Take A Bite Out Of South Florida

Step into the rich history and bold flavors of South Florida with this episode of Take a Bite out of South Florida! We’re live from the stunning Penelope restaurant in Mizner Park, Boca Raton, to explore Munyon’s Paw-Paw, a handcrafted aperitif inspired by the legendary Dr. James Munyon. Co-founders Joe Colucci and Paul Massey share their incredible journey of turning a historical cure-all elixir into a modern-day masterpiece, made with 14 all-natural botanicals and a story that’s as vibrant as its taste. From the roots of Munyon Island to a meticulous crafting process at Big Cypress Distillery in Miami, this episode uncovers how a bit of Florida’s past has been bottled for today’s cocktail lovers. Plus, we’ll get a taste of the gluten-free crab cakes and shrimp and grits from Penelope’s New Orleans-themed menu, as well as a creative twist on a Sidecar featuring none other than Munyon’s Paw Paw, crafted by highly esteemed local mixologist Myles Robinson. This episode is filled with history, flavor, and fun. Cheers! Contact Munyon’s Paw Paw: Website: munyonspawpaw.com [https://www.munyonspawpaw.com] Instagram: munyonspawpaw [https://instagram.com/munyonspawpaw] Facebook: Dr.JamesMunyon [https://facebook.com/Dr.JamesMunyon] Contact Penelope: Website: www.penelopeofboca.com [http://instagram.com/penelopeofboca] Instagram: instagram.com/penelopeofboca [http://instagram.com/penelopeofboca] Facebook: facebook.com/penelopeofboca [http://facebook.com/penelopeofboca] Contact Shaina Wizov: Email: takeabiteoutofboca@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/ [https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/] Website: https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/ [https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/%20] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/swizov [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177940/episodes/%20https://youtube.com/swizov]

Ever find yourself caught in the tango of savoring a decadent dessert, slice of pizza, or glass of wine while your health and fitness goals flash a warning in your mind? It’s time to leave your guilt behind and learn about the concept of Food Freedom, a concept that Kristin Avagliano, founder of Create My Weight, lives by. Create My Weight is a health and weight loss program focused on travel-friendly nutrition, fitness for all levels, and one-on-one accountability for busy professionals. Kristin loves helping people improve their relationship with food and fitness, so they are motivated to stay on track with their healthy habits and reach their goals.  Join us as we peel back the layers of enjoying our favorite food and beverages without tipping the scales on your health. We dive into the heart of what exactly “Food Freedom” is, conquer the beast of emotional eating, and share our journey towards finding that sweet spot where indulgence and wellness coexist harmoniously. You'll hear us burst the bubble of the all-or-nothing mindset and clink glasses to our beloved low-calorie Prosecco that's making waves in our balanced lifestyle celebration. Prowling the grocery store aisles can feel like a labyrinth of labels and ingredients, but Kristin shares her best tips and tricks to help you emerge victorious. Kristin unravels the confusion around various packaged products, and shares how to make choices that keep inflammation at bay. And for those who love a good social sip, she pours out her knowledge on low-ABV cocktails and mocktails, and how to make mindful choices while dining out. You’ll love Kristin’s solution to battling food waste, one dressing-drenched salad at a time! We wrap up by sharing exciting details about an upcoming Healthy Happy Hour event that I am co-hosting with Kristin on May 31st at Pixel Worx, a co working space for creatives located in Delray Beach. The event is open to the community, so if you are local, we hope you will join us.   This episode is truly a fully stocked buffet of practical advice, laughter, and the shared love for a life well-fed and well-lived. So grab your favorite healthy snack, pour a low-ABV cocktail or glass of low-sugar Prosecco and tune in; your journey to a balanced, healthful and happy existence awaits! RSVP for our Healthy Happy Hour event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthy-happy-hour-summer-kickoff-party-tickets-901899554847? [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthy-happy-hour-summer-kickoff-party-tickets-901899554847?] Contact Kristin Avagliano: Email: kristin@createmyweight.com [kristin@createmyweight.com] Website: https://createmyweight.com/ [https://createmyweight.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createmyweight/ [https://www.instagram.com/createmyweight/] Contact Shaina Wizov: Email: takeabiteoutofboca@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/ [https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/] Website: https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/ [https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/%20] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/swizov [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177940/episodes/%20https://youtube.com/swizov]

Travel with me down to the beautiful Amara at Paraiso to chat with James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Schwartz about his iconic Miami restaurants (Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Amara, and Harry’s Pizzeria) and involvement as one of the featured chefs at the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, happening May 3rd-5th at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The location for this episode couldn’t be more perfect: inside Amara’s event space with stunning views of the Biscayne Bay. Chef Schwartz talks about the early days of his career in Miami, the inspiration behind the menu at Amara at Paraiso, and celebrating the 17-year anniversary of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, which has been recognized with the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award. Chef Schwartz shares insights into creating dishes with varying temperatures, sourcing sustainable local seafood, and being at the helm of the farm-to-table movement. He tells me about Amara’s new executive chef, Ivan Barros, and the exciting talent he’s brought to the restaurant and its new menu. We also discuss the thrill of cooking for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, plus he shares his top tips for maximizing your Grand Prix experience. There are over 65 restaurants that will be on site for this huge weekend-long event, one of them being Harry’s Pizzeria, which has locations in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove. Event-goers can grab slices from Harry’s, and those with access to certain VIP areas will be treated to extra special delights from Chef Schwartz and his team. This episode is bound leave you hungry, so get ready to make your reservations for Amara, Michael’s Genuine, and Harry’s — and purchase tickets for Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix! Even if you’re not a racing fan, you will still enjoy all of the enticing food selections and entertaining activations throughout the weekend. Contact Chef Michael Schwartz: Website: https://chefmichaelschwartz.com/ [https://chefmichaelschwartz.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmschwartz/ [https://www.instagram.com/chefmschwartz/] Contact Amara At Paraiso: Website: https://amaraatparaiso.com/ [https://amaraatparaiso.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaraatparaiso/ [https://www.instagram.com/amaraatparaiso/] Contact Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink: Website: https://michaelsgenuine.com/ [https://michaelsgenuine.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelsgenuine/ [https://www.instagram.com/michaelsgenuine/] Contact Harry's Pizzeria: Website: https://harryspizzeria.com/ [https://harryspizzeria.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harryspizzeria/ [https://www.instagram.com/harryspizzeria/] Contact Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix: Website: https://f1miamigp.com/ [https://f1miamigp.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f1mia/ [https://www.instagram.com/f1mia/] Contact Shaina Wizov: Email: takeabiteoutofboca@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/ [https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/] Website: https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/ [https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/%20] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/swizov [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177940/episodes/%20https://youtube.com/swizov]

