscar winner Adrien Brody, Supermodel Carol Alt, venerable actor/producer Robert Evans, Director Brett Ratner and the King of Pop Michael Jackson-all in the same room. Each year, PBIFF adds to this legacy.

This Thursday, PBIFF 18 begins its future history. Decoding Annie Parker is the opening film this festival. Based on the true story of breast cancer survivor Annie Parker, this film stars Helen Hunt, Marley Shelton and Samantha Morton in the title role. The “real” Annie Parker is scheduled to attend opening night festivities.

Comedy Warriors: Healing through Humor is a documentary that makes its debut tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Frank Theaters CineBowl and Grille at Delray Marketplace, 9025 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach (at the corner of Lyons Road and W. Atlantic Ave.

Comedy Warriors features five severely injured military veterans who undergo therapy of the soul and mind. Under the tutelage of comedians Lewis Black, Zach Galifianakis, B.J. Novak and Bob Saget, the comedy warriors perform in Los Angeles comedy clubs. Can these handicapped individuals succeed? Given that these are veterans with a sense of humor, nothing is impossible.

The most hyped documentary of PBIFF 18 has been Meditation, Creativity and Peace. Director David Lynch conducts a 16-country tour to college students to talk about his favorite subjects-films, meditation and world peace. It is produced by Palm Beach local Joanna Plafsky, who also has another film in the festival, My Reincarnation.

The best thing about a local festival is the international opportunity it provides. Lost for Words is an indie that features Will Yun Lee from Hawaii Five-0/The Wolverine fame.

The Shift presents a generational divide between two healthcare workers. Danny Glover has a role in this film.

These are just a few of the gems! For more information, visit www.pbifilmfest.org.

Happy festival!

At 1:44 a.m., on Thursday, March 21, Michael Brewer, known for the incident in Oct. 2009 in which he was set on fire by other teens, was arrested on drug charges and booked at the Palm Beach County Jail.

It is reported he was stopped for making a u-turn on a red light and, as the officer patted him down, he discovered substances which tested positive for marijuana and crack cocaine. While the other occupants of the vehicle had nothing illegal on them, other drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle, including 24 glass bongs, 14 glass pipes,  three pills of oxicodone 30 mg, an empty prescription bottle of morphine, empty pill containers, a drug grinder and cigarette papers. The officer also reported a strong smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Look for an update on this story in next week’s Observer.

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach’s Jordon Murphy has enjoyed success in and out of the boxing ring. The 13-year-old Murphy recently took second place in the National Silver Gloves Championships in Independence, Missouri and was also presented a proclamation at the March 5 City Commission meeting.

“It is very humbling,” said Murphy, who has been boxing for the Deerfield Beach BSO-PAL for the past five years. The two-time national boxing champion has logged more than 500 community service volunteer hours. “I go around picking up trash and help with art festival and do other things around the community.”

It is a tall order for Murphy, who dropped a narrow decision to New Jersey’s Malik Nelson in the championship bout of the 75-pound division.

Murphy, who won the state and regional silver gloves titles to reach the national finals, is also an outstanding student in the classroom with a 3.4 GPA at Lyons Creek Middle School.

Murphy, a seventh-grader, runs track for Lyons Creek Middle School, wrestles for the Deerfield Beach BSOPAL and plays Little League baseball.

“I like (boxing) a lot,” said Murphy, who won national titles in 2010 and 2012. “It is the best sport I do. I like fighting and training to get ready for the big tournaments. I train Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for two hours a day. I want to be a professional.”

“I think the best part is training for a fight because it helps me get conditioned,” Murphy added. “It helps me in school, and if I am doing track, it helps me with my energy and stuff in other sports.”

Murphy said he wasn’t disappointed with his performance at this year’s national competition because he tried his best.

“It has been a pleasure to watch him grow as a person and as a boxer,” said Deerfield Beach BSO Deputy Butch Santy, who heads the PAL program. “The one constant about Jordon is his desire to win and his willingness to put in the hard work to be one of the best boxers, poundfor- pound, in the country.”

Murphy’s coach, Steve Collazo, said he’s proud of his boxer’s accomplishments.

“He’s been tremendous,” Collazo said. “Jordon is one of the hardest workers in the gym and then he gives back to the community. He’s at everything … the DJ Program, the tutoring program … He boxes, does wrestling and baseball. He’s always busy.”

The program is free and Collazo said there are 10 boxers in the competitive program and between 35-40 in the recreational program. Collazo also said there were about 10 who just train.

“We work hard to give these kids the opportunities,” Collazo said with a smile. “The price they pay is the community service to the people who help us keep this going. They pay with their sweat and effort, so it really isn’t free.”