I couldn’t be more excited to sit down with Nicolas Kurban, owner of Amar Mediterranean Bistro (a personal favorite of mine), as we approach the restaurant's third anniversary in bustling Downtown Delray. It’s a heartwarming tale of culinary legacy, peppered with Nicolas's experiences — from growing up in a restaurant family in Lebanon to traveling around the world and working with some of hospitality's most recognized names to his brave launch of a Lebanese haven amid the global pandemic.  Our conversation unwraps the rich tapestry of his family's Lebanese roots, his ascension within the industry, and the sheer grit it took to bring Amar to life - a testament to the power of heritage and determination. Imagine walking into a place that feels like home, where the flavors are as genuine as the welcome you receive. That's the essence of Amar, a name chosen for its universal allure and the promise of a warm, modern space that transcends cultural boundaries. We talk about the importance of family recipes, the art of creating a menu that respects tradition while courting local tastes, and the shared dream of growing a business that never loses its soul. We also get a glimpse into the story behind the now-closed Amar Bakery & Market. It's a journey that resonates with anyone who's ever cherished the simple joy of a meal that speaks of home. As we savored the standout dishes from Amar's menu, I’ll bet you won’t be able to keep your mouth from watering. Nicolas shares what makes his Lebanese menu stand out from other Mediterranean restaurants — think creamier hummus and specially seasoned fries with the most delicious garlic toum for dipping — and how the pairing of Lebanese wines with this tradition-rich cuisine can completely elevate the experience. Everything at Amar is made from scratch, and made with love. There is an exciting road ahead for Nicolas and the Amar brand, with hopeful potential for the restaurant to bloom in new neighborhoods and expand upon its success with the addition of a full bar and liquor license, happy hour, brunches… It’s all up in the air, but just talking about the idea was exciting! Join us in this celebration of flavor, family, and the future of a culinary gem that's fast becoming a cornerstone of the Delray community.  Contact Amar Mediterranean Bistro Website: amardelray.com [https://amardelray.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amardelray/ [https://www.instagram.com/amardelray/]  Contact Shaina Wizov: Email: takeabiteoutofboca@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/ [https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/] Website: https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/ [https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/%20] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/swizov [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177940/episodes/%20https://youtube.com/swizov]

Meet Ali Kaufman and Chef Blake Malatesta, the creative minds behind the Community Classroom Project, a 501c3 non-profit initiative started by Space of Mind, and its Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) initiative. Join us on a journey as they gear up to unveil the CCK commercial teaching kitchen at The Hub at Space of Mind in Downtown Delray Beach. From chef-curated meal boxes to cooking classes, pop-up dinners, and exclusive events, this isn't your run-of-the-mill commercial kitchen! It's a thriving community space where you can learn, create, and step out of your comfort zones, all while indulging in delightful culinary experiences. As Founding Chef of the Community Classroom Kitchen and a board member for the Community Classroom Project, Chef Blake is all set to inspire the next generation of chefs. He also takes us through his diverse culinary journey and talks about his current stint at The Wine Room Kitchen and Bar in Downtown Delray.  We chat about the unique and non-traditional educational services provided by Space of Mind from its Founder and CEO, Ali. She talks about its schoolhouse and gap year program, as well as the anticipation surrounding their upcoming family retreats. We also revisit the recent Chefs Collective event, a wonderful display of culinary camaraderie and creativity.  A big topic of discussion is the upcoming Pub at the Hub, an annual fundraising event for the Community Classroom Project. This year's “Party Gras” themed event will feature top local chefs and New Orleans-inspired cuisine, artists, and musicians from across the region. Expect interactive entertainment, great raffle prizes and a chance to support the Community Classroom Kitchen programming.  The event takes place on January 20th from 7-11pm at The Hub at Space of Mind. For tickets and more information, visit yourccp.org [http://yourccp.org/].  CCK’s mission is to "bring life skills into the kitchen and kitchen skills into life,” making a huge impact on mental health and well-being for people of all ages. Join in supporting the mission. We hope to see you at Pub at the Hub on January 20th! Contact Space of Mind: Website: yourccp.org [https://yourccp.org/] Instagram: @findspaceofmind [https://www.instagram.com/findspaceofmind/] Contact Shaina Wizov: Email: takeabiteoutofboca@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/ [https://www.instagram.com/takeabiteoutofboca/] Website: https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/ [https://takeabiteoutofboca.com/%20] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/swizov/] YouTube: https://youtube.com/swizov [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2177940/episodes/%20https://youtube.com/swizov]